Home Blog Page 178

Scam Alert: Caller Impersonates Lakeland Police Sergeant, Demands Meeting Over Fake Warrant

Carl Fish
-
0
Scam Alert: Caller Impersonates Lakeland Police Sergeant, Demands Meeting Over Fake Warrant

Lakeland Police Department Press Release

LAKELAND, FL (July 22, 2025) – On Monday, July 21, 2025 the Lakeland Police began receiving multiple reports of a phone scam. Reportees had similar accounts of an unknown subject calling claiming to be a Sergeant with the Lakeland Police Department. The subject identified himself with the name of an actual Sergeant who does work for LPD says he is calling about a “legal matter.” The suspect gave a call back number and when called, the voicemail indicated it was the Lakeland Police Department’s Civil Division. In one case he provided a local business to meet at to clear up warrant paperwork. 

The Lakeland Police Department does NOT have a “Civil Division.” We encourage everyone to stay vigilant against phone scams. If you receive a call from someone who claims to be with our agency and wish to verify their identity, please call our non-emergency number 863-834-6900 and ask for the officer by name. We are here 24/7.

Remember, we do not take any type of payment over the phone or in person, and we would never accept gift cards, wire or cash-app transfers, ATM deposits or prepaid debit cards. If you get a call where someone is claiming you have a ticket or are warrant for arrest and that you can simply cash-app or wire transfer funds, make a deposit at an ATM, or buy gift cards or prepaid debit cards and provide them with the redemption codes to clear it, hang up — it’s a SCAM!

Scammers are becoming more and more sophisticated and will go to great lengths to fool you and take your hard-earned money. Another common scam is being contacted via phone, email or text from someone claiming to be their bank and asking to confirm their personal information and/or banking information. If you receive a request like this, DO NOT GIVE YOUR INFORMATION, but call your financial institution to confirm any request.

We appreciate those who called in to report this. If you wish to report a similar phone call, please contact our General Crimes Unit Sergeant Jeremy Williams at (863) 834-8923.

Driver Ejected, Killed in Rollover Crash on US 17 in Ft. Meade

Carl Fish
-
0
Driver Ejected, Killed in Rollover Crash on US 17 in Ft. Meade

The PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a single vehicle crash resulting in the death of the driver. The crash occurred at 4:56pm on July 21, 2025 on US 17 near Bill Bryan Road in Ft. Meade.

A silver Chevrolet truck was heading southbound on US 17 in the inside left lane. At the time, it was raining and roads were wet. The driver, 35 year-old Alejandro Toledo of Zolfo Springs, attempted to pass another vehicle and he appears to have lost control while changing from the outside to inside lane. The truck began to rotate as it was sliding in a southwest direction toward the shoulder. Once on the shoulder, it began flipping. While flipping, Toledo was ejected from the vehicle and came to rest in a wood line along the west side of the highway.

Toledo was not wearing his seatbelt and his airbags did not deploy. He was determined deceased at the scene. No other vehicles were involved.

Fatal Crash Shuts Down Powerline Road Just South Davenport Tuesday Morning

Carl Fish
-
0
Fatal Crash Shuts Down Powerline Road Just South Davenport Tuesday Morning

Davenport, FL – Emergency responders from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Polk County Fire Rescue, and Haines City Fire Department were called to the scene of a fatal traffic crash early Tuesday morning at the intersection of Powerline Road and Snell Creek Road, just south of Davenport.

The crash occurred shortly before 5:40 a.m., according to dispatch records. Polk County Fire Rescue units, including EN020, HCBC1, HCEN1, MR030, MR230, and MR038, were among those assigned to the call. The first report came in at 5:39 a.m., with law enforcement arriving shortly thereafter.

New Florida CFO Sworn In, Immediately Launches Spending Investigations

Preliminary information from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office indicates that two vehicles were involved in the crash and that one person has died. No further information regarding the identity of the deceased or the condition of any other individuals has been released at this time.

Motorists are urged to avoid the area as law enforcement continues their investigation.

We will provide updates as more information becomes available

New Florida CFO Sworn In, Immediately Launches Spending Investigations

Carl Fish
-
0
New Florida CFO Sworn In, Immediately Launches Spending Investigations

By Carl Fish | Daily Ridge News

Florida’s new CFO, Blaise Ingoglia, has charged into his role with full steam, deploying the Governor’s Department of Government Efficiency, also known as D.O.G.E., to demand financial transparency from Broward County and the City of Gainesville. Both were cited for steep increases in tax collections and government spending. Polk County, despite being in Ingoglia’s political backyard, has not seen similar triggers.

In Broward County, property tax collections reportedly rose by $450 million over five years, a nearly 45 percent increase. The county’s operating budget also grew by more than $1.2 billion. The Governor’s letter addressing “Mayor Furr” raised eyebrows. While Beam Furr holds the title of mayor, Broward County does not have an executive mayor in the traditional sense. Instead, the role is ceremonial and rotated among commissioners. The actual administrative authority lies with the county administrator, not the mayor. Still, Furr is the public face of the commission and therefore was the recipient of the state’s formal correspondence.

In Gainesville, the state highlighted an 80 percent increase in property tax collections over four years and a $90 million rise in the city’s annual operating budget. Gainesville has a traditional mayoral structure, and the letter was addressed directly to Mayor Harvey Ward. Both local governments have been given a deadline of July 31 and August 1, when state officials intend to visit and examine operations, records, and systems. Failure to cooperate could result in financial penalties.

CITY OF GAINESVILLE LETTER

In contrast, cities in Polk County do not appear to fit the profile of governments experiencing runaway tax growth. In Lakeland, the millage rate for 2025 was set at 5.4323, unchanged from the previous year and slightly lower than in 2018. Although Lakeland’s overall budget has grown, city commissioners voted not to raise property tax rates and instead maintained a stable rate.

Winter Haven’s current millage rate is 6.5900, and that figure has remained steady for at least three years. Effective property tax rates in the city hover around 1.12 percent, which is only modestly above the national average. Davenport and Haines City, two rapidly growing cities, have experienced increases in overall revenue due to new construction and rising property values, but they have not imposed sharp rate hikes.

Even Polk County itself reduced its county-wide millage rate to 6.6348, a one percent decrease from the prior year. Despite rising property values that naturally generate more revenue, county leaders chose to slightly cut the tax rate while still managing nearly $3 billion in overall spending.

Based on available data, Polk County and its cities have not mirrored the rapid tax hikes or aggressive spending increases that brought Broward and Gainesville under scrutiny. At this time, it does not appear that any Polk municipalities are likely to be the next targets in the D.O.G.E. oversight effort.

Winter Haven Public Safety Department Warns Public About Scam Alert

Staff Reporter
-
0
Winter Haven Public Safety Department Warns Public About Scam Alert

Winter Haven Public Safety Department-

SCAM ALERT
Yes, they are still around.
The FLHSMV text threatens that you have unpaid traffic violations and you risk suspension or legal proceedings. It ends with a link for you to “pay your fine”.


Always remember:
FLHSMV will never contact you via text message demanding payment or threatening suspension or arrest.
Do not click any links.
Do not share personal or financial information.
Tell all of your friends and family to NOT click any links from a text message. when in doubt, pick up a phone and call from the reputable number you personally access – not the number on the message.

Winter Haven Public Library Hosting Kiddo Rave

Staff Reporter
-
0
Winter Haven Public Library Hosting Kiddo Rave

Winter Haven Public Library-

Party Animals, mark your calendars!

We’ve had so much fun with everyone during our summer reading program that we’re throwing a huge dance party to celebrate! Bring your tiny dancers for a fun-filled sensory experience of glowing lights and groovy tunes.

No registration is required for this event–just make sure to bring your best dance moves! To make sure there’s enough room on the dance floor, we’ll have two time slots: ages 5 and under at 10:00, and children aged 6 and up at 11:00. We can’t wait to see you there!

When: Friday, July 25

Where: Winter Haven Public Library

12-Year Lakeland Police Department Veteran Arrested After Allegedly Making Up Crime Involving Teens

Carl Fish
-
0
12-Year Lakeland Police Department Veteran Arrested After Allegedly Making Up Crime Involving Teens

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

On Friday, July 19, 2025, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested an off-duty Lakeland Police Officer, 42-year-old Michael Hayes, for false report of a crime (M1).

The investigation began that afternoon when Hayes contacted PCSO and reported that three unknown juveniles threw an object at his agency-issued vehicle – an unmarked Chevrolet SUV – while he was driving down Yates Road in Lakeland, shattering the back window. Hayes told deputies that he turned his vehicle around in an attempt to catch up to the fleeing youth, and in the process, ran over a small sign, damaging the front of his vehicle. Hayes told deputies that he called his supervisor, who told him to call the Sheriff’s Office to report it. He said he drove home, then reported it, and that the incident occurred around 30 minutes prior to him calling.

Through investigative resources, deputies found a photo of Hayes’ SUV taken 24 hours prior to the crime being reported, with the back window broken. When they discussed this with Hayes, he then said that he believed his child broke the back window with a baseball and that he panicked and did not know what to do. From that point forward, he could not explain the damage to the vehicle. He was taken into custody, charged with false report of a crime (M1), and booked in the Polk County Jail, then released after posting $1,000 bond.

“On the evening of July 19, 2025, the Lakeland Police Department was notified by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office about the arrest of Detective Michael Hayes. Michael Hayes is a 12-year veteran of the Lakeland Police Department, most recently assigned to the Property Crimes Unit. Immediately after being notified of the arrest, I ordered an administrative investigation and placed Detective Hayes on administrative leave in accordance with our agency’s policies and procedures. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has our full cooperation as they proceed with their criminal investigation.” – Sammy Taylor, Chief of Police, Lakeland Police Department

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Star of “The Cosby Show” Dies In Accident

Carl Fish
-
0
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Star of “The Cosby Show” Dies In Accident

Los Angeles, CA – July 21, 2025

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his iconic role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has died at the age of 54. The news was first reported by TMZ, which cited the cause of death as an accidental drowning.

Warner rose to national fame in the 1980s as the only son of the Huxtable family on The Cosby Show, a sitcom that became a cultural landmark and ran for eight seasons. His role earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination and made him one of the most recognizable young actors of the era.

Following his breakout success, Warner continued to build a solid career in entertainment. He starred in the sitcom Malcolm & Eddie in the late 1990s, led the cast of Reed Between the Lines, and appeared in numerous television dramas including Suits, The Resident, 9-1-1, Major Crimes, and Alert: Missing Persons Unit. He was also a prolific voice actor and narrated episodes of The Magic School Bus.

In 2015, Warner won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance for his collaboration on the song “Jesus Children” with Robert Glasper and Lalah Hathaway. Most recently, he hosted a podcast titled Not All Hood, which explored culture, identity, and the Black experience in America. A new episode had been released just days before his death.

Mold Reports Reveal Discrepancy Between College Messaging and Test Results at Polk State’s Lakeland Campus

Warner was also a director, musician, and poet, with a reputation for being thoughtful and deeply committed to his craft. He remained private about his personal life, but it is known he is survived by his wife and daughter, whose names have not been publicly disclosed.

No additional details have been released by his family or representatives at this time.

Warner’s passing marks the loss of a talented performer who left a lasting impact on multiple generations of television viewers. He is remembered for his warmth, intelligence, and the legacy he built both on and off screen.

Auburndale Woman Charged with Burglary and Grand Theft After Incident in Winter Haven

Staff Reporter
-
0
Auburndale Woman Charged with Burglary and Grand Theft After Incident in Winter Haven

33-year old Allison Brooke Smith of Auburndale was recently arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

A past-occurred burglary and theft was reported to the PCSO.

The location of the crime was a residence on 33rd Street NW in the Inwood neighborhood of Winter Haven.

The victim reported that Allison Smith had been seen on the property at the time of the crime, so he tried calling her, but she wouldn’t answer. Eventually, she texted the victim and admitted to the theft, but asked that the victim refrain from reporting the theft, saying she would end up in prison.

A PCSO detective discovered that Allison sold the stolen property to a pawn shop.

On July 14th, detectives located Allison Smith behind a residence on Walnut Street in Auburndale and took her into custody.

During her initial interview, she claimed she had permission to take the property from the victim. She later confessed to her crime saying she needed money for drugs and groceries.

Allison Smith was charged with Burglary, Grand Theft, False Verification to a Pawn Broker, and Dealing in Stolen Property.

Polk Schools Superintendent Warns of Potential $67 Million Funding Gap; Losses Represent Potential 3% of $2.26 Billion Budget

Carl Fish
-
0
Polk Schools Superintendent Warns of Potential $67 Million Funding Gap; Losses Represent Potential 3% of $2.26 Billion Budget

By Carl Fish | Daily Ridge News

BARTOW, FL | July 20, 2025

Polk County Public Schools (PCPS) recently notified families and staff of more than $67 million in anticipated funding losses and delays for the upcoming 2025–26 school year. The number, shared in a district-wide message from Superintendent Fred Heid, raised immediate concerns about possible effects on classrooms, educational programs, and support positions.

However, to fully understand the situation, it’s important to view these projected losses within the broader scope of the school district’s finances.

As of mid-July, the 2025–26 PCPS budget has not yet been released. The most recent approved budget, for the 2024–25 school year, totaled approximately $2.26 billion. That funding supports more than 127,671 students across over 170 campuses, including traditional, charter, and technical schools.

If next year’s budget remains similar in size, the projected $67.15 million in combined state and federal funding impacts would account for about 2.97 percent of the overall budget. In other words, while the dollar amount is significant, it represents less than 3 percent of the school system’s most recently adopted financial plan.

Funding Breakdown:

$2.5 million reduction in state funding due to a dual enrollment reporting error

$45.7 million loss linked to expanded voucher and charter school funding

Up to $20 million in delayed federal grants that support programs for migrant students, English language learners, teacher development, academic enrichment, and adult education

According to the district, more than 125 full-time staff positions rely on the grant-funded programs now in limbo. Superintendent Heid has emphasized that no layoffs or hiring freezes are being recommended at this time. PCPS is working to offset the losses through savings, available grants, and other contingency measures.

Heid’s message also calls on the public to take action by contacting state and federal representatives. He encouraged families to advocate for the release of federal education funds and to request that state lawmakers address the funding discrepancies created by reporting errors and voucher expansions.

A Closer Look at the Numbers

While these concerns are real and deserve attention, it’s also important for the public to recognize the full financial picture. With a $2.26 billion budget as the most recent benchmark, more than 97 percent of the district’s funding remains intact.

For large government systems like PCPS, periodic funding adjustments are not uncommon. But the scale of the current funding gaps, though worth monitoring, is relatively small when compared to the total operating capacity of the district.

As the 2025–26 school year approaches, much will depend on whether state or federal agencies respond with clarity or corrective action. Until then, PCPS leaders are bracing for uncertainty while urging the community to stay informed and engaged.

Polk County Schools Serve a Diverse Student Population

Polk County Public Schools currently serve approximately 127,671 students across the district. The student body reflects a wide range of racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. According to district data for the 2024–25 school year, the breakdown is as follows:

Hispanic/Latino: 42.6%

White: 31.5%

Black/African American: 21.2%

Asian: 1.6%

Multiracial: 2.7%

American Indian/Pacific Islander: 0.4%

In addition, about 11% of students are classified as English Language Learners, and approximately 16.5% receive services as students with disabilities.

The following chart, compiled by Polk County Public Schools, outlines the finalized and pending financial impacts affecting the district heading into the 2025–26 school year.

Summary of Fiscal Impact

The table below outlines cuts or withholding that will directly impact Polk County Public Schools.


Chart Provided By Polk County Public Schools

1...177178179...1,203Page 178 of 1,203