City of Winter Haven, Florida – Please be aware that Magnolia Ave (between Ave B NW and 2nd St SW) will be closed on Friday, March 7, from 4 PM to 9 PM. Please plan ahead and drive safely!
Lakeland Man Charged with Exposure of Sexual Organs After Alleged Incident in Lyft
35-year old Justin Cole of Lakeland got arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Wednesday morning, March 5th.
The incident that got Justin into trouble began late Tuesday evening.
Justin was picked up at the Walmart store at 5800 US 98 North in Lakeland, by a Lyft rideshare driver.
The driver told a PCSO deputy that Justin requested that she take him to his residence at a mobile home park on North Combee Road.
During the drive, she stopped at a stop sign, and looked back to make sure she was clear to make a turn. What she saw though was her backseat passenger (Justin) with his pants down…and he was doing something back there that she absolutely, positively did not want him to be doing in her car.
Justin told the deputy that his [man bits] were uncomfortable, so he pulled his pants down and grabbed his [man bits] to make it more comfortable.
Justin Cole was taken to the Polk County Jail and charged with Exposure of Sexual Organs (M1).
In 2018, Justin had a charge of Lewd Molesting (victim 12-16) that was pled down to Child Abuse, and then served time in prison.
If this story sounds familiar, it may be because the PCSO arrested a Groveland man in December of 2024 for doing the same thing during his Lyft ride.
Starcade, the International Martial Arts Championships, is coming March 7 – 8 to the Lake Eva Event Center.
STARCADE
BY ANITA TODD, Special Reports
HAINES CITY- Starcade, the International Martial Arts Championships, is coming March 7 – 8 to the Lake Eva Event Center. This is the first event of its type to be held here and is hosted by Murphy Gonzalez, Murphy’s Karate Academy.
Murphy Gonzalez, originally from Miami, moved here in 2019 after a visit to the area.
“I came to do a seminar at a local karate school, and I fell in love with the place,” Gonzalez said. “I saw some cows and orange trees and moved here a month later.”
He opened Murphy’s Karate Academy in Haines City about a year later, moving it from Miami where it had been in existence for nearly 30 years. The Academy offers numerous programs and ability levels for everyone.
Gonzalez has had a successful career. “I have been doing martial arts for 44 years and am an 8th degree black belt,” he said. “I’ve had many famous karate teams including one of the top Karate teams in the world with athletes from all over the world.”
He said he started the International Martial Arts Championships 27 years ago in Miami but decided to move here this year.
“Now that I live here, I wanted to bring it to the city … to increase tourism and let people know where Haines City is,” Gonzalez said.
On March 7, Starcade will tout numerous divisions that day. They are the Creative Forms; Extreme Forms; Creative Weapons; Extreme Weapons; Superfights; and Tag-Team Fighting.
The next day, the divisions will include Traditional Weapons; Traditional Forms; Double Elimination Point Fighting; Continuous Fighting; and First Timers Division.
On Saturday Night, the Super Show will begin at 6 p.m. The Grand Championships, demonstrations, presentations, and an 8-person Super Fight Championship League Challenge will be held during this event.
Gonzalez said athletes will attend from all over Florida, Maryland, New York, and the southeast states, Mexico, Guatemala and Puerto Rico.
Tickets will be available at the door and start at $25 for the entire event.
Food vendors will also be on hand.
Fatal Vehicle Accident in Winter Haven Causes Traffic Delays
The PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a two-vehicle crash that resulted in the death of one of the drivers. The crash occurred just after 9:00 a.m. this morning (March 6, 2025) on CR 542 (AKA K-Ville Ave) at Jimmy Lee Road in the Auburndale/Winter Haven area.
A white 2021 Kia Sportage stopped at the stop sign on Jimmy Lee Rd and then proceeded out onto CR 542, turning left to go west on that road. The driver of the Kia, a 61-year-old Winter Haven woman, oversteered and continued turning her car until it entered the eastbound lane of CR 542 and into the path of a 2020 red Jeep that was traveling east. The vehicles collided, and the Kia came to a stop on the south shoulder, while the Jeep rotated and came to a stop in the eastbound lane facing southwest.
Both drivers were wearing seat belts, however, the woman was unresponsive at the scene and CPR was performed. She was transported via a trauma alert to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. Her passenger, a 36-year-old Auburndale man, was taken to the hospital with injuries, from which he should recover.
The 27-year-old male driver of the Jeep, who is from Auburndale, had minor injuries and was treated at the scene by Polk County Fire Rescue.
Auburndale Library’s Renaissance Faire Friday
City of Auburndale Govt Florida –
The Auburndale Library’s Renaissance Faire is, Friday, March 7 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. This is a free event. Check out this helpful map to prepare for your adventure!
There will be crafts, a vendor market, axe throwing, bounce castles, a food truck, rock wall, and more. Food trucks and merchandise vendors will require money.
For more information, please contact the Auburndale Public Library by calling 863-965-5548.
Take Charge of Your Health: Simple Steps for a Healthier Life
Staying healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. By making small daily changes, you can improve your well-being and reduce the risk of serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Here’s how you can take control of your health today.
Healthy Habits Start Now
It’s never too late to adopt healthier habits. Eating well and staying active can help regulate your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight—key factors in preventing chronic diseases.
Easy Steps to Better Health:
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Stay active by walking, biking, or exercising regularly.
- Limit alcohol consumption and drink in moderation.
- Quit smoking to protect your heart and lungs.
Small Changes, Big Results
Making minor adjustments to your routine can have a lasting impact. Try these simple swaps:
✅ Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
✅ Choose a salad or vegetables instead of fries.
✅ Opt for water or unsweetened tea instead of sugary drinks.
Know Your Health History
Understanding your family’s medical background can help you and your doctor identify potential risks early. Use a family health history tool to track common conditions and discuss them with your physician.
The Importance of Preventive Care
Doctors aren’t just for when you’re sick—they help prevent illness too. Regular screenings and vaccinations can detect problems early and keep you protected.
Essential Health Screenings Include:
- Cancer screenings (such as colon, breast, or cervical cancer)
- Blood pressure and cholesterol tests
- Diabetes screenings
- STI/STD tests
- Mental health evaluations
Staying up to date on vaccines is also essential. Everyone over six months old should get a flu shot every year, and additional vaccines may be needed depending on your age and health history.
Get the Right Care
Your health care should be fair and accessible, no matter your background. If you feel unsure about your treatment, ask for a second opinion, request translation services if needed, and bring a friend or family member for support.
Understanding Health Care Costs
Many preventive services are free under the Affordable Care Act, including screenings and vaccinations. Medicare also covers essential health services at no cost. If you don’t have insurance, you may qualify for free or low-cost care at a local health center.
Your Health, Your Future
Taking charge of your health today can lead to a longer, happier life. Start small, stay informed, and make choices that support your well-being. Your future self will thank you!
Polk County Commission Considering Regulations on Accessory Dwelling Units No Greater Than 50 Percent of Primary Residence
by James Coulter
Are you planning on building a guest house on your property? Just make sure it’s not bigger than your own home. Or at least 50 percent bigger.
At their regular meeting on Tues. Mar. 4, the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) reviewed a proposed amendment to the county land development code concerning restrictions on accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which include structures such as guest houses, mother-in-law suites, and garage apartments.
The new regulations will permit one detached ADU per residential lot so long as it does not exceed 50 percent of the primary residence and that it meets the Florida Building Code.
According to the development review committee staff report, “This amendment will provide a definitive cap on the size allowances of these structures to 50% of the principal structure; however, in instances where a property owner wishes to have an ADU that exceeds that, the staff is providing for a variance process to increase the size of and number of ADUs.”
Ben Ziskal, Land Development Director, explained how this amendment would permit structures up to 1,500 square feet to be built on properties with a primary home that is 3,000 square feet, with such structures still subject to impact fees.
This amendment is being proposed to help clarify several existing policies within the county’s land development code which, according to the staff report, “pertain to accessory structures and have been identified as problematic by County staff for purposes of issuing building permits, equitable code enforcement, and public safety.”
Previously, a maximum cap of 1,000 square feet, or 50 percent of the primary residence heated floor space, had been proposed; however, as the report explained, “the Planning Commission found this to be too limiting for larger homes.”
The amendment would also place setbacks for up to five feet in most residential districts. Currently, there are zero-foot setbacks for utility sheds, which have allegedly created complications within the county.
“In 2022, the LDC was changed to allow utility sheds up to 400 sq. ft. to be placed at the property line (zero-foot setback),” the staff report wrote. “This has created issues with stormwater run-off onto neighboring properties. This amendment will restore the setbacks to five (5) feet in most residential districts.”
During the public hearing for the amendment, one member of the public, Bobby Williams, inquired about the implementation. If he were to build a 3,000-square-foot house on five acres of land in Fort Meade, would he only be allowed to build a 300-square-foot barn in his backyard?
Ziskal replied no, unless Williams were to live in the barn. He clarified that the amendment made a clear distinction between “accessory structures” and “accessory dwelling units.”
The second reading of this amendment will be held at the next county commission meeting on Tues. Mar. 18.
Lake Wales Bulk and Yard Waste Pickup Services to Change from Weekly to Biweekly April 1
by James Coulter
Do you have yard waste you need to dispose of? Well, you’ll have to check your calendar, because pickup services have been changed from every week to every other week, now that the City of Lake Wales has amended its solid waste services contract.
At their meeting on Tues. Mar. 4, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve the second reading of an ordinance amending the city’s solid waste services contract with Republic Services of Florida.
The amendment corrects a “clerical error” made within the city’s five-year contract with Republic Services, which had been approved in Oct. 2024. Under this change, bulk and yard waste pickup will be scheduled from weekly to biweekly, which had been negotiated for the new contract.
“This change was done to try to keep the solid waste costs down for the citizens,” Sandra D. Davis, Human Resources Director, wrote in the agenda memo.
This change affects residents living within Lake Wales city limits and the new schedule will begin April 1.
Once-a-week pickup would have cost city residents $27.58, whereas every other-week pickup would have cost them $25.51. Overall, the difference will be $2.07 per month or $24.84 per year.
Fire Weather Watch Issued for Polk County Thursday
Fire Weather Watch issued until March 6, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. by National Weather Service Tampa Bay Ruskin FL
…CRITICALLY LOW HUMIDITY WITH GUSTY WINDS WILL RESULT IN ELEVATED FIRE DANGER… .The National Weather Service in Ruskin has issued a Fire Weather Watch for low humidity, gusty northwest winds and moderate significant fire potential expected on Thursday afternoon.
The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay Ruskin has issued a Fire Weather Watch, which is in effect Thursday afternoon. * AFFECTED AREA…Sumter, Polk, Hardee, Highlands, DeSoto, Inland Levy and Inland Charlotte. * TIMING…Thursday afternoon. * WINDS…Northwest 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY…As low as 30 percent. * IMPACTS…Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Information and BWC Footage Released Regarding Controversial Incident Involving Mother and Child in Winter Haven
The following is a press release by WHPD regarding the incident that occurred on March 4, 2025 that involved a small child. BWC footage of the officer seen in multiple social media posts is below.
It should be noted that this is an unedited press release by the Winter Haven Police Department. Winter Haven Daily does not rewrite or rephrase the information disseminated. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to your own conclusion.
“On March 4, 2025 at approximately 1:15 p.m., Winter Haven Police officers were dispatched to a call at Santiago’s (898 Havendale Blvd., Winter Haven) for a disturbance involving a firearm. The subject observed with the firearm, 29-year-old Godfrey Hercules II (DOB 3/29/95) was in an altercation with a store employee, 46-year-old Jesus Crespo Perez (DOB 10/27/78) in the parking lot. Godfrey ultimately left the property heading south on Hwy 17.
A BOLO (be on the lookout) was issued for a red Nissan Altima with Hercules as the driver, a female passenger, and a small child passenger.
Ultimately, officers located the vehicle at the American Legion (300 Ave. M NW, Winter Haven) where Hercules, a female, and a young child had exited the vehicle. Hercules was located on the side of the building where he was quickly apprehended.
The female, 27-year-old Mariah Banks (DOB 9/11/97), was directed to get to the ground, and she immediately complied. Her young child mimicked the mother’s actions. Banks was quickly detained. Officers immediately calmed and cared for the young child. A Diamondback 9mm semiautomatic pistol was located in the vehicle.
Officers responded with an appropriate level of caution with the understanding there was a weapon involved seeking to resolve the situation. When approaching Hercules and Banks, officers could not have known who was in possession of the firearm. As soon as the officer approaching Banks became aware of the presence of the child, he immediately pointed his firearm towards the ground at a low-ready position. At no point was the officer’s weapon pointed at the child as confirmed by multiple cameras.
As required by law, the Winter Haven Police Department notified the Department of Children and Families, of the details of the incident because it was a violent crime committed in the presence of a child.
Both Hercules and Banks were released, along with the child, because Perez declined to press charges. A complaint affidavit was filed with the State Attorney’s Office for Hercules for affray and improper display of a weapon. A complaint affidavit was filed with the State Attorney’s Office for Perez for affray.
Police Chief Vance Monroe, Assistant City Manager for Public Safety Charlie Bird, and City Manager T. Michael Stavres will be available to address the media at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 6, at the Winter Haven Police Department.”
