The City of Winter Haven’s Natural Resources Division invites residents and visitors to experience the beauty and ecology of local lakes through a series of guided kayak ecotours throughout the remainder of 2025. These engaging, educational tours offer a fun and refreshing way to explore our waterways while learning about lake health, native wildlife, aquatic plants, and overall lake ecosystems.
Each tour lasts approximately three hours, making them perfect for a relaxed morning or evening on the water. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful paddle, these tours are a great way to connect with the environment and your community.
2025 Kayak Ecotour Schedule (Dates subject to change; tickets available 1–2 weeks prior to each event)
Wednesday, September 17 – Sunset Tour on Lake Silver
Wednesday, October 29 – Sunset Tour on Lake Smart
Saturday, November 15 – Lake Cannon
Saturday, December 6 – Lake Pansy
Ticket Options The City offers a limited number of seats in its kayak fleet:
4 single-kayak seats
6 double-kayak seats (accommodating up to 12 people total)
Participants are also encouraged to bring their own kayaks if preferred. When reserving your spot, simply choose the ticket option that best fits your needs.
Join us on the water for a fun and educational adventure, and discover the natural beauty that makes Winter Haven’s lakes so special!
Polk County Sheriff’s undercover detectives conducted an investigation into those who possess and operate illegal gambling machines in stores throughout the county during “Operation Bad Odds,” resulting in 28 arrests and the confiscating of 48 illegal gambling machines. We were assisted in our efforts by State of Florida Gaming Control Commission and the Auburndale Police Department due to two of the establishments being within their city (the others were in the unincorporated areas of the county).
The investigation began with a tip regarding gambling machines at A-1 Discount Beverage and Discount & Deli, both on Pilaklakaha Avenue in Auburndale. Undercover detectives went to both places and found the machines concealed in back rooms. Detectives placed bets and won money – the winnings were given to them by the store clerks, and the money was handed over concealed in bankers’ bags.
During the investigation, 11 stores were identified, and on September 3, 2025, search warrants were served at all 11 stores; a 12th location was identified during the serving of a search warrant. From the 12 locations, 28 total people were arrested, 48 gambling machines and two drink coolers were confiscated, and two firearms and $100,971 in U.S. currency were seized. Five suspects are in the country illegally.
“People who gamble on machines like the ones we confiscated are being ripped off. These machines are not programmed for fair play. And the odds are, stores who engage in illegal gambling are at a higher risk of being robbed due to the cash they have on hand. It’s a safe bet that you’re going to jail if you illegally gamble or provide the machines to enable those to illegally gamble.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Explanation of charges:
FSS 849.01 Keeping a gambling house (M1)
FSS 849.231 Possessing slot machine (M2)
FSS 849.09 (1) (B) Disposing of money by lottery (F3)
Here are the stores and suspects, in no particular order:
A-1 Discount Beverage, 219 Piliaklakaha Avenue, Auburndale: Store clerk Mayurkumar Jani (DOB 6/9/1981) was arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house (F3). He is in the country illegally, and his charge is enhanced. He is on an ICE hold in the Polk County Jail. Patel Kaushikkumar (DOB 5/30/1982) was arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house (M1).
Discount & Deli – 602 Pilaklakaha Avenue, Auburndale: Sunil Thachukunnel John (DOB 5/20/1978) and Narayana Sarojini (DOB 8/19/1982) were arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house (M1), 4 counts possessing slot machine (M2), and disposing money by lottery (F3).
Chevron gas station – 123 Magnolia Avenue, Auburndale: Co-manager Mohammed Tanin Hossin (DOB 6/15/1994) was arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house, 3 counts keeping slot machine, 2 counts disposing money by lottery, and an out-of-county warrant. He is in the country illegally, and his charges are enhanced. He has an active warrant from Hillsborough County for failure to appear (no valid DL). He is on an ICE hold in the Polk County Jail. Nasrin Chowdhury (DOB 1/1/1985) was arrested and charged with 3 counts possessing slot machine, keeping gambling house, and 2 counts disposing money by lottery.
Citgo – 2101 K-Ville Avenue, Auburndale: Suman Sarker (DOB 3/9/1983) and Joan Kameka (DOB 3/4/1957) were arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house, 3 counts possessing slot machine, and 2 counts disposing money by lottery. Marie Foster (DOB 11/28/1969) was arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house, 3 counts possessing slot machine, 2 counts disposing money by lottery, possession of cocaine, and possession of paraphernalia.
Holy Land – 329 26th Street SW, Winter Haven: Mohammed Solaiman (DOB 5/18/1984) and MD Abu Musa (DOB 8/10/1966) were arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house, 5 counts possessing slot machine, and disposing money by lottery. Solaiman was additionally charged with possession of cannabis resin.
7 Star Deli and Lotto – 6940 Old Highway 37, Bradley Junction: MD Jahangir Alam (DOB 8/5/1980) was arrested and charged with possessing slot machine and keeping a gambling house, and Connie Albright (DOB 10/11/1957) was arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house.
This store had the largest amount of cash associated with the gambling machines seized, $36,994.
Placita Mexico – 1003 S. Rifle Range Rd, Wahneta: Jose Alberto Peralta (DOB 12/30/1964) was arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house, possessing slot machine, and disposing money by lottery.
Tienda Guatemala – 3172 Rifle Range Rd, Wahneta: Store owner Maria Pedro (DOB 10/10/1982), and Jaquelyne Sanchez-Ramirez (DOB 6/30/1989) were arrested. Maria was charged with 9 counts keeping slot machine and one count keeping a gambling house, and Jaquelyne was charged with keeping a gambling house.
While detectives were at this locating, the gambling machine supplier Kenneth Halstead (DOB 6/19/1962), showed up. He was taken into custody and charged with 9 counts possessing slot machine.
Detectives interviewed Maria and learned gambling machines were also at their other store located in north Lakeland. They responded there:
Tienda Guatemala – 450 N. Wabash Ave, Lakeland: Maria’s husband Mario Vargas Garcia (DOB 11/17/1986) was arrested and charged with keeping slot machine, possessing slot machine, and tampering with evidence due to the fact that he had removed the machines before detectives arrived. He is in the country illegally from Guatemala, and his charges are enhanced. He is on an ICE hold in the Polk County Jail.
Love’s Truck Stop – 17309 US Hwy 27, Lake Wales: Three machines were seized, and the investigation is ongoing.
Fonda Rodriguez – 1100 US Hwy 17-92, Haines City: Jesus Abraham-Martinez (DOB 4/15/1998) and Ricardo Valencia-Pacheco (DOB 10/2/1984) were actively gambling when detectives arrived, and both were found to be in the country illegally. They were taken into custody and charged with engaging in gambling (M1), and are on ICE holds in the Polk County Jail. Jose Rodriguez (DOB 10/1/1958) and Araceli Hernandez (DOB 8/14/1981) were charged with keeping a gambling house, possessing slot machine, and disposing of money by lottery. Maribel Hernandez (DOB 10/6/2000) and Lisbeth Guerrero (DOB 2/6/1999) were charged with keeping a gambling house, and possessing slot machine. Sheila Willingham(DOB 10/17/1964) was arrested and charged with engaging in gambling.
El Video Latino – 1719 E. Hinson Avenue, Haines City: Salvador Calderon-Gamez (DOB 6/2/1971) and Aaron Calderon (DOB 12/8/2000) were arrested and charged withkeeping a gambling house, possessing slot machine, and disposing of money by lottery. Elbin Objio-Ramirez (DOB 3/24/1958) was arrested and charged with engaging in gambling.
Mark your calendars for October 4th and head to the Tom Fellows Community Center from 3–9 PM for an evening filled with global flavors, lively entertainment, and family-friendly fun!
Enjoy a dynamic lineup of live performances featuring Tropical Latin Group, Pleneros de la Central, Mariachi Nuevo Guadalajara, and The Salsumba Orchestra — all in one exciting night.
Explore cultural vendors, savor delicious food, and let the kids play in the dedicated kids zone — there’s something for everyone!
Location: Tom Fellows Community Center 207 North Blvd. W, Davenport, FL 33837
Free Admission! Come experience the music, tastes, and traditions from cultures around the world — all right here in Davenport!
As your cherished family member gets older, they may need some help with their day-to-day financial tasks. Ordinarily simple tasks such as balancing a checkbook and paying household bills become increasingly difficult for the elderly.
You could take care of their day-to-day financial tasks yourself, if you have the time and live close. But if you don’t, you may want to consider hiring a professional to help.
With our elder care services, you get the help of a caring, honest and knowledgeable professional. Someone on your team, looking out for your loved one’s best interest.
Your loved ones get assistance with their daily finances and business duties and you are kept informed of every step we make. That way, you always know that your family member’s needs are being met.
Whether your loved one is no longer entirely independent or simply needs extra help to enjoy their lives, you get help in any of the following areas…
Reviewing and paying household bills, budgeting, and record keeping.
Assistance with check writing and checkbook balancing.
Making sure money is received, receipted, and deposited.
Offering second opinions regarding household issues and unexpected situations.
Handling day-to-day financial transactions such as home repairs, routine maintenance, and emergency medical expenses.
Planning retirement account distributions and safeguard against improper disbursements.
Organizing and reviewing personal, financial, and legal documents to determine what needs to be addressed.
Preparing an inventory of personal assets and investments.
Identifying and planning their retirement income, needs, and goals.
Determining current and long-term cash flow needs by analyzing income and expenses.
Addressing questions about lifestyle, Social Security, pensions, Medicare, and long-term insurance.
Monitoring investment portfolio and other assets in conjunction with their investment advisor.
Preparing, planning and filing income, trust, gift and estate tax.
Providing referrals to local services and agencies.
Arranging proper level of care, transportation, and caregiver assessment.
Planning for the future is important, and elder care services are crucial to help your elderly family members maintain their independence and financial freedom. Contact us today for more information.
This article is sponsored by Accounting & Tax Edge locally owned by Christina Hansen CPA
Speed Humps Approved for Roads in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Mulberry
by James Coulter
Fifteen traffic-calming devices have been approved for installation on three county roads in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Mulberry.
At their regular meeting on Tues. Sept. 2, Polk County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve three ordinances on the installation of traffic-calming devices, or speed humps.
The first ordinance approves two humps to be installed on Wheeler Road near Lakeland, which will cost an estimated cost of $10,000.
The second ordinance approves four humps to be installed on Avenue U Northwest near Winter Haven, which will cost an estimated $20,000.
The third ordinance approves the installation of nine humps on Dean Street near Mulberry for an estimated cost of $45,000.
In all three instances, an area resident had requested the County for the installation of these traffic-calming devices, and traffic studies conducted by county staff had determined that these roads met the required criteria based on traffic and speed volume.
David Gilvers, the resident who approached the County with the request for Dean Street, had lived along that street for 35 years. He mentioned how many vehicles, especially semi-trucks, used that road as a shortcut.
“The traffic is horrendous there,” he said. “I have called the highway patrol, but they say they cannot do anything.”
Jonathan Bass has lived on the street for eight years. He and his wife purchased their first house there. Sitting on the porch, he appreciates everything that drew him to that community, both the neighborhood children and the local wildlife.
“But as you sit there, you will be interrupted by large trucks flying down that road,” he said. “It is a nice way to get around intersections, but once it starts putting folks in danger is where I have an issue with it.”
Another resident, James Collins, has lived in the community with his wife for 30 years and at the same address for nine years. He noted how many vehicles would speed along the road early in the morning and later in the afternoon to get onto a nearby highway.
Yet another resident, Ashley Prevatail, supported the installation of the traffic calming devices but asked why similar devices could not also be installed on a nearby road, Kids School Road, which experienced similar traffic and speeding problems. She also mentioned how a nearby bridge developed cracks in its infrastructure.
“The traffic is ridiculous,” she said. “It has been an ongoing problem all my life.”
Commissioner Bill Braswell requested that county staff investigate installing calming devices on Kids School Road and inspecting the nearby bridge for deficiencies.
When hurricanes strike, preparation can save lives. The American Red Cross is hosting a free hurricane preparedness program at Studio 37 on Friday, September 5th from 1:00-2:00 p.m.
This informative event will cover understanding risks, building a disaster supply kit, staying informed, and recovering after a natural disaster.
This free event is open to all and no registration is required. The event aims to empower the community with life-saving knowledge.
Event location: 400 N Church Ave, Mulberry, FL 33860. Presented by the City of Mulberry, FL Government and Studio 37, this event is an important step in staying safe this hurricane season.
Source City of Mulberry, FL Government and Studio 37
Speed Humps Approved for Roads in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Mulberry
by James Coulter
Fifteen traffic-calming devices have been approved for installation on three county roads in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Mulberry.
At their regular meeting on Tues. Sept. 2, Polk County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve three ordinances on the installation of traffic-calming devices, or speed humps.
The first ordinance approves two humps to be installed on Wheeler Road near Lakeland, which will cost an estimated cost of $10,000.
The second ordinance approves four humps to be installed on Avenue U Northwest near Winter Haven, which will cost an estimated $20,000.
The third ordinance approves the installation of nine humps on Dean Street near Mulberry for an estimated cost of $45,000.
In all three instances, an area resident had requested the County for the installation of these traffic-calming devices, and traffic studies conducted by county staff had determined that these roads met the required criteria based on traffic and speed volume.
David Gilvers, the resident who approached the County with the request for Dean Street, had lived along that street for 35 years. He mentioned how many vehicles, especially semi-trucks, used that road as a shortcut.
“The traffic is horrendous there,” he said. “I have called the highway patrol, but they say they cannot do anything.”
Jonathan Bass has lived on the street for eight years. He and his wife purchased their first house there. Sitting on the porch, he appreciates everything that drew him to that community, both the neighborhood children and the local wildlife.
“But as you sit there, you will be interrupted by large trucks flying down that road,” he said. “It is a nice way to get around intersections, but once it starts putting folks in danger is where I have an issue with it.”
Another resident, James Collins, has lived in the community with his wife for 30 years and at the same address for nine years. He noted how many vehicles would speed along the road early in the morning and later in the afternoon to get onto a nearby highway.
Yet another resident, Ashley Prevatail, supported the installation of the traffic calming devices but asked why similar devices could not also be installed on a nearby road, Kids School Road, which experienced similar traffic and speeding problems. She also mentioned how a nearby bridge developed cracks in its infrastructure.
“The traffic is ridiculous,” she said. “It has been an ongoing problem all my life.”
Commissioner Bill Braswell requested that county staff investigate installing calming devices on Kids School Road and inspecting the nearby bridge for deficiencies.
The Florida State community had been eagerly awaiting the season opener against #8 Alabama, a chance to turn the page on a painful chapter in the university’s history.
After a 2-10 football season, a devastating hurricane that destroyed a campus landmark, and the trauma of a school shooting, students and fans alike were desperate for a reason to believe again.
On August 30th, they got exactly that, as the Seminoles shocked the college football world with a 31-17 upset over the Crimson Tide at Doak Campbell Stadium.
Final Score 31 to 17
The buildup to the game was electric. On Friday night, College Town hosted the beloved Friday Night Block Party, the official Florida State tailgate event featuring live music, local vendors, and a lively atmosphere. It’s a tradition before every home game, and this time, the energy was off the charts.
Adding to the excitement was the annual Campus Crawl, a cherished tradition held the night before the first home game. The Marching Chiefs, Florida State’s renowned band, marched across campus playing iconic FSU fight songs, rallying the student body and reigniting school spirit.
FSU Marching Band
The day of the game was special, as there were tailgates going on all around the stadium. College football was in the air, and you could feel that it was going to be a special day in Tallahassee.
tailgating
The time had finally come. The stadium was packed, and the energy was buzzing in Doak Campbell Stadium as the wait was finally over — football had made its way back into Doak.
The ball was kicked off, and the tone was set early by Alabama as they got the first score of the game on a touchdown pass from quarterback Ty Simpson to Josh Cuevas.
The celebration was short-lived, though, as Florida State drove down the field to even the score 7-7 on a 9-yard run by quarterback Tommy Castellanos.
After the end of the first quarter, the game was controlled by Florida State. The Seminoles went on to score three more touchdowns and handed Alabama their first season-opening loss since 2001, when they lost to UCLA 20-17.
The Seminoles didn’t just win — they lit up the stat sheet with:
20 first downs
382 total yards
230 rushing yards
Coming into the game with just an 8.9% chance to win, the Seminoles shocked analysts, fans, and even themselves delivering one of the most memorable victories in program history.
When the final whistle blew and the scoreboard read 31-17, pure chaos erupted. Students leapt over walls, fans stormed the field, and Doak Campbell transformed into a sea of jubilation.
For many students, this wasn’t just a football game it was a long-overdue moment of joy.
After everything the Florida State community endured over the past year, the victory over Alabama was more than a win. It was a statement of resilience, unity, and hope for the future.
It is the final week to submit your design in our Library Card Design Contest!
All designs with a completed entry form must be submitted by Saturday, September 6th. Reminder that this year’s theme is Library Memories, and we want to see your original art that represents your interpretation of that. We’ve loved seeing the submissions we’ve received so far, and can’t wait to see what else everyone comes up with!
Be sure to come into the library for a walk down ‘Memory Lane’ and see all the designs from the past nine years! Be sure to vote on your favorites because the winning design will be brought back in to use!
You’re invited to the 2nd Annual Polk County Homeschool Choice Expo at MLK Park on Lake Silver in Winter Haven! Hosted by the Polk County Microschool Collective—including Mobile Classroom Solutions, Kipe Academy, Legacy Prep Christian Academy, Start Bright Tutoring, and Infinity Inclusion Microschool—this event is your one-stop shop for all things homeschooling and alternative education.
Whether you’re just starting your homeschooling journey or exploring new education options, you’ll have the chance to connect with local providers, discover sports and interest clubs, explore therapy and support services, and learn about financial resources available to families like yours.
This is a FREE, family-friendly event, packed with activities, information, and fun for all ages! While admission is free, we ask that you register for a free ticket to help us prepare for your visit.
