Come be part of something great! Click to see exciting job opportunities with the City of Winter Haven and apply today at www.mywinterhaven.com.
Jobs include Assistant City Librarian, Athletic Fields Maintenance Operator, Payroll Specialist, and more!
All positions currently accepting applications are listed in the link under job postings. Applications can be completed online or in person at our Human Resources Office at 500 Third Street NW. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Human Resources Team at 863-291-5650 or [email protected].
Would you like to be notified when we post new jobs? Click the Notify Me button to choose which jobs you’d like to receive notifications for and how you’d like to be notified.
On Friday, May 30, 2025, deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested two men on multiple counts of animal neglect after discovering six dogs living in deplorable conditions inside a residence with no power or ventilation.
When deputies arrived to the scene, they were unable to make contact with anyone at the residence but observed and heard multiple dogs inside the home. The home had no power and there were no windows open for air circulation. The temperature inside the home was measured at 107 degrees Fahrenheit.
The dogs were visibly panting and the inside of the home was covered in trash, feces, and urine, the odors of which could be smelled from outside the home. In one of the bedrooms deputies observed trash and items stacked to the ceiling making it impossible to navigate through the residence, forcing them to climb over items and through feces to get around. No food or drinkable water was accessible to the dogs.
PCSO deputies conducted an emergency seizure of the animals. Body temperatures of the dogs reached as high as 105 degrees Fahrenheit and ammonia levels in the home registered 25 ppm, a hazardous reading compared to the standard 0 ppm for clean air.
During the investigation, 29-year-old Alan Alderman and 65-year-old Thornton Arnold arrived at the property where they claimed only two of the dogs were theirs, three belonged to Alderman’s girlfriend who is currently in jail, and they were unaware the sixth dog existed. They were both placed under arrest and booked into the Polk County Jail.
All dogs were taken to Polk County Animal Control for medical evaluation and treatment.
Alan Alderman and Thornton Arnold were both charged with six counts of animal neglect, a first degree misdemeanor.
“We don’t tolerate animal abuse in Polk County. These dogs suffered due to pure neglect and now, their abusers are right where they belong.”– Grady Judd, Sheriff
Bartow, Fla. (June 2, 2025) – The 2025 Atlantichurricane season has started and the Polk County Emergency Management team reminds residents and visitors to act now to ensure they are ready for the upcoming storm season.
“Storms don’t wait and neither should you,” said Paul Womble, Polk County Emergency Management Director. “Taking action now can make all the difference when severe weather strikes.”
Prepare Now with These Tips for Developing an Emergency Plan
Build a Seven-Day Emergency Supply Kit
Residents are encouraged to compile an emergency kit that includes enough food, water, medication and essential supplies to last at least seven days. Potential items may include flashlights, batteries, important documents and items for pets.
Update your family’s communications plan. Establish how your family will stay in contact if separated, be sure to designate an out-of-town contact everyone can check in with. Make sure that everyone has key phone numbers written down, and not just stored in phones. Have a plan that includes the possibility that both power and cell phone service may be out.
Prepare Your Property
Homeowners and renters are urged to review their insurance policies and store important documents in a waterproof container. It is also recommended to create digital backups of essential records.
Trimming low hanging limbs and overgrown vegetation surrounding your home can protect the structure and help keep you and your loved ones safe.
Special Needs Planning
Families with medical needs should also review their emergency plans. Make sure you have a plan for those who may require the use of electrical equipment, oxygen or other special needs.
If anyone in your household requires medical devices or electricity, has mobility or cognitive impairments, be sure to plan for transportation and assistance in advance. A special needs shelter plan may be appropriate during a hurricane or emergency event.
To register for a special needs shelter and/or transportation, visit the Florida Special Needs Registry https://snr.flhealthresponse.com/.
Potential Polk County Public Emergency Shelters
Polk County has 48 emergency public shelters including three pet-friendly shelters and three special needs shelters that can be activated during an emergency. It is important to remember that not all public shelters are automatically activated during an emergency as shelters are opened as needed.
Residents should also sign up for the local alert system, Alert Polk to receive emergency notifications and follow Polk County Emergency Management on social media for real-time updates and safety information during a storm.
HAINES CITY – There’s an empty chair now on the porch of the home at 1005 Avenue D. Neighbors and passersby no longer receive a friendly wave or hear a cheerful “hello” from its longtime resident, Janet Jolly Smith. There will be no more invitations to join her there in the shade of the overhang to talk about the day’s events. The larger-than-life 95-year-old passed away on May 17.
Janet’s porch
“She yelled at many she knew to, ‘Come here, young blood’ or ‘Brotherman’ or by your name,” said Carolyn Jasper, a longtime friend and fellow church member of Janet’s. “She would even call you on the phone to ask, ‘Didn’t I see you pass by here? You didn’t stop.’”
She invited friends, police officers, and a host of others to sit on the porch – her life was there.
“From the time she got up in the morning until dark, she was on that porch,” Jasper said.
Smith was beloved by many on and off her porch —and occasionally challenged by some—for her unwavering commitment to what she believed was right. A familiar presence at city commission meetings, she never hesitated to speak up—whether to report a needed repair or to advocate for raises for the police department.
“Haines City was Mrs. Smith’s heart,” Jasper said. “She only wanted what was for the betterment and the safety of the city.”
Among her many passions was the push for a neighborhood pool in Oakland, where she lived. Although she didn’t know how to swim, Smith believed children and families deserved a safe, fun place to enjoy the water. In 2020, her efforts paid off when the city opened a new facility and named it in her honor: the Janet Jolly Smith Aquatics Center. At the grand opening, she joyfully dipped her feet into the water.
A Haines City native, Smith attended cosmetology school and went on to open Janet’s Beauty Salon which served the community for many years. She also owned Bexley’s Restaurant, open just on Friday and Saturday evenings.
“People came from far away for her food! She was a great cook,” Jasper said. She was somewhat famous for her “Flips,” a frozen dessert everyone loved she sold at the restaurant. The businesswoman also owned several rentals in the area, worked as a teacher’s aide and, eventually, as a substitute teacher in local schools.
In 2019, she was recognized for her love of the town when she was inducted into the city’s Hall of Fame.
In the program for that honor, it read, “Mrs. Smith has a heart and a love for Haines City. She was the first African American female to run for city commissioner. Although her bid was unsuccessful, she continues to be an active part of city politics until this day. She is one of the oldest active citizen organizers and community advocates in Haines City. Mrs. Smith has championed numerous initiatives. She has been instrumental in many community projects for the Oakland neighborhood and throughout the city. Her desire is to be simply known as a concerned citizen who wants the best for Haines City.”
Although she married twice, she never had any children of her own. But, she loved entertaining little ones saying that they just needed attention.
According to one of her two nieces, Sheryl Martin, her aunt had many “Janetisms,” like calling her walking cane, Will.
“For the last 25 years of her life, she was never without her constant companion, her cane, ‘Mr. Will.’” Martin said. “She said that he was so named because ‘he will help me walk and he will bring peace out of confusion.’”
For years, she was a devout member of the Greater St. Mark AME Church in Haines City.
“Sometimes at church, if the pianist didn’t show up, Mrs. Smith would play ‘Try Jesus, He’s Alright,’” Jasper said.
She is survived by her stepdaughter, Dannette Allen, Sheryl, one other niece, two nephews, their children and grandchildren, cousins, and other family and friends.
Janet Jolly Smith’s voice may be quiet now, but her legacy echoes through every corner of the city she fought for—and in the lives of those who answered when she called them by name.
Bartow, Fla. (May 31, 2025) – Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) responded to a recreational vehicle (RV) fire that resulted in a fatality on Combee Road in Lakeland.
At 11:52 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, PCFR crews were dispatched to a working structure fire on Combee Road. Upon PCFR’s arrival, crews located an RV fully engulfed in flames with an individual potentially trapped inside. Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire and located one confirmed fatality.
No additional injuries were reported. No patients were transported from the scene.
The incident is currently under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshals Office and Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Margie Lee Thomas, who departed this life on May 24, 2025. A cherished wife, mama, grandmother, and friend, Margie leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness that will resonate within the hearts of all who knew her.
Born on January 25, 1949, Margie was a lifelong resident of Bartow, Fl. She dedicated her life to her family, raising her children with warmth and unconditional love. Margie was preceded in death by her beloved son, Edward Lee Thomas Jr. “Boy”
She is survived by her loving husband, Robert Geiger; her daughter, Deena O’Neal (Johnny),her son, Richard Thomas (Sherry); and daughter-in-law, Nancy Thomas. Margie’s family expanded with the joy of grandchildren, including Jonathan Stephens (Jessica), Patrick Stephens (Kasey), Edward Lee Thomas II, known affectionately as TJ (Logan) and Zachery Thomas; and Denver Thomas (Railyn). Her legacy lives on through her great-grandchildren, including Jayden,Jackson, Easton, Granger, Brynlee, Brooks, and Branson.
Throughout her life, Margie was known for her compassionate spirit and her ability to bring people together. As a devoted family member and friend, she created countless memories filled with laughter and love. Her nurturing nature and positive outlook touched the lives of many, and she will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to a charity of your choice, continuing the acts of kindness that Margie exemplified throughout her life.
Rest in peace, dear Margie. Your light will shine forever in the hearts of those who loved you.
Chester Roy Tyl, 75, of Winter Haven, Florida, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and love. Born on July 6, 1949, in Highland Park, Michigan, to Chester Alexander Tyl and Rose Ann Tyl, Chester was the eldest of five siblings—a proud and devoted big brother.
A graduate of Salesian High School in Detroit, Michigan. Chester carried with him the values of hard work, loyalty, and Detroit grit throughout his life.He worked for many years at Ford Motor Company, where he brought the same dedication and pride that defined everything he did.
Chester was a true son of Detroit. He was a die-hard fan of the Pistons, Lions, Red Wings and Tigers—Through highs and heartbreaks, he remained loyal, always cheering them on with unwavering spirit. But above all, he was the biggest University of Michigan fan you’d ever meet. Whether it was football Saturdays or March Madness, Chester cheered on the Wolverines with unmatched pride. His rallying cry, “Go Blue!”, echoed through every game day.
His love for Detroit wasn’t just about the teams; it was about the pride he carried for the city that shaped him. Detroit wasn’t just where he was from—it was part of who he was.
Chester had a lifelong love of softball and baseball, both as a player and a leader. His dedication to the sport led him to work with several athletic organizations and earned him a place in the several Hall of Fame—an honor that reflected his commitment, sportsmanship, and love for the game.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Jane Tyl; his daughter, Holly L. Sweet (David Sweet); his daughter-in-law, Lynn Tyl (Patrick); five cherished grandchildren (Alexandria, Marissa, Connor, Halie, and Lexi); and one precious great-granddaughter (Genevieve). He is preceded in death by his son, Patrick Tyl.
Chester’s legacy lives on through the family he loved fiercely, the friends and teammates he inspired. The countless lives he touched with his kindness, humor, and strength of spirit. Mr. Detroit, will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Please join us on June 3rd, 2025, to honor Chester’s life:
Mass at 8:15 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
(532 Ave M, NW Winter Haven, FL 33881)
Celebration of Life at 11:00 AM at the American Legion Post 8 (300 Ave M NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881)
One Movie Later: Fine! I Guess I’ll Review Mufasa: The Lion King
by James Coulter
Disney currently has two live-action remakes in theaters. One is Snow White. The other is Lilo & Stitch. And yet, rather than review either of those, I’ve chosen to review a live-action remake that was released nearly half a year ago: Mufasa: The Lion King. Because it will be a cold day in the bad place when I decide to spend my hard-earned cash to watch a Disney live-action remake in theaters!
In 2019, Disney released its live-action remake of The Lion King. And despite the CGI animals in that movie making wild animals in a NatGeo documentary look more animated in comparison, that movie earned so much money at the box office that it became the top-grossing animated film of all time, even beating out the original Lion King.
So, of course, Disney wanted to capitalize on its success by releasing another Lion King movie. But rather than go the easy route of remaking Lion King II: Simba’s Pride, Disney, surprisingly enough, decided to do something original by making a prequel film based on Simba’s father, Mufasa. But did Mufasa: The Lion King live up to its royal title? Or did it deserve being dethroned at the box office by Sonic 3?
The film starts with Simba and Nala heading off to have a second cub. They leave their daughter, Kiara, to be watched over by Timon, Pumbaa, and Rafiki, the latter of whom decides to keep the young lion cub entertained by telling her the story of her grandfather Mufasa.
After being separated from his parents by a flood, the young Mufasa is adopted by the family of Taka (who grows up tobecome Scar). However, upon growing up, Mufasa once again faces danger when a pride of white lions, led by the evil Kiros, arrives to attack his new family and take over their homeland.
Now, Mufasa and Taka must embark on a journey to seek haven in Milele, a lush oasis that many lions dismiss as a legend. Along the way, the two lions are joined by Mufasa’s future wife, Sarabi, her guardian, Zazu, and the outcast mandrill Rafiki. Will this band of animals reach the fabled Milele and escape the evil clutches of Kiros? Well, the fact that The Lion King exists pretty much answers that question, now doesn’t it?
So, have you ever wondered how Mufasa became the titular Lion King? How Scar got his eponymous scar and name? Or how Pride Rock came to be? I’m sure many people pondered these very questions. But these are questions that are probably best left unanswered and don’t require a whole movie to answer. After all, sometimes it’s best to let viewers think for themselves and come up with their own answers.
But, of course, Disney can’t make money off people using their own imaginations. So, they decided to make a whole movie answering these questions that some people may have been wondering, but weren’t really demanding any answers for. Because Disney needs to make all of the money!
To its credit, Mufasa has two things in its favor. First, its animal characters are animated slightly better than in the previous live-action film. The 2019 Lion King really wanted to make the animal characters look realistic to a fault. They look so much like real animals that they lack any real expression. In contrast, Mufasa has the characters occasionally smile and emote, making them slightly more expressive.
And second, Mufasa attempts to tell an original story. Again, it would have been so much easier for Disney to create a remake of the second animated Lion King movie. But they decided to put in some effort by creating an original story.
Even then, Mufasa still isn’t a good movie. Its story may be original, but it’s a story that didn’t need to be told. No one needed to know how Scar got his name or scar, or how Pride Rock was created, or even how Mufasa became king. And like most other prequels, the fact that the original movie exists removes all tension on whether or not this story will play out well.
Then there’s the music. For a movie based on an animated classic with a memorable soundtrack, the music in this movie is rather unmemorable and unremarkable. They certainly don’t live up to the iconic songs from the original Lion King soundtrack.
The worst offenders are “I Always Wanted a Brother”, which has the young Taka sing the word “brother” extremely awkwardly, and “Bye Bye”, the villain’s song, which tries to sound intimidating, but the way Kiros says “Bye Bye” sounds less intimidating and more like how Donald Trump says those words.
Believe me when I say there’s no good reason to watch this movie, and I’m glad I never paid good money to see it in theaters. It was as bland, boring, and unnecessary as the Lion King remake and pretty much every other Disney live-action remake. Which is why I’m not in a big rush to watch either Snow White or Lilo & Stitch in theaters.
Listen to an audio version of this review in the One Movie Later podcast on Chattin on the Ridge: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/episodes/one-movie-later-thunderbolts-yet-another-disney-live-action-
HAINES CITY – School is out and the kiddos are already bored. Here are some activities available to help keep them busy for the next couple of months.
In Haines City:
Lake Eva Aquatics Center features pools and splash pads and is open daily, weather permitting, from June 1 to Aug. 9. Admission is $5 per person for ages 3 and older.
#image_title
The Janet J. Smith Aquatic Facility, 1900 N. 10th Street, Haines City, FL 33844 is open daily through Aug. 8 including Juneteenth, and July 4. The facility features a zero-depth entry into the splash-pad, and a large pool.
Youth Indoor Soccer League is available for children up to age 12, running June 2 through Aug. 8. For more information, call 863-421-3700.
Vacation Bible School at Northridge Church will be held June 16–20. It’s open to students who have completed kindergarten through 5th grade. Call 863-422-4488 for details.
Camp Frontier, located at 5000 Firetower Road, is an overnight adventure summer camp for boys and girls ages 7–17. Activities include archery, outdoor life skills, basketball, bike riding, canoe trips, sailing, and tent camping. For more information, call 888-977-2267, email [email protected], or visit www.campfrontier.com.
In Davenport (Tom Fellows Community Center):
Vocal Lessons with Ms. Mel: $55/hour for private lessons, $45/hour for group lessons (if available). Available Monday 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Friday 4–7:30 p.m., and Saturday 8–11:30 a.m. Call 203-598-5138 or email [email protected] for an appointment.
A Touch of Drama – Circus Arts: Learn juggling, aerial silks, and flexibility. $60/month. Call 203-598-5138.
A Touch of Drama – Acro Classes: Includes acrobatic arts, conditioning, and flexibility for $60/month. For more info, call Heidi at 203-598-5138 or email [email protected].
A Touch of Drama – Acting Classes: Covers character work, improv, and script reading. $50/month. Contact Heidi at 203-598-5138 or email [email protected].
A Touch of Drama – Musical Theatre: For kids who love to perform, sing, and act. Contact Heidi at 203-598-5138 or email [email protected].
Creative Crafters: Play, Create, Memories: Weekly themed craft classes held Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays for little ones, kids ages 5–12, teens, and families. Prices start at $10. Call or text 407-470-3442 or visit www.spreadingsmilesevents.com for more info.
Karate Classes (Okinawa Shorin Ryu, Kenpo Karate, Self Defense): For ages 5 and up. $50/month with sibling discounts. Classes are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 5–7 p.m. For info, call 863-800-6002.
Studio C, School of Dance and Productions: Registration is now open for ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop classes, beginning Sept. 3.
#image_title
For more information about these or other programs, call the Tom Fellows Community Center at 863-588-1130.
In Lake Hamilton:
Back to School Splash Event is hosted annually by the Police Department at the end of summer. For event details, call 863-439-1561.
In Winter Haven:
Big Bass Guide Kids Fishing Camp is held weekly through July 17 at 1171 Eloise Loop Road. For info, contact Captain Shea Arnold at 863-307-6585, email [email protected], or visit www.bigbassguidefl.com.
