On January 31st of 2025 the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Vice Unit began conducting undercover operations at Queen Spa & Massage (WH), Enjoy Spa (WH), Helping Hands Massage (HC) and the 192 Health Spa (Clermont – That is the city listed for the address, but it is still in Polk County). Per the arrest affidavits this undercover operation was in response to numerous anonymous complaints the Vice unit received regarding massage employees at this business performing lewd acts on random customers in exchange for extra money and larger tips from male customers.
In most of the cases the UC (under cover officer) went in and posed as a customer. Most visits started with the UC paying between $60-$80 for an hour massage. As the massage starts the UC is typically lying face down with nothing but a towel over them. As the massage starts the accused woman communicate to the men they are messaging that for extra money they can get extra service. One suspect used hand gestures to imitate a masturbation by hand or oral sex. Others allegedly offered vaginal sex, but not without a condom.
The following are some of the charges the suspects are facing:
480.047.1B OPERATE MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENT WO LIC
480.047.1A UNLICENSED MASSAGE THERAPY
796.07.2E OFFERING TO COMMIT PROSTITUTION
480.0475.3 (1 cnts) USE PERMIT MASSAGE BUSINESS FOR SLEEP 1ST OFF
480.0485 SEX MISCONDUCT IN PRACTICE MASSAGE THERAPY
These suspects were all arrested and charged through the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Editors Note: We noticed several of these woman are living and sleeping at the business, which is illegal. We wondered if the PCSO works with ICE on these cases. According to the public information office the PCSO sends a list of arrestees to ICE (Immigration & Customs Enforcement – this has been their policy for years. ICE then reviews the list and if they determine anyone on that list is in the country illegally, they may tell them to place a hold on that inmate so that they can come get that person for deportation.
A rollover crash on Cypress Gardens Blvd. through the S Curves in front of Life Care Center has closed one lane of eastbound traffic on Cypress Gardens Blvd.
Drivers will see significant delays until the vehicle is removed.
Non-life threatening injuries.
The driver was transported to Winter Haven Hospital as a precaution.
On February 23, 2025 Polk County Fire Rescue responded to a water rescue 911 call at Lake Ned in Winter Haven.
Polk County Fire Rescue was dispatched just after 1:15 p.m.
We reached out to Nathaniel Gale, Public Information Officer for Polk County Fire Rescue for details on the incident, and he was able to provide limited details regarding the rescue.
He confirmed they rescued one person from the water and transported the patient to a local hospital by ground. The injuries to the patient were not considered a trauma alert.
Call complete at 2:43 p.m.
This is all the information that PCFR is able to provide regarding the incident at this time.
Shortly after midnight on February 23, 2025, Polk County Fire Rescue responded to a residential structure fire on Cresap Street in Lakeland.
The call came in at 12:08 a.m. and the first unit, Engine 24, arrived on scene at 12:14 a.m. On arrival, they found multiple shed-like structures on fire and proactively provided protection to a nearby mobile home.
PCFR members had water on the fire at 12:18 a.m. and had the fire knocked down at 12:31 a.m. Crews then completed an extensive overhaul of the fire scene.
There were no reported injuries. Polk County Fire Rescue notified the Red Cross and State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Interim Fire Chief Shawn Smith would like to thank all fire personnel who responded for their exceptional work in bringing the blaze under control. Interim Chief Smith would also like to thank the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Lakeland Electric for their assistance.
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 March 13, 2025 at 10:00 am at storageauctions.com
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Units belonging to the following:
CUSTOMER NAME:
Richard Whitaker
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.
Winter Haven, FL – Florida’s sheriffs announce updates regarding 287(g) compliance in every county jail throughout the state. Please join us to learn about the progress and the role sheriffs have in addressing illegal immigration.
WHO: Florida Sheriffs Association President and Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, and sheriffs from across the state
Winter Haven, FL – The City of Winter Haven is excited tounveil plans for the redevelopment of the historic Chain of Lakes Park. As the former spring training home for major league baseball teams like the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians, this site is poised to embrace a bright future while honoring its illustrious past. In partnership with Polk County and the Polk County Sports Marketing team, the City is spearheading a $20 million project that promises to transform the park into a state-of-the-art facility for amateur and collegiate baseball, infused with the spirit and memories of its historic legacy.
A Commitment to Heritage and Innovation:
Understanding the importance of the park’s history to our community, the redevelopment team is dedicated to preserving elements of the park’s past. Notably, efforts are being made to salvage and restore stadium seating, allowing these pieces of history to find new life in the revamped facility. This initiative reflects our commitment to blending the park’s rich heritage with modern amenities, ensuring that the legacy of Chain of Lakes Park continues to live on, both in spirit and in physical form.
Project Highlights:
• Construction Timeline: Demolition of current structures is set to begin April 8, lasting approximately six weeks.Construction will commence by late summer. This marks the first step in realizing the vision for a modernized park.
• Park Features: The redevelopment will introduce four collegiate-level artificial turf baseball fields, along with cutting-edge facilities like dugouts, batting cages, team pavilions, fan areas, expanded parking, and more.
• Opening in Time for Russmatt Baseball Tournament: The facilities are slated to open in February 2025, just in time to host the Russmatt Baseball tournament, underscoring the park’s ongoing commitment to amateur baseball.
• Enhanced Visitor Experience: By Summer 2025, a new entrance building will enhance the visitor experience with amenities such as ticket booths, a concession area, restrooms, and team rooms.
• Preserving Our Past for Future Generations: In addition to the physical redevelopment of the park, the City is exploring opportunities for community members to keep a piece of the stadium’s history. This initiative aims to allow citizens to own a tangible part of the park’s legacy, further strengthening the bond between the community and this iconic site. Residents are encouraged to stay tuned to the city’s website and social media channels for more information on how they can participate in this opportunity.
Looking Ahead:
Future phases of the redevelopment plan include adding a playground, multipurpose field area, lake shoreline activation, and a boardwalk, enhancing the park’s appeal and utility for generations to come.
The City of Winter Haven, together with Polk County and the Polk County Sports Marketing team, is excited to lead this landmark project. By honoring the park’s storied past while looking forward to its dynamic future, we are committed to enriching our community’s sports and recreational culture and providing a vibrant, inclusive space for all to enjoy.
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The City of Winter Haven invites the community to step up to the plate and celebrate the official opening of the new artificial turf baseball fields at the historic Chain of Lakes Park. The First Pitch event will take place on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven, FL 33880.
This momentous event marks a significant milestone in the park’s $20 million redevelopment project, a collaboration between the City of Winter Haven, Polk County, and Polk County Sports Marketing. Chain of Lakes Park, once home to major league spring training for the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians, is now entering a new era—welcoming athletes, families, and baseball enthusiasts to a modern, state-of-the-art facility.
Event Highlights:
· Remarks from local leaders, including Mayor Birdsong, Commissioner Santiago, and Julie Adams, Parks, Recreation & Culture Director.
· Ceremonial First Pitch thrown by Mayor Birdsong on Field 3.
· Important Reminder: Attendees should wear athletic-soled shoes to protect the new turf.
“We’re excited to open this incredible facility that not only respects the park’s deep-rooted history but also sets the stage for future generations of athletes,” said Julie Adams, Parks, Recreation & Culture Director. “This is more than just a ballpark—it’s a community space built for connection, competition, and memories.”
The Chain of Lakes Park redevelopment is designed to position Winter Haven as a premier destination for amateur and collegiate baseball tournaments, with its four artificial turf fields, modern amenities, and future enhancements like playgrounds, lakefront activation, and multi-use spaces.
The new fields are set to host the Russmatt Baseball Tournament this spring, with future tournaments and local events already on the calendar.
Join us on March 1 and be part of this exciting chapter in Winter Haven’s legacy. Let’s play ball!
35-year old Dewayne Brandon of Winter Haven got arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
On Tuesday, February 11th, at around 6:20pm, Dewayne entered a smoke shop on Recker Highway in Winter Haven and asked the sales clerk if he knew him from Lake Wales.
The clerk said that he did not know Dewayne…and then Dewayne began making threats and robbing the store of cash, CBD gummies, pre-rolls and hemp flower.
Dewayne fled the store on foot, and deputies immediately responded to the store to begin their investigation.
Crime analysts working in the PCSO’s Real Time Crime Center were able to determine that Dewayne was a possible suspect. With that, detectives went to Dewayne’s residence. Upon their arrival, Dewayne attempted to flee out the back, but when the K9 deputy yelled out that the K9 would be participating, Dewayne stopped and surrendered.
Dewayne Brandon was arrested and taken to the Polk County Jail and charged with robbery and extortion by threats.
The next Polk County Sheriff’s Office Women’s Basic Self Defense* and Personal Safety* class is scheduled for Saturday, March 1st from 10am – Noon.
Join our Crime Prevention Unit for a couple of hours to learn some basic moves and information that could help keep you safe in a bad situation.
The class is FREE of charge and designed for ladies 13 years and older. Those under 18 will need a parent present to sign a waiver at the start of class.
Each class is approximately one hour long unless more than 30 women attend. For every additional 10-15 females, 15 minutes are added to the time frame.
The class consists of lecture (approximately 15 minutes) and hands-on techniques (approximately 45 minutes). Attendees will demonstrate all of the techniques on a body opponent bag (B.O.B.) which we will supply.
NEXT CLASS: Saturday, March 1, 2025 PCSO Sheriff’s Operations Center 1891 Jim Keene Blvd, Winter Haven 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
If you wish to attend, please RSVP to [email protected], and please include your name and phone number.
