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Designated Swim Areas and Vessel Exclusion Zones Approved for Lake Winterset, Clinch, and Ariana

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Designated Swim Areas and Vessel Exclusion Zones Approved for Lake Winterset, Clinch, and Ariana

Designated Swim Areas and Vessel Exclusion Zones Approved for Lake Winterset, Clinch, and Ariana

by James Coulter

 Planning on heading down to the lake to drive your boat or take a dip. Not so fast! Some lakes will soon have designated areas where swimmers can come in and where boats need to stay out.

At their regular meeting on Tues. May 20, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted on an ordinance and resolution that will allow them to create designated swim areas and vessel exclusion zones in certain portions of certain lakes.

First, county commissioners voted unanimously to approve an ordinance that would repeal and restate the Polk County Waterway Protection Code, amending and updating the code to clarify language and to create authority to establish designated swim areas and vessel exclusion zones.

Next, they voted unanimously to approve a resolution to establish designated swim areas and vessel exclusion zones in certain portions of Lake Winterset, Lake Clinch, and Lake Ariana.

 

“Because of the potential dangers created by boats operating near swimmers, Polk County desires to designate swim areas on portions of Lake Winterset, Lake Clinch, and Lake and set these areas aside as vessel exclusion zones,” wrote Randall Vogel, Assistant County Attorney.

 

Many residents took to the podium during public comments to voice their opinions about these changes. While some lauded the commissioners for addressing problems concerning boaters, others raised concerns about the swim areas attracting trespassers.

“These people, the folks out out there, they don’t care about signs, they don’t care about nothing,” said Kirk Boyett, a resident who lives on the west side of Lake Winterset. “They get out into other people’s yards…and I don’t want them people in my backyard.”

“We don’t have any issues with people swimming in our backyard, but our concern is if you make this a designated swim area, they will be driving down our private roads, walking through our yards to go to the swim areas,” said resident Jimmy Deets. “It happens across the lake from us, and it’s going to happen where we are.”

However, one resident, Scott Short, claimed these changes would help alleviate problems with some boaters. He mentions how up to 14 to 15 boats will drive to the lakes with people who get drunk and do not respect local laws.

“We recognize we have a very serious problem on Lake Winterset,” he said. “Nobody wants this type of problem behind our house. Nobody wants that problem behind their house. So we need this ordinance. It is very, very needed.”

Commissioner Bill Braswell expressed his intent to support the ordinance. He dismissed any concerns about the designated swim zones attracting unwanted guests to the lake who will trespass on private property.

“What would more likely happen [without this ordinance] is that they [swimmers] are forced out of one place and go to yourplace and that would be much worse than you,” Braswell said. “They have the whole lake to swim in. They will not swim in your place.”

Commissioner Rick Wilson mentioned how he has frequented the lakes many times and seen for himself the problems with boaters and swimmers that these designated swim areas and vessel exclusion zones will help mitigate.

“We need to give law enforcement an opportunity to help stopsome of this stuff in these areas,” he said. “So, I will be supporting this without a problem.”

Haines City Police Captain Arrested in Federal Veterans Affairs Fraud Scheme

Carl Fish
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Haines City Police Captain Arrested in Federal Veterans Affairs Fraud Scheme

Haines City, FL — Haines City Police Department Captain Gabriel “Gabe” Garcia, a long-serving law enforcement officer with the department since 2007, has been arrested by federal authorities in connection with a sweeping fraud investigation led by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA OIG) and the FBI. Garcia, who is also a U.S. military veteran, is among 10 individuals named in a 49-count federal indictment unsealed in Puerto Rico on May 21, 2025.

According to federal court documents, Garcia is accused of fraudulently securing a 100% disability rating from the VA as part of a coordinated scheme that spanned from 2020 to 2025. The operation allegedly involved VA employee Ángel Carrer-Rivera, who misused his access to the Veterans Benefits Management System to manipulate claims, and Richard Rivera-Maitin, a veteran and business owner, who acted as a facilitator and charged veterans fees for coaching them on how to fabricate medical conditions.

Garcia’s mother, Brenda García, served as a go-between for conspirators and played a key role in connecting veterans like her son with the scheme’s organizers. The indictment alleges that Garcia knowingly submitted false information to the VA in order to receive lifelong disability benefits he was not entitled to.

The arrest has sent shockwaves through the Haines City Police Department, where Garcia held a leadership role for nearly two decades. “The conduct that led to this arrest is a betrayal of the badge and everything this department stands for,” said Haines City Police Chief Jay Hopwood. “Leadership in law enforcement carries a greater burden of responsibility, and when that trust is broken, it damages the profession and the community.”

City officials emphasized that the department is cooperating fully with federal investigators and reviewing the indictment to determine internal next steps. They reiterated their commitment to transparency, accountability, and restoring public trust.

If convicted, Garcia faces up to five years for conspiracy to defraud the United States, and up to 20 years for each count of wire and mail fraud. The case is part of a broader federal initiative to root out abuse of programs meant to serve disabled veterans.

One Movie Later: Marvel Thunderbolts is Surprisingly Good

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One Movie Later: Marvel Thunderbolts is Surprisingly Good

One Movie Later: Marvel Thunderbolts is Surprisingly Good

by James Coulter

 Once upon a time, I loved the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Backthen, it was a fresh prospect to have a shared cinematic universe where characters from different movies interact with each other and come together in big epic crossovers. Sadly, ever since Endgame, the MCU has been as fresh as a pair of sweaty gym shorts that got lost in the back of your closet for weeks on end.

 

Every Marvel movie since Endgame has proven to be quite unremarkable and unmemorable. I even forgot Captain America: Brave New World was released this year, and I watched it a month ago. Marvel has since released its newest movie, Thunderbolts. But are the heroes in this movie worthy of becoming the New Avengers? Or are the Thunderbolts nothing more than a bunch of Thunder-dolts?

 

Several years have passed since the events of Endgame. And all of the Avengers are gone. Iron Man is dead. Black Widow is dead. Captain America went back in time to marry his sweetheart. The Hulk is now a sexy green professor. And Hawkeye is…retired? With no more Avengers, the Earth is left defenseless from an Avengers-level threat.

 

Fortunately, a CIA operative named Valentina Allegra de Fontaine has been working behind the scenes to assemble a new group of superheroes (or rather, anti-heroes) to become the New Avengers. And that team includes the Winter Soldier and several C-list characters that nobody knows about or care about, including blonde Black Widow, the communist Captain America, the replacement for Captain America (before the Falcon assumed that role), the villian from Ant Man 2 (Anyone remember that movie?), and the villian sidekick from Black Widow.

 

However, turns out these characters haven’t been assembled in this film to become the New Avengers, but rather disassembled. Turns out Valentina initially conscripted each of these characters to become the next Avengers, but because she had done so through shady means, she’s being investigated by the government and facing impeachment. And to cover up her crimes, Valentina has lured all the other characters into a trap to be eliminated. And now they must work together to escape herwicked machinations and thwart her evil scheme.

 

Valentina herself certainly works as an antagonist character. She exudes corrupt female politician vibes. A real Kristi Noem type. And Valentina would certainly be the type of person to pose in front of a jail cell crammed with shirtless inmates inside an El Salvadorian prison rife with human rights violations and proudly boast about how all of this is being done to “protect American freedom.”

 

I went into this movie expecting it to be as bad and forgettable as the previous Marvel movies post-Endgame. But this movie managed to pleasantly surprise me. What made it work so well was seeing these disparate characters come together to bounce their personalities off one another and quip at one another. There’s nothing more entertaining than seeing a group of misfits and anti-heroes form a ragtag group and accomplish something together. It’s why movies like Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad work so well.

 

Sure, the characters themselves, with the notable exception of Winter Soldier, aren’t the strongest or most memorable characters in the Marvel movies, but seeing their unique personalities work off of each other makes for quite the entertaining watch. When you get the audience to like and care about characters that most other people don’t usually like or care about, that’s a good movie.

 

Speaking of characters, Thunderbolts also introduces a new character named Bob. Initially, this character comes across as a joke character, but…well, no spoilers, but let’s just say this character plays a much bigger role. And the mystery behind this character and his big reveal is…well, quite revealing and intriguing. Chances are, if you’re familiar with the comics, you can see the big reveal of who he is coming a mile away. Nonetheless, he proves to be a real intriguing character.

 

Speaking of which, no spoilers, but this mystery character has a power where, when they get in close contact with the other characters, he makes them relive the dark, traumatic moments from their past. These scenes delve into themes of trauma and mental health, and as such, the movie has a bit of a message about how people can overcome their trauma through their bonds with other people. It’s certainly a commendable message. But my biggest nitpick is simply that Guardians of the Galaxydid a better job of tackling that same message.

 

Overall, is this movie great? Not really. But it’s certainly better and more entertaining than I expected it to be going in. It’s a good popcorn action flick worth watching in the theaters. I’m just expecting the Fantastic Four movie to be better.

 

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-

One Movie Later: Marvel Thunderbolts is Surprisingly Good

Staff Reporter
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0
One Movie Later: Marvel Thunderbolts is Surprisingly Good
#image_title

by James Coulter

Once upon a time, I loved the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Back then, it was a fresh prospect to have a shared cinematic universe where characters from different movies interact with each other and come together in big epic crossovers. Sadly, ever since Endgame, the MCU has been as fresh as a pair of sweaty gym shorts that got lost in the back of your closet for weeks on end.

Every Marvel movie since Endgame has proven to be quite unremarkable and unmemorable. I even forgot Captain America: Brave New World was released this year, and I watched it a month ago. Marvel has since released its newest movie, Thunderbolts. But are the heroes in this movie worthy of becoming the New Avengers? Or are the Thunderbolts nothing more than a bunch of Thunder-dolts?

Several years have passed since the events of Endgame. And all of the Avengers are gone. Iron Man is dead. Black Widow is dead. Captain America went back in time to marry his sweetheart. The Hulk is now a sexy green professor. And Hawkeye is…retired? With no more Avengers, the Earth is left defenseless from an Avengers-level threat.

Fortunately, a CIA operative named Valentina Allegra de Fontaine has been working behind the scenes to assemble a new group of superheroes (or rather, anti-heroes) to become the New Avengers. And that team includes the Winter Soldier and several C-list characters that nobody knows about or care about, including blonde Black Widow, the communist Captain America, the replacement for Captain America (before the Falcon assumed that role), the villian from Ant Man 2 (Anyone remember that movie?), and the villian sidekick from Black Widow.

However, turns out these characters haven’t been assembled in this film to become the New Avengers, but rather disassembled. Turns out Valentina initially conscripted each of these characters to become the next Avengers, but because she had done so through shady means, she’s being investigated by the government and facing impeachment. And to cover up her crimes, Valentina has lured all the other characters into a trap to be eliminated. And now they must work together to escape her wicked machinations and thwart her evil scheme.

Valentina herself certainly works as an antagonist character. She exudes corrupt female politician vibes. A real Kristi Noem type. And Valentina would certainly be the type of person to pose in front of a jail cell crammed with shirtless inmates inside an El Salvadorian prison rife with human rights violations and proudly boast about how all of this is being done to “protect American freedom.”

I went into this movie expecting it to be as bad and forgettable as the previous Marvel movies post-Endgame. But this movie managed to pleasantly surprise me. What made it work so well was seeing these disparate characters come together to bounce their personalities off one another and quip at one another. There’s nothing more entertaining than seeing a group of misfits and anti-heroes form a ragtag group and accomplish something together. It’s why movies like Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad work so well.

Sure, the characters themselves, with the notable exception of Winter Soldier, aren’t the strongest or most memorable characters in the Marvel movies, but seeing their unique personalities work off of each other makes for quite the entertaining watch. When you get the audience to like and care about characters that most other people don’t usually like or care about, that’s a good movie.

Speaking of characters, Thunderbolts also introduces a new character named Bob. Initially, this character comes across as a joke character, but…well, no spoilers, but let’s just say this character plays a much bigger role. And the mystery behind this character and his big reveal is…well, quite revealing and intriguing. Chances are, if you’re familiar with the comics, you can see the big reveal of who he is coming a mile away. Nonetheless, he proves to be a real intriguing character.

Speaking of which, no spoilers, but this mystery character has a power where, when they get in close contact with the other characters, he makes them relive the dark, traumatic moments from their past. These scenes delve into themes of trauma and mental health, and as such, the movie has a bit of a message about how people can overcome their trauma through their bonds with other people. It’s certainly a commendable message. But my biggest nitpick is simply that Guardians of the Galaxy did a better job of tackling that same message.

Overall, is this movie great? Not really. But it’s certainly better and more entertaining than I expected it to be going in. It’s a good popcorn action flick worth watching in the theaters. I’m just expecting the Fantastic Four movie to be better.

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-

#image_title

Commissioner Arroyo Receives Mexico’s Highest Honor for Citizens Abroad

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Commissioner Arroyo Receives Mexico’s Highest Honor for Citizens Abroad
#image_title

BY ANITA TODD

HAINES CITY – Each year, the Government of Mexico—through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Institute for Mexicans Abroad—presents the “Mexicano Distinguido” award to a single Mexican national or descendant living abroad.

On May 15, Haines City Commissioner Omar Arroyo received this prestigious recognition, which honors an individual who has lived outside of Mexico for at least five consecutive years and has demonstrated an exceptional professional or personal trajectory. The award highlights excellence in fields such as business, science, technology, education, the arts, or social responsibility.

The award was presented by Juan Sabines, Consul of Mexico in Orlando and former Governor of Chiapas, during a Haines City Commission meeting.

Arroyo—Haines City’s first Hispanic elected official and the first Mexican mayor in Florida—spoke following the presentation.

“When I arrived in this country, I was given the opportunity to dream… to build and to grow and I chased those dreams with everything I had,” he said. “I was able to become the man I always hoped to be. I found my purpose, built my family in this incredible country.”

He continued, “Tonight being recognized by the country of my birth while serving the country that welcomed me with open arms is a blessing beyond words. I am so proud to represent two cultures: my heritage as a Mexican and my home as an American. You can love where you came from but still put America first.”

Arroyo expressed gratitude to God, his wife, family, and the residents of Haines City for entrusting him as their City Commissioner.

According to a press release from the City of Haines City, Commissioner Arroyo’s lifelong commitment to public service and leadership reflects the values celebrated by this distinction. His contributions continue to honor his heritage and play a vital role in strengthening the cultural and civic ties between the United States and Mexico.

Born in 1983, Arroyo immigrated to the United States with his parents in 1999. The family first settled in Austin, Texas, before moving to Haines City in 2001. At just 16, he began working in residential framing and has since become a certified contractor in Florida.

Arroyo’s political journey has been marked by historic achievements. In 2022, he became Haines City’s first Hispanic commissioner. In 2023, he was appointed vice mayor, and in 2024, he was elected as both the city’s first Hispanic mayor and the first Mexican mayor in the state of Florida, according to the Florida League of Cities.

On March 15, Arroyo announced his candidacy for Polk County Commission Seat 4. The next General Election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, and will determine the next representative for District 4.

“Commissioner Arroyo’s dedication to public service and his positive impact on our community make this recognition well-deserved,” said current Haines City Mayor Morris West. “We are honored to celebrate this milestone with Commissioner Arroyo and thank the Mexican Consulate for recognizing him.”

City Of Lakeland Provides Statement Regarding Incident Between Conservative Journalist & Police Officers

Carl Fish
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City Of Lakeland Provides Statement Regarding Incident Between Conservative Journalist & Police Officers

Press Release By City of Lakeland

“LAKELAND, FL (May 21, 2025) | On Saturday, May 17, 2025, Lakeland Police Officers responded to reports of one or more incidents at the Lakeland Downtown Farmer’s Market involving an individual conducting interviews and recording video of attendees. During the response, officers themselves were recorded, and a selectively edited version of the footage was later released publicly. Throughout the interaction, officers worked to de-escalate the situation and asked the individuals involved to remain on the sidewalk to avoid disrupting market vendors. No individuals were trespassed from the Market.

The Lakeland Downtown Farmer’s Market is operated by the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority (LDDA), an independent special district established under Chapter 2004-415, Laws of Florida. The LDDA is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors: six are elected by downtown property owners and registered voters within the designated district, and the seventh is a City Commissioner appointed by the Mayor. The LDDA’s Executive Director is appointed by the LDDA Board and is not a City of Lakeland employee. As such, the City does not exercise supervisory authority over the LDDA Executive Director.”

The press release was prompted by events that occurred last weekend at the local farmers market. A confrontation at the Lakeland Farmers Market on May 17 sparked debate over free speech and public space use. Conservative journalists Kaitlin Bennett conducted interviews that some vendors and attendees found disruptive. Market director Julie Townsend asked Bennett to relocate to the sidewalk, and police later issued a trespass warning. Tensions escalated when a vendor allegedly brandished a gun magazine at Bennett. The incident raised legal questions about the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority’s authority to restrict activity on public streets. No charges were filed.

That full article is here:

Tensions Flare Over Free Speech at Lakeland Farmers Market

Tragic Chain of Events Sparked By 9 Yr Old Playing Fortnite Without Permission Leads To Murder In Davenport

Carl Fish
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Tragic Chain of Events Sparked By 9 Yr Old Playing Fortnite Without Permission Leads To Murder In Davenport

Davenport, FL – On Wednesday evening, May 21, at approximately 7:10 p.m., officers from the Davenport Police Department responded to a residence on Citrus Landing Blvd following a domestic-related incident that ended in tragedy. The incident involved the fatal shooting of a 26-year-old man by his step-father.

Murder Suspect Kelly Agar Garcia, 43

According to the Davenport Police Department, the incident began shortly before 7:00 p.m. inside the home of Kelly Agar Garcia, 43, and his wife Adriane Daza, 48. Also present in the home were Adriane’s two minor children, ages 9 and 11, and her adult son, Azareel J. Martinez. Martinez and the two minors are Adriane’s biological children and the step-children of Garcia.

The situation escalated when Adriane discovered her 9-year-old son playing the video game Fortnite in Azareel’s upstairs bedroom—a game that had previously been forbidden by the parents. In response, Adriane took the child’s cell phone as a form of discipline. Upset by the punishment, the 9-year-old walked into Adriane’s bedroom and retrieved a Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun from a nightstand drawer.

A struggle over the firearm ensued between the child and his parents. Garcia ultimately gained control of the weapon. At that moment, Azareel entered the bedroom and saw Garcia holding the gun and the 9-year-old visibly upset. A verbal altercation broke out between Azareel and Garcia, during which Garcia shot Azareel multiple times in the chest and abdomen.

As Azareel attempted to flee the room, Garcia followed him and fired two more shots into his back. Azareel collapsed and was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Following the investigation, Kelly Agar Garcia was arrested and charged with Second Degree Murder and Unlawful Storage of a Firearm (Accessible to Minor). He is currently being held at the Polk County Jail.

Forensic Investigators from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Davenport Police Department by processing the extensive homicide scene

Solid Waste Disposal Fees Slated to Increase October 1

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Solid Waste Disposal Fees Slated to Increase October 1

Polk County Government, FL:

Bartow, Fla. (May 21, 2025) – Polk County Board of County Commissioners unanimously supported increasing the solid waste disposal fees at the county’s North Central Landfill during the Tuesday, May 20 board meeting.

This will be the first increase to the disposal fees in more than 13 years. Steadily rising operational costs have resulted in the necessary increase.

Fees for solid waste and construction and demolition debris will increase from $36.50 to $46 per ton and yard waste disposal fees will increase from $22 to $36.50 per ton, effective Oct. 1. The fees for both solid and yard waste will increase by 5% each year for the next five years.

“We’ve seen operating costs steadily increase while our revenue, our tipping fees per ton have been held consistent,” said Dale Henderson, the county’s Solid Waste Director. “I think it is fair to say that we were able to do that to the benefit of the residents and businesses of Polk County but now we have to focus on the future and what the future will bring.”

Commissioner Michael Scott said he understood the need to increase the fees but was leery of increasing the fees by too much, too quickly.

“I think $46 is the pain point,’’ he said adding that most people would accept a gradual increase as opposed to doubling the costs at one time.

A percentage of the disposal fees will also help fund the county’s clean up and recovery efforts from natural disasters such as the hurricanes that hit Polk County last year. The increase will help to ensure there is at least $60 million in the clean-up and recovery funds.

County Manager Bill Beasley told the commissioners it can cost up to as much as $30 million in clean-up expenses after a hurricane.

Winter Haven Woman Charged with Violation of Probation and Threats to Kill LEO

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Winter Haven Woman Charged with Violation of Probation and Threats to Kill LEO

28-year old Shayna Lorae Pierce of Winter Haven was recently arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

But how did we get here? For that, let’s go back to November 9, 2023.

Officers from Lakeland PD encountered Shayna behind the Bob Evans Restaurant on US 98 North. Shayna had just been involved in a physical altercation with another person, and when the officers arrived to investigate, Shayna immediately took issue with them.

According to their affidavit, Shayna was belligerent, cursing, threatening, and repeatedly called one of the officers some nasty racial epithets. Then she began kicking both officers. She was arrested and charged with Battery on LEO (2-counts), Resisting with Violence, and Threatening to Kill a LEO (2-counts).

Shayna plead guilty to most of the charges. Adjudication was withheld, and she was placed on probation.

Back to the present…

On May 19th, deputies learned Shayna had violated her probation by not staying where she said she would be staying. They located her at the Rodeway Inn & Suites in Winter Haven, and placed her under arrest.

During the trip to the jail, Shayna made threats to kill deputies when she gets out of jail.

Shayna Pierce was charged with Violation of Probation and Threats to Kill LEO.

Crash Near Hospital In Winter Haven Shuts Down First St N

Staff Reporter
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Crash Near Hospital In Winter Haven Shuts Down First St N

UPDATE-

We reached out to Winter Haven Public Safety Department Public Information Officer Jamie Brown and she advised that an officer was transporting the bicycle on the front of her car that she was taking to the Police Department (found property and she was not transporting anyone).

The bike had nothing to do with the crash.

Another vehicle (not pictured) turned in front of the officer at the intersection.

Minor injuries.

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Original post

All Northbound lanes of First St N in front of the hospital in Winter Haven are shut down due to a crash that was reported around 11:23 a.m. Southbound lanes are currently open.

Officers are on scene directing traffic down side roads until lanes can be opened back up.

Photo source Amber Morgan
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