This information is public record including mugshots that are included when available through the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The charges listed are at the time of arrest and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Here is a link to where can search mugshots on your own.
Jail booking logs are removed from the DailyRidge website after three months.
The Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo, scheduled for April 1-6, 2025, at Lakeland Linder International Airport, promises an exhilarating lineup of events and activities tailored for aviation enthusiasts and families alike. As the primary fundraiser for the Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE), this weeklong expo offers daily airshows, engaging STEM activities for youth, live music performances, and much more.
Sun N’ Fun 2024 (Shelly F.)
Daily Events and Activities
Throughout the week, attendees can immerse themselves in a variety of daily events:
• Florida Air Museum: Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering insights into aviation history and innovations.
• Piedmont Aerospace Experience: Boeing 727 tours available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., providing a unique glimpse into commercial aviation.
• Flight Line Tours: Conducted between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. in Warbird Country/Ramp; separate ticket purchase required.
• Career Fair: Hosted at the Future ’n Flight Plaza from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., connecting aspiring professionals with industry opportunities.
• STEM Activities for Youth: Held at the SkyLab Innovations Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., fostering a love for science and aviation among younger attendees.
• U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels Youth Outreach: Presentations from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. at The Hangar, inspiring the next generation of aviators.
• National STOL Daily Live Interviews: Conducted in Light Planes/Paradise City from noon to 1 p.m., delving into the nuances of short take-off and landing techniques.
• Daily Afternoon Airshow: From 1 to 5 p.m., featuring a mix of military and civilian aerobatic performances.
• Academic Drone Soccer World Cup Tournament: Held in the ACE Pavilion from 4 to 8 p.m., showcasing the intersection of sports and drone technology.
Special Highlights by Day
• Tuesday, April 1: The expo kicks off with a mass hot air balloon launch at 7:15 a.m., painting the morning sky with vibrant colors. In the evening, attendees can enjoy a movie at The Island featuring “Top Gun,” starting at 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 2: The night sky will be illuminated by the Polaris Ghost Squadron’s performance during the night air show, a visual spectacle not to be missed.
• Thursday, April 3: The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels arrive, with a practice session scheduled, offering a sneak peek into their precision flying routines.
• Friday, April 4: The Blue Angels make their official appearance in the afternoon airshow, showcasing their renowned aerobatic maneuvers.
• Saturday, April 5: A highlight for families, with powered parachutes and paragliders performing in Paradise City from 6:20 to 6:50 p.m.
• Sunday, April 6: The expo concludes with another movie night at The Island, featuring “Top Gun” at 8 p.m., providing a cinematic end to an action-packed week.
Admission and Ticketing
In an effort to make the expo more family-friendly, children 12 and younger will receive free admission. Single-day tickets for youths aged 13 to 17 are priced at $20, while adult general admission tickets are $50. Discounts are available for aviation association members and active or retired military personnel. Weekly admission ranges from $70 for youths to $180 for adults, with special weekend pricing packages also offered. Parking fees are set at $20 per day at the gate or $12 online, with weekly rates of $80 at the gate or $60 online. Tickets and parking passes can be purchased in advance at flysnf.org/tickets/buy-tickets.
Evening Entertainment and Concerts
This year, the expo has ramped up its evening entertainment offerings:
• Opening Night Concert: On Tuesday night, country music talents Tyler Hubbard and Uncle Kracker will perform, with the concert included in the general admission. Last year’s concert drew over 6,000 attendees, and an even larger crowd is anticipated this year.
• Additional Performances: Up-and-coming country artist Angie K will perform at The Island, blending hard-hitting country with her El Salvadoran roots. On Thursday night, rising country star Thomas Mac is set to entertain the crowd.
• Sunset Aerial Circus: Featuring smaller airplanes, gliders, parachutes, and drones, this event will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday nights. It runs concurrently with the Nighttime Airshow Spectacular on Wednesday and Saturday nights, which includes military jet demonstrations, fireworks, pyrotechnics, and a 25-minute choreographed drone show.
Sun N’ Fun 2024 (Shelly F.)
Military Demonstrations and Airshows
The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels will be a major highlight, arriving on April 4 and performing during the Friday and Saturday airshows. Their practice session on Thursday offers an additional opportunity for spectators to witness their precision flying. In total, five military demonstration teams will grace the skies during the expo:
• U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels: Showcasing their new Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets, these jets are approximately 33% larger than their predecessors, offering greater fuel capacity and upgraded avionics. Their performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday afternoons, with a practice run on Thursday.
• U.S. Navy’s F-35C Lightning II Demonstration Team: Making their debut at Sun ‘n Fun, this team will showcase the Navy’s carrier-based stealth fighter, known for its larger wings designed for carrier landings.
Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Winter Haven? From live music to community events and food tours, there’s something for everyone! Check out the exciting events happening Friday, March 28 through Sunday, March 30, 2025 in Winter Haven.
Friday, March 28 – Kick off the Weekend!
Classic Rock Legacy Duo: A Night with The Beatles ⏰ When: 6:00 PM Where: Grove Roots Brewing Co. Details: A nostalgic evening of Beatles music with the Classic Rock Legacy Duo. Event Link
Korey Live at Tanners Lakeside ⏰ When: 6:00 PM Where: Tanners Lakeside (1006 S Lake Howard Dr) Details: Enjoy live tunes while relaxing by the water. Event Link
Relay For Life Polk County ⏰ When: Time TBD Where: Central Park Downtown Winter Haven ️ Details: Join the community to support cancer research and survivors. Event Link
Three Thieves at The Apple Lounge ⏰ When: 7:00 PM Where: Apple Lounge & Grill Details: A high-energy night of music with Three Thieves. Event Link
Cashbox Presents: BluRoc Night ⏰ When: 9:00 PM Where: Jessies Lounge Details: Featuring Micah D’vinci, So Original Adrian, and Nicky Licky for a night of unique sounds. Event Link
Saturday, March 29 – Saturday Fun!
New Beginnings Job Fair ⏰ When: 9:00 AM Where: New Beginnings High School (3425 Lake Alfred Rd) Details: Meet local employers and explore job opportunities. Event Link
Daniel Pepin Live at Haven Coffee Roasters – Birthday Bash! ⏰ When: 9:00 AM Where: Haven Coffee Roasters Details: Celebrate Haven Coffee Roasters’ birthday with live music from Daniel Pepin. Event Link
Winter Haven Farmers Market ⏰ When: 9:00 AM Where: 250 Magnolia Ave Details: Find fresh produce and unique local goods at the market. Event Link
Grand Opening of Harbor at Lake Henry ⏰ When: All day (March 29-30) Where: 612 Ituna Circle Details: Celebrate the grand opening of Harbor at Lake Henry with fun activities all weekend. Event Link
Great Gatsby Celebration ⏰ When: 11:30 AM Where: 263 W Central Ave Details: Step into the Roaring ‘20s with a themed Great Gatsby celebration. Event Link
Flavors of Winter Haven Food Tour ⏰ When: 2:00 PM Where: 220 Ave A SW Details: Take a guided food tour and taste the best local bites Winter Haven has to offer. Event Link
Smokepoint Returns to Tanners Lakeside ⏰ When: 7:00 PM Where: Tanners Lakeside Details: Get ready for an exciting night of live music with Smokepoint! Event Link
Sunday, March 30 – End Your Weekend Right!
Sunday Service at Caribbean Bay Bar ⏰ When: 11:00 AM Where: 1004 Lake Howard Dr SW Details: Join the community for a Sunday service and reflection. Event Link
Glow in the Dark Paint Party – Blacklight Edition! ⏰ When: 1:00 PM Where: 6264 Cypress Gardens Blvd Details: Unleash your inner artist at a fun and creative glow-in-the-dark paint party! Event Link
Winter Haven Moose Lodge Event ⏰ When: 1:00 PM Where: Winter Haven Moose Lodge Details: A relaxed Sunday afternoon of fun and socializing at the Moose Lodge. Event Link
Gettin’ TwiZted at Tanners Lakeside ⏰ When: 2:00 PM Where: Tanners Lakeside Details: Don’t miss this lively afternoon with music and dancing! Event Link
Plan Your Weekend in Winter Haven!
From live performances and exciting food tours to community celebrations and creative events, Winter Haven is the place to be this weekend. Be sure to check out the event links for more details and RSVP.
Which events are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments below and have an amazing weekend in Winter Haven!
Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Lake Wales? Whether you’re into music, outdoor festivals, yoga, or even a thrilling Murder Mystery Night, there’s something for everyone! Here’s a list of must-attend events happening tomorrow, March 29, 2025:
🌳 Olmsted Day Festival
📍 Location: 33 N Lakeshore Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853 🕙 Time: 10 AM 🎉 Celebrate nature, history, and the local community at the Olmsted Day Festival. Enjoy live performances, food vendors, and fun activities for all ages! 🔗 Event Link
🎸 The Blue Riverhaus at Olmsted Day
📍 Location: Lake Wailes Park 🕙 Time: 10 AM 🎶 Live music at Olmsted Day! If you love good vibes and great tunes, don’t miss The Blue Riverhaus performing at this scenic park. 🔗 Event Link
🧘♀️ Mommy & Me Yoga at the Plaza
📍 Location: Market Plaza, Lake Wales, FL 🕚 Time: 11:15 AM 🌿 A relaxing and fun way for moms and little ones to bond while stretching and breathing in the fresh air. 🔗 Event Link
🎣 StirringWaters Bass Tournament Kid Zone
📍 Location: Camp Mack Lodge, Marina & RV Resort 🕛 Time: 12 PM 🐟 Bring the kids for a day of fishing fun! This event is perfect for young anglers looking to learn and compete in a friendly setting. 🔗 Event Link
🎣 StirringWaters Bass Tournament
📍 Location: Camp Mack 🕑 Time: 2 PM 🏆 Competitive fishing at its finest! Whether you’re participating or just cheering from the sidelines, this event promises an exciting afternoon. 🔗 Event Link
🔎 Murder Mystery Night
📍 Location: 229 E Stuart Ave, Lake Wales, FL 33853 🕕 Time: 6 PM 🕵️♂️ Love solving mysteries? Put on your detective hat and immerse yourself in a thrilling whodunit experience! 🔗 Event Link
$200K Grant Approved for Circle B Bar Reserve Pond Project
by James Coulter
Visitors to Polk’s Nature Discovery Center will be able to enjoy new recreational and educational amenities, including a new trail picnic pavilion, now that the county has approved a grant for $200K.
At their meeting on Tues. Mar 18, the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) of Polk County voted unanimously to approve a resolution approving a grant agreement between the county and the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).
The grant agreement will provide $200,000 in funding, which will require a county match, to help facilitate the construction of new recreational and education amenities at Polk’s Nature Discovery Center at Circle B Bar Reserve.
According to the agenda memo, these new amenities will include an “additional multi-use trail, a floating boardwalk, picnic pavilion, and educational kiosk” and are expected to “enhance visitor experience.”
The project was inspired during the restoration of an old borrow pit (pond) in “an area previously not open to the public” in 2022. That area was identified as a place to potentially “enhance stormwater educational programming.”
The Polk’s Nature Discovery Center is located in the Circle B Bar Reserve on 1,267 acres of land that was purchased by the county in 2000. Since 2008, it has helped educate the public about Polk’s natural flora and fauna with several recreational and educational amenities including seven miles of natural hiking trail.
Bustin’ Clays with Sheriff Grady Judd Date & Time: Saturday, March 29, 2025, 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM Location: Tenoroc Shooting Sports, 3755 Tenoroc Mine Road, Lakeland Description: Join the 17th Annual Bustin’ Clays fundraiser hosted by Polk County Sheriff’s Charities, Inc. This event has become one of the most visible and fun shooting events in Central Florida.
Third Annual Festival of Writing Date: Ongoing through March 31, 2025 Location: Polk County History Center Description: Explore the Festival of Writing exhibit, showcasing local authors and literary works.
Polk Senior Games Date: Ongoing throughout March 2025 Description: A series of competitive events for seniors, promoting health and wellness through various sports and activities.
Curtains – Spring Musical by Harrison School for the Arts Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025 Description: Enjoy a performance of the musical “Curtains” presented by students from Harrison School for the Arts.
AGB Thursdays at Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025 Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM Description: Extended hours to visit galleries, book spaces, and enjoy the art-loving community with free weekly programming.
During a Joint Address to Congress on March 4 of this year, President Donald J. Trump introduced many of us to Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel, 13, of Houston, Texas. DJ, a brain cancer survivor, who always wanted to grow up to pursue a career in law enforcement, is in Polk County today on a quest, one that Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd was happy to oblige.
This morning, on Friday, March 28, 2025, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office hosted a ceremony at the PCSO Sheriff’s Operations Center in Winter Haven, swearing the young man in as an honorary deputy sheriff for the agency.
DJ was recently sworn in as an honorary Secret Service agent in Washington D.C.
Recent news stories have been published about this young man who is suffering from incurable brain cancer. Polk County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer, Carrie Horstman, says, “He has a goal of being sworn in at 1000 police agencies across the nation to make it into the Guinness Book of World Records.”
Horstman says DJ’s count is currently at around 913, leaving him with about 86 additional swearing-in ceremonies after today to make it to his goal.
His dad, Theodis Daniel, drove him to Florida and arrived in Polk County on Thursday from Texas for the occasion. After a couple of flat tires, the father, son, and other family members arrived at the operation center for the ceremony. It doesn’t seem like much will hold this family back from getting where they need to go.
DJ and his family were welcomed by the media and other attendees with a fanfare of applause. Despite having terminal brain cancer, he is a gregarious and feisty young man, spending several minutes in banter with Judd, swapping one-liners, and took the time to ask the Sheriff a few important questions.
Sheriff Judd gave attendees a glimpse of the Secret Service badge DJ received and spoke on his good character.
“They made him…The Department of Homeland Security Secret Service Honorary Special Agent…that’s pretty awesome, right?”
“How’d you get that?” DJ said playfully, with humor beyond his short number of years.
“But now, we’re going to make you an honorary Polk County deputy sheriff. Is that pretty cool?”
‘Yes, sir,” DJ responds with a straight face. “As soon as I get sworn in , when do I get paid?”
Sheriff Judd administered the oath of service to his new honorary recruit, clad in an official PCSO uniform. normally, his father pins a new badge on his son, but DJ requested that his cousin, Laquita Beal, of Plant City, have the honor today, a move that she later said moved her greatly.
“I was so shocked. It was an honor, I lost the strength in my hands; I was shaking. But this is how he is, he just really free-spirited, very funny.”
DJ was given a commemorative plaque, a Jeepin’ with Judd bobble head, and, naturally, an official PCSO issued cowboy hat. He is also making memories, and demonstrating that when life hands you challenges, there are different ways of handling them.
DJ’s dad may have said it best:
“This whole journey is worth it. Who ever heard about a kid with terminal brain cancer that’s able to go out and share his stories with the world?”
‘He’s living his life, his best life. Like 1999 Prince.”
At approximately 7:47 a.m., a 12-year-old was in the crosswalk on State Road 60 at the intersection of 3rdStreet when he was struck by a 2010 Buick Enclave. Video footage shows the child waited at the crosswalk then began crossing once east and westbound traffic stopped at the light. The driver of the Buick, Ethan Havlock of Lake Wales was traveling east on State Road 60 and ran the red light. The car was traveling at an estimated speed of 47 miles per hour when impact occurred.
Havlock did stop and was on scene when police arrived. As a result of the crash, the child was flown to an area trauma center for immediate treatment. An active investigation is underway to gather more information about this incident.
This crash highlights the importance of paying attention while operating a vehicle and always obeying traffic control devices and signals. Coincidentally, today at 2:00 pm, proposals for red light and school zone speed enforcement cameras will be opened as the Lake Wales moves forward with implementing these programs within the city.
William (Bill) Everhart passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, with his wife of forty years at his bed side.
Bill was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania on February 23, 1947. His family relocated to Englewood, Florida in 1959 where his father served as the minister of Community Presbyterian Church.
Bill graduated from Venice High School in 1965 and immediately enlisted in the United States Army where he served with B Co., 1st Bn., 503rd Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (separate) during the Vietnam War. He received the Purple Heart in 1966 and the Bronze Star in 1967. He later attended Tallahassee Community College and acted in numerous plays at Tallahassee Little Theatre and Florida State University’s theatre department.
He later became a member of the Screen Actors Guild and was seen in television commercials for Bob Evans, Hardee’s and Sun Chips. He played a lawyer in nine episodes of the original scripted version of the daytime television drama DIVORCE COURT when it was produced at Universal Studios in Orlando. He was familiar to local audiences as an award- winning character actor who appeared in a variety of roles at Winter Haven Community Theatre.
Bill worked as a letter carrier for the USPS in Winter Haven for twenty years until an accident forced his retirement.
He was a lifetime member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Disabled American Veterans and the Society of the 173d Airborne Brigade.
He was a direct descendant of Mayflower passenger Mary Chilton through his maternal grandfather, listed American artist F.Townsend Morgan
He was preceded in death by his parents The Reverend William L. Everhart and Norma Morgan Everhart and by his brother Brian C. Everhart.
He is survived by Rebecca Everhart, his wife of forty years, his brother-in-law Robert Donaldy, godson Logan Nations, goddaughter Kelly Ferrell of Orlando, sisters Lynn Nations of Winter Haven and Bonnie Sawyer of Carlsbad, California, nephews Dr. Loren T. Nations of Winter Haven, Adam Nations of Savannah, Georgia, Scott Mayhew of California, nieces Kelly Mayhew of San Diego, California and Samantha Everhart of Brooklyn, New York.
A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Winter Haven on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 2:00 pm, 637 Sixth Street NW, Winter Haven, FL and inurnment will be at Bushnell National Cemetery.
