Scarlett Elizabeth Glover, 83, of Winter Haven, FL, passed away on April 30, 2025, at Spring Lake Nursing and Rehab Center. Born on May 5, 1941, in Vidalia, GA, Scarlett moved to Winter Haven in 1962 from Lakeland, FL, and became a beloved member of the community.
A dedicated Licensed Practical Nurse, Scarlett served many years at Gessler Clinic in Winter Haven. Her passion for nursing extended to the baseball field, where she worked as a nurse for the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians during their Spring Training in Winter Haven. An avid baseball enthusiast, Scarlett was a devoted Tampa Bay Rays fan.
Scarlett was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Winter Haven. She is survived by her nephews, Dennis Jackson of Dahlonega, GA, and Ray Jackson of St. Augustine, FL, and her sister-in-law, Mary Jackson of Jacksonville, FL and long-time friend, Karen McCrinnon.
Scarlett’s warmth, compassion, and love for life will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A memorial service will be at 2:00pm, Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven.
It is with deep sorrow and immense love that we announce the passing of Simon Americo Oviol Leidenz, who departed this life on April 29, 2025, in Orlando, Florida, at the age of 72.
Simon was born on July 5, 1952, in Maracaibo, Venezuela. A devoted father, a man of faith, and a steadfast protector of Christian Catholics values, he dedicated his life to his family, his Church, and his principles. He served as an accountant at the government institution Inces, where he was known for his discipline and integrity.
His greatest joy came from spending time with his children—Ana, Juan, Elias, Andres, Lucia, and Diego—and his beloved grandchildren Carlos, Juan D, Andres E, Miranda, Mia, Luciana, Lucca, Paul, Matteo, Aaron, Paulette, Sebastian, Elena, Camille and Melissa. Simon’s love for his family was surpassed only by his love for God.
Simon had a peaceful spirit and found beauty in the simplest blessings of life: praying the Rosary, fishing, the beach, watching the sunset, he was a poet and first-class jokester, he brought joy to our lives with his jokes. He honored and taught us to honor the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe. A devoted Catholic, he stood firmly as a defender of the Church founded by Christ and upheld the traditions and values of the Christian family with unwavering faith.
His legacy is one of love, protection, and conviction—of living a life deeply rooted in devotion and guided by faith.
He will be remembered with affection and admiration by all who knew him, and he will remain in our hearts forever, his family finds comfort in knowing that he is resting in heaven in our eternal father’s arms.
A funeral Mass was held on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 9:30am at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, 2425 Havendale Boulevard, Winter Haven, FL 33881, followed by burial at Oak Hill Burial Park in Lakeland, FL. All were welcome to attend and celebrate Simon’s life.
William “Bill” Daniel Holder, Jr., lovingly remembered by his family and friends, was born on March 25, 1945, in Deland, Florida.
He passed from this life on April 30, 2025, in Auburndale, Florida, leaving behind a legacy of love and dedication to his family and country. Bill honorably served as a veteran in the United States Navy, embodying the values of duty and service that inspired all who knew him. After his military service, he embarked on a successful career as a Foreman for Homes of Merit, where he was respected for his leadership and dedication to his work.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Sheri Lane Holder; a daughter, Heather Leigh Sanders and her husband, Tim; five cherished grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and a son-in-law, Mike Herndon.
He is preceded in death by his daughter, Amanda Danielle Herndon, and his grandson, Logan Michael Herndon, both of whom are deeply missed.
Bill’s life was celebrated during Graveside Services at 10:00 AM on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Church of Christ Cemetery in Eagle Lake, Florida.
He leaves behind a profound impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. His gentle spirit, unwavering support, and cherished memories will continue to resonate in the hearts of his family and friends. In honor of his life and service, we share our condolences and encourage all to reflect on the lasting joy he brought into our lives.
These Two Roads in Winter Haven Have Been Re-Named
by James Coulter
If you’re driving through Winter Haven and searching for either Coon Lake Road or Pomelo Lane, you’ll have to look twice. Both roads have been renamed to Lake Ruby Drive West and Pomelo Drive, respectively.
At their regular meeting on Mon. May 12, Winter Haven city commissioners voted unanimously to approve two resolutions renaming two roads within the city.
The first resolution will rename Coon Lake Road to Lake Ruby Drive West. Located between Eloise Loop Road and Thompson Nursery Road on the north/east to County Road 653, the road consists of an unimproved right-of-way to the south/west to Lake Ruby Drive West.
“The proposed street name of Lake Ruby Drive West represents an extension of the existing Lake Ruby Drive West, which extends north from Eloise Loop Road/Thompson Nursery Road to Cypress Gardens Boulevard,” wrote Sean Byers, Planning Manager, in the city agenda memo.
The other resolution would rename Pomelo Lane to Pomelo Drive. The road is located west of Hummingbird Road and Pomelo Lane. As Byers explains, the road “functions as an east/west and north/south connection between Hummingbird Road and White Indigo Road.”
Pomelo Lane had originally been platted as part of the Harmony on Lake Eloise Phase 2 Subdivision. Now, Pomelo Drive will be platted to the Harmony on Lake Elosie Phase 4 Subdivision.
The name change had been requested by Roger Lee Vanauker, agent for Forestar (USA) Real Estate Group Inc. The property owner, Harmony on Lake Eloise CDD, will cover the cost of replacing the roadway signs for the renamed road.
Polk County Commissioners approved a $1.42 million land purchase agreement for a new #PCFR EMS/Fire Rescue station in south Lakeland on May 6.
The 4.5-acre site is located along the south side of County Road 540A, east of Carter Road and will house the Christina Fire Rescue Station.
The new station will strengthen emergency response coverage in south Lakeland and provide the support needed for existing EMS and Fire Rescue operations in the area. #PolkCountyFL #PolkCountyGov #PolkCountyFireRescue
Winter Haven’s specialized electrical testing firm demonstrates the versatility of thermal imaging technology by applying it to building maintenance challenges.
Company Employs Advanced Thermal Technology for Non-Electrical Applications
No-Outage Electrical Testing LLC, a Winter Haven-based company specializing in electrical testing services that don’t interrupt power supply, recently expanded their service offerings by conducting a comprehensive flat roof inspection at Winter Haven Manor using thermal imaging technology. While primarily known for their electrical system diagnostics, the company has leveraged their expertise in thermographic analysis to address building envelope issues, demonstrating the versatility of their specialized equipment and technical knowledge.
The Florida-based company, established in 2016 and managed by Zee Zamora III, has built its reputation on providing electrical testing without causing disruptions to operations. By applying the same non-invasive principles to building diagnostics, they’re creating new value for property managers seeking to prevent costly water damage.
Thermal Imaging: Beyond Electrical Applications
Thermal imaging, or infrared thermography, has long been recognized as an effective diagnostic tool for electrical systems, detecting overheated connections, imbalanced loads, and potential failure points without requiring shutdown of critical systems. This technology works by capturing and visualizing temperature differences that can indicate underlying problems not visible to the naked eye.
The same technology that pinpoints electrical “hot spots” can also identify areas of moisture intrusion in building materials. When water infiltrates a roof system, it alters the thermal properties of the affected materials. These changes create distinct temperature patterns that become visible through infrared cameras, especially during temperature transitions between day and night.
“Infrared thermography is extremely useful as it requires no contact with components being inspected,” explains thermal imaging specialists. “This means inspections can be conducted without disrupting normal operations or causing damage to the structure being examined”.
The Winter Haven Manor Inspection Process
For the Winter Haven Manor inspection, No Outage Electrical Testing technicians employed a methodical approach to evaluate the flat roof system for potential water intrusion problems. The inspection was scheduled during optimal conditions to maximize the effectiveness of thermal imaging technology.
The inspection team, led by certified level 3 thermographer, conducted a comprehensive survey of the flat roof using professional-grade thermal imaging cameras. These sophisticated devices detect minute temperature differences that can indicate trapped moisture beneath the roof surface. The technology allowed inspectors to quickly and non-destructively identify problem areas that would have remained invisible during conventional visual inspections.
Benefits of Thermal Roof Inspections
Flat roofs are particularly vulnerable to water intrusion due to their minimal slope and tendency to develop ponding water. Traditional inspection methods often fail to detect problems until water damage becomes visible inside the building, by which point significant damage may have already occurred.
Thermal inspections offer several key advantages:
Early detection of moisture problems before visible damage appears
Non-invasive assessment that doesn’t require cutting into the roof membrane
Comprehensive coverage of large roof areas in minimal time
Clear documentation of problem areas with thermal images
Potential cost savings by identifying issues before they escalate into major repairs[3][4]
Expanding Specialized Technical Services
No Outage Electrical Testing’s move to offer thermal roof inspections represents a logical extension of their technical capabilities. While their core business remains focused on electrical testing services, the application of thermal imaging technology to building envelope issues demonstrates the versatility of their expertise.
The company, in Winter Haven, Florida, has been building a reputation for specialized inspection services since its founding. Their expansion into non-electrical applications of thermal imaging technology shows an understanding of property managers’ needs for comprehensive diagnostic solutions.
According to professional thermographers, incorporating regular infrared surveys into preventive maintenance programs can result in significant savings, often between $10,000 to $20,000, depending on the number and severity of issues detected. By identifying water intrusion problems early, property managers can avoid costly repairs, prevent mold growth, and extend the lifespan of their roofing systems.
Conclusion
No Outage Electrical Testing’s thermal inspection of Winter Haven Manor’s flat roof demonstrates how specialized technical expertise can be applied across different maintenance disciplines. As building systems become increasingly complex, the value of non-invasive diagnostic technologies continues to grow.
For property managers struggling with persistent leaks or seeking to implement proactive maintenance strategies, thermal imaging offers a powerful tool to identify problems before they manifest as visible damage. By partnering with NOET that offer advanced diagnostic capabilities, facility managers can make more informed decisions about maintenance priorities and capital improvements.
The company’s expansion from purely electrical applications to building envelope diagnostics reflects a broader trend in the maintenance industry toward integrated approaches that leverage advanced technologies across multiple building systems. As the benefits of thermal imaging become more widely recognized, we can expect to see increased adoption of this technology for proactive building maintenance.
Homicide detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office have arrested a total of six people who were involved in the double-murder that occurred in the Secret Cove neighborhood of Lakeland on Monday, May 12, 2025.
Four of the arrested were each charged with two-counts of felony murder and other crimes, the remaining two suspects were charged with various crimes involved with the case. The suspects are:
· Alexander Zarion Colon-Martinez, 17, Lakeland.
o Charged with: 1st Degree Murder (FC, 2-counts), Attempted Armed Robbery (F2), and Tampering with Evidence (F3).
· David Yule, Jr., 15, Lakeland.
o Charged with: 1st Degree Murder (FC, 2-counts), Attempted Armed Robbery (F2), Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery (F2), Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile (F2), and Violation of Probation (M2).
· Anthony Scott Roush, 18, Lakeland.
o Charged with: 1st Degree Murder (FC, 2-counts), Attempted Armed Robbery (F2), Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery (F2), Contributing to Delinquency of a Juvenile (M1, 2-counts), and Violation of Probation (M2).
· Kristian Xavier Guzman, 23, Lakeland.
o Charged with: 1st Degree Murder (FC, 2-counts), Attempted Armed Robbery (F2), Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery (F2), Negligent Child Abuse (F3, 2-counts), Contributing to Delinquency of a Juvenile (M1, 2-counts), and Violation of Probation (M2).
· Jessica M. Chambers, 19, Lakeland.
o Charged with: Accessory After the Fact to a Capitol Felony (F1), Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery (F2), False Information to Law Enforcement in a Felony Investigation (F3), and Contributing to Delinquency of a Juvenile (M1, 4-counts).
· Isabella Brooke Farley, 21, Lakeland.
o Charged with: Accessory After the Fact to a Capitol Felony (F1), Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery (F2), Negligent Child Abuse (F3, 2-counts), False Information to Law Enforcement in a Felony Investigation (F3), and Contributing to Delinquency of a Juvenile (M1, 2-counts).
On Monday, May 12, 2025, at about 1:26 pm, 19-year old Davin Boutwell drove a white Mercedes to the Secret Cove neighborhood in Lakeland to conduct a drug transaction there. Alex met Boutwell at his car, where Ned Engle Blvd meets Pirates Way, as David and Anthony stood nearby, and their co-conspirator Kristian remained in the getaway car.
During the brief meeting, Boutwell was shot through the chest (from back to front). The Mercedes sped away down the road and fatally struck 38-year old Nathaniel Jones, Jr. on his electric bike, and then crashed into a residence on Pirates Way. Boutwell and Jones were deceased when first responders arrived.
“As usual, my detectives hit the ground running speaking to witnesses, collecting evidence, using their available resources and their excellent skills. What happened on Pirates Way was unusual and tragic. The six suspects we now have locked-up will be held accountable for their role in these murders. This is just another reminder that drugs, guns, and youth is deadly cocktail.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Through their investigation, PCSO detectives were able to determine that the robbery of Boutwell was planned by Kristian, David, Alex, and Anthony. Jessica and Isabella rode along in the silver Nissan Altima that was to be used as a getaway vehicle. Also in the Nissan were Kristian’s two very young children.
A shotgun that was taken to the robbery (but not used) was hidden by Alex behind a dumpster at a nearby convenience store. The shotgun was recovered, but the firearm used to murder Boutwell has not yet been recovered.
A lane closure will take place on Avenue A SE at 2nd Street SE Wednesday, May 14 through Thursday, May 15, with closures occurring daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Local traffic will still have access to homes and schools. Please follow flaggers and detour signage for your safety.
A traffic crash has occurred at the entrance of the new Lake Conine Park on Lucerne Park Rd. (2540 Lucerne Park Rd.) The crash occurred just before 6:00 p.m. There will be lane blockage and traffic back-up in the area. Drivers should be aware and consider alternate routes.
On May 10, 2025, at around 5:12 p.m., Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Polk County Fire Rescue responded to a medical emergency at 6401 Cypress Gardens Blvd SE, Winter Haven (near the entrance to Hill Nissan).
According to PCSO Public Information Officer Brian Bruchey, a man suffered an apparent medical episode while walking. PCSO is conducting a death investigation on the man. No further details or info on the man’s age, etc are available at this time.
