Lane Closure on SR 33 (Lakeland Hills Boulevard) Underway
BARTOW, Fla. – Crews have temporarily closed the southbound lane of SR 33 (Lakeland Hills Boulevard), just south of Swannanoa Street, to address a roadway hole caused by recent heavy rainfall. The damage occurred above an old drainage pipe, which is not part of the new drainage system being installed under the ongoing Lakeland Hills Boulevard improvement project.
· Both northbound and southbound traffic is being managed by flaggers.
· The southbound lane is expected to remain closed through this afternoon.
· Drivers should proceed with caution, follow flagger instructions, and anticipate delays.
LAKELAND – A 24-year-old Lakeland man died Saturday after his motorcycle collided with an SUV on South Florida Avenue, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Sergeant Steve Gaskins, Public Affairs Officer for FHP, reported that a 71-year-old woman from Seffner was driving a Nissan Rogue southbound on South Florida Avenue. Just north of Shepherd Road, she attempted to turn left and entered the path of a Yamaha motorcycle traveling northbound. The motorcycle struck the passenger side of the SUV.
The motorcyclist was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Roland Peter Gilbert, a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, loyal brother, and proud veteran, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2025, in Lakeland, Florida, at the age of 62.
Born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on January 29, 1963, Roland lived a life defined by quiet strength, unwavering love, and deep commitment to his family. He served his country honorably as a member of the United States Army and later continued his dedication to public service as a K-9 police officer—roles that reflected his courage, discipline, and deep sense of duty.
Roland was a hard-working family man who devoted all of his time and energy to his children and grandchildren. His greatest joy came from being present in their lives—offering guidance, support, and unconditional love.
He was proceeded in his passing by his daughter, Katlyn Gilbert. He is survived by his beloved wife, Donna Gilbert; his children: Nicholas Gilbert and wife Tabetha Gilbert, Danielle Mcnutt and husband Rick Mcnutt, Nicole Gilbert and partner Danielle James, Christopher Patullo and wife Linette Patullo, and Joseph Patullo and wife Isabela Silveira; and his treasured grandchildren: Elena Gilbert, Davina Gilbert, Paisley Shirah, Bentlee Mcnutt, and Jaden Gilbert. He also leaves behind his brothers: Mark Gilbert, Wayne Gilbert, and Michael Budz.
Roland will be remembered for his gentle spirit, quiet humor, and the love he poured into every relationship. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his family and friends, who will carry forward his memory with pride and affection.
Memorial Service
Date: October 12, 2025 at 2:30pm
Location: American Legion of Winter Haven – 300 Ave M NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881
In Lieu of Flowers
The family encourages donations to a charity of your choice in Roland’s memory.
A Final Tribute
Rest easy, Roland. Your love endures, your service is honored, and your memory will forever be a blessing.
Glen Parker, age 81, of Haines City, FL, entered into rest on September 12, 2025. He was born on September 20, 1943 in Arkansas.
In 1967, Glen married his loving wife, Jane Parker, and together they built a family filled with love. Glen proudly served his country as an Army veteran and later dedicated over 40 years to his work as a painting contractor and the owner of Glen Parker, Inc. He was well known in the community for his business, where his hard work, integrity, and craftsmanship earned him the respect of many.
Outside of work, Glen was well known for his love of fishing. He owned several boats, and even held a world record. Above all, Glen loved people and his church family at Central Baptist, where he was a faithful member.
Glen is survived by his wife, Jane Parker; his children, Gregory R. Parker and Tammy Ciralsky (Mark); his grandchildren, Brandon, Corey, Amber, and Bryce; his great-grandchildren; his sister, Etta Bunting; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and three other siblings. A service to honor
Glen’s life will be held at Central Baptist Church 57 6th St NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881, on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central Baptist.
Glen will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his passion for fishing, his strong faith, and the countless lives he touched.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Vickie Norton, a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and dear friend. Vickie was 70 years old when she departed this life on September 20, 2025, in Winter Haven, Florida. She was born on July 3, 1955, in Abilene, Texas, and went on to touch the lives of many through her kindness, generosity, and unwavering loyalty. She was a proud member of ConnectPoint Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa before moving to Florida a few years ago.
For 50 beautiful years, Vickie shared her life with her beloved husband, Doug. Together, they built a loving family that included their son, Doug Jr., and daughter, Jennifer. Vickie was especially proud of her grandchildren: Natalie, Emily, Katherine and Luke. Her family was her greatest treasure, and she cherished the time spent with them, often expressing her joy for the blessings they brought into her life. Vickie’s warmth and nurturing spirit extended beyond her family. She was known for her talent as an interior decorator and florist, often transforming spaces with her exquisite eye for beauty. Her passion for creating inviting atmospheres was matched only by her love for children and grandchildren, leaving an indelible mark on everyone she knew.
Vickie is preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Dorothy Sojourner; brother David Sojourner; in-law Barbara Galloway. She is survived by her husband, Doug Sr.; son, Doug (Melody) Norton Jr.; daughter, Jennifer (Adam) McCoy; her cherished grandchildren, Natalie (Zack) Bray, Emily (Michael) Knight, Katherine McCoy, and Luke Norton; brothers, Daniel, Stephen, Phillip, Matthew, and Jonathan Sojourner; sister, Lara Sojourner-Etter. Vickie also leaves behind a loving circle of in-laws, Richard (Debbie) Popp, Rodney Galloway, Andy (Linda) Popp, Larry (Allison) Popp, Randy (Allison) Popp, and many other family members and friends who will deeply miss her.
A gathering of friends and family was held in remembrance of Vickie on Friday, September 26, followed by a memorial service at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven, FL. In this time of sorrow, they take comfort in the lasting memories she created and the countless hearts she touched throughout her journey. Vickie Norton will be remembered for her kind, honest, and generous spirit, and may her legacy of love continue to inspire all who knew her.
City of Winter Haven to Contribute up to $50K per Year for Three Years for Southeastern University Expansion
by James Coulter
To help Southeastern University (SEU) expand into the downtown area, the City of Winter Haven will be contributing up to $50,000 per year for three years for the expansion.
At their regular meeting on Mon. Sep. 22, Winter Haven city commissioners voted 4-0 to approve a contribution agreement with SEU. Commissioner Bradley T. Dantzler abstained from voting due to a conflict of interest.
The agreement would help facilitate the expansion of SEU, whose main campus is located in Lakeland. SEU plans on expanding its services to downtown Winter Haven by occupying the upper floor of the recently renovated Exchange Building, located at 250 Magnolia Avenue SW.
To assist with the expansion, the agreement will have the Citycontribute up to $50,000 per year for three years to SEU. During that time, SEU will be expected to achieve certain performance metrics “related to [its] commitment, community presence, student growth, educational programming, and community engagement,” wrote Eric Labbe, Economic Opportunity and Community Investment Director.
“The financial impact associated with this Contribution Agreement is up to $50,000 per year for 3 fiscal years, [a total maximum contribution of] $150,000,” Labbe wrote.
On September 24, 2025, PCSO detectives, with the assistance from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, arrested 25-year-old Jahaziel Mendez of Bradenton on charges related to unlawful sexual activity with a minor.
The investigation began when a 15-year-old girl disclosed that she had engaged in sexual intercourse with Mendez, who she met through the social media app Tumblr. The suspect, known to her as “Jay,” traveled to pick her up from her residence and booked a hotel room in Davenport, where the sexual battery occurred.
Surveillance footage from the Holiday Inn in Davenport confirmed Mendez checked in on September 20 and later entered the room with the victim. The victim stated that she and Mendez had FaceTimed prior to meeting and that they met on three separate occasions. She reported sneaking out of her home each time, a plan Mendez encouraged. Illegal sexual activity occurred during the second and third meetings, and after the third encounter, Mendez instructed her to take a Plan B pill.
During a phone call between the suspect and the victim, Mendez admitted to traveling to meet the minor for sex, described the experience as enjoyable, and made light of her age, joking that he might “end up in a documentary” but that he was not thinking of her age.
Mendez was charged with lewd battery (F2), traveling to meet a minor (F2), and interference with child custody (F3). He was booked into the Manatee County Jail on the Polk County warrant and is awaiting extradition into Polk County.
“This is a prime example of why parents need to be monitoring their kids online. Predators use social media to target vulnerable kids. Then they groom and convince them to sneak out of their homes, in order to sexually batter them. We will continue to pursue and arrest anyone who exploits children.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
Betty (Thames) Murray, 77, of Haines City, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on November 17, 1947, in Lumberton, North Carolina, to Eugene and Dolly (Edge) Thames, Betty lived a life rooted in faith, family, and love. She married Donald Layne, and together they raised two wonderful children who were her greatest joy.
Betty treasured simple moments—whether relaxing at the beach, enjoying family gatherings, or sharing movie nights with her grandchildren. She loved Jesus with her whole heart, and her faith was a guiding light for all who knew her.
She is survived by her children, Theron Layne (Kim Carter) and Kathy (Ryan) Herren; her siblings, Bobby Thames, Shirley (Danny) Wojciehowski, Danny Thames, and Dennis Thames; her cherished grandchildren, Matthew, Cory, Haley, Holly, and Hamilton; and her great-grandchildren, Cambron, Atlas, and Aspen. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Dolly, and her brothers, Alvin, Ronald, Wayne, and Kenny.
Visitation was held on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at Oak Ridge Funeral Home in Haines City, Florida. Betty was laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery at Central Church of Christ in Haines City.
Betty meant everything to her family. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and she is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. While our hearts grieve, we rejoice in knowing she is now in the arms of Jesus.
The family would also like to extend their deepest gratitude to Marivel Pabon, Betty’s devoted caretaker, whose kindness and faith truly reflected the hands and feet of Jesus.
Edith “Louise” Baker-Alborn, 97, of Haines City, FL, passed away on September 18, 2025, at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center in Lakeland, FL.
She was born June 14, 1928, in Sayre, PA, to the late Harry Austin and Clarissa Edith (Hovey) Shafer. Affectionately known as “Weezie” to all her friends, Edith moved to Florida in 1989 from Waverly, NY. She served as the out-of-park activities director for Lake Region Village, was president of the social club, and was always ready to volunteer whenever there was a need. She was also widely recognized for her many years as a dedicated Avon representative. Louise loved to travel—there wasn’t a place she hadn’t been. Her smile was truly infectious, and she will forever be remembered as a kind and loving woman. She was of the Episcopal faith.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Clarissa Shafer; her first husband, Morris A. Baker; her second husband, Jack B. Alborn; her son, Richard Baker; and her siblings, Robert Shafer, Harry Shafer and Patricia “Patty” Shafer Steele. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her sons, Robert (Carole) Baker of Haines City, FL, and David (Deb) Baker of Easley, SC; her daughters, Susanne (Bill) Lantz of Athens, PA, and Lisa (Dale) Davidson of Morganton, WV; her brother, William (Judy) Shafer of Waverly, NY; eight grandchildren; and nineteen great-grandchildren.
A visitation was held on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Haines City, FL. Following services in Florida, her remains will return home to Waverly, NY, where she will be laid to rest at Glenwood Cemetery.
