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Polk County Board of Commissioners Approve Estimated $9.2 Million for 75 Additional Fire Rescue Positions

Carl Fish
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Polk County Board of Commissioners Approve Estimated $9.2 Million for 75 Additional Fire Rescue Positions

Bartow, Fla. (Feb. 18, 2025) – The Polk County Board of County Commissioners approved funding for 75 additional Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) Firefighter Paramedic/Emergency Medical Technician positions during today’s board meeting in an effort to reduce department overtime. 

The 75 additional positions will cost an estimated $9.2 million annually and the positions will help the county reduce overtime for PCFR field operations personnel.

Editors note: Overtime was estimated at around $10 million last year. This may not save the county any money, but fire rescue personnel should have a day or two less per month to work. It doesn’t sound like much, but retention for the department is very bad and it in part is due to the extra days working. They work 24 hour shifts and they are sometimes working back to back days. Sure pay is great, but being all set with plans and then you get stuck working another 24 hour shifts can be stressful.

An additional benefit is to create a better work life balance for Polk County Fire Rescue personnel.

“On behalf of Polk County Fire Rescue, I want to thank the Polk County Board of County Commissioners for approving 75 additional positions during today’s board meeting,” said Deputy County Manager of Public Safety Joe Halman Jr.

“It is my privilege to oversee the Fire Rescue team. I value and commend their tireless dedication to this county’s residents. By minimizing the need for excessive overtime, we can ensure they have the time to rest and recover, which in turn enhances their ability to deliver the highest level of service to our community.” 

Lake Wales Man Arrested for Attempted Murder 2nd Degree

Staff Reporter
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Lake Wales Man Arrested for Attempted Murder 2nd Degree

Lake Wales Police department has released information with regard to an arrest in a case Lake Wales Daily has recently reported on:

LWPD- On February 11, 2025, officers responded to the area of Washington Avenue and Jewel Street in reference to a noise disturbance. Upon arrival, officers located the victim laying near the intersection with a deep laceration to the neck and a stab wound to the torso. Polk County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded and began life-saving measures to the victim.

During the investigation, detectives learned the victim engaged in a verbal argument with the suspect, 49-year-old Jamie Lydell Bibbs of Lake Wales Florida, over $4.00 used to purchase crack cocaine. The altercation became physical when Bibbs struck the victim in the face. As the victim was trying to defend himself, Bibbs pulled out a knife, cut the victim’s throat and stabbed them in the side. After intensive care from medical professionals, the victim’s life was saved and is expected to recover. Detectives were able to obtain an arrest warrant for Bibbs for the charge of attempted murder in the 2nd degree.

Police along with special agents from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) were able to locate and arrest Bibbs today at a Lake Wales residence.

“Today’s arrest is another great example of the law enforcement partnerships we have in Florida, and our mission to keep our communities safe,” said Florida Department of Law Enforcement Tampa Bay Special Agent in Charge Mark Brutnell. “I am proud of the swift actions FDLE’s agents and Lake Wales Police Department’s investigators’ took in this investigation to get this violent criminal off of our streets.”

Upcoming 120 Acre Development – Crossroads Village Center Will House Proposed New Target, Restaurants, Hotel, Retail & Housing

Carl Fish
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Upcoming 120 Acre Development – Crossroads Village Center Will House Proposed New Target, Restaurants, Hotel, Retail & Housing

Haines City, Florida, is poised for significant growth with the upcoming development of the Crossroads Village Center, a comprehensive mixed-use project set to transform the local landscape. Strategically located at the southwest corner of the US Highway 17-92 and US Highway 27 interchange, this 120-acre development aims to seamlessly blend residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, offering a holistic living and working environment for residents and visitors alike.

Photo of TSCG Proposal

A standout feature of the Crossroads Village Center is its expansive retail component, encompassing over 300,000 square feet of space. This area is designed to attract a diverse array of businesses, from national retailers to local boutiques, ensuring a vibrant shopping experience. Notably, the development is set to welcome Haines City’s first Target store, serving as a major anchor and signaling the project’s potential to draw both local and regional shoppers. 

Zonda Housing Study

Beyond retail, the Crossroads Village Center is committed to fostering a sense of community through thoughtfully designed residential areas. These neighborhoods will offer a variety of housing options, catering to different lifestyles and preferences. The integration of green spaces, pedestrian-friendly pathways, and communal areas underscores the development’s emphasis on creating a cohesive and engaging environment.

The project’s significance extends beyond its physical footprint. In June 2021, the establishment of the Crossroads Village Center Community Development District (CDD) marked a pivotal step in the project’s progression. This special-purpose government entity, authorized by Chapter 190 of the Florida Statutes, is tasked with overseeing the planning, acquisition, and maintenance of community infrastructure within the development. The CDD structure ensures that the community’s facilities are developed to high standards and maintained effectively, providing long-term benefits to residents and stakeholders. 

The introduction of the Crossroads Village Center is anticipated to have a profound economic impact on Haines City and the surrounding areas. The influx of new businesses and residents is expected to stimulate job creation, boost local commerce, and enhance the city’s appeal as a destination for both living and leisure. Moreover, the development’s strategic location at a major transportation nexus positions it as a convenient hub for regional connectivity.

As the Crossroads Village Center progresses, it embodies Haines City’s forward-thinking approach to urban development. By harmoniously integrating commercial vitality with residential comfort and community-oriented spaces, the project is set to redefine the city’s landscape and serve as a model for future developments in the region.

The developers have a completion goal of the Summer of 2026. – Link to developers website: Crossroads Village Center TSCG

AADT Numbers For Haines City –
*AADT stands for Annual Average Daily Traffic, a measurement of how much traffic uses a road or highway in a year. It’s a key metric used in transportation planning and engineering.

Auburndale Library Hosting Movie Themed Family Fun Night

Staff Reporter
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Auburndale Library Hosting Movie Themed Family Fun Night

City of Auburndale, FL Government

The Auburndale Public Library presents: HOLLYWOOD STARS Family Night! Join us on Thursday, February 20th, from 4:30pm to 6:00pm at the Auburndale Public Library for movie themed crafts, games, and family fun!

Lake Wales Completes Revitalization of Market Plaza and Park Ave., Roadway to Open

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Lake Wales Completes Revitalization of Market Plaza and Park Ave., Roadway to Open

Photo: City of Lake Wales

Lake Wales – A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on March 7th in downtown historic Lake Wales to celebrate the re-opening of Market Plaza and Park Avenue. The festivities start at 5:30 p.m. with a Taste of Downtown. Guests get to sample complimentary appetizers, wine and beer from local downtown restaurants and bars. 

“We want this to be a celebration for everyone,” said Ronni Wood, executive director of Lake Wales Main Street.

The redesign features on-street parking, enlarged sidewalks, enhanced lighting, outdoor seating and dining areas. The landscape architecture comprises street trees, native plants, hanging-flower baskets and rain gardens. 

More roads are scheduled to be transformed in downtown.

Orange Avenue and Crystal Avenue will be rehabilitated with funding from a federal grant and intergovernmental agreement with Polk County. Both roads will be resurfaced and include increased sidewalk coverage, street lighting and street landscaping. 

First Street, Central Avenue, Lincoln Avenue and A Street will be redeveloped into complete streets with nearly $23 million in grant funding from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program.

City Manager James Slaton said, “The RAISE grant greatly impacts the historic core of Lake Wales, accelerating the revitalization of the historic district and northwest neighborhood.” 

The revitalization of the city’s historic core is part of the award-winning “Lake Wales Connected Plan,” a long-range plan, initiated by Lake Wales Main Street and facilitated by City staff.

Winter Haven Man Arrested After Caught Burglarizing Vehicle and Then Allegedly Threatening to Murder Deputy

Staff Reporter
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Winter Haven Man Arrested After Caught Burglarizing Vehicle and Then Allegedly Threatening to Murder Deputy

34-year old Juan Martinez of Winter Haven got arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday, February 16th.

At about 9:30pm, PCSO deputies were dispatched to an in-progress burglary occurring in the area of Thornhill Road and Temple Street, west of Winter Haven.

Upon the arrival of the first deputy, Juan was found leaning inside of a vehicle that he was burgling. Juan was immediately detained.

During the investigation, Juan provided a false name.

Juan became increasingly agitated and demanded that the deputy remove the handcuffs from him, and threatened to murder the deputy.

Juan was arrested and taken to the Polk County Jail, and his true identity was discovered.

Juan Martinez was charged with burglary of conveyance, corruption by threat on a LEO, providing false identity to LEO, petit theft, and resisting.

PCSO #PolkSheriff

City of Lake Wales Considering Two Design Proposals for Fire Station #3

Staff Reporter
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City of Lake Wales Considering Two Design Proposals for Fire Station #3

by James Coulter

 

One of two design proposals will be chosen for a fire station to be built near Hunt Brothers Road and Nest Egg Road.

At a workshop meeting on Wed. Feb. 12, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed two proposals for design services for a proposed fire station.

The station will be built on five acres located near the intersection of Hunt Brothers Road and Nest Egg Road. Currently, that property is outside the city limits, but the city has plans to annex it.

As the city agenda memo stated: “This purchase will allow the City to maintain adequate service levels for growth on our southern and eastern boundaries.”

Two proposals for design and architect services have been submitted by two developers: Colliers Project Leaders and Parlier + Crews Architects, P.A.

The Colliers proposal agreement is estimated to cost $71,910 (with fees invoiced at a lump sum rate of $7,990 per month for 9 months) and will provide “project management services for the design of this project.”

Meanwhile, the Parlier + Crews Architects proposal is estimated to cost $246,000 and will provide “full architectural and engineering services.”

Commissioner Carol Gillespie asked why the city would require a consultant to oversee the work of an architect, and why the city would simply not oversee the architect’s work directly.

Ken Guyette, Principal Associate with Colliers Project Leadersreplied that the consultant does more than simply oversee the architect, but also supervises several stages of development.

Scott Crews, an architect with Parlier Crews, explained how his work overseeing multiple government entities has allowed him to realize how many projects rely heavily on third-party peer review to ensure projects are implemented smoothly.

City commissioners will vote on the two proposals at their upcoming city commission meeting on Tues. Feb. 18 at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall, located at 201 W Central Ave.

Polk Fire Rescue & Polk Sheriff’s Office Working Mass Casualty Crash On Marigold Avenue In Poinciana

Carl Fish
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Polk Fire Rescue & Polk Sheriff’s Office Working Mass Casualty Crash On Marigold Avenue In Poinciana

The Polk County Fire Rescue & Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently on scene of a mass casualty level 1 crash on Marigold Ave & Cypress Parkway in Poinciana. The call came in around 6:39pm. The crash involves multiple vehicles and involves 8 injured patients.

According to the units on scene non of the injured are trauma alerts and helicopter evacuation is not needed. A total 5 ambulances are enroute to the scene.

Please avoid the area. This is a developing story. We will update if more information is released.

*A mass casualty level 1 is when there are between 5-10 injuries that overwhelms responding units.

Polk Sheriffs Office Searching For Two Suspects Who Reportedly Stole Two Black Swans & Swan Eggs

Carl Fish
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Polk Sheriffs Office Searching For Two Suspects Who Reportedly Stole Two Black Swans & Swan Eggs

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is searching for two known suspects who have Polk County warrants for their arrests for stealing two black swans and swan eggs from the Highland Village neighborhood in Lakeland on Thursday, February 13, 2025.

At approximately 5:00 AM on February 13, the caretakers of the swans (Luna and Sturling) found them missing from the property and called deputies. PCSO Agricultural Crimes (Ag) detectives responded to the scene to begin an investigation.

Thanks to a tip from a concerned citizen, Luna, Sturling, and their eggs were located safely in Miami-Dade County. PCSO Ag detectives retrieved the missing birds on Monday, February 17, 2025, and returned them home to Highland Village.

“I’m thrilled that these swans were quickly and safely found and will soon be back home. My sincere thanks to this member of the community for doing the right thing by reaching out to us upon discovering they had been stolen. We couldn’t accomplish these good outcomes without the support of outstanding citizens.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

PCSO agricultural detectives have identified Alfredo Casanova, age 29 of Homestead, FL and Jordan Montoya, age 27 and also of Homestead, FL as the thieves. They both have arrest warrants for felony burglary and grand theft for stealing the swans. We are actively searching for these suspects and encourage anyone with information on their whereabouts to contact our Ag detectives at 863-534-7205. Tips can be emailed to [email protected]. Alfredo Casanova was previously convicted of grand theft (and other charges) out of Monroe County, and spent over 2 years in state prison. Jordan Montoya does not have a criminal history in Polk County.

If you have information regarding the whereabouts of these suspects and wish to remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:

  • CALL 1-888-400-TIPS (8477)
  • DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone
  • VISIT the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip”
  • DOWNLOAD the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet

Emergency Responders Working Very Bad Multiple Vehicle Crash On C.R. 547 N. In Davenport

Carl Fish
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Emergency Responders Working Very Bad Multiple Vehicle Crash On C.R. 547 N. In Davenport

The Polk County Fire Rescue & Polk County Fire are currently working a multiple vehicle crash on C.R. 547 (Old Lake Wilson Rd.) & Bowen Rd. As many as 5 vehicles may be involved. The accident occurred at 5:24pm and emergency responders arrived shortly after.

One person is trapped inside a vehicle and will be listed as a trauma patient. The PCFR has requested helicopter evacuation and it will be landed at Davenport School of the Arts. Multiple additional injuries, but not trauma patients.

This is a developing story and we will update as more information is received. Motorists are advised to avoid the area. This is a two lane road and it is completely blocked per readers.

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