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Man Killed In Semi Vs SUV Crash On S.R. 60

Carl Fish
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Man Killed In Semi Vs SUV Crash On S.R. 60

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a fatal two-vehicle crash near Bartow Thursday evening, March 6, 2025.

Deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched at around 8:45 pm to the 3000 block of State Road 60, which is approximately two miles west of Bartow. 

The crash involved a black Honda Pilot SUV and a blue Peterbilt semi-truck and tanker. 

The adult male driver of the Honda was found deceased in his vehicle; the driver of the semi-truck was not injured.

Based on evidence and witness statements, it was determined that the semi-truck was exiting a property on the south side of SR 60,  and was crossing eastbound lanes in order to enter the westbound lanes (by making a left turn).

The Honda was traveling east at a very high rate of speed, and collided with the rear wheels of the tanker trailer with such force that it lifted the empty 30,000-pound trailer off of the ground and into the westbound lanes.

The deceased driver was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash. 

No charges are anticipated, but the crash remains under investigation. 

State Road 60 was closed in both directions for approximately four hours.

In Loving Memory of Margie R. McKee of Winter Haven

Staff Reporter
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In Loving Memory of Margie R. McKee of Winter Haven

Margie R. McKee

December 2nd, 1937 – March 2nd, 2025

Margie Mclendon McKee, 87, of Winter Haven, peacefully passed away on March 2, 2025 at home with family by her side after a courageous battle with Cerebral Arteriosclerosis. 

She was born to Marvin Mclendon and Hortense Butler Mclendon on December 2, 1937 in Donalsonville, GA. She had 10 siblings. 

She was an active member of the Pentecostal Church of God. Her life was guided by her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. Known for her adored and loving nature, she dedicated her life to serving the Lord and her family. 

A devoted Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Great-Great Grandmother. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and strong foundation of Christian values. 

She is survived by her 3 daughters Rita Paine (Robert), Lennette Johnson, and Theresa McKee Benton. 4 Grandchildren Carla Nickels (Scott), Leslie Baxter, Brock Farmer and Zachary Murdock (Amanda). 10 Great Grandchildren Michael (Case) Spiker (Courtney), Rachel Nickels, Bradley Baxter (Kharmann), Levi Farmer, Brantley Farmer, Kinley Farmer, Layla Young, Brooklyn Carter, Aubrey Murdock, and Owen Murdock, 2 great-great grandchildren Aria Baxter, and Cambria Spiker. She is survived by 1 sister, Irene Gustafson. 

5 Generations Strong. 

Services will be held at Steele’s Family Funeral Home/ Chapel on March 10, 2025. Pastor Christopher (Mikey) Massey will be officiating.

Visitation held at 11:00 am

Service held at 12:00 pm 

Graveside service immediately following at Auburndale Memorial Park.  

Fatal Crash Causing Significant Traffic Issues On S.R. 60 Two Miles West Of Bartow

Carl Fish
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Fatal Crash Causing Significant Traffic Issues On S.R. 60 Two Miles West Of Bartow

TrafficAlert for the Bartow area.

A two-vehicle crash occurred on State Road 60, about 2-miles west of the city of Bartow.

The crash was reported to involve an SUV and a semi truck.

PCSO deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched to the scene at about 8:45pm, Thursday night, March 6, 2025.

There is one confirmed fatality.

Traffic on both directions of SR 60 are effected, and will likely remain that way until at least midnight.

Lane Closure Notice for Auburndale Friday

Staff Reporter
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Lane Closure Notice for Auburndale Friday

City of Auburndale, FL Government-

Lane Closure Notice:

  • Friday, March 7, 2025
  • 7:00am to 5:00pm
  • The North bound lane of Ramsgate Lane in Auburndale will be closed. Flaggers will be on site to direct traffic. This paving project will only occur on Friday, March 7.

Road Closure Notice for Winter Haven Friday

Staff Reporter
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Road Closure Notice for Winter Haven Friday

City of Winter Haven, Florida – Please be aware that Magnolia Ave (between Ave B NW and 2nd St SW) will be closed on Friday, March 7, from 4 PM to 9 PM. Please plan ahead and drive safely!

Lakeland Man Charged with Exposure of Sexual Organs After Alleged Incident in Lyft

Staff Reporter
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Lakeland Man Charged with Exposure of Sexual Organs After Alleged Incident in Lyft

35-year old Justin Cole of Lakeland got arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Wednesday morning, March 5th.

The incident that got Justin into trouble began late Tuesday evening.

Justin was picked up at the Walmart store at 5800 US 98 North in Lakeland, by a Lyft rideshare driver.

The driver told a PCSO deputy that Justin requested that she take him to his residence at a mobile home park on North Combee Road.

During the drive, she stopped at a stop sign, and looked back to make sure she was clear to make a turn. What she saw though was her backseat passenger (Justin) with his pants down…and he was doing something back there that she absolutely, positively did not want him to be doing in her car.

Justin told the deputy that his [man bits] were uncomfortable, so he pulled his pants down and grabbed his [man bits] to make it more comfortable.

Justin Cole was taken to the Polk County Jail and charged with Exposure of Sexual Organs (M1).

In 2018, Justin had a charge of Lewd Molesting (victim 12-16) that was pled down to Child Abuse, and then served time in prison.

If this story sounds familiar, it may be because the PCSO arrested a Groveland man in December of 2024 for doing the same thing during his Lyft ride.

Starcade, the International Martial Arts Championships, is coming March 7 – 8 to the Lake Eva Event Center.

Staff Reporter
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Starcade, the International Martial Arts Championships, is coming March 7 – 8 to the Lake Eva Event Center.

STARCADE

Lilian Sanchez, 5 years old, demonstrates Karate techniques during the Haines City Commission Meeting recently. She is a student at Murphy’s Karate Academy. Photo by Anita Todd

BY ANITA TODD, Special Reports

HAINES CITY- Starcade, the International Martial Arts Championships, is coming March 7 – 8 to the Lake Eva Event Center. This is the first event of its type to be held here and is hosted by Murphy Gonzalez, Murphy’s Karate Academy.

Murphy Gonzalez, originally from Miami, moved here in 2019 after a visit to the area.

“I came to do a seminar at a local karate school, and I fell in love with the place,” Gonzalez said. “I saw some cows and orange trees and moved here a month later.”

He opened Murphy’s Karate Academy in Haines City about a year later, moving it from Miami where it had been in existence for nearly 30 years. The Academy offers numerous programs and ability levels for everyone.

Gonzalez has had a successful career. “I have been doing martial arts for 44 years and am an 8th degree black belt,” he said. “I’ve had many famous karate teams including one of the top Karate teams in the world with athletes from all over the world.”

He said he started the International Martial Arts Championships 27 years ago in Miami but decided to move here this year.

“Now that I live here, I wanted to bring it to the city … to increase tourism and let people know where Haines City is,” Gonzalez said.

On March 7, Starcade will tout numerous divisions that day. They are the Creative Forms; Extreme Forms; Creative Weapons; Extreme Weapons; Superfights; and Tag-Team Fighting.

The next day, the divisions will include Traditional Weapons; Traditional Forms; Double Elimination Point Fighting; Continuous Fighting; and First Timers Division.

On Saturday Night, the Super Show will begin at 6 p.m. The Grand Championships, demonstrations, presentations, and an 8-person Super Fight Championship League Challenge will be held during this event.

Gonzalez said athletes will attend from all over Florida, Maryland, New York, and the southeast states, Mexico, Guatemala and Puerto Rico.

Tickets will be available at the door and start at $25 for the entire event.

Food vendors will also be on hand.

Fatal Vehicle Accident in Winter Haven Causes Traffic Delays

Staff Reporter
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Fatal Vehicle Accident in Winter Haven Causes Traffic Delays

The PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a two-vehicle crash that resulted in the death of one of the drivers. The crash occurred just after 9:00 a.m. this morning (March 6, 2025) on CR 542 (AKA K-Ville Ave) at Jimmy Lee Road in the Auburndale/Winter Haven area.

A white 2021 Kia Sportage stopped at the stop sign on Jimmy Lee Rd and then proceeded out onto CR 542, turning left to go west on that road. The driver of the Kia, a 61-year-old Winter Haven woman, oversteered and continued turning her car until it entered the eastbound lane of CR 542 and into the path of a 2020 red Jeep that was traveling east. The vehicles collided, and the Kia came to a stop on the south shoulder, while the Jeep rotated and came to a stop in the eastbound lane facing southwest.

Both drivers were wearing seat belts, however, the woman was unresponsive at the scene and CPR was performed. She was transported via a trauma alert to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. Her passenger, a 36-year-old Auburndale man, was taken to the hospital with injuries, from which he should recover.

The 27-year-old male driver of the Jeep, who is from Auburndale, had minor injuries and was treated at the scene by Polk County Fire Rescue.

Auburndale Library’s Renaissance Faire Friday

Staff Reporter
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Auburndale Library’s Renaissance Faire Friday

City of Auburndale Govt Florida –

The Auburndale Library’s Renaissance Faire is, Friday, March 7 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. This is a free event. Check out this helpful map to prepare for your adventure!

There will be crafts, a vendor market, axe throwing, bounce castles, a food truck, rock wall, and more. Food trucks and merchandise vendors will require money.

For more information, please contact the Auburndale Public Library by calling 863-965-5548.

Take Charge of Your Health: Simple Steps for a Healthier Life

Staff Reporter
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Take Charge of Your Health: Simple Steps for a Healthier Life

Staying healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. By making small daily changes, you can improve your well-being and reduce the risk of serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Here’s how you can take control of your health today.

Healthy Habits Start Now

It’s never too late to adopt healthier habits. Eating well and staying active can help regulate your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight—key factors in preventing chronic diseases.

Easy Steps to Better Health:

  • Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Stay active by walking, biking, or exercising regularly.
  • Limit alcohol consumption and drink in moderation.
  • Quit smoking to protect your heart and lungs.

Small Changes, Big Results

Making minor adjustments to your routine can have a lasting impact. Try these simple swaps:
✅ Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
✅ Choose a salad or vegetables instead of fries.
✅ Opt for water or unsweetened tea instead of sugary drinks.

Know Your Health History

Understanding your family’s medical background can help you and your doctor identify potential risks early. Use a family health history tool to track common conditions and discuss them with your physician.

The Importance of Preventive Care

Doctors aren’t just for when you’re sick—they help prevent illness too. Regular screenings and vaccinations can detect problems early and keep you protected.

Essential Health Screenings Include:

  • Cancer screenings (such as colon, breast, or cervical cancer)
  • Blood pressure and cholesterol tests
  • Diabetes screenings
  • STI/STD tests
  • Mental health evaluations

Staying up to date on vaccines is also essential. Everyone over six months old should get a flu shot every year, and additional vaccines may be needed depending on your age and health history.

Get the Right Care

Your health care should be fair and accessible, no matter your background. If you feel unsure about your treatment, ask for a second opinion, request translation services if needed, and bring a friend or family member for support.

Understanding Health Care Costs

Many preventive services are free under the Affordable Care Act, including screenings and vaccinations. Medicare also covers essential health services at no cost. If you don’t have insurance, you may qualify for free or low-cost care at a local health center.

Your Health, Your Future

Taking charge of your health today can lead to a longer, happier life. Start small, stay informed, and make choices that support your well-being. Your future self will thank you!

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