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Veteran Actor Jerry Adler Dies at 96

Carl Fish
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Veteran Actor Jerry Adler Dies at 96

New York, August 24, 2025 — Jerry Adler, a late-blooming but beloved figure in television and stage, has passed away at the age of 96. TMZ confirmed his death, reporting that he passed away Friday night—August 23—in New York City, though no official cause was given, with sources suggesting it may have been due to old age  .

Born on February 4, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York, Adler came from a storied theatrical lineage, closely related to the famed acting teacher Stella Adler  . He spent the early decades of his career behind the scenes on Broadway—working as a stage manager on productions like My Fair Lady, The Apple Tree, and others—before eventually stepping in front of the camera  .

Adler’s onscreen debut came at age 62 with an appearance in the TV series Brooklyn Bridge in 1991  . His breakthrough role came two years later, when he played Paul House in Woody Allen’s Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993)  .

A Career Transformed by The Sopranos

Adler rose to widespread recognition for his portrayal of Herman “Hesh” Rabkin, the sharp and cunning consigliere to Tony Soprano in HBO’s critically acclaimed The Sopranos. His character appeared in 28 episodes across the show’s six-season run from 1999 to 2007, becoming a fan favorite  .

Later Roles and Legacy

Following The Sopranos, Adler joined the cast of The Good Wife as attorney Howard Lyman, a role that extended through six seasons (2011–2016). His performance earned him a continuation on its spin-off, The Good Fight, where he reprised the role in 2017–2018  .

Showrunner Robert King fondly recalled Adler’s rise to a key recurring character:

“The intent was only to have him on one episode of The Good Wife, but he was so funny in a diner scene … we had him back for six years of The Good Wife and three years of The Good Fight. One of our favorite collaborators.” 

Adler continued acting in notable TV and film projects through the 2010s, with credits including Mad About You, Rescue Me, Transparent, Synecdoche, New York, and A Most Violent Year  .

Personal Life and Final Days

Jerry Adler is survived by his wife, psychologist Joan Laxman, whom he married in 1994  . According to his obituary, he passed away peacefully in New York City on August 23, surrounded by family  .

Reflecting on a Remarkable Journey

Adler’s life was a testament to persistence and reinvention. After decades behind the scenes, he emerged as a character actor of rare warmth and timing—someone whose late-in-life fame was richly deserved. Colleagues and fans alike celebrated his wit, wisdom, and the unassuming power he brought to every role  .

Lakeland Woman Arrested for Fatal Hit-and-Run on West Highland Street In Lakeland

Carl Fish
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Lakeland Woman Arrested for Fatal Hit-and-Run on West Highland Street In Lakeland

PCSO Press Release

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 24-year-old Aliya Cruz of West Highland Street, Lakeland, four days after she fatally struck a pedestrian on W. Highland Street then fled the scene. 

“My Traffic Homicide detectives are the very best in the business. They meticulously work around the clock when conducting fatal crash investigations, especially those that involve suspects who flee the scene. They treat each victim as if he or she were their own family member. I’m very proud of them for solving this case.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff 

 

Just before 4:00 a.m. on Monday, August 18th, the PCSO ECC received a 911 call regarding a female lying in the middle of West

Highland Street in Lakeland. When first responders arrived, they located Danielle Stilwell, DOB 9/12/1997, deceased in the roadway, and broken vehicle parts indicating a vehicle was involved, although no vehicle was found at the scene.

 

The parts included the front driver’s side fender liner with a part number included, and a piece of the front bumper. After inquiring with local dealerships, it was learned that this vehicle part belonged to a 2019 to 2022 Kia Forte.

 

Deputies canvassed the area in search of video surveillance cameras, and reviewed the footage from the Sunoco located near the intersection of Wabash Avenue and W. Highland St., which showed a black sedan traveling westbound from the scene of the crash on W. Highland. The vehicle made a right turn at the red light, heading north on Wabash, then immediately made a U-turn to head south. The vehicle then turned right to go westbound on W. Highland St. The vehicle did not remain on scene, nor did the driver render aid or call for help.

 

Deputies reviewed a list of black Kia Fortes, 2019-2022 models, registered in Polk County. They located a black Kia parked in the driveway of a house on West Highland Street, which was missing a piece of the driver’s side bumper and the front left wheel fender liner, consistent with the parts left behind at the scene. 

 

After speaking with the residents inside the home, it was determined that Aliya Cruz, DOB 8/28/2000, was the owner and sole driver of this vehicle.

 

Detectives interviewed Cruz. She told them that she left her residence at approximately 3:50 a.m. that morning to go to work at the Publix warehouse on S. County Line Rd. in Lakeland. She had to be at work at 4:00 a.m.She traveled west on W Highland St, which is the same route she takes to work daily.

 

She told detectives that as she was driving, a truck approached her from the opposite direction with high beam lights on, impairing her vision. The truck turned right, and then she observed a woman lying on the roadway in front of her with her hands over her face. She told detectives that she swerved right to avoid striking the woman, and went off the road into the grass. She said she believed that she did not hit the person but she was not sure. She said she turned right at the light, then made a U-turn in the middle of the road, and went back to W. Highland St. to head to work because she did not want to be late to work.

 

Detectives responded to the Publix warehouse and verified her arrival per their security cameras and badge access readers. Detectives spoke with Cruz’s supervisors, one of whom said Cruz told him she had “possibly killed someone.” She showed him photos of the damage to her car. He advised her to call the police and report it. She made other statements such as, “I don’t really want to say anything,” “Well uhm, I know I didn’t hit them,” “I don’t think I hit the person,” and “I know I swerved.”

 

On August 22, 2025, detectives interviewed Cruz again, and she told them that when she got to work that morning she took photos of the damage to her car and showed her boss and told him that she was worried because she was unsure if she struck the person or not. She asked him what she should do. He said that she should have stopped and that she should notify the police. 

 

Cruz was taken into custody on August 22, 2025, and charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death, F1.

Local Laundromat Raises More Than $200 for Breast Cancer Research

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Local Laundromat Raises More Than $200 for Breast Cancer Research

Local Laundromat Raises More Than $200 for Breast Cancer Research

by James Coulter

 

A local business owner and cancer “previvor” raised more than $200 at her laundromat for breast cancer research.

 

Busy Bubbles Laundromat in Winter Haven hosted a fundraiser in honor of National Breast Cancer Research Day on Mon. Aug. 18.

 

More than $200 was raised through wash and fold specials, with half the proceeds raised going toward the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation.

 

Many customers shared stories about how their loved ones had either survived or passed away from cancer. One woman even survived breast cancer at age 16.

 

Stephanie Griggs Joiner, the laundromat’s owner, is a breast cancer “previvor”, which means she has a hereditary predisposition for the disease but was not diagnosed with it.

 

Many cancer previvors, having a heightened risk of developing cancer, take preventive measures to protect themselves against the disease. Stephanie opted to undergo a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction last year.

 

Her family has a history of breast cancer. Her own mother passed away from the disease at age 59. So, following an annual breast screening, she decided to undergo testing to determine her risk of developing cancer.

 

Not only did her test results come back with a double positive, but shortly after a weeklong cruise, Stephanie discovered a lump in her left breast. After talking with her oncologist, she decided to forgo a biopsy and move forward with a double mastectomy.

 

“I will tell you it was way more than I thought physically,mentally, and emotionally,” she wrote in a Facebook post. “I still fight lots of demons daily…I’m still healing from this surgery,and it was hard because my chest hurt and now my stomach…fun stuff, but I kept on smiling and trusting the [doctors] and looking to God for strength.”

 

Though Stephanie remains grateful to have recovered from her double mastectomy, she admittedly also struggles with survivor’s guilt, knowing how many women did not have the same options she did to avoid developing cancer.

 

“I’m a previvor, but it comes with mixed emotions—there’s often guilt knowing that, unlike my mom and close family and friends, I had the chance to choose before cancer could choose for me,” she wrote.

 

“This [situation] comes with lots of judgments and lots of people who say I was overdoing it, and some friends who have had cancer have not been very nice,” she continued. “I’m in NO way diminishing what they have or are going through, but I’m thankful every day that God allowed EVERYTHING to fall into place and I can live without this threat over me.”

 

Her victory over cancer inspired her to do everything she couldto help other women achieve their own victory, which is why she decided to host the fundraiser for Breast Cancer Research Day. She owes her success to everyone willing to come out to show their support for breast cancer awareness and research.

 

“I guess I would have to credit it to people who were so impacted by breast cancer in a negative way that everybody wanted to help find some cure so the suffering ends, whether it has been people impacted by breast cancer or a loved one, it was a success because people wanted to come out and show their support to finding a cure,” she said.

 

Stephanie plans on hosting another fundraiser in October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She hopes to run similar specials throughout the month, as well as host a meeting with a counselor and potentially even create a local support group.

 

“I am thankful for everyone who came in and participated,” she said. “I am thankful I am a previvor and hope we can make a difference for breast cancer.”

County Commission Changes Future Land Use Designation and Sub-District for 3.9 Acres Along Lake Daisy

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County Commission Changes Future Land Use Designation and Sub-District for 3.9 Acres Along Lake Daisy

County Commission Changes Future Land Use Designation and Sub-District for 3.9 Acres Along Lake Daisy

by James Coulter

 

To help ensure the Future Land Use Map remains consistent with existing residential uses, as well as reduce restrictions on those properties, county commissioners have approved changing the future land use designation and sub-district of 3.9 acres of land located along Lake Daisy in Winter Haven.

 

At their regular meeting on Tues. Aug. 19, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted unanimously to approve two agenda items related to property situated along Lake Daisy.

 

The first item was to change the Future Land Use from Residential High (RHX) to Tourism Commercial Center (TCCX). The second item was to change the sub-district from Residential Low-1 (RL-1) to Residential Low-4 (RL-4).

 

According to the staff report, that land, which is within the 100-year floodplain, had initially been given its special designation by the Zoning Advisory Board in 1985. However, since then, as the report explained, “With advancements in technology, FEMA floodplain data now accurately identifies flood-prone areas, eliminating the need for a special designation.”

 

“Since then, Lake Daisy has been fully developed with single-family homes,” the report continued. “The ROS designation on the properties may be restrictive. For instance, if homeowners wish to add an accessory structure—such as a carport, shed, or detached garage—the ROS designation could create complications with permitting and setbacks.”

 

As such, these changes were proposed as a “cleanup of a mapping error” to put it in compliance with current residential use and the city’s Future Land Use Map.

Grand Opening Celebration of Central Park Playground in Lake Alfred

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Grand Opening Celebration of Central Park Playground in Lake Alfred

Join The City of Lake Alfred for the Grand Opening of the Central Park Playground this Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 9 AM to 11 AM!

Bring the whole family and celebrate with us—there’ll be free snow cones, face painting, and of course, the brand-new playground to explore!

Parking Information:

  • On-street parking and the Central Park parking lot will be available.
  • Additional parking is also available at Lake Alfred Elementary School.
  • Overflow parking will be located in the field off S Glencruiten Avenue—just follow the directions from City Staff on-site.

Please avoid parking in driveways, yards, or on sidewalks.

We appreciate your patience and safe driving as we work together to keep the area around Central Park safe for everyone.

We can’t wait to see you there!

CRA Consultant Pitch Sparks Concerns Over Cost, Race, and Religion

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CRA Consultant Pitch Sparks Concerns Over Cost, Race, and Religion
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By Anita Todd

HAINES CITY – During the Aug. 7 meeting, Darrell Starling, D. Starling Consulting, gave a presentation to the Community Redevelopment Agency in an effort to become the next consultant for the organization. His fee would be $300,000 a year for three years.

Darrell Starling

The Daily Ridge was unable to find a CRA Consultant’s “job description” in the CRA Bylaws. So, it isn’t clear whether or not what Starling said he could accomplish fits the needs of the CRA.

According to the website, the Haines City Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is dedicated to preserving, unifying, and nurturing the heart of Florida by providing vision leadership and inspiration for the revitalization within the designated CRA districts. Through the strategic use of tax increment financing (TIF) and other available resources, we aim to eliminate slum and blight while fostering economic growth, community development, and vibrant public spaces.

Starling said he previously worked at the Lake Wales CRA and has extensive expertise in community development, economic development and program management. He said he focuses on affordable housing and was instrumental in bringing multi-family housing projects to the Lake Wales CRA. He said he pioneered East Tampa’s first business incubator and secured over $1.5 million in state funding plus an additional $1.2 million for Lake Wales CRA housing initiatives.

If hired, he said he would bring 100 plus new and rehabilitated housing units to Haines City. But then on a different slide, he only projected four houses to be built for the next three years each year. Additionally, he said 75 plus local businesses would be supported through grants, training, and capital access. He said that $2.5 million in infrastructure investment would be put into the City’s streets, lighting and public spaces.

However, In addition to the contradictory numbers in the presentation, there were other problems. During the presentation, Starling repeatedly referred to “Black neighborhoods” and shared two Bible stories as part of his pitch. Both raised concerns because government agencies are expected to remain neutral when it comes to race and religion.

Community Redevelopment Agencies are funded with public dollars and must follow federal civil rights laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The Constitution also requires government agencies to maintain a separation between church and state. That means public meetings and presentations tied to government action must remain neutral on matters of faith. Bringing Bible stories into a redevelopment presentation, even if meant as illustrations, crosses into territory that can appear to promote religion in an official setting.

There was discussion between Starling and Commissioner Omar Arroyo about the Return on Investment the CRA would see by hiring him. Arroyo said that according to his calculations, the CRA wouldn’t see a return for 100 years. But, Starling said it would be three years. However, Arryo said that three years did not include what the programs would cost – only Starling’s nearly million dollar paycheck.

“I’m not in favor of consultants – especially if it’s going to cost $300,000 a year – almost a million dollars over three years,” Arroyo said. “The amount is just crazy.”

In the spirit of the Sunshine Law, before the presentation Mayor Morris West said he had lunch with Starling. During that lunch, West said that they spoke about the possibility of Starling becoming a consultant.

The position was not advertised.

At the end of the presentation, West said the CRA Board will take it under consideration and let Starling know the decision. 

“Operation Capital City Crack Down” – Bartow Drug Trafficking Bust

Carl Fish
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“Operation Capital City Crack Down” – Bartow Drug Trafficking Bust

Polk County Sheriff ‘s Office Press Release

Detectives from the PCSO Tactical Drug Unit, Organized Crime Unit, and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force worked together in a year-long investigation focusing on a drug trafficking organization based out of Bartow, Florida.

The investigation began in August 2024 and included collaboration with the State Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), United States Postal Inspection Service, the Medical Examiner’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bartow Police Department, and the Auburndale Police Department.

Detectives identified Nathaniel “Nate” Donald, Bryan “B” Myrick, and Isaiah “Bubba” Donald as key members of the organization. Myrick was recently released from prison in 2021 for trafficking in cocaine.

Detectives learned that in September 2024, Troy Walker, a supplier, had arranged a narcotics transaction with Irene Anderson, involving marijuana and cocaine. Anderson later consumed the cocaine and died from acute cocaine toxicity. Based on the medical examiner’s findings, Walker was indicted by the grand jury for First Degree Murder in August 2025. Click here to read the news release: https://tinyurl.com/ya6yypbz

A total of eight search warrants were served countywide, along with an additional search warrant in Orange County, resulting in charges against 32 suspects as part of the investigation’s conclusion. Thousands of grams of various illegal drugs were seized with a total street value of $150,000 dollars. Arrests included suspects already on probation or pre-trial release, and several firearms were recovered from convicted felons. The combined total of the suspects’ criminal histories add up to 554 previous felonies and 394 misdemeanors.

All 32 suspects have been arrested. They are listed below. One suspect was in the country illegally from Venezuela, and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been notified. 

“This investigation shows exactly how dangerous and far-reaching these drug trafficking networks have become. We’re not just talking about illegal narcotics—we’re talking about deadly fentanyl, firearms in the hands of convicted felons, and a supplier now charged with murder. Thanks to the relentless work of our detectives and partner agencies, 32 suspects are off the streets and this criminal organization has been dismantled.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

In total, the operation led to the seizure of:

–         $7,016 cash

–         4 firearms

–         22 lbs. of marijuana

–         26.72 grams of Fentanyl – capable of killing 13,360 people

–         1.5 lbs. of powder and crack cocaine

–         ½ lb. of methamphetamine

–         48 opioid pills including hydrocodone, hydromorphone, and oxycodone

–         1.7 lbs. of MDMA (Ecstasy)

–         1.5 lbs. of Ketamine

–         $46,500 in Assets (Jewelry)

The following is a list of those arrested:

Troy Cortez Walker, 48, of Bartow: 1st Degree Murder, Conspiracy to purchase cocaine (6 counts), Conspiracy to purchase Oxycodone (2 counts), Conspiracy to sell cocaine (1 count), Unlawful use of two way communication device, Possession of Cocaine with intent to sell, Possession of firearm by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of cannabis under 20 grams, Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Bryan Bernard Myrick, 42, of Bartow: Conspiracy to traffic cocaine over 28 grams (2 counts), Conspiracy to sell cocaine (35 counts), Conspiracy to sell Oxycodone (2 counts), Conspiracy to sell MDMA (3 counts), Conspiracy to sell cannabis (65 counts), Conspiracy to purchase alprazolam (2 counts), Unlawful use of two way communication device, Trafficking in methamphetamine over 200 grams, Trafficking in cocaine over 200 grams, Trafficking in fentanyl over 14 grams, Trafficking in MDMA, Possession of cannabis over 20 grams, Possession of cannabis with the intent to sell, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Maintaining a residence to traffic drugs, Possession of oxycodone, Possession of hydrocodone, Possession of hydromorphone, and Violation of probation. .

Nathaniel Demond Donald, 43, of Bartow: Conspiracy to traffic cocaine over 28 grams (3 counts), Conspiracy to sell cocaine (7 counts), Conspiracy to sell cannabis (2 counts), Unlawful use of two way communication device, Traffic cocaine 28 grams (2 counts), Maintain a structure/conveyance for drug trafficking (2 counts), Possession of cocaine with intent to sell, Possession of Oxycodone, Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Isaiah Donald II, 54, of Bartow: Conspiracy to sell cocaine (2 counts), Unlawful use of two way communication device, Traffic Cocaine over 28 grams, Maintain a structure for drug trafficking, Possession of paraphernalia.

Elijah Golshan-Nejad, 23, of Orlando: Conspiracy to sell cannabis (4 counts), Unlawful use of two way communication device, Possession of cannabis over 20 grams, Possession of cannabis with intent to sell, Maintain a conveyance for drug sale, Possession of paraphernalia.

Chalese Leshelle Boatwright, 36, of Lake Wales: Conspiracy to Sell Cannabis (3 counts), Unlawful use of two way communication device.

Emily Grace Troup, 26, of Bartow: Conspiracy to sell cocaine (1 count), Conspiracy to sell cannabis (3 counts), Unlawful use of two way communication device.

Gloria Awilda Nazario, 37, of Bartow: Conspiracy to sell cannabis (7 counts), Unlawful use of a two way communication device.

Gomorrah Clayton Myrick, 62, of Lakeland: Conspiracy to sell cocaine (2 counts), Unlawful use of a two way communication device.

Herbert Emanuel Merricks III, 42, of Lakeland: Conspiracy to traffic cocaine over 28 grams (1 count), Conspiracy to sell alprazolam (2 counts), Unlawful use of a two way communication device.

Jesus Gonzalez, 46, of Lake Wales: Conspiracy to traffic cocaine over 28 grams (1 count), Conspiracy to sell cocaine (4 counts), Unlawful use of a two way communication device.

Johnnie Stacy II, 40, of Mulberry: Conspiracy to sell cocaine (1 count), Unlawful use of a two way communication device.

Lydell Brown, 55, of Bartow: Conspiracy to sell MDMA (3 counts), Conspiracy to sell cannabis (7 counts), Unlawful use of a two way communication device.

Maurice Lamar Garrison, 43, of Lakeland: Conspiracy to sell cocaine (13 counts), Conspiracy to sell cannabis (5 counts), Unlawful use of a two way communication device.

Michael Anthony Lewis, 42, of Lakeland: Conspiracy to sell cocaine (3 counts), Unlawful use of a two communication device.

Qua’nisha Daphene Reaves, 32, of Bartow: Conspiracy to sell cannabis (11 counts), Unlawful use of a two way communication device.

Steven Lynn Baker, 54, of Fort Meade: Conspiracy to sell cocaine (2 counts), Conspiracy to sell cannabis (4 counts), Unlawful use of a two way communication device.

Willie Barber, 41, of Bartow: Conspiracy to sell cocaine (10 counts), Conspiracy to sell cannabis (13 counts), Unlawful use of a two way communication device.

Kimani Naivasha Vinetha Cook, 33, of Bartow: Conspiracy to sell cannabis (6 counts), Unlawful use of two way communication device.

Shania Hawthorne, 26, of Lake Alfred: Possession of cocaine, Possession of cannabis under 20 grams, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Provide false identification to LEO.

Frederick Smith, 54, of Bartow: Possession of cocaine, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Provide false name to LEO, Violation of probation.

Eboni Moran, 27, of Bartow: Trafficking in methamphetamine over 200 grams, Trafficking in cocaine over 200 grams, Trafficking in fentanyl over 14 grams, Trafficking in MDMA, Possession of cannabis over 20 grams, Possession of cannabis with the intent to sell, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Maintaining a residence to traffic drugs, Possession of oxycodone, Possession of hydrocodone, and Possession of hydromorphone.

Maickol Caballero-Medina, 24, of Bartow (Illegal Alien): Traffic in Phenethylam, Maintain a structure for drug trafficking, Possession of paraphernalia.

Pearlie Williams, 47, of Lake Wales: Possession of cocaine, Possession of cannabis 20 grams, Maintain a conveyance for drug use, Possession of paraphernalia, Driving while license suspended/revoked.

Princess Coney, 66, of Bartow: Possession of cocaine, Possession of paraphernalia.

Belinda Snell, 64, of Bartow: Possession of cocaine, Possession of paraphernalia.

Brenton Ammons, 42, of Bartow: Traffic in Cocaine over 28 grams, Possession of cocaine with intent to sell, Possession of cannabis with intent to sell, Possession of cannabis over 20 grams, Maintain a structure for trafficking, Possession of paraphernalia.

Murray Randolph, 35, of Bartow: Possession of cocaine, Possession of cannabis under 20 grams, Possession of paraphernalia.

Archie Rogers Jr, 66, of Bartow: Possession of cocaine with intent to sell, Possession of cannabis with intent to sell, Maintain a structure for drug sales, Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Possession of cannabis over 20 grams, Possession of paraphernalia.

Charles McCray, 45, of Lake Wales: Possession of cocaine, Possession of paraphernalia, resist officer without violence, Provide false name to LEO.

Jahcel Wilson, 48, of Bartow: Traffic Cocaine over 28 grams, Possession of cocaine with intent to sell, Maintain a structure/vehicle for drug trafficking, Possession of paraphernalia, Possession of cannabis under 20 grams, Possession of prescription drug without prescription.

Anthony Sanders, 51, of Bartow: Sale of cocaine, Possession of cocaine with intent to sell, Possession of Cannabis with intent to sell, Possession of cannabis under 20 grams, Maintain conveyance/structure for drug sales, Possession of paraphernalia (2 counts).

In Loving Memory of Jane Jolly Nice

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In Loving Memory of Jane Jolly Nice

Jane Jolly Nice

October 25th, 1948 – August 8th, 2025

Jane Jolly Nice, born on October 25, 1948, in Magna, Utah, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2025, in Winter Haven, Florida.   A generous and considerate person, Jane shared her talents and compassion with those around her. Throughout her career, she worked at various esteemed establishments, including Sears, Kirby, and Eagle Snacks, and was well known for her skills in selling Tupperware. Her dedication extended beyond her career; she was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Winter Haven and proudly belonged to the Lions Club, where she was honored as Lion of the Year in 1996.

Jane had a zest for life that was reflected in her wide-ranging interests. She loved painting and it was her biggest passion. She loved attending car shows, and her passion for knitting led her to create beautiful afghans that she gifted to family and friends. Jane often enjoyed nights out at her favorite restaurant, Apple Bees, cherishing those moments spent with loved ones.  

She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, whose warm spirit touched the lives of all those who knew her. Jane is preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Julanna Taylor; brother, Denny Taylor; sister, Nancy Nittler. She is survived by her devoted husband of 33 years, William Nice; and her three cherished daughters, Julie Taylor, Lisa Nice, and Cheryl Brooks; her son, Kenneth Nice; sisters, Sandra Thomas, Jill Wagstaff, Jone Johnson, and Susie Duckworth; grandchildren, Keirstin Nice, Taylor Peardon, Sandy Briner, Kaitlin Wright; and her great-granddaughter, Paislee Davis.  

In this time of loss, Jane’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who touched her life. She will always be remembered for her loving nature and unwavering support, which served as a beacon to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Jane’s legacy of kindness and generosity will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her. She will be greatly missed. 

Winter Haven Police Warn of Phone Scam: “We’ll Never Call to Say You’re Being Detained”

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Winter Haven Police Warn of Phone Scam: “We’ll Never Call to Say You’re Being Detained”

An important message from Winter Haven Public Safety Department

Winter Haven Police want to warn citizens that we would never call letting you know we are on the way to detain you. Of course, they do this to get money from you.


Today, a citizen received a call from what appeared to be the WHPD administration line (of course it was spoofed) and told her an officer was on the way to detain her. As they talked, her Spidey senses kicked in and she got into her vehicle heading to the Police Department. She kept them on the line and told them she was on her way to the Department in person. When she told them she arrived, they disconnected. GREAT JOB!


If you receive a call claiming to be an officer and you have a warrant or they are on the way to detain you, immediately hang up. You can call the Department admin line (863-291-5858) to speak with the supervisor on duty to ease your mind.

Auburndale Police Department Invites Community to Pre-Order 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness Shirts

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Auburndale Police Department Invites Community to Pre-Order 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness Shirts

Auburndale Police Department-

Pre-order your 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness 2025 shirts today! All profits will be donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida. Shirts will be available to pick up in October.

Only accepting checks (made out to the City of Auburndale) or cash:
Auburndale Fire Department
100 Ariana Ave.
Auburndale, FL 33823

Please call (863) 965-5522 for more information.

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