Take a look April’s last Online Author Talks! Each month we feature bestselling, award-winning, and highly acclaimed authors from around the world. These featured writers and thought leaders cover a wide range of fiction and nonfiction genres. Join the conversation! Participants have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the author. All presentations are available on demand after the live event. Registration is required.
Last author talk: April 24, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
Brought to you in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium and made possible through the generous support of the Friends of the Winter Haven Public Library.
Visit tinyurl.com/whpl-onlineauthortalks for registration!
Each month we feature bestselling, award-winning, and highly acclaimed authors from around the world. These featured writers and thought leaders cover a wide range of fiction and nonfiction genres. Join the conversation! Participants have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the author. All presentations are available on demand after the live event. Registration is required.
Brought to you in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium and made possible through the generous support of the Friends of the Winter Haven Public Library.
Free Cypress Gardens Water Ski Show in Winter Haven – April 19, 2025
Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 19, 2025, and head to Winter Haven for a thrilling, FREE Cypress Gardens Water Ski Show! The event will take place at Lake Silver, located at 275 South Lake Silver Drive in Winter Haven, and promises fun for the whole family.
The preshow kicks off at 4:30 p.m., giving you a chance to settle in and get ready for the main event, which starts at 5:00 p.m. With talented skiers and an exciting atmosphere, it’s sure to be a memorable afternoon.
Concessions will be available, so you can grab a snack while enjoying the action. Be sure to bring your family, friends, and a blanket or chair to make the most of the experience.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic event – come out, relax, and enjoy the show!
Photo source Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team Facebook
A man from Avon Park was arrested Monday morning near the intersection of Hwy. 60 and Hunt Brothers Rd. after a hit-and-run crash he allegedly caused in Lake Wales.
The following information, and excerpts from the arrest affidavit, were provided to Lake Wales Daily by Polk County Sheriff’s Office:
“On 04/07/2025 at approximately 0640 hours, Abraham Garcia Rosario (suspect, DOB 3/16/2000) intentionally and unlawfully left the scene of a vehicle crash involving damage to another vehicle. The suspect was the driver of Vehicle 1 when Vehicle 1 crashed into Vehicle 2 driven by (the victim).
“The suspect did not stop or make any attempt to provide any information or exchange any information with the victim. The suspect also made no attempt to contact law enforcement to inform them of the vehicle crash. Neither the suspect nor the victim suffered any injuries from the crash.
“A witness observed the suspect from when the suspect vehicle came to a stop after the crash until law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on said vehicle. The witness never lost sight of the suspect vehicle Post-Miranda warning, the suspect advised he left the scene because he thought the other vehicle left as well. It was discovered the driver did not have a valid driver’s license.
“The suspect was charged with Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Damage to Another Vehicle. (316.061 (1)) and No Valid DL 322.03(1)”
Photo provided with permission from a reader
Rosario was transported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Processing Center without further incident.
A more detailed account of the incident follows, as provided by PCSO:
“On the above date and time [0640 hours, April 7, 2025], dispatch notified (a Deputy Sheriff) of a possible hit-and-run, and the victim/reportee, (REDACTED) was still following the other vehicle.
“Upon arriving at the scene, it was learned that V2 (victim) was traveling northbound on Hwy 27 and was slowing down for traffic, which was coming to a stop. V1 was behind V2, failed to slow down, swerved to avoid hitting the vehicle in front of it, and collided with V2. V2 observed V1 continue driving without pulling over to make contact. V2 called law enforcement to report the crash while continuing to follow V1.
“(The Deputy Sheriff) met with (the victim) and Rosario on Hwy. 27 north from the incident location. During the investigation, D/S Clem made contact with the driver of V1 (D1) and learned that he did not have a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle on the roadway.
(The Deputy Sheriff) placed Rosario under arrest and transported him to SPC without incident. It was reported that Rosario is not a US Citizen and is an Illegal from Guerrero Mexico. ICE was contacted and made aware of Rosario’s arrest and pending identification status.”
On April 8th, 2025, at approximately 3:57 a.m., the Auburndale Police Department responded to a series of traffic incidents originating with a hit-and-run crash on Berkley Road, approximately 100 feet north of the Westside Ridge community. The incidents involved multiple collisions, a carjacking, and concluded in a fatal single-vehicle crash. The first collision occurred when a 2018 Blue Mitsubishi Outlander, driven by suspect Robert Joseph Felton (B/M, 07/31/1982), struck the rear of a 2025 Gray Chevrolet Silverado traveling southbound on Berkley Road. Felton fled the crash scene on foot toward the Westside Ridge community.
A resident of the Westside Ridge community, responding to the crash in a golf cart, encountered Felton. The suspect forcibly removed the resident (second victim) from the golf cart and fled the area while operating the stolen golf cart. While driving the golf cart northbound on Berkley Road, Felton collided with a 2005 Gray Chevrolet Colorado driven by a third victim, causing Felton to fall out of the golf cart and laid motionless on the roadway. After the impact, the third victim exited his vehicle to check on Felton. Felton then got up from the roadway and attempted to steal the Chevrolet Colorado. When the third victim intervened, Felton struck the victim with an unknown object, seized control of the vehicle, and fled the scene.
Felton then collided with a 2024 Hyundai Sonata in a third hit-and-run incident before losing control of the stolen Chevrolet Colorado. The vehicle struck a tree on Strickland Lane near Berkley Road, ejecting Felton. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by responding paramedics. All four victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries and received medical treatment. The investigation remains active, with officers reviewing surveillance footage and witness accounts.
The investigation into these incidents remains ongoing. The Auburndale Police Department urges anyone with information—including witnesses or residents with surveillance footage to contact Corporal Alfredo Marenco at 863.965.5555 or [email protected]
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Original post
Auburndale Police Department News Release:
On April 8, 2025, at approximately 3:00 a.m., Auburndale Police officers responded to three traffic incidents, including two hit-and-run collisions and a fatal single-vehicle crash near Berkley Road and Strickland Lane. First responders arrived to find a single vehicle had struck a tree, resulting in the death of the driver. Preliminary investigations indicate all incidents are related.
The investigation remains in its preliminary stages, and no further details about the involved parties or vehicles are available at this time. The Auburndale Police Department urges anyone with information—including witnesses, residents with surveillance footage, or drivers who may have been in the area—to contact investigators at 863.965.5555.
Additional updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Looking for an engaging and active #summercamp for your kids? Registration is open for Camp Squeeze at the Lake Wales Family Recreation Center.
Every week, campers will jump into themed games, art, and science activities to celebrate summer. They’ll be exploring underwater scenes virtually with sharks and dissecting gummy piranhas, executing extraterrestrial experiments with space enthusiasts, giddy-upping on their feet to learn how to linedance like real cowboys and much more.
Registration must be completed in person at the Lake Wales Family Recreation Center. Camp Squeeze is from June 9th – August 1st, Monday through Friday, 7:30am – 5:30pm. Children entering Kindergarten to 5th grade are eligible to attend Camp Squeeze. Cost of camp is $90/week for LWFRC members and $100/week for non-members, with a one-time $25 registration fee.
Campers will receive their backpack for the summer upon registration. Call the Lake Wales Family Recreation Center for more information (863) 678-4192.
Regarding the shooting near the intersection of 5th St. NE and Ave O NE in Winter Haven on April 7, 2025, reports circulating on social media claim that one person was killed and another injured. We reached out to Winter Haven Public Safety Department Public Information Officer Jamie Brown to clarify and she has shared the following statement:
“This is still an open and active investigation. There is a male deceased, but the investigation isn’t complete regarding any arrests.
The subjects did know each other and there is no danger to the public.”
These are the only updates we are able to provide at this time. We will update once any new confirmed information comes in.
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Original post
April 7, 2025
We have gotten reports of an incident near the 5th St. NE and Ave O NE intersection in Winter Haven.
We reached out to Winter Haven Public Safety Department’s Public Information Officer Jamie Brown for information.
A shooting has been confirmed in this area. Brown has advised there are injuries and no updates on conditions at this time, however the injuries appear to be non-life threatening.
Anyone possibly involved has been accounted for and police are interviewing all people possibly involved. There is no public danger.
This is a developing story. We will update as additional details come in.
Bartow, Fla. (April 7, 2025) – Polk County Fire Rescue responded to a structure fire at 7:38 a.m. on Saturday, April 5 at 3541 Shady Brooke Drive W. in Mulberry.
Upon arrival, firefighters discovered an unconscious individual inside the residence who had been attempting to extinguish the fire using a garden water hose prior to the arrival of first responders. Firefighters quickly removed the patient from the residence ensuring that the patient received immediate medical attention. The patient was transported from the scene via Air Care.
“Polk County Fire Rescue crews demonstrated exceptional professionalism and quick thinking in locating and removing an unconscious individual from the structure,” said Polk County Deputy County Manager of Public Safety Joe Halman, Jr. “Their swift and coordinated efforts reflect their dedication and commitment to keeping our community safe.”
Thirteen PCFR crews responded to the scene. No additional injuries were reported. No additional patients were transported.
The cause of the fire is still undetermined and the incident is being investigated by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office. For further information, please contact the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Bartow, Fla. (April 7, 2025) – Polk County Fire Rescue responded to a structure fire at 7:38 a.m. on Saturday, April 5 at 3541 Shady Brooke Drive W. in Mulberry.
Upon arrival, firefighters discovered an unconscious individual inside the residence who had been attempting to extinguish the fire using a garden water hose prior to the arrival of first responders. Firefighters quickly removed the patient from the residence ensuring that the patient received immediate medical attention. The patient was transported from the scene via Air Care.
“Polk County Fire Rescue crews demonstrated exceptional professionalism and quick thinking in locating and removing an unconscious individual from the structure,” said Polk County Deputy County Manager of Public Safety Joe Halman, Jr. “Their swift and coordinated efforts reflect their dedication and commitment to keeping our community safe.”
Thirteen PCFR crews responded to the scene. No additional injuries were reported. No additional patients were transported.
The cause of the fire is still undetermined and the incident is being investigated by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office. For further information, please contact the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office.
“On 1/30/2025, a past occurred theft was reported at 624 Magnolia Avenue, in Auburndale, FL.
The victim left his wallet on the picnic table outside of his place of work (designated break area). An unknown White Male suspect was seen traveling south on Pine Street on a bicycle with a cart attached to the back. The suspect parked his bicycle at the end of the street and walked back to the picnic tables to retrieve the victim’s wallet. He then walked back to his bicycle and was last seen heading East on Magnolia Ave. with the victim’s wallet.
SUSPECT 1 – Unknown white male, last seen wearing black long pants, black t-shirt, blue hooded jacket and black tennis shoes.
If you have any information, please contact Officer Christie at (863) 965-5555 or email at [email protected]”
