Polk County Fire Rescue’s dedication to exceptional prehospital care earned the organization the coveted American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline EMS® Gold Award for a second year in a row.
PCFR also earned the AHA’s Heart Attack and Stroke honor roll distinctions for going even further above and beyond to meet additional care criteria. Organizations receiving these awards and distinctions provide patients excellent rapid and researched-based prehospital stroke, heart attack and cardiac arrest care.
“Polk County Fire Rescue’s members work hard every day to provide Polk County residents and visitors the highest quality of medical care,” said Fire Chief Shawn Smith. “The AHA’s EMS Gold Award and honor roll distinctions prove that our EMS directives and member’s hard work are being nationally recognized.”
In 2025, PCFR members worked 299 ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) heart attacks, 902 cardiac arrests and 1,539 stroke alerts for a total of 2,740 calls.
“Earning such an honor for a second year in a row is an impressive feat and shows just how dedicated our EMS members are to providing excellent care to anyone in need,” said Deputy Chief Charles True. “I can oversee our EMS members operations and aid in skill development, but at the end of the day our members are the ones making the life-saving decisions that earned these awards.”
Mission: Lifeline EMS® recognition is the American Heart Association’s program that recognizes prehospital emergency agencies for their quality of care for heart attack and stroke patients. The recognition program focuses on transforming care quality by connecting all heart attack and stroke care components into a seamlessly integrated care system. Key tenets of these systems of care reinforce evidence-based guidelines and measure performance, identify gaps, and engage in quality improvement.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office officials say they have terminated their long-standing healthcare services agreement with YesCare after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this month.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, YesCare had served as the medical services provider for the Polk County Jail for 33 years before filing for bankruptcy on May 8, 2026. PCSO stated the bankruptcy filing constituted a breach of the healthcare services agreement and raised concerns about the company’s ability to reliably continue inmate medical care.
Sheriff’s Office officials said executive staff determined YesCare was “no longer in a financial position to provide dependable medical services” within the jail system.
Some healthcare workers employed through YesCare had expressed concern after payroll scheduled for May 8 was delayed following the company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. Internal memos obtained by Daily Ridge acknowledged the payroll issue and stated the company was seeking bankruptcy court approval to process employee wages. According to local healthcare workers, employees who continued reporting to work throughout the uncertainty are now expected to receive the pay they were owed as the transition to the new provider moves forward.
Effective Wednesday morning, PCSO formally notified YesCare that the contract was being terminated.
To avoid disruptions in inmate healthcare services, the Sheriff’s Office announced it has already secured a new agreement with correctional healthcare provider CFG Health Systems, which officials say began providing services immediately.
As part of the transition, PCSO said existing healthcare staff working within the jail system would be retained to continue caring for inmates.
“Throughout this transition, our healthcare professionals have demonstrated their ethical and moral commitment to providing quality care to Polk County jail inmates. I am thankful for their steadfast professionalism,” Sheriff Grady Judd said in a statement.
Daily Ridge had previously received information from healthcare workers expressing concerns about payroll delays tied to the YesCare bankruptcy filing. Internal company memos obtained by Daily Ridge referenced delayed payroll processing pending bankruptcy court approvals.
However, at least one local healthcare worker later advised that employees are now expected to receive the pay they were owed.
The Sheriff’s Office’s rapid transition appears aimed at ensuring continuity of inmate medical care while protecting the jobs of local healthcare workers who staff the jail facilities.
Two local freshmen helped power the Polk State College softball team this season, and now both are being recognized among the top players in the Citrus Conference.
Freshman infielders Kirsten Aldridge of Polk City and Calonnie Holmes of Lake Hamilton were each named to the All-Citrus Conference Second Team following standout seasons for the Eagles.
Kirsten Aldridge of Polk City and Calonnie Holmes of Lake Hamilton – Photo Credit: Polk State College
Aldridge, who attended Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School and played at Lake Region High School, became the first Polk State player in 12 years to reach double digits in home runs during a season. She finished the year with a team-leading 10 home runs while also leading the Eagles in batting average (.356), RBIs (36), on-base percentage (.447), and slugging percentage (.631). Aldridge also tied for the team lead with 14 doubles.
Holmes, a former standout at Haines City High School, served as Polk State’s lead-off hitter and turned in one of the most dynamic offensive seasons in recent program history. Holmes batted .347 with nine home runs and 32 RBIs while leading the team in hits (60), runs scored (44), triples (5), and stolen bases (29).
Her 29 stolen bases marked the most by a Polk State player since 2014. Holmes also hit three lead-off home runs during the season, including her first against Lake-Sumter State College on Feb. 5. According to the program, Polk State had not recorded a lead-off home run since 2022.
The pair played a major role in helping Polk State finish the 2026 season with a 22-34 record. It marked the first time since 2014 and 2015 that the Eagles posted consecutive 20-win seasons.
“These two have fueled our offense all season long and have really been the heart and soul of our team with their leadership – on and off the field,” Head Coach Kevin Lewis said. “I’m incredibly proud of them. It’s great to see their hard work pay off. They are a big part of our program and exemplify the type of athletes we’re trying to bring to Polk State. I’m excited to see what they do for an encore as sophomores.”
The Polk County History Center is inviting the community to take part in a free architectural tour highlighting the historic features of the landmark building.
Hosted by the History Center’s education team, the tour will explore the neoclassical design elements of the former Old Polk County Courthouse, with this month’s program focusing on the building’s original clock and bell feature. The guided tour begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 16.
Reservations are not required.
The History Center is located at 100 E. Main St. in Bartow and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information is available at Polk History Center or by calling (863) 534-4386.
Three days. Two stages. Nearly 25 local bands and musicians. That was the outcome of this year’s Rockin’ on the Chain, the annual fundraiser benefitting Autism and other special needs.
For one full weekend, this musical festival drew in hundreds of attendees by car, foot, and even boat to Tanners Lakeside in Winter Haven for an opportunity to have a good time for a good cause.
Nearly 25 local bands and musicians graced one of two stages to perform some of their greatest hits, with acts including Twizted, Josh Blevins Band, Spankin Sadie, and Kai7en, whose lead singer, Tyler King, is a person with Autism himself.
Joey Foley and TG Shepherd
This year’s event also saw the premiere of two popular musicians, Andy Griggs and TG Shepherd, the latter’s performance drawing in a record crowd on Sunday, according to Entertainment Director Joey Foley.
ROTC Supporters
“Bringing in the national artists add some spice to the event and brings in something a little different to those who participate on Rockin on the Chain,” he said. “We definitely turned it up a notch this year. We couldn’t be more blessed with the better group of artists that support autism and special needs and support this event from our local artists to our national artists.”
John Straughn with Andy Griggs
As the master of entertainment, Foley appreciates being able to see attendees enjoy their lineup of big-name entertainment, and he owes the turnout of such big crowds to the very people within those crowds as much as the performers themselves.
“The community support is amazing for this event,” he said. “The right people doing the right thing for the right reasons. And the people of Polk County showed up and showed out in rare form that we had an amazing weekend.”
Melanie Brown Culpepper, Director of Operations, has been assisting with the event since its earliest inception. She appreciates being able to not only assist in such a great fundraiser, but also seeing so many people within the community come together to make the event happen.
“It is a great thing to have everyone come together; it is my favorite thing: seeing the fellowship between everyone,” she said. “It is great to see how this community, all over the community, whether it be musicians or everyday people, business people, they were all coming to support special needs in Autism.”
Rockin on the Chain started four years ago as an outgrowth of a similar fundraiser, Rockin on the River, which ran for nearly a decade. John Straughn, event founder and chairman, appreciates how much Rockin on the Chain has grown since its inception.
This year especially saw a larger turnout than previous years, with Straughn citing an average 30 percent increase over the past few years. He owes the success to the promotion and marketing, whether on social media, through new sites like the Daily Ridge, or even by word-of-mouth.
“I think the word is getting out [that] this is a good event,” he said. “Everyone looks forward to it every year…and people come and have a good time. It is family fun, no one gets into trouble or out of line. We get everybody to come in by car, by boat, or on foot. Haven’t seen anyone parachute in yet, but maybe one day.”
Over the past four years, Rockin’ on the Chain has contributed a just over $196,000 to the Winter Haven Public Library, helping fund the creation of a sensory garden, as well as to Victory Ridge Academy and the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation.
Rockin’ on the Chain 2026 proudly donated $64,161 in proceeds to the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation, supporting programs for individuals with autism and special needs.
“Everything came together for a good time,” Straughn said. “We raised some good money in partnership with the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation, and that has helped our organization to partner with them a lot. So, I am pleased. The music turned out great. And we hope to do it again next year.”
This year’s Rockin on the Chain was discussed on a recent minisode of the Chattin on the Ridge podcast. Listen to the podcast here: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/episodes/minisode-32-rockin-on-the-chain-2026-recap
Come out and join the fun next year April 2nd, 3rd and 4th, 2027!
Amazing ROTC Swag!Tom Garthwaite is the President of Winter Haven HospitalSponsorship nightHey Steve!Raffles and Auctions!#image_titleThank you Jaime and Tim Bonifay for setting up a fun spot for the Kid Zone!! Sponsored by Mike Dean Pools.Bounce house!That’s a wrap for 2026 ROTC!
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 — The Polk State College Presidential Search Committee convened its finalmeeting on Tuesday, May 12, and announced the selection of Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas as therecommended finalist to serve as Polk State College’s sixth president.
Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas is an experienced legal and policy professional with extensive experiencein education and public service at the state and local levels. He currently serves as Florida’sCommissioner of Education, a position to which he was selected in July 2025. Throughout the search process, he emerged as a candidate with a compelling vision for the future of Polk State College and a deep understanding of the College’s mission and impact across the region.
Kamoutsas will visit the College on June 3 to participate in meetings and forums with College students, faculty, staff and community members. Additional details regarding campus forums and opportunities to meet him will be forthcoming.
The Polk State College District Board of Trustees is expected to consider the Presidential Search Committee’s recommendation at its regular board meeting on June 3 at 4 p.m. at the Polk State Center for Public Safety.
The Presidential Search Committee was chaired by District Board of Trustees member Steve Lester and was comprised of the members of the District Board of Trustees, the President of the College’s Faculty Senate, Professor Anthony Cornett, and community members Grady Judd, Denise Grimsley, and Kelli Stargel.
“I appreciate the dedication and thoughtful work of the Search Committee through this very important process,” said Lester. “Anastasios distinguished himself as an inspiring, diligent, and highly capable leader with a clear vision for the future of Polk State College. We are confident that he possesses the experience, character and leadership necessary to guide Polk State into the future.”
Kamoutsas has held several leadership roles within the Florida Department of Education, including Chiefof Staff, General Counsel, Chief Litigator, Assistant General Counsel, and Legislative Affairs. He also served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Ron DeSantis.
Prior to his service at the state level, he served as Staff Counsel for the Dade County Police Benevolent Association and as an Assistant State Attorney with the Miami-Dade Office of the State Attorney.
Kamoutsas earned his Juris Doctor from Regent University School of Law, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Florida International University, and an Associate of Arts in Political Science from Florida State University. The committee’s recommendation followed a national search led by Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting. Over 100 applications were received from higher education leaders across the country, underscoring a strong interest in Polk State College and its future
Join the crew at the Medulla Resource Center on Thursday, May 14 at 10 a.m. for the free event Neighborhood Storytime.
The event will feature the book, “What If We Had a Pet Shark?” By Deanna Chesley, a playful rhythm on using your imagination and wonders what life would be like to live with many different animals found at the zoo.
Neighborhood Storytime is a free, monthly program designed to bring families and young children ages 6 and younger together through the power of storytelling. Each session features a different book, along with a craft project and an activity.
10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, May 14 Medulla Resource Center 1049 Parker Road, Lakeland
In fact, every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke, with approximately 800,000 people experiencing a stroke annually, according to the American Heart Association, making it a leading cause of death and serious, long-term disability.
A stroke happens when normal blood flow in the brain is interrupted. When parts of the brain don’t get the oxygen-rich blood they need, those cells die.
However, many strokes may be prevented, treated and overcome by understanding the risk factors and taking steps toward managing them.
“When a stroke happens, every minute matters,” said Dr. Adrian Jaquin-Valdivia, a stroke neurologist at HCA Healthcare and American Stroke Association volunteer expert. “The faster someone gets treatment, the better the chance of saving brain function. On average, nearly 2 million brain cells die every minute a stroke goes untreated. Early treatment improves survival rates and reduces disability.”
Take control of your brain health with this information from the American Stroke Association.
Know the Warning Signs
Because strokes do not discriminate, knowing the signs is key. To help you recognize common warning signs and symptoms of stroke and take action in moments that matter, remember this simple acronym: B.E. F.A.S.T.
B: Balance loss – sudden difficulty with walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination.
E: Eye (or vision) changes – sudden vision loss or trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
F: Face drooping – one side of the face droops or feels numb; a smile may look uneven.
A: Arm weakness – one arm feels weak or numb or drifts downward when raised.
S: Speech difficulty – a telltale sign of a stroke is slurred speech or trouble speaking.
T: Time to call 911 – If someone is having any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call emergency services immediately to jumpstart care. Be sure to check the time so you’ll know when the first symptoms started.
Explore the signs by playing the interactive, web-based B.E. F.A.S.T. Experience to see what stroke symptoms may look, feel and sound like.
Take Steps to Protect Your Health
Approximately 80% of strokes are preventable, according to the American Stroke Association. Everyday choices – such as eating well, moving more, not smoking and keeping up with routine health screenings, along with managing risk factors with the support of a health care professional – can help lower stroke risk.
Manage Risk Factors
High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke, according to the 2025 American Heart Association/ACC Guideline for the Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults. Controlling blood pressure through regular checkups, at-home monitoring, following your treatment plan and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk of stroke and support overall brain health.
Additionally, having a stroke or mini stroke, known as a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), increases the chances of having a second one. That’s why identifying what caused your stroke and reducing your personal risk factors can help protect your health and reduce the risk of another stroke.
To learn more about stroke risk factors and better understand the warning signs, visit Stroke.org/StrokeMonth, where you can also access stroke support services and subscribe to the Stroke Connection e-newsletter for the latest resources.
Construction continues at the South Lake Howard Nature Park expansion project in Winter Haven, as crews work on new recreational amenities, trail improvements, and stormwater infrastructure designed to enhance both the park experience and the health of Lake Howard.
Construction continues at South Lake Howard Nature Trail.
The project has been underway since 2024, with multiple phases planned through 2026. Recent work visible at the park includes playground installation, expanded boardwalks and trails, new parking and sidewalk improvements, and additional landscaping around the nature area.
The park, located off Lake Howard Drive SW, has long been known as one of Winter Haven’s quieter outdoor destinations, offering a boardwalk through wetlands, wildlife viewing opportunities, walking trails, and access to the Chain of Lakes Trail system. The nature park also serves a larger environmental purpose by helping filter and treat stormwater runoff before it reaches Lake Howard.
Lake, Howard nature Trail in Winter Haven, Florida
According to the City of Winter Haven, the expansion project includes additional stormwater and wetland infrastructure intended to improve water quality while also creating additional wildlife habitat. Recreational additions tied to the project include expanded trail networks, picnic areas, a playground, kayak launch access, fishing areas, boardwalks, shade structures, and future disc golf elements.
The project is being funded through a combination of grants, city funds, stormwater funding, and impact fees associated with new development. City officials previously noted that portions of the funding are tied specifically to stormwater improvements and environmental restoration efforts around the lake system.
South Lake Howard Nature Park has become increasingly popular with walkers, cyclists, birdwatchers, and photographers over the years due to its scenic wetlands and wildlife. Birds commonly seen in the area include herons, egrets, osprey, and other native species. The park also serves as a gateway connection to portions of the Chain of Lakes Trail.
What appears to be a juvenile Limpkin. One of the many birds and wildlife around the trail.
Some portions of the walking trail remain temporarily closed during active construction, according to signage posted at the site. Current city updates indicate work on parking, sidewalks, and playground features is ongoing as the multi-phase expansion moves forward.
BARTOW – Wendy’s Dance Company is choreographing a beautiful new facility in a new location with fresh offerings for the students and families.
Wendy’s Dance Company founder Wendy Attix, who started her dance company about 30 years ago, recently announced the upcoming construction of the Elevate Performance Complex. The multi-purpose facility will be approximately 8,000 square feet and will include three professional dance studios; a fitness gym; a full cheer and tumbling gym; a performance boutique; athlete lockers; a study hall; and creative services including photography and a content studio.
Attix said the Complex is built on a simple idea, “create a space where children can grow, families feel supported, and the community can come together in a meaningful way.
“I want it to be special not just for the kids but for the families,” she said. “This is something that I put together from what I have seen has been needed over the years,” Attix said. She has seen parents walking around the studio for exercise and kids studying with their books on the dance floor and in waiting areas. There were extra clothes, backpacks and other belongings lying around that needed a designated space. So, when designing the complex, she included a fitness gym for the parents, a study hall (with supervised study time), and athlete lockers.
Students, families, and friends participated in a 10-day countdown to the big announcement made by Attix last month. Now, she is teasing the location of the new facility and plans to announce both the location and grand opening date soon. The cheer portion details are still being finalized.
Attix started dancing at a young age and continued through college. She spent her first two years at Florida State University, where she took dance courses. During her summer breaks, she held dance classes in her hometown of Fort Meade. The parents and kids loved her so much that they encouraged her to move closer so she could teach more often. So, she transferred to University of South Florida, where she was on the dance team and grew her dance business.
She started out teaching tap, ballet, jazz, and clogging at a Fort Meade studio. Over the years, the location has changed, and the number of students has grown. She and seven other instructors have added hip hop, contemporary, and tumbling to the list of dance styles originally offered.
“This is all such a blessing to me. I am overjoyed,” Attix said. She said she is humbled and thinks about how she can teach students not just dance, but life lessons as well.
“Are they a better person because they walked through my doors?” she asked. “I don’t look for thank you’s. I like to see how they blossom. I just want to make a difference.”
Until the new complex opens, dance classes will continue at the current location, including summer intensive classes. Several guest instructors will participate, including Jaliyah “Juicy” Kersten, Taylor Savaglio and Kinsey Hughey. Classes will be held July 14–31, with registration beginning June 1. The studio is located at 780 W. Main Street in Bartow. For more information, visit Wendy’s Dance Company.
