HAINES CITY – On Aug. 7, the Haines City Commission voted 3-1 to approve the purchase of an 11-acre property on Johnson Avenue.
Terrell Griffin, Director of Parks and Recreation, presented the proposal, noting that the $860,000 purchase will be funded through recreation impact fees. The property will provide much-needed additional parking for the Larry Parrish Baseball Complex and the planned 32-acre sports complex expansion. It will also serve as the site for a new lift station.
Griffin explained, “The parcel can serve as a future location for additional parking capacity to support both existing and future recreation facilities. In addition, the site provides a suitable area to address utility infrastructure needs, including the installation of a lift station which is necessary for the expansion project and broader utility planning in that specific area.”
Mayor Morris West, Vice Mayor Vernel Smith, and Commissioner Omar Arroyo voiced strong support for the acquisition. “This is dual purpose,” West said. “We need that parcel of land.”
Arroyo agreed, adding, “I’m glad this parcel came up as available. Parking (at Larry Parrish Baseball Complex) is crazy. This is more of a necessity. We are killing two birds with one stone.”
Commissioner Kim Downing cast the lone opposing vote, expressing concerns about the concentration of recreation investments in one area. “I just see us spending a lot of recreation money just in one particular area,” Downing said. “The majority of the impact fees is coming from the homes sold in the northside of Haines City. We have yet to go to canvas that particular area to give the people who live in the northside of Haines City any type of recreation. We are putting all recreation in one two-mile radius.”
Vice Mayor Smith supported the purchase but acknowledged the need for future projects in other parts of the city. “After this, we need to look at the north end of the city near the hospital,” he said.
West, Arroyo, and Smith voted in favor of the purchase. Commissioner Anne Huffman was absent from the meeting.
Jose Alonso Juarez, 51, of Bradenton, FL, passed away on August 7, 2025. He was born on March 12, 1974, in Piedras Negras, Mexico to Margarita Rodriguez and Jose Ines Juarez. He moved to Bradenton in 2003 from Haines City and built a life filled with love, hard work, and creativity.
Jose worked as the Culinary Director for American House, where his passion for cooking shined through every dish he created. A strong family man, he found joy in bringing people together through his food. His curiosity, creativity, and dedication led him to master thousands of recipes, and in recent years, he rekindled a love for woodworking—always ensuring his talents were used to touch the hearts of others.
He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Juarez; his son, Benito Alonso Juarez; daughters, Yesenia Margarita Salinas and Vanessa Margarita Juarez; granddaughter, Harper Juarez; father, Jose Ines Juarez; brothers, Rogelio Juarez and Luis Juarez; and sisters, Alejandra Juarez and Eunice Juarez. He is now reunited in heaven with his beloved mother, Margarita Rodriguez.
Jose’s legacy of love, creativity, and devotion to family will continue to inspire all who knew him.
“To all my friends and family- I will see you when I see you” —Jose Alonso Juarez
Family and friends will gather to honor his life on Saturday, August 16, 2025, beginning with visitation at 11:00 a.m. and a funeral service at 12:00 p.m., all at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Haines City. Following the service, military honors will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery.
José Alonso Juárez, de 51 años, de Bradenton, FL, falleció el 7 de agosto de 2025. Nació el 12 de marzo de 1974 en Piedras Negras, México, hijo de Margarita Rodríguez y José Inés Juárez. En 2003 se mudó de Haines City a Bradenton, donde construyó una vida llena de amor, trabajo arduo y creatividad.
José trabajó como Director Culinario en American House, donde su pasión por la cocina se reflejaba en cada platillo que preparaba. Hombre de gran amor por su familia, encontraba alegría en reunir a las personas a través de su comida. Su curiosidad, creatividad y dedicación lo llevaron a dominar miles de recetas y, en los últimos años, a retomar su amor por la carpintería, siempre procurando que sus talentos sirvieran para tocar el corazón de los demás.
Le sobreviven su amada esposa, Elizabeth Juárez; su hijo, Benito Alonso Juárez; sus hijas, Yesenia Margarita Salinas y Vanessa Margarita Juárez; su nieta, Harper Juárez; su padre, José Inés Juárez; sus hermanos, Rogelio Juárez y Luis Juárez; y sus hermanas, Alejandra Juárez y Eunice Juárez. Ahora se encuentra reunido en el cielo con su querida madre, Margarita Rodríguez.
El legado de amor, creatividad y devoción a la familia de José seguirá inspirando a todos los que lo conocieron.
“A todos mis amigos y familiares: nos veremos cuando nos veamos” — José Alonso Juárez
La familia y los amigos se reunirán para honrar su vida el sábado 16 de agosto de 2025, comenzando con una visita a las 11:00 a.m., seguida de un servicio fúnebre a las 12:00 p.m., todo en Oak Ridge Funeral Care en Haines City. Después del servicio, se llevarán a cabo honores militares en el Forest Hill Cemetery.
Frank ‘Bubba’ Smith Jr., age 90, passed away peacefully at his home in Bartow, FL on Sunday, August 10, 2025. He was surrounded by his family. Bubba loved being a husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He enjoyed the outdoors, most importantly, hunting and fishing with all the boys in his family and his friends. He never let a day go by without his family knowing how much he loved them.
Bubba was born June 2, 1935 in Bartow, FL to Frank B. Smith & Irene ‘Shirley’ Smith. He grew up in Bartow and graduated from Summerlin Institute in 1953. In high school, he played football and was in the Key Club along with many other clubs and activities. He briefly attended the University of Florida before joining the Army in 1954. He later went on to continue his education and graduated from Florida Southern College in 1960 with a degree in business administration and a minor in citrus. When he was at Florida Southern, he was a founding member of the FSC chapter and served as president of Kappa Alpha fraternity, vice president of the Inter-Fraternity Council and was a member of the Citrus Club. During college, Bubba worked at his parents’ clothing store, at the Alturas Packing House, and for American Cyanamid.
He was the president of the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycee’s) from 1963-1964. He was president of the County Finance Officers Association from 1968-1969. He was a long time member of the Bartow Lions Club and the President from 1977-1978. He was on the Board of Directors of Peace Valley Nursing Council as treasurer, member of the Polk County Scholarship and Loan Association, Polk Alcoholism Program, and Ridge Council of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Disease Association. Bubba was a Bartow Volunteer Fire Fighter for many years.
After graduating from college, Bubba was a clerk and auditor for the Board of County Commissioners. He was elected county commissioner in 1970. He served 3 terms as county commissioner. In 1982, he was appointed the Polk County Manager until he retired in 1988 at the age of 53. In 1994, he was asked to fill an unexpired term as city commissioner and was then elected for a 3 year term in which he also served as mayor from 1997-1998. In 2017, Bubba was inducted into the Bartow Senior High School B.E.S.T.T. Hall of Fame. He was also a Boy Scout for many years and in 2019 was presented with the Soaring Eagle award. He was also a proud member of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church of Bartow since 1996.
Bubba is survived by his wife of 66 years: Anne Smith of Bartow, four children: Justin Smith & wife Sherry, of Bartow, Frank Smith III, of Bartow, Elizabeth Turner & husband Jeff, of Charlotte, NC, and Lance Smith & wife Joan, of Orlando, FL, and eight grandchildren: Kim Miller & husband Jason, Kara Uhinck & husband Mark, Brad Smith & wife Andrea, Rachel Upthegrove & husband Colby, Chad Smith, Audrey Turner, Connor Smith, and Carly Smith, and ten great grandchildren: Reagan, Allie Grace, Cole, Eli, Sici, Kesler, Luke, Ben, Case, and Jake, and nephew Murphy Phillips and wife Sheryl, of Bartow, FL.
The Smith Family is eternally grateful for the exceptional support and love from our caregivers: Annette, Raymond, Maxine, Toni, and Ari.
A visitation will be held at the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church of Bartow on Saturday, August 16th at 1:00pm followed by a memorial service at 2:00pm. A celebration of life, with refreshments, will immediately follow the service in Fellowship Hall. His family will meet at the Wildwood Cemetery following refreshments.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church or the Salvation Army.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested eight suspects involved in a violent disturbance of the peace at Lake Winterset that occurred on August 2, 2025.
PCSO received a call on August 2nd at 3p.m reporting an in-progress fight near the shoreline of Lake Winterset. Upon arrival by deputies, everyone had already dispersed and fled the area by boat. On August 10th the investigation advanced significantly after a cellphone video of the incident surfaced on social media.
The video shows a group of people actively engaged in a physical altercation, during which multiple punches and kicks were thrown. Two individuals appear to be temporarily rendered unconscious during the altercation; one falls headfirst into the lake while unconscious, and the other is assisted by a bystander who administers CPR. Several small children are observed in close proximity to the fight.
A witness reported being on a nearby boat with his family, including his five-year-old grandson, when the riot occurred and stated the incident negatively impacted his day and caused distress to his family.
The following are excerpts from the affidavits, and they are self-explanatory:
The fight, which resulted in two unconscious participants, was violent in nature and occurred in a public setting where it was witnessed by numerous individuals on the lake. It was apparent that all participants acted with a common intent to assist one another in violent and disorderly conduct, creating an imminent danger of injury to others, and thereby engaging in a riot.
These actions corrupted public morals, outraged the sense of public decency, and disturbed the peace and quiet of persons who witnessed the incident, thereby constituting a breach of the peace/disorderly conduct.
The incident took place on private property located beyond the waterline of Lake Winterset, separated by a seawall, and is properly posted with “No Trespassing” signage as defined in F.S. 810.011(5)(a), bearing Polk County Sheriff’s Office markings. All involved subjects actively disregarded the signage and entered the property without authorization.
As a result of the investigation, eight suspects have been arrested and charged as follows: Mason Land, 23 – Rioting (F3), affray (M1), trespassing (M1), disorderly conduct (M2) Payton Ely, 19 – Rioting (F3), affray (M1), trespassing (M1), disorderly conduct (M2) Timothy “Owen” Gooding, 21 – Rioting (F3), affray (M1), trespassing (M1), disorderly conduct (M2), contributing to the delinquency of a minor (M1) Gavin Gooding, 17 – Rioting (F3), affray (M1), trespassing (M1), disorderly conduct (M2) Richard Carden, 40 – Rioting (F3), affray (M1), trespassing (M1), disorderly conduct (M2) Garrett Ore, 22 – Rioting (F3), affray (M1), trespassing (M1), disorderly conduct (M2) Garrett Hiltabidel, 21 – Rioting (F3), affray (M1), trespassing (M1), disorderly conduct (M2) Nate Land, 21 – Rioting (F3), affray (M1), trespassing (M1), disorderly conduct (M2)
“We will not tolerate violent and disorderly behavior that disrupts the peaceful enjoyment of our community. Thanks to the video evidence and witness cooperation, we’ve identified those responsible and have arrested them. And here’s another message – as you are enjoying the beautiful lakes in Winter Haven and throughout our county, stay off of people’s private property.”– Grady Judd, Sheriff.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives have arrested 29-year-old Porfirio Cruz of Plant City following an investigation into an unlawful sexual relationship with a 16-year-old girl.
The investigation began after the girl delivered a stillborn infant at a local hospital. Detectives learned that Cruz was the biological father. According to statements made during interviews, Cruz had been involved with the victim for “one or two years” and regularly communicated with her by text message and phone calls.
Detectives say Cruz would pick the girl up from her residence without her parents’ knowledge and take her to his home to engage in unlawful sexual activity. The victim’s parents told investigators they were unaware of the relationship.
Cruz admitted to the ongoing sexual relationship and to using his phone to coordinate meetings. He also admitted to deleting text messages once he learned law enforcement was investigating. He told detectives their most recent encounter was one week before the stillbirth.
While the sexual offenses occurred in Hillsborough County, authorities say Cruz’s communication, solicitation, and transportation of the minor took place in Polk County, establishing jurisdiction for multiple felony charges.
During the investigation, detectives confirmed that Cruz is in the United States illegally from Mexico, which upgraded the severity of his charges. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has placed a hold on Cruz at the Polk County Jail.
He has been charged with:
Traveling to meet a minor after using a computer or other electronic device to solicit a minor (First-Degree Felony) Unlawful use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony (Second-Degree Felony) Contributing to the dependency of a child (Third-Degree Felony)
In the 800-meter race, Khayari placed 12th running against 113 other girls from all over the nation. Her time was 2:29:36, beating her personal best of 2:33.
This was her fourth consecutive time qualifying in the 800-meter (half mile) race for the prestigious national competition.
The rising seventh grader excels while battling epilepsy.
Congratulations, Khayari. We know you are destined for success!
Haines City – Haines City is experiencing rapid growth, and the Haines City Economic Development Council (HCEDC) is playing a key role in driving it. Unlike organizations that focus on retail or fast-food expansion, the HCEDC targets industrial and commercial operations — the kinds of companies that bring skilled, high-wage jobs and long-term investment to the community.
HCEDC President Cyndi Jantomaso recently updated the City Commission on the organization’s accomplishments, highlighting five major projects that together have generated more than 1,000 construction jobs. These jobs span land acquisition, design and planning, construction, commissioning, and startup phases.
Restaurant Depot Distribution Center
Restaurant Depot Distribution Center – Located at 205 Depot Way, this $56 million, 95,926-square-foot, food-grade distribution facility opened in 2024. It is one of 162 locations nationwide (16 in Florida) and employs 75 full-time workers with an average annual salary of $61,000. The nearest Restaurant Depot for restaurant owners, caterers and non-profits to shop is in Kissimmee.
Boxville
Boxville – Situated at State Road 17 and State Road 544, across from the Haines City Post Office, this $16.1 million, 121,534-square-foot climate-controlled self-storage facility is the company’s first Florida location. Boxville currently operates eight facilities in Georgia and South Carolina, with another Georgia site under construction. The Haines City location will employ four full-time staff with an average annual salary of $61,000.
Aldi Cold Storage
Aldi Cold Storage Warehouse and Distribution Center – This 100,000-square-foot facility on State Road 17 will serve more than 130 Aldi stores in Central and Northeast Florida, as well as the Tampa Bay market. Designed to handle growing volumes of perishable foods, it will employ 10 full-time workers earning just over $59,000 annually.
SIKA
Sika Production Facility – Under construction at State Road 544 and Tibbets Boulevard, this $10 million, 29,000-square-foot plant will produce concrete admixtures. Sika, a global leader in construction materials, will hire 10 full-time employees earning about $77,000 annually, with operations expected to begin by year’s end
Wood manufacturing
Wood Products Manufacturing Plant – Rising at Bannon Island Road and Detour Road, this $36 million, 174,000-square-foot facility will employ 100 full-time workers earning an average of $61,000 annually. The company name has not yet been disclosed.
All five projects are located in Haines City Industrial Park, which still has 400 acres of industrial-zoned sites available for future development.
Polk County students head back to class Monday, August 11, and local officials are making safety a top priority. Both on the road and in school zones.
The Polk County Public Schools (PCPS) Safe Stop bus camera program is returning for the new school year after its regular summer break. The pause allowed the district and its law enforcement partners to prepare for the year ahead and implement updates required under a new state law that took effect July 1. That law now requires a clearer appeals process for drivers who are cited (NEW LAW CHANGES HOW SCHOOL BUS CAMERA FINES ARE HANDLED IN POLK COUNTY AND THE STATE)
Under the program, school bus stop-arm cameras automatically record violations when drivers pass a stopped bus. The footage is reviewed, and citations are issued to the vehicle’s registered owner. Since its initial launch last year, the program recorded nearly 13,000 violations, underscoring the risks students face when crossing the street to or from a bus.
PCPS says the updated appeals system will give drivers a defined process to contest tickets, and the system will be in place in time for the first day of school. Sheriff Grady Judd has repeatedly stressed the importance of the program, calling it a “life-saving” measure to protect children.
In addition to bus safety, Lakeland is adding another layer of enforcement called speed detection cameras in school zones. City commissioners approved installing 14 cameras at nine schools to catch drivers exceeding posted limits during school hours. Officials say warnings will be issued during an initial grace period, but fines will follow for repeat or excessive speeding (LAKELAND’S SCHOOL ZONE SPEED CAMERAS SET TO BEGIN ENFORCEMENT IN OCTOBER)
Law Enforcement Will Be Out Making Sure Drivers Follow The Law
Local leaders hope the combined enforcement will change driver behavior, reduce dangerous passing, and make school zones safer.
Key Safety Reminders for Drivers:
Always stop for a school bus when its stop arm is extended and red lights are flashing—unless traveling in the opposite direction on a divided highway. Pay attention to reduced speed limits in school zones, typically in effect during drop-off and pick-up times. Expect to see both law enforcement officers and automated cameras monitoring compliance.
Foster Volunteers are Urgently Needed By Anita Todd
LAKELAND – It might sound like an oxymoron, but any dog that checks into the Polk County Bully Project (PCBP) is truly a lucky dog. At this one-of-a-kind facility, dogs become part of a family. They are fed, housed, given medical care when needed—and above all, they are loved unconditionally.
“These dogs are never in danger of being euthanized or ending up on the streets again,” said Angie Lorio, co-owner of PCBP. “They will never be abused, neglected, or starved. Once they’re with us, they’re safe for life.”
That lifelong commitment is more than just a promise—it’s in writing. “When one of our dogs is adopted, the new owners sign a contract stating that if they can no longer keep the dog, it must be returned to us,” Lorio explained. “We’ve driven all the way to Texas to bring one of our dogs back.”
PCBP continues to check in on their adopted dogs long after they’ve left the facility. And if a dog ends up in an unsafe situation, the organization has no hesitation about pursuing legal action to ensure its return.
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Lorio and her partner, Shannon Medina, founded PCBP in 2019 with one mission: to save bully breeds from being euthanized and help them find loving homes. The project began in a small, all-volunteer office—but the need quickly outgrew the space.
“We saw right away how critical this work was,” said Lorio. “So we started searching for a larger facility to rescue even more dogs.”
Thanks to community fundraisers and generous individual donors, the team was able to lease a larger building. But even that space wasn’t enough to meet the overwhelming demand.
That’s when a local philanthropist—who happened to own a bully breed himself—stepped in. He purchased property and built a massive, warehouse-style facility specifically for PCBP. The organization now pays just $1 a year to use it, along with covering the property taxes.
“It’s incredible,” Lorio said. “Because we don’t have to worry about rent or a mortgage, we can focus every dollar on what truly matters: the dogs.”
Currently, there are more than 230 dogs at the facility, with additional dogs in foster homes.
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They receive dogs from a variety of sources: individuals who can’t or won’t care for them any longer, the Polk County Animal Shelter, or from homeless situations.
“There are a few homeless encampments around the area, and we go out into them,” Lorio said. “The last time, someone called us about a dog that had been chained to a tree for five days. Two days ago, there was a dog who had been hit by a car, and someone had duct-taped their fractured leg.”
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Medical care—especially emergency care and sterilization—is PCBP’s biggest expense. TLC Pet Snips, Inc. in Lakeland performs spay and neuter procedures at a reduced price, but costs still add up, as every dog they take in must be fixed. A veterinarian based in St. Petersburg also visits Lakeland twice a month to perform surgeries for free.
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Although the organization has around 20 paid staff members (both part- and full-time), much of the day-to-day work is carried out by dedicated volunteers. Laundry alone is a major task, with eight to 10 loads washed and dried daily. Dogs must be walked, fed, loved, and their living areas cleaned.
They adopt out about 800 dogs a year but are careful about placements. According to their website, bullyprojectrescue.org, through local adoption and rescue partnerships, they are giving this misunderstood breed a real chance at a happily-ever-after.
“We aren’t going to put a dog in the community that we feel might be a problem,” said Lorio. “In our history, there have only been two of those, and they have a permanent home here with us.”
Lorio is quick to give credit to the community for the facility’s success.
“Don’t thank me. It’s the people in this community and surrounding counties who keep this place going,” she said. “These people pay attention—you wouldn’t believe the incredible amount of support we get.”
That said, the need for foster homes is urgent. Foster families take home the dog, along with their food and any prescriptions they might need.
“We pay for everything for the fostered dogs,” Lorio said. “Right now, I could foster out 120 dogs.”
She added that about 50 percent of fosters end up adopting the dog themselves.
“When you adopt, you save two lives,” said volunteer Norma Sanchez. “The one you adopted, and the one who takes its place at the rescue.”
The PCBP is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) rescue organization—and it’s not just for bullies. Any dog is welcome there.
To learn more, volunteer, foster, or adopt, email [email protected].
As Polk County students prepare to head back to school, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a timely new initiative called “Free Mind,” aimed at addressing the growing challenges of youth substance use and mental health. This national campaign, announced on August 5, 2025, targets teens aged 12-17, along with their parents and caregivers, offering resources to foster open conversations about these critical issues.
Back to School
The “Free Mind” campaign comes at a pivotal moment. According to the CDC, more than 80,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2024, with 75% of overdose deaths among youth aged 10-19 involving illegally made fentanyl. Additionally, teen mental health has seen a troubling decline. In 2023, 40% of high school students reported stopping regular activities due to persistent sadness or hopelessness, and one in five seriously considered suicide. These statistics highlight the urgent need for awareness and action in communities like Polk County.
The campaign’s core message, as stated on the CDC’s website, is that “drugs and mental health don’t mix.” It emphasizes that teens may turn to alcohol, drugs, or misused prescription medications to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression, but such choices can worsen mental health issues and lead to addiction or other health problems. “Free Mind” seeks to resonate with teens by incorporating their input into its messaging, ensuring it connects with their experiences and concerns. The campaign also provides practical tools for parents and caregivers to recognize early warning signs and start meaningful discussions before issues escalate.
“Talking openly about mental health and substance use, and knowing when to get professional help, is critical to helping teens stay healthy,” said Dr. Allison Arwady, Director of the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. “That’s why this campaign supports youth, parents, and caregivers in having those conversations early, before an issue arises.
“For Polk County families, this initiative is especially relevant as the back-to-school season brings new opportunities to engage with teens about their well-being. Local schools, community organizations, and health providers can use “Free Mind” resources to guide conversations about the risks of substance use, particularly the dangers of fentanyl, which has been a growing concern nationwide. The campaign also offers strategies to help teens manage stress and build resilience, addressing the mental health challenges that often go hand-in-hand with substance use.
The CDC has created a dedicated website for the “Free Mind” campaign at cdc.gov/free-mind, where families can find discussion guides, information on substance use trends, and tips for promoting mental health. For those seeking help with thoughts of suicide, the national lifeline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988. Additionally, the CDC’s overdose prevention resources are available at cdc.gov/overdose-prevention.
Polk County health officials and educators are encouraged to explore these resources to support local youth. As the school year begins, the “Free Mind” campaign serves as a reminder that open communication and early intervention can make a significant difference in keeping our teens safe and healthy.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or substance use, reach out for help. Visit cdc.gov/free-mind for more information or contact local Polk County resources for support.
