Today’s public service announcement: don’t clean up spilled fuel from the trunk of the car with a vacuum cleaner.
On February 9, 2025 at 9:32 p.m., Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) crews were dispatched to a vehicle fire reported on Rosalie Lake Rd. in Lake Wales.
Upon PCFR’s arrival at 9:44 p.m., crews observed heavy flames coming from the vehicle. Crews worked quickly to extinguish the flames.
According to Katelyn Hoverkamp, public information officer for PCFR, “The cause of the fire was determined to be a shop vacuum that was used to vacuum up fuel that was accidentally spilled in the trunk of the vehicle. Using the shop vac to vacuum up fuel caused the vacuum’s electrical motor to catch on fire.”
There were no injuries reported or patients transported from the scene.
The City of Winter Haven Tennis Center will be closed all day on Sunday, February 16, 2025, due to the replacement of the shade structure above the observation deck. We’ll reopen for regular business on Monday, February 17, 2025, at 8:00 a.m.
Where will work occur?
Winter Haven Tennis Center
When will work occur?
The work is scheduled to begin Sunday, February 16, 2025 with reopening on Monday, February 17, 2025, at 8:00 a.m.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the Tennis Center at (863)291- 5690.
On Friday, February 7, 2025, PCSO Agricultural Crimes detectives arrested and charged 65-year-old Christine Snelling of Frostproof with eight counts of animal cruelty (M1) and eight counts of animal neglect (M1).
The investigation began on Friday, February 7, 2025 when patrol deputies responded to a home located on Keen Road in Frostproof to conduct a well-being check. As deputies approached the home to check on the homeowner (Snelling), they immediately smelled the overwhelming odor of ammonia, and observed several dogs running loose inside the home on a floor covered in feces. A van was parked in the driveway which displayed Snelling’s contact information and the business name “Road Dawg Animal Rescue Transport.” She confirmed to deputies that she owns the pet taxi business.
Deputies entered the home to ensure Snelling was not inside in distress. She was not present in the home, but a dead chicken and various dogs were observed inside the residence – obviously in need of medical attention. PCSO Agricultural Crimes detectives and Animal Cruelty investigators were contacted to take over the investigation.
Photo Provided By PCSO
The PCSO Animal Cruelty Investigations unit executed a search warrant on the house. The floor was covered in inches of feces; flies, rats and mice were present in the home. Investigators had to don personal protective equipment due to the intensity of the smell of ammonia in Snelling’s home. Eight dogs and three pigs were seized from the property; all of the dogs showed symptoms of prolonged exposure to ammonia and unsanitary conditions, including respiratory issues, nasal discharge, and eye infections. The animals did not have access to food or water, and there was no running water in the home at all.
“Ms. Snelling told my investigators she didn’t intend to harm these animals – she simply got overwhelmed by their needs. Caring for animals carries with it a responsibility to provide a healthy environment. There is no excuse for allowing animals to suffer.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
The investigation is ongoing at this time. More charges are possible, pending the outcome of veterinary checks of the animals seized from the home.
City of Auburndale, FL Government: The Florida High School Athletics Association Classes 4A-7A State Soccer Championships will be held at Lake Myrtle Sports Complex from Monday, February 17 to Friday, February 21. This is an exciting event. Please visit https://fhsaa.com/sports/sc for more information.
Reverend Atkins arrived in Winter Haven in 1956, shaping the local faith community and civil rights movement.
Reverend Joel Elvin Atkins arrived in Winter Haven in March 1956, stepping into a role that would shape both the local faith community and the broader civil rights movement. As the longtime pastor of Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, he served for 42 years, guiding a congregation that included community leaders such as Althea
Mills, Ann Darby, Lemuel Geathers, Rev. William Fred Leonard, and Herman Mills.
During the early 1960s, Rev. Atkins played a pivotal role in advocating for equality in Winter Haven and beyond.
As president of the Winter Haven Branch and Florida State NAACP, he worked alongside fellow community members to address racial discrimination. He participated in interdenominational and interracial councils that sought to bridge divides and promote inclusivity in the city, Polk County, and across Florida.
One of Rev. Atkins’ most notable contributions came in the fight for school integration. Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, segregation persisted in Polk County. In 1963, he supported a lawsuit filed by Winter Haven resident Althea Margaret Mills on behalf of her son, challenging the county’s separate school system. After five years of legal proceedings, a federal court order led to the integration of Polk County schools in 1968.
Beyond education, Rev. Atkins was at the forefront of efforts to integrate local businesses and public spaces. Alongside other community leaders, he helped lead nonviolent demonstrations that opened Winter Haven Hospital, Lake Silver’s beach, the public library, Morrisons Cafeteria, and the Ritz Theater to all residents. His quiet determination also played a key role in desegregating the Polk County Courthouse when he asserted his right to sit where he chose, setting a precedent that ended racial seating restrictions in courtrooms.
Rev. Atkins’ legacy is one of faith, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to justice. The City of Winter Haven recognizes his invaluable contributions during Black History Month, honoring his leadership in shaping a more inclusive community.
HAINES CITY, FL – On Sunday, February 09, 2025, at approximately 2:30 PM, the Haines City Police Department received reports of possible gunshots in the area of Avenue I and 12th Street North, within the city limits of Haines City.
While responding to the scene, officers received a report of a subject in the area who had been hit with a vehicle while riding a bicycle. Additionally, a black Chrysler 200 appeared to have lost control and crashed into the Beulah Baptist Church on 12th Street North.
Detectives of the Haines City Police Department Criminal Investigations Division are actively interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence to determine if the incidents are related. At this time, there are no reports of injuries or property damage related to a shooting. The adult bicyclist who was hit by the vehicle was transported to a local hospital with non- life-threatening injuries. The occupants of the Chrysler 200 fled the scene on foot. Attempts are being made to identify and locate the individuals. Occupants of a second vehicle possibly involved in the incidents were located and are being interviewed by detectives to determine their possible involvement.
An update will be provided if more information becomes available.
Kathy Ann Witt of Lake Wales passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at home.
She was born August 25, 1958 in Mount Clemens, Michigan to the late Wayne, Sr. and Pauline Champine; she recently moved to Lake Wales from Auburndale. Kathy was a church secretary and was a member of Impact Church. She was a creative person who enjoyed sewing, gardening, doing puzzles, baking, and decorating. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Kathy is survived by her husband of 45 years, Mark Witt; daughters, Jennifer Thomas and husband Brian of Key West; Rebekah Refford and husband David of Port Saint Lucie, Meghan Kottwitz and husband Scott of Bartow; sisters, Linda Kowalski and husband Henry of New Baltimore, Michigan and Paula Hitchens and husband Joseph of Macomb, Michigan; brother, Wayne “Tootie” Champine, Jr. of Marine City, Michigan; and grandchildren, Hunter, Tyson, Tucker, Kael, and Harloe. She was preceded in death by her sister, Colleen Champine.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the memorial service at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Impact Church (1201 Burns Avenue, Lake Wales, FL 33853) with Rev. Walter Nelson.
A resolution voicing opposition toward a controversial parkway proposed for Lake Wales has been tabled until the resolution’s wording can be better modified.
At their regular meeting on Tues. Feb. 4, 205, Lake Wales City Commissioners voted unanimously to table a resolution that voiced their opposition to the proposed construction of Central Polk Parkway East.
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.
“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,” wrote City Clerk Jennifer Nanek in the city agenda memo.
Several residents took to the podium during the public comments portion of the meeting to voice their concerns about the parkway. One resident, Catherine Price, claimed the parkway would only exasperate traffic problems, especially near Highway 27 and 60.
“What is this parkway going to do for Lake Wales other than dump more traffic into an already congested, dangerous situation?” she asked. “Highway 60 and 27 have now become death traps in the middle of the day.”
Another resident, Juanita Zwaryczuk, argued that the parkway would negatively impact Bok Tower Gardens. As such, she was disappointed that the resolution mentioned nothing about the local attraction.
“Bok Tower Gardens puts Lake Wales on the map and provides the only tourist attraction we have here,” she said. “Frankly, to me, if any land needs to be impacted, it is land no one is living at, and land that is furthest away from our established neighborhoods, and that it is built far away from Bok Tower Gardens.”
Commissioner Keith Thompson understood the concerns expressed by residents, but he also wanted to be cautious about addressing the proposed parkway.
“I want to be careful with the word opposition because I would rather have influence over this as the city rather than opposed to it,” he said. “We want to have a voice at the table and shape the conversation. So, I would love to hear more from the community.”
Commissioner Thompson recommended tabling the discussion until he and the other commissioners received enough information about the parkway to make a proper decision.
“They are not pouring concrete out there,” he said. “We are not rushing it. I don’t know what the rush is. I think we have some time.”
Commissioner Carol Gillespie suggested receiving more input from the community. She recommended hosting a town hall where residents could voice their concerns and express their needs concerning transportation.
“We need a town hall where people can express their views about how we can better meet the need for transportation,” she said. “I think if we can focus on what would be the right solution, I would like to hear it.”
Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson, while he understood the concerns about the proposed parkway, also realized that it was proposed for a reason, and that reason was a “legitimate goal.”
“We should consider this is a federal highway and the reality is that the people of the country are paying for it, as are the people in the state, and they are entitled to get from point A to point B, even if it goes through Lake Wales,” he said.
“But dumping that traffic into residential areas [as this parkway would] is a heck of an imposition, and I think that is the thing we are opposed to. We are not opposed to the expansion of road,” he elucidated.
City Commissioners voted unanimously to table the resolution. The resolution will be discussed and potentially amended at a future city commission work session.
The Lake Wales Police & Polk County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the search for a suspect vehicle from Lakeland. The vehicle was followed or pursued by multiple law enforcement units from the multiple jurisdictions. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office helicopter had the suspect vehicle visually for many miles along Hwy 27.
Per Carrie Horstman, PIO, with the PCSO the suspect vehicle crashed in Lake Wales and the suspect(s) are in custody. The crash occurred at the intersection of Hwy 27 & Washington Ave. The Lake Wales crash occurred around 5:20pm.
Details regarding suspects will be released at a later time, but we don’t know if that is PCSO, Lake Wales PD or Lakeland PD that will release those details.
Picture of Suspect Vehicle
According to multiple readers it appears deputies attempted to put out stop sticks prior to crash. We are not aware if that was successful.
This is a developing story. We will update as more information is released.
The best watch parties have two things in common: good food and good company to root for your team with. Kick off your football feast with appetizers made with a game day favorite: avocados.
With nearly 2.5 billion pounds of avocados imported from Mexico annually, based on Hass Avocado Board Volume Data, the Big Game is the No. 1 occasion where avocados and guacamole are served and prepared. In fact, approximately 250 million pounds of avocados are imported in the weeks leading up to the Big Game, according to “Produce Blue Book” – that’s enough avocados to go down and back the length of a standard professional football field more than 400,000 times.
Just as the first quarter sets the tone for the game, apps are your first opportunity to build excitement and get your guests cheering. Because it’s not game day without guac, start the party by mashing up a bowl of Championship Guac – a real craving crusher made with creamy, delicious Avocados From Mexico and crispy bacon – to sack hunger.
Take your viewing party to a whole new flavor level with Gronkamole. This all-star dip features shredded chicken, blue cheese, Buffalo sauce and the same flare that football great and Avocados From Mexico partner Rob Gronkowski played the game with, so you know it’s ready to tackle every chip, cracker and veggie thrown its way.
These innovative spins on game day guacamole score big when made with fresh avocados, a nutrient-dense fruit everybody can cheer for. They taste good, are good for you and bring the good times on game day.
Championship Guac
Servings: 10
5 Avocados From Mexico, peeled and pitted
1 lemon, juice only
1/2 cup white onion, finely chopped
1 cup tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
1 pound bacon, fried
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
tortilla chips, for serving (optional)
crackers, for serving (optional)
To prepare avocado: In a bowl, use fork to mash the avocados and lemon juice until creamy. Then add the onion, tomatoes and cilantro.
To prepare bacon: Cut the bacon into squares then place it in a hot skillet over medium heat and cook 15 minutes, or untill golden. Transfer to a plate to drain excess fat and let cool.
To prepare guacamole: Add the bacon, garlic powder, salt and pepper, to taste, to the guacamole; mix well.
To serve, put guacamole in bowl and serve with tortilla chips or crackers, if desired.
Gronkamole
Avocados From Mexico partner Rob Gronkowski’s favorite guacamole recipe
Servings: 4
2 Avocados From Mexico
1 teaspoon lemon juice
3/4 cup chicken breast, cooked and shredded
1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled
3 tablespoons Buffalo sauce
salt, to taste
corn chips, for serving (optional)
carrot sticks, for serving (optional)
In a small bowl, mash avocados and stir in lemon juice.
Add chicken, blue cheese and Buffalo sauce to guacamole mixture. Add salt, to taste.
Serve with corn chips or carrot sticks, if desired.
