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Tag: Polk County

  • Mom credits A+ Teacher with saving her son’s life

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    WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — A local mom nominated Kimberly Hall to be featured as an A+ Teacher, saying the Brigham Academy second grade teacher saved her son’s life.

    What You Need To Know

    • A local mom nominated Kimberly Hall to be featured as an A+ Teacher, saying the Brigham Academy second grade teacher saved her son’s life

    • Quixote Gary, who goes by Q, is a second-grader in Hall’s class 

    • Would you like to nominate an A+ Teacher? Click here

    Ordaz’s son Quixote Gary, who goes by Q, is in Hall’s second grade class.

    “He’s just such a bundle of joy,” said Hall.

    She noticed that Q was having a hard time seeing the board in her classroom, and moving him closer did not help.

    “She noticed his eyes were kind of moving, they were kind of shaky,” Ordaz said. “Then she’s like, ‘There’s something wrong with that baby’s eyes.’”

    Ordaz said she was already taking Q to doctors to figure out what was going on. But after talking to Hall, she immediately brought him to a specialist, and then the emergency room. Q was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

    “That was never the news I expected to get,” Hall said. “It was kind of earth-rocking.”

    “Knowing that she caught it means the world to me,” Ordaz said.

    In November, Q had half of the tumor removed. Ordaz said he’s doing much better, but will eventually need another surgery. She believes Hall saved her son’s life.

    “Makes me feel like he’s in my life for a reason,” Hall said. “He’s just such a sweet boy. We knew for a fact that he had so much more left to give in his life.”

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    Jorja Roman

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  • It’s Election Day across Polk County municipalities

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Municipalities across the county are holding elections on Tuesday.

    Residents will cast ballots in a number of races including city council and commission seats to mayoral spots and charter amendments.

    Elections are happening in Davenport, Dundee, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lake Hamilton, Lake Wales and Mulberry.

    Polls are open on Election Day, Tuesday, April 1, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. See polling locations for your city below.

    Some voters will have a new polling location for this election only:

    REGISTERED VOTERS RESIDING WITHIN CITY LIMITS ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE IN CITY ELECTIONS.                   

    For an interactive map of the city limits, click on the link below:

     Davenport | Dundee | Haines City | Lake Alfred         

     Lake Hamilton | Lake Wales | Mulberry

    View current turnout information.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Municipal election results from Polk County

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Several municipalities across the county elected new officials on Tuesday.

    Residents cast ballots for city council and commission seats, as well as mayoral spots and charter amendments.

    The races were in Davenport, Dundee, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lake Hamilton, Lake Wales and Mulberry.

    You can find all the election results on baynews9.com.


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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Proposed Florida bill aims to create statewide animal abuse database

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — A bill that would keep pets out of the hands of animal abusers is making its way through the Senate.

    What You Need To Know

    • Senate Bill 494 would require the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to publicly list individuals convicted of, or who have pleaded guilty to, animal cruelty

    • The database would help shelters, pet adoption agencies and pet owners screen potential adopters, preventing known abusers from obtaining new animals

    • If passed, the bill will go into effect on July 1


    Senate Bill 494 would require the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to list the names of people convicted of or who have pleaded guilty to animal cruelty on its website. The Senate Criminal Justice Committee unanimously advanced the legislation last week.

    Randa Richter, with SPCA Florida, said the bill would help pets like Justice, a two-year-old pit bull whose name serves as a constant reminder of what she deserves.

    “She needs justice. She did not ask to be put in the fighting ring. She did not ask to be bait,” Richter said.

    Richter said Justice arrived at the shelter a year ago with wounds on her face and body. Many have healed, but she said the pain of seeing cases like hers never goes away.

    “It makes you angry and super frustrated that when people who do this are caught, there aren’t stronger laws or enforcement, and they can do it again — or just move a county away and start all over,” she said. “It’s super frustrating that they’re taking an innocent life and putting it in danger.”

    Richter believes a statewide animal abuse database is needed. She said it would not only stop repeat offenders but also help area shelters with their vetting process.

    Right now, the SPCA requires all potential adopters to fill out an application and answer a series of questions. Employees review each response, but ultimately, Richter said, they are left to rely on their gut feeling.

    “We do the best we can to make sure we have the best adopters, but if we can just click on a link and look for their name, it’s just that extra reassurance that they’re going to a good home,” she said.

    Senate Bill 494 is also known as Dexter’s Law, named in honor of a dog found decapitated and dismembered at Fort De Soto Park in Pinellas County. The bill would build upon Ponce’s Law, passed in 2018, which increased penalties for animal abuse and allows a judge to ban someone from owning pets again. If passed, the bill will go into effect on July 1.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Local wine seller concerned amid potential 200% tariff on EU wines

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    HAINES CITY, Fla. – Concerns about potential wine and alcohol tariffs are growing across the Tampa Bay area.

    Starting April 2, President Donald Trump says he’ll place a 200% tariff on alcohol, spirits, and wine from the European Union if it moves forward with a 50% tariff on American whiskey.

    What You Need To Know

    • If a 200% tariff on European wines is implemented, local wine seller Johnathan Anglin could be forced to double or even triple the prices

    • Anglin, as a relatively new business owner, faces the difficult decision of raising prices, which could make it harder to attract and retain customers

    • Anglin remains hopeful that President Trump and the European Union will reach a resolution to avoid the tariffs


    Johnathan Anglin Jr., co-owner of Sip Haines City, a self-serve wine-tasting experience, says 85% of the bar’s inventory is imported from Europe.

    “We definitely rely a lot on the import wines,” he said. “The seasonal wine drinkers, they definitely prefer that. They definitely prefer that taste. And there’s definitely a difference in the quality of the imported wines versus domestic.”

    Right now, the bottles he purchases range anywhere from $20 to more than $100. But if a 200% tariff becomes a reality, he says he would be forced to pay double — if not triple — what he currently spends.

    “In order to keep up with that price increase, we have to pass that increase down to the customers, unfortunately,” Anglin said.

    As a fairly new business owner, Anglin says raising his prices is the last thing he wants to do. He says attracting customers to this unique concept has already been a challenge in itself.

    “So now it’s like, how do you get more people and retain the people we have been able to gain so far if there is a price increase?” he said.

    Anglin says he’s hopeful President Trump and the European Union will come to a resolution soon. If not, he says it will take more than just a good glass of wine to ensure his customers’ next sip won’t be their last.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Polk County tax collector to reduce customer capacity at Lakeland location

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Starting Monday, a well-known tax collector’s office in Lakeland will cut the number of customers it serves daily because of floor repairs.

    What You Need To Know

    • Starting Monday, Lakeland’s Tax Collector’s office will cut customer capacity by 50% due to floor repairs, which will last until mid-May

    • Rapid county growth has increased foot traffic, leading to necessary repairs on the historic building
    • Customers are encouraged to visit other service centers in Davenport, Lake Wales, and Bartow


    The historical building on North Massachusetts Avenue, known for its Art Deco style, was originally home to a Publix store in 1953. But now, Polk County Tax Collector Joe G. Tedder and his team say the building needs repairs due to heavy foot traffic.

    “We were seeing about 400 to 500 customers a day. Now, on a daily basis, in this location alone, it’s usually 800 to 1,000 customers,” Assistant Manager Alicia Stephenson said.

    According to a press release, roughly 4.8 million people have visited Lakeland’s only service center since it opened in 2013. Stephenson points to the county’s rapid growth as the reason for the spike in customers.

    Over time, she says, the foot traffic has caused wear and tear to the recognizable building. That’s why a new project was launched to help preserve it, starting with the floors.

    “It’s something that we can’t deny anymore,” Communications Manager Ashleigh Mills said. “We’ve got to be able to repair it because maintenance is important to this investment. This building is so iconic; we want to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars to keep it in its pristine condition.”

    Mills says floor repairs will last through mid-May. In the meantime, the Lakeland office will reduce customer capacity by 50%. Employees plan to shut down 15 service stations during each phase of the project, which could lead to longer wait times.

    “Even though we won’t be able to assist as many customers at this location, we do offer other locations,” Stephenson said. “We’re offering Saturday hours as well in some of our locations, so if they can just be patient with us, it will be beautiful in the end.”

    Polk County’s tax collector encourages customers to visit other service centers in Davenport, Lake Wales, and Bartow.

    To cause as little inconvenience as possible, the Tax Collector also recommends:

    • Online services at www.PolkTaxes.com or mail services for driver license, ID card, and vehicle registration renewals whenever possible

    • Seeking an appointment for driver license, ID card, or concealed weapons services well in advance of expiration dates

    To better serve customers during this time, the Tax Collector has provided for increased service hours, with the addition of Saturday hours twice a month, at select service centers in Polk County. There is also increased staffing in the Call Center and the Tax Collector’s live online chat service.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Lake Bonny residents call for investigation into flooding after Milton

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — As the city of Lakeland takes steps to reduce the risk of flooding near Lake Bonny, residents nearby are calling for more transparency.

    What You Need To Know

    • Lakeland has signed a 90-day agreement with Southwest Florida Water Management District to begin pumping water from Lake Bonny sooner, at a lower threshold, to mitigate flooding risks
    • Longtime residents are questioning the effectiveness of flood management and have petitioned for an independent investigation into the city’s flood response and drainage systems
    • While the city has hired AECOM for a watershed study, residents are demanding a third-party investigation to ensure transparency and accountability regarding the drainage issues contributing to the flooding


    On Monday, the city announced a 90-day emergency agreement with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Rather than waiting until the lake reaches a 10-year flood stage to pump water out, officials can now use the emergency pump much sooner. The new approved permit allows pumping to commence when Lake Bonny reaches 129.60 NAVD.

    Following Hurricane Milton in October of last year, city leaders say they teamed up with Polk County officials to inspect Lake Bonny’s drainage system. Their findings show that the system is fully intact and free of debris or obstructions.

    City officials also say engineering consultant AECOM has been conducting a watershed study since January. However, longtime resident Jan Morsey and her neighbors created a change.org petition to demand an independent investigation into the lake’s flooding.

    Morsey checks daily on one of the main canals that drain water from Lake Bonny to Lake Parker near her home on Lake Bonny Drive East. She says there hasn’t been much progress since Milton.

    “You can see that there’s no actual water flowing through here at all. It’s all just stagnant,” Morsey said. “This has not improved. If anything, it’s only gone downhill because we have more debris that has collected since Milton, and with just the recent rainfall we’ve had — we’ve had a few days that we’ve had some rainfalls — this hasn’t improved.”

    Morsey believes the blocked canal is a large part of the reason why the street she’s lived on since her childhood was flooded in October.

    “We have water levels that FEMA and that we have measured, numerous people have documented of 18 inches. So, we’ve had 18 inches around and inside our home for well over three weeks after Hurricane Milton.”

    The water damaged all of the walls in her home and most of her belongings. So far, Morsey says she’s spent nearly $80,000 on repairs. Despite the out-of-pocket costs, she and her neighbors stress that they aren’t looking for money. Instead, they created the petition simply to get answers.

    “What we want is a light to be shined on what was broken. Accountability for the process that wasn’t in place or, if they were in place, did not work during this disaster,” she said.

    According to city officials, AECOM’s watershed study will review Lake Bonny’s drainage basin and evaluate potential flood relief options. However, community members say they want an investigation by a third-party company not chosen or paid by the city.

    “Having that independent entity takes away the possibility of anyone influencing the outcome in a way that they may not intentionally do,” she said.

    Morsey says an independent investigation will not only help restore trust within the city, but it will provide a clear path moving forward.

    “That’s what we want to see — what happened, and then fix it and make it better,” she said.

    Morsey suggests that the county, state, or another agency select and fund the next third-party company. This way, the city won’t have to be involved.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • ‘We’ll be done:’ Local ranch in jeopardy due to potential parkway routes

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    LAKE WALES, Fla. — As community concerns grow over a potential parkway being built near Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, one local rancher shares similar fears for his land.

    What You Need To Know

    • Ellery Farmer, a local rancher, fears that the proposed parkway routes from Florida Turnpike Enterprise will severely impact his land

    • Farmer says the proposed routes could lead to the loss of a substantial part of his ranch, jeopardizing his income and decades of family effort

    • He is calling on FDOT to find an alternative route that would avoid affecting his land and preserve the Lake Wales Ridge’s unique wildlife


    Since Ellery Farmer could remember, his life has been devoted to his family’s ranch.

    “My entire adult life, even as a child, I’ve known agriculture,” said Farmer.

    Farmer’s grandparents originally purchased 10 acres of land alongside Lake Wales Ridge in 1969. The land was later passed down to the generation before him. Then Farmer stepped in and expanded the ranch in hopes of one day handing it off to his daughter, but he says those plans are in jeopardy due to Florida Turnpike Enterprise’s proposed parkway.

    “The proposed B and C routes are just out there where that lone pine tree is that cuts right through there, through the edge of the tree line,” Farmer said, pointing to a section of his land. “Their footprint, they say, is 310 feet wide, but it cuts us off from the bulk of our pasture and calculates out to a quarter of the property that we own, which absolutely puts us out of business.”

    Farmer says he first learned about Florida Turnpike’s plans to create a new toll road in a letter from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The road would connect I-4 with a future Poinciana Connector, State Route 538 – better known as the Poinciana Parkway.

    Study Area

    Image Courtesy: floridasturnpike.com

    While the agency is considering four possible routes, Farmer says he’s been looking for ways to prevent the two that would impact his land. Unfortunately, he says FDOT will be able to claim eminent domain.

    “And then the Ridge will be nothing but pictures on a wall somewhere,” he said. “And there’s wildlife here that lives nowhere else in the world but on the Lake Wales Ridge. If they build an interstate for 28 miles up the ridge, it’ll be gone. It’ll be done, and we’ll be done.”

    Along with losing income, Farmer says his family will lose decades of hard work. That includes his home, which he built with his own two hands.

    “I have friends who spent three years of their lives helping me build a house, and in order to have those kinds of friends, it takes an entire lifetime to find them. So, if they put that road in right there, which is in my backyard, that house is not tenable. It’s no longer the goal,” Farmer said.

    Before the project even reaches that point, Farmer is calling on FDOT officials to find an alternative route.

    “And I don’t have any more right than anybody else to be here, to own what I own. I just happened to be here first. And I’m just asking to leave us alone,” he said. “Leave the ridge alone. Curve it just a little bit and help us save the tiny bit that’s left.”

    In a statement from Florida Turnpike Enterprise, spokesperson Yasir Mercado said:

    “We would like to emphasize that we are actively considering all comments received throughout the Alternative Corridors Evaluation (ACE). The alternatives will be modified based on feedback, and the final selected corridor could be a combination of the four alternatives currently under evaluation.

    We anticipate presenting a selected corridor for additional public input this May and encourage continued public participation. Our goal is to balance transportation needs with minimizing impacts to residents, businesses, and property owners.”

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Polk County crews find body of missing juvenile in Lake Roy

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    WINTER HAVEN, Fla.  — The Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Winter Haven Police Department and Polk County Fire Rescue were searching Thursday afternoon for a juvenile in Lake Roy who was swimming and disappeared in the water.

    Shortly before 5 p.m., the sheriff’s office said the body was recovered. 

    The sheriff’s office marine unit and its underwater sonar devices were being used, along with drones and a helicopter.

    Polk County Fire Rescue had boats on the water as well.

    This is a breaking news story. Stay with Spectrum Bay News 9 on-air, online and the Spectrum News app for updates.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Lakeland Regional Health opens first freestanding emergency department

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Lakeland Regional Health celebrated the grand opening of its first freestanding emergency department Monday.

    What You Need To Know

    • The new freestanding emergency department in South Lakeland aims to enhance access to emergency services for Polk County

    • The facility offers 20 additional beds and three triage rooms, helping to alleviate the workload of the main emergency room

    • The freestanding ER provides 24-hour pediatric care, lab results, CT scans and X-rays

    The goal is to improve access to care for Polk County’s growing population. The medical center has repeatedly been ranked the second-busiest emergency room in the nation, according to Becker’s Hospital Review, a medical trade industry magazine. The opening of the freestanding emergency room brought relief to medical staff, including James Wright.

    “Very exciting for me and our entire team to be able to come to a facility like this,” he said.

    Wright joined the hospital’s main campus as a registered nurse 25 years ago. Since becoming the president of emergency services, he has witnessed Polk County’s rapid growth firsthand, especially in South Lakeland. Now, with the new ER, he says the medical center can better meet the growing demand.

    “The goal really was to provide access to the residents of South Lakeland and have an area much closer to home for them that could provide all of the same emergency services that we can at the main campus,” he said.

    On average, Wright says emergency room staff see over 500 patients per day and more than 200,000 patients each year. The freestanding department will help alleviate some of the workload by providing 20 additional beds and three triage rooms. It also offers 24-hour access to pediatric care, lab results, CT scans and X-rays.

    If patients need further care, Wright says ambulances will be available to transfer them to the hospital.

    “We aren’t transporting patients out of the county. We are Lakeland Regional, and the patients will stay here with us in the community, and that’s very important to them as well,” Wright said.

    Wright foresees the freestanding emergency department becoming a valuable part of the community. Though the facility has been open for less than a week, he’s already looking forward to seeing more across the county.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Nonprofit founded by Central Florida woman fills critical needs in Four Corners

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    CLERMONT, Fla. — Hands of Hope America founder and chief executive officer Evelisse Bookhout’s history as an at-risk youth led her to start the nonprofit in the Four Corners community to fill the critical needs of residents.

    She created Hands of Hope America in 2019 after discovering gaps in needs like childcare, education and food security in the Four Corners area.

    What You Need To Know

    • Hands of Hope America founder Evelisse Bookhout is a veteran who grew up as an at-risk youth 

    • For that reason, she said she wants to help advocate for youths in Lake, Polk, Osceola and Orange counties

    • The nonprofit started with a food pantry and has grown to offer mental health counseling, after-school tutoring and adult English classes

    • Bookhout said Hands of Hope seeks to bring together governments, nonprofits and community leaders to work across county lines to provide critical services to residents

    The nonprofit started with a food pantry and has grown to provide wraparound services like free mental health counseling, after-school tutoring and adult English classes in Lake, Polk, Osceola and Orange counties.

    Now the organization serves thousands of families from its centralized location in Clermont, seeking to empower low-income families.

    She said her heart is with the children.

    “Being the example out in the community, being able to advocate for what we believe our community needs,” Bookhout said.

    Hands of Hopes’ needs assessment, which will be released this month, showed there is a lack of collaborative funding and efforts across county lines, leaving many residents without critical services, Bookhout said. 

    Pressing concerns across all four counties include major gaps in housing, food security, healthcare, employment services, education and transportation, the assessment revealed.

    She and her team of interns discovered public transportation times are limited, and they don’t connect from one county to another. 

    “Right now, we are calling for collaborative partners to be able to work together to continue to serve the need here in this community,” Bookhout said.

    A centralized community center to link families with an after-school program and bigger space for kids also is needed, she said.

    Right now, children play in the building’s parking lot. 

    “There isn’t much for the kids to do, so we have a lot of violence and drug use within our youth in our community, and I think it’s because parents need to work. They have to provide, and so parents are not around when kids get home from school,” said Rose Sterling, a case manager at the nonprofit.

    Sterling learned about Hands of Hope’s services through one of its food distribution events.

    “We have three boys, and kids weren’t really playing outside. My son is on the autism spectrum, and he was really struggling mentally,” Sterling said. “He needed friends.”

    She brought her son to one of the nonprofit’s summer programs, and he immediately started building leadership skills and making friends. 

    “Being able to give back to not only the community, but the place that gave me so much hope,” Sterling said.

    Next steps for Bookhout and the organization include more advocacy for those who need a hand.

    Bookhout, who didn’t have a lot of as she was raised by a single mom, said the community’s needs fuel her work.

    “Those experiences have truly shaped my passion for serving the community, and it’s something I’ll continue to do as long as I can,” Bookhout said.

    To help meet those needs, Bookhout said a unified vision, clear communication and resource sharing is required. She said she and the organization will work to bring together county governments, nonprofits and leaders to meet the needs of the growing population.

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    Maria Serrano

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  • DEP wants public to weigh in on Mosaic exploratory well

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    PLANT CITY, Fla. — Leaders at the former Mosaic fertilizer facility in Plant City want the state to let them drill a well to possibly dispose of wastewater.

    According to information provided by the company, there’s less likely to be spills if it’s underground, but some residents say they’re worried about what doing that would mean for their water supply. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The Florida Department of Environmental Protection held an open house Tuesday for the public to weigh in on Mosaic’s application to drill an exploratory well at its Plant City site

    • A geologist who consults with Mosaic said it could eventually be used to dispose of wastewater from crop nutrients production at the plant

    • First, it must be determined if the rock layers where the well would be drilled are suitable for this purpose

    • Attendees were concerned about what the well would mean for water quality 
    • The DEP is accepting public comment until 11:59 p.m. Friday. Comments can be e-mailed to app@floridadep.gov


    The Florida Department of Environmental Protection held an open house Tuesday evening where people could speak with subject matter experts about the plan. Lakeland resident Magdalene attended dressed as the Green Arrow, holding a sign that read, “Mosaic you have failed this city.”

    “I went to high school in Bartow,” she said. “It was always well known that, because of the history of mining in that area, we could not drink the water that came out of the taps in our high school.”

    It’s because of that experience that she said she wanted to voice her opposition to the exploratory well.

    “I know this does not mean that they’re going to immediately put wastewater in, but why do they need to even do the exploration? Why don’t you spend that money on purifying the water?” said Magdalene.

     


    David Brown is a geologist who consults with Mosaic. He said the water that could one day be injected into the well was once used by the plant to make crop nutrients. Brown told Spectrum News that water will be treated and has to be non-hazardous. One of the goals is resiliency. Information provided by Mosaic from the H2O Coalition says getting rid of wastewater deep underground can prevent spills during hurricanes or other events that can damage wastewater facilities.

    “If you have a house that only has one door, you can only come and go out of one door, but you’ve got two doors, now, you’ve got two options. So, it gives them another option for disposal of water other than just surface water,” Brown said.

    He said while drilling, the team will look at the thickness and other properties of rock called “confining layers” to make sure they’ll prevent water from seeping through. Casings are set into the well until the disposal zone, which can go from 3,700 ft. to 8,000 ft. deep.

    Like Magdalene, others said they were concerned with water quality.

    Monica Balicki was one of the members of the group Florida Right to Clean and Healthy Waters Initiative who worked outside the event to get people to sign a petition. The group is working to get a clean water amendment on next year’s ballot. She said she’s worried about potential health impacts if wastewater is eventually injected into the well.

    “In our opinion, they have a lot of work to do before they can start on an exploratory well,” Balicki said.

    Brown said there would be no chance of contamination.

    “We will be thousands of feet below the level that their wells are at,” he said. “If there was any potential that that would occur, the permit would not be authorized to go to the next phase.

    “At DEP, we’re committed to enforcing Florida’s environmental rules and laws. We certainly would not issue any permit that does not align with that,” said Alexandra Kuchta, communications director for the DEP.

    Kuchta said public comment will be taken into account when deciding whether or not to approve Mosaic’s permit application. If the company does want to move forward with injecting wastewater into the well, that would require another permit application process, complete with public input.

    The DEP is accepting public comment until 11:59 p.m. Friday. Comments can be e-mailed to app@floridadep.gov.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Upcoming action movie showcases Lakeland businesses

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Movie magic is being made in parts of Polk County. 

    A local author is bringing his book to the big screen while showcasing several Lakeland businesses along the way.

    One of the businesses that transformed into a movie set was the Brass Tap, located on Town Center Drive North.

    What You Need To Know

    • Author Rick Cutts is adapting his popular novel Stratagem into a movie, showcasing several Lakeland businesses, including the Brass Tap

    • Cutts actively sought local talent and businesses for the film, receiving enthusiastic support from the Lakeland community
    • Cutts expects to finish production by the end of March and aims for a September release


    “The director came to our bar a couple of times, and he just really liked the atmosphere and the aesthetics of the building,” said general manager Kayla Davis. “He called me one day and wanted to shoot the movie. I asked my higher-ups if that would be okay, and they agreed, and here we are.”

    Davis watched from behind the bar as the cast and crew of the film, titled ‘Stratagem’ ran through each scene. She said the experience was unlike anything she’s witnessed in her nine years at the Brass Tap.

    “You know, we’re in Lakeland, and sometimes things like this don’t typically happen,” she said. “I think it helps with Lakeland being the town that we are. I think it’s really going to help drive revenue, and I think the people in town are going to be proud that it happened here and at our place.”

    Author Rick Cutts said that was his goal when choosing locations to adapt his popular novel into a movie. Instead of taking the film to California, the Chicago native wanted to showcase what the Sunshine State has to offer.

    “I said we have palm trees here, we have beautiful scenery, amazing people, and I thought to myself, ‘Why not do it in Florida?“ he said. “So, I started doing everything in Florida to highlight all the great people and businesses in the community.”

    Along with filming at over five Lakeland-based businesses, Cutts actively sought local talent. So far, he said the community’s response has been incredible.

    “They want this, they’re hungry for it,” Cutts said. “The people, there’s so much talent, and there are so many businesses that want to be highlighted and shown in a good light. And to see someone actually do that in this community, they’re ecstatic about it.”

    Not only did Cutts write the film, but he’s also directing and shooting everything on his iPhone. He even had Davis step in front of the camera, which came as a surprise to her.

    “I knew I would kind of be here and let everyone in and help out where I could, but I ended up being the bartender, so it was fun,” she said.

    Davis admits she is a little nervous about seeing herself on the big screen, but she’s excited to represent the bar, hoping the publicity will bring in new customers once the film premieres.

    Cutts expects to wrap up production by the end of March. He said he’s aiming to release the movie by September.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Federal job cuts impact Lakeland NOAA meteorologist

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — This hurricane season could be much different from years past due to federal job cuts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

    The agency began laying off hundreds of probationary employees on Thursday, Feb. 27, including meteorologists. It marks the latest round of mass federal job cuts under the Trump administration.

    Like many who have had the chance to fly into the heart of a storm, Kerri Englert says being a flight director for NOAA was a dream come true.

    “It was 10 years in the making for me to get to that position,” she said. “I left the active-duty Navy to go back to school to get meteorology credentials so I could pair up what I did in the Navy as a mission commander in an aircraft and my meteorology passion as well.” 

    The Navy veteran began working at Lakeland’s NOAA Aircraft Operations Center in 2023. Over the past few months, she heard rumors about the possibility of federal layoffs but didn’t believe it would happen. It wasn’t until she received a termination letter that reality began to set in.

    “‘The agency finds that you are not fit for continued employment because your ability, knowledge, and/or skills do not fit the agency’s current needs,’” Englert read. “That hurt. That really hurt. This was not merit-based. I was merely one-and-a-half years into a two-year probationary period. So, to hear that your abilities and knowledge are not needed is kind of gut-wrenching.”

    However, Englert said it hurts even more because she believes the public will be impacted, too.

    “NOAA — we collect data,” she said. “We are the keepers of a lot of that data. However, it is open sourced. It’s available to the public. This is everything from fishery, ocean, everything from your atmospheric daily weather to severe storms.

    “So, it’s really to the benefit of the public as far as really understanding the environment you’re in and how NOAA affects you on a day-to-day basis, really.” 

    Now, with more than 800 job cuts at NOAA nationwide, including in Lakeland, Englert said she’s concerned about the upcoming hurricane season. The Aircraft Operations Center houses NOAA’s planes, which provide live data during storms.

    “Ultimately, because of the layoffs and the cuts, you’re potentially looking at not being able to complete all of the mission objectives — or even the missions themselves — as far as the required flights that we’ve had in order to incorporate this data into the models,” Englert said.

    This, she said, could lead to inaccurate information.

    “It’s going to result in more uncertainty as well as downstream effects such as greater areas of evacuations, greater areas of emergency response and planning, as well as greater rebuild,” she said. 

    Englert said probationary employees played a crucial role in NOAA’s work, not only because it’s what they love to do, but also because their work serves the public.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Community petition seeks to block large-scale development in Bartow

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    BARTOW, Fla. — More than 2,000 single-family homes may be coming to Bartow. 

    If approved by city commissioners, 900 acres located on State Road 60 and Peace Creek will become the site of Emillie at Bartow, a large-scale community. However, community members hope to block the development through a new petition.

    The growing number of signatures on the Change.org petition has placed a smile on Bartow resident Marie Carvajal’s face. 

    What You Need To Know

    • A petition seeks to block the Emillie at Bartow development, fearing it will strain infrastructure and disrupt the town’s small-town feel

    • Developer David Waronker argues the project will generate funding for schools and have minimal impact on the community

    • Bartow city leaders are expected to vote on the project in the coming months


    “We’re a community here,” she said. “We’re very strong on family and friendship, and it just feels…when you go downtown or just go to the grocery store, you know, you see people you went to high school with or people that are your neighbors, and it’s just a great community feeling. And I don’t want that to go away.”

    Carvajal moved to the area with her family 34 years ago. Since then, she’s seen a lot of growth. But before the city welcomes new development, she said leaders should address the ongoing issues the community faces.

    “We have our infrastructure that can’t support more people,” Carvajal said. “Our roads are in dismay, our schools that this neighborhood wants to put all these children in the same schools, we already have. Just doesn’t make sense to me. There’s flooding in 60. The list can go on.”

    However, David Waronker, owner of CBD Real Estate, said his single-family homes would help alleviate some of the problems, not add to them.

    He said the project would generate over $30 million for schools near State Road 60 and Peace Creek. Waronker said his team also has conducted extensive studies over the past four years, which show the project will have a minimal impact on the community.

    The proposed 900-acre community called Emilie at Bartow would be located north of State Road 60 at Peace Creek (CBD Real Estate)

    “I am very sensitive to the concerns of the residents and the city,” Waronker said. “Traffic, its drainage and flooding, and every other impact that’s scary, including impacts on schools.

    “But the way our application is planned out, I think when you look at the core of the application and study it, you’re going to say, wow, this is a well-planned community.”

    If approved, Waronker assures that construction will be gradual. He says the first tenant wouldn’t move in for at least three years. While Carvajal understands the need for change, she believes now isn’t the right time.

    “In the last five years, we had three developments come to Bartow, and nothing has changed,” she said. “Things are getting worse. We’re just stuffing more people into a small area, and like I said, I feel like it’s just ruining and taking away from the small town that I love.”

    Bartow city leaders plan to vote on the proposed project in the next three months.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Winter Haven police and mother detail incident involving 3-year-old

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    WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — The Winter Haven Police Department detailed the moments leading up to a viral video of officers detaining a woman as she lies on the ground beside her 3-year-old daughter.

    Police Chief Vance Monroe said the incident happened Tuesday at around 1:15 p.m. outside the American Legion Post in Winter Haven.

    The mother, 27-year-old Mariah Banks, said the series of events is still traumatic for her to see. She and her daughter, Symphony, got on the ground following direct orders from officers.

    What You Need To Know

    • Winter Haven police respond to viral video of officers detaining a woman as she lies on the ground beside her 3-year-old daughter

    • The mother, 27-year-old Mariah Banks, said the series of events is still traumatic for her to see

    • Police Chief Vance Monroe acknowledged the bad optics of the incident 
    • Banks says the incident will leave a lasting impact on her daughter. She’s seeking support from professionals to help her child process what happened

    “Down on the ground! Get down!” officers commanded, according to newly released body camera footage.

    “Everybody seen clear as day they had their guns pointed directly at me and her,” Banks said. “That made her fearful for her life that she had no other choice but to get on that ground and lay down and put her hands on her back.”

    Banks said she was in disbelief when she saw officers draw their guns. She had originally thought the police arrived at the American Legion for her boyfriend, 29-year-old Godfrey Hercules.

    Hercules was involved in an altercation with an employee at a nearby store called Santiago’s just moments earlier. Banks said Hercules decided to separate from her and their daughter to keep them out of harm’s way as officers approached the building.


    She said she never imagined her child would end up being impacted.

    “Y’all could have moved her from out of proximity and had y’all guns pointed at me,” Banks said. “Anything but my baby. She’s a child. Three years old. She doesn’t deserve something like this.”

    During a press conference, Police Chief Vance Monroe stood alongside local leaders and area pastors as he acknowledged the bad optics of the incident.

    “I truly wish that this child wasn’t exposed to this,” he said. “I’m a father, I’m a grandfather, just like the officers that responded. In hindsight, I wish there was something we could change how this young lady engaged with us or how we engaged with her.”

    Monroe added that the four officers acted within the department’s policies.

    He said they responded to a disturbance involving a firearm, which led to a be-on-the-lookout (BOLO) for Hercules’ red Nissan Altima. After officers located the vehicle, body cam video shows them apprehending Hercules on the side of the building and taking him into custody. Monroe said officers then ordered Banks to get on the ground once she approached the scene with a cellphone.

    “You have to remember, we have a BOLO out for an armed disturbance, a person with a firearm. We don’t know who has the firearm,” he said. “We don’t know who has it and we don’t know where the firearm is. We just have to secure the people that’s there.”

    Monroe stressed the officers’ orders were only for Banks, but her daughter mimicked her actions.

    “At no point did an officer aim a weapon at the child,” Monroe said. “Body cam footage confirms that once officers realized a child was present, the firearm was immediately lowered.”

    In a still image from the video, Mariah Banks and her 3-year-old daughter can be seen on the ground with police officers present. (Courtesy Deshoun Hamilton)

    He said officers also worked to comfort the 3-year-old, but the chief said his officers were unable to initially remove the child from the scene because there were not enough personnel present.

    Moving forward, Monroe said the department will train officers on how to better respond to situations involving a child.

    However, Banks said this incident will leave a lasting impact.

    “They’re supposed to serve and protect,” she said. “My baby never felt that. She didn’t feel protected, she didn’t feel served. She felt hurt.”

    Banks said she’s currently seeking professional help to help her daughter process what happened.

    Monroe said officers eventually found a Diamondback 9mm semiautomatic pistol in the couple’s vehicle.

    Both Banks and Hercules were released at the scene after the store employee declined to press charges.

    However, the State Attorney’s Office filed complaint affidavits against Hercules for affray and improper display of a weapon.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • FHP says stolen vehicle chase ended in a crash on Lee Road in Orange County

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    ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol responded to a three-vehicle crash in Orange County on Lee Road Thursday morning following a stolen car chase that started in Polk County, officials said.

    Officials say six passengers — ages 13 to 17 years old — were inside the suspected stolen vehicle.

    FHP said the 18-year-old driver of the stolen vehicle refused to stop, which led to a chase across county lines.

    Officials said troopers initiated a pit maneuver as the vehicle drove into Orange County. The driver ended up traveling the wrong way on Lee Road, striking a Honda and Chevy Malibu.

    Officials said the crash caused traffic delays for hours Thursday morning. They also said all three drivers were transported to the hospital.

    No other information has been released at this time. 

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    Sasha Teman

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  • Updated background check rules now in effect for school volunteers

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    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A new law requiring school volunteers to pass a background check is now in effect in Florida.

    Senate Bill 676 was passed during the 2023 legislative session, and officially took effect on March 1.


    It requires all volunteers to pass a Level 2 background check. This would apply to all new and existing volunteers.

    The background checks costs $97. The Level 1 checks are $25.

    How the process works:  

    • Volunteers must first complete a Level 1 process
    • The school requests a Level 2 fingerprinting request
    • The volunteer is fingerprinted
    • The results are sent to the school
    • The volunteer’s profile is updated to Level 2
    • The volunteer receives a Level 2 photo ID badge
    • The Level 2 screening is valid for five years

    In January, the Polk County school district temporarily stopped accepting volunteer applications so they could figure out how the new law would impact the district financially.

    But the bill included $4.4 million in appropriations. District officials say it’s not clear whether that money can help some individuals pay for the increased costs.

    Polk Schools officials said it plans to accept volunteer applications again with the new deadline passed.

    “We understand this is a considerable expense and could be an obstacle preventing some people from serving as volunteers,” the Polk district said in the announcement. “The Polk County School Board is exploring whether any funding exists to help defray this background screening cost, or if community partners are willing to step forward to help cover a portion of this expense. However, at this time, no decision has been made regarding a possible funding source.”

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Viral football-training mom and son from Polk County live out Super Bowl dream

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    HAINES CITY, Fla. — Czar Glanton is old school. The 9-year-old boy doesn’t need any fancy equipment to train. 

    What You Need To Know

    •  Czar Glanton and his mom, Terrica Williams, were gifted tickets from the NFL to attend Super Bowl 59

    •  Glanton and Williams went viral for doing football drills in their front yard
    •  Two have been featured on ESPN, Access Hollywood and the Jennifer Hudson Show

    • Czar’s cousin is NFL Super Bowl Champion and Apopka High School alumni Jalen Carter


    Just a of couple cones, a trash can and grass, which are found in his front yard. 

    Glanton’s personal trainer, his mom Terrica Williams, is with him every step of the way. 

    “I’m putting that work in and I’m trying to be the best and she’s trying to make me be the best,” said Glanton. 

    Czar Glanton is practicing his defensive stance in his front yard. (Spectrum Sports 360/Brandon Green)

    The two started uploading their progress to Instagram.

    After a couple of videos, their followers ballooned to more than 50,000 and they had millions of views. 

    “We always uploaded videos together,” Williams said. “And see the way it blossomed in such a positive way, it was so encouraging, so reinsuring and I know that if we keep working hard the sky’s the limit.”

    The Polk County natives have been featured on ESPN, Access Hollywood, and the Jennifer Hudson show. 

    During an interview with the actress and singer, the two were gifted with tickets from the NFL to this year’s Super Bowl between the Eagles and Chiefs. 

    Terrica Williams and her son Czar Glanton were gifted tickets to the Super Bowl after their football training videos went viral on Instagram. (Courtesy: Terrica Williams)

    Terrica Williams and her son Czar Glanton were gifted tickets to the Super Bowl after their football training videos went viral on Instagram. (Courtesy: Terrica Williams)

    Glanton said when they were in New Orleans, emotions overcame his mother. 

    “She was really happy. She was crying,” said Glanton. “I’m just telling you that right now.”

    The duo got to see their favorite player and his cousin Apopka High School alumni Jalen Carter win it all.

    “For me, it just opens the gate for opportunity for Czar,” said Williams. “Though you are young and although we are from a more rural area. It is possible, those dreams, those huge stages, those high-level performing athletes they come from the same place you’re from.”

    Glanton’s dream is to one day play in the Super Bowl. 

    The path to making it a reality starts in his front yard. 

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    Brandon Green

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  • Patty’s Crumb’s Bakery serves up a gluten-free Fluffer Nutter Cookie

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    BARTOW, Fla. — Looking to show some gluten-free love to your special someone?

    Whether it’s your best pal or the person of your dreams, they’ll likely love you exponentially more than they did before — thanks to Lizbeth Ramirez of Patty’s Crumb’s Gluten-Free Bakery in Bartow.

    She offers a gluten-free Fluffer Nutter Cookie: 

    This recipe makes 8 extra-large cookies.

    Ingredients:

    • 1/2 c butter
    • 1 c peanut butter
    • 1 c sugar
    • 1/2 c brown sugar
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 1/2 c All-purpose gluten-free flour
    • 1 tsp baking soda
    • 1/4 tsp salt
    • 16 oz tub of marshmallow fluff

    Directions:

    1. Prep marshmallow fluff by filling into piping bags or sandwich bags.
    2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
    3. Beat butter in mixer or with hand mixer until soft.
    4. Add peanut butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until combined.
    5. Add eggs and vanilla extract. Beat until combined.
    6. Combine gluten-free flour, baking soda, and salt together. Slowly add to wet mixture. Combine well.
    7. Using a 4-ounce cookie scoop, scoop all your cookie dough and place on a lined baking sheet or pan.
    8. Snip the tip or corner of the piping or sandwich bag that is filled with marshmallow fluff.
    9. Flatten out a dough ball and generously squeeze marshmallow fluff into the center of the flattened dough ball. Then carefully fold dough closed, encasing the marshmallow fluff inside. (Spillage of fluff is normal).
    10. Continue filling all your dough portions.
    11. You can immediately bake or freeze from here. If freezing, store in airtight freezer safe Ziplock bags or containers.
    12. To bake, place onto lined parchment sheet or cookie pan, bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
    13. Rotate halfway.
    14. Cookies are ready when it looks slightly browned.
    15. Remove from oven and allow to cool for at least 30 minutes as fluff will be extremely hot.
    16. Store left over baked cookie in an airtight container, stored in a cool dry place.

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    Virginia Johnson

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