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Tag: Polk County

  • Polk County passes new restrictions for Lake Winterset following brawl

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A group of families is relieved after Polk County commissioners approved new restrictions for Lake Winterset.

    What You Need To Know

    • Polk County commissioners approved an ordinance restricting boats from parts of Lake Winterset and creating swim-only zones following a recent brawl

    • Locals Ed and Linda Phillipp say the new rules will restore the peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere they enjoyed when they first moved to the lake

    • The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said boaters who break the new rules could face fines up to $500 or 60 days in jail


    The vote follows an all-out brawl on Aug. 2 at a popular hangout spot on the lake known as “The Pointe.” The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said it arrested eight suspects involved in the fight. Since then, deputies and county leaders have been working to crack down on bad behavior.

    Residents Ed and Linda Phillipp say day rides on Lake Winterset are starting to feel a lot more peaceful, reminding them of how it was when they moved to the area 13 years ago.

    “Maybe two or three boats would get together and they would have their floats, and the parents would be in the water with the kids, and the kids would be in life jackets jumping off. And it was a real happy place,” Linda said.

    The couple says the family-friendly atmosphere started to change around the time of the pandemic, when more boaters began visiting and acting inappropriately.

    “And when people found out it was a great place to party and park your boat, it just grew exponentially,” Ed said.

    Despite multiple “No Trespassing” signs and complaints from neighbors, Ed — a former lake patrol officer — said people still found their way to The Pointe.

    Polk County commissioners unanimously passed an ordinance that will restrict boats from that part of the lake and establish designated swim-only areas. The county also extended its noise ordinance to include boats.

    Both ordinances go into effect within the next few days. Now, the Philipps say they’re looking forward to no longer fighting an upstream battle.

    “It’s a relief for everybody,” Ed said. “I think the residents are going to be happy. It’s going to be a more pleasant place to be on the weekends, and I think it’s going to be safe for the boating population.”

    Lakes Clinch and Ariana in Auburndale are also included in the new vessel exclusion zone ordinance. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said violators could face fines of up to $500 or up to 60 days in jail.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • 12 involved with Lakeland gang charged with wire fraud

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Twelve members of a well-known Lakeland gang have been indicted on charges of wire fraud.

    They are accused of stealing more than $230,000 from the PPP Loan Program set up during the COVID pandemic.

    According to the indictment, the gang devised a scheme by allegedly submitting false and fraudulent paycheck protection program loan applications. 

    The gang is accused of stealing approximately $236,000.

    The loans were devised during the pandemic to help bring economic relief to small businesses.

    “These individuals, these 12 individuals who were part of the Hood Boys gang, both members and associates, male and female, chose to defraud the Small Business Administration and the SBA and the banks with which they were working by filing false documents,” said Gregory W. Kehoe, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida.

    “These individuals filed fabricated businesses, fabricated business records. And what was their goal? The goal was to make it appear that they were running successful businesses when in fact, they were not.”

    The investigation dates back to a shooting on Jan. 30, 2023, that injured 11 people. Lakeland police officials said they believe the shooting was linked to drug sales, which is what eventually led to the discovery of the alleged wire fraud.

    The investigation is still underway.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Lakeland city commission to vote on pay raise for firefighters

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    LAKELAND, Fla. – Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer — but it’s also a time to honor the workers who keep the country running, and the unions that support them.

    What You Need To Know

    • Lakeland firefighters could soon see a pay raise under a three-year contract negotiated between the city and the International Association of Fire Fighters

    • The contract includes pay increases of 9% to 17%

    • The Lakeland City Commission will vote on the agreement Tuesday, Sept. 2.


    Firefighters in the Lakeland Fire Department could soon see a pay raise as a result of union negotiations. The city of Lakeland and the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 4173 (IAFF) have tentatively agreed on a new three-year contract after months of negotiations.

     Lakeland Fire Chief Doug Riley said the contract includes pay adjustments for department personnel ranging from 9% to 17%. An agreement so strong, he said, firefighters voted unanimously in favor of it.

    “This is the first time in my career that I’ve seen something like this be voted at 100%,” Riley said. “That really makes me feel good as a fire chief, and I feel like the city and the IAFF — we all did the right thing for the firefighters.”

    Now all that’s left is a final vote from the Lakeland City Commission. Riley said he’s confident it will pass because the contract offers the kind of pay and benefits that can compete in today’s job market.

    “What we want here … we want an atmosphere where they love to come and work, they love what they’re doing, they’re being fairly compensated for what they’re doing, and we’re trying to make sure they don’t have any reason to leave us to go elsewhere,” he said.

    City commissioners plan to vote on the three-year contract Tuesday, Sept. 2. If approved, it would take effect Oct. 1.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Lakeland airport working to meet growing foot traffic at airport

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

    What You Need To Know

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


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

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

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

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

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

    Now they’re having to accommodate the growing demand.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • School boundary changes ahead for Polk County high schools

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    BARTOW, Fla. — Polk County Schools will host the first of a half-dozen community meetings on Thursday night to address proposed boundary changes for high schools. 

    The boundary changes are needed because of exponential growth in certain areas of the county, which has pushed school capacities to their limits.

    Director of Facilities Planning and Real Estate for Polk Schools Joshua McLemore says the plans drafted by the School Boundary Committee are aiming to help elevate overcrowding and improve district transportation.

    What You Need To Know

    • Polk Schools-appointed boundary committee has drafted school boundary changes to take effect in the 2026-27 school year for high schools

    • The School Boundary Committee is made up of community members appointed by the school board 

    • The school district will host its first of a half-dozen meetings on the boundary changes on Thursday night at Bartow High 

    • Polk Schools says boundary changes are needed because of exponential growth in certain areas of the county  
    • RELATED: Polk County schedules public forums on school rezoning


    “While some of our schools are feeling that impact more so than others with the presence of overcrowding and the heavy reliance on portables, others are not,” said McLemore. “So what we are attempting to do, and what is the main goal is to cross balance the enrollment across all the high schools as well as improve the bus route planning.”

    The first of the community meetings is scheduled for Thursday night at Bartow High School.

    The schools to be discussed include Bartow, Fort Meade, Mulberry and George Jenkins.

    View more information on boundary changes in Polk County and the locations and dates of upcoming meetings.

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    Jason Lanning

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  • Bartow approves police body cams following pastor’s traffic stop

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    BARTOW, Fla. — Bartow police officers will soon be equipped with body and dash cameras.

    What You Need To Know

    • Bartow city approved $2.1 million to purchase body and dash cameras, making Bartow the sixth police department in Polk County to use them

    • The decision came after Pastor Don’Tavius Sanders accused an officer of racial profiling and being wrongfully searched during a July traffic stop

    • The cameras are expected to be in place by Jan. 1

    City commissioners recently approved $2.1 million for the purchase, making Bartow the sixth police department in Polk County to use them. Others include Lakeland, Haines City, Winter Haven, Lake Wales and Lake Hamilton.

    “They’re a great tool for us. They help with the report writing, they help document what actually occurs, there’s no question about what occurred,” Bartow Police Chief Stephen Walker said.

    Walker said he first asked the City Commission for body and dash cams in 2024, but at the time they didn’t fit within the city’s budget. Commissioners approved the purchase from vendor Axon after a presentation on Aug. 18 that demonstrated the cameras’ benefits and functions.

    The decision followed a July traffic stop involving the pastor of St. James AME Church, Don’Tavius Sanders, who said he was racially profiled and wrongfully searched.

    Sanders said he was driving from the church following a memorial service when Bartow police officer Darren Freeman pulled him over for a broken license plate light. He said Freeman forcefully searched his vehicle for narcotics without cause and called in a K-9 unit for backup. Nothing was found, and no citations were issued.

    According to a police report, Freeman said he attempted to issue two citations for Sanders’ tag light and window tint, but the option to print the citations was unavailable on E-Cite. While the use of a K-9 unit during the traffic stop was permissible under the law, Walker said he has since modified the department’s policy.

    During a rally on behalf of Sanders, Walker assured community members and church leaders he would make more changes to his department — a promise Sanders said he is glad to see coming to pass.

    “Because it gives a sense of accountability for our officers and a sense of protection for our citizens, as well as a sense of protection for those persons who put their lives on the line every day when they put on that uniform,” Sanders said.

    Walker agreed, adding that he hopes the cameras will also help build more trust within the community.

    “We’re partners with our community, that’s how we do our job. It’s the only way we can do our job. And so, we have to have that trust from them and it’s my job to make sure we have that trust,” he said.

    Walker said payments for the body and dash cameras will be spread out over five years, starting in fiscal year 2025-26, which begins Oct. 1. The goal is to have the devices up and running by Jan. 1.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Polk County schedules public forums on school rezoning

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Polk County Public Schools wants your input on a plan to rezone its high schools.

    The district is holding the first of six town hall meetings on Thursday.

    Each meeting will focus on a different region, starting with schools in the southwest part of the county.

    The district recently released tentative maps of new attendance zones, but nothing is set in stone.

    Administrators expect to finalize the zones by November, with changes to take effect this time next year.

    The goal is to balance enrollment and maximize resources as Polk County continues to grow.

    Below is a schedule of the meetings:

    Southwest Region — Rezoning Town Hall

    DATE: Thursday, Aug. 28

    TIME: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

    LOCATION: Bartow High’s auditorium, 1270 S. Broadway Ave., Bartow, 33830

    TOWN HALL FOCUS:The meeting will cover rezoning proposals for Bartow High, Fort Meade Middle-Senior High, George Jenkins High and Mulberry High.

    Northwest Region — Rezoning Town Hall

    DATE: Thursday, Sept. 4

    TIME: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

    LOCATION: Harrison Theatre, 726 Hollingsworth Road, Lakeland, 33801

    TOWN HALL FOCUS:The meeting will cover rezoning proposals for Kathleen High, Lake Gibson High, Lakeland High and Tenoroc High.

    Central Region — Rezoning Town Hall

    DATE: Thursday, Sept. 11

    TIME: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

    LOCATION: Winter Haven High’s auditorium, 600 6th St. SE, Winter Haven, 33880

    TOWN HALL FOCUS:The meeting will cover rezoning proposals for Auburndale High, Lake Region High and Winter Haven High.

    Northeast Region — Rezoning Town Hall

    DATE: Thursday, Sept. 18

    TIME: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

    LOCATION: Ridge Community High’s auditorium, 500 Orchid Drive, Davenport, 33837

    TOWN HALL FOCUS: The meeting will cover rezoning proposals for Davenport High, Haines City High and Ridge Community High.

    Southeast Region — Rezoning Town Hall

    DATE: Thursday, Sept. 25

    TIME: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

    LOCATION: McLaughlin Academy of Excellence’s cafeteria, 800 South 4th St., Lake Wales, 33853

    TOWN HALL FOCUS: The meeting will cover rezoning proposals for Frostproof Middle-Senior High and McLaughlin Academy of Excellence.

    All Regions — Virtual Rezoning Town Hall

    DATE: Thursday, Oct. 2

    TIME: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

    TOWN HALL FOCUS:The meeting will be livestreamed on the district’s YouTube channel and will cover rezoning proposals for all PCPS high schools in all regions.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Florida opens new emergency response facility

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    AUBURNDALE, Fla. — The state of Florida celebrated the grand opening of its Central Operations and Coordination Office Thursday.

    The facility, located in Polk County, has a warehouse and staging area for future storm response.

    Kevin Guthrie, executive director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, said before settling in, his team searched across Central Florida for the right location. Ultimately, they say Auburndale was the prime choice because of its price point and its location along the I-4 corridor.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida opened a 421,600-square-foot Central Operations and Coordination Office in Auburndale

    • The facility can house more than 300 personnel and is already 91% stocked with storm essentials

    • The site replaces a smaller Orlando office and is expected to create new jobs in Auburndale while relocating some staff from Tallahassee


    “We can get to all places rather quickly from this area,” he said.

    Guthrie says the 421,600-square-foot facility can house more than 300 personnel, 400 trailers and 100 sleeping quarters. The warehouse is also equipped with all storm essentials, including food, water, flood prevention resources and generators. The facility is already 91% utilized, with supplies stacked from the ground all the way to the roof.

    “This is something that we did not necessarily have — this kind of capability in the past where we can go all the way to the roof, so that’s really where we’ve gained a lot of space on our cubic volume versus our square foot,” he said.

     


    Guthrie says the agency’s last office in Orlando was much smaller. Now that the emergency management division is in a more strategic location, he says he’s looking forward to working out logistics and getting staff trained.

    “We’re ready to do our job today. We’re ready to commit to that. But to enhance our capabilities and commitment there, it’s training and exercise time,” he said.

    Guthrie adds the facility will open up new job opportunities in Auburndale and relocate several personnel from Tallahassee.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Lakeland mobile community fed up with ongoing flooding

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — For people living at Citrus Center Colony, flooding during heavy rainfall is a common occurrence.

    What You Need To Know

    • Residents at Citrus Center Colony say flooding has been a recurring issue for years, not just during Hurricane Milton

    • Butch Scheffer, an Army veteran, says repeated flooding has damaged his property and forced evacuations

    • The property owners, Bedrock Communities, say they are working on drainage solutions with pumps, ditch clearing and coordination with local and regional agencies


    “Even if it’s not a hurricane — if it’s just rain, and it rains hard here. I mean, when the sky opens up, it opens up here in Florida. This will flood,” resident Butch Scheffer said, pointing at his driveway.

    Scheffer says the flooding during Hurricane Milton was the worst he’s seen in the 55+ community over the past four years. The water was so high, he and his neighbors had to evacuate.

    The most recent flooding, he says, happened in early August on Rangpur and Satsuma streets.

    The Army veteran points to the community’s drainage system as the cause of the flooding. He says he has made several complaints to the property owners, Bedrock Communities, over the years, but each time he is told improvements will be made, including the addition of a retention pond.

    “They didn’t put a pool in. They’re not going to put a pool in. It’s just flapping gums,” Scheffer said.

    In a statement, Dale Bennet, vice president of facilities at Bedrock Communities, said:

    “We’ve been working diligently to address the drainage issue at Citrus Center Colony. We’ve confirmed that our drainage pump is working properly to move rainwater from the community to adjoining stormwater ditches outside of Citrus Center Colony, however, sections of the ditch were filled with brush and debris. The City of Lakeland has already cleared a portion of the ditches to allow water to drain properly, and we’ve contacted Southwest Florida Water Management District to request that the remaining section be cleared. In addition, we’ve spoken with neighboring communities and engaged them to clear their sections of the ditches to allow water to drain.” 

    Despite these efforts, Scheffer, who recently put his home up for sale, says he’s not sticking around for another hurricane season to find out.

    “It’s just going to happen again,” he said.

    Scheffer says he still has to repair damage to his home before he can sell it. Once he does, he plans to move far west.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Southeastern University to open childhood center to help fill need

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

    What You Need To Know

    • Southeastern University to open childhood center in fall of 2026

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Southeastern University to open childhood center to help fill need

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

    What You Need To Know

    • Southeastern University to open childhood center in fall of 2026

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Rick Nolte, Polk County School Board member, dies

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Polk County Public Schools announced Wednesday that Rick Nolte, the board’s District 3 member, has died.

    Nolte was elected in 2022 and was serving his first term, which was to run through November 2026.

    He had been on medical leave, according to a statement from the district.

    “Mr. Nolte cared deeply about the mission of public education,” said Superintendent Fred Heid. “As a former educator, he had tremendous respect for teachers and staff, and he admired their daily commitment to preparing students for bright and successful futures. I am grateful for the time I had to work alongside him, and our prayers remain with his family during this difficult time.”

    Nolte taught in Orange, Polk and Hillsborough counties and was a small business owner in Lakeland. He graduated from Southern College in 1978 and received a master’s from Rollins College in 1980.

    Heid said filling his board position will be addressed in the future but for is asking the community to respect his family.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Polk County school district takes steps to move forward with tax referendum

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    BARTOW, Fla. — Polk County Public Schools is joining the list of districts in the Tampa Bay area requesting a tax referendum.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Polk County School Board unanimously approved tentative ballot language to levy an additional $1 million in ad valorem property taxes for four years, which would be $1 in tax for every $1,000 of property value

    • Eighty percent of that money will be allocated to increase teachers’ salaries; 20% will go to school programming

    • Public input will be taken at the Sept. 9 School Board meeting, then the board will vote to take this to the county commission


    The district’s board unanimously approved tentative ballot language at their meeting last Tuesday that would levy an additional $1 million in ad valorem property taxes for four years, allocating 80% of that money to increase teachers’ salaries.

    The president of the Polk Education Association says this is a long time coming, and she thinks the tipping point for the school board was seeing Hillsborough County voters approve that school referendum last year.

    “As we continue to be defunded from Tallahassee from our own state government, districts have recognized that they’ve had to ask their communities to support strong, public schools,” said Stephanie Yocum, President of the PEA.

    As a former teacher and parent, she says she wants the best educators in Polk County schools but says that currently, they can’t compete.

    “Polk is so large,” Yocum said. “If you live anywhere on the perimeter of the county, we touch 10 other counties and most of the Bay area now — from Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, all the way down to Sarasota — have a millage referendum, and yet we don’t.”

    The Polk County School Board is taking steps to change that. At Tuesday’s meeting, the board voted unanimously, approving ballot language for the tax referendum, devoting 80% to salaries and 20% to school programs.

    “I think that we’ve been working on this for a minute now, and so it’s finally nice to see it coming to fruition,” said Kay Fields, a Polk County School Board member.

    Yocum thinks the community will also recognize the need and show its support.

    “If we can pool our money together and decide what’s important to our community, and that we want strong public schools everybody kicking in a little bit to make that happen so that teachers and support staff can stay and live in their community, and teach in their communities, I think that is a good use of our taxpayer dollars,” she said.

    The next step is a public meeting to finalize the ballot language — that’s on Sept. 9. Then, the board will vote to move this on to the county commission.

    The goal is to get this on the ballot this November.

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    Fallon Silcox

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  • New program looks to fill air traffic controller need

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

    What You Need To Know

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


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

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

    His favorite part has been stepping into the control tower.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Lake Winterset residents fed up following violent brawl

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    WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Residents are fed up following what they call “disturbing behavior” by boaters along Lake Winterset.

    What You Need To Know

    • Residents along Lake Winterset say boaters frequently trespass, play loud vulgar music, and disrupt their privacy despite repeated complaints

    • Eight people were arrested after a large brawl at a popular gathering spot called “The Point” early this month

    • Sheriff Grady Judd said deputies are stepping up patrols and making arrests, and a new swim zone ordinance will soon prevent boats from pulling up to “The Point”


    The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said it arrested eight suspects involved in a violent fight Aug. 2 at a popular spot known as “The Point.”

    Longtime resident Rebecca Hart said that despite multiple “no trespassing” signs and complaints from neighbors, outside boaters still find their way to “The Point.” Hart lives just doors down, and while she didn’t witness the brawl, she said she wasn’t surprised.

    “They just continue to do what they want with no regard for other people,” she said. “People just don’t respect your privacy or your space, and they’ll just pull up on the back of your property and they’ll grill out. They’ll turn up the music real loud. They’ll play vulgar music with horrible lyrics, and you can be sitting in your living room, and you can hear it. You could be on the other side of your house and hear it.”

    During a recent press conference, Sheriff Grady Judd said Aug. 2 wasn’t the first time deputies were called to the area. He said they’re called every weekend for violations that include defecation on property and noise complaints.

    Judd said there is currently a loophole that allows visitors to remain at “The Point” as long as their feet are in the water. Marine patrol was on Lake Winterset over the weekend and planned to make arrests for trespassing and other violations. It’s the kind of enforcement Hart said she’s been waiting to see.

    “It’s going to be a big change going on, and I’m looking forward to it,” she said.

    Judd also said the county passed a swim zone ordinance for Lake Winterset, which will mean boats will no longer be able to pull up to the spot. However, the ordinance has not yet gone into effect.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Lakeland barbershop helps young man facing homelessness

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — One Lakeland barbershop is transforming more than just hairstyles — it’s helping change lives in the community through its scholarship fund.

    What You Need To Know

    • After serving time in jail and experiencing homelessness, Deron Gregg turned his life around with the help of Barber Skate Shop

    • Barber Skate Shop owner Jairus Rutherford provides scholarships to Polk County residents looking to pursue education and career paths

    • Thanks to the scholarship, 33-year-old Deron Gregg graduated from barber school and built a clientele in less than a year


    Around the streets of Bela Vista is where Deron Gregg spent many years of his life, but the path forward hasn’t always been a straight line.

    “In 2021, I got in trouble, which led to seven months in Polk County Jail. I used to pray like, ‘Lord I just want to be a functioning Christian outside of jail.’ And I ended up taking probation — all my family turned their back on me,” Gregg said.

    With nowhere to go, the 33-year-old turned to faith-based nonprofit Lighthouse Ministries for shelter. He said the first few nights were some of the hardest.

    “I grew up here, so I’m like, ‘I don’t need to go to no shelter.’ So I cried like my first day and to be honest, man, that was the best decision I’ve ever made,” he said.

    But Gregg said it wasn’t until he stepped foot into Barber Skate Shop for a haircut last September that his life truly changed. Along with operating five barbershops, owner Jairus Rutherford gives back to underserved communities in Polk County.

    His scholarship fund, named after his late mother, Autherine B. Rutherford, helps people pursuing college or trade school. Rutherford said once Gregg sat in his chair, he knew he would be the perfect candidate.

    “He would do more with it because he needed it more and not just with the scholarship but something like a mentorship as well. And then he wanted to do the same thing that I do,” Rutherford said.

    In less than a year, Gregg graduated from barber school and is now building his clientele at Barber Skate Shop. His goal is to one day open his own business, something he didn’t think was possible without the support of fellow barbers.

    “I never seen nothing like it,” he said. “We’re almost like a family. Very team-oriented. They’ll toss me walk-ins, they give me tips. This is like the perfect fit for me.”

    Ultimately, it gave him more than just an opportunity — it gave him a community.

    If you would like to learn more about how to apply for the Autherine B. Rutherford Scholarship Fund, visit Barber Skate Shop’s website.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Lake Wales social district to allow take-out alcohol

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    LAKE WALES, Fla. – City officials in Lake Wales are fine tuning details of its new arts, culture, and entertainment district program.

    Part of that plan will allow people to grab alcoholic drinks to go.

    What You Need To Know

    • City officials in Lake Wales are fine tuning details of its new arts, culture, and entertainment district program

    • Part of that plan will allow people to grab alcoholic drinks to go

    • The city’s market plaza will be one of the designated outdoor areas where people can enjoy beer, wine, or mixed drinks to go

    The district will be bounded bounded by Central and Orange Avenues, First Street and Scenic Highway. 

    The city’s market plaza will be one of the designated outdoor areas where people can enjoy beer, wine, or mixed drinks to go.

    The goal is to boost foot traffic and bring in more businesses downtown.

    Local restaurant owners say they will have to serve alcohol in marked cups.

    “So that anyone who walks off our property, with that cup, the authorities can identify where that person came from,” said Robert Connors, co-owner of The Thirsty Dragon. “It’s our policy to not over serve anybody. We’ve never had that as an issue here, happily. But we’re very careful about it and they want to be careful about it too.”

    The Lake Wales arts, culture, and entertainment district is expected to launch this fall.

    Liquor stores and nightclubs will not be allowed to participate.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Speed detection cameras now active in some Tampa Bay-area school districts

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    TAMPA, Fla. — School is back in session all across the Tampa Bay area, and that means speed detection cameras are active in numerous school zones across the region.

    The School Speed Zone Camera Program, which was authorized under Florida House Bill 657, allows counties or municipalities to enforce speed limits in school zones by using a speed detection system.

    What You Need To Know

    • The School Speed Zone Camera Program, which was authorized under Florida House Bill 657, allows counties or municipalities to use cameras to enforce speed limits in school zones

    • Officials say the rules are different, depending on the municipality

    • Cameras are being used in Polk, Manatee and Hillsborough counties 

    Depending on which city or county a person is driving in, the rules can differ.

    POLK COUNTY

    The city of Lakeland is moving forward with putting speed detection cameras near at least eight schools.

    Kevin Cook, the city’s director of communications, said the cameras were approved earlier this year and will be installed between September and October. He said city officials expect the system to go live on Nov. 4, at which point only warning citations will be issued for the first 30 days. After the warning period, normal fined citations will start being issued on Dec. 3

    Lakeland’s move comes after the city of Lake Alfred decided to install school zone speed cameras last fall.

    Polk County reported that 25 students were involved in vehicle-vs-pedestrian crashes in the 2023-2024 school year, which prompted city leaders in Lakeland to approve the change.

    Polk County Superintendent Fred Heid said he supports the use of speed cameras in school zones.

    “It’s well known that we rank nationally in pedestrian accidents and fatalities,” Heid said. “So for me, anything we can do, or our municipalities can do to invest in promoting safety … I can’t say enough of it, I can’t support it enough. I think our sheriff agrees.”

    MANATEE COUNTY

    Manatee County and the city of Bradenton approved using school zone speed cameras for the 2024-2025 school year. Manatee County discontinued the program, but the city of Bradenton kept the speed zone camera enforcement in place for this school year.

    That means in Manatee County, only the 10 cameras located in Bradenton are active.

    That includes nine public schools, including Manatee High, and one private school.

    The cameras are active the entire school day, beginning 30 minutes before school starts and ending 30 minutes after school finishes. They enforce the posted speed limit.

    Violations of $100 are issued to the registered owners of vehicles that are traveling 10 mph or more over the posted speed limit. The violations are not the same as traffic tickets. If a violation isn’t paid or appealed within 30 days, however, the violation then becomes a formal traffic citation.

    All 10 of Bradenton’s cameras were active by the second semester of last school year, and between them, 12,300 violations were issued.

    HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

    Last year, Hillsborough County launched “Operation Safe Passage,” which aims to enhance road safety. The county installed school zone speed cameras at a number of school campuses.

    While the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office did not provide a list of the schools participating in the program, a spokesperson confirmed signs near the school zone will indicate if a camera is at that location.

    The 30-day warning period has ended, and once all school zone signs are updated with the current times for this school year, the zones will be fully operational.

    Tickets will be issued if the speed limit is exceeded while lights on the sign are flashing.

    “When the school zone sign is flashing, the camera will issue violations for speeds exceeding 10 mph over the flashing school zone speed limit,” said HSCO Public Relations Coordinator Camille Gayle.

    The cameras in Hillsborough County are only active when school zone signs are flashing, unlike the city of Bradenton, where the cameras are active for the entirety of the school day.

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    Angie Angers

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  • 2 dead in Auburndale mobile home fire, Polk County Fire Rescue says

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    AUBURNDALE, Fla. — Polk County rescue officials are currently investigating what led to a mobile home fire that left two dead in Auburndale Tuesday afternoon.

    Polk County Fire Rescue officials said they responded to the fire on Gladiola Drive along with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office. The fire involved a golf cart and another vehicle as well.

    (Photo Courtesy: Polk County Fire Rescue)

    Firefighters searched the residence, where they found two adults. They were later pronounced dead at the scene.

    “It’s always sad when deaths occur during emergency situations. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the individuals that passed,” said Polk County Fire Chief Shawn Smith. 

     

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Lakeland police undergo new training to prepare for future hurricanes

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — The Lakeland Police Department dive team recently underwent extensive water rescue training after Hurricane Milton caused severe flooding in parts of the city last year. 

    The team shared footage with Spectrum Bay News 9 of the moment members arrived at Twin Palms last October. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Lakeland Police Department’s dive team completed high-water rescue training after Hurricane Milton’s flooding highlighted the need for more specialized skills

    • Six of the eight team members earned certification during weeklong training in North Carolina

    • The team also received new helmets, gear and boats to make future water rescues safer and more efficient


    The video shows several inches of water surrounding homes.

    Floodwaters were so high that one resident was seen waving for help.

    Sgt. Bob Bernhardt was part of the rescue mission. He said the conditions were unlike anything he’d seen since joining the dive team in 2017.

    “Roadways were now riverways,” he said. “The water was anywhere from 4 to 5 ft. deep. There were currents running through there probably 6 to 8 knots. You couldn’t walk through it, certain areas that were flowing that heavy.” 

    Though members successfully rescued dozens from the flooding, Bernhardt said the experience motivated them to seek additional training. Six of the eight members became certified in high-water rescue. The weeklong training in North Carolina included a 140,000-gallon pool that simulated realistic weather conditions.

    “We just learned different ways to ingress and egress from these flooded waters safely, which is something that we really hadn’t trained too much on before,” Bernhardt said. “It was definitely good training and this training we will continue to do from this point on.”

    Along with training, Bernhardt said the dive team also got new helmets, gear and boats.

    “We can either sit them and row through these places or we can either wade or carry them,” he said.

    The upgrades aim to make future water rescues more efficient and safer for everyone involved.

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    Alexis Jones

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