LAKELAND, FL (July 7, 2026) – On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, an arrest warrant was issued for 44-year-old Miguel Acevedo, following an investigation that determined he had falsified time slips for off-duty detail assignments. Acevedo was booked into the Polk County Jail without incident this afternoon and charged with: Grand Theft (F3) and Scheming to Defraud (F3). Immediately after being processed, Acevedo resigned his position from the Lakeland Police Department.
An internal investigation discovered discrepancies between Acevedo’s time slips and his location during periods of off-duty detail assignments. A criminal investigation was immediately ordered by Chief Sam Taylor to thoroughly review the matter. The investigation discovered that Acevedo showed a pattern of repeatedly representing he was present and working assigned details when electronic records showed otherwise. The investigation identified 54 separate incidents occurring between July 7, 2022, and May 26, 2026, in which Officer Acevedo either clocked into or out of assigned details while located outside the approved geographic boundaries of the worksite. These incidents resulted in approximately $1,046.50 in compensation being paid to Officer Acevedo for time associated with attendance discrepancies and location irregularities.
Chief Taylor noted, “Our officers are entrusted with serving the community with integrity, professionalism, and accountability. Maintaining the public’s trust requires every member of the Lakeland Police Department to meet the highest standards of conduct, both on and off duty. When an officer fails to uphold those standards, it is our responsibility to ensure they are held accountable.”
Acevedo had been on administrative leave since the start of the investigation. He was paid an annual salary of $90,451. The arrest of Acevedo will still be subject to an administrative review.
The Polk County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday confirmed the appointment of Victoria Bateman as the county’s new Human Resources Director.
Bateman will oversee the county’s Human Resources Division, which manages approximately 22 employees and operates with an annual budget of about $3.8 million. The department is responsible for supporting county employees through recruiting, employee relations, benefits administration, compliance, training and other personnel functions.
Bateman joins Polk County after serving as Executive Director of Human Resources for One More Child. Before that, she held several human resources leadership positions with Publix Super Markets, including roles focused on employment law and human resources.
“I’m honored to join Polk County as the Human Resources Division Director,” Bateman said in a news release. “I look forward to supporting the dedicated employees who keep Polk County Government services running smoothly.”
In addition to her professional experience, Bateman is a graduate of the Leadership Lakeland Class 39 program through the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce and currently serves on one of its advisory boards.
She earned both her bachelor’s degree in psychology and her Master of Business Administration from Florida Southern College. Bateman also holds the Senior Certified Professional designation from the Society for Human Resource Management.
According to Polk County, Bateman’s annual salary will be $151,000.
One Movie Later: Gameoverse Sets a High Score in Indie Animation
by James Coulter
The 2020s are quickly becoming the decade of indie animation, and no studio has shaped this renaissance more than Glitch Productions. In just the past five years, they’ve delivered breakout hits like The Amazing Digital Circus and Murder Drones, while also backing ambitious pilots such as Gaslight Alley, Lackadaisy, and Knights of Guinevere.
Now, Glitch has added another contender to its lineup: Gameoverse. Since its release on YouTube on May 15, 2026, the pilot has already made an impressive debut, racking up over 20 million views and 1.4 million likes. But is Gameoverse poised to be Glitch’s next high‑score champion? Or is it destined for the bargain bin?
Gameoverse, true to its name, unfolds across a sprawling multiverse of video‑game worlds populated by their own digital heroes. One of those heroes is Kit Bodega, a scrappy feline protagonist whose goal is similar to that of other main characters: beat the bad guy and win.
There’s only one problem. In this universe, whenever a hero completes their game, that world is wiped from existence and its data harvested by a sinister organization, Syntax. Now, Kit finds herself joining forces with the Farcade, a resistance group determined to stop other worlds from meeting the same fate. But can Kit break the cycle? Or is it game over for all other worlds?
Gameoverse comes from the minds of Ross O’Donovan and Arin Hanson, names longtime internet denizens will recognize from the wildly popular Game Grumps channel. Both creators have spent more than two decades shaping online gaming culture through YouTube, Newgrounds, and countless animated projects.
The Gameoverse concept itself has been in development for eleven years, evolving from a 2009 animated web series on Newgrounds. Now, O’Donovan and Hanson are bringing that legacy into the indie‑animation boom with a pilot that shows real promise.
And this pilot absolutely delivers on that promise!
Gameoverse is a love letter to retro gaming. Kit Bodega’s design echoes Mega Man’s iconic silhouette, while her dynamic with Kaboodle evokes classic duos like Ratchet and Clank or Jak and Daxter. The overworld map they explore looks straight out of Super Mario World, complete with its charming pixel art style. The soundtrack leans into that nostalgia, with the bouncy, playful tone of Banjo‑Kazooie—fitting, since composer Grant Kirkhope returned to score the pilot. From floating coins to power‑ups, this pilot is packed with details that anyone who grew up on 1990s and 2000s games will instantly recognize and appreciate.
The show’s premise is both familiar and refreshingly subversive. Our protagonist is the lone survivor of a destroyed game world, traveling across the multiverse in her ship to prevent other worlds from meeting the same fate. The twist? She’s not helping heroes save the day: she’s trying to stop them from winning. Think Kingdom Hearts, but flipped on its head, with Sora siding with the Disney villains rather than fighting them.
The animation and art direction fit the show’s video‑game premise perfectly. The visual style is smooth, energetic, and highly dynamic, reminiscent of Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or the Spider‑Verse films, giving the action sequences a fast, game‑like momentum. The character designs are equally charming—and if early fan reactions to Kit Bodega and Miss Information are any indication, the show’s female character designs have proven quite alluring.
The main character, Kit Bodega, is voiced by Erica Lindbeck, whose résumé makes her an ideal fit for a video‑game‑inspired series. Beyond her work as Loona in Helluva Boss, she’s voiced game characters like Blaze the Cat in Sonic and Chevreuse in Genshin Impact. She does an excellent job playing a jaded, battle‑worn hero shaped by trauma yet driven by conviction, someone who remains determined to ensure other worlds don’t suffer the same fate as her own.
The rest of the cast provides strong foils for Kit. Her robot sidekick, Kaboodle, fires off sharp, sarcastic cynicism, Gobbles the Learnosaurus offers friendly but anxious skittishness, and Flappers the Super Dolphin adds a dose of plucky naïveté. Meanwhile, Miss Information and Fold steal scenes with their theatrical villainy, a duo that channels the same chaotic charisma that made Team Rocket iconic.
Overall, if you’re a fan of retro games or classic gaming‑centric content like Game Grumps, Gameoverse is an easy recommendation. With the flashy action of Mega Man, the upbeat charm of Banjo‑Kazooie, and the emotional core of Kingdom Hearts, the pilot feels tailor‑made for old‑school gamers. It’s game on for Gameoverse.
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — A vehicle fire inside a Winter Haven auto repair business Monday evening was quickly brought under control, preventing the blaze from spreading to neighboring businesses.
The Winter Haven Fire Department responded at approximately 7:40 p.m. on July 6 to a vehicle repair shop located at 4630 Old Lucern Park Road after receiving reports of a fire inside the business.
When firefighters arrived, they discovered a vehicle burning inside a repair bay with the bay door closed. According to fire officials, the fire appears to have originated in a single vehicle that was inside the shop.
Crews brought the fire under control within approximately five minutes, limiting the damage to the affected repair bay. No other businesses within the strip plaza were impacted by the fire.
No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Winter Haven Fire officials credited the rapid response of crews with preventing the fire from extending beyond the repair bay and causing more significant damage.
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — A vehicle fire inside a Winter Haven auto repair business Monday evening was quickly brought under control, preventing the blaze from spreading to neighboring businesses.
The Winter Haven Fire Department responded at approximately 7:40 p.m. on July 6 to a vehicle repair shop located at 4630 Old Lucern Park Road after receiving reports of a fire inside the business.
When firefighters arrived, they discovered a vehicle burning inside a repair bay with the bay door closed. According to fire officials, the fire appears to have originated in a single vehicle that was inside the shop.
Crews brought the fire under control within approximately five minutes, limiting the damage to the affected repair bay. No other businesses within the strip plaza were impacted by the fire.
No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Winter Haven Fire officials credited the rapid response of crews with preventing the fire from extending beyond the repair bay and causing more significant damage.
UltraFit Auburndale is now better prepared to respond to a cardiac emergency after receiving its new automated external defibrillator (AED) through Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation’s Pay It Forward Program. The AED, donated by Schalamar Creek, marks the foundation’s 97th AED placement, continuing its mission of making lifesaving equipment more accessible throughout the community while providing education that empowers people to act during a cardiac emergency.
The donation was made possible through the efforts of Sean Schrenker, a lieutenant with the Winter Haven Fire Department, whose commitment to protecting others extends well beyond his career in the fire service.
Schrenker began his fire service career with the Auburndale Fire Department, where he served for approximately eight years. In 2007, while employed there, he attended paramedic school with Eric Shimkus. After completing the program, he joined the Winter Haven Fire Department, where he has now served for more than 17 years and currently holds the rank of Lieutenant.
Although Schrenker currently works B Shift and Shimkus works C Shift, they have worked out of the same station and have known each other for more than 20 years.
Schrenker first began working out at UltraFit in 2014 when it was under previous ownership. After taking an extended break before the COVID-19 pandemic, he returned last year with a goal of improving his fitness and keeping up with the younger firefighters at the department.
During one of his workouts, a fellow member experienced a medical emergency. While the UltraFit staff acted quickly by providing care and calling 911, the experience highlighted the importance of having an AED readily available.
“I knew Eric teaches CPR classes on his days off, so I contacted him to learn more about obtaining an AED. That conversation introduced me to Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation. I was thrilled to learn that Ultra-Fit had been selected to receive an AED. While I sincerely hope it is never needed, having one available has the potential to save someone’s life.”
Schrenker also praised the training provided after the donation.
“The training provided by Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation and Eric Shimkus was outstanding. Despite the limited time available, they delivered an informative, hands-on class that gave both the Ultra-Fit staff and its members the knowledge and confidence to recognize when an AED is needed and how to use it properly. I am truly grateful for everything this organization does to help businesses obtain lifesaving equipment and educate people on how to respond during a cardiac emergency.”
For Madi Harris, owner and head coach of UltraFit Auburndale, the donation reflects the gym’s commitment to creating a safe environment for every member.
“My name is Madi Harris, and I’m the owner and head coach at UltraFit Auburndale. Fitness has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I love helping people become healthier, stronger, and more confident. I took over UltraFit a little over three years ago, and the goal has always been to create more than just a gym. We’ve worked hard to build a community where people feel supported, encouraged, and like family.”
Harris said Schrenker played a key role in bringing the AED to UltraFit.
“I’ve known Sean through being a member at the gym. He’s a firefighter and has taught me about different safety protocols if ever in a situation I need to use them. I’m incredibly thankful that he reached out for us and helped make this possible. Having an AED in our gym gives me peace of mind knowing we’re better prepared if an emergency ever happens. His willingness to help our community means more than he probably realizes.”
Receiving the AED also brought an unexpected personal connection.
“I’ve actually known Melanie since I was little. I used to cheer with her daughter, so it was really special to reconnect with her after so many years. I honestly had no idea she was involved with Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, so it was such a cool surprise to see her again through something so meaningful. We’re incredibly grateful that her foundation chose to donate an AED to UltraFit through the Pay It Forward program from Schalamar Creek. We hope we never have to use it, but knowing it’s there if someone ever needs it is a blessing. It’s an amazing gift that could truly save a life, and we’re honored to be part of their mission to make our community safer.”
Harris also expressed her appreciation for Melanie Brown Culpepper and the foundation.
“I just want to say thank you to Melanie and everyone at Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation for everything you do. It’s inspiring to see a foundation turning tragedy into something that brings hope and helps protect communities. Your passion for educating people and making AEDs more accessible is making a real difference, and we’re so thankful to be a small part of that mission.”
Following the presentation, Eric Shimkus led an AED demonstration and hands-on training session for the UltraFit staff and members.
“The demonstration was excellent. Eric explained everything in a way that was easy to understand and helped everyone feel much more confident about using the AED if the situation ever arose. Before the training, it could have felt intimidating, but now I feel much more prepared and informed. We’re very thankful he took the time to educate us.”
Harris said the stories shared during the presentation left a lasting impact.
“Hearing the stories they shared was incredibly eye-opening. It really put into perspective that cardiac emergencies can happen to anyone, anywhere, and often when you least expect them. It made me realize just how important it is to be prepared.
We hope we never have to use ours, but if it ever saves even one life, it’s worth it. Thank you again to Melanie, Eric, Sean and the entire Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation team for investing in our community and helping make it a safer place. You guys are seriously AMAZING!”
The placement of AED #97 represents another milestone for Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation’s Pay It Forward Program. Through generous community partners like Schalamar Creek and dedicated advocates such as Sean Schrenker, businesses like UltraFit Auburndale are becoming better equipped to respond when seconds matter most.
As Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation continues its mission throughout Central Florida, each AED placed serves as a reminder that being prepared can make the difference between life and death—because Saving Lives Matters.
UltraFit Auburndale is now better prepared to respond to a cardiac emergency after receiving its new automated external defibrillator (AED) through Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation’s Pay It Forward Program. The AED, donated by Schalamar Creek, marks the foundation’s 97th AED placement, continuing its mission of making lifesaving equipment more accessible throughout the community while providing education that empowers people to act during a cardiac emergency.
The donation was made possible through the efforts of Sean Schrenker, a lieutenant with the Winter Haven Fire Department, whose commitment to protecting others extends well beyond his career in the fire service.
Schrenker began his fire service career with the Auburndale Fire Department, where he served for approximately eight years. In 2007, while employed there, he attended paramedic school with Eric Shimkus. After completing the program, he joined the Winter Haven Fire Department, where he has now served for more than 17 years and currently holds the rank of Lieutenant.
Although Schrenker currently works B Shift and Shimkus works C Shift, they have worked out of the same station and have known each other for more than 20 years.
Schrenker first began working out at UltraFit in 2014 when it was under previous ownership. After taking an extended break before the COVID-19 pandemic, he returned last year with a goal of improving his fitness and keeping up with the younger firefighters at the department.
During one of his workouts, a fellow member experienced a medical emergency. While the UltraFit staff acted quickly by providing care and calling 911, the experience highlighted the importance of having an AED readily available.
“I knew Eric teaches CPR classes on his days off, so I contacted him to learn more about obtaining an AED. That conversation introduced me to Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation. I was thrilled to learn that Ultra-Fit had been selected to receive an AED. While I sincerely hope it is never needed, having one available has the potential to save someone’s life.”
Schrenker also praised the training provided after the donation.
“The training provided by Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation and Eric Shimkus was outstanding. Despite the limited time available, they delivered an informative, hands-on class that gave both the Ultra-Fit staff and its members the knowledge and confidence to recognize when an AED is needed and how to use it properly. I am truly grateful for everything this organization does to help businesses obtain lifesaving equipment and educate people on how to respond during a cardiac emergency.”
For Madi Harris, owner and head coach of UltraFit Auburndale, the donation reflects the gym’s commitment to creating a safe environment for every member.
“My name is Madi Harris, and I’m the owner and head coach at UltraFit Auburndale. Fitness has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I love helping people become healthier, stronger, and more confident. I took over UltraFit a little over three years ago, and the goal has always been to create more than just a gym. We’ve worked hard to build a community where people feel supported, encouraged, and like family.”
Harris said Schrenker played a key role in bringing the AED to UltraFit.
“I’ve known Sean through being a member at the gym. He’s a firefighter and has taught me about different safety protocols if ever in a situation I need to use them. I’m incredibly thankful that he reached out for us and helped make this possible. Having an AED in our gym gives me peace of mind knowing we’re better prepared if an emergency ever happens. His willingness to help our community means more than he probably realizes.”
Receiving the AED also brought an unexpected personal connection.
“I’ve actually known Melanie since I was little. I used to cheer with her daughter, so it was really special to reconnect with her after so many years. I honestly had no idea she was involved with Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, so it was such a cool surprise to see her again through something so meaningful. We’re incredibly grateful that her foundation chose to donate an AED to UltraFit through the Pay It Forward program from Schalamar Creek. We hope we never have to use it, but knowing it’s there if someone ever needs it is a blessing. It’s an amazing gift that could truly save a life, and we’re honored to be part of their mission to make our community safer.”
Harris also expressed her appreciation for Melanie Brown Culpepper and the foundation.
“I just want to say thank you to Melanie and everyone at Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation for everything you do. It’s inspiring to see a foundation turning tragedy into something that brings hope and helps protect communities. Your passion for educating people and making AEDs more accessible is making a real difference, and we’re so thankful to be a small part of that mission.”
Following the presentation, Eric Shimkus led an AED demonstration and hands-on training session for the UltraFit staff and members.
“The demonstration was excellent. Eric explained everything in a way that was easy to understand and helped everyone feel much more confident about using the AED if the situation ever arose. Before the training, it could have felt intimidating, but now I feel much more prepared and informed. We’re very thankful he took the time to educate us.”
Harris said the stories shared during the presentation left a lasting impact.
“Hearing the stories they shared was incredibly eye-opening. It really put into perspective that cardiac emergencies can happen to anyone, anywhere, and often when you least expect them. It made me realize just how important it is to be prepared.
We hope we never have to use ours, but if it ever saves even one life, it’s worth it. Thank you again to Melanie, Eric, Sean and the entire Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation team for investing in our community and helping make it a safer place. You guys are seriously AMAZING!”
The placement of AED #97 represents another milestone for Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation’s Pay It Forward Program. Through generous community partners like Schalamar Creek and dedicated advocates such as Sean Schrenker, businesses like UltraFit Auburndale are becoming better equipped to respond when seconds matter most.
As Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation continues its mission throughout Central Florida, each AED placed serves as a reminder that being prepared can make the difference between life and death—because Saving Lives Matters.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is seeking qualified men and women in Polk County who desire to work as substitute school crossing guards for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.
Substitute school crossing guards are needed in the Four Corners area (Davenport).
Anyone interested in applying should contact Supervisor Courtney Branch at (863) 534-7300 ext. 409.
Applicants should be available to work for one hour in the morning and for 30 minutes in the afternoon when scheduled to work a crossing.
School Crossing Guard services are provided by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office through funds provided by the Polk County Board of County Commissioners. This vital program provides adult crossing guards at selected hazardous school crossings to ensure the safety of our elementary school children walking to and from school.
Love the People God Gave You: Remembering the Legacy of Melvin “Mel-V” Germaine Hover by James Coulter
They say you should love the people God gave you, because one day, He will need them back.
That was the guiding life principle for Melvin Germaine Hover, affectionately known as “Mel-V” by friends and family.
Mel-V was a local musician who created music and music videos with his friends, including Kerry Michael Davis Jr., known by his performer name “Lil Fab.”
On Nov. 1, 2011, Mel-V was driving Kerry and his two brothers to Mel’s house after a music video shoot when their vehicle was hit by a truck.
Heath and Heather Woolman pried Kerry and his two brothers from the damaged vehicle, but they could not rescue Mel-V, as the truck had struck his side of the vehicle. The car exploded and took Mel-V with it. He was only 19.
Kerry has since gone on to become the owner and operator of ImFabolous LLC, a unique business that, as he puts it, “sits at the intersection of music, production, streetwear design, and community development.”
The fire consumed the vehicle along with all of Kerry’s physical music and videos. However, about a month later, a miracle occurred when the Sheriff’s office knocked on his door to return a plastic bag recovered from the scene containing his lost music.
Motivated by this second chance and a desire to keep his brother’s memory alive, Lil Fab dedicated his life to his craft, releasing the music in honor of Mel-V’s legacy.
“Mel-V was more than just a young man. He was a really vibrant, he was a light, he was the inspiration behind me,” Kerry said.
To honor his late friend’s legacy, Kerry is planning the first annual Mel-V Day celebration, an upcoming performance event planned for later this year as a celebration of life, music, and community unity, and dedicated to the principle young Mel-V lived by: “Love the people God gave you, because one day He will need them back.”
For Kerry, the event will be more than a community get-together. He envisions it as an opportunity “to create economic and social change” and to honor a legacy that serves as a “foundation for a mission to transform our community.”
Through his passion for music, Mel-V inspired Kerry, and now Kerry hopes that his late friend’s legacy will inspire others in the same way.
“His goal was music; it was always music,” Kerry said. “A lot of the drive was up to him. We kept it going because it is too powerful.”
The first annual Mel-V Day is planned for Sun. Nov. 1, 2026, with the venue to be determined. The event is currently seeking vendors, performers, and sponsors.
For more information, contact Davis on Instagram (@thereallilfab), on Facebook (Kerry LilFab Davis), or via email at: [email protected].
Kerry “Lil Fab” Davis recently appeared on the Chattin on the Ridge podcast to discuss his late friend Melvin “Mel-V” Germaine Hover and the upcoming Mel-V Day celebration.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit investigated a traffic-related fatality during the early morning hours of Sunday, July 5, 2026, in Frostproof.
Around 12:30 a.m. that morning, a grey 2008 Toyota Prius was heading north on U.S. Hwy 27 in the left lane approaching George Street, which is the entrance to the Sun Ray community, when for unknown reasons a 29-year-old man from Frostproof stepped out onto U.S. 27 and stopped.
The driver of the Prius was unable to avoid striking the man, and the man’s injuries were fatal. The driver of the Prius stopped and remained cooperative during the investigation. Neither he nor his passengers were injured. No other vehicles or people were involved in the incident. The man’s family came to the scene and could not explain why he might have walked out into the road.
