A nurse employed by CFG Health Systems (the contracted medical provider for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office) who currently works at the South County Jail was arrested for possession of cocaine on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
Winter Haven Police Officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that appeared to have illegal tint and failed to stop at two stop signs. They made contact with the driver, 50-year-old David Lindsay Pohl of Winter Haven, and during the interaction, Pohl was seen by WHPD officers wiping a white substance off of his pants and a white rock-like substance was observed on the driver’s seat. The substance tested positive for cocaine.
50-year-old David Lindsay Pohl of Winter Haven
Pohl was charged by WHPD with one count of possession of cocaine (F3) and issued a citation for his illegal tint. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office booking staff noticed Pohl’s employer information and immediately contacted CFG Health and PCSO supervision.
“He was familiar with our jail as a contracted nurse. Today, he’s seeing it from the other side of the bars. We expect everyone who works with our agency to obey the law. Clearly this suspect is no longer trusted to work within our detention facilities, especially having access to prescription medications.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
Live Music Around Winter Haven This Weekend: June 26-28
Looking for live music this weekend in the Winter Haven area? From classic rock and country favorites to karaoke and acoustic performances, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy great local entertainment.
Cypresswood Pub
Cypresswood Pub has a full weekend lineup planned:
Thursday: DJ Steve & Karaoke from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday: 99 in the Shade from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday: The Grateful Alive takes the stage.
Tanner’s Lakeside
Head to Tanner’s Lakeside for live music all weekend long:
Friday: Whiskey Whisper from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Saturday: Jaded from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday: Sgt. Shredder from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
VFW Winter Haven
Catch B. Haven performing at the VFW in Winter Haven on Saturday, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Port 27
Enjoy an afternoon of live music on Sunday with the Joey Foley Duo featuring Renee Riddle at Port 27 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Be sure to check out the Tipsy Hen calendar below as well!
Whether you’re looking for a fun karaoke night, a relaxing lakeside concert, or an afternoon of acoustic music, there’s something happening around Winter Haven this weekend.
Want Your Music Featured?
Musicians performing in the Winter Haven area who would like their shows included in a future roundup can submit their schedules to [email protected]. Be sure to include “LIVE MUSIC” in the subject line to be featured in an upcoming edition of the Winter Haven Daily music listings.
Shannon Randall Hunt, age 47, passed away on June 12, 2026. He was born on July 3, 1978.
Shannon will be remembered by those who knew and loved him.
Shannon was preceded in death by his father, Randall Hunt Sr., and his daughter, Ferran Hunt. He is survived by his mother, Charlotte Ann Hunt; his son, Gunner Hunt; his daughters, Carlie Hill, Macey Hunt, and Miracle Hunt; his sister, Kelly Cooper; and his brothers, Randy Hunt Jr., Denver Hunt, David Hunt, Travis Hunt, and Tony Hunt.
Family and friends paid their respects during the visitation on Friday, June 19, 2026, with a funeral service to follow at Ott Laughlin Funeral Home, 645 West Central Avenue, Winter Haven, Florida 33881.
Shannon’s memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District has extended the Modified Phase III water shortage restrictions, effective April 3rd, 2026, to October 1st, 2026.
As a reminder, these are required regulations issued by the district, not optional guidelines. They apply in the full district including Polk County and Winter Haven. The City will be implementing an internal irrigation schedule that has been approved by the district.
Because these are enforceable restrictions, the City of Winter Haven is responsible for local enforcement. Our code and law enforcement officers will be enforcing these district regulations within the city.
If you see irrigation occurring outside the allowable time, you can report that to the Water Department team using our simple Irrigation Violation report form here: https://ow.ly/aLB550ZfTP6
If you are unsure whether your irrigation timer is set correctly, the City can help. Residents may schedule time with our Water Conservation Specialist for help with resetting irrigation timers, understanding allowed watering days and hours, and reviewing irrigation system settings.
To schedule an appointment, contact Elliott Santiago-Lugaro by email [email protected] or call 863-292-8044.
For more information, please visit our water conservation page at https://ow.ly/Ph6r50ZfTP8
Convenience Store Proposed for First Street North in Winter Haven by James Coulter
Drivers traveling along First Street North might be able to fuel up and grab a bite to eat if city commissioners approve a proposed rezoning.
At one of their meetings last month, Winter Haven city commissioners reviewed the first reading of an ordinance to rezone less than one acre of land along First Street North.
Located at 2001 First Street North, the subject property is surrounded by three other parcels to the south, west, and southwest. All three parcels are currently zoned at Commercial- Highway (C-3), while the subject property is zoned at Mixed Use (MX).
Beacon Six Holdings, LLC, which owns all four properties, has petitioned the city to zone the subject property to Commercial- Highway (C-3), thus matching the zoning designation of the other three surrounding properties.
The site is proposed to be redeveloped into a convenience store with fuel sales, a development not allowed under the Mixed Use (MX) zoning district, but allowed under the Commercial- Highway (C-3) zoning district.
“Additionally, unified zoning across all parcels would facilitate cohesive site design and consistent application of development standards,” wrote Senior Planner Heather Reuter.
Other properties include a vacant building recently approved for a restaurant to the south, two vacant parcels to the west and across Avenue U NW, and a convenience store across First Street North/State Road 544 to the east.
The proposed site sits in a prime location for a convenience station, being located at a major intersection of First Street, North/SR 544, and Martin Luther King Boulevard.
“Additionally, the adjacent right-of-way is included in the Florida Department of Transportation Lucerne Park Road/SR 544 Widening Project (Segment One), which is currently in the design phase,” Reuter explained.
City staff recommends approval of the proposed rezoning, stating that “the surrounding pattern of commercial and vacant properties, and the petitioner’s ownership of adjacent C-3–zoned parcels, the requested rezoning to Commercial-Highway (C-3) is appropriate and compatible with the surrounding area.”
This proposed rezoning will be one of several other properties in the city that have been rezoned for commercial purposes. Other recent examples include a multi‑unit commercial building north of Highway 540 West, a liquor store along Cypress Garden Boulevard, and a commercial development at 8th Street NW/US-17 & Avenue X NW.
As this was the first reading, city commissioners did not yet vote on the ordinance.
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned pursuant to the fictitious name statutes 865.09 Florida statues will register with the division of corporations of the state of Florida upon receipt of proof of publication of this notice the fictitious name to BROTHERS IN ARMS MULTI-SERVICES OF FLORIDA, LLC. the fictitious nameBIA Priority Courier & Logistics. Located in Polk County, Florida that parties interested in said business enterprises are as follows Names or officers Candida Dawne Colson.
The Winter Haven Economic Development Council (WHEDC) is proud to announce the appointment of Allison Beeman as its new President, effective July 2026. Chosen after an extensive search by the WHEDC Executive Committee, Beeman will step into the role to guide the city through its next era of economic growth and strategic evolution.
A Smooth Transition and a Legacy of Leadership
The appointment of Beeman marks the beginning of a dynamic new chapter for the organization following the retirement of outgoing President Bruce Lyon, who announced in March his transition into private consulting after 13 years of dedicated service to the community. Lyon’s tenure firmly established Winter Haven as a major competitive player in Central Florida.
Deep Local Roots and Proven Private-Sector Grit
Beeman, a Winter Haven native, brings more than two decades of leadership experience bridging public-sector economic development and private-sector corporate operations. She began her career with the Central Florida Development Council (CFDC) before rising to become the President of the Haines City Economic Development Council in 2011.
Most recently, Beeman served as District Manager for CEMEX in Polk County, where she directed sales and operations, negotiated high-value contracts, and managed large-scale infrastructure and commercial development projects. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Public Relations) from Florida Southern College and has maintained deep ties to the regional business landscape through her involvement in various regional and local civic boards and chambers of commerce.
“Allison brings a unique blend of relationship capital, private-sector corporate experience, and an understanding of development pipelines,” said Alex Nikdel, Chair of WHEDC’s Selection Committee and Board Treasurer. “The search committee was impressed by her executive readiness, her local knowledge, and her immediate vision for building local, regional and statewide partnerships. She will be ready to step in on day one and drive our mission forward.”
Navigating an Evolving Economic Landscape
Beeman takes the reins at a time when Winter Haven’s economic development priorities are shifting. While pioneering industrial projects like the Central Florida Intermodal Logistics Center (ILC) continue to serve as major economic anchors, the community is rapidly transitioning toward a dual focus on heavy corridor growth and micro-level urban redevelopment.
Under Beeman’s leadership, one of the WHEDC’s immediate priorities will be to refresh the organization’s comprehensive 5-Year Strategic Economic Development Plan. This plan will focus heavily on:
Commercial & Industrial Corridors: Maximizing strategic growth along key corridors, including SR60, US27, US17, and surrounding airports and rail terminals.
Urban Infill & Redevelopment: Actively partnering with the city and Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs) to convert real estate along major corridors and in the downtown core to thriving business assets.
Regional Collaboration: Strengthening critical public-private partnerships with the city, county, CFDC, local chambers, and our local educational institutions.
“Winter Haven is my home, and returning to economic development to serve this community is an incredible privilege,” said Allison Beeman. “The economic landscape here is ripe with opportunity. By keeping our strategic focus directly on high-wage job creation, commercial-industrial expansion, and actionable downtown revitalization, we can ensure Winter Haven remains a premier economic hub while preserving the high quality of life that makes it so special.”
##
About the Winter Haven Economic Development Council
The Winter Haven Economic Development Council (WHEDC) is a public-private partnership dedicated to creating a globally competitive economic climate in Winter Haven, Florida. By fostering business recruitment, retention, and expansion, the WHEDC works to catalyze high-wage job growth, diversify the local tax base, and enhance the overall prosperity of the Winter Haven community. For more information, visit whedc.com.
On June 23, 2026, PCSO Cyber Crimes detectives arrested 29-year-old Wesly Hulin of Lakeland and charged him with 5 counts promoting sexual performance of a child after receipt of a NCMEC (National Center for Missing and Endangered Children) tip and the subsequent investigation.
The tip indicated that several files containing child sexual abuse material were uploaded by someone in Lakeland with an email address of [email protected]. The files depicted children between the ages of 5-8 years of age engaged in sexual activities.
After positively identifying Hulin as the possible owner of the email address, they responded to his home and served a search warrant, seizing his electronic devices. During an interview, Hulin confessed to possessing the child pornography.
During the initial review of his electronic devices, detectives located 5 separate images depicting child pornography, but after a forensic analysis of all the devices seized, more charges are possible.
“Criminals are finding new ways to misuse technology, but our mission remains the same: protect children and safeguard our community. We will continue to dedicate the resources necessary to investigate crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children and pursue justice wherever the evidence leads.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
Hulin was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with five counts possession of child pornography (F3), and is being held on no bond.
PCSO’s Traffic Homicide investigators solve April fatal hit & run crash in Polk City
Two men were arrested by Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, as part of an investigation of a fatal hit and run crash that occurred in April.
The investigation by the PCSO’s Traffic Homicide Unit began in the early morning hours of April 23, 2026 when 39-year-old Brandon Roy Moran of Polk City was found on Fussell Road near Polk City, deceased, and near the 4-wheeler he had been riding.
Evidence at the time suggested that a 2009-2014 Hyundai Sonata was possibly involved in the crash.
Detectives learned a 2012 Hyundai Sonata was registered in Auburndale, about eleven miles away from the crash scene. When detectives located the vehicle, they recovered evidence from it that confirmed it was involved.
Following additional interviews, detectives determined that the driver was Richard Slaughter, 52, from Lakeland. Slaughter’s cell phone records also showed that he was in the area of the crash at the time that it occurred.
Finding Slaughter proved to be difficult, but on June 23rd, detectives followed up on a tip that he was at a residence at 5533 Fussell Road, and multiple PCSO units responded and surrounded the property.
Contact was made with a resident at the home, 71-year-old Stanley Walker. But Mr. Walker claimed Slaughter was not inside the home.
Regardless, deputies gave K9 warnings and eventually Slaughter emerged from within the residence.
Detectives arrested both men, and they were transported to the Sheriff’s Processing Center.
Richard Slaughter was charged with Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death (F1), Operating a Vehicle as a Habitual Traffic Offender (F3), and Resisting without Violence (M1).
Stanley Walker was charged with Accessory After the Fact in a 1st Degree Felony (F2).
Pastor Glen Alfred Levan, 86, of Winter Haven, FL unexpectedly passed away peacefully on the 10th of June 2026 surrounded by his family & friends.
A devoted husband to Brenda for 59 years and beloved father of Edward Levan, Carole Levan (Andrew Favata); Papa of Bianca (Chris) Crowe and Isabella Favata; Great-Grand-Papa of Everett and Kennedy Crowe and protective brother of Joann (Don) Hochbaum, Naomi (Bob) Williams & James (Patti) Levan. He was admired for his integrity, patience, wisdom, strength and quiet wit.
Born the 30th of March 1940, in Tracy City, Tennessee, he moved to Florida in 1960 and later to Winter Haven in 1976. He attended Baptist Bible Institute in 1971 earning a theological seminary degree.
He was a minister for the Southern Baptist Convention ministering at Telogia Baptist, Jan Phyl Baptist, Antioch Baptist, Grace Chapel of Indian Lake Estates and was a member of Lake Shipp Baptist Church in Winter Haven.
He loved to fish, golf & watch all sports especially Gator football.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Marshall E. Levan and Ethelene (Meeks) Levan. He is survived by his wife Brenda, a son, Edward; a daughter, Carole; his siblings, JoAnn, Naomi & James; 4 sister-n-laws, 5 brother-n-laws, two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
The family received friends Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven followed by interment at Forest Hill Cemetery in Haines City.
His family is grateful for the compassion shown by the staff at Lakeland Regional Health and support of his physicians.
He leaves a legacy of leadership, practical wisdom, and a steadfast love of family. His gentle counsel and ready laugh turned strangers into friends, leaving a lasting legacy of service.
Above all, Glen’s life reflected his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, which guided his ministry, his family and his relationships with others.
The family welcomes prayers, memories, and acts of kindness that celebrate his life, as they give thanks for a life faithfully lived.
