ReportWire

Tag: Polk County

  • Winter Haven responds to AG’s claims over public camping law violations

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    WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — In response to a violation notice sent by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s office last week, Winter Haven city leaders said in a formal response that they have been following the rules when it comes to enforcing homeless encampments.

    Uthmeier’s violation notice accused the city of not enforcing public camping and sleeping laws. The letter included photos of individuals sleeping on picnic tables, by trees, in tents, and at the bottom of playground slide.

    What You Need To Know

    • The city of Winter Haven has formally responded to a violation notice sent by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s office last week

    • Uthmeier’s notice accused the city of not enforcing public camping and sleeping laws
    • City officials, though, say police have been following the law, which includes prohibiting people from setting up tents or shacks for overnight camping
    • PREVIOUS STORY: Florida AG accuses Winter Haven of not enforcing public sleeping law

    The letter alleges that encampments and people sleeping on sidewalks and in parks are making public spaces unusable. The AG’s office asked the city to respond to his letter within five business days.

    On Friday just before close of business, the city’s attorney sent the AG’s office a formal response.

    The letter from the city states homelessness in Polk County was reduced by almost 39% in 2025, according to the 2025 Council on Homelessness annual report. The letter states that over the last eight months, the Winter Haven Police Department has cleared 25 unlawful campsites.

    At the local level, they say police have been following the law in Winter Haven, which includes prohibiting people from setting up tents or shacks for overnight camping. Local laws also ban people from lying on publicly owned sidewalks during daylight hours, or in entryways of public buildings.

    “Winter Haven accepts this responsibility and is pleased to report to you and the Attorney General that when City police observe, or receive notification of, a potential or an alleged public camping situation, police officers take immediate action to address the issue, including removing the person or the persons from the property and scene, clearing any litter that may be left behind, and sanitizing the site for the safety and health of the general public,” the letter stated.

    The 2024 Florida law regarding public sleeping states that public sleeping and camping sites should be designed in each county, but include rigid requirements, like 24-hour security, access to mental health and medical care, running water, bathrooms and moving the site every year.

    In its formal response, the city said it is not aware of applications to DCF to designate public spaces in Polk County for public camping or sleeping. The letter states that only county commissions have the capability to do that.

    “The 2024 public camping and sleeping law does not allow cities, like Winter Haven, to file applications with DCF for public camping and public sleeping,” the letter states.

    The formal response also states that homeless itself is not a crime.

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    Angie Angers

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  • Steve Githens gives dictionaries to third-grade students in Polk County

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    BARTOW, Fla. — The former mayor of Bartow loves passing on his passion for the power of words. Steve Githens has been delivering thousands of special dictionaries to third-grade students in Polk County for many years.

    What You Need To Know

    • Former Bartow mayor Steve Githens takes thousands of dictionaries to Polk County third graders

    • It’s a project of the Bartow Rotary Club

    • Githens believes a strong vocabulary is a key to success in life

    • Would you like to nominate an Everyday Hero? Click here


    On a recent morning, Githens was loading up a dolly with boxes of the books from the back of his car and taking them inside Eagle Lake Elementary School. “So, they say there are 120 students here at Eagle Lake Elementary,” said Githens as he loaded the books onto his dolly.

    “I’ve probably been in and out of the school ten times over the years I’ve been doing this dictionary program,” he said. Githens raises funding for the Bartow Rotary Club project that he took over about 14 years ago. He was able to raise about $20,000 for this year’s program. That allowed him to purchase 5,000 of the books that cost about $4 each.

    Once inside the school’s media center, Githens started pulling the dictionaries from the boxes. “Although we call them dictionaries, they actually have a fair amount of information inside of them,” he said. That includes the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, maps and short biographies of U.S. presidents, among other things.

    Once the students arrived at the media center, teachers helped Githens pass out the books, and he delivered a one-hour presentation about them to the students who sat on the floor.

    “But if you want to dedicate yourself to educating yourself, there is no telling where you will go, right?” said Githens to the children.

    He had the children follow along with their books as he pointed out the contents. “A dot. You mean a period? I think a period works,” he said as he went through a section about punctuation.

    Githens believes that learning words in a dictionary will give the kids power to excel in the world around them. “I do hope that when they open it up, they will learn every time they touch the book,” he said. “And the more words, the bigger the vocabulary, the more the power.”

    Student Noah Green loved his dictionary and the presentation. “I think it was amazing. Because I read books a lot and this one is way better than any book I have read,” he said.

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • FEA Ranks Polk County schools No.1 in vacancies

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    BARTOW, Fla. — The Florida Education Association (FEA) is calling it a “retention crisis at a breaking point,” after reviewing the number of teacher and instructional staff vacancies at schools across the state.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Florida Education Association (FEA) calls it a “retention crisis at a breaking point,” after reviewing the number of instructional staff vacancies

    • FEA reviewed county-by-county vacancy data as of January

    • With 412 vacancies, it lists Polk County schools as the number one district with the most vacancies in the entire state


    FEA reviewed county-by-county vacancy data as of January, and with 412 vacancies, it lists Polk County schools as the number one district with the most vacancies in the entire state.

    “That’s almost 10% of your classrooms that are not having a certified, qualified educator in front of children. So that’s a problem and it’s been a consistent problem, and it’s not just a consistent problem in Polk. This is happening statewide,” said Stephanie Yocum, President of the Polk Education Association.

    Yocum says retention is a big problem, and many of the teachers who she represents say they love teaching, but not the bureaucracy that comes with it.

    “Over the last 15, 20 years, the state has enacted laws and policies that have made it very hostile for teachers and educational staff to even want to come into this job, let alone stay in this job,” she said.

    Spectrum News reached out to Polk County schools and they declined an interview, but say that the 412 vacancies reported by the FEA is “a little misleading.” They say their vacancy figure includes positions filled by long-term subs, and that it includes positions like school counselors, social workers, deans, etc. District officials report their current vacancy count of strictly classroom teachers is roughly 300.

    Yocum says the goal, though, should always be to get permanent certified, qualified teachers in classrooms.

    “You might have a phenomenal long term sub that’s almost there to get certified but then you might have someone who’s just doing it to do it without any intention of being certified,” Yocum said. “So we can’t just be satisfied with having a warm body.”

    Yocum says if Polk County voters approve the millage referendum to raise teachers’ salaries in November, it could help, but in the meantime, Yocum says it’s students who pay the price.

    Hillsborough County Public Schools is second on the FEA list with 340 instructional staff vacancies.

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    Fallon Silcox

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  • Winter Haven focusing on land conservation for growing population

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Winter Haven is taking steps toward preserving Florida’s natural beauty and waterways. City leaders recently purchased more than 100 acres that will be dedicated to conservation.

    City officials say green space can bring peace to people.

    What You Need To Know

    • Winter Haven city officials purchase 152 acres of land for conservation

    • Mayor Nathaniel J. Birdsong Jr. says the property was purchased for three reasons: recreation, ecology, and to tackle population growth

    • The new property will help with waterways in the city

    • LINK: Winter Haven annual lakes report

    Winter Haven Natural Resources Manager Dustin Everitt prides himself on working to keep the city’s lakes in the best condition.

    “Our principal natural resources are our lakes,” Everitt said of the purchase of 152 acres in the northwest part of the city.

    Everitt says this is a plus in helping maintain the waterways.

    “This particular property has extensive wetlands on it,” he said. “And provides really good value not only in water quality benefits but for fish and wildlife habitat.”

    Everitt said the new property is one of the largest the city has zoned for conservation. And it’ll be part of four existing nature parks once they begin work on the property.

    “The planning is ongoing to develop a nature park in that are with some outdoor education,” he said.

    Lake Conine Nature Park is the city’s newest property zoned for conservation, which includes walking trails. City leaders say the newly-purchased property will be a similar concept to Lake Conine Nature Park.

    Birdsong said purchasing this property is important.

    “There’s no land being grown, it’s already here, so every opportunity that we have, we’re going to make the purchase,” he said.

    Birdsong added that the county currently has a little more than 500 acres under conservation. The water on the property will also be monitored and included in the city’s annual lake report, which will have a breakdown of the water quality of each property.

    He said the properties not only serve a recreational purpose, but they also help to protect and preserve the ecosystem. “We sit on a major Aquaphor, that’s being depleted and so we’ve got to try to continue to replenish it so buying acreage helps to do that.”

    Everitt said the purchase will also play a role in stopping overdevelopment.

    “The land that we have in this area, once it’s built upon and developed and the natural habitat destroyed, it’s really hard to come back from that,” he said. 

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Florida AG accuses Winter Haven of not enforcing public sleeping law

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    TAMPA — Florida’s attorney general is calling out the city of Winter Haven for its alleged lack of enforcement of public camping and sleeping laws against the community’s homeless population.

    What You Need To Know

    • Attorney General Uthmeier sent a letter to the City of Winter Haven, saying the city was repeatedly violating state law

    • The letter included images, apparently taken by a concerned citizen, of people experiencing homelessness in the community

    • Florida law prevents anyone from sleeping or camping in undesignated areas


    In a letter sent to city officials, Attorney General James Uthmeier says Winter Haven is in violation of Florida law when it comes to restricting public camping and sleeping. He included pictures, apparently taken by a concerned citizen, of those experiencing homelessness across the city of nearly 60,000 people.

    Uthmeier says the problem has grown so much over recent months that the public spaces are “unusable.”

    Bridget Engleman, executive director of the Homeless Coalition of Polk County, tracks the local homeless population.

    “Last year, we had a total of 804 individuals counted in Polk County. Out of that, 311 were in emergency shelter, 263 were in transitional housing and there’s 230 that were unsheltered. Out of the 804, 27 were from Winter Haven, the City of Winter Haven,” said Engleman.

    In response to the attorney general, Winter Haven police say they do enforce all applicable state, county and local regulations when it comes to the homeless but say last year only 1.4% of the more than 60,000 calls for service were for those experiencing homelessness.

    They also point to their efforts, removing 25 encampments, and connecting unhoused people they encounter with available resources.

    But those programs require funding, which Engleman says has been hard to come by.

    “Last year our state funding did decrease. You know, the COVID money is no longer there, the home ARP money is no longer there. And, currently, the 2025 NOFO or notice of funding opportunities from Housing and Urban Development is currently paused,” Engleman said.

    In his letter, AG Uthmeier highlighted the lack of designated public sleeping and camping sites in Polk County.

    Engleman says that’s because of the state’s rigid requirements: 24-hour security, access to mental health and medical care, running water, bathrooms and moving the site every year.

    It’s those high standards, and lack of state and federal funding for homeless support organizations, that Engleman says is preventing her organization from doing more.

    “What we need is more affordable housing, more shelter, and more funding because the cycle is going to go around — it’s a vicious cycle. It’s going to go around, and there’s not going to be any ending to it,” said Engleman.

    In their response, Winter Haven police said, “The act of homelessness, or being unhoused, is not in and of itself a crime.”

    Police say that when they find violations they “are addressed immediately,” but, they say, “Unhoused persons may be in and utilize public spaces, just as any other citizen, during the hours those spaces are open.”

    The AG is asking the city to respond to his letter within five business days and to provide all applications to the department of children and families to designate public spaces like these for public camping and sleeping.

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    Andy Cole

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  • Drivers frustrated with road condition of SR-37 in Polk County

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Relief is on the way for drivers frustrated with the road conditions of State Road 37.

    What You Need To Know

    • Drivers are concerned with the road condition of SR-37 from Mulberry to Lakeland

    • Traffic has gotten busier on the state road as Polk County has grown in population

    • FDOT says that an improvement project on SR-37 is starting  


    Mulberry resident David Downs has been asking for repairs to the road for years.

    “It’s all coming apart,” Downs said. “The road is coming apart. There are places where it’s gone.”

    SR-37 is known as North Church Avenue in Mulberry and South Florida Avenue in Lakeland. Traffic has gotten busier on the state road as Polk County has grown in population.

    Downs says ruts in the road have been a consistent issue on SR-37 from Mulberry up to Lakeland.

    “The ruts make it hard to travel. The steering in your car – you get pulled different ways,” Downs said.

    Downs reached out to Real Time Traffic Expert Tim Wronka for help, who found out from the Florida Department of Transportation that an improvement project on SR-37 is now happening.

    FDOT officials say the project started Sunday night. The plan is to improve the quality of SR-37 by milling the top layer of asphalt and repaving the road and side street entrances. Rumble stripes will also be installed along the edge lines for safety.

    FDOT says most of the work will take place at night to minimize traffic impacts.

    Downs is hopeful it will lead to a smoother ride.

    “It’s been getting worse and worse. It’s something that needs to be addressed,” Downs said.

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    Tim Wronka

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  • William Dunn takes kids fishing and gives them gear for Christmas

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Polk County resident William Dunn is dedicated to helping kids get a chance to go fishing. It’s something he does all year, but especially this year for Christmas.

    What You Need To Know

    • William Dunn learned to love fishing from his father, Joe

    • Dunn started the Take a Kid Fishing organization

    • The group takes kids fishing, which includes an annual fishing event with Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd

    • Nominate an Everyday Hero


    Dunn spent countless hours traveling from home to home to hand out fishing gear to underserved kids. He was able to purchase the gear because of a generous donation to his Take a Kid Fishing nonprofit. Dunn hoped to reach more than 200 children.

    “There is so much tackle in here, the boys are going to love it,” said Dunn as he was going through the fishing gear in his pickup. In this case, he was preparing to deliver it to Elissa Staff’s boys.

    “That’s for you, Jacob. And here’s a spin rod and reel combo for you guys,” said Dunn.

    “This is awesome,” said Staff as she watched Dunn hand out the gear. “He is sharing his joy and sharing love.”

    Dunn said he got his love of fishing from his father, Joe. They started fishing together in Miami when Dunn was a boy, and they continued fishing together until his father passed away several years ago.

    Dunn regularly takes groups of kids on fishing outings, sometimes for freshwater fishing and sometimes offshore. “It just gives them patience,” said Dunn. “It gets them outdoors and off the computer and off the tablets and phones. I can get them out about five miles offshore where there is no phone service. And all they have is a fishing rod in their hand and the joy for the day catching fish.”

    Dunn conducts an annual fishing event for kids with Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.

    Dunn also delivered fishing gear to Hanna Collier’s boys. She was dealing with a serious autoimmune disorder, and the Christmas gifts were a blessing. “And when I got sick, we couldn’t do these things anymore,” she said. “Then somebody giving me this is a big blessing right now.”

    “This is pretty much my ministry on the weekends with these kids,” said Dunn, who has a full-time job as a tire salesman. “Taking them out and showing them life skills. That there are still people out here who still care and want to spend time with them,” he said.

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • Lakeland new mayor Sara Roberts McCarley sworn in

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Lakeland is welcoming Mayor Sara Roberts McCarley, the first woman to hold the position in four decades and the first ever elected directly by voters. 

    What You Need To Know

    • McCarley was sworn into office Monday

    • She is Lakeland’s fourth serving woman city mayor, but the first chosen directly by voters

    • McCarley won 50.3% against three opponents, with close to 6,000 votes


    McCarley was sworn into office on Monday. 

    She served on Lakeland’s SouthWest District City Commission since 2019. 

    McCarley won the mayoral election with over 50% of the votes, beating out Cedric Valrie at 19%, Kay Klymko with 17%, and Kaitlin Gracie Kramer at 13%. She raised over $91,000 during her political campaign. Summary election votes show 19% of Lakeland residents voted. 

    McCarley said she plans to focus on infrastructure development first, putting emphasis across the city and inside City Hall.

    “So, maybe some changes in how we service our residents and our businesses. How does that look? How do we embrace a feeling of curiosity when people have issues? Like, how do we help further, really get to the crux of what the issue is? And I think that’s one thing I’m really going to work diligently on – customer service,” McCarley said. 

    McCarley is Lakeland’s first female mayor voted into office directly by residents. Before 1988, the Lakeland City Commission would select a mayor from among themselves for a one-year term. These women were selected as mayor throughout the years: Lois Quinn (1965), Peggy Brown (1976, 1984), and Carrie Oldham (1980).

    Four municipalities in Polk County held elections on November 4: Auburndale, Fort Meade, Winter Haven, and Lakeland. 

    The previous mayor of Lakeland, Bill Mutz, was in office since 2018 and did not run for re-election, making McCarley’s entrance the first major change in eight years.

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    Kiara Velez

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  • Man suffers burns after attempted arson at Haines City High School, police say

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    HAINES CITY, Fla. — A man had to be hospitalized after an allegedly failed arson attempt at Haines City High School.

    According to Haines City Police Department officials, the man went into the school with a gas can that they believe was intended to start a fire inside the school.

    However, he suffered severe burns to his face and was airlifted to a nearby hospital.

    Officials did not initially state whether there was any damage to the school. Students are expected back in class on Wednesday.

    The incident has been turned over to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for investigation.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Lakeland nonprofit says it needs support to continue helping homeless

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Imagine not knowing where your next meal will come from or where you’ll stay the night.

    That’s the reality many people that are homeless face. In Lakeland, one nonprofit said the need has grown over the past year. And they need support too, so they can continue to help.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Cosmo Project is a nonprofit organization that serves food, provides clothing and hygiene products to the homeless every Sunday at 11 a.m. in Munn Park in Lakeland
    • They say that over the past year, the number of people they serve and the need for volunteers have both increased 
    • The nonprofit’s founder, Michael Carrano, said he’s focused on giving the homeless community the resources that will help them get back on their feet during a tough time


    Sorting through piles of donations, it’s become an everyday thing for Michael Carrano and his team with The Cosmo Project.

    It’s a nonprofit focused on providing resources to the homeless community.

    Carrano founded The Cosmo Project in 2023 to give back.

    “When you’re unhoused and you need clothing, nine times out of 10, you get what’s handed to you — you don’t get to pick your own clothing,” he said.

    The clothing is set up on racks, along with food and hygiene products for the homeless community, which is given out to them at Munn Park in Lakeland every Sunday at 11 a.m.

    But Carrano said the need has grown over the past year.

    “Last year, we served about 4,000 to 5,000 people. This year, we clocked in about 6,300,” he said.

    Carrano also said that several factors could be contributing to the increase in the homeless population they serve.

    “Housing market is insane, food prices are high,” he said.

    With the increased need, the nonprofit is also in need of more helping hands, like Oliver Lamy. He started volunteering with his parents about a year ago.

    “I mostly do the smaller parts like hanging the clothes, organizing stuff, but it just feels satisfying to see them having things they need,” said Lamy.

    He encourages the younger generation to go out and help. For Carrano, it’s about giving the homeless community the resources that will help them get back on their feet during a tough time.

    “It is harder now to be homeless than it has ever been,” said Carrano.

    The Cosmo Project said that right now, they’re most in need of men’s clothing items and volunteers.

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Planning board blocks Talbot House plan to relocate

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Talbot House Ministries may soon need to find a new location for its proposed homeless shelter and social services campus.

    What You Need To Know

    • Lakeland’s Planning and Zoning Board denied Talbot House Ministries’ proposal to relocate its homeless shelter and social services campus to Memorial Boulevard after months of community opposition

    • Nearby residents cited concerns about neighborhood impact and school proximity, saying the project could disrupt the character and safety of the area

    • Talbot House has 30 days to appeal the decision to the Lakeland City Commission, and its attorney warns the denial could raise federal Fair Housing Act concerns


    Lakeland’s Planning and Zoning Board recently blocked the organization’s plan to relocate to Memorial Boulevard after months of pushback from the community. The campus would have served up to 390 people and provided long-term housing, job training and health care.

    While there is still a long process ahead, residents living on Edgewater Drive say the board’s decision brought them one step closer to preserving the neighborhood they know and love.

    “When we initially moved into this neighborhood, it was a very quiet and close-knit community,” longtime resident Wanda Avery said.

    Avery said that she and her neighbors have worked to maintain that atmosphere over the past 20 years.

    “They love this community, but they also want to protect our livelihood, our way of life here, our feeling of community,” she said.

    Avery said that Talbot House Ministries’ plans to build its campus nearby could have had a negative impact. She said she was concerned about the proximity to homes and nearby schools.

    “Nothing is protected. They have nothing in place to protect the five schools in the area,” Avery said. “If you count feet from the corner of Ingraham to Memorial, you’re 60 feet across the street from the opening to the school.”

    City leaders said they took residents’ concerns into consideration during the most recent Planning and Zoning Board meeting. Despite the organization making several changes to its plans — including moving the building farther from homes and rotating the entrance to face North Ingraham Avenue — board members still voted to deny the proposal.

    Talbot House’s attorney, Tim Campbell, warned that the decision could violate federal civil rights laws.

    “It is discriminatory under the Fair Housing Act for a local government to deny a land-use approval based upon the use of the property for services which assist the homeless and disabled,” Campbell said.

    However, Avery said it is also important to consider the rights of nearby residents.

    “We just can’t imagine, honestly, that this has anything to do with the betterment of this community,” she said.

    Talbot House has 30 days to appeal the decision to the Lakeland City Commission, which would make the final decision after a public hearing.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Personal fireworks prohibited across Tampa Bay as burn bans remain in effect

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    BARTOW, Fla. — If you’ve already bought fireworks for New Year’s Eve festivities, you may want to hold off until next year.

    What You Need To Know

    • Burn bans are in effect across several Tampa Bay counties, making it illegal to use personal fireworks to prevent fires during dry conditions

    • Officials urge caution, saying some residents may still use fireworks, but safety measures are essential to protect people and property

    • Alternatives include attending professional firework shows

    Several counties across the Bay Area are under a burn ban, prohibiting the use of personal fireworks. The bans are meant to prevent outdoor fires due to dry conditions.

    In Polk County, the burn ban hasn’t stopped the buying and selling of fireworks. Officials say some people may still set them off, but they’re urging everyone to keep safety in mind.

    Resident Jay Schumacher said he knows firsthand how important it is to celebrate the New Year with caution.

    “Especially with the Boy Scouts being in our background, we want to have fun, but we also want to be responsible,” he said.

    Schumacher said taking that responsibility seriously is something he’s instilled in his son, Andrew. He said they wouldn’t have stopped by a local fireworks stand on Wednesday this year without taking certain precautions.

    “We both know how to work with fire. We set up a table in our backyard, we have a bucket of water, we use eye protection, and we use a lighter with a long tip so we’re backed off,” he said.

    Schumacher also said they live miles away from other homes. At Polk County Fire Rescue, Chief Shawn Smith strongly encourages residents to think about their neighbors’ well-being.

    “Fireworks shoot off, they go up in the air, and you don’t know where they’ll drift. The wind can carry them three or four houses down or into an open field, and eventually we’ll get a phone call,” Smith said.

    To prevent brush fires and wildfires, Smith recommends families attend professional firework shows. As for Schumacher, he plans to hold his own celebration on his property but said he understands why that isn’t the right choice for everyone.

    “It’s easy to get carried away,” he said.

    Along with fireworks, the burn ban also prohibits:

    • Campfires
    • Bonfires
    • Unpermitted controlled burns
    • Burning of yard and household trash
    • Burning of organic debris
    • Noncommercial burning of materials, other than for religious or ceremonial purposes, that is not contained in a barbecue grill or pit, with a total fuel area no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height

    Anyone who violates the burn ban in Polk County can face a fine of up to $500.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Lakeland school zone speed camera program starting next year

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — The City of Lakeland is implementing a program designed to curb speeding in school zones and to promote safer driving habits.

    The city and the Lakeland Police Department are in the process of activating 14 speed enforcement cameras near eight school entrances.

    Drivers traveling more than 10 miles per hour over the posted school-zone speed limit while the school-zone flashing lights are active will be found in violation, the city said in a news release issued Wednesday.

    To ensure motorists are aware of the new program, a warning period will run through the month of January. During this time, motorists exceeding the posted speed limit will receive warning notices only.

    The warning notices will be sent by mail to the registered owner of any vehicle recorded traveling more than 10 miles per hour over the posted school-zone speed limit during enforcement hours.

    It is expected that starting February 2, 2026, the program will begin issuing $100 citations to drivers found in violation.

    “The goal of these new pieces of technology is to keep our students safe by changing driver behavior in our school zones. No one should be speeding in school zones. Drivers should always slow down and be alert for students and other pedestrians. We want everyone to come home safe,” said Police Chief Sam Taylor.

    School Zone Camera Locations

    • Lincoln Academy – 10th Street
    • Crystal Lake Elementary / Crystal Lake Middle School – N. Crystal Lake Drive and S. Crystal Lake Drive
    • Southwest Middle School – Lincoln Avenue
    • North Lakeland Elementary – W. Robson Street
    • Lakeland High School – Hollingsworth Road
    • Lakeland Highlands Middle – Lake Miriam Drive
    • Sleepy Hill Elementary – Sleepy Hill Road
    • Dixieland Elementary, Southwest Elementary and Southwest Middle School – Beacon Road

    Automated violations will only be enforced while the school-zone flashing lights are active. The system will capture images of vehicles traveling above the posted speed limit, and each violation submitted will be reviewed for approval by the Lakeland Police Department before a warning is issued. 

    For additional information about the school-zone speed camera program, visit https://www.lakelandgov.net/departments/lakeland-police-department

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Lakeland father honors 6-year-old son after sudden death at school

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — A Polk County father is honoring his son’s legacy after the 6-year-old suddenly died just days before Christmas.

    What You Need To Know

    • Jarvis Washington, father to his son, 6-year-old Mes’sia, is honoring his 6-year-old son, Mes’sia, by launching an autism awareness foundation after his sudden death
    • Mes’sia was nonverbal and on the autism spectrum

    • Washington said Mes’sia was his usual self when he dropped him off at school on Dec. 17, but later that day, the child became unresponsive in class and died unexpectedly

    • Mes’sia’s family is still waiting for the official cause of death from the medical examiner’s office


    Jarvis Washington stood outside his home, reflecting on some of his last fond memories of his son, Mes’sia.

    “He was a very playful, very lovable child,” Washington said.

    Washington said Mes’sia was his usual self when he dropped him off at school on Dec. 17. Later that day, the child became unresponsive in class and died unexpectedly. Washington said doctors believe pneumonia may have contributed to his son’s death.

    “And from the consistency of them trying to save his life, he went into a form of cardiac arrest,” Washington said.

    Mes’sia’s family is still waiting for the official cause of death from the medical examiner’s office, a process that could take weeks or longer.

    Since learning of Mes’sia’s death, community members have rallied to help raise money for funeral expenses. Washington said remaining funds will go toward a foundation he plans to launch in his son’s honor. Mes’sia was nonverbal and on the autism spectrum.

    “His legacy now is going to help other individuals who are very special, very gifted, and sometimes overlooked because of perceived barriers — physical or mental — that can ultimately provide solutions to the world,” Washington said.

    Washington said the organization will be called The World Is Mine Foundation, named after a message Mes’sia often carried with him.

    “When he passed away, he still had on one sock, and on it, it said, ‘The world is mine,’” Washington said. “I held onto it for a couple days and thought about my son’s legacy. He reminded me we’re a lot bigger than what we perceive.”

    Washington said it is a reminder that will live on forever.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Cold weather shelters opening across Tampa area

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Residents waking up across the Tampa Bay area are feeling a noticeable chill in the air, and forecasters say temperatures will remain cold throughout the day.

    Wind chills are expected to drop into the 20s and 30s overnight, prompting local governments to activate cold weather shelters for people in need.

    Several counties are moving quickly to prepare as the cold snap settles in.

    Pinellas County and Hernando County plan to open their cold weather shelters tonight.


    Pasco County shelters will be open both tonight and on New Year’s Eve. Hillsborough County is also expected to activate its shelters this afternoon, which typically occurs when temperatures are forecast to fall below 40 degrees.

    Citrus County has already opened its shelters, activating them overnight. Officials say shelters there will remain open through at least Thursday, as temperatures are expected to dip close to freezing tonight and again on Wednesday.

    Kristy Jocelyn, executive director of Basic United, which operates the cold weather shelter in Citrus County, said staffing has been a challenge due to the New Year’s holiday and the extended cold stretch.

    “I’ve just kind of been dealing with one night at a time,” Jocelyn said. “We still need overnight volunteers for the rest of the week. If we don’t have them, we technically can’t open. We’ve got tonight covered with some last-minute people coming in, and hopefully they’ll be able to return another night this week.”

    Emergency planners are also preparing for increased demand. Once Hillsborough County officially activates its shelters, Metropolitan Ministries will provide a limited number of hotel vouchers if shelter space fills up in the Tampa area. Those vouchers will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    For more information on cold weather shelters in your area, visit these websites based on where you live:

    HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY 

    Hillsborough County is partnering with the following organizations to provide limited-capacity cold weather shelters for adults. All shelters will take in guests from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 30, unless they reach capacity prior to that time.

    Hyde Park United Methodist Church (preferred media location)
    500 W. Platt St., Tampa, FL 33606

    Tampa Bay Mission of Hope
    110 S. Parsons Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511

    The Portico
    1001 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, FL 33602

    Church of God of Prophecy Hyde Park
    107 S. Oregon Ave., Tampa, FL 33606

    Amazing Love Ministries
    3304 E. Columbus Dr., Tampa, FL 33605

    Greater New Hope Church Anointed Ministries
    2104 Mud Lake Rd. Plant City, FL 33566

    All congregate shelters are reserved for adults only. Metropolitan Ministries is supplying a limited number of motel vouchers on a first-come, first-served basis for families with minor children. Pre-registration is required for motel vouchers by calling (813) 209-1176. Phone lines will be open Tuesday, Dec. 30, until 5 p.m. or until they run out of vouchers.

    PINELLAS COUNTY

    Cold night shelters in Pinellas County will be open Tuesday night, Dec. 30, the Homeless Leadership Alliance has announced. The shelters will be open from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

    Shelter guests are accepted until the shelter is full. All sites provide a warm and safe place to sleep, and many sites also serve a meal. Shelters are activated when the National Weather Service expects the “feels like” temperature to hit 40 degrees or below across the county between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.

    Tarpon Springs

    • Boys and Girls Club of Tarpon Springs
      • Address: 111 W Lime Street, Tarpon Springs

    Clearwater

    • First United Methodist Church of Clearwater
      • Address: 411 Turner Street, Clearwater

    Pinellas Park

    • Boys & Girls Club of Pinellas Park
      • 7790 61st St. N, Pinellas Park

    St. Petersburg

    • Unitarian Universalist Church
      • 100 Mirror Lake Drive N, St. Petersburg
      • Note: This location requires the use of stairs.
      • PSTA Routes #9, #20, #24, SunRunner
    • Salvation Army
      • Address: 1400 4th Street South, St. Petersburg

    Families with children will be placed in family shelters on cold nights (if space is available). Families should call 2-1-1, First Contact, for information about family shelters.

    The Homeless Leadership Alliance is in need of volunteers for this and future activations. Those interested in volunteering should visit pinellashomeless.org/become-a-volunteer to learn more.

    PASCO COUNTY 

    As extremely cold air remains in our area, Pasco County is opening a Cold Weather Shelter on both sides of the county Tuesday, December 30 and Wednesday, December 31.

    Anyone in need of a warm place to spend the night can head to either shelter.  The shelters will open at 6 p.m. each day and close at 10 a.m. the following day.

    Pasco County Cold Weather Shelters:

    WHEN:

    • Tuesday, December 30 & Wednesday, December 31 6 p.m. – 10 a.m. each day 

    WHERE:

    The extreme cold expected could be dangerous to anyone who will be outside for long periods of time.  Children, the elderly and pets are especially vulnerable to the cold, and extra care should be taken to protect them.

    CITRUS COUNTY 

    The Citrus County Cold Weather Shelter will be open Monday to Thursday nights due to freezing temperatures, and it urgently needs volunteers and donations.

    Anyone needing warmth is welcome, and free transportation is available through Citrus County Transit.

    The address is Nature Coast Church, 5113 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa.

    Donations can be brought to Nature Coast Church starting Monday at 5 p.m.

    HERNANDO COUNTY 

    In response to forecasted low temperatures, Hernando County Emergency Management, in partnership with the City of Brooksville, is opening a Warming Center to provide warmth and comfort to those in need.

    The Warming Center will be located at the Enrichment Center, located at 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34601, and will open Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 8:00PM through 8:00AM Wednesday, December 31, 2025. The center will remain open through the night to ensure that community members have a safe place to stay warm.

    Important Information:

    ·         The Warming Center will not include meals or cots.

    ·         Pets are not allowed in the Warming Center.

    Steps to Prepare for Cold Weather:

    ·         Residents should stay indoors, bring pets inside and cover or move plants that are sensitive to cold indoors. Do not leave pets outside in the cold weather.

    ·         Consider running pool pumps overnight during freezing temperatures to prevent damage.

    ·         Residents are encouraged to monitor to local media outlets or the National Weather Service at http://www.srh.noaa.gov/tbw/ for current weather information. The Emergency Operations Center is not activated at this time.

    R   Recommended Actions:

    ·         Take this opportunity to refresh your emergency supply kit. For more information, visit http://www.HernandoCounty.us/EM

    ·         Register for automated severe weather notifications at www.AlertHernando.org

    POLK COUNTY

    Talbot House Ministries is offering emergency service shelter located at 814 North Kentucky Ave, 33801.

    Guests are welcome during the holiday season from 4 p.m. until 5 p.m., with beds running on a first come first serve basis until 6 a.m. the following day.

    Meals and a shower will also be provided. 

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    Jason Lanning

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  • Publix teams up with local hospitals to celebrate Christmas birthdays

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — The holiday season is usually a joyous time for many, but for people who also celebrate a birthday around this time, their big day can feel less than special.

    What You Need To Know

    • Publix launched a “Merry Birthday” campaign to celebrate babies born during the holiday season. 

    • The initiative was inspired by research showing holiday birthdays are often overlooked, with 62% of people born during the holidays saying seasonal activities affect their celebrations.

    • Local hospitals are partnering with Publix to help ensure Christmas birthdays are recognized and celebrated.


    According to a recent study by Publix, 62% of people born during the holidays say seasonal activities affect their birthday celebrations. To combat this, the grocer announced its new “Merry Birthday” campaign, which includes a line of Merry Birthday cakes and cards. Publix planned to deliver a cake to each parent welcoming a Christmas Day baby Thursday at Lakeland Regional Hospital.

    It’s an initiative Lori Shay, Associate Vice President of Women and Children, said means a great deal to her and her patients.

    “To be able to give a Merry Birthday cake to babies who are born on Christmas Day is just spectacular,” Shay said. “It’s really about our community and the way we can serve our community and celebrate with them with the birth of their babies.”

    Christmas came early for Allison Short, a mother of three. Her gift? Her baby boy, Turner, who weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces. Short said her due date was Dec. 27, but she and her husband were happy when they realized Turner would be arriving a few days sooner.

    “Just in time for him to be home for Christmas,” she said.

    Short admitted she was concerned the holiday might overshadow her son’s birthday, but she said the celebrations won’t end once they leave the hospital.

    “We’ll make it a point to have the 22nd be his own special day. We’ll make it all about him,” she said.

    Publix’s campaign is expected to set the tone for future birthday celebrations. In a statement, Publix Director of Creative Mark Nielsen said:

    “Everyone knows someone with a Christmas birthday who gets lost in the holiday shuffle. We immediately saw an opportunity for Publix to shine a light on this birthday and make everyone feel celebrated.”

    Lakeland Regional is not the only hospital taking part in the Merry Birthday initiative. Publix also planned to deliver cakes to Tampa General Hospital and additional locations throughout its operating footprint.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Community helps Lakeland boy get specialized therapy for rare genetic disorder

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — One family’s Christmas wish has come true thanks to the support of their community.

    A fighting chance is what Kayla Newmyer has always wanted for her 2-year-old son, Keegan, and thanks to that support, he’s getting just that.

    What You Need To Know

    • A Lakeland toddler with a rare genetic disorder will receive specialized therapy after community donations surpassed his family’s fundraising goal.

    • The intensive therapy program in North Carolina is designed to help children with complex medical needs.

    • The funding will allow Keegan to attend the therapy program, giving his family additional hope for long-term progress.


    “He has a condition called Snyder-Robinson syndrome,” Newmyer said. “It only affects boys. It’s an X-linked chromosomal abnormality.”

    Keegan was first diagnosed with the rare genetic disorder at just 11 months old. Newmyer said the condition causes him to experience low muscle tone, kidney infections and seizures.

    “So we’re always trying new things and chasing that to help him have seizure freedom,” she said. “His brain is just so busy. There’s not a time where he’s not experiencing activity.”

    After more than a year researching the condition, Newmyer learned about a center in North Carolina called All Kids Are Perfect, which specializes in intensive, weeklong therapy for children with complex needs.

    The cost for the two-week program, travel and continued therapy once Keegan returns home totaled $14,000. Newmyer said she recently turned to the community for support, and the response exceeded her expectations.

    “People who don’t even know us have donated,” she said. “We’ve gotten cards in the mail with donations. I can’t even put into words how amazing it’s been that people saw Keegan, a little boy they don’t even know, and contributed to him having a fulfilled life.”

    The mother of two said the money raised is enough for her family to travel for treatment twice. She said it will not only increase Keegan’s chances of reaching early milestones, but also helps to grant his older brother’s wish of one day being able to fully play with him.

    “He’s patiently waiting, so it’s getting us one step closer to living a more, quote-unquote, normal life — even though that’s never going to be the case for us,” Newmyer said.

    But thanks to the community, she says a better life is now possible.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Catching up with Floridians whose stories inspired us in 2025

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    FLORIDA — As we get closer to the end of the year, we look back at a year that brought happy times for some, but major struggles for even more. These stories are of those who found the strength to overcome adversity often make the most inspiring impression.

    Spectrum News catches up with some of the incredible individuals who taught us all a little bit about the best of humanity in 2025.

     

     

     

    Finding Your Passion

    — Apopka, FL —

    In the middle of February, Delia Miller shared her journey of finding her passions and purpose. Combining her love of art, concern for the environment, and newfound passion for aviation, she has turned all of this into an inspiring project.

    Her journey began with an opportunity to paint a mural in her hometown. Her path took a turn in an airport bathroom where she met a young, Black, female airline captain. The encounter spurred Miller to pursue aviation as a career path.

    Watch Delia’s story to witness how she turns dreams into reality and encourages others to discover their greater purpose.

     

    Act of Kindness

    — Orlando, FL —

    Watch her story to see how her acts of kindness reached kids in Geneva and Belize.

    In September, young Gracelynn “Gracie” Decelles shared her story with us. Two years ago, the now 8-year-old girl began selling eggs from her family’s chickens at a small stand outside her home. The proceeds of those sales went toward the purchase of hundreds of backpacks for children in need.

    Watch her story to see how her acts of kindness reached kids in Geneva and Belize.

     

     

     

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    Dan Trotter

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  • Holiday Travel Rush is On

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    TAMPA, FLA. — This year’s holiday travel season is shaping up to be a record-setter. 

    According to AAA, more than 122 million Americans are expected to travel this week and next week, with millions already beginning their journeys: especially those driving.

    What You Need To Know

    •  More than 122 million Americans will travel for the holidays over the next two weeks

    •  Florida will see 7.6-million residents travel 50 miles or more, with 6.7 million of them driving

    •  Gas prices are at 4-year-lows, averaging under $3 a gallon nationally

    • Travel for the holidays is seeing a 2% increase compared to last year


    In Florida alone, 7.5 million people are expected to travel for the holidays. Of those, 6.7 million will be on the road, making driving the most popular option this season.

    AAA says the increase in road travel comes as airfare prices rise and travelers try to avoid potential weather delays and airport crowds. 

    As a result, rest stops and highways across the state are already seeing steady traffic. Travelers at a rest stop along Interstate 75 north of Tampa in Pasco County on Monday were stopping during their holiday drives.

    One of them was Evan O’Shea, traveling with his family from Southwest Florida to Jacksonville and Northeast Florida to visit relatives. 

    So far, he says the trip has been manageable.

    “It kind of seems like traffic is more spread out,” O’Shea said. “If people started their holiday on the weekend, maybe they already hit the road. As of right now, it seems to be going pretty smooth, with a few congested spots.”

    Another factor encouraging drivers this year is the cost of fuel. 

    Gas prices are at four-year lows, averaging under $3 a gallon nationwide, easing the financial burden for families traveling long distances.

    AAA and transportation officials say drivers should prepare for heavier congestion during morning and mid- to late-afternoon hours, especially on local roads, through Wednesday.

    There is expected to be a brief traffic lull on Christmas Day, but roads will quickly fill again starting Friday and through the weekend, as travelers head back home.

    Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra time, and stay alert as the busy holiday travel period continues.

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    Jason Lanning

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  • Two women partner to provide gifts for families affected by deportation

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Two Bay area women have a mission this Christmas. They are working to bring holiday cheer to children whose lives have been affected by deportation.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Department of Homeland Security reports more than 2.5 million immigrants have left the U.S.
    • Two women are working to collect gifts for children of immigrant parents

    • The gifts will be given to families affected by deportations


    From baby dolls to toy cars, every inch of this room is filled with toys — toys that Grizayda Delgado has collected for children of immigrant parents.

    “We wanted to bring a smile to all the children because, despite what’s happening, the children are not at fault,” she said. 

    Delgado said that after seeing families affected by recent deportations and stricter immigration policies, she wanted to do something extra for them this year.

    She went to several homes and came up with a gift list for more than 200 children. She said that some of the families are facing hardships.

    “There are families that have been months without working,” Delgado said.

    The Department of Homeland Security reports that more than 2.5 million immigrants have left the U.S. and that more than 600,000 of those have been deported.

    Earlier this month, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin released a statement saying in part, “Illegal aliens are hearing our message to leave now. They know if they don’t, we will find them, we will arrest them, and they will never return.”

    Grizayda said the rise in immigration enforcement has affected people in Polk County.

    That’s why she and Aidalina Plaza are helping to support children who have been affected.

    “It feels good to be able to help someone, and just to see that smile in that little kid’s face after everything that they’re going through, there’s no words,” Plaza said.

    The women aren’t only collecting toys. They said that people have also donated food and clothing. They plan to keep working to help these kids beyond the holiday season.

    Right now, the women say they need of items for teenagers and will be accepting those donations until Wednesday. 

    They’ll be delivering those gifts Christmas morning, and you can reach Plaza at (813) 704-7959 if you’d like more information.

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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