HAINES CITY – The most recent City of Haines City Commission meeting was held Feb. 20 at City Hall.
The Commission made proclamations for three local organizations’ recent work.
First, February was proclaimed as Black History Month 2025 and included recognition of the Northeast Revitalization Committee’s work during Black History Month’s celebratory events; and Carolyn Nelson Jasper and her work with Rise Up Feed and Seed and feeding those in need.
Additionally, February was declared Inner Wheel Foundation Month recognizing the local Chapter’s 39 years of service to the City. Inner Wheel is one of the largest women’s volunteer service organizations worldwide. The volunteers serve by collecting essentials for local shelters, empowering children with prosthetics, or extending humanitarian aid globally. The representatives from Inner Wheel brought along a prosthetic arm provided to children under 18 who have experienced limb loss through disease, genetics or trauma.
February was also declared Bethune Academy Cambridge Program Month. The Cambridge Program is a globally recognized curriculum designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving and academic excellence. Each grade level was assigned a continent to develop a global perspective fostering cultural awareness and appreciation.
“This moment is not just a celebration of our achievement, it is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our students, teachers, staff, and our families,” said Robin Hewitt, Princiapl, Bethune Academy. “It truly takes a village.”
Motocross champion and Haines City resident Malcolm Stewart was also recognized for his achievements in the sport.
The next Commission meeting will be held March 10.
Polk County Sheriff’s deputies patrolling the I-4 area in Davenport arrested a Valrico man for DUI and child abuse after observing him driving impaired, in the eastbound emergency lane (shoulder) of I-4, with two kids in the vehicle.
After making the traffic stop around 6:15 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2025, the deputy observed 46-year-old James Ray Tompkins (DOB 11/11/1978) to have glassy, watery, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and swaying upon exiting his red SUV. The deputy also detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from him.
Tompkins told the deputy he was taking the two children, ages 5 and 8 years old, from Valrico to Disney World. He said he was driving on the shoulder due to all the traffic congestion. He also said that he had had “one bourbon mixed drink.” He showed multiple signs of impairment during the field sobriety tests that were administered, and refused to submit samples of his breath for a breath alcohol content test upon his arrival at the Sheriff’s Processing Center (booking facility).
A check of his criminal history revealed two prior arrests and five separate convictions for DUI charges in Highlands and Hillsborough counties:
June 2007 – convicted of DUI, and DUI refusing to submit to breath alcohol content test in Highlands County
June 2012 – convicted of DUI serious bodily injury, DUI property damage, and DUI refusing to submit to breath alcohol content test in Hillsborough County.
Tompkins is now being charged with DUI 3rd or subsequent offense (M1), refusing to submit to BAL test (M1), DUI with children under 18 in car (M2), and two counts of negligent child abuse (F3).
“What a poor excuse for a man in charge of two little kids. This is why my deputies are patrolling the major highways in our county every day in an effort to prevent high-speed traffic crashes and to get impaired drivers off the road. Clearly his previous arrests and convictions have not taught Tompkins a lesson, but perhaps the new felony charges of child abuse will sink in. I’m very grateful those children are okay.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
☆ PRICE REDUCTION + $4,800 REFERRAL BONUS + FREE LOT-RENT FOR REMAINDER OF 2025
LAKESIDE HOME FOR SALE — $119,800 for 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,252 sq. ft.
☆ Refer a family, friend, or fellow snowbird and get your $4,800 referral bonus
LOCATION: 1701 W. Commerce Ave., # 282, Haines City, FL 33844
*** See NOTE #1 and NOTE #2 below for more details about REFERRAL BONUS and FREE LOT-RENT*.
Welcome to Heartland Estates, where tranquility meets luxury living! Picture yourself waking up to the stunning lakefront view of Lake Hester – the ONLY house on the lake that has lake views from EVERY room, with the gentle sounds of nature surrounding you. This is more than just a home; it’s a lifestyle designed for the vibrant 55+ community. Our exquisite 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom (1,252 sq. ft.) residence offers the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication.
Step inside and be captivated by the gourmet kitchen, featuring granite countertops and high-end appliances that will inspire your culinary adventures. The thoughtful split bedroom design ensures privacy, while the Florida sunroom and screened Lanai porch provide the ideal spaces to relax and soak in the spectacular views that include beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the lake. With energy-efficient double-pane low-e glass windows and LED recessed lighting throughout, you can enjoy both elegance and sustainability.
This home is equipped with modern amenities, including a 2-car side-by-side, flat driveway – with only a single step into the home, PVC plumbing, and a security system, ensuring both convenience and peace of mind. The 12’x12’ attached shed adds extra storage for your hobbies and treasures.
Heartland Estates is located at the end of a nice, long, dead-end street. There are extensive Amenities and Activities, including a large Clubhouse (Dances, Special Dinners, Fitness Center, Library, Billiards, Bingo, Card Games); and, for Outdoors, there’s a Heated Pool, Shuffleboard, Horseshoes, and a Private Dog Park.
Don’t miss out on a limited-time promotional offer – reduced lot rent for remainder of 2025! (Nominal real estate taxes are included in the low monthly Heartland Estates rent.) Embrace the active lifestyle that Heartland Estates provides, where community and connection flourish. Imagine yourself enjoying morning coffee in the Florida sunroom, engaging with friendly neighbors, and making memories in this beautiful lakeside setting. The opportunity to call this breathtaking home yours is just a decision away. Join us today and step into a life of comfort, luxury, and community at Heartland Estates!
For more exterior lakeside-view and interior photos, go to
*NOTE #1: $4,800 (Four Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars = 4% of sale price) REFERRAL BONUS Conditions:
~ The referral must be submitted to Heartland Estates Sales <BEFORE> the initial visit of the prospective Buyer to the Seller’s home.
~ Purchase of the Seller’s home must be completed by the Buyer on or before 15 JUN 2025. BONUS will not be paid until Buyer has completed the purchase of the home.
~ Bonus is above and beyond any standard broker/agent sales commission paid by Seller
~ Persons or entities eligible for the Bonus include: A friend, relative, or acquaintance of a prospective Buyer; a fellow “snowbird”; a real estate agent or agency; the Buyer himself/herself (who, as an option, can consider the Bonus as a reduction in the sale price of the home)
~ All local and federal income taxes are the responsibility of the REFERRAL BONUS recipient
*NOTE #2: FREE RENT FOR REMAINDER OF 2025. Seller will pay Heartland Estates the monthly rent due for Lot 282 as prorated from the date that Buyer buys the home through 31 DEC 2025. Buyer has the option to have this pro rata dollar amount applied to the purchase price of the home instead.
“On 1/23/2025, APD responded to a retail theft located at WAWA 334 334 Havendale Blvd., Auburndale, FL. Surveillance shows an unknown black male concealing food items in the pockets of his shorts. The suspect then left the store without any attempt to pay. He was last seen entering a red passenger car which was observed leaving the location and heading toward 42nd Street NW.
SUSPECT – B/M, LSW a red/white/black striped polo shirt, and red shorts.
If you have any information, please contact Sgt Maurer at 863-956-5555 or email at [email protected]”
On 2/27/25 the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a student, Mercedez Janay Jackson DOB: 06/03/2009, at Winter Haven High School. Jackson was charged for bringing a taser to school. She is being charged with FSS 790.115(2)(B) POSSESSION OF A WEAPON ON SCHOOL CAMPUS.
It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by Polk County Sheriff’s Office. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. Winter Haven Daily does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to your own conclusion.:
“On 2/27/25 at approximately 1135 hours, while performing my duties a school resource deputy at Winter Haven High School, I was notified of a student with a possible weapon on campus. The student was identified as, Mercedez Jackson who was currently assigned to B lunch.
REDACTED, REDACTED and myself made contact with Jackson near the lunchroom. Jackson advised she did have an electrical tazer in her backpack and thought she was allowed to carry it. Jackson advised she carries the tazer for self-defense. I located the tazer in Jackson’s backpack which was blue in color and was able to discharge an electrical shock out of one end.
During the investigation, I learned Jackson brandished the tazer in the girl’s locker room and discharged it to show other students. Jackson advised she does not know why she showed students the tazer and knows it was a mistake.
Based on my investigation, I determined Jackson willfully and knowingly possessed an electrical weapon device on school campus during school hours. Jackson presented the electrical device in the presence of one or more students in a careless manner. I determined Jackson violated FSS 790.115(2)(B). Jackson was arrested and transported to the juvenile assessment center without incident.”
City of Winter Haven Recognizes Incorporation Year with Brand New City Seal
by James Coulter
The City of Winter Haven will officially recognize the year it became a city with its new seal.
At their regular meeting on Mon. Feb. 24, Winter Haven city commissioners voted unanimously to approve the second reading of an ordinance adopting a new city seal.
The new seal retains the old seal’s original design, which includes an orange tree and the words “City of Winter Haven”, with the notable addition of the city’s incorporation year of 1911.
The decision to update the city’s seal came about with the decision to replace the official embosser used to seal official city documents.
“The original brass die plates have become flattened through the years, distorting the letters on one embosser and the tree on the other,” City Clerk Vanessa Castillo wrote in the city agenda memo.
“Additionally, the vintage embossers are heavy and cumbersome to operate when sealing a large volume of documents, which is a slow, inefficient process,” she further elucidated.
As the city would be acquiring a new machine, both the city attorney and city clerk agreed that the official city seal should also be updated.
Mayor Pro Tem Nathanial Birdsong remarked that the two circles on either side of the incorporation year within the seal bear a similar resemblance to the oranges on the tree, almost as if oranges had fallen off it.
City commissioners voted unanimously to approve the second reading of the ordinance. Now that it has been approved, the new seal will, as the memo states, “be saved and loaded to the City brand platform to ensure consistency moving forward.”
Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Polk County, Florida? From vibrant festivals to classic car shows, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out these top events happening on March 1-2, 2025!
Lake Wales Mardi Gras
📅 Date: February 28 – March 1, 2025 📍 Location: Lake Wales, FL 🎭 What’s Happening: Enjoy a family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration with a colorful parade, live music, delicious food, and fun-filled festivities. This annual event is expected to draw over 20,000 attendees, making it one of the biggest celebrations in the area.
Community Fest Winter Haven
📅 Date: March 1, 2025 ⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM 📍 Location: Downtown Winter Haven 🎉 What’s Happening: This free family-friendly festival offers live entertainment, food vendors, games, interactive activities, and local business showcases. Kids will love the character meet-and-greets, making it a great outing for the whole family.
Lake Wales Car Show
📅 Date: March 1, 2025 ⏰ Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM 📍 Location: Stuart Ave., Downtown Lake Wales 🚗 What’s Happening: Car enthusiasts will enjoy an afternoon filled with antique, custom, and classic cars and trucks on display. Whether you’re a collector or just love admiring vintage vehicles, this is a must-see event.
Bloomin’ Arts Festival
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📅 Date: March 1-2, 2025 📍 Location: Bartow, FL 🎨 What’s Happening: One of Bartow’s most anticipated events, this juried fine arts festival showcases over 100 talented artists. Attendees can enjoy food vendors, a classic car show, quilt exhibits, student artwork, and a hands-on art tent for kids.
Dirt Days Spring: Best Buds! (Symbiotic Relationships)
📅 Date: March 1, 2025 📍 Location: Polk’s Nature Discovery Center 🌿 What’s Happening: If you love nature and learning about the environment, this educational event focuses on fascinating symbiotic relationships in the natural world. Great for families and nature lovers alike!
Plan Your Weekend Fun!
With so many exciting events happening across Polk County, there’s no shortage of entertainment. Whether you’re in the mood for live music, art, cars, or nature, there’s an event for you. Be sure to check official event websites or organizers for any updates before heading out.
Commissioner wants more accountability for some city staff
BY ANITA TODD, Special Reports
HAINES CITY – During a City Commission meeting held here on Feb. 20, Commissioner Kim Downing asked for better accountability of some staff members.
Downing said recently it was brought to her attention by members of the community that the City Clerk’s office and the Community Revitalization Agency (CRA) staff were often not available. She said she had been told that they also did not return phone calls, and that communication was poor overall.
“I called and got the same thing – no answer,” she said.
The policy called for the City Clerk, Sharon Lauther, to notify the City Manager, Jim Elensky, when she would be absent or needed to leave the office. Downing asked that from now on, in addition to Elensky, all the Commissioners receive an email when she and/or members of the City Clerk’s office would not be in the office.
No one attended the Commission meeting from the CRA. The City of Haines City CRA remains steadfastly committed to its redevelopment mission of creating a sustainable downtown, revitalizing and improving neighborhoods, and encouraging economic growth within the CRA District, according to the City’s website.
The office of the City Clerk is the information hub of the City of Haines City, and the City Clerk serves at the pleasure of the City Commission, according to the City’s website.
The City Commission meetings are held the first and third Thursday of each month. Workshops begin at 6 p.m. with the regular City Commission meeting beginning at 7 p.m. In March, the meetings will be held on the 10th and 20th.
Over the weekend, Jeep enthusiasts gathered for the highly anticipated event, Jeepin’ with Judd, an off-road adventure that combined thrilling trails, community engagement, and a meet-and-greet with Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd himself. The event featured an exciting lineup of activities, including food trucks, vendors, and an impressive display of Jeeps.
Salty Siren – Piper’s Jeep Uber for the day!
Among the attendees was Piper, a correspondent with DailyRidge.com, who had the opportunity to take part in the off-roading experience. Riding along with a friend, Piper explored several rugged trails and specialized off-road courses, embracing the adrenaline-pumping adventure that makes Jeeping such a beloved pastime. The event provided Jeep owners and enthusiasts with the chance to navigate challenging terrains, test their vehicle’s capabilities, and bond with fellow off-roaders.
Piper concluded her adventure by meeting Sheriff Grady Judd, adding a memorable highlight to an already exhilarating weekend.
Piper and her best Friend Bry with Grady Judd
Jeepin’ with Grady Judd once again proved to be a must-attend event, offering a perfect mix of adventure, camaraderie, and local engagement. Whether tackling the trails or enjoying the community atmosphere, participants left with unforgettable memories and a renewed appreciation for the off-roading lifestyle.
The Lake Wales Mardi Gras, a vibrant celebration rooted in community spirit, has been a cherished tradition since its inception in 1984. It began as a heartfelt tribute to Vinton Davis, the lively proprietor of Vinton’s New Orleans Restaurant, whose passion for Mardi Gras inspired his family and friends to bring the festive spirit of New Orleans to Lake Wales. The inaugural parade was a modest affair, featuring just two krewes—the Royal Order of the Red Swans and the Loyal Order of Wild Shiners—and a handful of enthusiastic participants. Over the years, this humble beginning has blossomed into a grand event, drawing thousands of spectators and participants annually.
This year marks the 41st annual Lake Wales Mardi Gras, promising to be more spectacular than ever. Festivities kick off on Friday, February 28, 2025, with live music from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Lake Wailes Park. The evening also features the popular 5K Glow Run at 6:00 PM along the scenic Lake Wailes Trail. The celebration continues on Saturday, March 1, with music starting at noon and the highlight of the weekend—the Mardi Gras Parade—stepping off at 3:00 PM. The festivities culminate with a dazzling fireworks display at 8:15 PM.
Attendees can look forward to a family-friendly atmosphere filled with live entertainment, diverse food and craft vendors, a beer garden, and a variety of children’s activities. The parade will showcase an array of elaborate floats, colorful costumes, and spirited performances, embodying the rich traditions of Mardi Gras. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, the Lake Wales Mardi Gras offers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of community celebration.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of a time-honored tradition that brings joy and excitement to all who attend. Mark your calendars and join us in Lake Wales for a Mardi Gras celebration like no other!
