Future Polk County Fire Rescue Station Planned south of Lakeland
by James Coulter
A new fire station will be coming to a 2.15-acre property near Lakeland now that a change has been approved to the Small-Scale Comprehensive Plan.
At their meeting on Tues., Oct. 7, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve an amendment to the Small-Scale Comprehensive Plan for the proposed site of a new county fire station.
The 2.15-acre property is located at 4145 Willis Road, south of Lakeland and north of Mulberry. Its designation will be changed from Residential Suburban (RS) to Institutional (INST) to facilitate the proposed fire station.
The current fire facility within the area is too small for the needed staff and equipment to cover the response areas. As such, the proposed station is part of a plan for South Lakeland area public safety improvements.
The proposal has been reviewed and deemed consistent with the county’s Comprehensive Plan, specifically the Land Development Code.
Bartow, Fla. (Oct. 12, 2025) — While responding to an emergency call with lights and sirens, a Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) Battalion Chief was involved in two-vehicle crash.
Five individuals, including one trauma alert patient, received treatment and transport by ground ambulances. Due to the number of patients, PCFR members triggered a Level One Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) response.
The crash occurred around 10:40 a.m. at the intersection of County Road 640 and Mimosa Avenue in Bartow. When additional crews arrived on scene, they treated and transported the five patients from the second vehicle by ambulance to local hospitals. The PCFR Battalion Chief did not have any injuries.
HAINES CITY – The recent visit from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to Polk County, and more specifically to Haines City, has struck a personal chord with many in the city’s Hispanic community.
“I know a couple of neighbors who have been affected by ICE,” said Becky Cantu, a Hispanic Haines City resident. “Some of them have been here for more than 20 years. That’s what gets us.” She added that she knows of at least two people who applied for citizenship years ago but have yet to receive responses.
Cantu and several other Hispanic residents have expressed disappointment with City Commissioner Omar Arroyo, who is also Hispanic, saying they believe he should be more vocal about ICE’s actions.
Arroyo’s response, however, appears to be shaped by directives from both the White House and the Florida Governor’s Office, leaving him with limited room to act or comment on the arrests. Instead, he and his wife, Alejandra, have focused their efforts on community-based initiatives.
In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Arroyos have organized the 2nd Annual Hispanic Festival Celebration, which they hope will bring the community together. But Cantu and a small group of residents are calling for a boycott of the event.
“We want to make our voices heard,” Cantu said. “Even if Haines City leaders won’t help, we are going to stand together and provide for each other. That’s what we are doing with the boycott.”
Arroyo said he believes a boycott would hurt, rather than help, the Hispanic community. The festival features food, live music and entertainment, arts and crafts, and activities for children. All proceeds, after expenses, support the Hispanic Empowerment Foundation, a nonprofit the Arroyos founded to help students pursuing vocational education.
Last year, the Foundation awarded 11 scholarships totaling $15,000, including assistance for adults working toward their GEDs.
Still, Cantu said she believes Arroyo could do more. “There are things he could do, like outreach,” she said. “He could make statements about resources available to help our community, public transportation, food drives, financial assistance, things that aren’t government-related. He doesn’t even necessarily have to mention ICE.”
However, state law requires local law enforcement agencies to use their “best efforts” to support federal immigration enforcement. The Governor’s Office has publicly warned and investigated local officials who have resisted participation in ICE programs, suggesting that pushback could lead to removal from office.
“We want to stay informed. Can’t he at least let us know what’s going on?” Cantu said.
Over the past five months, ICE has arrested more than 6,000 people across Florida suspected of being in the country illegally. As of Oct. 6, the Polk County Jail listed 113 inmates on ICE holds, with 102 of them arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
“I love my country, and one of the things I respect most are the laws that keep our families safe,” Arroyo said. “I will never do anything to go against the law, and that’s exactly what they want me to do.”
Arroyo said that after the ICE incident, some of those who criticized him online have tried to distance themselves from their earlier comments. Several social media posts have included personal attacks on Arroyo and calls for a boycott of the festival.
Haines City Commissioner Omar Arroyo
Cantu emphasized that her group does not condone violence. She said they plan to gather peacefully near Lake Elsie before the celebration, register voters, and then march to the event at 3 p.m. After brief remarks, she said, the group will disperse.
Arroyo said he remains committed to serving the entire community. “I’m proud of where I come from,” he said, “but my job is to represent everyone and help make our entire community stronger together.”
He encourages everyone to attend the 2nd Annual Hispanic Festival Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 11, from noon to 8 p.m. at Lake Eva Community Park in Haines City.
Deputy Santiago stopped an individual for a minor infraction Wednesday evening, October 8th, in the area of 36th Street NW and Avenue P NW in Winter Haven.
That individual turned out to be 25-year old Aaron Shane Atkinson of Winter Haven, and he had an outstanding Polk County warrant.
The warrant was for Violation of Probation. The probation was for: Burglary of a Structure (13 counts), Grand Theft, over $20,000 (5 counts), Felony Petit Theft (2 Counts), Dealing in Stolen Property, and False Verification of Ownership to a Pawnbroker charges.
His probation started on August 24, 2025, but exactly one month later a judge signed-off on the warrant after determining that Atkinson violated the conditions of his probation.
Aaron done messed up, and he ended up back in the Polk Pokey.
HAINES CITY, Fla. — Haines City residents and visitors will soon have a new place to enjoy culinary favorites, as IHOP has announced plans to open a restaurant at 37002 U.S. Highway 27, between Miracle Toyota and HCA Florida Hospital.
The addition of IHOP marks another milestone in Haines City’s continued commercial growth and the City Commission’s vision to attract quality dining, retail, and entertainment options that enhance residents’ quality of life.
“This was one of the ‘must-have’ restaurants once I became City Manager,” said City Manager James Elensky. “After speaking with many citizens, IHOP, along with restaurants like Chili’s and Miller’s Ale House, consistently came up as top requests. Me and the executive team are working on many more, so stand by—there’s more exciting news to come.”
Elensky added that collaboration and leadership have been key to the city’s success in attracting new businesses.
“When I was appointed City Manager by the Commission, I knew that in order to be successful, I had to put my executive team together, and I did just that,” Elensky said. “I would put my team up against any in Central Florida.”
The new IHOP will join a growing list of nationally recognized brands investing in Haines City, further establishing the area as a prime destination for families, visitors, and businesses alike.
For more information about Haines City’s economic development efforts, visit www.hainescity.com or follow the City’s official social media pages.
Get ready for a night of engines, entertainment, and family fun in downtown Auburndale! The city will host its 2nd Saturday Car Show and Live Country Rock music event this Saturday, October 11, from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Downtown Auburndale Park.
Visitors can enjoy a showcase of classic and custom cars, a lively Kids Zone, and a variety of delicious food from local vendors.
The evening’s entertainment kicks off at 5:00 p.m. with a performance by The Highway 41 Band, bringing a high-energy mix of country and rock favorites.
Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and settle in for a fun-filled evening under the stars.
For more information about the event, contact the Auburndale Parks & Recreation Department at (863) 965-5545.
Early Reports Referenced a Sinkhole — Here’s What We Know About the Intermodal Drive Road Closure
We understand that hearing reports of a “sinkhole the size of a football field” in southeast Winter Haven can be unsettling. The safety of our community is our top priority, and we want to share the most accurate and up-to-date information about what occurred on Intermodal Drive Thursday evening.
Here’s what we know so far:
Early reports were based on initial observations.
When emergency crews first arrived on scene, they described over the radio what appeared to be a large sinkhole near a construction site. As is common in fast-moving situations, responders communicate what they see in real time to ensure rapid coordination and safety. As additional information became available, it became clear that the area in question was actually a retention pond under construction.
A tunnel formed between two retention ponds.
There is an existing retention pond across Intermodal Drive from the new construction. As excavation work progressed, a siphoning effect developed between the two ponds, causing water from the existing pond to flow underground toward the new one. This created a tunnel beneath the roadway connecting the two ponds. Because Intermodal Drive is heavily used by semi-trucks hauling full loads, the road was immediately closed out of an abundance of caution. The roadway itself remains intact, but the tunnel beneath it must be evaluated before reopening.
Private property, coordinated response.
The construction site, roadway, and stormwater infrastructure are all privately owned. The property owner’s construction team and geotechnical engineers are on site assessing the situation and determining the best method to safely fill and stabilize the area. City of Winter Haven staff are present to provide support as needed, including Winter Haven Police maintaining the road closure overnight for public safety.
We know situations like this can cause concern, and we appreciate the community’s patience as engineers work toward a full resolution. The City will continue to share verified updates as new information becomes available.
—————
ORIGINAL POST:
ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE from WH Public Safety Dept: Oct 9, 7:53 pm-We are aware of a construction-related incident that has caused Intermodal Drive to be closed. Crews are on site assessing the situation. We will update if more information becomes available
Calling all Taylor Swift fans! The Larry R. Jackson Branch Library invites Swifties of every era to join the fun on Monday, October 13, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for a special Swiftie Bingo (Taylor’s Version) event.
Get ready to test your Swift knowledge and enjoy a night filled with music, laughter, and the chance to win fun prizes! Each guest will receive Taylor-themed bingo cards upon arrival—no registration needed, just bring your best “Style” and be there by 5:30 p.m. so you don’t miss a beat.
The event is open to all ages, making it the perfect outing for fans young and young at heart.
For more information, contact Cassie Walters-Shantal at (863) 834-4294 or email [email protected].
Location: Larry R. Jackson Branch Library, 1700 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland
Halloween calls for candies and treats of all kinds as trick-or-treaters roam neighborhoods, but don’t forget to stock your own snack supply with homemade goodies.
Skip the store-bought sweets this year and instead opt tor ideas like these that can be whipped up in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Party Mix
As one of the easiest recipes you could imagine, a Halloween-themed party mix simply calls for your favorite snack-type foods tossed together in a group-sized bowl or individual containers. You can try just about anything from candy corns and miniature chocolates to pretzels, popcorn and more.
Spooky Cupcakes
Kid-friendly treats are the name of the game when it comes to Halloween, and there’s almost no better way to get children involved in the kitchen than with some personalized decorations. Bake your preferred cupcakes – chocolate or vanilla – then call on the kiddos to use icing and toppings for creepy custom creations.
Pumpkin Pie
There’s nothing wrong with going with a classic.
While it may not scream All Hallows’ Eve, pumpkin is the flavor of the season, which makes pumpkin pie a traditional taste this time of year. Because most versions call for a fairly small number of ingredients, it’s a simple way to bake a desirable dessert. Plus, you can easily give pumpkin pie some Halloween flair using whipped cream to “draw” a spooky Jack-o-lantern-like face.
Creepy Cookies
Whether your family craves chocolate chip or prefers the sweetness of sugar cookies, you can lay out your favorite dough and use seasonal cookie cutters – think Frankenstein, witches, ghosts, spiders and more – for a frightful bite.
Caramel-Dipped Apples
Skip out on bobbing for apples and instead dip yours in caramel for a traditional Halloween treat.
Just insert wooden skewers in the tops of your apples, dip the opposite end into melted caramel and enjoy. To add a bit of fun and flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts or crushed candies on the caramel end of each apple.
“ The United States Naval Academy opens in Annapolis, Maryland, with 50 midshipmen students and seven professors. Known as the Naval School until 1850, the curriculum included mathematics and navigation, gunnery and steam, chemistry, English, natural philosophy, and French.
The Naval School officially became the U.S. Naval Academy in 1850, and a new curriculum went into effect, requiring midshipmen to study at the academy for four years and to train aboard ships each summer—the basic format that remains at the academy to this day.”
