Haines City, Fla. (September 3, 2025) – A pedestrian was struck by a dump truck in Haines City Wednesday afternoon.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:56 PM near the intersection of E. Hinson Avenue and N. 10th Street. Haines City Fire Rescue along with Polk County Fire Rescue units quickly responded to the scene. They are currently trying to extricate the injured person. It’s listed as an adult trauma alert and medical helicopter has been launched.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area as emergency crews remain on scene. Traffic delays are expected along Hinson Avenue while the crash is being investigated.
No further details about the condition of the pedestrian have been released at this time.
Ava Imogene Allender Reynolds, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully August 29, 2025. She was surrounded by her family.
Ava was born June 21, 1934 to parents William Andrew Allender and Debbie Jenkins Allender in Wolf Bayou, Arkansas. She later met the love of her life, Millard “M.R.” Reynolds, and they married August 30, 1952. After her husband’s service in the US Army, they settled in Winter Haven, Florida, and later moved to Alturas, Florida. They built a life filled with love and family, and shared many cherished years together.
Ava was preceded in death by her parents William Andrew Allender and Debbie Jenkins Allender, her sisters Verna Schuck, Elsie (Odus) West, Gladys Helphenstine, Maxine House, and Linda Colpitts, and her brother Cecil Allender.
She is survived by her children Lendel Reynolds, Donnie Reynolds, Sandra Stokes, Kenneth Reynolds, grandchildren Ava Hines, Donnie Reynolds, Crystal Stone, Kasey Reynolds, Ashley Kurutz, Jeremiah Reynolds, step-grandson Brett Stokes, five great-grandchildren and one on the way, each of whom brought her endless pride and joy.
Ava lived a life rich with simple pleasures and meaningful moments. She loved tending her garden, raising chickens, and preserving her harvest through cooking and canning. Her hands were rarely still, whether making handmade quilts, crocheting, or solving brain teaser puzzles. She found joy in laughter, cherished time with her family, and shared her warmth through countless home-cooked meals. Her creativity, humor, and generosity touched everyone around her, leaving behind a legacy of love and resilience.
She will be remembered not only for her devotion to her family, but also for her laughter, her strength, and the comfort she brought to all who knew her.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 10-11 am with a funeral service following at 11 am at Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home in Winter Haven, Florida. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate Ava’s life and the countless memories she leaves behind.
County Commissioners Approve Noise Ordinance and Vessel Exclusion Zones and Designated Swim Areas on Lake Winterset, Clinch, and Ariana
by James Coulter
Loud, throbbing music that rattles house windows. Indecent exposure and language from rowdy, drunken boaters. And garbage that litters the shore of private homeowners.
These are some of the nuisances commonly experienced on Lake Winterset, Clinch, and Ariana. And it is these nuisances that newly-adopted vessel exclusion zones, designated swim areas, and a noise ordinance are expected to mitigate.
At their regular meeting on Tues. Sept. 2, Polk County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve two ordinances.
One ordinance creates vessel exclusion zones (which would likewise function as designated swim areas) for Lake Winterset, Clinch, and Ariana.
“As waterway usage increases, conflicts between motorized vessel traffic and vulnerable users like swimmers and bathers present a growing safety concern,” the agenda item stated. “This action will physically separate vessel traffic from swimming activities, mitigating risks and protecting the public health, safety, and general welfare of persons using these waterways.”
The other ordinance repeals and replaces the county’s existing noise ordinance “to provide an updated framework for effectively protecting the public health, safety, general welfare, and the reasonable peace and quiet of Polk County residents.”
“As Polk County’s population continues to grow, residents have faced significant challenges related to noise disturbances,” the agenda item stated. “The County’s existing noise regulations…are insufficient for addressing the types of noise issues currently being faced by our residents.”
Several residents who live along the lakes spoke during public comments to voice their support of the ordinances and their concerns about the problems these ordinances seek to mitigate.
Many residents mentioned how boaters would often litter, act rowdy and indecently, and even become drunk and intoxicated. Many also complained how the music from boats would be played loudly enough not only to be heard inside houses, but also to rattle windows.
“We had to buy noise-canceling headphones. We are listening with the windows closed and air conditioning on, and we can still hear it and feel it,” said resident Linda Phillips.
“We have asked these boaters nicely to turn their music down, and when they leave, they come back with larger speakers pointing them at us in defiance,” said one resident, Doreen Northstrom. “It boggles my mind that we even have to get to this point because of the lack of respect and morals.”
Another resident, Candace Romando, mentioned a recent incident where one person on a boat had his head smashed with a beer bottle and retaliated by drawing a gun. She brought along a petition of 120 signatures in support of the proposed ordinance.
Several other residents attempted to play video and audio recordings of the rowdy, indecent behavior often exhibited on the lakes, only for their microphones to be silenced.
“We have to deal with this on a daily basis,” Romando said.
Lake Winterset recently made headlines due to a fight that occurred there in early August. The incident led to eight arrests, including one minor, for charges such as rioting and fighting in public.
Addressing the incident during a press meeting, Sheriff Grady Judd stated, quite emphatically, that the “game is over” for people who engage in such unruly behavior on the lakes.
“It’s over, folks,” he said. “We will lock y’all up until you figure out that you can’t misbehave in the community, that you can’t fight, that you can’t knock people unconscious.”
Get ready for a “crisp,”’colorful day of family fun at the Bartow Fall Festival — a beloved tradition packed with seasonal charm and activities for all ages!
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025 Time: 10 AM – 3 PM Location: Main Street, Bartow (180 S Central Ave)
Enjoy: • Delicious food & treats • Classic carnival games • A charming pumpkin patch • Local artisan vendors • Face painting & kids’ activities • Tractor displays & more!
Come wander through downtown Bartow, savor tasty bites, discover unique handmade goods, and make memories with friends and family. Fall is here — and we’re celebrating big!
On Friday August 29th, 2025, Robert H. Gumtow of Davenport, FL passed away in the comforts of his home at the age of 73 years. Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Bob H. Gumtow and Melvina L. Doak, by his beloved son Charlie Gumtow and his brother David Gumtow. He is survived by his loving wife J. Rossana Gumtow and by his children Stephanie, Steve,Samantha and Sierra. Born in Rockford, IL and raised in Toledo, OH. Robert was a dedicated member of Solid Rock Church under Pastor Keith Crampton where he lent his services to being an usher. Robert was proud of his country and also had many passions including cooking, movies, photography and most recently he took on woodworking and gardening. All of these were what made him happy, however, Robert’s proudest achievement was becoming a truck driver. He was able to visit almost all 50 states, take multiple photographs and make many memories in doing so. After leading a blessed life, Robert will be laid to rest on September 3rd in Haines City, FL.
Get ready for a frightfully fun evening as the City of Mulberry, FL invites you to its annual Harvest Festival—a family-friendly event packed with fall fun and Halloween spirit!
Join the community on Friday, October 25th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Spence Park (1101 NE 1st St, Mulberry, FL 33860) for an unforgettable time. The event is free, open to the public, and perfect for all ages.
Enjoy a community Trunk or Treat, pony rides, games, rides, local vendors, and much more! Costumes are encouraged, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Want to be part of the fun? Local businesses and individuals are invited to become vendors or Trunk or Treat hosts. Vendors can apply at cityofmulberryfl.org—a portion of vendor fees will benefit Mulberry’s local food banks.
To participate in the Trunk or Treat, fill out an application at cityofmulberryfl.org and help make this event a sweet success!
Don’t miss this spooktacular evening of community fun—mark your calendar for October 25th and join us in celebrating the season!
As a follow-up to our earlier reporting on the difficulty obtaining town records, the Town of Dundee has now released the minutes from its July 22, 2025 meeting. The records were provided by Interim Town Manager Joseph Carbone by email this past Monday, nearly a month after the meeting took place and only after multiple requests for them.
My initial written request for the minutes was made on July 29. I visited Town Hall on August 12 and again on August 15, but what I was given then were handwritten notes that did not meet the standard of proper minutes under Florida law. On August 19, I received a formal reply from the clerk that referenced only the August 8 and August 12 meetings, leaving the July 22 minutes unaddressed. The official minutes were not released until this week.
The July 22 meeting itself was significant. Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 25-23, setting Dundee’s proposed maximum millage ceiling at 9.8679 mills for the 2025–26 budget year. That figure is nearly 33 percent higher than the rollback rate of 7.4381 mills, and it immediately took effect once passed so the required information could be transmitted to the Polk County Property Appraiser for TRIM notices.
It is important to note, however, that this July 22 action did not set the town’s final tax rate. Under Florida law, the commission must hold a second public hearing before formally adopting the millage rate and budget. Resolution 25-23 specifies that hearing will take place on September 9, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Dundee Town Hall Commission Chambers. At that hearing, the commission may set the final millage rate at or below 9.8679 mills, but not higher without re-advertising.
The minutes provided for the July 22 meeting record attendance, proclamations, motions, and votes. They also list the names of nine residents who spoke during the millage discussion and two more who spoke during the final public comment period. What the minutes do not capture are the concerns and arguments raised by those residents, despite the strong turnout and vocal opposition to adopting the maximum ceiling.
Other issues stand out in the document. Commissioner Mary Richardson’s name is repeatedly misspelled as “Richardsson”. The space for the “approval date” is also left blank, meaning the minutes are technically unfinished until the commission formally adopts them. Since they had not had an official city commission meeting they couldn’t be certified. It doesn’t appear as a matter of practice on previous agenda’s that voting to approve the minutes is being done.
Florida law requires that minutes be promptly recorded and open to inspection. These minutes satisfy that requirement in the most basic sense by listing the actions taken. But Dundee’s own Public Records Policy requires records to be professional, consistent, and prepared in a manner that informs the public. On that measure, the July 22 minutes provide little insight into the substance of the meeting, particularly on a decision that could affect the pocketbooks of every property owner in town.
The July 22 meeting was not routine. It was the night commissioners gave themselves the authority to levy up to the maximum allowable millage rate. Residents filled the chambers, asking commissioners not to do so. In the official record, however, their voices are reduced to little more than a list of names. The final decision will come September 9, when the commission takes its required second vote to adopt Dundee’s millage rate and budget for the coming year.
Join the City of Winter Haven Team and Make a Difference!
Positions currently open include Maintenance Operator, Community Engagement Manager, Fire Marshal, and more.
To view all available job openings and apply, visit www.mywinterhaven.com and click on “Job Postings.” Applications can be submitted online or in person at the Human Resources Office located at 500 Third Street NW.
Have questions? Contact the Human Resources Team at 863-291-5650 or email [email protected]. They are here to help!
“PCSO Arrests Illegal Alien for Interfering with a Train and Fighting with Law Enforcement
On August 30, 2025, deputies with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 38-year-old Josue Castaneda-Castro following a series of disruptive actions near railroad tracks in Mulberry. Castaneda-Castro, a Mexican national in the United States illegally, now faces multiple charges related to the incident.
Deputies responded to the intersection of State Road 37 South and Railroad Avenue at around 10:30 p.m. after receiving a report of a suspect interfering with a CSX train. Upon arrival, deputies learned that train conductor was operating the train when a black Chevrolet pickup truck pulling a homemade trailer drove parallel to the tracks. The suspect then crossed in front of the train, causing the trailer to become stuck on the tracks and obstructing the train’s movement.
Castaneda-Castro exited the vehicle and engaged in a verbal confrontation with the conductor. He then disconnected the trailer from the truck and drove away eastbound, leaving the trailer behind, blocking the tracks. Moments later, he returned to the scene and attempted to enter the train car while continuing to act aggressively toward the conductor.
Deputies arriving on scene observed the truck and trailer across the tracks and Castaneda-Castro standing nearby. As they approached, he retreated to his vehicle and attempted to reverse toward them. Deputies ordered him to exit the vehicle, which he initially complied with, but he refused to answer questions and repeatedly tried to return to his truck. Deputies also noted the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the suspect.
When asked to step away from the vehicle for further questioning, Castaneda-Castro resisted and grabbed one deputy’s arm. The deputy deployed an agency-issued Taser, but it was ineffective, and the suspect fled on foot toward a wooded area.
Additional units responded, including Deputy Sheriff Gann and his partner, K9 Rone. K9 Rone successfully tracked to the suspect’s location, where he was hiding under heavy brush. Rone apprehended the suspect, but Castaneda-Castro then grabbed Rone’s collar and struck and kicked the dog multiple times, ignoring repeated warnings from deputies. He was ultimately taken into custody.
Further investigation revealed that Castaneda-Castro’s driver’s license had been revoked since January 2023. He was taken into custody and transported to the Sheriff’s Processing Center. He is a Mexican national in the United States illegally and has been previously deported; due to his illegal immigration status, all charges were enhanced by one degree. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement was contacted and an immigration detainer was placed on Castaneda-Castro.
“This individual not only endangered the safety of a train operator and disrupted critical infrastructure, but he also violently resisted arrest and attacked one of our K9s. He is in our country illegally, his license was revoked, and now he’s facing serious charges. Our deputies did an outstanding job bringing this dangerous situation under control.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Castaneda-Castro is being charged with interfering with a railroad track (F2), interfering with a railroad train (F2), Trespassing (F3), battery on a law enforcement officer (F2), striking a police canine (F3), unarmed burglary of an occupied conveyance (F1), driving with a suspended license (M1), resisting an officer without violence (F3), and resisting an officer with violence (F2). His criminal history includes prior arrests for DUI, no valid DL, and DWLSR.”
Come cheer on the future stars of the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team at a special Work in Progress (WIP) show this Saturday, September 6th at 5 PM on Lake Silver in Winter Haven.
This showcase features our dedicated learning team, who have been training hard to demonstrate their skills. There will be no main show—this event is all about our WIP skiers.
Everyone loves a crowd, so bring your enthusiasm and support these rising performers as they take the water and show what they’ve been working on!
