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Bartow Motorcyclist Arrested After Allegedly Fleeing Scene

Carl Fish
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Bartow Motorcyclist Arrested After Allegedly Fleeing Scene

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

Some days, you’re lucky.

And some days, you’re like 31-year old Taron Todd of Bartow.

On Wednesday, March 26th, just before 3pm, a minor crash occurred between a Toyota sedan and a motorcycle at Transport Road and US 17 in Winter Haven. The motorcycle fled from the scene, but the Toyota driver called 911 and followed the motorcycle.

When a deputy caught up to the motorcycle, he recognized the driver as Taron.

The deputy tried to perform a traffic stop, but Taron was committed to his attempt to get away.

His attempt slowly sputtered. Or more accurately, the motorcycle engine sputtered…as if the bike was out of gas.

As the motorcycle began to slow, Taron threw his arms up in the air, then pulled over and dismounted from the bike.

As the deputy exited his patrol car, Taron threw his hands up in disgust again and shouted, “”****, man, I barely hit that guy, I was trying to get away from him, he was chasing me, then you got behind me and I was like ****.” Dude began and ended that sentence with the same word.

Taron was #ArrestedByThePolkCountySheriffsOffice and taken to the Polk County Jail where he was charged with: Aggravated Fleeing the Scene of a Crash with Damages, Littering, Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Property Damage, Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia, Driving without a Valid License, Resisting, Driving an Unregistered Vehicle, and Operating a Motorcycle without a License.

In Loving Memory of Susan Marie Andrews

Staff Reporter
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In Loving Memory of Susan Marie Andrews
OBITUARY

Susan Marie Andrews

JUNE 7, 1950 – MARCH 19, 2025

Susan Marie Andrews, age 74, of Winter Haven, Florida passed away on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. She was born on June 7, 1950 in Allegan Michigan. Susan moved to Lakeland FL. and studied nursing and radiologic technology at Lakeland Regional Hospital. She married Richard Andrews at First Presbyterian Church in 1971. They settled in Winter Haven in 1975. She raised three children, and supported Grace Lutheran Church community in many ways, including caring for young children in daycare. Susan worked as a x-ray technician for over 20 years in Winter Haven. She traveled widely throughout the United States with her husband in their airstream, and later in life, explored many foreign countries with her family – including Guatemala, Australia, Serbia, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia and Italy. Susan was beloved by her family and loved by all her friends.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Wilfred V. Sandahl and Marian A. Sandahl (nee Dunfield), and two brothers, Richard and Edward Sandahl. Shie is survived by her husband, Richard Spears Andrews, her children: Todd Andrews (Shateel Bin Salah), Julie Beasley (Kevin Beasley), and Sarah Andrews, brothers: James, Charles, and Joseph Sandahl, and grandchildren: Grace Beasley, Gabriel Beasley, Daniel Beasley, Susana Beasley, Elizabeth Beasley, Chloe Beasley, and Myah Beasley.

A memorial service for Susan was held Friday, March 21, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Grace Lutheran Church, 327 Avenue C SE, Winter Haven, FL. A graveside service occurred Monday, March 24, 2025 at 11:30 AM at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Grace Lutheran Church.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Fraud Suspect In The United States Illegally

Carl Fish
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Polk County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Fraud Suspect In The United States Illegally

Polk County Sheriff’s Press Release

Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrests fraud suspect in the United States illegally

A 44-year old man from Mexico who is in the United States illegally, was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and charged with four fraud-related felonies.

Edgar Flores Robles, was taken into custody by PCSO deputies on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. He used another man’s identification to gain employment at a Winter Haven business.

A victim discovered on January 26, 2025 that his identity was being used by someone else for employment purposes at Carpenter Contractors of America in Winter Haven.

PCSO detectives went to the business and made contact with their Human Resources Department. They were provided documentation showing the victim’s name and date of birth, and copies of the victim’s Social Security card and Passport card.

The victim said he had lost his wallet in Plant City a few years ago, and his Social Security card and Passport identification were in it at that time.

Robles has been employed by the company since March 24, 2024, and has received approximately $27,000 in wages by using the victim’s identity.

A representative from Immigration and Customs Enforcement reported that Robles entered the United States on April 11, 2019 under a H2A Visa, with admittance until June 11, 2019, but he remained in the country illegally, and is listed as a non-immigrant overstay.

“Identity theft can be a very difficult and time-consuming crime for someone to recover from. Had our suspect left the country when he was supposed to, this crime may have never occurred against the victim.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.

Robles’ charges would have amounted to three felonies and one misdemeanor, but due to him being an unauthorized alien, each charge is enhanced by one degree. His enhanced charges are: Obtain Property by Fraud (F1), Utter False Instrument (F2), Criminal Use of Personal Information (F2), and Unlawful Possession of Personal Identification (F3)

Auburndale Police Department Supporting Autism – Shirts for Sale

Staff Reporter
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Auburndale Police Department Supporting Autism – Shirts for Sale

Auburndale Police Department-

Autism Awareness Shirts are on sale for $30. Pens are $5. Both can be purchased at the Auburndale Police Department (2 Bobby Green Plaza, Auburndale, FL 33823).

Shirts will be available starting April 2nd – April 30th!

Checks (made payable to the City of Auburndale) or Cash / Card.

All proceeds will be donated to Victory Ridge Academy.

For more information, please contact (863) 965-5555.

City of Winter Haven Bans Vaping in City Parks and on Public Benches

Staff Reporter
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City of Winter Haven Bans Vaping in City Parks and on Public Benches

Want to take a stroll in the park? Relax on a park bench? And take a puff of your vape or cigarette?

 

Whoa! Not so fast!

 

You won’t be able to do that, especially now that the City of Winter Haven has officially banned all forms of smoking, including vaping, (with the exception of unfiltered cigars) from public parks and benches within the city limits.

 

At their meeting on Mon. Mar. 24, Winter Haven city commissioners voted unanimously to approve the second reading of an ordinance banning all forms of smoking, which includes, vaping in city parks and on public benches.

 

The only exception made was for unfiltered cigars. Otherwise, most other forms of smoking and vaping have been prohibited.As Katrina D. Hill, Director of Public Affairs and Communications, explained: “This exception [for unfiltered cigars] is in place due to state statute that, as a City, we cannot overrule.”

 

The ordinance was created in compliance with Section 386.209 of the Florida Statutes, which “authorizes municipalities to adopt and enforce restrictions as to smoking within the boundaries of any public parks and/or public beaches that the municipality owns and/or leases.”

 

A similar ordinance had been adopted by The Board of County Commissioners for Polk County on Nov. 7, 2023, which prohibited vaping and smoking within public parks owned or leased by the county.

 

The City of Winter Haven adopted its own ordinance in an effort “to affirm and promote a healthy environment” within the city limits, wrote Charlie Bird, Assistant City Manager of Public Safety, wrote in the city agenda memo.

 

No private businesses are expected to be impacted by this new ordinance, as there is no “no direct economic impact on private, for-profit business”, nor any new charges, fees, or compliance costs to be incurred upon local businesses, Bird wrote.

 

“However, there may potentially be indirect impacts on the sale of tobacco products within the City but such potential impacts are so de-minimus and/or negligible that same are not ascertainable,” he wrote.

 

Photo source haiberliu from Pixabay

Rockin’ on the Chain Presents $25,000 Check to Victory Ridge in Lake Wales

Staff Reporter
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Rockin’ on the Chain Presents $25,000 Check to Victory Ridge in Lake Wales

By Kip Kirchberg

Lake Wales, FL – The Rockin’ on the Chain committee kicked off this year’s fundraising efforts in style, presenting a generous $25,000 check to Victory Ridge in Lake Wales. The donation, raised during the 2024 Rockin’ on the Chain event through the group’s tireless efforts, will support students with autism and special needs right here in Polk County.

Rockin’ on the Chain, a beloved local fundraising event, has a history of making a big impact. Over the past few years, the organization has raised funds to build a sensory garden at the Winter Haven Library, providing a calming and inclusive space for the community.

Steve Whitaker, along with his team at Victory Ridge, expressed deep gratitude for the donation. “This is nothing we ever expected, but it’s greatly appreciated,” Whitaker said, highlighting the meaningful difference the funds will make for their students.

Steve Whitaker sharing with Carl co-founder of Daily Ridge how this donation will benefit Victory Ridge and the students

Joey Foley, a key member of the Rockin’ on the Chain team, emphasized the group’s commitment to keeping their efforts local. “Our main goal, and always has been, is to make sure that everything we do as an organization stays right here in Polk County,” Foley shared. The team’s hard work ensures that every dollar raised goes directly to helping those in need within the community.

Foley also extended a heartfelt thank-you to Lora Donnley, whose guidance was instrumental in establishing Rockin’ on the Chain as an official organization. “Because of her involvement with Victory Ridge, we felt honored to present this check,” he added.

The excitement doesn’t stop there. The annual Rockin’ on the Chain Benefiting Autism Special Needs event is just around the corner, set for April 4th, 5th, and 6th at Tanners Lakeside in Winter Haven. This fun-filled weekend music festival promises something for everyone, featuring live entertainment from talented local Polk County musicians. Attendees can also enjoy food trucks, a kids’ zone, raffles, a 50/50 drawing, live auctions and more— This year, all proceeds from the event will be given to the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation.

Mark your calendars and join the Rockin’ on the Chain team for a weekend of music, community, and giving back. Together, they’re proving that Polk County knows how to rock for a cause.

Redundant Well Approved To Utilize Water Plant

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Redundant Well Approved To Utilize Water Plant

Davenport

by: Capers Gay

March 25, 2025

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A redundant aquifer well is being proposed to prevent possible disservice of a local water treatment plant. Located along North Boulevard West with the nearby No. 4 well, well No. 7 would be drilled into the ground to collect groundwater and pump it back to the plant.

The company CPH Consulting would provide its services for the design and construction administration of this well. After permits and schedules have been figured out, the design phase would begin. Both phases are estimated to take 180 days after their Notice-to-Proceed, finishing the design by August.

Given that the capacity of this well is desired to be 1,500 gpm (gallons per minute of water flow), No. 7 is expected to be a steel construction with a diameter of 36 ft. The diameter would incrementally decrease as the hole travels to its depth of 650 ft below land surface. This is an increase in scope compared to No. 4 which has a maximum diameter of 24 ft, and a depth of 558 ft below land surface. For its services, CPH wants $94,262 from the Water Budget in Capital Improvements.

Proposed exploration well to determine ground composition, data used here was collected from the past drilling of nearby well #4, which this new well will supplant in the event of a malfunction

On March 17th, city officials heard the proposal at the City Commission Meeting. Davenport Utilities Director Michael Stripling explained the need for the well, “Right now well No. 4 is the only well that serves water plant No. 2. If something were to happen to well No. 4, that water treatment plant would be out of service. So this is a redundant well; it has been contemplated in our water use permit, it has been contemplated in the budget.” Stripling noted that this motion would only approve the design stage of the project. Stripling aims to complete the redundancy quickly before development begins on well No. 8, the alternative water supply well.

The proposal was unanimously approved with no comment from the public. Given the fast-tracking of this project, bidding services for construction contractors can be expected to begin soon. From there, construction is estimated to take 3-4 months once the winning contractor mobilizes on the site.

Bicyclist Struck And Killed In Davenport Crash

Carl Fish
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Bicyclist Struck And Killed In Davenport Crash

The PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating the death of a bicyclist that occurred as a result of a traffic crash in Davenport on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.

 

According to the preliminary investigation so far, around 12:40 p.m., a 62-year-old Davenport woman was stopped at the stop sign on Pinewood Drive at the intersection with Ronald Reagan Parkway, in her 2009 gold Toyota RAV4. At the same time, a man and woman were on their bicycles heading east on the sidewalk along Ronald Reagan Pkwy. The man proceeded across Pinewood, while his wife stopped on the sidewalk. The driver of the Toyota was looking east for westbound traffic, and then turned right to head west onto Ronald Reagan. The female bicyclist had just entered Pinewood at that time, and was struck by the Toyota. Despite life-saving efforts at the scene, she succumbed to her injuries. She was 65-years-old and visiting from Canada.

 

The PCSO Is Conducting Death Investigation That Initiated After Florida Avenue Crash

Carl Fish
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The PCSO Is Conducting Death Investigation That Initiated After Florida Avenue Crash

The PCSO is conducting a death investigation that was initiated yesterday after a traffic crash on South Florida Avenue in Lakeland.

 

Around 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25th, the decedent, an 80-year-old Mulberry woman, appears to have had a medical episode while driving a 1997 Toyota Corolla southbound on S. Fl. when it crashed into the right front passenger side of a 2014 Toyota that was crossing the southbound lanes to enter the business plaza. The Corolla then proceeded over the grass shoulder and into the parking lot of the Pop-Shelf store, striking a parked and unoccupied car in the lot, before coming to a stop. There was no evidence of evasive measures or braking by the Corolla. She was declared deceased at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office clarified rumors that a pedestrian was involved. “Despite the online rumors, there were no pedestrians involved.” Said Carrie Horstman, Public Information Officer PCSO

Bargain Barn Road Relocation Continues With Force Main Change

Staff Reporter
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Bargain Barn Road Relocation Continues With Force Main Change

Davenport

by: Capers Gay

March 25, 2025

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Image of Bargain Barn Road c. 2022, provided by Google Maps (adjusted to remove personal info)

At the March 17th Davenport City Commission Meeting, city officials were requested to authorize a construction inspection for the change of a force main along Bargain Barn Road to continue the road’s relocation. This is part of the larger initiative to realign Powerline Road, which Bargain Barn is connected to. A force main is used to carry wastewater through pressure when gravity isn’t enough, so this change is necessary.

The construction inspection includes surveying the road itself: its dimensions, nearby trees, right-of-ways, and markings. After that, SUE services (standing for Subsurface Utility Engineering) are carried out to determine the precise location of underground utilities such as powerlines and wastewater pipes. From there, the design of the project can begin, with detailed drawings, surveys, and permits to be submitted to the city and regulatory agencies for approval.

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Image of old force main provided by the Engineering Training Institute website

City Utilities Director Michael Stripling explained, “This project is not only the redesign because we’re changing the location of Bargain Barn Road. So initially, when we went and designed this a year and a half ago, it was directly up 90 and on 17/92 to make the connection with future Powerline Road. Now, we’re redesigning because we’re going to relocate Bargain Barn Road, so we need to move that force main.” Stripling commented that most of the project’s budget was going towards the construction inspection. Mayor Summerlin, heading the meeting, joked, “So we’re gonna save a little money because we take out two 90s?” Chuckling, Stripling responded “We’re gonna add a bunch of 45s, cause that road now curves!” “I had to ask.” the mayor quipped.

Chastain Skillman, a company known for its civil and utility engineering services, have been selected for the project, and $130,000 from the city’s Water Distribution Wastewater Collection Budget has been authorized for this stage of the project, along with a $2,000 licensing fee for encroachment on the railroad as Stripling explained, “The force main from Bargain Barn Road is going to cross underneath the railroad. It’s one more avenue for us to bring sewer from the east side of the city to the wastewater plant that’s on the west side.” The authorization was unanimously approved.

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