Investigators have determined that an electrical fault caused the fatal house fire that claimed the lives of two people Sunday morning in northeast Winter Haven.
According to an update from the Winter Haven Fire Department, the fire originated from an electrical fault at an outlet in an extended room at the rear of the residence.
Firefighters responded shortly after 10:13 a.m. to the home on 5th Street NE, where crews encountered heavy fire conditions upon arrival. The fire was brought under control within approximately five minutes, according to officials.
Two people were located deceased inside the home during search operations.
The victims have been identified only as an adult male resident of the home and an adult female visitor. Officials said next of kin have been notified, but the victims’ names have not yet been released publicly.
The official cause of death for both individuals remains pending the Polk County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office assisted with the investigation, which determined the blaze was accidental and originated from an electrical failure involving an outlet in the home’s rear addition.
No additional information has been released at this time.
Investigators have determined that an electrical fault caused the fatal house fire that claimed the lives of two people Sunday morning in northeast Winter Haven.
According to an update from the Winter Haven Fire Department, the fire originated from an electrical fault at an outlet in an extended room at the rear of the residence.
Firefighters responded shortly after 10:13 a.m. to the home on 5th Street NE, where crews encountered heavy fire conditions upon arrival. The fire was brought under control within approximately five minutes, according to officials.
Two people were located deceased inside the home during search operations.
The victims have been identified only as an adult male resident of the home and an adult female visitor. Officials said next of kin have been notified, but the victims’ names have not yet been released publicly.
The official cause of death for both individuals remains pending the Polk County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office assisted with the investigation, which determined the blaze was accidental and originated from an electrical failure involving an outlet in the home’s rear addition.
No additional information has been released at this time.
Two people were found deceased Sunday morning after a residential fire in northeast Winter Haven, according to the Winter Haven Police Department.
Firefighters with the Winter Haven Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched shortly after 10:13 a.m. to a home on 5th Street NE.
According to initial radio traffic, the first arriving crews encountered a single-story residential structure with heavy fire showing. Following a 360-degree assessment of the home, the incident commander reported approximately 50 percent of the structure was involved with heavy smoke and flames. Firefighters deployed multiple hose lines, secured utilities and initiated both fire suppression and search operations.
During the incident, emergency radio traffic indicated firefighters believed they had located victims inside the residence.
In an update provided to Daily Ridge, Winter Haven Police Department Public Information Officer Jamie Brown confirmed two deceased victims were located inside the structure.
Brown also said firefighters were able to bring the fire under control within approximately five minutes of beginning suppression efforts.
The identities of the victims have not been released, and no information regarding their ages or relationship has been made public.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office was requested to respond to assist with the investigation, which is standard procedure in fatal fire incidents.
Additional information is expected to be released as the investigation continues.
Two people were found deceased Sunday morning after a residential fire in northeast Winter Haven, according to the Winter Haven Police Department.
Firefighters with the Winter Haven Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched shortly after 10:13 a.m. to a home on 5th Street NE.
According to initial radio traffic, the first arriving crews encountered a single-story residential structure with heavy fire showing. Following a 360-degree assessment of the home, the incident commander reported approximately 50 percent of the structure was involved with heavy smoke and flames. Firefighters deployed multiple hose lines, secured utilities and initiated both fire suppression and search operations.
During the incident, emergency radio traffic indicated firefighters believed they had located victims inside the residence.
In an update provided to Daily Ridge, Winter Haven Police Department Public Information Officer Jamie Brown confirmed two deceased victims were located inside the structure.
Brown also said firefighters were able to bring the fire under control within approximately five minutes of beginning suppression efforts.
The identities of the victims have not been released, and no information regarding their ages or relationship has been made public.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office was requested to respond to assist with the investigation, which is standard procedure in fatal fire incidents.
Additional information is expected to be released as the investigation continues.
MULBERRY, Fla. – An ultralight aircraft crashed near the intersection of Coronet Road and Highway 60 West in Mulberry on Saturday morning, prompting a large emergency response and the closure of Highway 60.
Initial emergency radio traffic indicated the aircraft struck a power pole, bringing down power lines across the highway. Firefighters responded to the scene and worked to extricate one occupant from the aircraft while also addressing a reported fuel leak.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Carrie Horstman confirmed to our news friends Eye In The Sky News that two people were transported by Polk County Fire Rescue. No additional information regarding their conditions was immediately available.
The crash had temporarily forced closure of Highway 60 in the area as emergency crews secured the scene and utility crews worked to address the damaged power infrastructure. Motorists are being asked to avoid the area and use alternate routes while the roadway remains closed.
The cause of the crash has not yet been released, and it remains unclear what led to the aircraft going down.
On July 1, 2026, PCSO Cyber Crimes detectives arrested 21-year-old Jackson Booke (DOB 6/30/2005) of Lakeland and charged him with 15 counts enhanced possession of child pornography (F2) after receipt of a NCMEC (National Center for Missing and Endangered Children) tip and the subsequent investigation.
The tip indicated that several files containing child sexual abuse material were uploaded by someone in Lakeland with an email address of [email protected] and username jbbeast. The files depicted prepubescent children being sexually battered.
Detectives responded to Booke’s home and served a search warrant, seizing his electronic devices. During an initial review of his desktop computer, they located 15 video and image files depicting child sexual abuse material with victims between the ages of 6 months to 9 years old.
Detectives seized all of his electronic devices, and after a forensic analysis of those, more charges are possible.
“We booked Booke in to the Polk County Jail the day after his 21st birthday, imagine that. Our detectives are the very best in the business, following up on each NCMEC tip we receive, and turning over every stone to identify suspects who upload and trade child pornography in their relentless pursuit of justice.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Booke was taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center and charged with 15 counts enhanced possession of child pornography (F2) – the charges are enhanced due to the fact that the suspect possessed 10 or more images or videos, and at least one of the files contained a child under 5 years old and/or the child was being sexually battered.
The Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation (CCF) has reached another milestone in its mission to save lives, donating its 96th automated external defibrillator (AED) to This Generation Ministries (TGM) for use at Camp Nahshii, a remote Christian youth camp in Alaska that focuses on healing and suicide prevention.
The life-saving device was presented during a gathering at Haven Worship Center, where members of the CCF team met with volunteers from HAVEN WORSHIP Center before their 3rd upcoming mission trip to Camp Nahshii in August.
The donation began with a conversation nearly a year ago when Michelle Dailey reached out on behalf of TGM Ministries.
Dailey, who taught Melanie’s daughter more than two decades ago, had followed the growth of the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation through social media, watching as the organization honored the memory of Michael Culpepper by placing AEDs throughout the community.
After returning from a previous mission trip to Alaska, Dailey realized the camp’s remote location made it essential to have an AED on site.
“I became involved with TGM Ministries approximately 18 months ago,” Dailey said. “The realization of how far off the grid Camp Nahshii is and knowing the importance of an AED in a potential cardiac event led me to become proactive and reach out to Melanie.”
Camp Nahshii is located approximately 60 miles down the Yukon River from Fort Yukon, Alaska, and about 150 miles from the nearest road system. The camp can only be reached by plane or boat, making emergency medical response extremely difficult.
The Christian youth camp, whose name means “healing,” has served Alaskan youth since 2009 by promoting suicide prevention, self-worth, respect and faith through programs for elementary, middle and high school students.
Volunteers from Haven Worship Center travel from Florida to help build and improve the camp, making the journey through three separate flights followed by an hour-long boat ride up the Yukon River.
During the presentation, Melanie shared the story behind the foundation, which she created after the death of her late fiancé, Michael Culpepper, from heart failure in July 2020.
“I started the Foundation and turned my pain into a purpose in hope to help save someone’s life,” she said.
Winter Haven Fire Department paramedic Eric Shimkus, who volunteers his time with the foundation, conducted training on AED use and CPR. The demonstration also included the use of a choking rescue device, Narcan for opioid overdoses, and a fire extinguisher, which Melanie said was included in honor of JoLynn, a young girl who died in a vehicle fire last year.
Dailey praised the presentation and the volunteers behind the foundation.
“Eric’s demonstration was informative and full of specific details for success in a Medical Emergency. Appreciate him sharing detailed knowledge of the AED, CPR etc.,” she said.
She also expressed appreciation for the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation team.
“Thankful for Melanie, Brian and Eric who volunteer their lives, time, energy and enormous dedication to placing AED’s,” Dailey said. “Grateful that the CCF Board voted unanimously when they saw the need for an AED literally in wild frontier of Alaska. No roads to camp! Only way in or out is by boat, sea plane or bush plane.”
Reflecting on the mission itself, Dailey said, “Alaska – Camp Nahshii is a very unique opportunity to be the Hands and Feet of Jesus. Serving where the need is. Blessed beyond measure to serve – boots on the ground!!”
She also thanked Melanie personally for her continued work.
“Thankful for you Melanie!! Your Mission to honor Michael by touching lives through education and LOVE for all! You as well are the serving as the Hand and Feet of Jesus!”
Founded in memory of Michael Culpepper, the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation continues its mission of placing AEDs throughout the community while also providing CPR education and awarding three $1,000 scholarships each year to students pursuing careers in fire service, emergency medical services and healthcare.
The AED donated to This Generation Ministries will remain at Camp Nahshii in Alaska, where it will be available to volunteers and campers in one of the most remote locations served by the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation to date.
Looking for live music and entertainment around the Winter Haven area? From karaoke and classic hits to local bands and holiday celebrations, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday weekend.
Cypresswood Pub
Thursday: DJ Kris spins your favorite hits from the ’80s through the 2000s from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday: Enjoy Sensational Vibez with Yolanda from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Tanner’s Lakeside
Friday: Karaoke from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Saturday:Second Hand Smoke performs live from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday:X IT 7 takes the stage from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Joey Foley’s Holiday Weekend Schedule
Popular local entertainer Joey Foley has a busy Fourth of July weekend with several appearances:
Friday: Serving as Master of Ceremonies during Lake Hamilton’s July 4 Celebration, followed by a performance with Renee at 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: Returning as Master of Ceremonies for Davenport’s July 4 Celebration.
Sunday: Traveling to Orlando’s Ole Red to perform with Renee at 3:30 p.m.
Want Your Music Featured?
Musicians performing in the Winter Haven area who would like their shows included in a future roundup can submit their schedules to [email protected]. Be sure to include “LIVE MUSIC” in the subject line to be featured in an upcoming edition of the Winter Haven Daily music listings.
Looking for live music and entertainment around the Winter Haven area? From karaoke and classic hits to local bands and holiday celebrations, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday weekend.
Cypresswood Pub
Thursday: DJ Kris spins your favorite hits from the ’80s through the 2000s from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday: Enjoy Sensational Vibez with Yolanda from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Tanner’s Lakeside
Friday: Karaoke from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Saturday:Second Hand Smoke performs live from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday:X IT 7 takes the stage from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Joey Foley’s Holiday Weekend Schedule
Popular local entertainer Joey Foley has a busy Fourth of July weekend with several appearances:
Friday: Serving as Master of Ceremonies during Lake Hamilton’s July 4 Celebration, followed by a performance with Renee at 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: Returning as Master of Ceremonies for Davenport’s July 4 Celebration.
Sunday: Traveling to Orlando’s Ole Red to perform with Renee at 3:30 p.m.
Want Your Music Featured?
Musicians performing in the Winter Haven area who would like their shows included in a future roundup can submit their schedules to [email protected]. Be sure to include “LIVE MUSIC” in the subject line to be featured in an upcoming edition of the Winter Haven Daily music listings.
Thunder on the Ridge July 4, 2026 4;00 – 9:00PM (Fireworks at 9:15PM) Lake Eva PARK | Haines City
Presented by the City of Haines City & Miracle Toyota – Haines City, Thunder on the Ridge is Haines City’s signature event. Since 1998, residents, and people across the county have joined Haines City to celebrate this Fourth of July tradition. As one of Polk County’s largest & best firework displays, we strive to make this a memorable event.
Activities throughout the day include: -Live entertainment -Food trucks -Duke Energy Kids Zone with inflatable water slides and games, face painters, balloon artists, and more -Yard Games -Beer Garden
Be sure to bring your family out for a celebration you don’t want to miss! Entertainment Lineup: 5:00 – 5:30 PM: Bishop Hollywood & Taye Ricks 6:00 – 9:00 PM: Uptown Royalty Band
