On March 18, 2025, several crews including Polk County Fire Rescue responded to a structure fire on Broken Arrow Trail in Lakeland.
Over a dozen crews responded. The crews were dispatched at 8:18 p.m. and upon arrival found a fully involved shed-like structure. They quickly had water on the fire and had it under control at 9:00 p.m.
Nathaniel Gale, PIO for Polk County Fire Rescue confirmed there were no reported injuries to either crews or civilians.
Obituary for Freda Stone
Life Summary
Freda Catts Stone was born June 19th, 1945 in Ingram County Michigan. Freda was one of 12 children. She was a faithful and dedicated employee of Westgate Resorts, where she was employed for over twenty years.
Freda was preceded in death by her parents Arlie and Dorothy Catts, as well as her brothers Orville, Charles and Vernon and sister Audrey Catts. Also her son Jeffery Stone and husband Albert Stone.
Freda leaves to cherish her memory: 8 sisters Juanita, Thelma, Barbara, Rosie, Ruby, Jewell and Janice. 5 children, Roger, Loretta, Lisa, Kevin and Nathan. Daughter-in-laws Cheryl and Bethany. Son-in-laws Bob and Richard. 12 Grandchildren Augusta, Aiden, Lily, Britney, Heather, Susan, Melissa, Kristin, Albert, Alexandria, Tiffany and Jefferey.
As well as a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and many loving friends.
Funeral and service will be held at Holmes Funeral Home in Haines City on Friday 21st at 11am.
Medical Emergency Leads to Crash on SR-557
Polk County, FL – March 18, 2025
A two-vehicle crash on State Road 557 late Tuesday afternoon resulted in serious injuries for one driver after he suffered a medical emergency behind the wheel.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 5:30 PM, north of Old Lake Alfred Road. A 48-year-old man from St. Cloud was driving a Toyota Camry southbound when he lost control due to a medical episode. His vehicle collided with the rear of a Dodge Ram pickup, which was stopped in traffic.
The Camry’s driver sustained serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. The pickup’s driver, a 50-year-old Winter Haven man, was uninjured. However, a 27-year-old male passenger in the pickup sustained minor injuries and was also taken to a hospital.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, and no further details have been released.
Lakeland PD
Can you help find a WANTED Person?
Sylvester Rhodes (age 34) from Winter Haven, was involved in an altercation on March 11, 2025, in which the victim was stabbed. An arrest warrant has been obtained for Rhodes for AGGRAVATED BATTERY and he is considered armed and dangerous. If you have information on his whereabouts, please do not approach him, but contact the Lakeland Police Department at 863-834-6966.
Persons who wish to remain anonymous can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers:
UPDATE
Individual has been identified.
—————
Original post:
Attempt to Identify:
On March 13, 2025, the Auburndale Police Department (APD) responded to a suspicious incident at the Walmart located at 2120 Highway 92 W, Auburndale, FL. The victim was in the self-checkout line when her husband walked to the restroom. Upon his return, he observed a suspicious individual bending down and taking a photo under the victim’s skirt while she was facing away. The suspect then walked toward the grocery exit of the store.
Suspect Description:
Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective DiGennaro at 863-528-7946 or via email at [email protected].
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Winter Haven man last evening for DUI Manslaughter in the death of a retired PCSO Sergeant who had stopped to remove debris from the roadway when he was hit and killed in Bartow.
Around 7:40 p.m. on Monday, March 17, 2025, PCSO received a 911 call reporting that a pedestrian had been struck on Van Fleet Drive in Bartow just west of the Walmart. The victim, 69-year-old Dan Cooley of Bartow, had pulled his vehicle over onto the northern edge of the road and turned on his hazards, then got out of his vehicle to remove a large tote that had fallen from his vehicle and was creating a roadway hazard in the center lane. The suspect, 50-year-old Aaron Wells of Winter Haven, was driving a 2008 Jaguar S-type westbound in the center lane when he struck Cooley, then came to a stop.
First responders arrived and performed life-saving measures on Cooley and transported him to Bartow Regional Medical Center. He was resuscitated multiple times but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
Deputies at the scene detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage from Aaron Wells, who also had slurred speech and watery eyes. Deputies performed field sobriety tests, during which Wells displayed signs of impairment. He was placed under arrested and transported to the Sheriff’s Processing Center, where he attempted to manipulate the breath alcohol test by not providing ample breath. The test still measured his breath samples at .092 and .105 (the legal threshold is .08). He told deputies he drank several beers prior to driving. An 11-year-old girl was also in the car, and fortunately, was not injured.
Wells was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with DUI manslaughter (F2), and negligent child abuse (F3).
“Sergeant Dan Cooley was a public servant for over 20 years, and had been enjoying retirement for nearly as long, when he was tragically and senselessly struck and killed by an impaired motorist. The driver clearly has no regard for human life – not only choosing to get behind the wheel drunk, but doing so with a child in the car. Our prayers are with Dan Cooley’s family and loved ones.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Sergeant Dan Cooley was hired as a detention deputy in March 1986. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in January 2002, and he retired in June 2007.
Two Arrested for Firing Shots from Pickup Truck in Eagle Lake Incident
Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to multiple calls about shots being fired from a pickup truck in Eagle Lake early on Sunday morning, March 16th, around 3:26 a.m. Callers described the truck as a black Ford F-150.
The events unfolded as follows:
The Ford F-150 left a residence in the Eagle Hammock neighborhood, located off Eagle Lake Loop Road. One gunshot was fired into the air.
The truck then stopped at the boat ramp near Lake McCloud, where several additional shots were fired into the lake.
Next, the truck traveled to a RaceTrac gas station at US 17 and State Road 540, located north of Eagle Lake. At the station, the truck’s tires began squealing deliberately. Two members of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office— a Crime Information Center Operator and a Crime Analyst— who were on a meal break at the store, observed the reckless driving and noted the truck’s license plate number, subsequently reporting it.
As the truck left the RaceTrac, another shot was fired from the vehicle, this time into the ground.
The Ford F-150 continued westward and pulled into the Circle K at the intersection of SR 540 and Spirit Lake, where another gunshot was discharged.
Deputies located the truck shortly afterward and conducted a traffic stop at the RaceTrac on SR 540 at Thornhill Rd. The four occupants were detained, with two of them being juveniles. The minors were released to their parents, as they were not charged.
The two adult suspects, identified as 21-year-old Evan Thompson of Bartow and 22-year-old Devon Mailhot of Eagle Lake, were found to be the individuals who fired the shots. Two firearms— a PSA Dagger 9mm and a S&W Shield 9mm— were recovered from the truck. The S&W firearm had been reported stolen in Hernando County in 2023.
Both Evan Thompson and Devon Mailhot were arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and charged with two counts of Discharging a Firearm from a Vehicle within 1000 Feet of a Person (a second-degree felony).
The investigation is ongoing.
February 8th, 1947 – March 1st, 2025
George Orville Tallman, Jr., born February 8, 1947, in Plattsburgh, New York, son of George and Doris (LaForest) Tallman, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on March 1, 2025, in Winter Haven, Florida.
A man whose life was defined by dedication and service, George’s legacy lives on through his enduring contributions to family, community, and country. George was a devoted husband to Donna Tallman of 51 years and a cherished father to daughters Natasha (Rob) Bever of Delanson, NY, and Danielle (Ray) Taylor of Broadalbin, NY. He was a beloved grandfather to Dylan Tallman, Trystan Tallman, Lucas Taylor, and Lauren Taylor. Family bonds stretched far beyond his immediate household, reaching across the country to his sisters, Sue (Mike) Spofford of Plattsburgh, NY, Crystal (Rick) Carter of Chazy, NY, Pamela (Mark) Cayea of Ganesvoort, NY, Joan (Cliff) Sterling of Rouses Point, NY , and Melissa (Brian) LaRock of Winter Haven, FL, Brother-in-law Reg Mesec of Morrisonville, NY, sister-in-law Shirley Norton of Boerne, TX, Darlene DiBernardo of Rouses Point, NY, and brother-in-law Alan (Rosie) Babbie of Dannemora, NY, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
In life, he was preceded by his parents, his sister, Debbie Mesec and brother-in-law Jack Norton. A proud American, George served with honor in the United States Army, where he courageously participated in the Vietnam War. After his military service, he applied his work ethic as a steelworker, retiring from General Electric Turbines. His labor there was not just professional; it was a continuation of the values of strength and reliability he held dear. George was always willing to drop everything at a moments notice to help anyone in need. George was an integral member of his community, bound by fellowship to Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Delanson, NY, and deeply engaged with Elks Lodge #2507, Moose Lodge #853, Knights of Columbus #14961, American Legion Post 912, and VFW Post 1418. Each organization benefited from his camaraderie and dedication, living examples of his belief in unity and service. George was an avid hunter, enjoyed playing poker, and was an accomplished woodworker following in his father’s footsteps. George enjoyed many past times which included riding his Goldwing, and he became an honorary member of the Ogres Motorcycle Club. He was always the life of the party and believed a stranger was just a friend he hadn’t met yet. You could always find George dressing up as Santa at Christmas time bringing smiles to children of all ages. George had a love for his family and friends that will remain with us for eternity.A
Funeral Mass was held at 9:00 AM on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Winter Haven, FL. A celebration of life and memorial mass will be held in the Spring in New York.
As an expression of sympathy and in recognition of his loyalty to community service, memorial donations can be made in George’s name to Elks Lodge #2507, located at 111 Main St., Esperance, NY 12066.
Editor Note: Exact cuts or program specifics are currently not known at this time. For example several potential proposals would limit purchase items under SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) such as sodas and candies, but it could also involve much more.
Press Release- Florida Policy Institute
DAVENPORT, Florida – On Wednesday, March 19 from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., Florida Policy Institute (FPI), Florida Impact, and Florida Voices for Health, in conjunction with the Safety Net Advocacy Coalition (SNAC), are hosting an in-person town hall meeting at the Community of Faith United Methodist Church in Davenport. The purpose of the event is to discuss proposed federal cuts to food and health care assistance programs, what they would mean for everyday Floridians, and how community members can get involved to defend these critical programs.
WHAT: Town hall featuring a panel discussion on the proposed federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, followed by a Q&A session with community members.
WHO: The panel will be moderated by Sadaf Knight, CEO of FPI. Panelists include-
WHEN: Wednesday, March 19, from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.
WHERE: Community of Faith United Methodist Church, 9120 Teacher Ln, Davenport, FL 33897
HOW TO RSVP: Seating is limited — advance registration is required. Click here to register. Members of the media are welcome to attend. Email Sonia Lindell, FPI, at [email protected] to set up an interview with any of the panelists.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/BACKGROUND:
Proposals advancing in Congress would cut over $1 trillion in funding for Medicaid, SNAP, and other essential programs that Floridians rely on. The cuts would put health care access and food security at risk for Floridians across the state, including seniors, children, and working families.
In Polk County, 199,700 people receive Medicaid benefits and 154,700 participate in SNAP; in Osceola County, 108,000 people receive Medicaid benefits and 73,500 participate in SNAP, according to recent data.
FORT MEADE, FL – Dorothy Jean’s Dream Initiative, Inc. will present the 4th Annual Central Florida
Soul Music Festival (CFSMF) in Downtown Fort Meade, Florida, on Saturday, March 22, and Sunday,
March 23, 2025. This year’s headliner is Grammy Award winning artist Chrisette Michele, and will feature
three-time Grammy Award nominated gospel artist Anita Wilson, and “The Voice” semifinalist Makenzie.
The festival is free and open to the public.
“Soul Saturday” will start at 11 am until 10 pm, and will be filled with soulful acts performing songs that
we all know and love. It will culminate with an entertaining performance by Chrisette Michele. “Spirit
Sunday” will go from 11 am until 8 pm. There will be performances throughout both days from national
and local artists, including some of Central Florida’s best young talent.
“We are excited and encouraged by the continued support from our community for this event,” said festival
founder Jaret Landon. “We are looking forward to everyone coming out and enjoying themselves in a
positive and enriching environment. Each year we add more vendors and sponsors which gives us
confidence that we are filling an important need. My mother would be so happy to see what we have built.
”
The festival had been a one-day event in previous years, but expanded to two days and longer hours due to
overwhelming public response. This year’s event will also feature two performance stages. Both days will
feature vendors selling great food and wonderful wares. The food experience is going to be fantastic with
confirmed food vendors serving a range of dishes, including seafood, barbeque, conch salad and other
Bahamian dishes, handmade lemonades, Jamaican cuisine, Italian Ice, and other great food.
The CFSMF was created by arts visionary Jaret Landon, in honor of his late mother’s dream for him to
bring arts to the world through his talent and determination. Dorothy Jean Williams is the namesake of the
foundation that organizes the event.
There are a limited number of vendor spaces open and space can be reserved by visiting
fmcitycenterplaza.as.me. There are also sponsor opportunities available by contacting 470.249.5800.
Anyone needing general information about the festival can contact 863.622.2955.
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