Polk County Parks and Environmental Lands Sites Begin Reopening

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Bartow, Fla. (October 14, 2024) — A majority of Polk County’s more than 100 parks and boat ramps are set to reopen Tuesday, Oct. 15. If a Polk County park or boat ramp is not listed below, it will reopen tomorrow, although there may be facilities within the parks that are closed for repairs.

The following locations will reopen Wednesday, Oct. 16:

  • Johnny and Freida Brooks Resource Center
  • Mary Norma Campbell Resource Center
  • Medulla Resource Center
  • Wabash Resource Center
  • Wilfred Smith Resource Center

The following locations will open on Friday, Oct. 18:

  • Coleman Landing Campground
  • Lake Arbuckle Campground
  • Lake Hatchineha Campground
  • Lake Rosalie Campground
  • Saddle Creek Campground

The following locations are closed indefinitely:

  • Alafia River Reserve
  • Bone Valley ATV Park
  • Circle B Bar Reserve
  • Gator Creek Reserve
  • Highland City Senior Field (Strickland Pit)
  • Homeland Heritage Park
  • Lake Hancock Boat Ramp
  • Lakeland Highland Scrub
  • Loyce E. Harpe Park
  • Panther Point Trail
  • Peace River Canoe Launch
  • Peace River Hammock
  • Rolling Hills Park
  • Sherwood L. Stokes Preserve
  • Walker Road Park
  • All Stormwater Sites

Additionally, access to Simmers-Young Park will be from American Spirit Boulevard only.

Polk County officials will be in contact with youth and adult leagues to discuss resuming league games and practices. 

If you have questions about these closures, contact Polk County Parks and Natural Resources Division at (863) 534-7377.

Annual Bartow Tire Collection Event planned for October 26, 2024.

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October 15, 2024– Keep Polk County Beautiful, Inc. in partnership with Polk County Government is bringing their annual FREE Tire Collection and Recycling event to Bartow on Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.(noon) at C Wilson Equipment Co., 2301 US Hwy 17 S. in Bartow. Residents and agricultural land owners may dispose of up to 24 tires per vehicle. Standard vehicle sized tires only – No semi, tractor or off-road tires. Absolutely NO TIRE BUSINESSES, INDEPENDENT or COMMERCIAL TRUCKING COMPANIES or AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESSES of ANY kind will be permitted. Legal hauling limits will be strictly enforced. Tire hauling services have been graciously donated by the City of Bartow Solid Waste & Scrap-It Mulberry.

For additional information, contact Keep Polk County Beautiful, Inc. at (863) 875-8911 or email [email protected] .

It is a violation of Florida Administrative Code Rules to transport more than 24 Waste Tires over public highways without a permit. Violation of this rule would constitute a 1st degree criminal misdemeanor and be punishable by a fine of not more than $10,000 and/or by 6 months in jail for further information please regarding the handling of waste tires please visit the DEP website http://www.dep.state.fl.us/ .

Looking For a Pumpkin. Buy One Here to Support Mothers of Veterans Suicide.

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by James Coulter

Looking for the perfect pumpkin to carve into a jack-o’-lantern this Halloween? Not only is a local patch selling hundreds of pumpkins, and not only are they also offering apple cider and raffle prizes, but they are also raising proceeds for a good cause.

This weekend and next, Mothers of Veterans Suicide will be hosting a pumpkin patch fundraiser to raise proceeds for its cause at The Red Barn Farmer’s Market and The Gravely Red Barn in Frostproof.

Customers old and young will be able to peruse a plethora of pumpkins and pick the perfect one for their Halloween enjoyment. They will also be able to enjoy apple cider and participate in raffles for great prizes.

The fundraiser is being hosted by Mothers of Veterans Suicide, a non-profit organization dedicated to mothers, parents, and other relatives of veterans who have either died by suicide or who struggle with suicidal thoughts.

Executive Director Michele Ladd started the organization in 2019. As the mother of two sons who joined the military and a deceased military officer, Michele knows full well the struggles of handling a family member struggling with trauma and PTSD.

In 2017 she purchased a mobile home and traveled the country on an 8,000-mile tour, where she visited and met other relatives of veterans who struggled with trauma. Statistically, between 22 to 44 veterans die from suicide every day.

“Michele heard hundreds of stories of trauma, PTSD, divorces and sadly, many suicides,” their website states. “Michele says the sacrifices she made such as extreme loneliness, spending nights in Walmart parking lots and truck stops, multiple break downs, having to empty her tanks and with multiple injuries, she would do it all over again.”

Since its inception in 2019, Mothers of Veterans Suicide has, according to their website, “assisted 420 Veterans and their families with resources and healing retreats.”

100 percent of the proceeds will go toward Mothers of Veterans Suicide to assist with their retreats for families of veterans. The very next retreat is planned for January.

Judy serves as the president of the organization. As a combat veteran, she knows what it is like to deal with trauma. She became interested in the organization after meeting Michelle and he husband, who had arrived at her American Legion post for a speaking engagement. The two of them started talking about their experiences, and Judy eventually decided to join the cause.

“Mothers of Veterans Suicide is the only organization nationwide that helps with mothers of veterans who died from suicide,” she explained. “Why do I stay? Because I believe there is

nothing sadder than dealing with someone who lost a child to suicide. You can tell them it will be okay. But it is never okay. Ever.”

The pumpkin patch was started by a woman named Crystal, who lost her best friend, a veteran, to suicide. Later in November, Michelle will arrive at their American Legion post, along with several other organization leaders, to accept a check from the proceeds raised.

For Judy Casey, being able to see the mobile home Michelle drives will be the best part of the visit. On the side of the vehicle are countless butterfly decals with the names of veterans who had passed away from suicide. Being able to see her son’s name will make her day.

“When you see the motor home, it gives you a whole different feeling when you see a butterfly with a child’s name on it,” she said.

The Pumpkin Patch will be hosted from 10 am to 3 pm on Fri. Oct. 18 and Fri. Oct. 25. The fundraiser will be hosted at The Red Barn Farmers Market, located at 800 Ulmer Road, along SR 630 West in Frostproof.

Section Of Deen Still Rd. Closed Due To Flooding

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BARTOW, Fla. (Oct. 12, 2024) – Due to flooding from Hurricane Milton, Deen Still Road will be closed from SR 33 to Moore Road, starting today at 3 p.m. until further notice. Traffic will follow detour from SR 33 to Old Polk City Road to Moore Road. 

 

The truck restrictions on Old Polk City Road and Moore Road have been lifted until Deen Still Road repairs are complete and reopens.

 

For more details, call the Polk County Roads & Drainage Division at (863) 535-2200.

Florida Highway Patrol Reports A Haines City Woman Killed In Friday Night Crash

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According to Sergeant Steve Gaskins, Florida Highway Patrol, Public Affairs Officer, a 29 yr old Haines City woman was killed in crash on Brannon Island Rd. The crash occurred at 10:40pm when the woman, who was driving a Ford Fiesta, crashed into a semi tractor trailer.

The Ford Fiesta was traveling eastbound on Brannon Island Rd. and at the same time the tractor-trailer, driven by a 35 Yr old man’s from Darby Pennsylvania, was traveling southbound on Detour Rd. The Fiesta failed to stop at the stop sign and collided with the trailer portion of the tractor-trailer. The woman suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene.

This accident is still under investigation.

The Florida Highway Patrol does not release names per Marsy’s Law.

 

 

4 Polk Food and Water Distribution Sites Open

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Polk Food and Water Distribution Sites Open

 

Bartow, Fla. (Oct. 12) – Distribution sites for water and food have been set up in several Polk County locations to help residents who were left without resources due to Hurricane Milton.

Distribution sites will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily while supplies last.

 

2 Lakeland Locations

Walker Road Park – 1285 Walker Road, Lakeland

Gator Creek Preserve – 9725 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland

1 Frostproof Location

Family Life Church – 139 Bulldog Way, Frostproof

1 Mulberry Location

Civic Center – 901 NE Fifth St., Mulberry

For more information, please call the Citizens Information Line at (863) 298-7500 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Ten Yr Old Girl Killed In Recreational Vehicle Crash Following Hurricane Milton In Alturas

On Thursday, October 10, 2024, the PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit responded to a residence on 80 Foot Road in Alturas to investigate a crash of a 2022 Polaris Ranger being ridden by a group of kids, which resulted in the death of a 10-year-old girl. 

 

Around 4:45 p.m. that afternoon, six children were riding the Recreational Off-Road Vehicle (ROV) on a grass pasture behind the home when the driver, a 15-year-old, made a sharp left turn which resulted in the vehicle being flipped onto its side, ejecting everyone who was on it. The victim, 10-year-old, was pinned underneath it. The adults at the scene were able to lift it off of the girl, and two of the adults there were nurses who immediately performed CPR. The girl was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital, where she tragically succumbed to her significant injuries later that evening. Nobody else was injured in the crash.

 

Evidence suggests that the ROV was operating at a relatively low speed but flipped due to its high center of gravity and the soft dirt. The vehicle weighs 2700 pounds.

 

This was a horrific accident that occurred while a group of family and friends were having a get-together and enjoying each other’s company. Please keep this child’s parents, family, friends, and classmates in your prayers.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

 

Polk County Employee Struck & Killed While Clearing Downed Tree On US 98 During Hurricane Milton

7PM Update: The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit investigated a traffic fatality related to Hurricane Milton on Thursday, October 10, 2024, in the area of unincorporated Fort Meade, FL.

According to the preliminary investigation so far, at around 5:45 a.m. this morning, 68-year-old Bruce Kinsler of Bartow, who is employed by Polk County Roads and Drainage, was working as part of a four-person “push team” in the area of U.S. Hwy 98 and Brooke Road, clearing the roadways of fallen trees.

Kinsler and his three coworkers located a downed tree on Hwy 98 about 500 feet east of the intersection with Brooke Road. After about 20 minutes of using chainsaws on the tree, 57-year-old Joel Wagner of Fort Meade, driving a black 2012 Ford F150 pickup truck westbound on Hwy 98, struck the fallen tree, pushing it into Mr. Kinsler and one of his coworkers. Wagner’s truck continued forward and was propelled into the work crew’s parked truck before coming to a stop.

Mr. Kinsler was transported to an area hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. His coworker was not as significantly injured, and was treated and released. Mr. Wagner was also treated and released from a local hospital. 

Joel Wagner was heading to work at the time. He is also employed by Polk County Roads and Drainage, and told deputies that he did not see the four-man work crew or their truck that was parked with lights and strobes on, illuminating them. The crew were also wearing their county-issued reflective vests and/or bright yellow rain gear. Wagner showed no signs of impairment, and the investigation is ongoing at this time. It was extremely dark and windy in the area at the time of the crash. 

The roadway was closed for approximately four hours. 

——-Original Article ——-

Bartow, Fla. (Oct. 10, 2024) — An accident at the cross street of Brooke Road and US HWY 98 near Fort Meade, early this morning took the life of a Polk County employee.

 

Around 5:45 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, following Hurricane Milton, Polk County Fire Rescue and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call involving two Polk County Roads and Drainage employees.

 

The “push crews” were to report to work when it was safe to be out and begin clearing roads, following last night’s major hurricane. The crew was in the process of cutting down a tree that had fallen and was blocking US 98 when a vehicle struck a Fort Meade Maintenance Unit Service Worker.

 

Bruce Kinsler, 68 was killed. He had served Polk County for about a decade.

 

The driver of the vehicle was another Polk County employee, who was coming to join the crew for post storm recovery. The employee was transported to the hospital.

 

Safety precautions were in place and personal protective equipment was worn, according to established roadway safety procedures.

 

“The tragedy of this incident is compounded by the fact that Bruce Kinsler was killed serving the residents of this county,” said Bill Braswell, Polk County Commission Board Chair. “We ask a lot of the employees as public servants, and they respond to the call. For this to happen is just a tragedy.”  

 

This is the second roadwork-related fatality in the division in the past 20 years.

 

“On behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, the County Manager’s Office and the entire Polk County family, we want the family of Mr. Kinsler to know that we are deeply sorry for their loss,” said County Manager Bill Beasley.” “Mr. Kinsler was dedicated to serving Polk County’s residents.”

USPS Polk Operations Suspended Ahead Of Hurricane Milton

Some USPS Operations Temporarily Suspended Ahead of Hurricane Milton 

 

CENTRAL FLORIDA – As Hurricane Milton approaches, and to ensure the safety of customers and employees, the Postal Service is temporarily suspending retail and delivery operations in the specific 3-digit ZIP Code areas listed below.  Additional information will be provided in the coming days to keep the public aware of the status of mail and package delivery service and retail service availability.

 

ZIP Codes beginning with 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 341, 342, and 346:

 

Effective at 2:00 p.m. (EST) on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, all retail and delivery operations for facilities in the 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 341, 342 and 346 3-Digit ZIP Code Areas will be temporarily suspended until further notice due to Hurricane Milton.

 

No alternate sites are available at this time.

 

Customers can call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) to obtain information, including available alternate Post Office retail locations, or check the Postal Service website, www.usps.com, the Post Office that’s always open. The Postal Service’s smartphone app makes it even quicker to use the most popular functions on www.usps.com, anytime and anywhere.

We sincerely apologize for this inconvenience to our customers. The Postal Service appreciates its customers and thanks them for their patience.

USPS Service Alerts provide information to consumers, small businesses and business mailers about postal facility service disruptions due to weather-related and other natural disasters or events. Updated information is available at https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/.

HURRICANE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED

– Lakeland

– Winter Haven

– Bartow

* WIND

– LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Cat 1 Hurricane force wind

– Peak Wind Forecast: 60-80 mph with gusts to 100 mph

– Window for Tropical Storm force winds: Wednesday evening
until Thursday afternoon

– Window for Hurricane force winds: Wednesday evening until
Thursday morning

– THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind
greater than 110 mph

– The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.

– PLAN: Plan for extreme wind of equivalent CAT 3 hurricane
force or higher.

– PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect life and property
should be urgently completed. Prepare for catastrophic wind
damage.

– ACT: Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.

– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Devastating to Catastrophic

– Structural damage to sturdy buildings, some with complete
roof and wall failures. Complete destruction of mobile
homes. Damage greatly accentuated by large airborne
projectiles. Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks or
months.

– Numerous large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences
and roadway signs blown over.

– Many roads impassable from large debris, and more within
urban or heavily wooded places. Many bridges, causeways,
and access routes impassable.

– Widespread power and communications outages.

* FLOODING RAIN

– LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect

– Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 4-8 inches, with locally
higher amounts

– THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for extreme
flooding rain

– The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
the previous assessment.

– PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
extreme flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues
are likely.

– PREPARE: Urgently consider protective actions from extreme
and widespread rainfall flooding.

– ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take
action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life.

– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Devastating to Catastrophic

– Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations
and rescues.

– Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their
banks in many places with deep moving water. Small streams,
creeks, canals, and ditches may become raging rivers. Flood
control systems and barriers may become stressed.

– Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple
communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or
washed away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover
escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of
raging water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions
become very dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures
with some weakened or washed out.

* TORNADO

– LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:

– Situation is favorable for tornadoes

– THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several
tornadoes

– The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.

– PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
several tornadoes with a few possibly intense having larger
damage paths.

– PREPARE: Those living in manufactured homes or on boats are
urged to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous weather
arrives.

– ACT: Listen for tornado watches and warnings. If a tornado
warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly.

– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant

– The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the
execution of emergency plans during tropical events.

– Several places may experience tornado damage with a few
spots of considerable damage, power loss, and
communications failures.

– Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped
or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and boats tossed about.
Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

* FOR MORE INFORMATION:

USPS Polk Operations Suspended Ahead Of Hurricane Milton

Some USPS Operations Temporarily Suspended Ahead of Hurricane Milton 

 

CENTRAL FLORIDA – As Hurricane Milton approaches, and to ensure the safety of customers and employees, the Postal Service is temporarily suspending retail and delivery operations in the specific 3-digit ZIP Code areas listed below.  Additional information will be provided in the coming days to keep the public aware of the status of mail and package delivery service and retail service availability.

 

ZIP Codes beginning with 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 341, 342, and 346:

 

Effective at 2:00 p.m. (EST) on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, all retail and delivery operations for facilities in the 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 341, 342 and 346 3-Digit ZIP Code Areas will be temporarily suspended until further notice due to Hurricane Milton.

 

No alternate sites are available at this time.

 

Customers can call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) to obtain information, including available alternate Post Office retail locations, or check the Postal Service website, www.usps.com, the Post Office that’s always open. The Postal Service’s smartphone app makes it even quicker to use the most popular functions on www.usps.com, anytime and anywhere.

We sincerely apologize for this inconvenience to our customers. The Postal Service appreciates its customers and thanks them for their patience.

USPS Service Alerts provide information to consumers, small businesses and business mailers about postal facility service disruptions due to weather-related and other natural disasters or events. Updated information is available at https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/.

HURRICANE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED

– Lakeland

– Winter Haven

– Bartow

* WIND

– LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Cat 1 Hurricane force wind

– Peak Wind Forecast: 60-80 mph with gusts to 100 mph

– Window for Tropical Storm force winds: Wednesday evening
until Thursday afternoon

– Window for Hurricane force winds: Wednesday evening until
Thursday morning

– THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind
greater than 110 mph

– The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.

– PLAN: Plan for extreme wind of equivalent CAT 3 hurricane
force or higher.

– PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect life and property
should be urgently completed. Prepare for catastrophic wind
damage.

– ACT: Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.

– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Devastating to Catastrophic

– Structural damage to sturdy buildings, some with complete
roof and wall failures. Complete destruction of mobile
homes. Damage greatly accentuated by large airborne
projectiles. Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks or
months.

– Numerous large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences
and roadway signs blown over.

– Many roads impassable from large debris, and more within
urban or heavily wooded places. Many bridges, causeways,
and access routes impassable.

– Widespread power and communications outages.

* FLOODING RAIN

– LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect

– Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 4-8 inches, with locally
higher amounts

– THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for extreme
flooding rain

– The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
the previous assessment.

– PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
extreme flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues
are likely.

– PREPARE: Urgently consider protective actions from extreme
and widespread rainfall flooding.

– ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take
action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life.

– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Devastating to Catastrophic

– Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations
and rescues.

– Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their
banks in many places with deep moving water. Small streams,
creeks, canals, and ditches may become raging rivers. Flood
control systems and barriers may become stressed.

– Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple
communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or
washed away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover
escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of
raging water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions
become very dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures
with some weakened or washed out.

* TORNADO

– LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:

– Situation is favorable for tornadoes

– THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several
tornadoes

– The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.

– PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
several tornadoes with a few possibly intense having larger
damage paths.

– PREPARE: Those living in manufactured homes or on boats are
urged to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous weather
arrives.

– ACT: Listen for tornado watches and warnings. If a tornado
warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly.

– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant

– The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the
execution of emergency plans during tropical events.

– Several places may experience tornado damage with a few
spots of considerable damage, power loss, and
communications failures.

– Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped
or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and boats tossed about.
Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

* FOR MORE INFORMATION: