LAKELAND – A 24-year-old Lakeland man died Saturday after his motorcycle collided with an SUV on South Florida Avenue, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Sergeant Steve Gaskins, Public Affairs Officer for FHP, reported that a 71-year-old woman from Seffner was driving a Nissan Rogue southbound on South Florida Avenue. Just north of Shepherd Road, she attempted to turn left and entered the path of a Yamaha motorcycle traveling northbound. The motorcycle struck the passenger side of the SUV.
The motorcyclist was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
On September 24, 2025, PCSO detectives, with the assistance from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, arrested 25-year-old Jahaziel Mendez of Bradenton on charges related to unlawful sexual activity with a minor.
The investigation began when a 15-year-old girl disclosed that she had engaged in sexual intercourse with Mendez, who she met through the social media app Tumblr. The suspect, known to her as “Jay,” traveled to pick her up from her residence and booked a hotel room in Davenport, where the sexual battery occurred.
Surveillance footage from the Holiday Inn in Davenport confirmed Mendez checked in on September 20 and later entered the room with the victim. The victim stated that she and Mendez had FaceTimed prior to meeting and that they met on three separate occasions. She reported sneaking out of her home each time, a plan Mendez encouraged. Illegal sexual activity occurred during the second and third meetings, and after the third encounter, Mendez instructed her to take a Plan B pill.
During a phone call between the suspect and the victim, Mendez admitted to traveling to meet the minor for sex, described the experience as enjoyable, and made light of her age, joking that he might “end up in a documentary” but that he was not thinking of her age.
Mendez was charged with lewd battery (F2), traveling to meet a minor (F2), and interference with child custody (F3). He was booked into the Manatee County Jail on the Polk County warrant and is awaiting extradition into Polk County.
“This is a prime example of why parents need to be monitoring their kids online. Predators use social media to target vulnerable kids. Then they groom and convince them to sneak out of their homes, in order to sexually batter them. We will continue to pursue and arrest anyone who exploits children.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
Betty (Thames) Murray, 77, of Haines City, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on November 17, 1947, in Lumberton, North Carolina, to Eugene and Dolly (Edge) Thames, Betty lived a life rooted in faith, family, and love. She married Donald Layne, and together they raised two wonderful children who were her greatest joy.
Betty treasured simple moments—whether relaxing at the beach, enjoying family gatherings, or sharing movie nights with her grandchildren. She loved Jesus with her whole heart, and her faith was a guiding light for all who knew her.
She is survived by her children, Theron Layne (Kim Carter) and Kathy (Ryan) Herren; her siblings, Bobby Thames, Shirley (Danny) Wojciehowski, Danny Thames, and Dennis Thames; her cherished grandchildren, Matthew, Cory, Haley, Holly, and Hamilton; and her great-grandchildren, Cambron, Atlas, and Aspen. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Dolly, and her brothers, Alvin, Ronald, Wayne, and Kenny.
Visitation was held on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at Oak Ridge Funeral Home in Haines City, Florida. Betty was laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery at Central Church of Christ in Haines City.
Betty meant everything to her family. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and she is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. While our hearts grieve, we rejoice in knowing she is now in the arms of Jesus.
The family would also like to extend their deepest gratitude to Marivel Pabon, Betty’s devoted caretaker, whose kindness and faith truly reflected the hands and feet of Jesus.
Edith “Louise” Baker-Alborn, 97, of Haines City, FL, passed away on September 18, 2025, at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center in Lakeland, FL.
She was born June 14, 1928, in Sayre, PA, to the late Harry Austin and Clarissa Edith (Hovey) Shafer. Affectionately known as “Weezie” to all her friends, Edith moved to Florida in 1989 from Waverly, NY. She served as the out-of-park activities director for Lake Region Village, was president of the social club, and was always ready to volunteer whenever there was a need. She was also widely recognized for her many years as a dedicated Avon representative. Louise loved to travel—there wasn’t a place she hadn’t been. Her smile was truly infectious, and she will forever be remembered as a kind and loving woman. She was of the Episcopal faith.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Clarissa Shafer; her first husband, Morris A. Baker; her second husband, Jack B. Alborn; her son, Richard Baker; and her siblings, Robert Shafer, Harry Shafer and Patricia “Patty” Shafer Steele. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her sons, Robert (Carole) Baker of Haines City, FL, and David (Deb) Baker of Easley, SC; her daughters, Susanne (Bill) Lantz of Athens, PA, and Lisa (Dale) Davidson of Morganton, WV; her brother, William (Judy) Shafer of Waverly, NY; eight grandchildren; and nineteen great-grandchildren.
A visitation was held on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Haines City, FL. Following services in Florida, her remains will return home to Waverly, NY, where she will be laid to rest at Glenwood Cemetery.
HAINES CITY – This year, Sasha Estevez hosted the first “Our Everyday Heroes, Honoring Our First Responders” ceremony. She has a personal connection to their work, having received help from first responders on Sept. 11, 2001, in New York City.
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Her hope is to make the event an annual, city-wide tradition that brings the community together in celebration of those who serve.
“The event is something I’ve always wanted to do for them,” Estevez said. “They make us feel safe every day, so this is nothing compared to what they do for us.”
Estevez is no stranger to organizing community events. When she set out to plan this one, it kept growing. Her first step was personally visiting every fire station and police department in the area to invite them to attend.
First responders were offered complimentary haircuts at her husband’s barber shop, RBI-Barber. She also provided food and drinks for all attendees. Wanting to add more, Estevez invited the Haines City High School choir to perform the National Anthem. Principal Brad Tarver not only agreed but also arranged for the school’s ROTC to present the colors.
She rented 200 chairs and asked that the Winn-Dixie parking lot be closed, creating space for fire trucks and police cars.
Seeking further community involvement, Estevez reached out to the administration of Eastside Elementary School, where students wrote inspiring messages about why they wanted to become first responders. Those notes were given to the first responders at the event.
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City Hall also gave its support. Mayor Morris West spoke during the ceremony, which drew approximately 200 attendees.
West said, “I served the Thin Blue Line for more than 20 years. I worked hand in hand with fire, police, EMS and I know that when we put on the uniforms every day it could be our last day. On 9-11, there were so many firefighters and police officers who lost their lives that day. We always say, ‘we run in when they run out,’” he said. “We are going to do something every year in the City of Haines City. We don’t want this day to go unrecognized.”
Haines City Deputy Fire Chief Joseph Kahles also spoke at the ceremony, “I read somewhere that the best way to remember those from 9-11 is to be who we were on Sept. 12.”
Afterward, Estevez distributed gift bags to first responders containing a custom-designed tumbler, lapel pin, and “Shift Saver” bags filled with late-night essentials.
On Sept. 18, Estevez addressed the City Commission about the event. While specific plans are still in the works, commissioners made clear the City is eager to support her vision of an annual first responder celebration.
Her calendar remains full. Next up is a Veterans Day event. In the past, Estevez created the Latin Festival in 2013, and this year she helped with Back-to-School efforts by offering services for teachers and haircut vouchers for students. She and her husband, Argenis Diaz, also organize community giveaways for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and other occasions.
One of the most moving moments of the First Responders Ceremony came with the Bell of Honor. Estevez rang it four times for the four planes on 9/11, twice for each fallen tower, and eight more times in tribute to eight local fallen heroes.
To watch the event, visit YouTube and search “Honoring 9/11 & Polk County’s Fallen Heroes – Bell of Honor Ceremony.”
Ralph Blalock, age 92, of Lakeland, Florida passed away on September 6, 2025. He was born on September 18, 1932 in Jackson, Mississippi and was raised in Ocala, Florida. He graduated from Ocala High School, Class of 1951, where he excelled in Varsity Basketball and Swimming, while working at Silver Springs. He attended the University of Florida before being drafted by the US Army into the Korean War. He was honorably discharged after two years of service in Korea. Ralph enrolled in Western Kentucky University and met his wife, Patricia. After graduating with a degree in Business Administration and Accounting, they moved to Lakeland, FL for Ralph to begin his banking career at Florida National Bank. Ralph worked at Florida National Bank for 30 years, serving as Bank President for 15 years. He continued to serve as Bank President when First Union acquired Florida National Bank. Ralph took early retirement from First Union to become the President of Peoples Bank and negotiated the sale of Peoples Bank to Huntington Bank and later the merger to Truist Bank. Ralph served on the Truist Bank Board until he met the required age limit for Truist Board members.
Ralph served on the Board of Directors at Lakeland Regional Health and served as the Board Chairman. He also served as the Vice President of the Lakeland Regional Health Foundation. He was a charter member of the South Lakeland Rotary Club, serving as President. He was a Director of the Chamber of Commerce and served on the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority as Vice Chairman. Ralph served on the Board of the Florida Bankers Association and was a three-term board member of the Lakeland Yacht and Country Club. Ralph was a member and President of the Florida Southern College Basketball 6th Man Club. He was a past Director of the University of South Florida Advisory Board. Ralph served three terms as the Senior Warden of St. David’s Episcopal Church and 19 years as the church Treasurer. For the past 35 years, Ralph was a member of All Saint’s Episcopal Church where he served on the Vestry. He found time to enjoy coaching City of Lakeland Little League baseball, hunting, fishing, golfing and playing tennis. He loved his beach retreat in Boca Grande where his family created many fond memories. In his later years, Ralph enjoyed meeting for breakfast three days a week with a large group of close friends at Fred’s.
Ralph was predeceased by his wife, Patricia Blalock, parents, J.D. and Linnie Blalock, his brother Bill Blalock and his son-in-law, David Curtis. He is survived by his daughter Jil Curtis-Bevis (Robert); son Paul Blalock (Randy) and grandchildren Grayson Curtis, Parker Blalock, Ellie Blalock and Rylan Bevis.
The family would like to thank Lakeland Regional Health, Good Shepherd Hospice, and Helping Hands caregivers, Holly, Marissa and Silvanna for their personal care and service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to All Saints Episcopal Church, 202 S. Massachusetts Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801 or Parker Street Ministries, 719 N. Massachusetts Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801.
A private family service will be held to celebrate the life of Ralph Blalock.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ralph Blalock, please visit our flower store.
Fatal Crash at Sumter County Intersection Involving Two Tractor-Trailers
September 25, 2025 | Sumter County, FL – A tragic collision early Thursday morning claimed the life of a Tampa man after two tractor-trailers collided and caught fire near a rural Sumter County intersection.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 4:44 a.m. at the intersection of County Road 48 (CR-48) and State Road 471 (SR-471).
Authorities report that a sand-filled dump tractor-trailer, driven by a 62-year-old man from Tampa, was heading west on CR-48. As the driver attempted a wide right turn to travel northbound onto SR-471, the front portion of his vehicle entered the path of an oncoming Rooms-To-Go tractor-trailer, which was traveling southbound on SR-471. The second vehicle was driven by a 41-year-old man from Lakeland.
The two trucks collided at the intersection, and both vehicles quickly became engulfed in flames. The Lakeland driver was able to escape the blaze with minor injuries. Unfortunately, the Tampa driver was unable to exit his vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The identities of the drivers have not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.
Motorists were advised to avoid the area for several hours Thursday morning as emergency crews worked to clear the scene and investigate the cause of the crash.
Polk County – Following recent Traffic enforcement initiatives, which also involved immigration detainment’s in Polk County, families and community members have raised concerns about how to find out where their loved ones may have been taken. Because these operations involved multiple agencies — including the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement — the process for locating a detainee depends on whether they were booked locally or turned over to federal custody.
The first step for anyone searching is to check the Polk County Jail inmate inquiry system (Polk Jail Inquiry) . Individuals who were arrested on state or local charges will appear in the jail database with a booking photo, charges, and custody status. If a mugshot and record appear there, loved ones should contact the Sheriff’s Office or county jail directly for more information about visitation, bond, or release procedures.
If the individual does not appear in the county jail system, it is likely they were placed on an immigration hold and transferred to federal custody. In these cases, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Online Detainee Locator System is the primary tool for families. The database is searchable by name, date of birth, or alien registration number (if available). The online system is available at locator.ice.gov.
For cases where the online locator does not provide results, families can also call the Tampa Homeland Security Investigations office directly. The Tampa office oversees northern and western Florida, including Polk County. The contact information is:
HSI Tampa
2203 North Lois Avenue, Suite 300
Tampa, FL 33607
Phone: (813) 357-7000
Fax: (813) 348-1877
Because detainees may be moved quickly between local facilities and federal detention sites, families may need to use both the Polk County jail system and the ICE locator in order to confirm a loved one’s status. While the process can feel confusing, these two resources — county records first, then ICE’s federal locator system — provide the most direct path to finding information.
MULBERRY – Drivers in parts of Polk County recently encountered a heavy law enforcement presence involving the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, and federal immigration authorities. The stops raised questions from residents about why local and state officers were involved in detaining individuals suspected of being in the country illegally.
According to reporting by Gary White of The Ledger, PCSO spokesperson Scott Wilder explained that the operations were traffic enforcement initiatives. Wilder stated that when deputies or troopers stop a vehicle for a legitimate traffic violation, they are required to identify everyone in the vehicle and check for warrants. “If the person has some kind of immigration status, we contact ICE to determine if they are in the country illegally,” Wilder told The Ledger. “If they are illegally in the country, they are detained and either booked into the county jail for state law criminal violations, or held for ICE pending their determination of any immigration enforcement actions they may take.” Wilder emphasized that deputies are not targeting people simply based on appearance or ethnicity.
Residents and immigrant advocates shared videos showing marked FHP vehicles, unmarked cars, and officers in vests marked “Sheriff” conducting stops near schools, mobile home parks, and along State Road 60 west of Mulberry. The Ledger observed officers appearing to detain individuals and vehicles pulled over by both FHP and unmarked units.
The Florida Highway Patrol has long maintained authority to stop any commercial vehicle under its Commercial Vehicle Enforcement authority. This includes routine checks for driver licensing, cargo safety, vehicle maintenance, weight limits, and compliance with federal and state trucking regulations. Because many work trucks and commercial-style vehicles are used in industries that employ immigrant laborers (such as landscaping, construction, farm work, delivery), these stops often bring troopers into contact with undocumented individuals. Once a stop is initiated for a commercial vehicle violation, troopers have the capacity to run identification, check for outstanding warrants, and then coordinate with ICE if immigration concerns emerge.
In addition, federal law under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act permits agreements between Immigration and Customs Enforcement and local agencies. Through the ICE 287(g) Program and a 2019 Memorandum of Agreement between ICE and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, deputies are granted limited authority to perform immigration enforcement in coordination with ICE. These partnerships are intended to expand ICE’s capacity to identify and detain individuals unlawfully present in the country.
The state-level role is further expanding with the involvement of the Florida National Guard. A 2025 Memorandum of Agreement between ICE and the Florida National Guard authorizes selected and trained Guard personnel to perform certain immigration enforcement functions under ICE direction and supervision. According to public reporting, the Department of Defense has authorized up to 700 troops to assist ICE operations in Florida, though their official duties are described as logistical, administrative, or clerical support rather than direct law enforcement. In other states, the Guard has been deployed to assist with “alien processing” at ICE facilities, in which case their role is to free up regular ICE officers by handling intake paperwork and transport tasks, without direct involvement in arrests.
Sheriff Grady Judd has consistently said that his deputies will not conduct door-to-door searches for immigrants, but will hold accountable anyone committing crimes locally while also notifying ICE. Judd currently serves on the State Immigration Enforcement Council, a body advising the Florida Cabinet on cooperation with federal enforcement initiatives.
The operations observed earlier this week reflects the complex cooperation between local law enforcement, state agencies, the National Guard, and federal immigration authorities. While controversial in some circles, the legal framework is rooted in federal law and formal agreements that allow Polk deputies and FHP to assist ICE during lawful traffic stops.
