Winter Haven, Fla. (July 10, 2025) – Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd will brief the media this afternoon at 1:00 p.m. at the Sheriff’s Operations Center in Winter Haven to announce the arrests and extraditions of two teenagers involved in a dangerous swatting incident that targeted a Poinciana resident.
The two suspects, ages 15 and 14, were located in Connecticut and New York, respectively, and have been brought back to Polk County to face felony charges. Both are accused of making false emergency reports designed to trigger a heavy law enforcement response, an act known as swatting.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the swatting incidents occurred on June 4 and 5. Detectives worked swiftly to identify those responsible, ultimately filing felony charges against both suspects. Through collaboration with out-of-state authorities, the teens were apprehended and extradited to Florida.
Swatting involves falsely reporting violent crimes such as shootings or hostage situations in order to dispatch armed law enforcement to an unsuspecting address. These acts can put lives at serious risk and often require extensive emergency resources.
Sheriff Judd is expected to detail the timeline of events, the nature of the false reports, and the investigative work that led to the arrests.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office continues to take these threats seriously and warns that such actions will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, even when suspects are minors from other states.
A new Florida law that took effect on July 1 is changing how school bus camera violations are handled across the state, including right here in Polk County.
The law, passed unanimously in both the Florida House and Senate earlier this year, gives drivers the right to immediately contest a violation issued by a school bus camera. This is a major shift from the previous setup, where drivers had to wait 30 days for the violation to escalate into a formal traffic citation before they could challenge it in court.
Both of Polk County’s state senators, Senator Colleen Burton and Senate President Ben Albritton, voted in favor of the new law. All of Polk County’s state House representatives, Jennifer Canady, Jon Albert, Jennifer Kincart Jonsson, and Josie Tomkow, also voted in favor of the measure.
While none have issued public statements so far, their votes reflect broad support for reforming a process that many drivers felt was unclear and unfair.
The changes come after a full school year of enforcement through the Safe Stop program in Polk County. Cameras were installed on all 511 public school buses, and thousands of violations were issued to drivers accused of passing stopped school buses. According to Polk County Public Schools, more than 11,000 violations were recorded, generating over a million dollars in fines. Some drivers said they had no idea they were being recorded, while others said they were unable to contest tickets due to delays or lack of information.
Under the previous system, a driver would receive a 225 dollar civil citation. If they didn’t pay it within 30 days, it would automatically convert into a 329 dollar traffic ticket, and only then could they dispute it. That process led to frustration, especially from drivers who claimed they were wrongly cited or never received proper notice. The new law allows drivers to request an administrative hearing right away, without having to pay more or wait longer.
It also bans contracts that reward camera vendors based on how many tickets are issued. In Polk County, that detail drew criticism after reports showed a large portion of citation revenue was going to the camera company Verra Mobility, with additional funds going to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the school district. Under the new law, school districts and vendors must renegotiate contracts to remove performance-based compensation.
The Safe Stop program itself remains in place. Cameras are still operating on all Polk County school buses, and the fine for passing a stopped bus remains at 225 dollars. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has remained firm on the importance of enforcement, telling ABC Action News last year, “Drivers are putting our children at risk, and there is going to be a civil fine if they do that.”
For Polk County families, especially those with children riding the bus this fall, the new law offers at least one change that many had been asking for: the right to a fair and timely appeals process.
Daily Ridge will continue following this issue as the new school year begins.
Lakeland, Fla. – A woman was injured Wednesday afternoon after being struck by a bullet while lying in bed inside a home on Kettles Avenue, according to the Lakeland Police Department.
The incident was reported just before 3:30 p.m. in the 1500 block of Kettles Avenue, adjacent to the 600 block of West 13th Street. Initial reports placed the scene near 13th Street and Kettles Avenue, where Polk County Fire Rescue initially staged.
According to investigators, the woman was in bed when a bullet came through the bedroom wall from another room in the residence and struck her. She was transported to Lakeland Regional Health with non-life-threatening injuries and is reported to be in good condition.
Detectives responded to the scene, but say the occupants of the residence were less than cooperative. At this time, the shooting does not appear to have been intentional or targeted, and it may have been accidental. The investigation remains ongoing.
The Daily Ridge will provide further updates as they become available.
AdventHealth has completed the purchase of Bond Clinic, a longtime physician group based in Winter Haven, marking another step in the health system’s steady expansion across Polk County.
Bond Clinic has been a fixture in the Winter Haven community since 1948, making it one of the city’s oldest and most recognized medical practices. What started as a small, local clinic has grown into a large, multi-specialty organization with over 90 healthcare providers offering care in nearly 30 specialties, including cardiology, neurology, pediatrics, and orthopedics.
The acquisition brings Bond Clinic under the AdventHealth umbrella, further extending the nonprofit health system’s reach in Polk County. AdventHealth already operates hospitals and care sites throughout the region, including facilities in Lake Wales, Davenport, and Sebring, as well as physician practices and outpatient services in communities like Haines City, Winter Haven, and Lakeland.
“Bringing Bond Clinic into our network allows us to build on a shared legacy of providing high-quality, personalized care,” said Jennifer Snider, president and CEO of AdventHealth Medical Group West Florida Division. “We are excited to welcome their providers and staff as we continue to meet the growing healthcare needs of Polk County residents.”
Founded in Central Florida, AdventHealth is one of the largest faith-based health systems in the country, operating more than 50 hospitals and numerous outpatient facilities across nine states. With this latest acquisition, the organization continues to grow its footprint in one of Florida’s fastest-growing regions.
While financial details of the transaction were not disclosed, officials say the focus remains on expanding access to healthcare while maintaining the community-centered approach that Bond Clinic has been known for over the past 75 years.
The integration of Bond Clinic’s providers and services is expected to enhance access to care, specialty services, and coordinated treatment options for residents throughout Polk County and beyond.
As Polk County continues to experience significant population growth, healthcare systems like AdventHealth are positioning themselves to meet the rising demand for services. The addition of Bond Clinic represents the latest development in that effort, combining the resources of a major health system with the longstanding presence of a respected local medical group.
In addition to Advent Health, Orlando Regional Health Hospital is coming to Lakeland.
For the first time in Polk State College’s history, all three of its collegiate high schools have earned “A” grades from the Florida Department of Education for the 2024–2025 academic year.
Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High School joined its sister schools—Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate and Polk State Lakeland Collegiate—in receiving top marks. The milestone marks Gateway’s first-ever “A” rating, after earning a “B” last year following updates to its charter and academic mission.
“This is an exciting time for our collegiate high school,” said Gateway Principal Meesha Downing-Townsend. “This year’s school grade is the first of two consecutive A grades needed for Gateway to add a 10th-grade cohort in 2026–2027.”
Chain of Lakes and Lakeland collegiate high schools enrolled their first 10th-grade classes in August 2024 and have already reported strong academic results and high levels of student and parent satisfaction.
“We are hearing from more families that they wish they could start their collegiate high school journeys even sooner,” said Chain of Lakes Principal Patrice Bryant-Thigpen. “We are thrilled to see our school grade reflect the tireless work of our staff and students.”
Polk State Lakeland Gateway celebrated notable academic achievements this year, including recognition of the College’s youngest student to graduate with an Associate in Arts degree at age 15. The same student also earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management, joining her peers at Chain of Lakes.
Students at all three collegiate high schools complete college credits while simultaneously working toward their high school diplomas, typically at no cost. Most students graduate with their college degrees in hand.
“Our students excel not only in academics but also in the unique college-level environment we provide,” said Lakeland Collegiate Principal Rick Jeffries. “They benefit from expert faculty, clubs, internships, and other enriching experiences.”
Gateway serves 11th and 12th-grade students on the Lakeland campus who are no older than 21 and meet the academic requirement of at least 11 high school credits. In 2024, nearly all of Gateway’s 136-member class earned an Associate in Arts degree, completing over 15,000 hours of community service and securing around $1.3 million in scholarships.
Lakeland Collegiate and Chain of Lakes Collegiate serve 10th through 12th-grade students. Chain of Lakes has held an “A” grade since 2015 and was previously ranked as the top public high school in Polk County by U.S. News & World Report. Both are located on Polk State’s Winter Haven and Lakeland campuses, respectively.
Applications are still being accepted for the 2025–2026 school year at Chain of Lakes and Lakeland Collegiate. More information is available at polk.edu/charter-high-schools.
Polk County Public Schools (PCPS) has announced upcoming increases to varsity football ticket prices, marking the first adjustment since 2011. The new prices will take effect for the 2025-26 and 2027-28 school years.
The district says the price increases are necessary to help support student-athletes, maintain high-quality athletic programs, and cover rising operational costs.
Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, regular admission for varsity football games will increase from $6 to $7. Another $1 increase is planned for the 2027-28 school year, bringing the ticket price to $8.
“We understand the importance of athletics in our students’ educational experience, and the role these events play in bringing our community together,” said Dan Talbot, senior director of athletics for PCPS. “These incremental adjustments will help us continue to provide safe, well-equipped facilities and meaningful opportunities for our student-athletes, while also addressing increased costs associated with hosting athletic events.”
According to PCPS, the district has maintained some of the lowest athletic event ticket prices in Central Florida. Revenue generated from the increases will go toward improving equipment, supporting transportation, and enhancing security for athletic events across the county.
The district emphasized its commitment to keeping school events accessible to families, with discounted student tickets and season pass options remaining available.
Polk County Public Schools serves more than 10,000 student-athletes and continues to focus on providing high-quality educational and extracurricular opportunities for all students.
For more information about the ticket price adjustments or available assistance programs, contact [email protected].
Ashley Bell Barnett, a respected business leader, philanthropist, and passionate advocate for education and community service in Central Florida, has been appointed to the Women United Global Leadership Council, an influential advisory group to United Way Worldwide.
The Council brings together women leaders from across the globe to help guide United Way’s work in strengthening families, empowering women, and expanding access to opportunities such as affordable, quality childcare. New members, including Barnett, were selected through a competitive nomination process for their experience, dedication to Women United, and demonstrated impact in their communities.
“Ashley has long been a passionate advocate for the communities of Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties, dedicating her time and energy to uplifting individuals and families across the region,” said Katherine Fitzwater, Director of Public Relations for United Way of Central Florida. “This new role is a testament to Ashley’s vision, compassion, and tireless work in advancing the mission of Women United.”
In her new role, Barnett will work alongside global leaders to further United Way’s mission of mobilizing communities to action so that all people can thrive. United Way Worldwide takes a comprehensive approach to addressing local challenges, focusing on improving health, expanding youth opportunities, and increasing financial security. Their work spans tens of thousands of communities, sharing innovations and scaling impact to help individuals and families reach their full potential—goals that align closely with Barnett’s long-standing commitment to community service.
Barnett’s service extends well beyond United Way. She is a trustee of Florida Polytechnic University, a member of the Florida Council of 100, and a District Board of Trustees member for Polk State College, where she also previously served as Foundation Chair. Her leadership in education, workforce development, and economic initiatives has made her a highly respected figure across the region.
Ashley has been the recipient of notable awards including the National Athena Award (2023), AFP philanthropist of the year, and Barnett was recently named a Florida Community Hero. Bell Barnett holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of South Florida and received a bachelor’s degree from Florida Southern College. She is a fifth-generation Floridian who lives in Winter Haven with her husband, Wesley, and their two daughters. Ashley is passionate about travel, especially to Southeast Asia, sailing, nature, music, and theatre.
Now, as part of the Women United Global Leadership Council, Barnett’s influence will help shape global strategies that benefit families not just in Central Florida, but around the world—building toward a future where every person, in every community, has the opportunity to succeed.
To learn more about Ashley Bell Barnett and the Women United Global Leadership Council, visit:
Notice is hereby given pursuant to the Fictitious Name Act, Section 865.09, Florida Statutes, that the undersigned is engaged in business under the fictitious name:
Goddess Links Permanent Jewelry
and intends to register the said name with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations.
Business Owner:
Manifest Fempire LLC
Principal Place of Business:
Mobile Business – Servicing Polk County and Surrounding Areas, Florida
The business provides mobile permanent jewelry services including welded-on jewelry installations, pop-up events, private parties, and personalized intention-setting rituals.
HAINES CITY – Sharon Ann Cook Gardner spent more than three decades shaping young minds in the Polk County School District, where she earned the admiration of generations of junior and senior high school students. Known for her strict but caring approach, she left a lasting impact on the thousands who passed through her classrooms.
After retiring from teaching, Sharon brought her passion for people and history to the heart of downtown Haines City by opening Hidden Treasures, a charming antique shop that quickly became a local favorite. There, she continued to connect with others—this time over vintage finds, shared stories, and a warm smile.
Sharon passed away in June in Brooksville, Florida. She was 82.
Born and raised in Haines City to citrus growers Rutherford “Rufus” and Mary Cook, Sharon was a standout student. She served as drum major of the marching band and was known both for her academic excellence and magnetic personality. After graduating high school in 1961, she earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisville and later, a master’s degree from Rollins College.
It was after college that she met the love of her life, Donald Louis Gardner. The couple shared a long and happy marriage until Don’s passing in 2017. Together, they raised three children and were blessed with three grandsons.
Her daughter, Mary Fair Gardner Weldon, is the mother of Cole and Andrew Weldon. Her daughter Lesley Gardner, married to Bucky Buchanan, has one son, Dalton Lott. Sharon’s son, Darin Gardner, is married to Lis Gardner. Sharon is also survived by her brother Hootie Cook and his wife, Barbara.
The Gardner’s built a life full of love, laughter, and lasting friendships. They enjoyed cheering for the Florida State Seminoles, weekend trips to the hunting camp and fishing.
“Sharon loved to saltwater fishing with the boys, Don and Buddy (Conroy). She caught sailfish and anything that got on her hook,” said lifelong friend Brenda Conroy.
Kathrine Addison Bronson, also a close lifelong friend she met in junior high, remembers many fishing trips including one to Little Gasparilla Island when they caught their limit in snapper.
“She just loved the outdoors,” Kathrine said.
After retirement, they fulfilled a lifelong dream by building a home in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, where they spent many joyful years enjoying the mountains and the friendships they formed there.
“Sharon never met a stranger,” Kathrine said. “She loved to travel and kept in touch with so many friends she met along the way.”
Brenda agreed. “She loved everyone. It was all about what she could do for someone else. It was hard for her to see the bad in anyone.”
From the Florida Keys to New York City, Rome, and Colorado, Sharon’s adventures were filled with laughter, meaningful connections, and memorable moments. “She was so thoughtful,” Kathrine said. “I can’t look anywhere in my house without seeing something she gave us. The world is not the same without her. She was one-of-a-kind.”
Sharon shared a special bond with Brenda, Kathrine and Joan McNair, all friends since the 1980s. They kept in close touch with one another, taking trips together, but, most importantly, making sure to always be there for each other.
“When Ronnie (Addison – Kathrine’s husband) died in 2008, Sharon called me and I was crying and upset,” Kathrine remembered. “It wasn’t two hours and people started showing up at my house – Don and Sharon, Howard and Joan (McNair), Brenda (Conroy), Cheryl and Denny (Wilkinson), Hootie and Barbara (Cook), and my neighbor. Sharon had called and gathered them all to support me. That’s just how she was – so thoughtful and supportive.”
Sharon taught junior high science from 1967 to 1985, then continued her career at the high school level until her retirement in 1997. Even after stepping out of the classroom, her work with the community didn’t stop. In addition to her antique shop, she co-founded Salon on the Park with her friend Kathy Prince and launched Legacy of Love—an annual gathering of local women friends to reconnect and share life updates.
She loved her hometown and was a founding member of the Haines City Historical Museum. According to the Museum’s Facebook page, “She (Sharon) and her husband, Don, wanted everyone to remember Haines City’s heritage and worked hard to make our museum a reality. Sharon touched so many lives in a positive way being a retired school teacher, community activist, and loving wife and mother and friend. She was truly a Southern Lady.”
Sharon Ann Cook Gardner will be remembered not only for her long and dedicated career as an educator, but for the way she built community, cherished friendships, and filled every room—whether a classroom, a shop, or a mountain home—with warmth, curiosity, and compassion.
