A crash on K-Ville Avenue led to 19-year old Jeremiah Franklin of Winter Haven getting arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for some serious crimes.
On Wednesday, January 29th at around 9:30pm, Deputy Sommers noticed a 2016 Kia Forte traveling without its headlights on, while on Recker Highway near K-Ville Avenue (CR 542), west of Winter Haven.
The deputy turned on his emergency lights to conduct a traffic stop on the Kia.
Rather than stopping, the Kia quickly accelerated to flee.
But the escape was short-lived. The Kia ran off the road and got stuck in the sand, east of Jimmy Lee Road.
The driver of the Kia exited the vehicle and fled on foot.
Additional deputies responded to the area to located the driver.
The suspect approached a woman on her property, and she told him to leave, but he refused. She then informed the suspect that she had a gun. The suspect decided to leave.
Deputies were soon able to find the suspect, thanks in large part to another nearby resident.
Jeremiah Franklin was taken into custody. He confessed to stealing the Kia from a Winter Haven auto mechanic business earlier that evening.
Jeremiah Franklin was taken to the Polk County Jail and charged with: grand theft motor vehicle, fleeing to elude, trespassing, and reckless driving. He was also cited for driving with no lights on after dark.
Redevelopment to Old Fire Station Number One Reviewed by City of Winter Haven
by James Coulter
Fire Station Number One may be receiving much-needed renovations now that the City of Winter Haven has given preliminary approval to award design-build services for its redevelopment.
At their regular meeting on Mon. Jan 27, Winter Haven city commissioners considered reviewed the first reading of an ordinance that would award design-build services to Whitehead Construction for redevelopment of Old Fire Station Number One.
On August 21, 2024, the City of Winter Haven requested proposals for design plans for the redevelopment of Old Fire Station Number One. Four proposals were received by the deadline of Oct. 9, 2024.
On Dec. 10, upon reviewing the other submissions, Whitehead Construction was chosen with a recommendation of award by the City’s selection committee.
“The City has approximately $7,000,000 set aside in the Construction Fund for the construction of Building Division facilities,” Cedric Cox, Economic Opportunity & Community Investment Assistant Director, wrote in the city agenda memo.
“The reconstruction of old Fire Station Number One into new administrative space for the Building Division is not specifically defined as a goal or strategy within the Strategic Plan,” he wrote. “However, it is aligned with the Responsible Government Strategic Pillar.”
LAKELAND, FL (February 5, 2025) – On February 4, 2025, at 5:58 p.m. the Lakeland Police Department responded to a mobile home park in the 2900 block of New Tampa Highway for a shooting that just occurred. Upon arriving, officers learned Joseph Gray (age 49, of Lakeland) had just been shot by his brother-in-law, Jermaine Harrison (age 40, of Lakeland) inside of his residence. Following the shooting, Harrison was seen leaving the residence and entering a nearby residence on the same property. Gray was transported to Lakeland Regional Health via police vehicle for treatment by medical professionals but sadly succumbed to his injuries a short time later.
The Victim’s wife, who is also the Suspect’s sister told officers that Harrison had been exhibiting erratic behavior in the last week and believed he was under the influence of illegal narcotics. She conveyed Harrison came into the residence around 4:00 p.m. and asked for mail which he was anticipating. While she was searching for the mailbox key, Harrison pointed a gun in her direction then shot a laundry hamper next to her. Harrison then pointed the firearm at Gray and shot him several times in the upper torso.
The adjacent residence into which Harrison fled was occupied by an adult female. Harrison pushed the female inside the residence and threatened her with a handgun if she reported him. She advised that Harrison was in possession of two firearms. Upon the approach of law enforcement, Harrison became distracted and the Victim was able to escape to safety.
Responding officers immediately secured the scene and surrounded the residence where Harrison was hiding. He was taken into custody without further incident at 1:27 a.m.
Harrison was charged with First Degree Murder, Attempted First Degree Murder, Armed Burglary to an Occupied Dwelling, Armed Kidnapping and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
This remains an open and active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jaime Smith at [email protected].
Eugene Edwin Dudley, 80, of Winter Haven, Florida passed away January 12, 2025, at his residence in Winter Haven, FL. He was born on February 8, 1944, in Macon, Georgia to Eugene and Edwina Dudley.
Eugene is survived by sons, Jamie (Michelle) Dudley, daughter, Roseanne (Randy) Vincent, son, Eugene Dudley Jr., and grandson Chase Pumarol.
Denise Carolyn Glavey of Lake Wales passed away Friday, January 31, 2025 at Lake Wales Wellness and Rehabilitation.
She was born December 21, 1935 in Bronx, New York to the late Michael and Elizabeth Grimm; she moved to Lake Wales from New York about 30 years ago. Denise was a repair clerk for New York Telephone and a school crossing guard for Long Island, New York before retiring. She was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lake Wales.
Denise was preceded in death by her husband, John Glavey. She is survived by her sister, Corinne Mark of Lake Wales; and friend, Michael Hodge and wife Valerie of Lake Wales.
Farmer family’s 145-acre property Photo provided by E. Farmer
The proposed toll road, to be known as the Central Polk Parkway, has seen much discussion in recent weeks after a pair of public meeting were held to discuss the four proposed routes in the Lake Wales area. At this time, the final route has yet to be determined.
What if it’s your home the government needs in order to make the final plan work?
That’s what Lake Wales resident, Ellery Farmer, is wondering and worried about.
Map outlining Farmer’s 145 acre homestead, showing the path of routes B and C for the Central Polk Parkway Photo provided by E. Farmer
The new road could run from SR 60 on the west side of Lake Wales to connect to 17-92. A planned Poinciana Connector segment would link 17-92 directly to I-4. The route is seen as a way to alleviate traffic on the crowded, six-lane US 27 corridor.
Currently, there are four proposed routes. Eminent domain, the power of the government to legally take ownership of private property for public use in Florida, would secure the area needed for the new roadway. The government is mandated to then compensate the owner for the property.
Farmer’s property, located on Farmer Slocum Road in Lake Wales, is in the path of both plans B and C. This land has been in the family for some time and is home to more than just he and his spouse.
Lake Wales resident Ellery Farmer, whose residence is in the potential path of the toll road, Central Polk Parkway. Photo provided by E. Farmer
“My wife and I own 145 acres with multiple houses,” says Farmer. “Plus the property around us that my family owns. My father in one. His mother in one. Aunts, uncles and cousins live in two others. There is also two houses that I rent to two young couples just getting started in life.”
He initially found out about the proposal from a letter he received from the Florida Department of Transportation, just after Christmas, 2024. Farmer says this is the only direct communication he’s had with a government entity with regard to the matter.
When asked what his initial reaction to the letter was, his response was simple: “Despair.”
A screen shot taken of a slide in a recent virtual presentation. Photo provided by E. Farmer
According to Farmer, there has been no communication from FDOT since receiving the letter in December. There was a contact email in the communication, to which he responded.
The family says the potential involuntary loss of the property clears goes well beyond a real estate deal.
“One of the cousins said when he was young, ‘It’s not just a life style, it’s a legacy.’ (Proposed routes) B or C would make us homeless with no place to go,” Farmer says.
While he appreciates the intent of the new toll road, Farmer says a lot to consider beyond the loss of homes.
The Farmer homestead. Photo provided by E. Farmer
“I understand the need, but the Ridge is too valuable to be chopped up for a road…(Hwy.) 27 sucks but it’s the problem of the government allowing expansion without planning. They always try to fix the problem after they created it.”
To date, there has been no discussion or communication with Farmer on potential compensation for his property, or steps forward in the decision-making process of selecting a path. No matter what the final decision is, Farmer says that feeling of despair he has about his own land goes well beyond his property line:
“There used to be talk about preserving the Ridge and how valuable it was, but that just went away. I feel like we have done our part and now we need help to continue.”
Ellery is a former Polk County Fire Rescue EMT/Engineer. He retired in 2023
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, providing $4.8 billion in funding for the Department of Children and Families (Department) to support and expand resources and services needed to best serve Florida’s children and families. This year’s budget continues to champion the Governor’s steadfast commitment to strong and resilient families by making major investments to bolster prevention services, increase access and availability of behavioral health resources, and enhanced technology advancements to further innovate the Department’s programs and systems.
“Governor Ron DeSantis’ Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget continues our commitment to supporting families,” said Secretary Shevaun Harris. “This funding will also further our efforts to serve more individuals contending with mental health and substance use disorders, harden our security efforts, support foster and adoptive initiatives, and invest in programs to improve our child welfare services.”
Governor DeSantis is supporting the Department with key investments, including:
$151.4 million to State Mental Health Facilities, including funding to increase mental health treatment bed capacity to protect the vulnerable and promote personal recovery and resiliency.
$90 million to address opioid addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery through the State Opioid Settlement. Specifically, the funding will support on-demand mobile medication assisted treatment, court diversion programs, the distribution of life saving treatments, prevention campaigns, peer supports, recovery housing, and other treatment and recovery support services.
$68.1 million to improve Department systems and increase efficiencies, which includes:
$36.6 million to further enhance the modernization of the MyACCESS Portal.
$28 million in additional improvements to the Child Welfare Information System.
$3.5 million to upgrade electronic health records ensuring increased accessibility and security.
$38 million in additional funding to improve services to the child welfare system.
$17 million to support families that have already adopted.
$1 million to expand human trafficking prevention supports for children at risk of becoming victims of human trafficking.
Eat, drink and shop every First Friday in downtown Winter Haven 5-8 PM
First Friday is a monthly can’t-miss event that brings the community out to downtown Winter Haven for dinner, drinks, vibes and shopping! Centered around our downtown corridor, patrons can enjoy food and drink specials from downtown restaurants while dining al fresco under market lights or at our new sidewalk cafes. They can shop with downtown businesses who stay open late for the event, and we’ll have live musicians and other entertainment at multiple venues.
LAKELAND, FL (FEBRUARY 4, 2025) – Barbara Harrison has been located safe and reunited with family! Thank you to everyone who shared this important information.
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*****ORIGINAL RELEASE*****
LAKELAND, FL (FEBRUARY 03, 2025) – The Lakeland Police Department is continuing efforts to locate, Ms. Barbara Harrison, age 72. Barbara was last seen around 10PM yesterday evening. (February 2, 2025) at a residence in the 3600 block of Peregrine Way in south Lakeland. She was discovered missing this morning.
Barbara around 5’3” tall, weighs 120 lbs. It is unknown what Barbara might be wearing. Her family has advised she has early stages of Dementia.
Anyone with information with information on the whereabouts of Barbara Harrison is asked to call 911 or Lakeland Police Department at 863-834-6966.
Ed Lamar of Lake Wales left this earthly life to join the Lord on Friday, January 31, 2025, at AdventHealth Lake Wales. Born September 5, 1953 in Thomaston, Georgia to William Perry Lamar and Doris White Lamar, Ed moved with his parents and two brothers to Lake Wales in 1963. A member of the Lake Wales Highlander Band, Ed graduated high school in 1971 and then attended Stetson University as a music major (French Horn). He returned to Lake Wales to help run his family’s architectural millwork shop, Crafters and Builders, where he applied his exceptional artistry and woodworking skills. Ed served as the tower curator at Bok Tower Gardens from 2000 to 2005, meticulously maintaining the tower building and carillon instrument. For the past twenty years Ed was a draftsman for Parlier + Crews Architects, where he scrupulously assisted with production and project management.
For much of his life, Ed was an avid cyclist, whether traveling the country, or cycling to and from work. He was an active participant in local cultural art and music associations, including the Lake Wales Arts Council, Lake Wales Chorale, Lake Wales Little Theatre, and the Imperial Symphony Orchestra, as well as theater pit orchestras and small informal groups and bands.
Ed is preceded in death by his loving parents, Perry and Doris Lamar. He is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Susan Ramsay Lamar; cherished children, Robert Lamar and wife Katherine of Lake Wales, Danielle Farewell and husband Eric of Austin, Texas, and Emilie Quam and husband Kirby of Lake Wales; revered brothers, Malcolm “Chip” Lamar and wife Darlene of Lakeland, and Will Lamar and wife Nancy Shackelford of Winter Garden. Ed was the proud grandfather to nine beloved grandchildren: August, Arthur, Jeremiah, Eloise, Heidi, Olive, Joy, Edwin, and baby girl Quam.
Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 6, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales with Reverend Mackay Smith officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Lake Wales Care Center at https://lakewalescarecenter.com/donate/.
