At approximately 6:19 AM this morning, February 22, 2025, Lake Wales Police responded to the report of a stabbing at a residence on Ashton Palms Drive in Lake Wales. When officers arrived on scene, they located a 71-year-old man suffering from a stab wound to his chest. Officers rendered aid until the Lake Wales Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue arrived on scene. The victim was transported to Lake Wales Advent Health where he died from his injuries.
During the investigation, detectives were able to identify the suspect as 49-year-old Mihaela Mallenof Lake Wales who was taken into custody without incident. Mallen is being charged with second degree murder and will be held at the Polk County Jail.
Original Release:
The Lake Wales Police Department is on scene conducting a homicide investigation at a residence in the Lake Ashton community. This remains an active investigation and detectives are working to determine the circumstances surrounding theincident. The suspect is in custody at this time and there is no threat to the community.
Police will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Does anyone love the Super Mario Bros. Movie? I did. You can read all about it in my movie review from two years ago: https://dailyridge.com/2023/04/19/welcome-world-travelers-the-super-mario-bros-is-okey-dokey/
Anyway, I really love the scene early in the movie where Mario and Luigi are having dinner with their family. The meal they’rehaving is a creamy pasta dish with mushrooms–something Mario hates but which will, ironically enough, help give him powers later in the movie.
I really like seeing different foods in movies. They’re so appetizing and it makes me want to eat it myself. So, since watching that movie, I’ve tried my hands at making similar pasta dishes.
The pasta dish Mario and his family eat looks like a spaghetti dish served with a white Alfredo sauce with mushrooms. So, this recipe will essentially prepare just that: spaghetti with alfredo sauce with sauteed mushrooms.
This recipe makes for a good meatless meal. However, if you crave some meat, you can always grill some chicken and add it to your dish.
***
Creamy Mushroom Pasta
Ingredients
16. oz spaghetti or linguini noodles
8 oz. sliced mushrooms
1 onion, chopped and diced
1 tbsp. garlic, minced
1/2 cup butter
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 cups milk
6 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions
1) In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add pasta noodles.
2) Add cooking oil to a medium, non-stick saucepan. Add onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Cook until brown. Set aside in a small dish.
3) Melt butter in a saucepan. Add cream cheese and garlic powder, stirring with a wire whisk until smooth.
4) Add milk, a little at a time, whisking to smooth out lumps. Stir in Parmesan cheese and pepper. Thin with milk if needed.
5) When sauce reaches the desired consistency, add mushrooms and onions and stir, then remove from heat.
6) Either ladle sauce onto individual dishes of pasta noodles or mix the whole sauce into all of the noodles.
Lloyd Atkins of Frostproof passed away peacefully, Monday, February 17, 2025, at his residence.
Lloyd was born July 18, 1943, in Muncie, Indiana, to Lloyd Atkins and Ruth Pence. Lloyd was a Switch Board Operator for Ben Hill Griffin. He loved old cars and dump trucks, and had his own trucking business with his brother, Jerry. Lloyd loved his family, especially his grandchildren.
Lloyd is preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Ruth Atkins; brother Jerry Atkins; sister, Shirley Terry; and daughter in law, Alison Atkins. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Atkins; sons, Arthur Atkins of Frostproof, and James Lee Atkins and wife Sonia of Dundee; Four grandchildren, Victoria, Megan, JJ, and Craig; and seven great- grandchildren.
Winter Haven, FL – Florida’s sheriffs announce updates regarding 287(g) compliance in every county jail throughout the state. Please join us to learn about the progress and the role sheriffs have in addressing illegal immigration.
WHO: Florida Sheriffs Association President and Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, and sheriffs from across the state
Winter Haven, FL – The City of Winter Haven is excited tounveil plans for the redevelopment of the historic Chain of Lakes Park. As the former spring training home for major league baseball teams like the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians, this site is poised to embrace a bright future while honoring its illustrious past. In partnership with Polk County and the Polk County Sports Marketing team, the City is spearheading a $20 million project that promises to transform the park into a state-of-the-art facility for amateur and collegiate baseball, infused with the spirit and memories of its historic legacy.
A Commitment to Heritage and Innovation:
Understanding the importance of the park’s history to our community, the redevelopment team is dedicated to preserving elements of the park’s past. Notably, efforts are being made to salvage and restore stadium seating, allowing these pieces of history to find new life in the revamped facility. This initiative reflects our commitment to blending the park’s rich heritage with modern amenities, ensuring that the legacy of Chain of Lakes Park continues to live on, both in spirit and in physical form.
Project Highlights:
• Construction Timeline: Demolition of current structures is set to begin April 8, lasting approximately six weeks.Construction will commence by late summer. This marks the first step in realizing the vision for a modernized park.
• Park Features: The redevelopment will introduce four collegiate-level artificial turf baseball fields, along with cutting-edge facilities like dugouts, batting cages, team pavilions, fan areas, expanded parking, and more.
• Opening in Time for Russmatt Baseball Tournament: The facilities are slated to open in February 2025, just in time to host the Russmatt Baseball tournament, underscoring the park’s ongoing commitment to amateur baseball.
• Enhanced Visitor Experience: By Summer 2025, a new entrance building will enhance the visitor experience with amenities such as ticket booths, a concession area, restrooms, and team rooms.
• Preserving Our Past for Future Generations: In addition to the physical redevelopment of the park, the City is exploring opportunities for community members to keep a piece of the stadium’s history. This initiative aims to allow citizens to own a tangible part of the park’s legacy, further strengthening the bond between the community and this iconic site. Residents are encouraged to stay tuned to the city’s website and social media channels for more information on how they can participate in this opportunity.
Looking Ahead:
Future phases of the redevelopment plan include adding a playground, multipurpose field area, lake shoreline activation, and a boardwalk, enhancing the park’s appeal and utility for generations to come.
The City of Winter Haven, together with Polk County and the Polk County Sports Marketing team, is excited to lead this landmark project. By honoring the park’s storied past while looking forward to its dynamic future, we are committed to enriching our community’s sports and recreational culture and providing a vibrant, inclusive space for all to enjoy.
—————-
The City of Winter Haven invites the community to step up to the plate and celebrate the official opening of the new artificial turf baseball fields at the historic Chain of Lakes Park. The First Pitch event will take place on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven, FL 33880.
This momentous event marks a significant milestone in the park’s $20 million redevelopment project, a collaboration between the City of Winter Haven, Polk County, and Polk County Sports Marketing. Chain of Lakes Park, once home to major league spring training for the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians, is now entering a new era—welcoming athletes, families, and baseball enthusiasts to a modern, state-of-the-art facility.
Event Highlights:
· Remarks from local leaders, including Mayor Birdsong, Commissioner Santiago, and Julie Adams, Parks, Recreation & Culture Director.
· Ceremonial First Pitch thrown by Mayor Birdsong on Field 3.
· Important Reminder: Attendees should wear athletic-soled shoes to protect the new turf.
“We’re excited to open this incredible facility that not only respects the park’s deep-rooted history but also sets the stage for future generations of athletes,” said Julie Adams, Parks, Recreation & Culture Director. “This is more than just a ballpark—it’s a community space built for connection, competition, and memories.”
The Chain of Lakes Park redevelopment is designed to position Winter Haven as a premier destination for amateur and collegiate baseball tournaments, with its four artificial turf fields, modern amenities, and future enhancements like playgrounds, lakefront activation, and multi-use spaces.
The new fields are set to host the Russmatt Baseball Tournament this spring, with future tournaments and local events already on the calendar.
Join us on March 1 and be part of this exciting chapter in Winter Haven’s legacy. Let’s play ball!
35-year old Dewayne Brandon of Winter Haven got arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
On Tuesday, February 11th, at around 6:20pm, Dewayne entered a smoke shop on Recker Highway in Winter Haven and asked the sales clerk if he knew him from Lake Wales.
The clerk said that he did not know Dewayne…and then Dewayne began making threats and robbing the store of cash, CBD gummies, pre-rolls and hemp flower.
Dewayne fled the store on foot, and deputies immediately responded to the store to begin their investigation.
Crime analysts working in the PCSO’s Real Time Crime Center were able to determine that Dewayne was a possible suspect. With that, detectives went to Dewayne’s residence. Upon their arrival, Dewayne attempted to flee out the back, but when the K9 deputy yelled out that the K9 would be participating, Dewayne stopped and surrendered.
Dewayne Brandon was arrested and taken to the Polk County Jail and charged with robbery and extortion by threats.
The next Polk County Sheriff’s Office Women’s Basic Self Defense* and Personal Safety* class is scheduled for Saturday, March 1st from 10am – Noon.
Join our Crime Prevention Unit for a couple of hours to learn some basic moves and information that could help keep you safe in a bad situation.
The class is FREE of charge and designed for ladies 13 years and older. Those under 18 will need a parent present to sign a waiver at the start of class.
Each class is approximately one hour long unless more than 30 women attend. For every additional 10-15 females, 15 minutes are added to the time frame.
The class consists of lecture (approximately 15 minutes) and hands-on techniques (approximately 45 minutes). Attendees will demonstrate all of the techniques on a body opponent bag (B.O.B.) which we will supply.
NEXT CLASS: Saturday, March 1, 2025 PCSO Sheriff’s Operations Center 1891 Jim Keene Blvd, Winter Haven 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
If you wish to attend, please RSVP to [email protected], and please include your name and phone number.
Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve a revised resolution expressing their opposition to a controversial proposed parkway that would cut through the city.
At a special meeting on Tues. Feb. 11, 2025, city commissioners reviewed a resolution on proposed alignments for the Central Polk Parkway East.
Proposed by The Florida Turnpike Authority (FTA), the parkway is planned to connect to U.S. Highway 17-92 from SR 60 on the west side of Lake Wales with a planned Poinciana Connector segment connecting 17-92 with I-4.
However, since its proposal, the parkway has proven quite controversial among residents, many of whom fear it would disrupt local wildlife and the environment.
At their previous meeting on Tues. Feb. 4, several city residents took to the podium during public comments to speak out against the proposed parkway.
That evening, city commissioners voted unanimously to table the resolution and motion for revisions to have it “convey the sentiments of the Commission to Florida Turnpike Enterprise,” wrote City Clerk Jennifer Nanek in the minutes of the special meeting.
“The proposed alignments for the parkway have the potential to significantly impact the City of Lake Wales, including disruption to existing development, encroachment on environmentally sensitive areas, and potential conflicts with the City’s long-term development plans as outlined in Lake Wales Envision,” she wrote.
Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson claimed the parkway would bring about “urban sprawl on steroids”, arguing against how the proposed extensions would build a new divided highway through the city’s rural areas.
“He emphasized the need for a thorough cost-benefit analysis comparing the proposed alignments with an elevated roadway solution along the existing State Road 27 corridor,” Nanek wrote. “He argued that the potential cost savings associated with avoiding the need for extensive right-of-way acquisition and construction in rural areas could significantly offset the higher initial construction costs of an elevated roadway.”
City Manager James Slaton and Growth Management Director Autumn Cochella plan to meet with FTA representatives and to keep the city commissioners apprised.
Suspect arrested in road rage incident. 47 year-old William David Adams was taken into custody tonight on charges of aggravated battery for pointing a firearm at another motorist
—————
IDENTIFIED – WARRANT OBTAINED Our suspect has been identified as 47 year-old William David Adams of Twin Lake View Rd in Winter Haven. A warrant has been obtained for Aggravated Battery. Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Adams is asked to call the Winter Haven Police Department at 863-401-2256.
—————
Original post
Winter Haven Public Safety Department
Can you identify this road-rage suspect? On Feb. 12, 2025 at approximately 11:56 a.m., the man seen in these photos pulled up next to our victim at the intersection of Unity Way and Ave M NW after apparently being frustrated at the victim allowing pedestrians to cross. The subject pointed a black/silver firearm at the victim and then sped off. Video obtained in the area shows the man leaving the Publix parking lot just prior to the incident. The images you see are inside of Publix prior to him leaving and encountering the victim. He appears to be wearing an Oktoberfest shirt and jeans. He has long brown hair and multiple tattoos on both arms. He is driving a 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness. If you recognize this suspect, please contact Detective Moore at 863-837-9754.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers:
Call 1-888-400-TIPS (8477)
From your cell phone, dial **TIPS
Or visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet. You will always remain anonymous when you send a tip through Crime Stoppers and you are eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.
