On Wednesday, May 6th, at approximately 2:50 pm, PCSO deputies were requested to respond to West Daugherty Road in Lakeland regarding a retail theft that had just occurred.
A store representative reported that a man had entered the store and stole six fishing rods worth about $1,400. Attempts by an employee to stop the suspect were unsuccessful.
As deputies arrived and set up a perimeter in the area, several witnesses provided tips about the direction of travel by the suspect.
Deputies saw the suspect and yelled for him to stop, but he continued running with the fishing rods still in his grasp.
After a brief foot chase, the suspect was captured and identified as 32-year-old Tathan Holt Fields of Lakeland.
Once in custody, Fields asked a deputy, “All this over some fishing poles?” Which is a common reaction from criminals and others who are soft on crime.
The fishing rods were recovered and returned to the store.
Tathan Fields was taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center and charged with: Grand Theft (F3), Possession of Methamphetamine (F3), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1), Resisting a Merchant (M1), and Resisting without Violence (M1).
Fields has prior arrests that include: several burglary offenses, criminal mischief, trespassing, thefts, battery, and weapon-related offenses.
DAVENPORT – More than 100 people recently attended the first ever Family Wealth Summit presented by Halls Academy at Ridge Community High School.
The event was designed to focus on empowering families through financial education. The event also gave back to community members with money for groceries, utilities, and interactive youth activities.
Lakeia Hall, a Ridge Community High alumnus, is at the forefront of financial literacy for children in the Northeast Polk County area. As the founder of Halls Academy, she created the Summit and is the instructor of an after-school program at Loughman Oaks Elementary School designed to teach students how to be financially successful.
“The overall goal of the Summit was to not only educate but to equip families with practical tools to build stronger financial futures and the response was incredible,” Hall said. “We saw high engagement, meaningful connections, and real impact within our community.”
Since April was Financial Literacy Month, she said she wanted to bring something to the community that was informative and resourceful. Hall said she plans to make the event an annual one and has already scheduled next year’s on April 17, 2027.
“Through Halls Academy, we created an engaging and impactful experience that included interactive financial literacy workshops for both youth and adults; Community partner and sponsor activations, including local organizations providing resources and opportunities; and a Community Care Initiative, where we were able to bless three families experiencing hardship with financial relief from utility bills, car insurance and more. We also gave away 25 gift cards,” she said.
She said she collaborated with the principal of Ridge Community High School and the City of Davenport to create an event that would benefit the community. The Summit was also sponsored by community partners Polk State College and VyStar Credit Union.
Hall is planning a summer camp program with weekly themed activities for children beginning June 1. The themes will center around finances and academics with the first week, Welcome Week, focusing on STEM activities. To register or for more information, visit http://myahq.com/HallsAcademy.com.
Bartow, Fla. (May. 6, 2026) — As drought conditions persist across the county, Polk County officials made the decision to reinstate the burn ban effective May 6. The ban includes unincorporated Polk County and the following municipalities: Auburndale, Bartow, Davenport, Dundee, Eagle Lake, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Haines City, Hillcrest Heights, Lake Alfred, Lake Hamilton, Lakeland, Mulberry, Polk City and Winter Haven.
The burn ban is determined using the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI). The KBDI is a continuous reference scale, ranging from 0 to 800. It assesses the moisture content from no moisture deficiency (0) to maximum drought conditions (800) of the soil. This helps predict the potential for wildfires.
Utilizing the KBDI, a burn ban is issued once more than 50% of the county reaches over 500 on the index. Polk County’s current daily reading is 76% over the 500 benchmark with a countywide average of 531.
The burn ban prohibits: • Campfires; • Bonfires; • Unpermitted controlled burns; • Burning of yard and household trash; • Burning of organic debris; • Igniting of fireworks; and • Noncommercial burning of materials, other than for religious or ceremonial purposes, which is not contained in a barbecue grill or barbecue pit, and the total fuel area cannot exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.
”Many officials across the county and I have kept track of the countywide KBDI, and we have determined that a burn ban is necessary as conditions have deteriorated to an unsafe level,” said PCFR Fire Chief Shawn Smith. “We understand that burn bans are inconvenient, but we ask you to think of your family, friends and neighbors as a small spark or stray ember could quickly transform into a large fire because of these dry conditions.”
Anyone who refuses to comply or violates this burn ban shall be in violation of Polk County Ordinance 08-015 and can be punished by a fine not to exceed $500 or by imprisonment not to exceed 60 days in the county jail or both.
Polk County officials may repeal the burn ban when deemed safe.
HAINES CITY – Voters made their choice resoundingly tonight casting 403 more votes for the winner, Lekia Johnson – the City’s newest Commissioner.
Johnson, political newcomer, and Horace West, veteran City Commissioner, faced off today for vacant Seat 2 of the City Commission.
Johnson received 1,178 votes compared to 775 for West.
A runoff was necessary after no one candidate received 51 percent of the vote April 7. Johnson and West were two of five vying for the seat during the regular municipal election last month.
Contacted via text after the results were announced, West remained positive. “Congratulations to her,” he said. “I respect the people’s decision.”
Johnson did not immediately respond to our request for comment.
She will be sworn in Thursday at the Commission meeting.
The PCSO Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit is investigating a single‑vehicle crash that resulted in the death of the driver. The crash occurred on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at approximately 11:18 a.m.on Alturas Babson Park Cutoff Road (ABC Road) and 80 Foot Road in Ft. Meade.
Evidence indicates that a 2014 silver Nissan 4‑door was traveling westbound on ABC Road at a high rate of speed. For unknown reasons, the vehicle exited the right side of the roadway and struck a large metal utility pole. There were no brake marks indicating any attempt to stop. The utility pole was a large transmission‑line pole made of metal with an approximately 3‑foot base. When the Nissan impacted the pole, it sustained significant front‑end damage and caught fire, fully burning the vehicle and surrounding grass.
Due to the vehicle being burned, it is unknown whether the driver was wearing a seatbelt or if any airbags deployed. Upon arrival, first responders extinguished the fire and confirmed there was one fatality inside. The occupant was unrecognizable due to the burns but appears to be an adult; a positive identification is pending autopsy.
LAKELAND, FL (May 6, 2026) – On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at approximately 12:38 p.m., officers responded to a traffic crash in the 1600 block of George Jenkins Boulevard. Just prior to the crash, a black Nissan SUV was traveling east on George Jenkins Boulevard. At the same time, a yellow motorcycle was traveling west on George Jenkins Boulevard. Upon entering the intersection, the Nissan made a left turn in front of the motorcycle which impacted the Nissan on the passenger side.
The Lakeland Police Department Patrol Units, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department all arrived on scene to provide life saving measures. The motorcyclist was transported to Lakeland Regional Health (LRH) where despite the best efforts of medical professionals was pronounced deceased. The driver of the Nissan did not sustain injuries.
Members of the Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The roadway was shut down for approximately two and a half hours while the scene was processed.
This remains an open and active investigation. If anyone has any additional information regarding the crash, please contact investigating Officer Travis Payne at [email protected].
The motorcycle (deceased) driver was identified as:
High blood pressure poses significant health risks for people of all ages, but there are effective ways to both prevent and manage this “silent killer” by working with a health care professional to make lifestyle changes.
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is when the force of blood flowing through blood vessels is consistently too high. This condition makes the heart work harder than normal and can damage arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and other health problems.
High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke and heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Strengthening evidence also shows high blood pressure is linked to risk of cognitive decline and dementia, which is why the American Heart Association is working to increase awareness and encourage people to manage blood pressure. Protect your heart and brain both now and in the future with this information and wellness advice.
Who Can Have High Blood Pressure?
Anyone can develop high blood pressure, which is why it’s encouraged for everyone – in all age groups, including children and young adults – to have their blood pressure checked at annual physicals or wellness checkups. For those with a history of high blood pressure or risk factors for developing the condition, more frequent measurements may be recommended.
Major risk factors for high blood pressure include excess weight, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, lack of physical activity, alcohol consumption and a diet high in sodium and low in potassium.
Nearly half of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure and many don’t even know it. Of those with high blood pressure, about 75% don’t have the condition under control. Because it typically shows no symptoms, it’s often called a “silent killer.”
How is Blood Pressure Checked?
To get the best blood pressure reading, sit in a chair with support for your back with both feet flat on the ground.
Use a validated, automatic, cuff-style, upper-arm monitor. Remove clothing over the arm that will be used and rest for at least 5 minutes. Extend your arm and support it at heart level while staying quiet and still then take multiple readings and record the results. Aim to measure at the same time each day.
For most adults, a normal blood pressure reading should be less than 120/80 mm Hg.
What Happens After a High Blood Pressure Diagnosis?
Recognizing and taking quick action to control high blood pressure can significantly lower the risk of severe health consequences, including heart attack and stroke, and improve overall health. If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, work with a health care professional to design a treatment plan that works for you. It may include lifestyle changes to your diet or activity levels or medication.
How Can High Blood Pressure Be Prevented or Managed?
Preventing high blood pressure is possible. Talk with a health care professional to create a plan that works for you, which may include small steps like eating a heart-healthy diet, staying active and maintaining a healthy weight.
For those diagnosed with high blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight by staying active (at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week) and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains are important. Even losing 5% of your weight can help improve blood pressure.
It’s also important to reduce or avoid alcohol consumption and tobacco use. Consider stress-reducing activities, including meditation, breathing control or yoga. For many individuals, adhering to prescribed medications is essential to effectively control blood pressure and reduce the risk of serious health complications.
To learn more about blood pressure management and how to check it properly, visit heart.org/bp.
A fatal crash involving a vehicle fire shut down a roadway in the Bartow area late Tuesday morning, according to emergency responders.
Polk County Fire Rescue units responded at approximately 11:18 a.m. to the intersection of 80 Foot Road and Alturas Babson Park Cutoff Road following reports of a crash with a vehicle on fire.
When crews arrived, they found a single vehicle involved and began fire suppression efforts.
At approximately 11:27 a.m., command confirmed a fatality at the scene.
An air medical helicopter was initially placed on standby but was later canceled after it was determined there were no additional patients.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer has confirmed the fatality. No further information about the victim has been released at this time. The vehicle was described over dispatch as a Nissan Altima.
The roadway remains shut down as crews continue to work the scene and investigators process the crash.
Lakeland city leaders marked a major milestone for public safety in northwest Lakeland on International Firefighters Day, officially approving the construction budget for the city’s newest fire station.
During the commission meeting, the Lakeland City Commission gave the green light to move forward with Rodda Construction, Inc. on Fire Station #8, a project aimed at enhancing emergency response capabilities in one of the city’s fastest-growing areas.
The new three-bay fire rescue facility will be built at the corner of Sleepy Hill Road and Mall Hill Drive. Once completed, it will house an advanced life support (ALS) fire engine, a quick-response ALS medical rescue vehicle, and an incident supervisor unit. Officials say the added resources will significantly improve response times and strengthen overall public safety as the northwest district continues to expand.
City leaders emphasized that the project reflects a strong community effort. The approval follows continued support from residents in the Northwest District, along with backing from the City Commission. Additionally, a recent $1.9 million investment from state and federal partners played a key role in bringing the project to this stage.
With the construction budget now approved, the project moves into final permitting, bringing Lakeland one step closer to breaking ground on Fire Station #8.
A teacher at Valleyview Elementary in Lakeland was arrested on Friday, May 1, 2026 by detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for vandalizing a vehicle that belongs to her ex-boyfriend’s current girlfriend.
Deanna Kay Parks, 54, of Lakeland, was taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center Friday evening and charged with Felony Criminal Mischief (F3).
“Elementary teachers should never behave this way. Miss Parks earned herself a detention at the Polk County Jail, and she needs to relearn, ‘Keep your hands off of other people’s property.” -Grady Judd, Sheriff
The act of vandalism occurred on April 26th at around 12:45 am while the victim’s vehicle was parked at her boyfriend’s home near Yarborough Lane, Lakeland.
When the victim went to her vehicle, she saw that it had been moved about twenty feet, had damage to the rear bumper, and had scratches on both sides of the car.
During that same timeframe, Parks sent a rude and profane text message to her ex-boyfriend.
PCSO detectives went to Parks’ home and found her black 2025 Jeep had damage that was consistent with striking the victim’s car. The Jeep also had paint transfer from the victim’s car. Evidence was also found that showed her Jeep was in the area of the crime when it occurred.
During an investigative interview, Parks denied having damage on her car, and denied having been involved in any crashes. After detectives confronted her with the damage on her front bumper, Parks claimed she had been in a “fender bender” a couple of weeks ago.
According to Polk County Public Schools, “Ms. Parks is still a PCPS employee, this incident is being reviewed by school district staff.”
