Jackie “Jack” Lee Vandergriff, 78, of Winter Haven, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Winter Haven Hospital.
Born on January 21, 1947, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Grant and Gertrude Goins Vandergriff, Jack brought joy and warmth to all who knew him. Over 40 years ago, he made Winter Haven his home, leaving behind his roots in the Chattanooga area.
Jack was a man of many talents, dedicating his life to painting, maintenance work, and entertaining others as a beloved karaoke performer, where his vibrant spirit shone brightly. His passion for music and connection with others left a lasting impression on his community.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Grant and Gertrude Vandergriff, and his sister, Sue Quinn. Jack leaves behind a cherished legacy through his surviving family: his son, Brian Vandergriff, and his wife, April, of Rossville, Georgia; his daughters, Emilee Teems and her husband, Michael, of Ringgold, Georgia, and Angela Burns of Chickamauga, Georgia; his sisters, JoAnn Williams and Cookie Veach; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren, and his longtime girlfriend, Mary, all of whom will forever hold his memory close.
Jack’s kindness, humor, and love for life will live on in the hearts of those he touched. He has gone home to be with the Lord, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter.
Quick Response Contained Fire in Davenport Neighborhood
On September 29, 2025, around 5:40 p.m., emergency crews were dispatched to what was first reported as a vehicle fire. By the time Davenport firefighters arrived, the blaze had spread from the car and ignited a nearby structure, raising the stakes for first responders.
Thanks to a coordinated, multi-agency response involving the Haines City Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue, crews were able to quickly contain the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to surrounding homes. Their swift action ensured that neighboring properties and residents remained safe.
Special recognition goes to Officer Jimenez of the Davenport Police Department, who assisted with evacuations in the area while also documenting the scene with dramatic photographs.
The incident highlights the importance of teamwork and collaboration among local agencies. Their combined efforts not only brought the fire under control but also reinforced the shared commitment to protecting the community.
The coughing and sneezing you hear at home, in the office and at the gym means one thing: It’s cold and flu season. Although it’s impossible to guarantee you won’t get sick, adopting a few healthy habits can go a long way toward avoiding the sniffles and sneezes.
Start by talking with your health care provider about any concerns you may have then follow these lifestyle recommendations for natural immune system support.
Wash Your Hands: While it’s probably the first rule you learn about getting sick as a child, washing your hands remains a critical first line of defense.
Use warm, soapy water and rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds. Don’t forget the backs of your hands, wrists and under your fingernails. Rinse off the soap then dry with a clean towel.
Commit to Healthier Eating: Foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes and whole grains are recommended by experts as essential foods for optimizing your immune system. Consider fresh grapes, a prime example of food that contains beneficial plant compounds linked to health benefits in humans.
Healthy cells are the foundation of good health, and the antioxidants and other polyphenols naturally found in grapes help protect the health and function of cells. The good news is that improving your diet doesn’t require a complete overhaul – small steps such as swapping in fresh California grapes for processed snacks or simply adding a handful of fresh grapes to your day will add these beneficial compounds to your daily routine.
Or, you can add grapes to recipes like Lemony California Grape and Beet Salad, a vibrant and fresh melody of color and flavor. Roasted red and yellow beets meet sweet and juicy grapes, peppery arugula and pumpkin seeds all brought together with a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
Studies suggest some grape compounds may positively influence immune function, including resveratrol and certain flavonoids. Additional studies show adding heart-healthy grapes to your daily diet can help support brain, colon and skin health. Grapes are also a good source of vitamin K, which may help support lung health.
Avoid Others Who are Sick: Along with washing your hands frequently, steering clear of people who are ill may sound like a no-brainer, but sometimes it’s easier said than done. When loved ones, close friends or coworkers come down with a cold or flu, do your best to keep your distance and avoid touching items with which they came into contact. After bedtime routines with a sick child or afternoon meetings with an under-the-weather associate, thoroughly wash your hands and clean commonly used surfaces like doorknobs or conference room keyboards.
Prioritize Hydration: Even during cooler weather, staying hydrated remains important for immune health by keeping the body’s defenses functioning properly. Drink water throughout the day, and for an extra dose, increase hydration by eating foods with high water content like grapes, which contain about 82% water.
Lemony California Grape and Beet Salad
Servings: 6
1/4 cup, plus 1 tablespoon, extra-virgin olive oil, divided
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
2 cups peeled and sliced (1/8-inch thick) raw red and yellow beets, cut into small half-moons or triangles
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
3 cups halved red Grapes from California
1/2 cup roasted salted pumpkin seeds
2 green onions, thinly sliced
4 cups (3 ounces) baby arugula
freshly ground pepper, to taste
Heat oven to 400 F and line baking sheet with parchment paper. In large bowl, whisk 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice and honey; set aside.
Place sliced beets on prepared baking sheet and drizzle with remaining oil. Add salt and toss well to coat. Spread in single layer and bake 25 minutes, or until tender; let cool.
Add grapes and pumpkin seeds to bow with dressing and toss well to coat. Add cooled beets, green onions and arugula. Toss lightly; season with pepper, to taste.
Nutritional information per serving: 250 calories; 5 g protein; 25 g carbohydrates; 16 g fat (58% calories from fat); 2.5 g saturated fat (9% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 320 mg sodium; 3 g fiber.
HAINES CITY – Haines City officials want folks to know when they are in the Heart of Florida – in fact, even more specifically, in the City Limits.
With all the growth, especially along U.S. Highway 27, there is some confusion about the actual location of many existing and newly constructed businesses. Since 2022, 58 new businesses have opened in the City Limits of Haines City – 29 of those are along Hwy. 27.
Polk State College? City Limits of Haines City. Advent Health Heart of Florida? City Limits of Haines City. Davenport Diner? City Limits of Haines City. Miller’s Ale House? City Limits of Haines City. Bojangles? City Limits of Haines City. Webb’s Candy Shop? City Limits of Haines City. The new Pizza Hut and Anytime Fitness located inside Forest Lake Plaza? City Limits of Haines City.
James Keene, Deputy City Manager, explained it easily, “Everything on Highway 27 from Balmoral Resort and the new Crossroads Village (on the corner of U.S. Hwy. 27 and State Road 17) to Posner Park (at U.S. Hwy. 27 and I-4) is either in the City Limits of Haines City or in Unincorporated Polk County,” Keene said.
“Except for the Race-Trac, the new Sherwin Williams, and the soon-to-be-built Home Depot on the corner of U.S. Highway 27 and County Road 547/Davenport Boulevard – everything else on Hwy. 27 is within the City Limits of Haines City or Unincorporated Polk County. Only those three businesses are in the city limits of Davenport.”
Many years ago, the U.S. Postal Service assigned Davenport mailing addresses to much of the unincorporated area along Hwy. 27. Back then, it was not an issue because most of the area was groves or unimproved land. However, now that there are homes, offices, restaurants and retail on these properties, it has gotten more complicated, and the U.S. Postal Service refuses to correct the addresses.
“It’s not your mailing address that counts, it’s where you physically live that matters with many important municipal services, such as what emergency service will respond when you need them, and where is my voting precinct” Keene said.
Back in 2004, the city began to annex businesses and property into the city limits, starting with Webb’s Candy, which at the time was listed as unincorporated Polk County, and continued North to the current city limits we know today.
Now, officials worry that they will contact the wrong entity for emergency services and go to the wrong location to vote.
“I understand it can be confusing, but this is an important topic that residents and business owners need to understand,” he said.
For clarification on your exact location, visit polkpa.org, find your property and open it, scroll down to “Taxing District”: You will be in one of three categories: (HAINES CITY /SWFWMD), (UNINCORP/SWFWMD), or (DAVENPORT/SWFWMD).
Get ready to let your imagination shine in the Lakeland Public Library’s annual Book Pumpkin Contest! Open to participants age 17 and under, this fun, spooky, and literary-themed competition invites young artists to decorate plastic pumpkins inspired by their favorite books—no real pumpkins allowed.
Entries must be submitted to the Youth Services desk at the Main Library between October 1–24. Community members will then cast their votes for the most creative pumpkin from October 25–30, with winners announced on Halloween!
The library is located at 100 Lake Morton Dr in Lakeland
Remember to pick up your pumpkin by November 7 after the contest ends. Whether it’s a magical pumpkin modeled after Harry Potter or a silly one inspired by a picture book, the possibilities are endless!
So grab a plastic pumpkin, channel your inner artist, and bring your favorite story to life this October. We can’t wait to see your literary masterpieces!
A Winter Haven man was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Sunday evening, September 28, 2025, after he fled from deputies while having an unrestrained child in his front seat.
At approximately 5:18 pm on Sunday, the Emergency Communications Center received a call from the McDonald’s at 6890 Cypress Gardens Boulevard in Winter Haven about a suspicious man in a black Chevy Tahoe at the drive-thru. The caller reported that the man had come through the drive-thru lane twice, appeared to be impaired, was making rude comments to them, and had several open beer cans in the vehicle. A very young, unrestrained child was also in the front seat of the vehicle.
A PCSO deputy who happened to be at the 7-11 across the street heard the information on his radio, and drove over to the restaurant. When the driver of the Tahoe saw the deputy approaching his vehicle on foot, he began to drive away from the scene.
While fleeing, the Tahoe ran a stop sign and a red light, and sped away at a high-rate of speed, and the deputy lost sight of the SUV.
The vehicle was found a short time later, unoccupied at a business at 6930 Cypress Gardens Boulevard.
The suspect was identified as 49-year old Robert Gray, who resides within a mile of where the Tahoe was abandoned. Gray is a retired PCSO deputy and chief pilot.
Deputies responded to Gray’s residence, but he refused to exit the residence.
Eventually, Gray surrendered peacefully, and he was arrested without incident.
“The staff at McDonald’s did the right thing by reporting the suspect’s unusual behavior. He was not only making inappropriate comments to employees, but they feared the child might be endangered; they saw several empty beer cans in the vehicle, and they were worried the suspect could be intoxicated.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Robert Gray was booked-in at the Sheriff’s Processing Center and charged with: Fleeing to Elude (F3), Negligent Child Abuse (F3), and Reckless Driving (M2).
The child was not injured, and deputies notified the Florida Department of Children and Families regarding the matter.
Former Lakeland Cardiologist Tased and Baker Acted After Arrest at Bartow’s BayCare Hospital
BARTOW – A former Lakeland cardiologist was arrested on September 19 after an incident at BayCare’s Bartow Regional Medical Center escalated into a physical altercation with law enforcement.
According to an affidavit filed by the Bartow Police Department, officers were called to Bartow Regional Medical Center at 2200 Osprey Blvd. around 8:47 a.m. in reference to a trespassing complaint. Staff advised police that Dr. Rajesh Lall, 47, had been terminated from employment earlier this year and had been told not to return to the property. Employees reported that Dr. Lall had been sending text messages to a staff member and showed officers the messages.
When Dr. Lall arrived at the hospital, officers reported that he drove recklessly through the parking lot before exiting his vehicle and walking toward the facility. Officers informed him he was trespassing and gave him a written trespass warning, ordering him to leave. Dr. Lall allegedly refused, turned away, and attempted to get back into his vehicle.
As officers tried to take him into custody, Dr. Lall resisted and pulled away, pushing one officer into a car door, according to the affidavit. Police say he continued to resist while officers attempted to handcuff him. The struggle carried into the hospital lobby where additional officers intervened. At one point, officers say Dr. Lall pushed the hands of one officer behind his back while resisting arrest. Officers then deployed a taser to gain control.
Dr. Lall was eventually secured in handcuffs and medically cleared at Bartow Regional Medical Center before being transported to the Polk County Jail.
Court records show Dr. Lall was charged with three counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, three counts of resisting an officer with violence, one count of resisting without violence, and one count of trespass after warning. He was also formally trespassed from Bartow Regional Medical Center property. Dr. Lall was Baker Acted.
Dr. Lall is believed to have been affiliated with several local medical providers, including Bartow Regional Medical Center, Lakeland Regional Medical Center and Premier Heart and Vascular Center in Lakeland, specializing in cardiovascular disease. A graduate of medical school in 2002, he had more than 17 years of experience in cardiology prior to his termination.
Dr. Lall has bonded out of jail. The case remains pending in the Tenth Judicial Circuit Court of Polk County.
There will be a complete closure of Main Street on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, beginning at 6:00 a.m.
The closure will affect the section of Main Street between 6th Street North and 7th Street North to accommodate HVAC maintenance work on the roof of City Hall, with a crane onsite.
A reference map showing all detour routes is provided below.
Mark your calendars for a fun-filled afternoon at the P.A.C.E. Fall Festival, happening on October 17, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:30 PM at 321 Avenue C SE, Winter Haven, FL. This festive event offers something for everyone with food, music, games, and more. Enjoy a variety of fall-themed activities and entertainment for the whole family.
Unlimited fun wristbands are available for $25 if purchased in advance, or $35 at the event. Individual tickets can also be purchased on site for select activities. Pre-sale wristbands can be secured online at grace-lutheran-school.square.site.
Whether you’re in it for the seasonal snacks, lively tunes, or exciting games, the Fall Festival is the perfect way to celebrate the season and make lasting memories. Don’t miss out on this Autumn tradition—grab your wristbands early and join the fun!
Polk County Sheriff’s deputies arrested three teenaged car thieves 15 hours after they stole an SUV from within the city limits of Winter Haven on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
The victim reported the theft of his 2020 GMC Terrain to the Winter Haven Police Department around 8:45 a.m. that morning. Around 11:45 p.m., information was received by the PCSO regarding the stolen vehicle heading west down Winter Lake Road from US Hwy 17 in Winter Haven.
PCSO deputies and the helicopter responded to the area, and a deputy sheriff spotted the stolen SUV parked at the Circle K store on Spirit Lake Road at Winter Lake Road. He strategically parked and awaited back up, noticing two teenagers dressed in dark clothing walking out of the store and approaching the SUV (while a third suspect was still was sitting in the driver’s seat, his foot on the brake). When the two suspects on foot spotted the patrol vehicle, they started making hand gestures to the driver while also walking away. The driver backed out of the lot, and the deputy followed. The Lieutenant on duty arrived at the store at the same time and drove towards the suspects fleeing on foot. He jumped out of his patrol vehicle and ordered them to stop. As they refused to comply, another deputy showed up and assisted the Lieutenant with taking them into custody. These two suspects are Mason Stepney, 15, and Thailyn Polynice, 16, both of Winter Haven.
Additional units responded as backup with the helicopter overhead, to assist with the traffic stop on the fleeing stolen GMC. The suspect/driver headed north on Spirit Lake Road and fled for approximately one mile before slowing down and eventually stopping, surrendering to deputies. He is Henry Joiner, 16, of Poinciana.
Stepney told deputies that Joiner picked him in the SUV and they picked up Polynice from the bowling alley in Winter Haven. Then they headed to the store to buy drinks. They admitted to having marijuana and planning to smoke it that evening. Joiner told deputies that Stepney picked him up from the bowling alley. Polynice told deputies that Joiner, who was driving with Stepney in the front seat, picked him up from the bowling alley.
Stepney and Joiner were wearing black masks over their faces to conceal their identities.
Deputies located the marijuana belonging to the suspects inside the stolen vehicle. They were all three arrested and taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center. The GMC was returned to its owner.
Joiner is charged with:
Grand theft of a motor vehicle (F3)
Fleeing to elude (F3)
Reckless driving (M2)
Possession of marijuana (M1)
Possession of paraphernalia (M1)
Keeping a vehicle for drug use (M1)
Stepney is charged with:
Grand theft of a motor vehicle (F3)
Possession of marijuana (M1)
Possession of paraphernalia (M1)
Resisting arrest (M1)
Polynice is charged with:
Grand theft of a motor vehicle (F3)
Resisting arrest (M1)
He has a prior arrest for battery.
“I’m very proud of my team for swiftly apprehending these juvenile felons before they could commit any more crimes in the county. While they are all facing serious charges, there is still time for them to make better decisions and turn their lives around. We hope that they heed that advice.” –Grady Judd, Sheriff
Pictured from left to right: Joiner, Stepney, Polynice
Per Florida Statute 119, information and mugshots of juveniles charged with felonies is public record – and all 3 of these suspects are charged with felonies.
