HAINES CITY — Haines City commissioners are scheduled to discuss the results of their city manager candidate rankings this week as the search for the city’s next permanent chief executive nears its conclusion.
According to agenda documents released ahead of Thursday’s City Commission meeting, commissioners will review the tabulated rankings submitted by each commissioner as they determine the next phase of the city’s city manager recruitment process.
The tabulation shows two candidates separated themselves from the rest of the field.
Joe Halman Jr., Haines City’s Public Safety Director, and Interim City Manager Loyd Stewart were the only two applicants to appear on all five commissioners’ selection lists. Former city manager applicant David Baber also received support from multiple commissioners but appeared on fewer ballots.
Joe Halman Jr (L) & Loyd Stewart (R) Both Top Preferred Candidates For HC City Manager Position
Halman joined Haines City earlier this year after serving as Polk County’s Deputy County Manager, where he oversaw public safety operations. Before that, he spent more than four decades with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, retiring as Chief of the Department of Law Enforcement.
Stewart has served as Haines City’s Deputy City Manager since 2022 and was appointed Interim City Manager following the retirement of James Elensky earlier this year. Before entering city administration, Stewart served as the city’s Deputy Police Chief and Interim Police Chief.
The agenda memorandum states the purpose of Thursday’s discussion is to review the commissioners’ rankings and receive direction regarding the next phase of the selection process. While the rankings provide insight into where commissioners stood after reviewing applicants, no final decision has been made, and commissioners could ultimately select any qualified candidate.
Tabulation of Commissioner Selections – Information Provided In The Haines City Commission Meeting Agenda
The City Commission is expected to discuss the rankings during Thursday’s meeting before taking any action on filling the city’s top administrative position.
AUBURNDALE, Fla. — A convicted felon is facing multiple felony charges after the Polk County Sheriff’s Office says he pointed a firearm at deputies who were attempting to serve an arrest warrant at an Auburndale home.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred on July 11 at a residence on Hales Road.
Deputies arrived at the home to locate an individual with an active warrant and knocked on the front door. After someone inside asked, “Who is it?”, a deputy identified themselves by responding, “Sheriff’s Office.”
Investigators say the front door then swung open and a man pointed a firearm at the deputies before immediately closing the door again.
Deputies ordered the suspect to come outside with his hands raised. He complied and was taken into custody without further incident.
The suspect was identified as Sean Verlan Mills. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Mills told deputies he believed people were after him and said he was unsure who was at the front door. During a later interview, Mills also told detectives he had recently been threatened by someone but had never reported those threats to law enforcement.
Deputies recovered the firearm from inside the residence.
The Sheriff’s Office said Mills is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Mills was charged with:
Four counts of Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer (F2)
Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (F2)
Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon (F2)
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (F2)
Tampering with Physical Evidence (F3)
Resisting an Officer Without Violence (M1)
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Mills has 29 prior arrests and 11 felony convictions. His criminal history includes burglary, theft, criminal mischief, narcotics offenses, traffic violations, false imprisonment and weapons violations.
BARTOW – Polk County officials and the Polk County Professional Firefighters I.A.F.F. Local 3531 have reached a tentative agreement that would transition Polk County Fire Rescue to a four-shift, or D-shift, schedule beginning Oct. 1, 2027.
The proposal would mark one of the most significant changes to the department’s staffing model in years and is designed not only to improve firefighters’ quality of life, but also to strengthen recruitment and retention as Polk County continues to experience rapid population growth.
Currently, Polk County firefighters work a traditional three-shift schedule — A, B and C shifts — consisting of 24 hours on duty followed by 48 hours off, averaging a 56-hour workweek.
Under the proposed D-shift model, firefighters would instead work 24 hours on duty followed by 72 hours off, reducing the average workweek to 42 hours.
County officials say the change is intended to help Polk County remain competitive with other fire departments that have adopted similar schedules. Supporters say the additional day off between shifts can improve work-life balance, reduce burnout, and help retain experienced firefighters while making the department more attractive to new recruits.
As Polk County’s population continues to grow, maintaining adequate staffing has become an increasingly important priority for county leaders. Officials believe improving firefighter recruitment and retention ultimately benefits residents by helping ensure the department remains staffed with experienced personnel capable of meeting the county’s growing demand for emergency services.
“We’re working hard to reach our hiring goals to ensure we have the staffing needed. Now we’re looking to do even more for our firefighters by creating a schedule that supports mental health, improves work-life balance and promotes overall health and quality of life,” Deputy County Manager Ryan Taylor said.
Fire Chief Shawn Smith said the tentative agreement represents an important milestone for the department.
“I’ve been a part of this organization a long time, and it’s a great feeling knowing Polk County Fire Rescue is joining the pacesetters that have adopted a D-shift,” Smith said.
Smith said the schedule change is centered on improving the lives of firefighters and their families while continuing to build a strong organization.
“This is really about our members and giving them a better quality of life and more time with their families,” Smith said. “It says a lot about the type of organization we are at Polk County Fire Rescue.”
According to Polk County, only a handful of fire departments across Florida currently operate under a D-shift schedule.
The tentative agreement would take effect Oct. 1, 2027, if finalized. The current collective bargaining agreement remains in effect through Sept. 30, 2028, and covers firefighters from entry-level positions through battalion chiefs.
The following is a PSA from Polk County Government Florida:
Placing unauthorized signs in Polk County right-of-way areas can now result in a $250 fine per sign under a new enforcement ordinance approved by the Polk County Board of County Commissioners.
The Polk County Right-of-Way Sign Enforcement Ordinance (2026-019) prohibits semi permanent signs larger than 9 square feet from being placed in county rights of way. Code enforcement officers are authorized to issue immediate $250 fines for each violation.
Unauthorized signs include:
Banner signs – typically large, flexible displays attached to posts or structures
Feather or flutter signs – tall, fabric signs designed to move with the wind
Flag signs – promotional flags mounted on poles
Rigid or semi rigid signs – including pressure treated wood, aluminum, heavy gauge PVC or composite materials anchored to the ground
Any sign lacking a county permit
For more information, visit https://www.polkfl.gov/news/polk-county-commissioners-approve-new-polk-county-right-of-way-sign-enforcement-ordinance-march-18-2026/ or contact the Polk County Code Enforcement Division at 863-534-6054.
New Traffic Signal Planned for Polk County’s Most Crash‑Prone Road by James Coulter
Polk County’s most crash‑prone county‑owned road will receive a new traffic signal at an intersection long criticized for heavy congestion and confusing lane shifts.
At their regular meeting on Tues. July 7, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted unanimously to approve a task order for engineering work to design improvements at the intersection of Kathleen Road and West Campbell Road in Lakeland.
The consultant services agreement (CSA) will be awarded to Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. to provide professional design services for intersection improvements.
These services are estimated to cost a total not-to-exceed fee of $273,004.60, with funds budgeted and available within the county’s Transportation Trust Fund.
One of the planned improvements is an interim traffic signal, which will later be replaced by a permanent signal installed after Kathleen Road is widened along that segment.
County staff has determined that the intersection meets the established “signalization warrants” required for adding a traffic signal.
Kathleen Road, particularly at the Campbell Road intersection, has been identified as one of Polk County’s top crash hotspots, marked by heavy traffic, confusing lane movements, and poor lighting.
Drivers say the lack of a traffic signal and unclear right‑of‑way make the intersection difficult to navigate, especially as development in the area has increased traffic volumes.
Many residents have described rush-hour conditions as “cars as far as the eye can see,” as reported by Spectrum News 9.
Over the past five years, 366 crashes and three fatalities have occurred on a 1.5-mile stretch of Kathleen Road, according to data from the Polk Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) as reported by the Lakeland Gazette.
Other frequent issues, as reported by the Lakeland Gazette, include bottlenecks created by lane drops from four lanes to two, poor nighttime lighting, awkward roadway geometry, heavy traffic volumes, rear‑end collisions, and pedestrian/bicycle injuries.
Polk County and the TPO have planned to mitigate these issues with several proposed upgrades, including stronger LED lighting, improved crosswalks, and smoother lane transitions.
A temporary signal has been placed at the Campbell Road intersection and is expected to be replaced by a permanent signal following the road’s widening.
County Manager Bill Beasley requested the board approve the task order for intersection improvements, including the interim signal, “given the growing concerns and congestion” along the corridor.
Commissioner Michael Scott noted that the intersection required a new signal, claiming that it would be better “than the current stop sign, which has led to issues.”
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – Winter Haven High School has named Corey Boatman as its new head football coach, moving quickly to fill the position just weeks before the start of the 2026 football season.
Corey Boatman
The announcement comes less than two days after former head coach White accepted another coaching opportunity, leaving the Blue Devils searching for new leadership just before preseason preparations ramp up.
In a message to the Winter Haven community, school officials acknowledged the unexpected change while expressing confidence in the program’s future.
“We know this has been a whirlwind 48 hours,” the announcement stated. “While we are disappointed in losing a head coach a few weeks before the start of the season, it is encouraging that our administration took swift action in making sure our program had a new leader ready to step up and take charge.”
Boatman, who has already been part of the Blue Devils coaching staff, said the transition will not change the expectations that have been set for the program.
“As many of you know by now, Coach White has accepted another opportunity. We appreciate everything he has done for our program and wish him nothing but success moving forward,” Boatman said.
“I want every one of you to hear this from me: our standard does not change. Our expectations do not change. Our goals do not change.”
Boatman said he already knows the team well after working alongside the players throughout the offseason.
“I’ve been in the trenches with you every day. I know this team, I know what we’re capable of, and I believe in every one of you,” he said.
He added that the focus of the program will continue to be centered on helping student-athletes succeed both on the field and beyond graduation.
“This program has always been about the players, and that will continue to be true. Every decision we make will be centered around putting you in the best position to succeed—not only this season, but in life and in your future after football.”
Boatman also emphasized continuity within the program.
“We’re not starting over. We’re moving forward,” he said. “Our coaching staff will continue working relentlessly to prepare you, develop you, and compete for championships.”
He encouraged players to remain united as the season approaches, saying, “Adversity doesn’t define great teams—how they respond does.”
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – Winter Haven High School has named Corey Boatman as its new head football coach, moving quickly to fill the position just weeks before the start of the 2026 football season.
Corey Boatman
The announcement comes less than two days after former head coach White accepted another coaching opportunity, leaving the Blue Devils searching for new leadership just before preseason preparations ramp up.
In a message to the Winter Haven community, school officials acknowledged the unexpected change while expressing confidence in the program’s future.
“We know this has been a whirlwind 48 hours,” the announcement stated. “While we are disappointed in losing a head coach a few weeks before the start of the season, it is encouraging that our administration took swift action in making sure our program had a new leader ready to step up and take charge.”
Boatman, who has already been part of the Blue Devils coaching staff, said the transition will not change the expectations that have been set for the program.
“As many of you know by now, Coach White has accepted another opportunity. We appreciate everything he has done for our program and wish him nothing but success moving forward,” Boatman said.
“I want every one of you to hear this from me: our standard does not change. Our expectations do not change. Our goals do not change.”
Boatman said he already knows the team well after working alongside the players throughout the offseason.
“I’ve been in the trenches with you every day. I know this team, I know what we’re capable of, and I believe in every one of you,” he said.
He added that the focus of the program will continue to be centered on helping student-athletes succeed both on the field and beyond graduation.
“This program has always been about the players, and that will continue to be true. Every decision we make will be centered around putting you in the best position to succeed—not only this season, but in life and in your future after football.”
Boatman also emphasized continuity within the program.
“We’re not starting over. We’re moving forward,” he said. “Our coaching staff will continue working relentlessly to prepare you, develop you, and compete for championships.”
He encouraged players to remain united as the season approaches, saying, “Adversity doesn’t define great teams—how they respond does.”
With a project that started in November of 2025, the South Lake Howard Nature Park Expansion is expected to be complete this summer. That is just in time to address flooding concerns and expand stormwater collection and treatment capabilities while allowing citizens to continue to enjoy the great outdoors.
The park’s territory will almost double in size with its “multi-use” design. The expansion will include more amentities for the public to enjoy. It will also include those enviornmental friendly aspects. For example, there are structures in various ponds designed to contain water with a piping system that holds, treats, and then stage water in efforts to reduce pollutants and return to nature. This will impact the lake quality of the adjacent Lake Howard.
Expansion was made possible with the Public Works team acquiring a Florida Department and Environmental Protection (FDEP) Heartland Headquarters grant that funded $450,000 of this project. Thanks to the collaboration, there will be updated restrooms, an expanded trail, scenic boardwalk, and overall enhanced habitat for nature and wildlife.
Residents can also have access to a pavilion area where educational and environmental programming may take place. Along with a playground, kayaking, fishing, and hiking capabilities. In fact, the South Lake Howard Nature Park will also house the very first 13 hole disc golf course in Winter Haven.
With a project that started in November of 2025, the South Lake Howard Nature Park Expansion is expected to be complete this summer. That is just in time to address flooding concerns and expand stormwater collection and treatment capabilities while allowing citizens to continue to enjoy the great outdoors.
The park’s territory will almost double in size with its “multi-use” design. The expansion will include more amentities for the public to enjoy. It will also include those enviornmental friendly aspects. For example, there are structures in various ponds designed to contain water with a piping system that holds, treats, and then stage water in efforts to reduce pollutants and return to nature. This will impact the lake quality of the adjacent Lake Howard.
Expansion was made possible with the Public Works team acquiring a Florida Department and Environmental Protection (FDEP) Heartland Headquarters grant that funded $450,000 of this project. Thanks to the collaboration, there will be updated restrooms, an expanded trail, scenic boardwalk, and overall enhanced habitat for nature and wildlife.
Residents can also have access to a pavilion area where educational and environmental programming may take place. Along with a playground, kayaking, fishing, and hiking capabilities. In fact, the South Lake Howard Nature Park will also house the very first 13 hole disc golf course in Winter Haven.
Top 6 Hot Things to Check Out This Summer at Disney World by James Coulter
Summer’s here, and no place captures the magic of a summer vacation quite like Walt Disney World. The classics are still as beloved as ever, but this year the parks are turning the excitement up to eleven.
From a wild, wacky thrill ride powered by a rockin’ soundtrack to a high‑flying, coast‑to‑coast adventure across America, these are the six hottest new Disney World additions you won’t want to miss this summer.
#1: Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
Where: Disney’s Hollywood Studios
When: Opening date May 26, 2026
Aerosmith may have taken their last bow at Rock n’ Roller Coaster, but now it’s time to raise the curtains, light the lights, and get things started with the newest act taking the stage: The Muppets! Rock out with the Electric Mayhem as they rush through rush hour to get to their big concert across town—and they only have a minute and a half to get there!
Aside from the iconic Muppet band, guests will also be able to see Scooter in the recording booth, “brought to life using motion‑capture technology of Scooter the Muppet,” as reported by Disney Parks Blog. (Yes, through the magic of Disney Imagineering, the animatronic figure looks, moves, and emotes exactly like a puppet!)
Guests can also spy several other Muppet easter eggs throughout the queue, including the old Muppet Mobile Labs vehicle in the parking garage and pizza boxes from the former PizzeRizzo eatery.
And, of course, what Muppets experience would be complete without the cranky hecklers Statler and Waldorf? The two will be making quips at riders at the very end—and both are portrayed using their old animatronics from MuppetVision 3D!
#2: Soarin’ Across America
Where: The Land Pavilion at Epcot
When: Opening date May 26, 2026
America is celebrating its 250th birthday this year—and what better way to commemorate the occasion than with a high-flying adventure from sea to shining sea?
Yes, Soarin took guests over California and around the world. Now, the fan-favorite ride will be taking guests through spacious skies, across amber waves of grain, and over purple mountains majesties.
Come face-to-face with the great American presidents at Mount Rushmore, take a grand gander at the Grand Canyon, and take a patriotic view of our nation’s capital—along with more than a dozen other breathtaking locations across America the Beautiful!
#3: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run with The Mandalorian and Grogu
Where: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
When: Opening date May 22, 2026
You’ve seen them on television. You can catch them in the theaters. And now you can embark with them in an action-packed adventure on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
Join the Mandalorian and Grogu as the bounty hunter duo set off on their latest mission. As Disney Parks Blog reports, “Hondo Ohnaka has caught wind of a high-stakes deal unfolding on the sands of Tatooine, where ex-Imperial officers have crossed paths with a ruthless band of pirates.”
Of course, they’ll need all the help they can get, and you can gladly lend them your help by taking control of the Millennium Falcon and setting course to iconic Star Wars locations, “including the cloud city of Bespin, the shattered remains of the second Death Star near Endor, or the towering cityscape of the galactic capital, Coruscant.”
#4: Magic of Disney Animation
Where: Disney’s Hollywood Studios
When: Opening date May 26, 2026
Disney remains famous for its beloved animation. Now, guests will be able to see how their favorite animated characters are brought to life with the Magic of Disney Animation.
This new animation-inspired experience is set inside a building designed to look like Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California—including Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer Hat topping the building!
With the help of favorite Disney characters, guests will learn how their favorite animated movies are made through every step of the animation process. They’ll even be able to take a hand at drawing their own character sketch, and even meet some beloved animated characters.
Of course, this magical experience begins even before guests set foot inside the building. In the courtyard surrounding the attraction (inspired by the architecture and atmosphere of the legendary campus), guests can spot a few Disney characters and hear remixes of classic Disney tunes playing over the sound system.
#5: Jessie’s Roundup
Where: The Diamond Horseshoe in Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom
When: Opening date May 26, 2026
Yee-Haw! Get along, little doggies, and get ready for a rip-roaring time with your favorite Toy Story pals at Jessie’s Roundup.
This summer only—and just in time for Toy Story 5—Jessie, Woody, and their other Toy Story pals will be taking over the Diamond Horseshoe in Magic Kingdom for some wild west fun.
Not only will guests be able to see these characters perform in several shows, but young guests can try their little hands at other fun and games, including cornhole, horseshoes, and even some really big building blocks.
#6: Bluey’s Wild World
Where: Conservation Station at Animal Kingdom
When: Opening date May 26, 2026
Everyone’s favorite blue heeler is arriving from down under for some wild and wacky fun at Animal Kingdom.
Hop aboard the Wildlife Express Train to Conservation Station, where guests will not only be able to meet Bluey and her little sister Bingo, but also partake in their family’s favorite games from Keepy Uppy to the Magic Asparagus.
Of course, the rambunctious blue heelers won’t be the only animals from Australia there. Guests can then jump over to Jumpin Junction to see other Australian animals like kangaroos and wallabies in this new, shared habitat.
