Polk County Board of County Commissioner Martha Santiago has announced she will not seek re-election for a third term on the commission.
Santiago, who was first elected to the Board of County Commissioners in November 2018 and re-elected in November 2022, said she is ready to begin the next chapter of her life. She is currently serving as the board chairperson.
“I have been blessed to accomplish many of the things I set out to do when I first decided to run for the county commission. I am proud to have served Polk County well and to have remained focused on the key priorities I set during my tenure, including ensuring our citizens’ safety, improving infrastructure, and supporting the county’s economic initiative to create jobs. It is now time to turn it over to someone else who also has a vision for what they hope to accomplish as a county commissioner,” Santiago said.
She shared she is looking forward to traveling more with her husband, Alex, and to spending more time with her adult children and her grandchildren.
Santiago, who began and has spent most of her career as an educator, is the owner of Leadership Consultants, LLC. She began her teaching career in 1978 and later became a school and district administrator for the Polk County Public School system. Santiago then worked at Polk State College where she served as a board trustee, Dean of Academic Affairs and Provost. Santiago earned her doctoral degree from the University of South Florida.
“My purpose in life is to serve others. I would like to thank the residents for trusting in me to serve as their commissioner for the past eight years,” she said. “I love Polk County and will continue working with local organizations and in the community to ensure Polk is the best county in which to live, work, and raise a family. Who knows what the next chapter will bring? I can’t wait to find out.”
On Saturday, May 9th at around 7:52 pm, PCSO deputies were requested to respond to Nagoya Sushi & Hibachi on Champions Drive in Davenport.
The restaurant staff report a disruptive customer who refused to leave.
A PCSO deputy arrived within just a few minutes and was told that the suspect appeared to be heavily intoxicated. He had fallen asleep repeatedly and become belligerent with customers and staff.
While interacting with the suspect, the deputy noticed him to be incoherent with slurred speech. He was lethargic, unbalanced, confused, and erratic.
The deputy asked the man for his identification, because he was being trespassed from the business. The man refused, multiple times.
The suspect was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center.
He was identified as 25-year-old William Hightower from Willow Creek, California, and he was charged with: Trespassing (M1), Resisting without Violence (M1), and Disorderly Intoxication (M2).
On May 11, 1981, Bob Marley, the soul and international face of reggae music, died in a Miami, Florida, hospital. He was 36 years old.
In what would prove to be the next to the last concert of his tragically short life, Bob Marley shared the bill at Madison Square Garden with the hugely popular American funk band The Commodores. With no costumes, no choreography and no set design to speak of, “the reggae star had the majority of his listeners on their feet and in the palm of his hand,” according to New York Timescritic Robert Palmer. “After this show of strength, and Mr. Marley’s intense singing and electric stage presence, the Commodores were a letdown.”
Only days after his triumphant shows in New York City, Bob Marley collapsed while jogging in Central Park and later received a grim diagnosis: a cancerous growth on an old soccer injury on his big toe had metastasized and spread to Marley’s brain, liver and lungs. Less than eight months later, he passed away.
Nesta Robert Marley was born on February 6, 1945, in rural St. Ann Parish, Jamaica, the son of a middle-aged white Jamaican Marine officer and an 18-year-old Black Jamaican girl. At the age of nine, Marley moved to Trench Town, a tough West Kingston ghetto where he would meet and befriend Neville “Bunny” Livingston (later Bunny Wailer) and Peter McIntosh (later Peter Tosh) and drop out of school at age 14 to make music. Jamaica at the time was entering a period of incredible musical creativity. As transistor radios became available on an island then served only by a staid, BBC-style national radio station, the music of America suddenly became accessible via stateside radio stations. From a mix of New Orleans-style rhythm and blues and indigenous, African-influenced musical traditions arose first ska, then rock steady—precursor styles to reggae, which did not take shape as a recognizable style of its own until the late 1960s.
Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer performed together as The Wailers throughout this period, coming into their own as a group just as reggae became the dominant sound in Jamaica. Thanks to the international reach of Island Records, the Wailers came to the world’s attention in the early 1970s via their albums Catch a Fire (1972) and Burnin’ (1973). Eric Clapton spread the group’s name even wider by recording a pop-friendly version of “I Shot The Sheriff” from the latter album. With the departure of Tosh and Wailer in 1974, Marley took center stage in the group, and by the late 70s he had turned out a string of albums—Exodus (1977), featuring “Jamming,” “Waiting In Vain” and “One Love/People Get Ready;” Kaya(1978), featuring “Is This Love” and “Sun Is Shining”; and Uprising (1980), featuring “Could You Be Loved” and “Redemption Song.”
While none of the aforementioned songs was anything approaching a hit in the United States during Bob Marley’s lifetime, they constitute a legacy that has only increased his fame in the years since his death on this day in 1981.
The Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation placed AED #93 at the Women’s Care Center of Bartow on April 30, thanks to a “pay it forward” donation from Bartow American Legion Post 3.
The AED placement is part of the foundation’s ongoing effort to place lifesaving equipment throughout Polk County and surrounding communities while also raising awareness about sudden cardiac arrest and the importance of quick emergency response.
The Women’s Care Center is a transitional living facility dedicated to serving women and their children who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. The program provides a safe, supportive environment where residents can begin to rebuild their lives, with a focus on stability, personal growth, and long-term independence. Through services like case management, healthcare access, employment support, and life skills development, the center works to empower each family to transition into permanent, stable housing.
Rusty Music, Executive Director of the Women’s Care Center, has served in the role for the past 15 years. During that time, Music has helped expand programs and deepen the organization’s impact within the community, including the continued development of the Women’s Care Center.
Music expressed appreciation for the foundation’s work, stating, “We are very very thankful for all your work and dedication to the AED program! They truly do save lives. One saved a staff members of mines life a few years ago. They are an invaluable tool.”
Danny Blackford, acting commander of the Sons of the American Legion, said he has been a member of SAL for eight years and is a third-generation member of Post 3.
Blackford shared that Bartow American Legion Post 3 is celebrating a major milestone this year.
“Bartow is celebrating its 109 year anniversary this year. Our goal is to support veterans , their families and the community,” he said.
In addition to supporting veterans and their families, the organization continues to look for ways to give back locally through community partnerships and outreach efforts.
The organization chose the Women’s Care Center of Bartow because of its commitment to helping women and children throughout the community.
Blackford also praised the continued efforts of Melanie Culpepper Beilke and Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation for their dedication to providing lifesaving equipment and training throughout the area.
“Melanie and her foundation has and continues to have a great organization that we will continue to support because of her dedication people may have their lives saved,” he said.
He added, “CCF is a group whose only mission is to make aware and provide the necessary training and equipment to save lives. She is a wonderful example of dedication to her community.”
The placement of AED #93 represents another life-saving resource now available in the Bartow community and continues the foundation’s mission of making AEDs more accessible in public spaces where they may be needed most.
Students at Jesse Keen Elementary in Polk County got a surprise dose of Disney magic this week as Goofy and the Goof Troop visited campus for a special preview of Walt Disney World’s upcoming “Cool KIDS’ SUMMER” celebration, part of a larger $1.3 million investment Disney is making in education programs across Central Florida.
The event transformed parts of the school into an energetic Disney-themed experience where kindergarten and pre-kindergarten students participated in interactive games and activities inspired by “GoofyCore,” one of the family experiences coming to EPCOT this summer. Students danced, played games and posed for photos alongside Goofy during the celebration.
Jesse Keen Elementary Staff Hanging Out With Walt Disney Worlds Goofy
Jesse Keen Elementary was one of five schools selected across Central Florida to receive the special visit. Disney also stopped at schools in Orange, Osceola, Lake and Seminole counties as part of the initiative recognizing students, teachers and school staff as the school year comes to a close.
Following the student activities, teachers, administrators and staff members were invited to remain after school for a special surprise. Participating educators received complimentary Walt Disney World theme park tickets as a thank-you for their dedication and commitment to students throughout the year.
Disney officials said the broader $1.3 million investment will support education programs throughout Orange, Osceola, Lake, Polk and Seminole counties, benefiting all five public school districts along with nonprofit and arts education organizations serving students across the region.
Free Disney World Tickets For Teachers
“We are grateful to Disney for their ongoing support of education in our community,” Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Maria Vazquez said in a statement. “Opportunities like this encourage our students to dream big and remind our teachers that their impact reaches far beyond the classroom.”
According to Disney, the funding will also help support STEM, literacy and arts education initiatives through organizations including Elevate Orlando, A Gift for Teaching, the Orlando Philharmonic Young People’s Concert and Disney Musicals in Schools through the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
“Schools are where the very first sparks of imagination are lit,” said Tajiana Ancora-Brown, Director of External Affairs at Walt Disney World. “Supporting Florida students and educators isn’t just important to Disney, it’s essential to who we are.”
Families will soon be able to experience some of the same activities showcased during the school visits when Cool KIDS’ SUMMER officially returns to Walt Disney World Resort from May 26 through Sept. 8.
A former deputy was arrested Friday evening, May 8, 2026, by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office following an investigation that found he had falsely claimed to have worked an extra duty detail.
39-year old Mark Rodriguez was booked-in at the Sheriff’s Processing Center and charged with: Public Servant Falsifying Official Records (F3), Unlawful Use of 2-Way Communication Device (F3), and Petit Theft (M1).
“Honesty is a cornerstone of law enforcement, and Mark Rodriguez showed that he can’t be trusted to be a deputy. His criminal conduct should be an embarrassment to him, and is certainly an embarrassment to the agency. He resigned during the investigation. Had he not resigned, his employment would have been terminated.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
Detectives first became aware of a problem on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, when a member of the Home Owners Association for the Westridge neighborhood in Davenport reported a discrepancy regarding Rodriguez’s extra duty work there.
Deputies are able to work extra duty details during their off-duty hours.
Rodriguez agreed to be a law enforcement presence in the community on May 1st from 5:00 am to 8:00 am, and marked himself present in the community for those hours remotely.
In an investigative interview, Rodriguez admitted to detectives that he never went into the neighborhood during those hours.
Rodriguez instead spent that time on duty, working his normal shift, attending morning briefing, and answering calls for service.
Later, Rodriguez accepted a deposit of $135.97 into his bank account as payment for the work he claimed he performed.
Mark Rodriguez was hired as a deputy sheriff trainee on November 27, 2023.
A pilot escaped injury Friday evening after a small aircraft crashed west of Mulberry following reported engine trouble shortly after takeoff.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were notified of the crash at approximately 8:04 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026.
When first responders arrived, they located a single-seat fixed-wing aircraft overturned in a grassy area near SR 60 and County Line Road. Authorities said the pilot, who was the only person on board, was not injured.
Investigators say the plane had taken off from South Lakeland Airport in Mulberry when it reportedly began experiencing engine trouble shortly after departure.
The pilot was able to locate an open grassy area to attempt an emergency landing. After touching down, the aircraft flipped onto its top while slowing to a stop.
PCSO said the necessary agencies are being notified regarding the incident.
Michael Jackson was a complicated person with an equally complicated legacy. On one hand, his groundbreaking music and choreography made him a global pop icon; on the other hand, allegations and controversies later in his life would tarnish an otherwise shining legacy.
It’s no surprise, then, that a biopic about his early life and career has sparked an equally complicated response: audiences praise the lead performance for capturing Jackson’s essence, while critics dismiss the film as a glossy, selective tribute.
Nevertheless, Michael opened to record-breaking numbers, earning $97 million domestically and $217 million worldwide, making it one of the strongest biopic debuts ever. But did this film deserve the same rise in success as its subject? Or did that success rely solely on spectacle while sanding off the rougher edges of Jackson’s life?
Michael traces the titular musician’s career path from the Jackson 5’s lead singer to a 1980s popstar sensation, framing his rise against the shadow of an overbearing, abusive father. It follows him through punishing rehearsals and childhood beatings, his bold leap into a solo career, and the eventual break that let him define himself on his own terms.
Let’s cut to the chase: if you’re expecting a warts-and-all presentation that shows the titular musician’s good, bad, and ugly sides, then this isn’t the movie for you. This biopic focuses solely on his early life and career, making the wise (if not controversial) decision to end the film at the peak of his career in the late-80s, long before the serious accusations against him came to light.
The result is an admittedly glossy (if not sanitized) portrayal of the late musician that, while highlighting the darker aspects of his childhood being raised by an abusive father, still sands off the rougher edges of his life and omits his later controversies and allegations (mostly due to legal reasons), thus allowing the audience to enjoy a “squeaky-clean” presentation of him and his greatest hits. As such, many critics have understandably criticized the film as being a curated “advertisement” for the artist’s songs.
Not helping matters is how the film does little to reinvent the musical biopic, choosing instead to take the safe route of following the regular plot beats and conventions of similar films. Essentially, if you’ve seen Ray, Walk the Line, and Bohemian Rhapsody, you know what to expect from Michael.
Nevertheless, Michael still manages to provide an entertaining look at one of the most entertaining pop stars of the 1980s. Needless to say, if you love Michael Jackson’s music, you are going to love watching this movie, especially with its faithful recreations of his most famous music videos and performances.
Undoubtedly, Jaafar Jackson carries the movie with his performance as the lead role. As the real-life nephew of the titular musician, not only does he manage to look and sound like his late uncle, but he also effortlessly emulates his iconic singing voice and dance moves. I was genuinely surprised when I watched what I assumed to be footage of the original music videos, only to learn it was a recreation for the film!
And while the film may soften and streamline the musician’s life, its simplicity still lands. It shapes an emotionally driven portrait of a young artist enduring his father’s cruelty, then breaking away to become not just a formidable performer, but a fully realized person in his own right. Essentially, the arc plays like a pop‑era Cinderella story fitting for a Disney-obsessed artist.
I enjoyed this movie immensely. It taught me many things I didn’t know about the King of Pop, like how he loved and even owned several exotic animals, like a giraffe and a llama, and how he became one of the first black artists on MTV. (Hard to believe television was still racially segregated even in the 80s!) And as someone who also endured an abusive parent and often sought comfort and refuge in Disney movies and fantasy stories, I especially found myself empathizing with him.
The movie works, it’s genuinely good! But, like its subject, it’s far from flawless. Its most notable flaw is the choice to spotlight only the artist’s brighter chapters while sidestepping the darker turns that defined his later life. Overall, if you love Michael Jackson and his music, you’ll probably love this movie. In fact, it’s most likely that you’ve already watched it, considering how much it made at the box office.
HAINES CITY – The changing of the guard was held during last City Commission meeting (May 7). A new Commissioner, a new Mayor and Vice Mayor, and discussion of the vacancies of the City Attorney and City Manager were on the agenda.
Lekia Johnson was sworn in as the newest Commissioner filling Seat 2. Seat 2 was vacated by Omar Arroyo when he decided not to run again in favor of running for County Commissioner.
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Arroyo addressed the crowded room regarding his tenure and departure. “It has been a real, real honor serving my city. I can’t describe the love I feel for Haines City. I never dreamed a few years ago I would be here,” he said. He thanked God, his family, the other Commissioners and the City of Haines City’s staff.
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Following Arroyo’s speech, Johnson was sworn in by City Clerk Sharon Lauther. Johnson’s grandmother, Emma Lou Downing, held the Bible during the traditional ceremony.
Johnson spoke from the dais. “I know I have a road ahead of me. I am human – you may see mistakes, but they are all out of love,” Johnson said. “I don’t want to make any mistakes, I want to make sure I do the right thing by you guys.”
She thanked God, her family, and the staff of the City. “For every mountain He’s brought me over. For every trial He’s seen me through. For every blessing I say hallelujah and for this I give Him praise,” she quoted from a favorite song.
During the first meeting of May every year, a new Mayor and Vice Mayor are selected by the Commission. Vernel Smith was chosen unanimously for Mayor and Kim Downing was voted in 3- 2 for Vice Mayor.
Another recent change in the leadership of the City was the retirement of Jim Elensky, City Manager. Currently, Loyd Steward, Deputy City Manager, is the Interim City Manager. The Commission discussed the vacancy and how to advertise the position and for how long.
Another significant change occurred when long-time City Attorney Fred Reilly resigned due to health issues last month. Seth Claytor has been the interim City Attorney. The Commission agreed to discuss and consider interim legal services at the first meeting of every month until a permanent attorney is selected.
The next City Commission meeting is May 21 at 7 p.m. at City Hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
ECHO of Riverview recently received AED unit No. 92 as part of a pay-it-forward donation from HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, strengthening emergency preparedness and cardiac response capabilities within the community resource center. The donation was made possible through the ongoing partnership between HCA Healthcare and the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation (CCF), an organization dedicated to expanding access to life-saving AEDs and CPR awareness.
Community Partnership Behind AED No. 92
Simeon B., Resource Center Manager at ECHO of Riverview, highlighted the importance of community support in sustaining the organization’s mission.
Simeon shared, “It’s amazing to be supported by our community’s healthcare systems. We do great work at ECHO and local businesses and organizations help us to continue to make an impact in our area.”
He noted that the connection to HCA was established through organizational leadership and ongoing outreach partnerships.
“Connected through our CEO, Eleanor Saunders, HCA is a business support partner in our operations and community outreach. We appreciate their donation!”
Simeon also acknowledged the story behind the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, emphasizing the meaning behind its mission.
“CCF has an amazing backstory; it is often out of our greatest losses that we’re able to see a way to make a difference in the lives of people around us. Melanie is so courageous in sharing her experience and getting places outfitted/trained to be able to provide emergency support when needed.”
Personal Connection and Purpose Behind the Mission
Rebecca Gustafson, a Realtor with Keller Williams and property manager for TCS Management, shared a deeply personal connection to HCA Brandon Hospital and the mission behind AED expansion efforts.
She began her healthcare journey in 2021 when she earned her CNA and joined HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, later working on the Progressive Care Unit caring for cardiac patients.
Rebecca reflected on the personal significance of her start date:
Her official start date “was October 18th, which would have been my brother’s 43rd birthday, making the day even more meaningful since it was just over a year since he passed.”
She described how working with cardiac patients became a way to honor her brother’s memory.
“From the moment I began working directly with patients and met the incredible team on the floor, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.”
Connection to Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation
Rebecca also shared her personal connection to Melanie Brown Culpepper and the foundation’s origins following the sudden loss of her brother Michael.
She said, “He couldn’t say enough great things about her; Of course he thought she was absolutely beautiful, but he was was so proud of the work she was doing raising money for various charities, all while running her salon full time.”
Following his passing, Rebecca described the devastating impact on their family and the transformation that followed.
“She poured her heart and soul into it, transforming her grief into purpose, and through that work, she’s helping others while keeping his legacy alive.”
She added, “The Culpepper Cardiac Foundation is more than an organization, it is a living, breathing legacy of my brother.”
AED Training Experience
Rebecca praised the AED demonstration led by paramedic Eric Shimkus, noting its depth and emotional significance.
“I was very impressed with Eric Shimkus. I walked away having learned new things that I hadn’t learned in previous AED trainings.”
She also reflected on the personal meaning behind his involvement.
“Knowing that Eric was one of the EMTs who responded to my brother makes it even more meaningful.”
Her message emphasized urgency and awareness:
“Learn CPR and how to use an AED. Pay attention to where AEDs are located when you’re out. In an emergency, you could be the difference between life and death.”
HCA’s Commitment to Community Impact
Laura Stauter, Communication and Community Engagement Director for HCA Healthcare, emphasized the broader purpose behind the AED donation and partnership with ECHO of Riverview.
She explained that supporting ECHO aligns with addressing critical community needs.
“ECHO of Riverview does so much to help our neighbors in the community in need.”
Laura noted that many individuals facing food insecurity may also be at increased medical risk.
“Often times when someone is wondering where their next meal will come from, their healthcare is the last thing on their mind. And often times, these community members are at high risk for cardiac events.”
She added that placing AEDs in community spaces has both practical and educational value.
“AEDs do save lives. We see it every day in the hospital and out in the community with paramedics.”
Strength of the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation
Laura highlighted the growing influence of the foundation and its continued outreach.
“The growth and impact of CCF can not only be measured by the number of AEDs placed over the last few years, but in the awareness raised in the community.”
She described the long-term effect as lasting and meaningful.
“That domino effect is one that will continue for a very long time.”
A Mission Focused on Saving Lives
The placement of AED No. 92 at ECHO of Riverview represents more than equipment delivery—it reflects a collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and individuals driven by personal loss and purpose.
Through education, awareness, and access to life-saving tools, the partnership between HCA Brandon Hospital, Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, and ECHO of Riverview continues to expand its impact across the community—one AED at a time.
