73.9 F
Winter Haven
Sunday, November 9, 2025
Home Blog

Tax Collector Alerts Public to Postal Service Delays Affecting Payments

Allison
-
0
Tax Collector Alerts Public to Postal Service Delays Affecting Payments

Joe G. Tedder, Tax Collector:

“❗️Attention, customers! Please read.
➡️Postal Service Disruption Delays Taxpayer Payments.

▪️The Tax Collector is aware of postal service issues causing delays for Polk County citizens with their property tax payments, registration renewals, and other items through the USPS.

▪️Some customers have reported having their payments come back as returned mail.

▪️USPS officials have informed the Tax Collector of an error in their processing as the cause of this.

“Paying taxes and registrations is already challenging enough although we strive to make it as effortless as possible for people,” Tax Collector Joe G. Tedder remarked, “but when the U.S. Post Office struggles to deliver mail, it becomes extremely frustrating for both our customers and our office.”

▪️The USPS claims to have fixed the problem.

▪️Now, USPS instructs anyone who received returned mail to place their items in a new envelope with a stamp and resend it to the Tax Collector’s Office if they still wish to submit their payments by mail.

❗️Please note! Customers can still make payments ONLINE. Read more here: https://www.polktaxes.com/postal-service-disruption-delays-taxpayer-payments/“

Haines City Road Rage Suspect Arrested After Allegedly Pulling Gun & Firing Multiple Rounds

Carl Fish
-
0
Haines City Road Rage Suspect Arrested After Allegedly Pulling Gun & Firing Multiple Rounds

HAINES CITY, FL – On Thursday, November 6, 2025, at approximately 7:55 a.m., the Haines City Police Department

responded to a road rage incident involving a firearm near U.S. Highway 27 and Davenport Boulevard.

The victim, who was traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 27 with a 3-year-old child in the backseat, reported that a

white Lexus SUV pulled out in front of his vehicle, forcing him to take evasive action to avoid a collision. After regaining

his lane, the victim found himself ahead of the Lexus. Moments later, the Lexus moved into the center lane, pulled

alongside the victim’s passenger side, and multiple gunshots were heard.

The victim immediately called 911 and provided dispatchers with the suspect’s license plate number. Responding officers

located three spent 9mm shell casings in the roadway and ran the plate, which traced back to a vehicle registered to a

female, later determined to not have been involved in the incident. Haines City detectives learned the owner of the vehicle

had allowed her friend, 46-year-old Charles Fitzalbert Worges, to drive her vehicle while she was at work.

Footage from the victim’s in-car camera captured the suspect’s arm extending from the driver’s window, holding a

firearm, followed by three visible puffs of smoke as rounds were discharged into the air.

Worges was later located and arrested during a traffic stop conducted by the Haines City Police Department’s Crime

Suppression Team. He was charged with:

• One count of Discharging a Firearm from Within a Vehicle (while being the driver and within 1,000 feet of

another person)

• One count of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm (without intent to kill)

“It’s a miracle that no one was seriously injured during this uncalled-for incident,” said Police Chief Jay Hopwood. “Not

only for the driver and his 3-year-old, but also for everyone nearby. What goes up must come down — firing a weapon

into the air is reckless and dangerous. Those stray bullets could have easily hurt or killed someone. People need to slow

down, be patient, and drive responsibly so everyone can reach their destinations safely.”

No injuries were reported during this incident.

Polk County Commissioners Approve Tax Exemption to New Business to Build Data Center

Allison
-
0
Polk County Commissioners Approve Tax Exemption to New Business to Build Data Center

Polk County Commissioners Approve Tax Exemption to New Business to Build Data Center

by James Coulter

More than 50 new full-time jobs, each with an annual wage 200 percent greater than the county’s average annual wage, will be created now that county commissioners have approved granting a tax exemption to a new business.

At their regular meeting on Tues. Nov. 4, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance granting an Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption to Fort Meade DC, LLC.

The new business seeks to create 50 new full-time jobs, each paying at least $107,000 in annual wages, which is more than 200 percent of the county’s average annual wage as of 2025.

“The Company also plans to invest $1.2 billion in real property improvements, and $1.64 billion in tangible equipment, to construct and operate a 1,925,000 square foot data center facility in Fort Meade,” wrote Sandra Howard, Deputy County Attorney.

The Property Appraiser reported that, while $14,837,536 in ad valorem taxes will be lost each year during the ten-year tax exemption period between 2029 to 2038, the new business will generate new tax revenue, including $13,159,501 for the school board, $2,040,518 for the Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU), and $474,348 for the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD).

Many commissioners praised the new business for seeking to locate in Polk County, not only bringing high-quality, high-paying jobs, but also generating tax revenue to help fund government services.

“This is a project that I think is our responsibility to bring to Polk County,” said Commissioner Martha Santiago. “It is our responsibility to not only bring jobs, but really good jobs, good-paying jobs….I look forward to the game changer and how it will impact not only Fort Meade but the whole of Polk County. I think this is good for us.”

“Projects like this make a big difference in potentially saving future escalated costs,” said Commissioner Michael Scott. “We are glad you all chose Polk County.”

 “There might be concerns about tax exemption..[but] this is really low impact to the majority of our infrastructure,” said Commissioner Becky Troutman. “This [company] is what we need in this county, and I will gladly support it.”

15th Annual Festival of Wreaths in Bartow

Allison
-
0
15th Annual Festival of Wreaths in Bartow
Photo source Polk County Government

The holiday spirit arrives in Bartow as the Polk County History Center hosts its 15th Annual Festival of Wreaths and Silent Auction beginning November 8, 2025.

Visitors can explore the beautifully decorated wreaths adorning the museum’s historic halls at 100 E. Main St., Bartow, each one creatively crafted by local artists, businesses, and community groups.

The festive display runs through December 12, offering guests a chance to bid on their favorite wreaths during the silent auction. Proceeds benefit programs that preserve Polk County’s rich history and support educational outreach.

Whether you’re searching for holiday inspiration or simply want to enjoy the season’s charm, the Festival of Wreaths is a must-see event that celebrates creativity, community, and holiday cheer. Don’t miss your chance to take home a stunning wreath while supporting a great cause this holiday season.

Weekend Events Around Polk County

Allison
-
0
Weekend Events Around Polk County

Polk County is packed with fun, family-friendly events this weekend! From festive markets to art walks and community celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a look at what’s happening:

🎨 15th Annual Festival of Wreaths

Saturday, Nov. 8 — Polk County History Center, 100 E. Main St., Bartow

Kick off the holiday season at the Polk County History Center’s annual Festival of Wreaths. Browse beautifully decorated wreaths and holiday displays while enjoying the historic charm of downtown Bartow.

🎖️ Veterans Day Ceremony & Parade

Saturday, Nov. 8, 10 a.m. — Veterans Memorial Park, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland

Honor our nation’s heroes during Lakeland’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony and Parade. The event features a community parade, patriotic tributes, and guest speakers recognizing local veterans.

🐾 The Greatest Showmutt: Auction for Animals

Saturday, Nov. 8, 6 p.m. — SPCA Florida, Lakeland

Support a great cause at this entertaining evening fundraiser for SPCA Florida. Guests can enjoy a fun, themed auction while helping raise funds for local animal care and adoption services.

🚴 RideSafe Fall Fest

Saturday, Nov. 8, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. — Bonnet Springs Park, Lakeland

This safety-focused family festival offers fun activities, giveaways, and demonstrations promoting bike and pedestrian safety. Perfect for kids and families who love the outdoors.

🖼️ Bartow Chalk Walk

Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 8–9, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. — Downtown Bartow

Watch the streets of downtown Bartow come alive with colorful chalk art! Local and visiting artists will transform sidewalks into vibrant works of art during this creative community event.

🧵 36th Annual Cypress Lakes Village Holiday Craft Fair

Saturday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. — Cypress Lakes Village, Lakeland

Shop handmade crafts, décor, and unique gifts from local vendors at this long-running holiday craft fair. A great way to find early Christmas treasures.

🐦 Nature Fun-Day: Art & Conservation

Saturday, Nov. 8, 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m. — Polk County Nature Venue

This family-friendly program combines art and environmental education, giving participants the chance to create nature-inspired artwork while learning about conservation.

🛍️ Holiday Vendor Market

Saturday, Nov. 8, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. — St. Vincent Ferrer School, Kenwood

Browse a variety of local vendors and artisans at this indoor market, featuring handmade gifts, food items, and seasonal crafts.

🌙 Lakeland First Friday

Friday evening, Nov. 7 — Downtown Lakeland

Start your weekend early with live music, local vendors, and extended shopping hours during Lakeland’s popular First Friday celebration. Each month features a new theme and plenty of downtown fun.

🌟 Enjoy Your Weekend!

Whether you’re honoring veterans, supporting local artists, or shopping for holiday gifts, Polk County offers plenty of ways to celebrate community this weekend.

This Day in History- November 7, 1940 Tacoma Narrows Bridge Collapses

Allison
-
0
This Day in History- November 7, 1940 Tacoma Narrows Bridge Collapses

The following is an article from history.com:

“The Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapses due to high winds on November 7, 1940.

The Tacoma Narrows Bridge was built in Washington during the 1930s and opened to traffic on July 1, 1940. It spanned the Puget Sound from Gig Harbor to Tacoma, which is 40 miles south of Seattle. The channel is about a mile wide where the bridge crossed the sound. Sleek and slender, it was the third longest suspension bridge in the world at the time, covering 5,959 feet.

Photo source Keystone/Getty Images

Leon Moisseiff designed the bridge to be the most flexible ever constructed. Engineers of the time believed that the design, even though it exceeded ratios of length, depth and width that had previously been standard, was completely safe. Following the collapse, it was revealed that the engineers had not properly considered the aerodynamic forces that were in play at the location during a period of strong winds. At the time of construction, such forces were not commonly taken into consideration by engineers and designers.

On November 7, high winds buffeted the area and the bridge swayed considerably. The first failure came at about 11 a.m., when concrete dropped from the road surface. Just minutes later, a 600-foot section of the bridge broke free. By this time, the bridge was being tossed back and forth wildly. At one time, the elevation of the sidewalk on one side of the bridge was 28 feet above that of the sidewalk on the other side. Even though the bridge towers were made of strong structural carbon steel, the bridge proved no match for the violent movement, and collapsed.

Subsequent investigations and testing revealed that the bridge was vulnerable to vibrations generated by wind. When the bridge experienced strong winds from a certain direction, the frequency oscillations built up to such an extent that collapse was inevitable.

A replacement bridge opened on October 14, 1950, after more than two years of construction. It is the fifth longest suspension bridge in the United States, 40 feet longer than the original. Construction of the new bridge took into account the lessons learned in the collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, as did that of all subsequent suspension bridges.

Today, the remains of the bridge are still at the bottom of Puget Sound, where they form one of the largest man-made reefs in the world. The spot was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in order to protect it against salvagers.”

ADVERTISEMENT OF SALE

Staff Reporter
-
0
ADVERTISEMENT OF SALE

Notice is hereby given that Lake Wales Storage intends to sell the property described below to enforce a lien under the Florida Self Storage Facility Act, Statutes (section 83.80-83.809). The owner will sell at public auction on or after November 20,2025 at 10:00 am at storageauctions.com 

Units belonging to the following:

Janice Leise/Unit 1091

Johnnie Coleman/Unit 1017

*Hearts of Gold Uniform Boutique (Deshawn Mitchell)/Unit 1108

This sale will be continued on such succeeding sale days thereafter as may be necessary to be completed. Unless otherwise noted units contain household items. *Business Goods.

Brooks Law Group Donating 350 Thanksgiving Turkeys

Staff Reporter
-
0
Brooks Law Group Donating 350 Thanksgiving Turkeys
13th Annual Turkey Giveaway / Brooks Law Group

Local Law Firm Holding 13th Annual Event for Families in Need

WINTER HAVEN, FL, November 3, 2025 —Brooks Law Group invites the community to their 13th annual Turkey Giveaway on Saturday, November 22nd, at 9:30 AM, where they will be donating 350 Thanksgiving turkeys and dinner items to families who cannot afford one. Turkeys will be available at the firm’s office at 123 First Street North, Winter Haven. The firm recommends arriving at 8:30 AM to secure a spot in line, as the turkeys are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“This event is one that both our team and the community looks forward to all year long,” says Brooks Law Group’s founder and managing partner Steve Brooks. “It takes a huge effort to put this on, but it’s worth it to give back and make sure that every family has a great Thanksgiving.”

Brooks Law Group will again be joined by Restaurants Against Hunger and Freedom Tour, who graciously donate the side items for a complete Thanksgiving dinner. Local radio station 97.5 WPCV will return to the event for a live broadcast.

Brooks Law Group kindly asks that those who can afford a turkey please let those in need have the donated turkeys. Donations will be limited to one per household. During the giveaway, Brooks Law Group staff will be available to speak with those in line.

Brooks Law Group is a personal injury, auto accident, motorcycle accident and wrongful death law firm, serving individuals across the state of Florida with offices in Winter Haven, Tampa, Auburndale, and Lakeland. The firm has been practicing law and serving people for more than 30 years. For more information visit www.brookslawgroup.com or call 1-800-LAW-3030.

Frostproof Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration

Allison
-
0
Frostproof Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration

Frostproof Chamber of Commerce:

Frostproof Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration

Join us as we kick off the holiday season with a magical night you won’t want to miss!

Saturday, November 29
6 PM – 9 PM
Wall Street Park, Frostproof

What’s in store?
Live Nativity
Santa & Mrs. Claus (perfect for photos!)
Festive Music
Food Trucks & Vendors
Kids Zone full of fun
…and so much more!

Bring your family, invite your friends, and let’s light up Frostproof with Christmas cheer together.

Don’t forget your cameras to catch those magical moments!

More Than $207k Approved for New Mulberry Fire Rescue EMS Station

Allison
-
0
More Than $207k Approved for New Mulberry Fire Rescue EMS Station

More Than $207k Approved for New Mulberry Fire Rescue EMS Station

by James Coulter

A new fire rescue EMS station in Mulberry is closer to being constructed now that county commissioners have approved $207,090 for architectural and engineering (A&E) services.

At their regular meeting on Tues. Nov. 4, the Polk County Board of Commissioners (BoCC) approved a consultant services authorization (CSA) with CMHM Architects for Architectural and Engineering to provide services toward a new fire EMS Station.

The Willow Oak Fire Rescue EMS Station Building is slated to be constructed on county-owned property located at 4145 Willis Road in Mulberry. Approximately $207,090.00 in funds are currently budgeted and available within the Emergency Medical Millage Fund to help finance the A&E services.

 Commissioner Martha Santiago commended county staff for locating the property for the project: “I know this was a long-time pursuit to find land. I thank you for sticking to it and finding a location.”

123...801Page 1 of 801

Advertise

Links

Stay connected

© 2021 WinterHavenDaily.com | All rights reserved.