ReportWire

Tag: Lizbeth Gutierrez

  • Code enforcement letters leave business owners concerned in Plant City

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    PLANT CITY, Fla. — Plant City leaders are working to enhance its downtown area. City leaders say that’s meant ensuring businesses are compliant with downtown codes.

    The city’s code enforcement has started providing businesses with a proactive courtesy letter that provides examples of code issues.

    What You Need To Know

    • Plant City businesses are receiving a letter from code enforcement about compliance requirements
    • Several businesses are concerned the strict codes could deter foot traffic
    • City leaders will host a meeting to talk about enhancing downtown in mid-November


    Inside Sandi Williams’ store is where she feels like a kid again. She’s the owner of Brick City Bricks, a Lego store that’s been in business for nearly eight years in the heart of downtown Plant City.

    But a letter she recently received from code enforcement concerned her.

    “If people do not know that we’re not open and we can’t display the signs that we’re open, then that would hurt our business tremendously. We would be another one downtown going out of business,” she said.

    The letter provides examples of common violations and areas of concern. From issues as minor as signs or flags overhanging sidewalks to something more significant, like an unpermitted sidewalk café.

    But Williams feels like the city is limiting how she can promote her business.

    “At first, it was the flag over the sidewalk, signage in the windows — they said they did not want us to do this per code, and also our open signs,” said Williams.

    City manager Bill McDaniel spoke out about the letter and why it was distributed.

    “The downtown merchants received a proactive courtesy letter providing examples of code issues that were being observed. They also received notice of a meeting we plan to hold in November to discuss positive improvements and investments that can be considered to further enhance our downtown environment for merchants, customers, and visitors,” he said.

    Business owner Samuel Kimmel believes this could deter customers from stopping by his business.

    “It’s just nice to have the nice signage the nice artwork and stuff, some of the buildings just look amazing, and for them to try and take that away, I’m just not into so much,” he said.

    He runs Carlson Gracie Plant City Jiu-Jitsu, which has been serving people of all ages for 11 years. While he understands following the codes, he wants things to change, too.

    “We’re here for the town, for our community. Why make it hard on the small businesses?” he said.

    Local businesses hope they can continue to breathe life into downtown and believe strict code enforcement isn’t the answer.

    As of right now, McDaniel says no citations have been given, but he said there will be a meeting to discuss improvements to downtown, which is scheduled for mid-November.

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Radio club supports federal legislation to help expand radio access into HOA’s

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    SUN CITY CENTER, Fla. — Introduced earlier this year, federal legislation known as the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act would, if passed, eliminate HOA prohibitions on amateur radio antennas.

    The National Association for Amateur Radio has created a petition to help pass this legislation.

    What You Need To Know

    • Kings Point Amateur Radio Club is working to shine a light on federal legislation that would make it easier for operators to install an antenna on their properties
    • The legislation would prevent restrictive HOA rules that currently prohibit or severely limit the installation of amateur radio antennas


    What started off as a love for radio has turned into a hobby with a purpose for Joseph Flack.

    He’s the president of the Kings Point Amateur Radio Club in Sun City Center.

    “Most of the radio users, they like to log in, it gives them something to do and they feel safer,” he said.

    The club connects members who share a love of radios, but another big part of their mission is assisting the community through its disaster radio service program — which steps in to help fill communication gaps during natural disasters.

    “We have a lot of people that are elderly, including myself,” Flack said. “And this is a way for them to reach out when the internet is down, the cell phones are down.”

    The club currently has about 850 members. But many of them live in HOAs, like club Vice President Eric Nisenfeld, who said it’s harder to set up listening stations to communicate with others.

    Pending legislation could change that: A bipartisan bill would prevent restrictive HOA rules that currently prohibit or severely limit the installation of amateur radio antennas, even when antennas are hidden in trees, attics or other discreet locations.

    “It’s there to create parity,” Flack said. “It’s there to support the amateur radio community in their support of the communities they work with.”

    The National Association of Amateur Radio has created a petition so that more amateur radio operators can show their support of the legislation.

    Flack said that during Hurricane Milton last year, his radio club took about 10 emergency calls. They also take courses through FEMA to ensure they are prepared to assist.

    “It’s about giving us the ability to give us the proper tools to continue to support the country,” he said.

    There has been pushback for the proposed bill from the community associations institute — an advocacy group for HOAs, condos and co-ops. They’ve argued that associations should be able to enforce reasonable rules for placement, size and aesthetics to protect safety and property values. 

    The legislation was first introduced in 2016 but ultimately failed. It is currently being considered in the U.S. Senate.

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Haines City nonprofit helping Hispanic students with scholarships

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    HAINES CITY, Fla. — This year’s theme for Hispanic Heritage Month is “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future.”

    In Haines City, one organization is doing that by providing scholarships to generate funds. It is hosting the second annual Hispanic Festival Celebration on Oct. 11.

    What You Need To Know

    • Hispanic Empowerment Foundation is a nonprofit organization in Haines City

    • It is collecting funds for scholarships from its annual Hispanic Festival Celebration

    • The event is taking place on Oct. 11


    Placing pen to paper, Alondra Ortiz-Colon is the first person in her family to pursue a degree in nursing.

    She is currently an undergrad at Polk State College.

    “It means stability, and it means that you have a lot more opportunities in life,” she said.

    Ortiz-Colon was born in Puerto Rico and moved to Polk County when she was 9 years old. Her mom went to college and served as her role model to follow in her footsteps.

    “A lot of our parents don’t have education, and I feel like our parents really want us to be the best,” she said.

    Getting a higher education can be particularly difficult financially, and that’s where the Hispanic Empowerment Foundation stepped in for her.

    Ortiz-Colon was one of 11 students to receive a scholarship through the foundation.

    Elyci Gonzalez is a representative for the foundation.

    “We come in and make sure that they don’t stay back and they can continue moving forward,” she said.

    The foundation says the scholarship money helps fill in those gaps for students, whether it’s paying for classes or learning materials.

    The scholarship funds are collected through the Hispanic Festival Celebration. Haines City Commissioner Omar Arroyo said the festival is important for the community.

    “The purpose is to empower the Hispanic community, to show unity,” he said..

    For Ortiz-Colon, the scholarship has put her on a path toward earning her Associate of Arts early next year.

    She said this will make her family proud and help her reach her goals in life.

    “You have to put in the work in order for your career and your future to go the way you would like it,” he said.

    In this case, she said her hard work and earning the scholarship will pay off with a degree.

    The scholarships are awarded to students who are currently enrolled at Ridge Technical College, Travis Technical College and Polk State College. The recipients will be announced at the nonprofit’s gala in April.

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • City of Lakeland to host public input meeting on English Creek Park

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Plans for a new park are taking shape in Lakeland.

    English Creek Park is the latest development the city is undertaking, but leaders are seeking input from residents.

    What You Need To Know

    • City of Lakeland asking for public input for new park in southwest Lakeland

    • The new park which will be known as English Creek Park will be located off of Pipkin Road

    • A community input session is taking place on Tuesday, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Cleveland Heights Golf Course


    The city is hosting a meeting for feedback on Tuesday at the Cleveland Heights Golf Course.

    More than 100 acres of property will soon be transformed, right off of Pipkin road in Lakeland.

    “We bought the property in 2021 with visions to make a recreational complex, possibly another library there, and then has a lot of indoor and outdoor activities,” said Kevin Cook, the director of communications for the City of Lakeland.

    He said southwest Lakeland is a community that is continuing to see more foot traffic. That’s a major reason why there is a push for more amenities.

    “We’ve seen a lot of growth, we’ve seen a lot of housing come online in the last handful of years, so that area needs a recreation center,” he said.

    The city provided a rendering that shows how they could potentially develop the space. To make that vision a reality, they’ve applied for a grant from the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program.

    The grant would help fund the development of various amenities, including a playground, multipurpose fields, restrooms and walking paths.

    “Part of those grant requirements, you have to have public input,” Cook said.

    They’ve done the first part through an online survey, which is now closed. Cook said they don’t have the results of the survey just yet, but he said there is a need.

    “I can tell you right away, a lot of outdoor activities, pool possibly, pickleball, things of that nature,” he said.

    Cook said the city’s goal is to see more people having fun and enjoying what Lakeland has to offer.

    The public meeting is taking place from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

    There is no timeline yet as to when the project will be complete.

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Haines City park project plans underway as foot traffic increases

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Haines City is working to spruce up its parks to make them more family friendly and ready for growth.

    What You Need To Know

    • Haines City Parks and Rec Department working to make additions to its parks

    • Some of those additions will include more shaded space, parking and splash pads

    • The newest project is known as the “32-acre project” on the east side of the city


    The area at Langston Avenue Park is empty, but it will soon be home to a playground and restrooms. It is one of several projects the city’s Parks and Recreation Department is working to transform to help make room for growth.

    “Earlier this year, we opened up Boomerang Park. It is Haines City’s first inclusive playground,” said Parks and Rec Director Terrell Griffin.

    For the past six years, Griffin has worked to make Haines City a place where residents can enjoy the outdoors.

    “It gives those youth things to do versus being out potentially getting in trouble,” he said.

    With that in mind, Griffin said there’s still a lot of work to be done. Utilizing capital funding, he said the Parks and Recreation Department is now able to make some improvements.

    For instance, at Boomerang Park, that includes a shade structure, bathrooms and a splash pad.

    “Having these amenities in your own community, it’s just great,” Griffin said. “It’s a safety issue, the kids not having to cross dangerous highways, and again they’re within walking distance of their communities.”

    While some parks will be getting upgrades, Griffin said they are working on something even bigger, known as the “32-acre project.”

    “This is some much-needed amenities to relieve some of the stress on the Lake Eva property and some of our other parks,” he said.

    The plans include the construction of soccer and baseball fields, pickleball and much more.

    He said as more people use the facilities, they have one goal in mind: “To maintain what we have while adding those new amenities to keep up with the growth that we’re having.”

    It’s all to continue providing spaces for families to have fun under the sun.

    The Boys and Girls Club will also be getting upgrades to its roof and flooring. Right now, there is no timeline for when the projects will be completed.

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  • First major Hispanic leadership conference held in Polk County

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — The first ever major Hispanic leadership conference took place in Polk County Saturday at Southeastern University, known as the Latin American Transformation Conference.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Latin American Transformation Conference was started back in 2022 in Tampa

    • The founder of the conference Mariela Romero says the conference brings together leaders of all walks of life to share their journey and to inspire others

    • This year was the first time the conference was held in Polk County


    This conference first kicked off in Tampa back in 2022. Since then, it’s been held in Houston and Atlanta.

    This year, the conference organizers decided to host it in Polk County because of its rapid growth in the Hispanic community.

    The conference brought together local leaders like Haines City commissioner Omar Arroyo, Polk County commissioner Martha Santiago and Teresa Martinez, the editor of Viva Polk.

    Mariela Romero is the founder of the conference. She says this conference is a stepping stone for many Hispanics looking to pave their way in leadership.

    “(It is) a space where Latinos could find the tools so they could respond to crisis,” Romero said. “They can reinvent their lives. They could have a mindset of growth and not just of survival.”

    Each speaker shared a bit of their journey in the U.S. and the impact they hope to have on the local Hispanic residents.

    Some of the topics dicussed were navigating imposter syndrome, the power of being bilingual and more.

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  • Florida phases out certificates for students with disabilities

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    WIMAUMA, Fla. — The Florida Department of Education recently voted to eliminate certificates of completion for students with disabilities. The certificates were an alternative to diplomas for those students who could not meet graduation requirements.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Florida Department of Education voted to eliminate certificates of completion for students with disabilities

    • These certificates were previously alternatives for students unable to meet graduation requirements

    • Educators are concerned about the impact on employment opportunities

    • Education leaders are now tasked with creating new guidance about adult education and post-secondary options for students with disabilities


    The vote was to move forward with the implementation of House Bill 1105, which instructs education leaders to create new guidance about adult education and post-secondary options for those students by the next calendar year.

    Luz Gaona, the speech-language pathologist at Southshore Bilingual Therapy, says this change is a setback for the children they serve.

    “If any of them were to seek some type of employment, this is going to be hindering that opportunity for them,” she said.

    Employees at the center help students with disabilities learn skills they can use both at school and beyond.

    “All different kids, all different goals and all different things that they’re working on,” Selena Cadwallader, a certified occupational therapy assistant, said. “There’s something beautiful about kids learning to do things on their own and being able to be a part of this society that they maybe could not have been prior.”

    Many families look forward to their children earning a certificate of completion. They will now have to work around the change to eliminate them as education leaders work to establish a new program.

    The center says they’re now focused on how they can support parents who may be unaware of the changes.

    “(We are) educating our parents on the importance of attending (Individualized Education Program) meetings and asking questions,” Gaona said.

    In the meantime, Gaona and her team will continue to advocate for education opportunities for all.

    The high school graduation requirements for students with disabilities will also be revised to update definitions and permissible course substitutions.

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Lakeland airport working to meet growing foot traffic at airport

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    TAMPA, Fla. — It’s been a little over a year since passenger flights started back up at Lakeland Linder International Airport. Avelo airlines became the first passenger airline to take off from the airport in more than a decade. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Lakeland Linder International Airport working on its terminal area master plan
    • The plan is a 20-year plan to help make additions to the airport as foot traffic grows
    • Since Avelo airlines opened at the airport in June of 2024 over 100,000 people have used the airport


    Airport officials say foot traffic has increased, and so has the need for future expansion.

    What started off as one destination through Avelo Airlines has now expanded into 8 new destinations, and the Lakeland Linder International Airport says those additions won’t stop there.

    Assistant Airport Director Adam Lunn said the airport has stayed busy since partnering with Avelo Airlines in June of last year.

    “Overall, we’ve seen over 100,000 people processed in and out of the terminals since we began operations,” Lunn said.

    Adding passenger flights to the terminal has also been a boost to the economy, bringing in an estimated $1.5 billion to the region.

    Now they’re having to accommodate the growing demand.

    “We’ve really tried to make sure that customer experience is highlighted here, as you can see this space is very limited and so as we’re going through our terminal area master plan, we’re looking at adding those three additional gates to the other side of this building,” Lunn said.

    The terminal area master plan is a 20-year plan, which includes the addition of aircraft gates, parking, concession areas, and plans for a parallel runway.

    “The runway is 7,400 feet long, and that’s due to the number of operations that we have here. We’re actually this year the 89th busiest airport in the United States right now,” he says.

    With more people moving to Polk County, Lunn says they want to be able to serve the growing population and be connectors to surrounding airports.

    “We are limited in our capacity, so we need to start building for the future,” he said.

    Airport officials hope to create a space more families can travel to and from their destinations.

    The plan is expected to be finalized later this month. It will then be submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration for approval. After that, Lakeland airport can begin design of the terminal expansion.

    The airport is also home to the NOAA Hurricane Hunters and to the annual Sun ‘n’ Fun Aerospace Expo.

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  • Southeastern University to open childhood center to help fill need

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Southeastern University in Lakeland is moving forward with plans to build an early childhood development center.

    What You Need To Know

    • Southeastern University to open childhood center in fall of 2026

    • The center will help fill a gap in childcare and be for children of employees and non-employees.

    • The center will be located directly across from the university.


    School officials say it will serve a dual purpose. First, the center will provide childcare for both SEU employees and others in the community, and it will serve as a learning lab for students enrolled in the college of education.

    Over the past three years, Patrick Fitzgerald has learned the ins and outs of the school system at SEU as a chief of staff.  

    As a former student and now employee, Fitzgerald said his family has been his biggest support system.

    “This is actually our whole family, that’s me my wife, Theo and Tori down there.”

    Like many other parents, he said it can be challenging juggling work and childcare now.

    He’ll be one of many employees at SEU who will benefit from a childcare center being built by the university. A ground breaking was held earlier this month.

    “It’ll be really nice for our kids to be right down the street instead of on the other side of town, where they’re currently in daycare, and it’ll be really great to just know the people who are taking care of our kids. That’s so important,” he said.

    The center will serve 160 children from six weeks to four years old. Pricing for the center has not been set yet, but officials say they want to provide the best quality care for children.

    It will be available for both employees and non-employees.

    Project leaders say it will help fill a gap in childcare. Ted Church is the project lead.

    “We’ve seen a lot of schools, preschools and even daycares have a long waitlist, where they’re on the waitlist for eight, 10, 12 months and beyond,” Church said.

    A fact sheet from First Five Years Fund found that the demand for quality care far outweighs the supply, making access to childcare difficult.

    People involved with the new Robert and Sandra Graper Early Childhood Center hope it will change that.

    “Having great places to put your kids is one of those things that it’s just hard to keep up with, with the population growth we’ve had in this area,” Fitzgerald said.

    He said the center will create a special space where he can watch his children grow and learn, nearby.

    The center is set to open in the fall of 2026.

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Southeastern University to open childhood center to help fill need

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Southeastern University in Lakeland is moving forward with plans to build an early childhood development center.

    What You Need To Know

    • Southeastern University to open childhood center in fall of 2026

    • The center will help fill a gap in childcare and be for children of employees and non-employees.

    • The center will be located directly across from the university.


    School officials say it will serve a dual purpose. First, the center will provide childcare for both SEU employees and others in the community, and it will serve as a learning lab for students enrolled in the college of education.

    Over the past three years, Patrick Fitzgerald has learned the ins and outs of the school system at SEU as a chief of staff.  

    As a former student and now employee, Fitzgerald said his family has been his biggest support system.

    “This is actually our whole family, that’s me my wife, Theo and Tori down there.”

    Like many other parents, he said it can be challenging juggling work and childcare now.

    He’ll be one of many employees at SEU who will benefit from a childcare center being built by the university. A ground breaking was held earlier this month.

    “It’ll be really nice for our kids to be right down the street instead of on the other side of town, where they’re currently in daycare, and it’ll be really great to just know the people who are taking care of our kids. That’s so important,” he said.

    The center will serve 160 children from six weeks to four years old. Pricing for the center has not been set yet, but officials say they want to provide the best quality care for children.

    It will be available for both employees and non-employees.

    Project leaders say it will help fill a gap in childcare. Ted Church is the project lead.

    “We’ve seen a lot of schools, preschools and even daycares have a long waitlist, where they’re on the waitlist for eight, 10, 12 months and beyond,” Church said.

    A fact sheet from First Five Years Fund found that the demand for quality care far outweighs the supply, making access to childcare difficult.

    People involved with the new Robert and Sandra Graper Early Childhood Center hope it will change that.

    “Having great places to put your kids is one of those things that it’s just hard to keep up with, with the population growth we’ve had in this area,” Fitzgerald said.

    He said the center will create a special space where he can watch his children grow and learn, nearby.

    The center is set to open in the fall of 2026.

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  • New program looks to fill air traffic controller need

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    BARTOW, Fla. — The Polk County School District is hoping a new state-of-the-art program can help fill the need for air traffic controllers in the county and nationwide.

    What You Need To Know

    • Polk County Schools introduces new state-of-the-art air traffic control program
    • The program is 10 months long and is made of academics and hands on training


    The past few weeks have been busy for students in the control tower operator program at Traviss Technical College.

    They’re learning the ins and outs of the demanding air traffic control industry. For students like Macklin Deangelo, this program has allowed him to find a career he enjoys.

    His favorite part has been stepping into the control tower.

    “Being able to look out over the airfield and a pattern that is being actively controlled, it was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen,“ he said.

    Bartow Executive Airport is the current home of the program. No experience in the aviation industry is necessary to enroll.

    Students like Isaiah Cruz receive hands-on training that will prepare them for a future career.

    “This course is giving me a lot of knowledge that I never knew and it’s very interesting to know all the intricate different ways you can talk to pilots and all the commands you can tell them,“ he said.

    The ten-month program includes an academics portion and simulation trainings.

    “We focus on each section of becoming an air traffic controller individually and definitely whenever the students show that they have the aptitude for it then we start trickling them up to the tower to get them live air traffic control time,” said Randy Clayton, the chief instructor of the Control Tower Operator program.

    Program leaders say this will help fill positions quicker, because typically entry-level applicants must complete several months of training and additional job experience before being placed in an air traffic controller position.

    The FAA reports a total of more than 6,000 current employees will leave the industry from now until 2028.

    Officials with the program are hoping to reduce the impact, while attracting more students to the aviation industry.

    “You got to understand a lot about this industry and about the planes that you’re working with in order to be an effective controller, “says Macklin.

    The goal is to get more eyes on the sky to keep pilots and passengers safe.

    Once students are certified they can apply to the FAA as a prior experience applicant to help place them in air traffic control positions.

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  • Lakeland man shares journey post Hurricane Maria

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — It’s been almost eight years since Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico as a Category 4 hurricane.

    Its devastation forced many to leave and move elsewhere in the U.S. That’s the case for one Lakeland man.

    What You Need To Know

    • Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico as a Category 4 hurricane in 2017
    • The hurricane forced many to relocate to Florida
    • One Lakeland man made that move and has since opened a barbershop


    Like any hobby, practice makes perfect. For Angel Maldonado, his desire to learn how to cut hair started at the age of 11.

    “I practiced a lot. At the beginning, it was awful, after a year, I was getting decent,” he says.

    He was born and raised in Puerto Rico. Growing up, his dream was to open a barber salon there. But life had other plans.

    Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in September 2017.

    At the time, Maldonado was in Florida working, but his family was back home on the island.

    “Very worrying about how my family and my kids would do afterwards, and of course, we didn’t expect it to be as bad as it was,” he said.

    The hurricane killed thousands and left parts of Puerto Rico without power for nearly a year. During the height of the storm, Maldonado lost communication with his relatives for two days.

    With so much destruction, they made the decision to leave Puerto Rico and relocate as a family to Florida.

    “We started living on air mattresses, we only had the stove and the fridge,” Maldonado said.

    Little by little, they started building a life in Florida, and that included looking for economic opportunities.

    In 2021, Maldonado realized his dream of opening a barbershop, High Class Barber Salon, not in Puerto Rico, but instead in Polk County. Now, he’s expanding and opening a beauty school as well, known as High Class Academy.

    “It was hard for sure, you know, what happened in Puerto Rico, but I think it got the best out of us. We’re actually capable of facing those bad situations and be better and be successful,” he said.

    Maldonado found hope in haircare and a new home in Polk County, putting down roots with room to grow.

    Maldonado says his next goal will be to expand his academy into a trade school in the future to help offer courses in HVAC and more.

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  • Talbot House Ministries consider relocation despite concerns

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Talbot House Ministries in Lakeland is looking to move into a new space off Memorial Boulevard.

    The homeless shelter says the proposed new location has much-needed green space. But some people who live and work nearby say they’re concerned about a homeless shelter moving into their backyard.

    Since 1979, Talbot House Ministries has served the growing homeless population in downtown Lakeland, offering residential programs, free clinic help, and helping with affordable housing.

    Executive Director Maria Cruz said the ministry has started to outgrow the current facility.

    “We are at max capacity at our existing facility, and we would like to continue serving the community and have a major impact,” she said.

    That concern is why they’re looking to relocate to a new facility off Memorial Boulevard. The plans were proposed during the city’s planning and zoning commission meeting last month.

    The change would mean building a brand-new facility, roughly 58,000 square feet, something Cruz said is needed.

    “In the new facility, everybody will have a bed, so that is different,” she said. “Right now we are converting every single day our dining room areas to be able to feed and serve as an overnight housing, so in the new facility it will have a designated area.”

    Project renderings were presented during last month’s meeting. The move would mean more space for residents inside and more green space outside.

    While the project would be a boost for the shelter, people who live near the proposed new location say they have safety concerns.

    “The safety statistics — Lakeland has had 127 traffic deaths and 9,000 injuries in the last five years, there’s zero chance that’s going to get better based on this plan,” Lakeland resident Josh Borem said

    Several nearby businesses also spoke out against the plan.

    Traci Hughes, the owner of Jimbo’s Pit Bar-B-Q, says they are already dealing with a homeless issue in the area. She believes it will make things worse for her business.

    “This is going to have unintended consequences for us,” Hughes said. “We don’t want to look like all the vacant lots that are fenced off around the Talbot house now, we want to grow it.”

    Talbot House Ministries said it’s taking into consideration the challenges this presents and wants to create a space to help more people get off the streets. 

    The planning and zoning board will present a decision at its next meeting on Aug. 20.

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  • New women and children’s center in Winter Haven

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    WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Talbot House Ministries in Polk County celebrated the opening of its first-ever women and children center located in Winter Haven.

    What You Need To Know

    • Talbot House Ministries celebrated the opening of a new center in Winter Haven

    • This center will focus on helping women and children

    • It has rooms for mothers and infants, women with special needs children, and more

    Polk County officials and residents attended the ceremony and got to take a tour inside the center. Its center in Lakeland houses men and women, but this center will focus on women and children.

    It has rooms for mothers and infants, women with special needs children and more. It will help provide those women with housing connections, medical services, mental health counseling, parenting skills and much more.

    Maria Cruz, the executive director, said they want to create a safe and empowering environment, and its system will work a bit differently from the Lakeland facility.

    “Once a bed is empty, because we place an individual or whatever the circumstance may be, then that bed is going to be open for the next person to be assessed and screened and made sure that they are going to be a good fit for the program,” Cruz said.

    The center can house up to 62 women and children, with 20 overflow emergency beds. They estimate mid-August is when women and children will start moving into the center.

    Every person who will live at the center will also have to go through an extensive background check.

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  • Haines City could be the next stop added to FDOT’s SunRail project

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Haines City could be the next stop added to the Florida Department of Transportation SunRail expansion that currently serves 17 stations in the Orlando region.

    A project development and environment study is underway.

    What You Need To Know

    • FDOT conducting a Project Development and Environment study to potentially add Haines City to its SunRail.

    • The SunRail currently serves the Orlando region, with 17 stations.

    • Haines City SunRail meeting will be held in September for public input; date and location to be announced

    • Business owners in downtown Haines City hope the stop is added to the area.


    Business owners like Suzette Gomez hope the project passes. She started her own business, 555 Nutrition.

    “Everything here is healthy, and we also do free full body scans,” she said.

    Gomez opened the store five years ago in downtown Haines City. She was drawn to its growth and a welcoming atmosphere.

    “I really love the community here in Haines City and I love being around different cultures,” she said.

    She sees about 40 to 50 customers a day, a number she hopes will increase if Haines City becomes a stop in the FDOT’s SunRail expansion.

    “A lot of people will start knowing more of the downtown area,” Gomez said. “There’s a lot of small businesses here.”

    SunRail currently operates over 61 miles with 17 stations.

    With Polk County being one of the state’s fastest growing counties, Haines City Mayor Morris West said this could help alleviate traffic congestion.

    “Haines City is a destination for people that are retiring and moving here,” West said. “We’re working diligently as a city commission and as city council members to make sure we get some alternative transportation for our Haines City residents and beyond.”

    City officials have been staying proactive in the project by purchasing buildings near the proposed location to help make way for more parking.

    Gomez says it could be an impactful addition. “For those who either don’t drive or don’t feel comfortable riding here on a bike,” she said.

    To serve as that connection to the heart of downtown and beyond.

    The first public meeting for the SunRail expansion in Haines City project will be held in September. The date and location haven’t been announced yet.

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  • Haines City pausing year-long battle to make changes to food truck ordinance

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    HAINES CITY, Fla. — There is now a pause on a long battle to enact stricter guidelines on food trucks in Haines City. Instead, it’s back to the drawing board to consider changes.

    And while that happens, some food truck owners are taking a wait and see approach about the city’s next steps.

    What You Need To Know

    • Haines City Commissioners pause battle to enact stricter guidelines on food trucks

    • City officials heard from residents at a recent commission meeting about the ordinance

    • Idania Pagan and husband say their business is up to codes and are hopeful a resolution for the industry will have a positive impact

    • A Otro Nivel food truck is located at 35509 U.S Highway 27 Haines City


    Food is unique to every country, and it all comes down to its ingredients.

    Benjamin Bravo said he enjoys cooking because it draws him closer to his native country of Ecuador. When we met him, he was making an encebollado.

    “It’s a popular dish, and I think it’s the number one dish in Ecuador,” he said.

    Bravo and his wife, Idania Pagan, recently moved to Florida from New York, eventually starting A Otro Nivel.

    Their food truck is a new venture for them. “We saw an opportunity here, and that’s why, being the first Ecuadorian food truck in the area, I think it’s bringing a lot of people a lot of attention,” Bravo said.

    But Pagan said it wasn’t easy to get up and running.

    “It took us a lot of exploring, a lot of asking questions, a lot of looking for these resources,” she said.

    They were attracted to Haines City because of the welcoming environment. So, she has some concerns about city officials potentially placing tighter restrictions on the food truck industry.

    She said it could deter new business owners. 

    “They may look elsewhere to want to establish business, but why do that if you can have them contribute into this growing economy,” she said.

    Talk about changing the ordinance started when commissioners were told their current ordinance of issuing a license or business tax receipt to food trucks went against state law.

    Then the city was looking at limiting new food trucks based on zoning, removing them from residential areas and limiting them one vendor per property.  

    During a recent city commission meeting, residents and business owners showed up with questions. We reached out to the city, and the Haines City public information officer, Merissa Green, provided us with this statement: “The city commission has not finalized changes to the food truck ordinance. Commissioners directed the city attorney to amend the current ordinance to align with the state statute for consideration during a future meeting.”

    Mayor Morris West stated in the meeting that while the ordinance is being reviewed, food truck owners could continue to operate as normal.

    Idania said she is hopeful there will be a resolution soon. “I really hope that we can maintain that same growth. It’s healthy growth for Haines City,” she said.

    And a way for her and her husband to share a taste of Ecuadorian food with the community.

    Any changes made to the current ordinance would need to be presented in a Haines City Commission meeting. It would have to go to a vote.

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  • Winter Haven adding more multi-family units; business owners benefiting

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    WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — More people are making the move to Polk County, and that’s driving up the demand for more housing.

    The city of Winter Haven is experiencing that growth, and officials are focusing on bringing more multi-family units to the downtown area.

    What You Need To Know

    • Winter Haven adding more multi-family housing due to growing population

    • About 300 multi-family units are currently constructed in the city

    • Growing population and housing is also having an impact on businesses in downtown

    • Vegan Monarch Bakery and Café is seeing people from all over the country stopping in


    From selling food and sweets at flea markets to now owning a brick-and-mortar location, Mika Altidor said getting here wasn’t easy.

    “I’m first-generation American, first to do many things and first to make this dream a reality,” Altidor said.

    She was born in Michigan but spent most of her life in Winter Haven.

    She has seen just how much the city has grown and transformed over the years.

    “It’s nice to be a part of the change and be a part of development and to have my family be a part of this too,” Altidor said.

    She opened her business, Vegan Monarch Bakery and Café, in 2021, serving vegan meals and treats.

    She said the downtown area has grown over the years, but the most prominent addition has been more housing.

    It is something Altidor said has been positive for her business.

    “We get to see more of that foot traffic,” she said. “We get to see more of that business from the residents and then make that human connection,” she said.

    Right now, Winter Haven has about 300 multi-family units.

    As the city continues to grow, it is also looking to incorporate new housing opportunities like townhomes.

    Eric Labbe is the director of Winter Haven’s Economic Opportunity and Community Investment.

    “We’ve been adding about a thousand units per year within the city limits of the city of Winter Haven,” he said. “That’s total housing, single and multifamily. We will probably continue that trend for a couple years.”

    City leaders say for a community to be considered a healthy one, they need to have 33% to 35% of rental product.

    Winter Haven is on track to meet that percentage with 30% as of right now.

    Altidor and several other business owners have seen the change in the customer base, too.

    “I like the fact that people are driving intentionally from Orlando and Tampa to come here,” she said.

    So that she can continue sharing a taste of her café — always ready to serve new and old customers with a smile.

    Construction is currently underway on the newest apartment complex in downtown Winter Waven.

    The Breeze Apartments is nearing completion and is expected to be ready for residents in the next few months.

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  • Winter Haven approves plan to redevelop 4 historic buildings

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Downtown Winter Haven is about to get a makeover.

    The city recently approved plans to redevelop four historic vacant buildings in the heart of downtown.

    What You Need To Know

    • Four historic buildings in downtown Winter Haven will undergo a transformation
    • City officials approved a plan to help redevelop four buildings in the downtown area
    • The plant will include adding a salon, wellness center, workspaces and more
    • Construction will be done in two phases tentatively set to be completed by 2027


    Stepping into Art & Framing On the Park, Sean Greear describes it as an organized chaos.

    He’s been in business for 15 years, helping give every piece of art a new life with a custom frame. 

    “It has an opportunity to bring warmth to a home,” he says.

    It’s that warmth that he hopes will also spread into the downtown area, as the city approved a $20 million plan to renovate four historic buildings in the heart of downtown.

    For Greear, he sees this development as a positive for the city.

    “The ones that sort of are still here, it’s just very comforting, nobody wants to see blight, everybody wants to see somebody filling these store fronts,“ he said.

    The redevelopment would focus on Taylor, Mowery North and South and the Hoffman buildings. The project would include a restaurant, bar, coffee shop, reception area, wellness center and more.

    City manager T. Michael Stavres says this project will help preserve the history of the area while creating a busier downtown.

    “When these four buildings get renovated and activated, you know that’s one more draw in, you may come for a hair appointment at this new salon which causes you to be downtown, walk about and see what else is down here,” says Stavers.

    For business owners like Carissa Hughes, it could mean a new clientele stepping into her bakery. “Definitely makes it more inviting for people outside of our area,” she said.

    Her business, Gourmet Goodies Bake Shop, has been open for 10 years, not too far from where the redevelopment will take place.

    Hughes says she’s seen growth happen over the years. She thinks this project will put Winter Haven on the map as a place where families can live, work and play.

    “It’s definitely something that has been wanted and we’ve been waiting for, and we’re really excited to see that actually come to fruition now,” she said.

    It’s so that more people can enjoy a piece of what the city has to offer.

    The timeline of full restoration is tentatively broken up into two phases. The first phase will be completed in July of 2026, while the second phase will have a completion date of May of 2027.

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  • Golden Ridge Grove shares impact of innovative approach to growing citrus

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    ALTURAS, Fla. — While the citrus industry has faced challenges over the last decade, the USDA reports production from the past two years is up by 12%.

    Golden Ridge Groves in Alturas is hoping to continue to be part of that growth as they find new methods to help combat greening in the citrus industry.

    What You Need To Know

    • Golden Ridge Grove harvests citrus under a Citrus Under Protective Screening system (CUPS)
    • CUPS helps to keep the citrus trees free from greening

    • This fall, the owners will establish a farmers’ market to teach people about the system


    The entrance to this citrus grove looks a bit different. That’s because Shane and Katie Bevilacqua said it’s a growing technique unlike any other.

    “Citrus greening has really devastated the citrus industry in Florida, and a cup structure is an innovative new way to be able to grow that quality, world-known fresh Florida citrus,” Shane said.

    The couple co-owns Golden Ridge Groves a new agritourism business inspired by Katies father and uncle who have been growing citrus under cups for nearly 10 years.

    This method of growing was first researched by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at Lake Alfred.

    (Spectrum News/Lizbeth Gutierrez)

    Katie’s family owns more than 500 acres of citrus trees under CUPS, or Citrus Under Protective Screening systems.

    “What’s so special about it is being grown in this CUPS structure. It gives a tree a chance to grow up and be strong and healthy, just like Florida citrus has always been known for,” said Shane.

    (Spectrum News/Lizbeth Gutierrez)

    Right now, the red grapefruit is in its blooming season.

    The crop starts with a flower in early spring. By summer, the fruit will start to mature, and by fall, it will be ready to pick.

    This CUPS technique has allowed the family to plant more trees per acre, and Katie said production has been good.

    “We’ve just been able to see incredible benefits to the CUPS structure not only in tree health but also in the fruit that it’s producing,” she said.

    Fruit, they hope to share with even more people as they prepare to open a market right across from one of their citrus groves.

    (Spectrum News/Lizbeth Gutierrez)

    “We’d really like to show people a lot of the benefits of not only buying local but buying fruit fresh off the tree off the bush, whatever they’re picking,” Katie said.

    While the market is in its early stages, they want it to be a space families can experience fresh Florida produce through its u-pick and store offerings.

    The couple hopes they’re planting the seed for future farmers to keep the citrus legacy alive.

    Golden Ridge groves will offer tours in addition to its U-pick and market which will open this fall.

    Editor’s Note: A previous version of this stated Golden Ridge Groves has a partnership with the University of Florida. This has since been changed.

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  • Haines City commissioner encourages more Hispanics to get involved in government

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    HAINES CITY, Fla. — One Haines City Commissioner is being recognized with one of Mexico’s highest honors, the Mexicano Distinguido award, which is presented by the government of Mexico to a Mexican national living abroad.

    What You Need To Know

    • Haines City Commissioner Omar Arroyo was recognized recently with the Mexicano Distinguido award.

    • Since 2022, Arroyo has served as commissioner, vice mayor and mayor

    • Arroyo became the first Mexican mayor in the state of Florida, and the first Hispanic to hold a seat in Haines City


    Commissioner Omar Arroyo was this year’s recipient. 

    From a very young age, Arroyo says he was taught the value of hard work.

    He immigrated to the U.S. at 15 and went straight to working in construction, which eventually turned into owning his own business.

    “Everything I do is possible thanks to this,” he said.

    His construction business helped him build connections that led him to run for the Haines City Commission in 2021. Although he lost, he didn’t give up and eventually secured a seat the following year, becoming the first Mexican elected to the City Commission.

    “I wanted to get involved in it,” he said. “I didn’t know much about it, but I saw the need and I saw that I could help because of what I do.”

    He said his goal is to bring representation to the Hispanic community that is rooted in the city.

    “The more you learn about government, the more you get involved,” Arroyo said. “It’s just so big that there is so much need everywhere.”

    The past few years he has served as a commissioner, vice mayor and mayor, getting involved at schools and helping construct more parks in the city.

    But he said there’s still a lot to be done, and he is hoping other members of the Hispanic community will join the effort.

    “After I ran, every year there has been at least one Hispanic running,” Arroyo said. “They haven’t won yet, but they will, eventually they will — especially if they keep going.”

    Arroyo said his path to get to where he is wasn’t easy, but that is what makes it so rewarding.

    “I thank God every day for putting me where he put me, because I found a real passion,” he said.

    AIt is a passion that he hopes won’t end with him, but will open the doors for more Hispanics to get involved in local government.

    Arroyo has one more year left in his term with Haines City, but said he plans to continue to be involved in government affairs in the future.

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