A message from Winter Haven Public Safety Department-
Do you have a gently used infant or toddler car seat you can’t use anymore? Consider donating it to help the victims we serve in abuse cases. We have victims who have no resources because the suspect took everything including the family vehicle and car seats. We provide toiletries and a ride to a safe place using the donated car seats for transport of the little ones and give the parent the car seat to keep. If you can help fill this void, please drop off the car seat at the Police Department (125 N Lake Silver Dr., NW) or call 863-291-6178 and we would gladly come to you for pick up. We appreciate your commitment to this cause.
A crash occurred on I-75 in Hillsborough County on March 31, 2025, around 11:26 AM, involving five vehicles. Florida Highway Patrol responded to the crash.
A tractor trailer, driven by a 55-year-old male from Ocala, FL, failed to slow down or stop in time for the vehicles ahead, which were either stopped or slowed in traffic. This led to a chain-reaction crash with the other vehicles in sequence.
The second driver, in a Nissan Maxima, a 62-year-old female from Lakeland, FL, suffered serious injuries and was transported to a hospital, while the other drivers—ranging in age from 28 to 68—were unharmed. The incident caused roadblocks, with portions of the interstate closed until 2:44 PM.
Special weather statement issued by NWS: At 708 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7 miles southwest of Lake Kissimmee, moving east at 20 mph. HAZARD…Half inch hail. SOURCE…Radar indicated. IMPACT…Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible. Locations impacted include… Indian Lake Estates, River Ranch, Avon Park Air Force Range, Avon Park, Sebring Shores, Babson Park, Frostproof, and Sebring.
The Reverend Rick Van Clief, Pastor of Grace Baptist Church, Winter Haven, went to be with his Lord and Savior, March 28, 2025, at Good Shepherd Hospice, Auburndale.
Born March 23, 1949, John Richard Dirck Van Clief Junior was the eldest son of J.R. Dirck Van Clief Senior and Jane Lee Stanley. A third generation native, Rick was the grandson of business pioneers O.C. and Susie White Stanley, of Bartow and William Carroll and Margaret Van Clief of Bridgehampton Long Island.
The 1950s was an ideal place for Rick and his brothers David, Paul and Andrew to grow up. Society was a lot safer for little boys to ride bikes, swim, fish, hunt and explore from sunrise to dusk. Their escapades often went undetected by their mother but made lively dinner conversations decades later.
Rick graduated from Winter Haven High School where he participated in band under the direction of legendary Roy Wood. The 1960s and ‘70s were turbulent times for our country and Rick was ready to do his part. Lt. J.R.D. Van Clief was the Commanding Officer for the 47th Scout Dog Platoon, 101st Airborne Rangers, stationed at Phu Bai Vietnam, and remained so until the unit was given orders to stand down. He was the last man out, after reassigning all handlers and dogs. Army rules were different then and his only regret was that he could not bring his partner, “Rolfe” home with him.
Never one to ignore a need he could address, Rick stepped into the role of Youth Minister at Calvary Baptist Church Winter Haven with his typical “all-or-nothing” philosophy. Bible Studies, youth retreats and fund raisers were equally important as canoe trips, scavenger hunts and Underground Church. His most effective outreach took place in the kitchen as cinnamon rolls quickly became the main event every Friday night.
After graduation from [then] Polk Community College and the University of South Florida College of Engineering, Rick worked for several engineering firms, the most notably Jacobs International Engineering. He was part of the team contracted for work designing recovery docks for NASA at Kennedy Space Center. Work automatically came to a complete halt when curious alligators and manatees became a minor job hazard.
With a wide range of gifts and interests Rick’s activities were as varied as the weather. He raced bicycles, built and rode motorcycles, designed and flew radio controlled airplanes, fly fished, jumped out of real airplanes, water-skied, scuba dived, played softball, collected yoyos and fishing reels, built his own canoe paddles and tackled the earliest AutoCad programs as technology moved beyond the drafting board.
God’s Call upon his life was as much a surprise to Rick as to others. He packed up his wife and young son and went to Louisville KY. He graduated from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree. The greatest education in seminary does not come in the classroom. Those were good times and hard times. He pastored Cane Run General Baptist Church and also worked for a high-end architect whose work sometimes appeared in Southern Living. He studied and worked and sometimes slept and actually walked to school in the snow. Through it all Rick’s heart belonged to his Lord, Jesus Christ. But home always beckoned
In his 20 years as Pastor at Grace Baptist Church he considered a five block radius surrounding the Church “his neighborhood”. Most afternoons he was a familiar sight standing on the corner of 2nd Street SE and Avenue G SE watching the kids get off the school bus and waving at folks as they drove home. What neighborhood folks remember best are his evening walks talking to people working in their yards or sitting on their porches. As the church building aged he could often be spotted on the Sanctuary’s flat roof patching leaks.
In addition to his parents, and grandparents Rick was predeceased by his brother David Van Clief of Loudon County Virginia and a daughter Amanda K. Miller of Winter Haven. He is survived by his wife of forty one years, Judy and sons Dirck Van Clief III (Melissa) of Bartow and Shawn M. Smith (Tonya) of Winter Haven. He is survived by his brothers Paul Van Clief and Andrew Van Clief (Debbie) both of Winter Haven.
Rick is survived by 9 grandchildren: Gregory (Meredith) Manley; Benjamin (Laura Beth) Smith of Valdosta, GA; Ryan (Meelisa) Smith; Spencer (Mary) Miller; Maelee Smith; Specialist Noah (Chelsey) Smith, U.S Army; Aiden Miller all of Winter Haven; John Michael Van Clief and Lydia Rose Van Clief of Bartow. And he is blessed with four beautiful great-granddaughters, Madison Manley, Kallie Grace Smith, Emma Katherine Miller and Amelia James Smith.
A memorial service will be held Thursday April 3, 2025 at First Baptist Church, 410 Church Street Bartow. Visitation will be at 4:00 p.m., Service 5:00 p.m. with Pastor Matthew McCraw and Dirck Van Clief officiating.
Arrangements handled by Steele’s Family Funeral Services.
Gloria Jean Wurth left this world peacefully on Friday, March 28, 2025 after a brief illness at Advent Health Lake Wales.
Gloria was born in Tampa, Florida to Evelina and Ralph Faza.
She later married Carl Wurth and they moved to Lake Wales in 1960. She retired from the Polk County School System and the Holy Spirit Catholic Church. She spent many years as a volunteer at the Lake Wales Hospital and Bok Tower Gardens.
She was preceded in death by her husband Carl and eldest son Michael. She is survived by her son Wesley (Kimberly), daughter-in-law Joan Wurth, and grandchildren Dr. Evelyn Messer, William Wurth, Alison (Chris) Brown, Thomas (Angel) Wurth, John (Christine) Wurth, and Elizabeth Wurth. She also leaves behind 7 great-grandchildren.
A memorial mass will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April 3, 2025 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lake Wales.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bok Tower Gardens.
At approximately 6:59 PM on Monday, March 31, 2025, a traffic collision was reported near the intersection of Buck Moore Road and Sunset Drive in Lake Wales.
We believe there are two vehicles involved in the crash; the incident appears to involve a car and a pick up truck.
Polk County Fire Rescue has confirmed that two individuals were transported by ground for additional care. No trauma alerts were issued.
Grace Pointe Church Hosts Community Egg Hunt on April 12th
Grace Pointe Church invites everyone to join in the fun on April 12th at 10 AM for a massive Easter egg hunt! The event will feature an impressive 10,000 eggs filled with candy, prizes, and special prize eggs. In addition, there will be raffles for bicycles for all ages, ensuring everyone has a chance to win.
This exciting community event will take place at 3900 Lake Blue Drive in Winter Haven.
Bring your family and friends for a day full of excitement and prizes—don’t miss out on the fun!
LAKE WALES, FL – Gregory Lewis, principal of Bok Academy North, has been placed on administrative leave following his arrest on March 28 for petit theft.
According to the arrest affidavit, Lewis was observed by Walmart security engaging in “skip-scanning” while using the self-checkout line, meaning he intentionally failed to scan certain items before completing his purchase. After paying for the items he did scan, security detained him for questioning.
During the questioning, Lewis reportedly admitted to the theft and allegedly stated that he had engaged in similar behavior on previous occasions. The total value of the stolen items was less than $40.
Lewis was appointed as principal of Bok Academy North in July 2024 after a unanimous vote by the Lake Wales Charter School Board of Trustees. He has over 20 years of experience in education, beginning his career as a fourth-grade teacher at Polk Avenue Elementary. He later served as a dean and assistant principal at Ridge Community High School before taking on his leadership role at Bok Academy North.
At the time of his appointment, Lewis expressed excitement about his new position, stating, “I am looking forward to the challenges of maintaining and then exceeding the high level of success that has already been established.”
It remains unclear whether his arrest will result in permanent disciplinary action or termination from his position. His current annual salary is $95,534.71.
The Lake Wales Charter School system has not yet released an official statement regarding his status or any potential next steps.
Introducing a New Monthly Adult Program: Story Time After Hours
For those who never truly grew up, the Winter Haven Public Library is introducing Story Time After Hours!
Join us as we bring back the magic of being read to—this time, for grown-ups. Relax, unwind, and let your inner child run wild as we share stories in a cozy, nostalgic setting.
The first event will take place on Friday, April 4th, at 5:30 PM. No registration is required, so just come as you are! We hope to see you there for an evening of fun and storytelling.
DAVENPORT – Becoming involved in Davenport politics wasn’t on Bobby Lynch’s radar screen until he was appointed to the City Commission 23 years ago. A Commissioner had a conflict and couldn’t serve, so then-councilman Lewis Mathews reached out to Lynch. Lynch’s love of the small town where he lived and raised his family made him stay year after year, winning every election when he was on the ballot.
The more than two decades of service have been sprinkled with countless interesting events and the comings and goings of other commissioners, city managers, and staff members. He’s helped facilitate new growth and protected the core of what Davenport is to him and others – home.
“Davenport will always be home for me,” Lynch said. “We (he and his wife) have lived inside the city limits for the past 40 years. It’s a good place to raise a family with a hometown feel.”
But, now, due to term limits, his last Commission meeting is April 7.
“I’m going to step back and take time off. I’ve been a part of the Commission for so many years, of course I’ll miss it,” he said. “I feel like we have a good board – we take care of City business and work well together.”
Lynch, the oldest of three sons to the late Leo and Carolyn Lynch, graduated from Landmark High School in Haines City. Not long after, he married his wife, Denise, and for years was the owner and general contractor of Ridge Construction. However, in 2018, he gave up the stress of being a business owner and took the job of Building Inspector 3 for the City of Haines City.
Not one to look to be the center of attention, he said being a part of the City Commission has been a learning experience in many ways. He said he’s learned the inner workings of the City; to somewhat enjoy public speaking; and how to accomplish things that he felt would benefit Davenport.
“I think the Commission has made some good decisions – how to stand out from other towns,” Lynch said. “We have good people on the Commission and on staff.”
The City of Davenport needs proficiency since its population has increased by 42 percent in the last four years. This averages out to about 100 new families every month and puts it on the list of one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.
“Our City is proactive. We think ‘what if’ and plan for the future,” he said. “It’s like we have rebuilt the city. We have seasoned staff members working together who just click. We’ve put good, talented people together.”
He said he is particularly proud of the Commission’s actions to bring Davenport Elementary School back to life. He is also humbled that last year his fellow Commissioners voted to name a City building after him: the Bobby Lynch Building and Planning Center.
Brynn Summerlin, current Mayor and City Commissioner, praised Lynch’s commitment and temperament.
“You know what you are going to get with Bobby – honesty, consistency and a steadfast resolve for being fair,” Summerlin said. “He has been the anchor of the Commission and will be missed.”
City Manager Kelly Callihan agreed. “Bobby has been a great advocate for the City of Davenport – always voting for what’s best for all residents. He will be missed on the City Commission,” he said.
After 12 months, Lynch can run again for a spot on the Commission.
“If there are good people in the positions, why run?” he asked.
But, no matter what, Lynch said he thinks the best is yet to come for the growing city.
“The next five years will be exciting – lots of continued growth with more subdivisions and new businesses like Home Depot and Sherwin-Williams Paint Store,” he said.
Bobby and Denise have two children and six grandchildren. Lynch is unsure when he will retire from the City of Haines City, but when he does, the Lynch’s plan to stay put.
“Davenport will always be home. That won’t change,” he said.
In addition to four Charter Amendments on the April 2 ballot, voters will be able to select their choice for City Commissioner Seat 3. The two candidates on the ballot to replace Lynch are Tom Fellows and Timothy Scott Woodlee.
