The PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a two vehicle crash involving a motorcycle that resulted in the death of the motorcyclist. The crash occurred at 2:45am this morning (07/19/2025) at US 27 and Interstate 4 in Davenport.
A blue Suzuki motorcycle with an adult male drive and an adult female passenger had exited westbound Interstate 4 onto southbound US 27. Evidence showed that he motorcycle was accelerating at high speeds through traffic. The second vehicle, a White Toyota Tundra, was leaving a motel on the south side of I4 and failed to make a complete stop before pulling onto southbound US 27, resulting in the collision.
Neither adult on the motorcycle were wearing helmets. The driver of the truck was wearing his seatbelt. Both the driver and passenger in the motorcycle experienced serious injuries and were both flown to local hospitals. The driver of the motorcycle succumbed to his injuries upon arrival at the hospital and the passenger is in critical unstable condition. The driver of the truck was not injured.
Lake Worth Beach, Florida (July 19, 2025) – A Stuart-based eye doctor has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of his ex-wife, a Spirit Airlines flight attendant who was gunned down outside her Lake Worth condo.
Richard Seith, a practicing optometrist with an office in Stuart, was taken into custody late Thursday night by a joint task force involving the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Marshals.
The victim, 54-year-old Cynthia “Cindi” Sciarrone Seith, was found dead in the early morning hours of Tuesday, July 16, outside her Lake Worth Beach condominium. She was still wearing her flight attendant uniform at the time of the shooting. Detectives believe she was ambushed while walking between her car and her home.
Seith’s arrest follows a multi-agency investigation that spanned two counties. On Wednesday, investigators executed search warrants at both his Jensen Beach residence and his Stuart medical office. Witnesses reported a heavy law enforcement presence, and a neighbor captured photos of crime scene investigators combing the area around Seith’s home.
At the same time, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office dive teams were seen scouring a nearby waterway in Lake Worth Beach for possible evidence linked to the murder.
Although no suspects were publicly named early in the investigation, authorities confirmed that numerous detectives were working the case around the clock. The arrest of Dr. Seith marks a major development in a case that has shaken the South Florida community.
“This was a tragic and senseless crime,” said officials, who expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts between Martin and Palm Beach counties. “Our commitment to public safety and justice for the victim remains unwavering.”
Cynthia Seith’s father, Joseph Sciarrone, spoke to the media on what would have been his daughter’s 55th birthday, describing her as a “lovable, cheery” woman who “loved her job and her family.”
Seith is currently being held at the Palm Beach County Jail on a charge of first-degree murder.
Anyone with additional information related to this case is urged to contact Palm Beach County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS (8477).
Water Quality of Winter Haven Lakes Has Improved Over Past 5 Years, 2024 Annual Lakes Report Shows
by James Quality
The overall water quality and health of local lakes haveimproved significantly over the past five years, according to the city’s annual lakes report.
At their regular meeting on Monday evening, Winter Haven city commissioners were provided a presentation by the Lakes Advisory Committee (LAC) on the 2024 Annual Lakes Report.
Since its inception in 1986, the LAC, according to the city agenda memo, “offers guidance and recommendations on the management of Winter Haven’s lakes, with the shared goal of enhancing the overall health of local waterbodies.”
According to the Annual Lakes Report, of Winter Haven’s 37 lakes, 27 exhibit good health, while others exhibit fair health. Only one lake, Lake Idyl, is considered in poor health.
The report utilizes a scoring system based on several criteria to measure lake health, including water quality, hydrology, and ecology. Based on this system, the city’s lakes have gradually experienced an increase in overall health, from 1.8 in 2018 to the current score of 2.0 in 2023.
“Since the City began active lake monitoring in 2016, several previously impaired lakes have shown measurable improvements in water quality and have begun meeting regulatory thresholds for at least one pollutant,” wrote Brittany Hart, Public Works Director, in the city agenda memo.
“Even among lakes not yet meeting all State standards, many are showing positive trends and are likely to improve further with continued management,” she further elaborated.
The LAC owes the overall progress within the past five years to several initiatives, including the hydrologic monitoring of local lakes, the maintenance and construction of green stormwater infrastructure, habitat management, and outreach and education programs, which have reached over 1,800 individuals through various events.
However, while overall lake health has significantly improved, other lakes require more attention. As the report details, five lakes take high priority due to poor lake health or declining water trends: Lakes Idyl, Hamilton, Elbert, Martha, and Hartridge.
Current ongoing efforts to improve these lakes include water quality improvement plans for Lake Hamilton and Idyl, aquatic vegetation planning for Lake Martha, stormwater improvements to Lake Elbert Trail, street sweeping, green stormwater and infrastructure projects, and further public outreach and education.
City Manager T Michael Stavres commended the city for the overall increase in water quality of its lakes despite the overall increase of development and construction.
“One of the biggest concerns we have when we talk about new development that happens in Winter Haven…negative impact from growth, including degradation of the environmental condition, certainly comes into play; but despite all the growth, we have seen over the past five years in particular, the conditions of our lakes [has] improved, and that speaks, in my opinion, volumes to the work of the natural resource division,” he said.
Commissioner Brad Dantzler inquired about the possibility of adding more lakes to the report. He mentioned lakes like Lake Bess and Myrtle in the southeast portion of the city, as that area is expected to experience a population increase. He asked what was preventing the city from including lakes such as those in the City’s evaluation.
Dustin Everitt, Natural Resources Manager, answered that the issues lay with funding and permitting. He explained that those lakes were private, and unless they had improved public access, they could not be included.
“The public would raise the question of why we are studying a lake that they cannot access,” he explained. “Why are my taxpayer money going to studying a lake I cannot access?”
LAKELAND, FL (July 16, 2025) | Beginning Saturday, July 19 at 4:00 a.m., CSX will temporarily close the North Florida Avenue (FL-37) railroad crossing, located between E/W Pine Street and E/W Main Street in Downtown Lakeland. The crossing is expected to reopen by Tuesday, July 22 at 10:00 p.m., weather permitting. This closure is part of a phased construction schedule to improve critical infrastructure along the CSX rail line, also known as the Lakeland Subdivision or the A Line.
To reinforce the detour and maintain safe traffic flow, electronic detour signage will be in place. Motorists are encouraged to use State Road 563/Harden-Sikes Boulevard as an alternate route.
Key Details:
Crossing Affected: North Florida Avenue (FL-37), between E/W Pine Street and E/W Main Street
Closure Begins: Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 4:00 a.m.
Reopening Expected: Tuesday, July 22, 2025, by 10:00 p.m.
Detour Route: SR 563 / Harden-Sikes Boulevard
Downtown remains open and accessible — Downtown Lakeland businesses will remain open during the closure, and transit service to the area is available through the Citrus Connection. Residents and visitors can find more information on available routes by visiting: https://ridecitrus.com/services/fixed-routes/west-county-routes/
Motorists are urged to plan ahead, follow posted detour signs, and use caution while traveling near the construction zone. For a comprehensive schedule of the CSX crossing closures, please see the map provided by CSX.
For questions or to report concerns about public road rail crossings, contact CSX Public Safety Coordination Center at 1-800-232-0144 or email [email protected].
If you’ve traveled through the intersection at Avenue C SE and 3rd Street lately, you’ve probably noticed increased activity—more cars, more pedestrians, and more nearby development. That’s exactly why the City of Winter Haven is implementing a change at this busy intersection to enhance safety and improve overall traffic operations.
What’s Changing?
After a professional evaluation by our traffic engineering consultant, Kimley-Horn, the City is transitioning this intersection from signal control to an all-way stop.
Why the Change?
This recommendation came after careful analysis of:
Vehicle and pedestrian volumes
Conflicting traffic movements
Limited sight distances
Proximity to schools, churches, and downtown businesses
The goal is simple:
Slow down traffic through downtown
Improve pedestrian safety
Create more predictable driving patterns
Timeline of Changes
July 7, 2025 – Informational signage were put up at the intersection to notify the public.
July 21, 2025 – The traffic signals will switch to flashing red in all directions, functioning as an all-way stop. This setup will remain for at least 90 days while City staff observe how traffic adapts.
October 20, 2025 – The signal heads will be removed, and a plan for removing overhead infrastructure will follow.
Common Questions
Why not keep the signal? – Traffic engineering guidance (based on MUTCD standards) suggests all-way stops can actually function more safely and efficiently in certain conditions—especially when vehicle volumes are balanced and sightlines are limited.
Will this slow down traffic? – Actually, yes—and that’s intentional. Slower, more controlled traffic improves pedestrian safety and ensures smoother turns and crossings in busy, mixed-use areas like this.
How much will it cost? – Initial signage and striping costs are minimal—about $300. Additional expenses will be evaluated later, depending on what’s needed to remove or modify the overhead signal equipment.
Can I provide feedback during the 90-day trial? – Yes! We encourage residents and businesses to share their experience. Your input helps us evaluate how the new configuration is working.
Looking Ahead
This intersection is a key connector for downtown Winter Haven, and these changes are part of a broader commitment to thoughtful infrastructure planning. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we implement these improvements to create safer, more efficient streets for everyone.
Driver Killed in Fiery Head-On Crash While Attempting to Pass Vehicles on Polk City Road
Lake Alfred, Fla. (July 18, 2025) – A fatal head-on collision involving a BMW sedan and a dump truck early Friday morning claimed the life of one driver and temporarily shut down a portion of Polk City Road east of Highway 557.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred at approximately 5:45 a.m. and is being investigated by the agency’s Traffic Homicide Unit. Initial reports had suggested the crash occurred on County Road 557, but updated details confirm the incident took place directly on Polk City Road, just east of CR 557. Deputies blocked the intersection at CR 557 to allow first responders to access the crash site.
The preliminary investigation indicates that a silver BMW was traveling westbound on Polk City Road and attempted to pass several other westbound vehicles by entering the eastbound lane. As the BMW entered a curve in the roadway, both the BMW driver and the eastbound dump truck driver swerved toward the south shoulder in an attempt to avoid each other.
The two vehicles collided head-on, and the impact forced both into a group of trees along the shoulder. A fire broke out, fully engulfing the BMW and damaging the engine compartment of the dump truck.
The driver of the BMW was trapped inside the vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Due to the severity of the fire, authorities have not yet been able to positively identify the victim.
The dump truck driver was wearing a seatbelt and sustained only minor, non-life-threatening injuries. They were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The roadway remained closed for several hours as deputies conducted their investigation.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a former gymnastics coach on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, after he confessed to detectives that he had sexual intercourse twice with a girl he was coaching when she was younger than 16-years old.
The investigation began as a missing person case, when detectives were attempting to locate the (now adult) victim, after she failed to participate in a court-ordered detox program.
The victim was located by detectives at the Lakeland home of 28-year old Alexander Katchalov, her former gymnastics coach. The victim used to attend gymnastics classes at Elite World Gymnastics in Lakeland, where Katchalov was formerly employed.
Katchalov was already designated as a Florida Sexual Offender and on felony sexual offender probation following a prior conviction for Possession of Photograph Showing Sexual Performance of a Child (in 2017). The victim in the latest allegations against Katchalov was not a victim in his child pornography case.
Detectives interviewed the victim after locating her at Katchalov’s residence, and at that time, she had mentioned having a sexual relationship with Katchalov back when he was her coach.
During the detectives’ initial interview with Katchalov, he denied having a sexual relationship with the victim when he was her coach, but he eventually claimed that he only had sexual intercourse with her two times when she was 15, and it happened two-weeks apart.
“Given this former gymnastic coach’s deviant background, it is possible that there could be more victims out there. If he has victimized anyone else, we want them to contact our detectives in the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit. He has a horribly twisted attraction to children, and he needs to be locked away.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Detectives also discovered that Katchalov violated his probation by using an unreported internet messaging system during correspondence with the victim and he also possessed an un-registered online gaming account. All “internet-identifiers” by Katchalov must be registered with the Sheriff’s Office per probationary guidelines.
Alexander Katchalov was arrested and taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center and charged with: Lewd Battery (F2, 2-counts), Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration (F3), and Violation of Probation.
Katchalov was incarcerated in Florida State Prison between September 30, 2021 to August 24, 2022 following his conviction of child pornography possession. His probation was set to expire on August 23, 2029.
Less-Than-Half-An-Acre Parcel Near 8th Street NW Expected to Generate Additional Tax Revenue if Annexed
by James Coulter
A less-than-half-an-acre parcel located near 8th Street NW, which has an estimated taxable value of $29,972, is being considered for annexation into the Winter Haven city limits.
At their regular meeting on Mon. July 14, Winter Haven city commissioners reviewed the first reading of an ordinance for a proposed annexation of a 0.34+ acre parcel.
The subject property is located at the southwest corner of the intersection of 8th Street, NW/US Highway 17, and Avenue X, NW.
According to the city agenda memo, the annexation of this property, which is “contiguous to the City to the east across 8th Street, NW/US Highway 17”, would help “reduce the size of an existing enclave.”
Currently, the property’s taxable value is estimated to be approximately $29,972. As the city agenda memo states: “Based on the City’s current tax millage rate of 6.59 mills, expected annual tax revenue will be approximately $197.52. However, additional revenue is expected upon the development of the property.”
The annexation is being requested by Candace Ducking and Lisson Etienne for the City Commission “for future development of the property.”
Winter Haven city commissioners will vote upon the ordinance during its second reading at their next regularly scheduled meeting on Mon. July 28, 2025.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a former gymnastics coach on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, after he confessed to detectives that he had sexual intercourse twice with a girl he was coaching when she was younger than 16-years old.
The investigation began as a missing person case, when detectives were attempting to locate the (now adult) victim, after she failed to participate in a court-ordered detox program.
The victim was located by detectives at the Lakeland home of 28-year old Alexander Katchalov, her former gymnastics coach. The victim used to attend gymnastics classes at Elite World Gymnastics in Lakeland, where Katchalov was formerly employed.
Katchalov was already designated as a Florida Sexual Offender and on felony sexual offender probation following a prior conviction for Possession of Photograph Showing Sexual Performance of a Child (in 2017). The victim in the latest allegations against Katchalov was not a victim in his child pornography case.
Detectives interviewed the victim after locating her at Katchalov’s residence, and at that time, she had mentioned having a sexual relationship with Katchalov back when he was her coach.
During the detectives’ initial interview with Katchalov, he denied having a sexual relationship with the victim when he was her coach, but he eventually claimed that he only had sexual intercourse with her two times when she was 15, and it happened two-weeks apart.
“Given this former gymnastic coach’s deviant background, it is possible that there could be more victims out there. If he has victimized anyone else, we want them to contact our detectives in the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit. He has a horribly twisted attraction to children, and he needs to be locked away.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Detectives also discovered that Katchalov violated his probation by using an unreported internet messaging system during correspondence with the victim and he also possessed an un-registered online gaming account. All “internet-identifiers” by Katchalov must be registered with the Sheriff’s Office per probationary guidelines.
Alexander Katchalov was arrested and taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center and charged with: Lewd Battery (F2, 2-counts), Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration (F3), and Violation of Probation.
Katchalov was incarcerated in Florida State Prison between September 30, 2021 to August 24, 2022 following his conviction of child pornography possession. His probation was set to expire on August 23, 2029.
WINTER HAVEN, FL – Get ready for lift-off! LEGOLAND Florida is preparing to blast guests into a whole new dimension of family fun with the park’s first-ever indoor roller coaster, set to open in early 2026.
The new attraction will be the centerpiece of a fully immersive, space-themed area called LEGOLAND Spaceport 885, inspired by LEGO’s classic space-themed building sets. It’s all part of a $90 million investment by LEGOLAND’s parent company, Merlin Entertainments, marking one of the park’s most ambitious expansions since it opened in 2011.
Photo Provided By Legoland
The indoor roller coaster is designed to give kids and families an exciting but accessible space adventure, with a smooth ride, dynamic visuals, and a story-driven experience that begins the moment you enter the queue. The ride is named after LEGO Space Scooter Set #885 and promises to be the most technologically advanced attraction in LEGOLAND Florida to date.
Alongside the coaster, the new area will feature an interactive queue with cosmic details and LEGO storytelling, a soft play zone for little ones ages 1–4, and a shaded area for parents to relax. Guests can also browse the Orbital Outpost, a themed gift shop loaded with space-themed LEGO sets and souvenirs to commemorate their journey. LEGOLAND officials confirmed the ride will be included with regular park admission and annual passes.
LEGOLAND California is also getting its own version of the attraction — dubbed Spaceport 886, referencing a different LEGO Space Buggy set. The California location will feature a larger buildout, including two additional rides, a Junior Astronaut training zone, themed dining, and retail areas. Both coasters are expected to open in early 2026, although exact dates have not yet been announced.
Photo Provided By Legoland
LEGOLAND Florida continues to grow as one of Polk County’s key tourism draws. With the addition of this new space-themed land, the park strengthens its appeal to young families looking for fresh, interactive experiences that go beyond traditional rides. As the first indoor roller coaster for LEGOLAND Florida, the new attraction is expected to bring more visitors to the area and help sustain local businesses and tourism partners.
For more updates on the opening date and sneak peeks at construction progress, visit legoland.com/florida.
