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All Saints Academy Recognized for 2nd Place Victory at National High School Ethics Bowl with City Proclamation

All Saints Academy Recognized for 2nd Place Victory at National High School Ethics Bowl with City Proclamation

by James Coulter

 All Saints Academy was recognized for placing second at a national debate competition with an official proclamation by the City of Winter Haven.

At their regular meeting on Mon. Apr. 28, the Winter Haven City Commission presented a proclamation honoring students from All Saints Academy for placing second at the National High School Ethics Bowl.

Even though the school did not win first place at the competition, nevertheless, their victory, as stated in the proclamation served as “an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects the school’s dedication to academic excellence and principled leadership.”

“The achievements of these students serve as an inspiration to their peers and a reminder of the power of ethical thinking, respectful dialogue, and academic excellence,” the proclamation read.

 The team that participated in the competition and won second place consisted of students Madeline Booker, Renzo Lyon, and Franklin “Franlde” McLaughlin, and their coach Geoffrey Smith.

 The students competed alongside more than 4,000 other students from across the nation during the National High School Ethics Bowl hosted earlier this month in Chapel Hill, NC.

 As the proclamation explained, this national competition “promotes respectful and thoughtful dialogue on issues, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, empathy, and a commitment to civil discourse – skills that are vital to the health of our democracy and the well-being of our communities.”

 “Thank you so much for this great honor,” a representative from All Saints Academy said. “It is such a blessing and such an honor to be here and to represent All Saints in this way. It is not every day you get to see such amazing young people who will become the leaders of our community in the future to be honored and celebrated this way. So, thank you for taking the time of honoring them.”

Two Lakeland Men Die After U.S. 98 Crash Near Home Depot

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Lakeland, FL – A tragic crash earlier this week has claimed the lives of two Lakeland residents following a serious collision near the Home Depot on U.S. Highway 98 North.

The accident occurred on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, just after noon. At approximately 12:09 p.m., officers with the Lakeland Police Department responded to reports of a traffic crash in the 2800 block of U.S. 98 North, near the entrance to the Home Depot parking lot.

According to the preliminary investigation, a 2012 silver Toyota Camry, driven by 71-year-old Willie Williams of Lakeland, was exiting the Home Depot parking lot and attempting to turn left across traffic. At that same moment, a 2003 silver Porsche 911, operated by 67-year-old Craig Jensen, also of Lakeland, was traveling northbound in the inside lane of U.S. 98.

As the Toyota entered the roadway, it collided with the Porsche. The front left bumper of the Toyota struck the front right bumper of the Porsche, resulting in significant damage to both vehicles.

Emergency personnel from the Lakeland Police Department, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department quickly arrived on scene and began life-saving efforts. Both drivers were transported to Lakeland Regional Health with serious injuries.

Sadly, despite the efforts of medical professionals, both drivers later died as a result of their injuries. Willie Williams passed away on May 2, and Craig Jensen succumbed to his injuries on May 3.

The Lakeland Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the scene and is continuing the investigation. The northbound lanes of U.S. 98 were closed for approximately two hours on Tuesday afternoon while investigators processed the crash site.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Officer Travis Payne at [email protected].

This is a developing story and remains under active investigation.

Mayor Proclaims May 5–9, 2025, as Girls Inc Week

City of Winter Haven, FL –

Mayor Nathaniel J. Birdsong Jr. proclaims May 5–9, 2025, as Girls Inc Week! For over 160 years, Girls Inc has empowered generations of young women to be strong, smart, and bold.

Peggy Threlkel, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Winter Haven, shared:
“We greatly appreciate being recognized for the work we do in the community, inspiring girls to be strong, smart, and bold since 1948.”

Mental Health Leaders, Survivors Inspire & Discuss Current Challenges At Polk County Behavioral Health Summit

Bartow, Fla. (May 2, 2025) — Polk County’s Health and Human Services Division partnered with Polk Vision to host the second annual Conversations in Behavioral Health Summit on Thursday. More than 230 parents, mental health professionals and residents attended the summit.

“I can’t think of a better way to kick off Mental Health Awareness Month than with an event about the power of hope and healing,” said Holly Vida, Behavioral Health Program Manager for Polk County. “I’m thankful to all of our speakers who shared their experiences with mental health struggles and to the professionals who participated in helping to make the day a tremendous success.”

The day’s presenters included:

  • Johnny Crowder, founder of Cope Notes® and suicide/abuse survivor
  • Anthony Alvarado, founder of RISE TOGETHER and an advocate for mental wellness
  • Trish Kendall, a trauma and addiction survivor
  • Fred Heid, Polk County Public Schools superintendent
  • Ellen Snelling, M.S., public health advocate, educator and policy leader
  • Risdon Slate, Ph.D., professor emeritus of criminology for Florida Southern College

Community health care partners, including nonprofit and mental health organizations as well as Polk HealthCare Plan representatives also attended. Event participants had the opportunity to network with the organizations and learn about available resources in between speakers.

Fred Heid, Polk County Public Schools superintendent

This event was funded by the Polk County Government and a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Haines City: Huffman Sworn in as Commissioner; Arroyo Bids Farewell as Mayor

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BY ANITA TODD

HAINES CITY – The City of Haines City’s City Hall Commission Chambers were nearly at capacity during the May 1 meeting. Many attendees came to witness the swearing-in of newly re-elected Commissioner Anne Huffman, while others were there to express gratitude and bid farewell to outgoing Mayor Omar Arroyo.

Anne Huffman was re-elected on April 30 in a runoff election, defeating challenger Horace West for Seat 5. Huffman secured 1,110 votes, accounting for 53.4 percent of the total, while West received 969 votes, or 46.6 percent.

The front of the room was filled with Huffman’s friends, family, and other well-wishers as she was sworn in. After taking the oath, she described the win as a victory for the entire city.

“We won. Not Anne Huffman won. We the City won,” she said. “Now is the time to bring the Oakland community … to unify it because it was definitely divided. Not the rest of the City. I’ve already reached out to the ones who did not vote for me, to meet with me. I hope we can set aside any personal differences and come together for the good of the entire City.”

Last summer, Huffman received a heart transplant following a heart attack.

“With this new heart — my donor was 35. I’m 64, so it was like putting a race car engine into a Volkswagon,” she said.

She encouraged residents to come to her. She said, “Your concerns, are my concerns.”

Arroyo spoke briefly about his year serving as mayor.

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“I’m sad but I’m happy too. It was a privilege and an honor. I want to thank my family, and, of course, God. He’s the one who is going to put me where He wants me,” Arroyo said. “Please call me if I make a mistake, otherwise I won’t know.”

The five City Commission seats each carry a four-year term. Every year, the commissioners elect a new mayor and vice mayor. The Commission meets at 7 p.m. every first and third Thursday of the month in the City Hall Commission Chambers.

ADVERTISEMENT OF SALE

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Notice is hereby given that Lake Wales Storage intends to sell the property described below to enforce a lien under the Florida Self Storage Facility Act, Statutes (section 83.80-83.809). The owner will sell at public auction on or after May 15,2025 at 10:00 am at storageauctions.com 

Units belonging to the following:

Shavonski Rahett /UNIT #218

This sale will be continued on such succeeding sale days thereafter as may be necessary to be completed. *Unless otherwise noted units contain household items. 

Prom Night Chaos: Gunfire Breaks Out at Packed Gathering in Davenport

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Update to: EARLY MORNING SHOOTING IN DAVENPORT LEAVES TWO INJURED, INVESTIGATION ONGOING

At 3:38 a.m. on Sunday, May 4, 2025, PCSO received 911 calls reporting a shooting that occurred outside on Famagusta Drive in Davenport. At least one caller reported a group of males who were fighting and then began shooting at each other. The first responding deputies observed several people running and/or driving away from the scene. There were over 100 people and several vehicles at the scene. A perimeter was quickly established. Deputies quickly learned that one victim was taken to a local hospital by friends, and detectives responded there to interview him. Another victim was located at the scene. Both had non-life-threatening injuries. Later that day a third victim was located and all three were interviewed.

 

During the investigation it was learned that several schools in the Orlando area held annual proms the evening of May 3rd, and subsequent prom after-parties ensued in Osceola County at various Air BNBs. The parties were shut down by law enforcement in that county, and the revelers relocated to a Wawa on Osceola Polk Line Road. The store personnel told the crowd they were contacting law enforcement, at which time the crowd moved to the condo parking lot on Famagusta Drive, playing loud music from their vehicles and blocking the roads. Many of the condos in this complex are short-term rentals.

 

According to the three injured victims, they were seated in a parked car at the scene and heard several males arguing, then heard gunfire. One victim, a 17-year-old female, received a graze wound to the forehead, and she was treated and released from the hospital. One victim, an 18-year-old male, received a graze wound to the shoulder and forehead. One victim had debris (not believed to be a bullet or bullet fragments) in his eye – he will be 18 in two weeks. The two male victims are still being treated at local hospitals. They are not believed to have been targeted by any shooters and were likely injured due to being in the crossfire.

This investigation is ongoing. We encourage anyone with information to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200 or anonymously reach out to Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-888-400-TIPSor vial their mobile app.

Boil Water Notice – City of Lake Alfred

5/6/25 Update

Boil Water Notice Rescinded – City of Lake Alfred

We’re pleased to announce that the Precautionary Boil Water Notice issued on May 4, 2025, has been officially RESCINDED.

After completing the required testing, we received two consecutive days of clear bacteriological results confirming the water is SAFE to use and drink.

You may now resume normal use of tap water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and other household needs.

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this process.

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Precautionary Boil Water Notice 5/5/25 Update – City of Lake Alfred

We’d like to provide a quick update regarding the Citywide Precautionary Boil Water Notice currently in effect.
The boil water notice remains in effect until further notice, as we are currently still awaiting the bacteriological samples from the lab. We are actively following state testing protocols and will lift the notice upon receiving two consecutive days of lab results to confirm the water is safe to drink. This process typically takes around 72 hours, depending on lab timing.

In the meantime, please continue to boil all water for at least one (1) minute before using it for:
• Drinking
• Cooking
• Brushing teeth
• Washing dishes
We will provide a daily update and appreciate your patience as we work to ensure the safety of Lake Alfred’s water system.

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Original post

City of Lake Alfred, Fl –

Boil Water Notice – City of Lake Alfred

Due to a power outage that resulted in a loss of water pressure, the City of Lake Alfred is issuing a Citywide Precautionary Boil Water Notice.

Effective Immediately – May 4, 2025

Until further notice, all water used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or washing dishes should be boiled for at least one (1) minute or use bottled water.

This notice is in place as a precaution to protect public health. A loss of pressure can allow contaminants to enter the water system.

This “Precautionary Boil Water Notice” will remain in effect until bacteriological testing shows that the water is safe to drink. We are unable to provide an exact time for the rescission of this notice. However, we estimate the time to be no more than 72 hours.

If you have any questions you may contact the City of Lake Alfred Utilities Department at (863) 298-5458.

Polk County Utilities Limits Lawn Watering to Twice Per Week

Polk County Government – Polk County Utilities customers are limited to watering their lawns twice per week on their designated days. Restrictions apply to both residential and commercial customers of unincorporated Polk. Homeowners who fail to adhere to these restrictions may face fines. For more information, please visit: https://www.polk-county.net/services/utilities/water-restrictions/

If you are not a customer of Polk County Utilities, please reach out to your utility service provider to learn about your watering restrictions.

Early Morning Shooting in Davenport Leaves Two Injured, Investigation Ongoing

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Davenport, FL – A chaotic scene unfolded in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 4, after gunfire erupted during a reported fight on Famagusta Drive in Davenport.

According to Carrie Horstman, Public Information Officer with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to the neighborhood around 3:38 a.m. following multiple 911 calls. At least one caller reported a group of males fighting, which escalated into a shooting.

When deputies arrived on scene, they witnessed several individuals either fleeing on foot or driving away. A perimeter was quickly set up as law enforcement worked to secure the area and identify those involved.

Two male victims have been confirmed with non-life-threatening injuries—one transported to a local hospital by a friend or relative, and another found at the scene. Detectives responded to the hospital to gather statements and continue their investigation.

Authorities believe the incident may have followed a loud gathering or party, and that the individuals involved are likely young men in their late teens or early 20s.

The investigation is still active, and detectives are working to locate and interview additional witnesses. No further victims have been identified at this time. More updates are expected as the case develops.