Today, Polk County, including Lake Wales, is under a Red Flag Warning from noon until 8 PM, signaling critical fire weather conditions. This warning, issued by the National Weather Service, highlights the heightened risk of wildfires due to strong winds, low humidity, and dry conditions. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution and avoid any activities that could ignite a fire. (Link: National Weather Service)
What Is a Red Flag Warning?
A Red Flag Warning is issued when weather conditions are ideal for wildfires to ignite and spread rapidly. Factors such as strong winds, low moisture in the air, and dry vegetation create an environment where fires can start easily and spread quickly.
Safety Tips for Residents
Avoid Outdoor Burning: With the increased fire risk, refrain from any outdoor burning, including campfires and debris burning.
Dispose of Cigarettes Properly: Ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished before disposal.
Be Cautious with Equipment: When using equipment that could create sparks, such as lawnmowers or chainsaws, be sure they didn’t ignite a tiny fire that grow into a large one.
By staying informed and cautious, residents can help prevent wildfires and keep their communities safe.
Donald Gene Harvard of Lake Wales passed away Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at George C. Forsythe Hospice House in Auburndale.
He was born January 1, 1935 in Winter Haven to the late Burl and Lyda Harvard; he has been a lifelong resident of the area. In his early years, Donald worked with his father at Burl Harvard’s Builders. He was the owner of Harvard’s Groceries in the early 70’s and was a refrigeration technician for Florida’s Natural before retiring after 40 years.
Donald was preceded in death by his son, Greg Harvard; sister, Geralean Simpson; and sister-in-law, Linda Harvard. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Barbara Harvard; son, Brent Harvard and wife Kristen of Lake Wales; sister, Genetha Kirkland and husband Paul of Cleveland, Tennessee, Judy McKibbin and husband David of Ocala; brother, Dr. Ronald Harvard of Cleveland, Tennessee; granddaughter, Nicole Teigeiro of Deerfield, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 2, 2025 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales with Rev. Walter Nelson officiating.
Sheriff Grady Judd from Polk County Sheriff’s Office at a press conference Regarding an officer-related, shooting on Masterpiece Road in Lake Wales on April 11, 2025
At a press conference held this afternoon, Friday, April 11, 2025, near Masterpiece Road in Lake Wales, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has offered some preliminary details regarding an officer-related shooting in a residential area, resulting in a man’s death.
Judd says that the shooting occurred around 1 PM this afternoon. He stresses that the information provided at this time “is subject to modification as the investigation goes on. This is preliminary information, but as is my policy, we release to the community, and tell them what we’re doing as quickly as we can. Sometimes the information we release has to be modified…so if I say something now, that’s not the final analysis; that’s the first analysis.”
PSCO received a call at around 12:52 this afternoon about a suspicious person that had wandered into a man’s garage. 
“He asked for a gun and said he wanted to be shot and killed,” Judd says. The 78-year-old owner of the home told him to get out of his garage. The suspect it said to have left after some time without injuring the witness, and headed to a neighboring home, stating to a woman at this second property that he wanted to be killed. The suspect ultimately left this property as well, and at least one of the witnesses called 911 to report what had occurred.
At this point, “Our witness has called the Sheriff’s Office, dialed 911, and said ‘we got a guy here that some drugs or something.’” Judd goes on to say that at that time, they were aware that the suspect has committed at least two armed burglaries because he was in possession of a knife.
The first deputy arrives a short time later, and the suspect is described to begin acting in a threatening manner to the deputy.
When the deputy arrives, Judd says, the “suspect starts walking toward her and pulls an knife from his pocket and threatens her and is telling her to kill him; she is trying to de-escalate him. She is backing away and trying to put the patrol car between her and him and telling him to put the knife down.”
The deputy is said to have called for backup while attempting to deescalate the situation.
“Back up arrives just a few seconds later, our backup deputy gets out, and once again tells the guy to put the knife down,” Judd says.
When the back up deputy arrived, the suspect is said to have turned his attention to him, advancing a threat upon him, while being told to stop advancing.
“Our deputy shot multiple times and our suspect fell in the middle of Masterpiece Road,” Judd says. “EMS and Fire obviously were immediately notified to respond. We started life-saving measures, but his life could not be saved.
“There’s an investigation underway by the 10th Judicial Circuit Officer-Involved Task Force, and that information will be ultimately sent to our state attorney Brian Haas, but I can tell you this – this man is dangerous. He presented himself as dangerous And he asked to be shot. He demanded to be shot and then he forced us to shoot him, so we obliged. He asked for it, and he got it.
“Our deputies were in a position of grave danger and risk, and they protected themselves,” says Judd.
The deputy that arrived as back up, was identified as the deputy who shot the suspect. Only one deputy is said to have fired upon the suspect, according to Judd.
The preliminary investigation also uncovered that the suspect had allegedly committed a third home invasion the night before, but that incident was not initially reported to law-enforcement.
The suspect, whose name will not be released until next of kin, notification has been made, is said to be a heavyset, white male, approximately 43 years old, from the Gainesville area. He is said to have been in the area for approximately two weeks. The suspect is said to have a criminal history indicating multiple arrests involving methamphetamines.
“This is the early stages of the investigation,’ Judd says. “We have to sort all that out…for whatever reason last night he began a spree of breaking into three homes while the people were there and at least two of them told us that he demanded to be killed.”
It is unknown at this time how many shots were fired. Forensics will confirm that information at a later time.
“Our forensic team is working on that and we will be able to release that,” says Judd. “I can tell you, it’s multiple times, and he was shot enough to stop the threat, which is exactly what our deputy should’ve done.”
Dan Logan Cooley, age 69, died March 17, 2025, in Bartow, FL. He was predeceased by his eldest brother Tony, mother Peaches and father Cliff. He is survived by his wife Linda (nee Albritton), daughter Heather (Brian) Turner and grandchildren Anthony and Aurora of Davenport, son Cliff Cooley of Lake Wales, and younger brother Lee (Andrea) Cooley of Scottsdale, AZ. Born March 11, 1956, in Fort Lauderdale, Dan earned the rank of Eagle Scout at Troop 240 in Jacksonville Beach and graduated from Fletcher Sr. High School in Neptune Beach in 1974. He served four years in the U.S. Army and graduated from the University of North Florida with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Dan worked for a private security firm and at an auto parts store before a long career at the Polk County Sheriff’s Department as an investigator and Sergeant in Detentions. He was known as the “King of Contraband” which saved hundreds of lives. In his retirement, he worked part-time at Walmart and a local Dodge dealership. Dan also wrote a regular humor column for The Mulberry Press called “Old Coots Giving Advice”. He never stopped helping his community. He would hold presentations at a local elementary school and volunteer at the Luster African American Heritage Museum in Bartow. Every day he found ways to give acts of service to his community. He was a true Christian soldier. The Family will receive friends from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm Friday, April 11, 2025 at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home in Bartow, FL. A Celebration of Life Service for Dan will follow at 4:00 pm Friday, April 11, 2025 at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers the family ask to make a contribution in Dan’s name to your favorite charity. Condolences to the Family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com
“The City of Bartow and the Bartow Police Department are working to improve community safety by installing red-light safety cameras at 8 high-risk intersections. The program will be live on April 21. For the first 30 days, violators will receive warnings. Beginning May 21, violations will incur fines.
The cameras, which will be operational 24/7, are installed at the following intersections (which are marked with signs noting that cameras are in use):
Wilson Ave. at Van Fleet Dr. / SR 60
W. Main St. / SR 60 at Crown Ave.
Holland Pkwy. / US 17 / US98 at Van Fleet Ave. / US 98
Broadway Ave. / US 98 / at E. Van Fleet Dr. / SR 60
Holland Pkwy. / US 17 at Main St.
S. Holland Pkwy. US 17 at W. Wabash St.
Holland Pkwy. / US 17 at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
S. Holland Pkwy. / US 17 at E. Georgia St.
Red Light cameras have proven effective in reducing crashes, serious injuries, and fatalities. Similar red-light safety programs across the U.S. gathered 4.6 million red-light citations in 2023, with a recidivism rate of 84%, indicating most violators do not repeat their illegal behavior.
The fine amount for a red-light safety camera violation, governed by Florida Statute § 316.0083, is $158 for each offense. Of that amount, $70 is remitted to the Florida Department of Revenue for deposit into the General Revenue Fund, $10 goes to the Florida Department of Health Emergency Medical Services Trust Fund, $3 to the Florida Department of Revenue for deposit into the Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Trust Fund, and $75 is retained by the City of Bartow.
Red Light Camera citations are not considered “moving violations.” As such, no points are assessed and a citation will not affect your insurance rates. More information about the program can be found at www.cityofbartow.net/512/Red-Light-Camera-Safety-Program .”
The National Weather Service Tampa Bay Ruskin Florida has issued a Red Flag Warning. Details:
…CRITICALLY LOW HUMIDITY WITH GUSTY WINDS WILL RESULT IN ELEVATED FIRE DANGER…
The National Weather Service in Ruskin has issued a Fire Weather Warning for low humidity, breezy westerly winds, and moderate significant fire potential expected this afternoon. The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay Ruskin has issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from 2 PM this afternoon to 7 PM EDT this evening.
* AFFECTED AREA…Polk.
*TIMING…From 2 PM this afternoon to 7 PM EDT this evening.
*WINDS…West around 15 mph with gusts up to 20 mph.
*RELATIVE HUMIDITY…As low as 30 percent.
* IMPACTS…Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
On Thursday, April 10th, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 44-year-old Christopher Lee and 43-year-old Shari Conard, both of Lakeland, in connection with an alleged burglary that occurred on April 5th. The incident reportedly involved the theft of a trailer, a go-cart, and two kayaks from a Lakeland property.
Detectives linked the crime to a silver Dodge Ram allegedly used during the burglary. A similar vehicle was located on Winchester Drive, less than 1,000 feet from the crime scene. Investigators observed an item, similar in size to the stolen go-cart, under a blue tarp in the truck bed. A trailer, also partially covered, was seen on the property and resembled the one reported stolen.
When deputies surrounded the property, both suspects allegedly attempted to flee from the back of the house but were quickly apprehended, thanks in part to Deputy Holley and his K9 partner, Buck.
Lee and Conard allegedly confessed to the crime. Deputies recovered the stolen property, including the trailer, kayaks, and go-cart.
Lee and Conard were transported to the Polk County Jail and charged with burglary, grand theft, conspiracy to commit burglary, loitering and prowling, and resisting arrest without violence. Conard was additionally charged with providing false identification to law enforcement and had an outstanding warrant from Citrus County for failure to appear on charges related to possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.
Lee has 13 prior felony convictions, including aggravated assault, armed burglary, and sale of methamphetamine. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Hey there, music lovers! The weekend of April 11–13, 2025, is set to bring some incredible tunes to Winter Haven and the surrounding Central Florida spots. From rock shows and acoustic sets to karaoke and music bingo, there’s something for every vibe. Grab your friends, check out these events, and let’s make it a musical weekend to remember! 🎶✨
Friday, April 11, 2025
🎶 Music Bingo – Totally ’80s! (Lake Wales)
When: 6:00 PM
Where: 229 E Stuart Ave, Lake Wales, FL 33853
What’s Happening: Get ready for a blast from the past with 80s Music Bingo! One person’s confirmed—join the fun and test your retro song knowledge in Lake Wales.
🎸 Josh Baldwin in concert for Refuge on the Ridge (Lake Wales)
When: 7:00 PM
Where: HighPoint Church, Lake Wales, FL
What’s Happening: Worship with Josh Baldwin live! Seventy-seven people are interested in this inspiring concert at HighPoint Church—just a short drive from Winter Haven.
What’s Happening: Guitar legend Phil Keaggy takes the stage! Twenty-seven people are interested in this nearby Lakeland show—don’t miss this masterful performance.
What’s Happening: Dance the night away with Grupo Bomba Tropical! Fifty-five people are interested in this lively Latin music event in nearby Haines City.
🎸 Swemo Night (Emo Night Taylor’s Version) (Lakeland)
When: 8:00 PM
Where: 1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33803
What’s Happening: Emo fans, this one’s for you! Forty-nine people are interested in this Taylor Swift-inspired emo night in Lakeland—bring your feelings and your voice!
🎸 B.Haven Live at Camp Margaritaville (Auburndale)
When: 7:00 PM
Where: Camp Margaritaville, Auburndale, FL
What’s Happening: B.Haven brings the party to Camp Margaritaville! Ten people are interested in this nearby Auburndale show—perfect for a tropical music escape.
What an incredible weekend of music in Winter Haven and beyond! Whether you’re into rock, country, acoustic, or a good old band battle, there’s something for everyone. Which event are you most excited to catch? Drop a comment below, and I’ll see you out there enjoying the tunes! 🌟🎉
Paul Pickard of Indian Lake Estates passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2025 at his residence.
He was born February 13, 1937 in Waynedale, Indiana to the late Clem and Esther Pickard; he moved to Indian Lake Estates from Fort Wayne in 1985. Paul was a retired factory worker for International Harvest Corporation and served with the United Stated Army during the Vietnam war. He attended First Baptist Church of Indian Lake Estates and Shady Hammock Baptist Church. He enjoyed fishing, working in the yard, and watching the stock market. He loved to watch sports, especially basketball where he would always root for the Duke Blue Devils.
Paul was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Lou Rupert; and brother, Richard Pickard. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Helen F. Pickard; son, Timothy Pickard of Davenport; daughter, Tamela Lawson and husband Donald of Versailles, Kentucky; and grandchildren, Ryan, Emily, and Matthew.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday April 12, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Indian Lake Estates. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his honor can be send to Vitas Hospice (115 South Missouri Avenue, Suite 350, Lakeland, Florida 33815).
Patricia “Patsy” Martin of Lake Wales passed away Monday, April 7, 2025 at Charming Lakes Rehabilitation Center in Lakeland.
She was born November 28, 1954 in Lake Wales to the late Gayln and Marietta Martin; she has been a lifelong resident of Lake Wales. Patsy was an educator for the Polk County School System for 41 years before retiring. She graduated from the University of Florida and was a big fan of the Florida Gators. She was a Disney fanatic and was known as a jokester. Patsy was an extremely independent person who enjoyed travel, especially to North Carolina in the summers. She loved spending time with her family and friends.
Patsy was preceded in death by her parents, Gayln and Marietta Martin; sister, Charlotte Weis; and brother, Steve Martin. She is survived by her brother, Bobby Martin and wife Cyndi of Lake Wales; nieces, Pat Nepute and husband Tom of Lake Wales, Susie Johnson and husband Shawn of Live Oak, Dee Bryant and husband Chris of Tampa, Lacy Martin of Jackson Hole, Wyoming; nephew, Skyler Martin of Lake Wales; great-nieces and nephews, Elizabeth, Katie, Drew, Julie, Rebekah, Bella, and Hudson.
A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the funeral service at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 11, 2025 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales with Rev. Callie C. Weber officiating. Interment will follow at Lake Wales Cemetery.
