Polk County Parks and Rec has several parks and playgrounds around the county. To celebrate Summer, which is right around the corner, we will be highlighting a different park in or near Winter Haven each week throughout May!
This week features Dundee’s East Central Park.
Address:
5555 Lake Trask Rd. Dundee, FL 33833
Details:
Dundee’s 45-acre East Central Park has a little bit of everything. Ready to hoop it up? Do it here. Racquetball, volleyball or tennis? Check. There’s even a paved mile-long walking trail with exercise stations throughout. There are four baseball fields, three large multipurpose fields and two playgrounds. There’s an area with several small picnic shelters, and one large picnic shelter to accommodate bigger family gatherings.
Auburndale, FL – On Tuesday afternoon, May 6th, around 4:05 p.m., Polk County deputies made a surprise pickup at a familiar spot in Auburndale: the Dollar General on Lake Ariana Boulevard.
The driver of a blue 2007 KIA Optima caught their attention. Behind the wheel was 28-year-old Brodrick Fields, originally from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. While that’s his current listed address, Brodrick has been something of a Central Florida nomad in recent years — spending time in Waverly, Winter Haven, Bartow, and Orlando.
He’s also no stranger to local law enforcement, having made several extended visits to what some jokingly call Grady Judd’s Bed & Breakfast.
This time, however, his stay may be longer than usual.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop at the Dollar General, and Fields was quickly and quietly taken into custody. No drama, no foot chase — just a smooth arrest.
Why were deputies so eager to greet him? Well, Brodrick Fields was wanted out of Franklin County, Pennsylvania. The charge? Attempted murder.
Yes, you read that correctly.
According to the Chambersburg Police Department
“On 4-19-25 at approximately 02:23 hrs, CPD responded to a shots fired call near the 100 block of Central Ave. Upon arrival, officers located a victim suffering from a gunshot wound. During the course of the investigation, the suspect that shot the victim was identified as Broderick Fields who is now wanted for Attempted Homicide and several other offenses.”
Now sitting in a Polk County jail cell, Fields awaits extradition back to Pennsylvania to answer for the serious charges.
Let this be another reminder: if you’re wanted for a violent crime, hiding out in Polk County might not be your best plan
Special weather statement issued by National Weather Service Tampa Bay Ruskin
At 646 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Lake Wales, moving east at 10 mph. HAZARD…Wind gusts up to 50 mph and penny size hail. SOURCE…Radar indicated. IMPACT…Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible. Locations impacted include… Highland Park, Indian Lake Estates, Crooked Lake Park, Hillcrest Heights, Lake Wales Municipal Airport, Babson Park, Lake Wales, Frostproof, and Waverly.
The Winter Haven Fire Department responded to what was reported to be a gas leak, but ultimately determined to be a propane tank that was hit by a construction crew.
On May 6, 2025 at approximately 12:15 p.m., a construction crew working at the site for the new Winter Haven Recreation and Cultural Center, located at 801 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Winter Haven, struck what was thought to be a gas line with an excavator. Winter Haven Fire personnel immediately responded and evacuated residents within a 330′ area. A reverse 9-1-1 call was also conducted for the immediate area.
Central Florida Gas arrived on scene and determined that it was not a gas line, but an underground propane tank. Polk County Fire Rescue Hazmat team was called to assist. The leak was contained and it was determined to “flare” the tank in order to burn off the propane still inside. Once the tank was flared and the propane was beginning to burn off, the shelter-in-place and evacuation of residents was lifted at approximately 2:20 p.m.
There were no injuries to any firefighters or residents. The burn is on the construction property and will not impact any residents or businesses in the area.
News around Florida – Florida officials have confirmed the state’s first fatal bear attack, in which an 89-year-old man and his dog were killed.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported that on the morning of May 5, 2025 Robert Markel and his dog were found dead on his property in Collier County near Jerome, a rural community about 30 miles east of Naples. According to FWC Director Colonel Roger Young, Markel and his dog were killed at different times while alone at home. Markel’s daughter called 911 after allegedly witnessing the bear attack the dog. She then went on to look for her father, who was found dead.
In response to the incident, FWC set traps in the area, installed monitoring cameras, and euthanized three bears in the area. DNA samples from the scene and the bears have been sent to the University of Florida for testing to determine whether one of them was involved in the attack.
Officials believe the attack was most likely carried out by a black bear.
What to do if you encounter a bear, according to FWC:
“If you encounter a bear at close range:
Remain standing upright
Speak to the bear in a calm, assertive voice
Back up slowly toward a secure area, be sure you are leaving the bear a clear escape route
Avoid direct eye contact – bears and other animals may view this as aggressive behavior
Stop and hold your ground if your movement away seems to irritate instead of calm the bear
DO NOT:
Make any sudden or abrupt movements
Run – running can trigger a chase instinct and bears can sprint up to 35 mph
Play dead – black bears eat things that play dead or are dead
Climb a tree – black bears can climb 100 feet up a tree in 30 seconds
Approach or surprise a bear, especially one that may be injured
If a black bear attacks you:
Fight back aggressively. People have successfully fended off black bear attacks using rocks, sticks, or even their bare hands!”
Though there have been a number of reported incidents of physical contact between bears and humans, yesterday’s event was the first confirmed death in Florida from a bear attack.
Other recent recorded physical contact incidents:
-February 15, 2025: Marion County; adult female bear with young
When you’re eating at an Italian restaurant like Floridino’s Italian Kitchen in Winter Haven, the only thing you should have to worry about is potential heartburn, not a heart attack.
For that reason, customers at Floridino’s can eat their meals in peace knowing that an emergency medical device is readily available in case of a serious medical emergency.
On Thurs. Apr. 17, Floridino’s received an automated external defibrillator (AED) donated and installed by Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation (CCF).
Floridino’s is a family business run by Michael Floridino Sr., his sons Michael Jr. and Jonathan, and his wife, Ann Floridino. He and his family have owned and operated their business since 1988.
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Michael Sr. expressed his gratitude for the donation, which he considered to be a pleasant surprise.
“This was a surprise by Tanners and we are at a loss for words,” he said. “We are also working on paying it forward for another business.”
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The AED donation was sponsored by Tanners Lakeside in Winter Haven, which sponsored the donation as a way to “pay it forward” after having received an AED for their own eatery. Tanners has donated many other AEDs through CCF.
“We are very grateful to be able to continue to pay it forward to help bring awareness of a lacking piece of equipment every establishment should have,” said Allison Rollins, General Manager at Tanners for 7 years. “We are going to continue to help support the cause and hope others join in.”
Allison and her business had previously sponsored another AED donation. As a close personal friend of CCF founder, Melanie Brown Culpepper, Rollins is proud of the good the non-profit has done for the community.
“Melanie is helping spread the word of this simple but very important need for the community,” Rollins said. “It has already been shown to have a huge impact on the chances of survival if an AED is available and with her helping place these around Polk our whole community is safer.”
Kelly Harris has assisted Melanie with her non-profit organization and with many fundraising events over the years. Her late husband, Jay, had passed away from a heart attack in 2020. Knowing the pain such an incident can cause, she feels assured that such tragedies can be prevented through CCF and its AED donations.
“I lost my husband 2 years ago so I feel very blessed to be able to be a part of this foundation to help save lives,” she said. “If even one life is saved with one of these AEDs [that] Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation has placed, then it will be so worth it!”
Melanie started CCF nearly five years ago following the passing of her late fiancée Michael Culpepper, who passed away from cardiac arrest. Not wanting anyone else to suffer a similar fate, she started CCF to raise proceeds to donate AEDs across the county.
Since its inception, CCF has donated more than 60 AEDs to businesses across Polk County, including Tanner’s Lakeside, Old Man Frank’s, and Caribbean Bay. Later this year, her organization will be hosting its annual Saving Lives Matter fundraiser at Tanner’s Lakeside.
Melanie was pleased about the AED being donated to Floridino’s, as she stated the donation helped honor the memory of Tyler Floridino, the son of the eatery’s founder and his family.
“Tyler was a friend of Michael Culpepper,” she said. “Michael always talked about Tyler to me as a he had meant a lot to Culpepper before he passed. I personally have nothing but love and respect for all of the Floridino family and I was honored to be able to have this AED placed at this location as I know Culpepper would be proud.”
“I would like to add that Melanie is working hard to bring the AED to every business in Polk County,” Floridino Sr. said. “We thank Tanners and Melanie for selecting Floridino’s as a recipient of the AED.”
To learn more, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/honoringculpepper/
What you see is a smiling young boy being given a ride in a fire truck. At a glance, you would never guess that this boy is suffering from a debilitating condition, his spirit won’t let you.
Four-year old Mateo suffers from a condition called neutropenia, where the body has a deficit of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that fights off germs and infections. Anyone with this condition is incredibly susceptible to serious illnesses. The impact on the young boy’s life, his mother says, is profound, “The onset of any fever requires prompt hospitalization, often resulting in hospital admissions. Even a common cold virus can potentially develop into sepsis, a scenario that has previously occurred…Mateo undergoes regular Neupogen injections every other day, which help increase his neutrophil count and reduce the risk of illness.”
Mateo was given a ride in a sports car by the group Dream Cars 4 Kids, he was even given some Hot Wheels to match!
Mateo was first diagnosed with the condition at only one-and-a-half years old, though the illness plagued him since birth. Constant sickness and scarier symptoms like mouth ulcers, ear infections, and abscesses informed his mother that something wasn’t quite right. When the diagnosis came, a journey of persistence and advocacy would begin for the two. His mother recalls, “I immediately undertook an exhaustive research effort, which remains an ongoing priority, as I seek to continually enhance my knowledge. As I adapted and gained valuable insights from multiple hospital stays, I investigated various resources and support networks, pursuing innovative solutions to enhance his care.”
These efforts have blossomed into a social media presence that could bring hope to even the most jaded of folks. Through the screen-name @ChuloStrong, Mateo’s journey is documented on Facebook and Instagram to help bring more awareness to neutropenia. The ups and the downs are there for the world to see, but one theme remains constant: Mateo’s strength. “There’s something special about Mateo – a pure, infectious joy that touches everyone around him.” his mother elaborates, “His compassion shows in the smallest moments, like when he stands in his hospital room doorway during isolation, waving to nurses and spreading smiles throughout the floor. He also loves sitting in the window, eyes lighting up at every sports car that zooms past. Finding joy in the little things.”
A Polk County firefighter shows Mateo how a fire hose works.
Mateo’s persistence has paid off too, as he steps unafraid into a new phase of life: school. As of now, Mateo is enrolled at The Morgan Center, a preschool specializing in educating kids with cancer, but after he turns five, he is planned to transition to a regular school. The risks are not gone however, his doctors have warned that his condition could cause him to miss most of his first year, but Mateo wants to be with his peers; he is incredibly eager to learn.
Mateo around his dream cars.
In the meantime, Mateo and his mother keep busy. The social media is only the tip of the iceberg moving forward: A charity to help families in a similar situation is planned, Mateo himself is a junior ambassador for the National Neutropenia Network, and his mother is always looking for ways to optimize his health. For hose parents struggling in the same way she had, Mateo’s mother had this to say, “Every child and every journey is unique. As a parent, you will progressively learn what benefits your child and what is best for them. It is not easy and there will be difficult days. If you require assistance, support, or simply someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to reach out.”
One year passed since I moved out of Polk County. Recently, my editors were kind enough to finance a business trip allowing me to return to the county and visit for a week. These are some of the highlights of my trip.
Sat. Apr. 5 and Sun, Apr. 6, 2025 (Lakeland)
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It was the weekend of Rockin’ on the Chain in Winter Haven and PreHistoricon in Mulberry. I already wrote articles on both events, so read those for more information.
Instead, I’m going to be sharing what I did in Lakeland on both days.
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After covering both events, I drove to Munn Park in Lakeland for dinner at The Joinery. Took me a while to find a parking space. That evening must have been prom or homecoming, as there were a lot of high school students dressed in fancy clothes. Finally found a parking space several blocks away. It allowed me to stroll through Downtown Lakeland, so that was a plus for me.
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I went to The Joinery twice that weekend. Had a bowl of ramen both times at Sabu Ramen. The first night, I had pork tonkatsu with chili sauce. The next night, spicy miso with marinated egg and extra spicy sauce. (Because you know me: I love my spicy food!)
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I met the woman who runs the food stall. She remembered me from long ago. She was worried that I had stopped coming because I thought the food was terrible. On the contrary, it was because I was forced to move out of town. Otherwise, I would still be a regular customer.
I told her that, of all the ramen places I’ve ever eaten at, none of them have come close to serving ramen as good, if not better, than Sabu Ramen. She thanked me and told me the reason was most likely because they made all of their ingredients homemade. Even their broth are made fresh from scratch, most other places make theirs from powder. (Yup! That sounds about right.)
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On Sunday, I visited Bonnet Springs Park. Hard to believe there’s an entire park in the middle of Lakeland the size of Magic Kingdom. (Bonnet Springs is 168 acres, while MK is only 107.) It’s almost like Central Park in New York City only without the zoo.
However, Bonnet Springs Park has a lot to do, and most all of it is free! Several dozen playgrounds. Outdoor workout equipment. Slides built into the side of hills. Play rivers where you can pump your own water. A treehouse with a slide built into it. And several beautiful trails to walk: one that goes through the wetlands, and another that goes high into the trees.
It’s a pity more cities don’t have similar places to visit. A place people can go to escape the hustle and bustle of the city to enjoy and get lost in the tranquility of nature, and where they can enjoy diverse activities that don’t cost a dime. You can even hop a free tram from one side of the park to the other. I wish there was a similar place up in Virginia. I know my great-nephew and niece would love it.
The Polk County Sheriff’s office is pleased to announce the addition of Juliana Rivera to our team as a Public Information Officer. She brings a fresh enthusiasm and is committed to fostering transparent communication between the agency and the community.
Juliana is a Lakeland native and is a recent graduate from the University of South Florida where she got her Bachelor’s degree in Integrated Public Relations and Advertising. She is equipped with the skills necessary to navigate modern communication channels and ensure the community remains informed through traditional and social media platforms. Juliana is fluent in English and Spanish. Her previous work experience includes working part- time at Publix, and in the restaurant industry in hospitality.
“Juliana comes to us with an impressive resume and a reputation as a very hard worker. She has already proven her commitment to excellent customer service and enhancing our communications strategies. We’re very excited to have her on board!” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
“I am honored to begin working with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office,” said Juliana. “My goal is to ensure that the public has access to accurate, timely information and feels a true connection to the agency. Open communication builds trust, and I am excited to play a role in making that happen.”
She can be reached at [email protected], (863) 298- 6631, or via the PIO On-Call cellphone (863) 370 – 0040.
is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Esther Newbern on April 28, 2025, in Lakeland, Florida, at the age of 80. Born on December 5, 1944, in Memphis, Tennessee.
Throughout her successful career as a commercial insurance analyst, Esther demonstrated dedication and exceptional professionalism, earning the respect of her colleagues. Beyond her professional life, she embraced her passions with joy—whether it was sewing, indulging in delightful meals at her favorite restaurant, Joe’s Stone Crab, or enjoying good films. Esther found great pleasure in listening to the timeless music of legends like Michael Jackson and Prince, which colored her life with rhythm and joy. Esther’s warmth and her unwavering support will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her legacy of love and compassion will continue to inspire those she leaves behind. Esther’s light will forever shine in our hearts.
Esther’s journey through life was marked by kindness, loyalty, and honesty—qualities that endeared her to all who knew her. Esther was preceded in death by her parents, Leon and Juanita Hunter; her beloved husband, Victor Newbern; her brother, Leon Edward Hunter.
Esther is survived by her son, Paul Newbern and her Daughter-in-Law Ingreed Newbern. Her spirit lives on in the hearts of her surviving family members, her sister, Gloria Jean Hunter; her sister-in-law, Betty Hunter and her nephew, Leon Edward Hunter Jr.
