LAKELAND, FL | The City of Lakeland Water Utilities will begin the next phase of the Western Trunk Gravity Sewer Line upgrade next week, affecting Highland Street. This critical infrastructure project is part of our commitment to enhance wastewater capacity, bolster public safety, and deliver long-term service reliability.
Construction Area & Traffic Impacts Beginning Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, Highland Street will be closed to all traffic for approximately three (3) weeks. During this time:
Traffic will be detoured to Josephine Street via Southern Avenue and Pinewood Avenue, with clearly marked digital message boards and traffic signage.
The nearby park will remain open during its regular hours, and all scheduled activities will continue as planned. Park access will remain via West Highland Street only; residents will not be able to access the park from the east side.
Construction activities will include increased equipment presence and daytime noise as crews work in the right-of-way adjacent to the park.
Scope of Work
This phase will include:
Installation of a new 42-inch gravity trunk sewer line
Construction of a modern wastewater pump station
New force mains and collector lines These upgrades will replace aging infrastructure that dates to the 1980s and will significantly improve system performance and emergency response capabilities.
Why This Work Matters
Increased Capacity: Replaces undersized, deteriorating pipe to meet current and future demands
Improved Public Safety: Mitigates system vulnerabilities and supports efficient emergency response
Enhanced Reliability: Upgrades to modern standards that reduce the risk of service disruptions
Stay Informed
The City is committed to keeping the public informed. Updates will be shared through:
Bartow is remembering the life and legacy of Clifton P. Lewis, a beloved community leader and champion of Black history, who passed away Sunday at the age of 82 after a long battle with cancer. For more than 20 years, Lewis served as the director of the L.B. Brown Heritage Festival, a role that allowed him to preserve and share an important piece of Bartow’s history.
Photo source Clifton P. Lewis Facebook page
In the late 1990s, Lewis stepped in to save the L.B. Brown House from demolition. He not only secured its restoration but helped transform the home—built by former slave Lawrence B. Brown—into a museum and gathering place that celebrated the rich heritage of Black Americans. Thanks to his tireless work, the L.B. Brown House is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized in the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture.
This past summer, the City honored Lewis by proclaiming August 5 as Clifton Paul Lewis Day, celebrating his decades of service and his unwavering dedication to Bartow.
Bartow has truly lost a visionary—one whose work will continue to inspire for generations.
HAINES CITY – Cheering at NASCAR races is usually left to the fans in the stands, but this year, the Glamorous All Stars Cheer and Dance team will take center stage at the 2025 Daytona 500, highlighting how an award-winning group of young athletes brings the energy.
The invitation is just one highlight in what promises to be an action-packed season. The team’s calendar is filling fast: a visit from a NASCAR representative, a successful showcase event, and a long lineup of competitions across the South.
Last week, a representative from the Daytona 500 visited the team’s training facility.
Glamorous All Star Cheer and NASCAR Representative
“Our visit from the NASCAR representative was truly inspirational. He educated our athletes and parents about the rich history of the NASCAR race, reminding us that thousands of people will be watching them perform on one of the biggest stages comparable to a Super Bowl,” said Tamika O’Hara, Director and Owner.
Former Haines City Mayor and City Commissioner Horace West joined the visit to welcome the NASCAR spokesperson and address the athletes.
“He poured out greatness into our athletes, encouraging them to believe they can achieve anything in life,” O’Hara said.
The following day, on Nov. 14, the group held its first showcase at Ridge Community High School.
“It was a huge success, with amazing teams coming together to perform. We were blessed to have Markeisha Smith, Markeisha West with State Farm Insurance, and my former athlete Justice Smith, now a cheerleader at Bethune Cookman University, empower our athletes and all the cheer programs who attended,” O’Hara said.
Participating teams included the Haines City Vipers, Haines City High School, Davenport High School, Winter Haven Wolverines, Lakeland Storm, and the Davenport Broncos Pop Warner.
On Nov. 15, the Glamorous All Stars Elite Team Sassy Rubies and Hip Hop Team Bossy Charmz performed at a charity basketball tournament hosted by the Haines City Police and Fire Departments.
“It was an incredible weekend, and Glamourous All Stars Cheer and Dance is fired up to kick off Season 2, proudly representing our city and community,” O’Hara said.
While competition season begins in December, O’Hara said the program’s goals go far beyond trophies.
“We want them to know this is just a platform. They can be a lawyer, a doctor, whatever,” she said. “We don’t want them to let this limit them if cheering is not their end goal.”
The team’s first competition will be held in Gainesville on Dec. 6. Several more events will follow over the coming months before the regular season concludes on March 21 in Fort Lauderdale. According to O’Hara, the April competition is determined by bids won during the season. The goal of Season 2 is to win bids for the Allstars Worlds Championship, and Prep and Rec Grand Nationals Championships.
To help fund the Daytona 500 performance, the teams are selling sponsorships and Daytona 500 tickets.
Glamorous All Star Cheer and Dance selling NASCAR Daytona 500 Tickets
“We are still working hard to get our athletes to the Daytona 500 to perform on the biggest stage ever,” O’Hara said. (Order form is included.)
For information on donations or sponsorships, call O’Hara at 863-419-5151.
2024-25 Competition Results
Spirit Champion, Nov. 2024
1st Place – Rubies
1st Place and Grand Champion – Diamonds
All Out Champion, Dec. 2024
Superior – Gems
3rd Place – Emerald Barbies
1st Place – Sassy Rubies
1st Place – Flossy Diamonds
All Star Cheerleading Championships, Jan. 2025
Superior – Gems
3rd Place – Emerald Barbies
2nd Place – Sassy Rubies
1st Place and Bid Prep and Rec Grand Nationals – Flossy Diamonds
Deep South Spirit, Feb. 2025
Superior – Gems
2nd Place – Emerald Barbies
2nd Place – Sassy Rubies
2nd Place – Glitter Pearls
1st Place and Paid Bid to the All-Star World Championship – Flossy Diamonds
Get ready to kick off the holiday season with a little extra cheer! The Bartow Public Library is hosting Milk and Cookies with Santa on Saturday, December 6 at 10 AM, and families are invited to join the fun. Children will enjoy a festive story read by Santa himself, followed by time for photos, hands-on crafts, and of course—cookies.
Every family who attends will also receive a free book to take home and enjoy during the holiday season.
This event is open to all ages, and no registration is needed. Join the fun at 2150 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL—just bring your holiday spirit!
A crash on SR-618 in Tampa caused major disruption early Wednesday afternoon after a commercial vehicle overturned near the Channelside exit ramp.
The incident happened on November 19, 2025, at approximately 12:12 p.m. A 48-year-old Lakeland man was driving a commercial vehicle eastbound when a pickup truck abruptly changed lanes in front of him. To avoid a collision, he took evasive action and lost control.
The truck struck a concrete barrier and a light pole before overturning and coming to rest near the exit ramp. Despite the severity of the crash, the driver was not injured.
FHP is reviewing the lane-change maneuver that led to the incident. Traffic delays were reported as crews worked to clear the scene.
Norman Lee Borror, 88, of Babson Park, FL, passed away November 13, 2025. He was born on June 17, 1937, at the family home in Delaware County, Indiana, to Claude E. and Dessie M. (Lett) Borror.
Norman served four years in the U.S. Army. He was a carpenter and painter by trade and he loved gardening, canning and playing card games.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Dessie; siblings, Lillian, Geraldine, Raymond, Ralph, and Harold; grandson Derrick Borror.
Norman is survived by his wife of 39 years, Penny Borror; children, Leanna (Wade) Hite, Tina Honn, Ken Borror, Luci (Alan) Warren, Mark Borror, step-daughters, Lisa Ellis, Tracey Leneave, Laurie (Mark) MacBeath; sixteen grandchildren, twenty five great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren
A routine traffic stop in Orange County turned into a major drug bust after troopers discovered 46 pounds of marijuana inside an SUV earlier this week.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the vehicle was first noticed at the intersection of Conroy Road and Vineland Road on Monday afternoon. Troopers said the driver made an improper left turn, crossed multiple lanes, and disrupted traffic, prompting the stop.
The driver, identified as 40-year-old Shuoliang Zhen, told troopers he didn’t have any identification and stated he was renting the SUV. Investigators noted that Zhen appeared visibly nervous, shaking and stuttering when answering questions. The passenger, 35-year-old Yi Wen Chen, sat rigidly and avoided eye contact.
A K-9 unit was brought in, and the dog alerted to the presence of narcotics. A search of the SUV uncovered three large boxes packed with vacuum-sealed bags, each holding about a pound of marijuana.
Both men were arrested on charges of cannabis possession and trafficking. Zhen is being held on a $30,500 bond, and Chen faces the same charges.
A Winter Haven man found himself back in custody after an incident that began shortly after he was bonded out of jail in Hillsborough County.
Deputies say 56-year-old Kevin Cole contacted his ex-girlfriend to bail him out, and she drove to Hillsborough County to secure his release. During the drive back toward Polk County, Cole’s behavior reportedly became erratic.
By the time they reached Davenport, his ex-girlfriend asked him to get out of the vehicle. When he refused, she pulled into a Circle K and called 911 for assistance.
Deputies responding to the scene say Cole began yelling profanities at them and refused to cooperate. His behavior led to him being taken into custody in Polk County.
Authorities noted the situation as an example of how quickly a second chance can be squandered when someone refuses to calm down or follow instructions.
Kids and teens ages 9-17 are invited to the Larry R. Jackson Branch Library for a two-class hands-on crochet series during fall break to learn how to make a fall-themed plush!
The classes are November 24th and 25th from 10-11:30 am, with the second class building on the skills from the first. Crocheters should know how to chain and do a single crochet already. All supplies will be provided for the project.
Registration is required and will open Monday, November 17th at 10 am. Registration is for both classes in the series.
Questions? Contact Cassie Walters-Shantal (863) 834-4294 or email [email protected]
Polk County Teachers Urge Approval of Property Tax Increase Voter Referendum to Fund Schools
by James Coulter
Nearly a dozen educators urged county commissioners to approve a property tax increase voter referendum to fund county schools.
At their regular meeting on Tues. Nov. 18, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted unanimously to pass a resolution placing a proposed 1.0 mill. ad valorem tax increase on the ballot. The referendum will appear on the general election ballot on Nov. 3, 2026.
The School Board of Polk County has conditionally adopted a resolution to impose an additional 1.0 mill. annually on taxable property to help fund school operating purposes from July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2031.
During public comments, several educators took to the podium to implore the commissioners to approve the referendum. Many spoke out against the low incomes and high expenses that other educators in the school system face.
“My salary has not been sufficient to keep up with inflation and the cost of living in Polk County,” said Laura Allgood, a veteran music educator.
Michael Hade, former teacher and head football coach, mentioned how many other educators have left Polk County to seek employment elsewhere because their salaries have proven insufficient to cover their basic expenses.
“Quality of life will be poorly impacted if we do not find a way to pay our teachers and educators,” he said. “You will not keep good educators here. They have other counties on the mind.”
Another former educator, Patrick Bentley, mentioned how many educators either work a part-time job or rely on their partners, spouses, or even roommates to help cover their expenses due to their low income as teachers.
“I have said goodbye to many of my colleagues because they cannot afford to continue working here,” he said.
Commissioner Michael Scott, whose wife is a former educator, averred that a property tax increase would not solve every problem in the public school system, claiming it would amount to a squirt gun trying to put out a wildfire; however, he insisted that it would be a step in the right direction.
“We should invest in the teachers and we should invest in the students,” he said. “We want to be world-class. We want to attract employers as much as we can.”
Commissioner Becky Troutman, as a former special education teacher, wished success for the referendum, as she expressed hope that the majority of county residents would vote in favor of it.
“I wish success,” she said. “If the voters know where the money is going, they will approve it. They want to see teachers stay and children get a good education.”
Commissioner Martha Santiago, as the mother of two teachers, insisted that fiscal responsibility was a motivation for both her and her fellow commissioners. She wanted the right information before approving such a measure, and now that she has that information, she wholeheartedly approves it.
“I support education, and I will vote for this,” she said.
