Winter Haven, Fla. — Emergency crews responded to a serious traffic collision Sunday morning on Havendale Boulevard NW near 16th Street NW in Winter Haven.
Winter Haven Police Department, Winter Haven Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue, units were dispatched around 8:55 a.m. to the crash scene, where it appears a gray vintage Pontiac GTO struck a utility pole. The impact caused heavy damage and left the driver trapped inside the vehicle for an extended period of time.
Eye in the Sky News reporter Omar Gonzalez, who was on scene, confirmed the driver remained trapped for a long time as rescue crews worked carefully to extricate them. The driver then appeared to be in grave condition.
At this time, official details about the driver’s condition or identity have not been released. Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.
As of mid-morning Sunday, all westbound lanes of Havendale Boulevard remain shut down while crews clear the wreckage and repair damaged infrastructure. Drivers are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
Winter Haven, Florida – Polk State College Foundation board members are pressing for more details about a $125,000 request made earlier this year by the college administration to cover scholarship needs tied to software transition issues.
According to Foundation Chair Bo Boyte, who also serves as Vice President and Commercial Relationship Manager at Bank of Central Florida, the college approached the Foundation’s executive committee in May with a request for up to $125,000 in unrestricted funds. The college cited problems that arose during the transition from its old Genesis system to the new Banner software, which led to discrepancies in student enrollment and scholarship allocation, Boyte explained during a recent Foundation board meeting that of the $125,000 authorized, just under $51,000 was ultimately spent to help 84 students. Of those, 47 are currently enrolled for the Fall 2025 semester.
“We wanted to make sure those students could remain enrolled,” Boyte said. “The positive is that 47 of them are now continuing at Polk State.”
Several members of the Foundation board, however, questioned the lack of clarity surrounding the request and how the funds were distributed.
Nikki Hayde, a Foundation board member who serves as Director of Away From Home Marketing at Florida’s Natural Growers, asked for a full accounting of the request, including how the 84 students were chosen and what criteria were applied. “My passion on this board is scholarships,” Hayde said. “I think for the benefit of this board we should see a whole accounting. I’m not asking for it today, but perhaps it could be reported at the next meeting.” She added that the board should understand how the request has evolved from the first ask until now.
Executive Director of the Foundation Dr. Steven Warner agreed, saying his staff would compile the details. “That’s our fiduciary responsibility to the board, the students, and the donors,” Warner told members.
Greta Dupuy, a longtime Foundation board member, former board chair, and former Manager of Associate Services at Publix Super Markets(retired), raised additional concerns about timing. “If we could also know when was that problem known, how were those students selected, when were they selected, when was that invoice? Because the original ask was in May and we’re in August and we are still talking about it,” Dupuy said. She asked for clarity on whether the funds were intended for scholarships, reimbursement, or another purpose.
Polk State President Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti responded that the administration would provide the requested breakdown for the full board, not just the executive committee.
While the college and Foundation have confirmed that a portion of the funds was used, both donors and board members appear to want more clarity about the process, the students served, and the intent of the request.
The Foundation’s concerns mirror those raised earlier this summer by a member of the District Board of Trustees, who questioned discrepancies in the college’s enrollment numbers. President Falconetti characterized those discrepancies as “growing pains” tied to the transition from Genesis to Banner.
In response to Daily Ridge News inquiries on July 23, Polk State officials described the $125,000 request as a one-time assistance measure aimed at keeping students on track toward graduation. They explained that the request was part of a broader enrollment and completion strategy, not a budget shortfall, and emphasized that the Foundation is an independent organization whose funding decisions are not subject to trustee approval.
Madison Fantozzi, Associate Vice President of Communications, also noted that Polk State has made similar one-time requests in the past, including nearly $100,000 provided to flight students in 2024-25 after a funding disruption with the college’s external training provider. Fantozzi said the $125,000 request was consistent with the Foundation’s mission to ensure students could continue their educational pathways.
The Foundation board is expected to review a full accounting of the matter at its next meeting in November.
On Thursday, August 14, 2025, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office apprehended Angel Gonzalez-Morales, DOB 3/15/1996, in the Polo Park area of Davenport on his warrant for second degree murder for the shooting death of Elijah Johnson that occurred on August 12th at the Home Suites located in Davenport near the I-4 & US 27 interchange.
“I could not be more proud of my Homicide team and all the deputies, detectives, investigators, and support staff who together worked around the clock to take this dangerous suspect into custody. If you kill someone in this county, we will hunt you down to the ends of the earth and put you in jail. We do not tolerate violence of any kind here.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
The fugitive was apprehended less than 48 hours after fatally shooting the victim. Upon his arrest, deputies found a clear plastic baggie containing over 16 grams of Fentanyl. As a result, he was also charged with Trafficking in Fentanyl, a first degree felony.
Detectives are still seeking information about the firearm used in this crime. Heartland Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that results in the recovery of the murder weapon:
DOWNLOAD the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.
previously sent news release:
PCSO Investigating Fatal Shooting in Davenport
On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at approximately 9:40 p.m., deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to reported gunshots in the area of the Home Suites located in Davenport, Florida, near the I-4 & US 27 interchange.
Upon arrival, deputies located Elijah Johnson, who was found lying on the ground with an apparent gunshot wound to the shoulder. Johnson was alert and breathing but unresponsive. Life-saving measures were administered on scene, and he was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Witnesses in the area reported hearing a gunshot and observed a suspect fleeing on foot into a red sedan occupied by another individual. The vehicle was seen leaving the parking lot, and a witness noted that it stopped a short distance away, where the suspect exited and ran into the woods.
Shortly thereafter, deputies located the red sedan at a McDonald’s near US Highway 27 and Sand Mine Road. The driver and registered owner of the vehicle, 39-year-old Angel Efrain-Reillo, was taken into custody without incident.
The passenger, identified as 29-year-old Angel Gonzalez-Morales, is believed to be the shooter and at this time has not been located. The investigation is still ongoing.
“Angel Gonzalez-Morales should be considered armed and dangerous. If anyone knows where he is or sees him, they should call 9-1-1 immediately. He was last seen walking towards the woods behind the hotels located just east of US 27 and North of I-4.” -Grady Judd, Sheriff
If you have any information about the shooting or Angel Gonzalez-Morales’ whereabouts, you can remain anonymous and receive a cash reward – you may contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-888-400-TIPS (8477).
A Bartow man who has been in the Polk County Jail since last year was indicted by a grand jury for 1stDegree Murder during the Distribution of a Controlled Substance (FC) on Thursday, August 14, 2025.
On September 7th of last year, 48-year old Troy Cortez Walker sold cocaine to 65-year old Irene Anderson of Bartow, who died after consuming it. An autopsy revealed that Ms. Anderson’s cause of death was acute cocaine toxicity.
Walker was arrested by detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on October 25, 2024, and charged with: Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell (F2), Possession of a Firearm (F2) and Ammunition (F2) by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of Marijuana (M1) and Drug Paraphernalia (M1).
Four days later, Walker was additionally charged with: Conspiracy to Sell Cocaine (F3, 6-counts), Conspiracy to Sell Oxycodone (F3, 2-counts), and Unlawful Use of 2-Way Communication Device (F3).
“Drug dealers are parasites in our communities who not only distribute illegal narcotics, but they also spread addiction, suffering, and death. I am very pleased with the work on this investigation by my detectives from the Organized Crime Unit, the Tactical Drug Unit, and the Homicide Unit, as well as the State Attorney’s Office. Troy Walker is a danger to society and should be locked away for a very long time.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
This program is intended for children up to the age of 12
Registration is free but limited to 1,200 households
Each household can include up to five children’s names
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Original post
Polk County Parks and Recreation:
Mark your calendars! Polk County Parks and Recreation’s annual Letters From the North Pole returns! This year, the friendly North Pole staff are ready to write their custom letters and certificates for the children of Polk County. Don’t miss out on this magical tradition.
Be sure to follow Polk County Parks and Recreation on Facebook to see when the registration link drops on Monday, Aug. 18 at 8:30 a.m.
Registration Information:
This program is intended for children up to the age of 12
Registration is free but limited to 1,200 households
Each household can include up to five children’s names
Please call the Parks and Recreation office at 863-534-6911 for more information.
City of Winter Haven Approves $5M+ Performance Bond for Willowbrook North Subdivision Improvements
by James Coulter
A subdivision located south of Lucerne Park Road will be able to move forward with the remainder of its improvements now that the City of Winter Haven has approved a modified performance bond.
At their regular meeting on Mon. Aug 11, Winter Haven city commissioners voted unanimously to pass a resolution approving a modified Performance Bond issued by Lexon Insurance Company for $5,069,711.0.
The bond will go towards improvements to the WillowbrookNorth Subdivision. The 132-acre subdivision, which consists of 434 building lots and nine common lots, is located south of Lucerne Park Road, east of Lake Fannie, and north of the Lake Fannie/Lake Smart Canal.
Initially, the developer, KRPC Willowbrook, LLC, had submitted a performance bond, issued by Lexon Insurance Company, for $7,235,221.79 for improvements. However, many improvements have yet to be completed.
Chris Young, Senior Planner, wrote that the improvements that remain incomplete include: “earthwork, sanitary sewer, potable water, stormwater management, off-site roadway improvements, and engineering certification.”
“While KRPC Willowbrook, LLC platted Willowbrook North as a single-phase subdivision plat, they chose to break the installation of required infrastructure into four ‘phases,'” Young wrote.
“At this time, they have completed the required infrastructure for ‘Phases 1 and 2’ and are now seeking the City’s acceptance of those improvements to be dedicated to the City and to modify the Performance Bond submitted as part of the subdivision plat approval process,” he further elaborated.
HAINES CITY – The Aug. 7 City Commission meeting took an unexpected turn when City Attorney Fred Reilly distributed a memorandum addressing his role and concerns about the Commission’s conduct.
In the letter, Reilly referenced Section 3.01 of the City Charter, describing it as the “commission-manager plan.” Under this structure, five commissioners—elected citizens—set policy, and the city manager is responsible for implementing those policies.
Reilly emphasized several points he has repeatedly shared with commissioners:
● Stay in your own lane.
● Act in compliance with the legal and ethical requirements of the City Charter.
● Contact me directly with any questions about my role as City Attorney.
● Govern yourselves rather than forcing me into the role of referee.
● Understand my ethical obligations to the organization as the client (Rule 4-1.13, Florida Bar Rules of Professional Conduct).
During the meeting, Reilly told the Commissioners, “I am willing to tell you things like the answer no … you shouldn’t do that and here’s why. Ethically, I am responsible for telling you at risk of losing my job. And, if I lose my job I’m okay with that because I’ve fulfilled my ethical obligations. I am not going to compromise my ethical obligation in order to keep my job.”
In the memorandum, Reilly wrote, “There have been instances where I have been told that my legal counsel is not necessary or individual City Commissioners have indicated that they were unwilling to meet with me (at my request) to discuss a legal issue.”
Reilly made his position clear during a telephone interview: “They have to correct the course or I will give notice and resign.”
After Reilly distributed the memo and discussed it, Mayor Morris West spoke from the dais about the importance of Counsel. “Basically, counsel is there to keep us out of trouble. That’s his job. If he sees us going a little to the left or a little to the right, he’s supposed to keep the train on the track. Sometimes it appears we get mad at our counsel for doing his job. That’s what he is here for,” West said.
In a telephone interview after the meeting, Commissioner Omar Arroyo expressed support for Reilly and his concerns. “I fully support the points our City Attorney, Fred Reilly, made in his memorandum. His role is to keep our City within the law and protect our taxpayers from unnecessary risks, and I believe it’s important we listen to that advice,” Arroyo said.
Arroyo added that he hopes tensions can be resolved. “I always try to follow his guidance, and while there may be times I have to be reminded or adjust my approach, I respect his expertise. My hope is that we can all take his concerns seriously, work together, and keep our focus on moving the City forward in the best interests of our residents,” Arroyo continued.
Reilly echoed that sentiment, stating, “I hope that we can correct the course … and move forward for the citizens of Haines City.”
FWC APPROVES FINAL PROPOSED RULES FOR HIGHLY REGULATED BLACK BEAR HUNTING
After FWC staff presented options on highly regulated black bear hunting and the public provided their comments at the August 2025 Commission meeting, FWC Commissioners approved final proposed amendments to bear hunting rules, which will go into effect on September 1, 2025.
Background
The black bear population has come back from just several hundred bears in the 1970s to over 4,000 today and is one of Florida’s most successful conservation efforts.
Regulated black bear hunting occurred in Florida in the 1930s and continued until 1994. Hunting was closed until 2015, when it was reopened in the fall. No bear hunting seasons have been open since 2015.
All the elements outlined in the presentation were approved.
Auburndale High School’s Bloodhound Bash and the Auburndale Chamber of Commerce’s Fall-O-Ween festivities will be on Thursday, October 16, 2025. The Bloodhound Bash parade will begin at 6:00 P.M. and follow the same route as last year.
Interested vendors may reach out to [email protected] or call (863) 965-5545.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has approved changes to expand youth turkey hunting opportunities on public lands, giving young hunters more time in the field.
During its August meeting, the FWC voted to extend the youth turkey hunting season on 104 wildlife management areas (WMAs) from two consecutive days — traditionally Saturday and Sunday — to four days, running Friday through Monday.
This expanded schedule was already in place on lands outside of the WMA system for the 2026 youth turkey season. The change brings WMAs in line with that adjustment and provides additional opportunities without increasing the number of youth quota permits issued or affecting WMAs that do not currently offer youth turkey hunts.
Access will be limited to only youth hunters and supervising adults on 21 WMAs during their designated youth hunting days, creating a safer and more focused environment.
Florida’s Two Youth Spring Turkey Hunts
The 2026 Youth Spring Turkey Hunts are scheduled as follows:
Feb. 27 – March 2, 2026 – South of State Road 70 March 13-16, 2026 – North of State Road 70
These hunts are open to youth 15 years old and younger and take place on many WMAs as well as on lands outside of the WMA system.
Regulations for Youth Spring Turkey Hunts
During these hunts, only youth may harvest a gobbler or bearded turkey, which counts toward their spring season bag limit of two. All youth hunters must be supervised by an adult aged 18 or older. No license or permit is required for the youth or the supervising adult. However, if the adult wishes to call a turkey or otherwise participate in the hunt, they must have a hunting license and turkey permit. On WMAs, the adult participant must also have a management area permit.
Quota and Non-Quota Hunts
Most WMAs offering a Youth Spring Turkey Hunt require a quota permit, which can be applied for at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or in person through any license agent or tax collector’s office. Hunters should review the specific WMA regulations brochure before heading into the field.
Some areas offer public hunting opportunities without a quota permit during youth spring hunts, though daily quota permits issued at check stations may be required. Rules such as season dates, bag limits, and shooting hours may vary between WMAs, so hunters are advised to check each area’s open/closed status before traveling.
Public Support for Expansion
In June, the FWC surveyed the public and received more than 2,000 responses. Over 80% supported the expanded hunting days and access rules.
For more information about youth turkey hunting weekends, visit MyFWC.com/Turkey and click on “Youth Turkey Hunt Weekends.”
