Join the City of Winter Haven for an unforgettable evening of patriotism, family fun, and fireworks at Rockin’ Freedom Fest!
MLK Park at Lake Silver Friday, July 3, 2026 ⏰ Event begins at 5:00 PM
This year, we are especially excited to celebrate America 250 as we honor 250 years of American history, pride, and community spirit!
Celebrate America’s birthday with: Live music from the Bay Kings Band ⛷️ A spectacular Cypress Gardens Water Ski Show Food vendors and sweet treats Family-friendly activities and entertainment One of Central Florida’s largest fireworks displays to end the night!
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and patriotic spirit as we celebrate together along the shores of Lake Silver. Admission is free and all ages are welcome!
Tabletop game enthusiasts will soon have a new place to gather, play and learn as Polk County Parks and Recreation launches its new monthly social club, Tabletop Tuesdays.
The first session will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on June 2 at the Wabash Community Center, located at 1230 Southern Ave. in Lakeland.
Participants can enjoy open table play with fellow gamers, while monthly guided demonstrations will provide opportunities to learn new tabletop games and connect with other players.
The event is free to attend. The June 2 session is open to adults ages 18 and older.
Polk County Parks and Recreation also announced a special session for teen players ages 13 to 17, which will be held on June 23.
For more information about Tabletop Tuesdays, call 863-284-4223.
AUBURNDALE, Fla. — Traffic Homicide detectives with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred early Sunday morning near Winter Haven.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, first responders were dispatched at approximately 3:02 a.m. on May 31, 2026, to a crash on Thornhill Road just north of Sugar Creek Road.
33 Yr Old Auburndale Man Killed In Crash
When deputies and emergency personnel arrived, they discovered the driver deceased inside the vehicle.
The victim was identified as a 33-year-old man from Auburndale.
The preliminary investigation indicates the man was driving a gray Toyota Corolla southbound on Thornhill Road when he failed to negotiate a curve. The vehicle left the roadway and struck a large tree on the driver’s side.
Investigators said the driver was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
Thornhill Road remained closed for approximately three hours while members of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit processed the scene and conducted their investigation.
Duplex Planned For Newly-Rezoned Property, Less Than One Acre, Along Avenue H SW
by James Coulter
A new duplex is planned for one of two 50-foot-wide parcels now that the property has been rezoned to accommodate the proposed construction.
Two Parcels on Avenue H SE Rezoned
At one of their regular meetings last month, Winter Haven city commissioners voted unanimously to approve the second reading of an ordinance, changing the zoning district of 0.3 acres of land to Mixed Used (MX).
Located at 120 and 124 Avenue H, SE, the subject property consists of two 50-foot-wide parcels: one containing a single-family home constructed in 1932, and another existing as a vacant lot for 20 years.
“Each lot contains approximately 6,543 square feet, exceeding the 5,000-square-foot minimum lot size requirement of the [site’s previous] C-3 zoning district…[However] it is highly unlikely these properties will redevelop with a use permitted in the C-3 zoning district,” explained Heather Reuter, Senior Planner.
New Carpet at the Winter Haven Airport
City commissioners reviewed the first reading of an ordinance concerning the replacement of terminal carpeting at the Winter Haven Regional Airport.
The proposed recarpeting will cost $34,280. Funding will be provided through a $50,000 Business Development Grant for facility improvements that were received on Feb. 27, 2026.
“The Winter Haven Regional Airport terminal, built in 2008, is in need of interior rehabilitation,” wrote CJ Scott, Chief Financial Officer.
“The existing carpet is heavily stained in several areas and exhibits significant wear and age, making replacement necessary,” he further explained.
The ordinance would approve a budget amendment required for the additional expenditure and funding source.
Resurfacing at Chain of Lakes Park
City Commissioners also approved the second reading of an ordinance approving a budget amendment to facilitate resurfacing at the Chain of Lakes Park.
Approximately $110,000 will be transferred from the City’s general fund to the construction fund for a proposed change order of $209,914.
That change order will go toward the installation of an additional parking lot on the southwest side of Chain of Lakes Park, along with the resurfacing of the northwest parking lot.
“The Fieldhouse’s northwest parking lot has not been resurfaced in more than 20 years,” wrote CJ Scott, Chief Financial Officer.
“Due to cost savings realized within the Chain of Lakes Park Phase II project, along with savings in the Parks and Recreation operating budget, there is an opportunity to engage the existing contractor, Rodda Construction, to complete the resurfacing while they remain mobilized on site,” he further explained.
Through the Fire Prevention Program, the Winter Haven Fire Department joins Community Partner, the American Red Cross with installing free smoke detectors for homeowners within the city limits.
According to Fire Marshal, Jeremias Perez, “Quarterly [with the Red Cross], we pair up with Safe Neighborhoods, Police, Fire, and whatever entity would like to join, and we pick an area of the city to inform the public of fire safety and put a name with a face for local departments.”
This quarterly Neighborhood Iniatives Walk is lead by the Safe Neighborhoods department and allows various departments and community partners to go door to door in the selected neighborhood in effort to ensure citizens are aware of various resources like the free smoke detectors.
City residents can also easily request a smoke alarm through the Community Connect app, or click on the link below.
Barbara Fivecoate Graham, of Winter Haven, Florida, formerly of New Castle, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 24, 2026. Born in New Castle, Indiana, Barbara lived a life centered on faith, family, and love. A devoted Nazarene, she embodied the teachings of Christ through her kindness, compassion, and unwavering devotion to those around her.
Barbara loved traveling to see the wonders of God’s creations. She was adventurous, an avid reader, and enjoyed music and playing cards. Her warm spirit and loving heart touched everyone who knew her. She faithfully served others through meal ministry for more than three decades and was honored with the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her dedication and compassion for those in need.
She is survived by her loving children, Mark Fivecoate and Malinda Burke; her cherished grandchildren, Jared Burke (Bryce), Jordan Burke, Jagger Burke, Dustin Brock (Ruth), and Ashley Marvin; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Savannah Marvin, Memphis Marvin, and Caleb Burke. She is also survived by many beloved stepchildren, step-grandchildren, extended family members, and dear friends.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Esther and Claude Ray; her brother, Paul Ray; her first husband, Roy Fivecoate, with whom she shared 46 years of marriage; and her second husband, Jack Graham, with whom she shared 6 years of marriage.
A memorial service for Barbara will be held Friday, May 29, 2026, at Winter Haven First Church of the Nazarene, located at 560 3rd St SW, Winter Haven, FL 33880. Viewing will be held from 2:00–3:00 p.m. with the service immediately following.
Barbara’s legacy of faith, love, compassion, and service to others will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends.
The City of Winter Haven is inviting the community to come together and celebrate Juneteenth on Saturday, June 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Winter Haven Recreational and Cultural Center.
The family-friendly event will feature food, music, and community fellowship as residents gather to honor and celebrate Juneteenth. Organizers encourage attendees to bring their family and friends for an afternoon of celebration and togetherness.
The event will take place at 801 MLK Blvd. in Winter Haven.
The following info and photo has been released by PCSO:
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 14-year-old middle school student from Lakeland Highlands Middle School after he was positively identified as the suspect who made multiple bomb threats at his school this past school year.
Adrian Allison, who is on probation for grand theft of a motor vehicle, is being charged with:
6 counts false report of a bomb (F2)
6 counts unlawful use of 2-way communication device (F3)
6 counts misuse of 911 (M1)
Disruption of school function (M2)
Violation of probation (M2)
On May 27, 2026, the Lakeland Police Department received five 911 calls from an unknown male stating he was going to “blow up this place,” referring to the school. LPD confirmed the calls came from inside the school. A sixth call was made to the PCSO Emergency Communications Center. During the calls the caller also stated “I have a bomb.”
A special agent with the FBI responded to the school to assist with identifying the phone number from which the calls came. Through investigative resources it was determined that the phone number was registered to Adrian Allison, whom school staff and the school resource deputy confirmed is a student at Lakeland Highlands Middle.
Detectives interviewed Allison, and he told them that he made the calls because “he was bored in class and thought it was a funny joke.”
“Threats to blow up a school or commit any act of violence on a school campus are incredibly serious, and anyone who makes them will be charged with the appropriate felonies. Parents, remember to educate your children that this type of behavior will absolutely not be tolerated. Unfortunately this teenager is already heading down the wrong path.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
“There is no excuse for making a threat against our students, staff, and schools. We will thoroughly investigate every instance, and the consequences are extremely serious. If you make a threat, it will have long-lasting, life-altering impacts on your future. We thank the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for their professional and swift handling of this matter.”– Frederick Heid, Superintendent of Polk County Public Schools
Allison was booked in at the Juvenile Assessment Center and is being held in the juvenile dorm at the Polk County Jail.
Looking for live music around Winter Haven this weekend? Several local venues are hosting performances featuring rock, country, and party favorites from talented area musicians.
At Tanners Lakeside, the weekend kicks off May 29, with Josh Blevins performing from 7 to 10 p.m. On May 30, Smokepoint takes the stage from 7 to 10 p.m. The music continues May 31, with Twizted performing an afternoon show from 2 to 6 p.m.
Over at Cypresswood Pub, Vandal Eyes will perform May 29, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Fans of Joey Foley can catch him performing with The Trio on May 29, at the Winter Haven VFW from 7 to 10 p.m.
Brian Buck, piano May 29 at Bowen Yard 5:30-8.
The acoustic duo, Deep Well Project, will be at the freshly revamped Flightline Cafe and Catering at Winter Haven Airport on Saturday, May 30th, from 6pm-9pm.
With multiple performances happening throughout the weekend, music fans will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy live entertainment around Winter Haven.
Want Your Music Featured?
Musicians performing in the Winter Haven area who would like their shows included in a future roundup can submit their schedules to [email protected]. Be sure to include “LIVE MUSIC” in the subject line to be featured in an upcoming edition of the Winter Haven Daily music listings.
CRA Incentives Encourage New Florence Villa Business and Housing
By Anita Todd
WINTER HAVEN – New businesses and housing are on the way to Florence Villa thanks to the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Florence Villa Advisory Committee and local developers Terry Dewdney and Cheryl Wright.
During a recent CRA Florence Villa Advisory Committee meeting, two commercial projects by Dewdney and Wright were approved for construction grants.
Located at 118 Palmetto Avenue NE, the first project consists of two buildings. The first is a two-story structure that will include 1,260 square feet of commercial retail space on the first floor and a 1,260-square-foot apartment on the second floor. The second building will consist of 672 square feet and will be used as retail space.
Dewdney said he expects to break ground on the buildings soon. The commercial space will be used for a bakery and daycare. A parking lot will also be constructed to support the two buildings.
The cost of the two buildings is estimated at $788,465 before CRA reimbursement grants. The incentive package includes four forms of reimbursement.
The Incentive Package includes:
Program Total Cost Reimbursement
Commercial Improvement Grant $118,000 $100,000
Small Business Development Assistance Program $482,000 $96,400
New Construction Missing Middle Rental Program $150,000 $15,000
Developer investment after reimbursement: $538,600
Terry Dewdney, Florence Villa business owner, stands in the location of the new car wash in the corner of the parking lot of Dewdney Plaza
The second project is a commercial improvement project for property Dewdney and Wright already own. Located at 1650 1st Street, in and next to Dewdney Plaza, the project includes the conversion of a vacant retail space into a restaurant with a commercial kitchen, construction of a single-bay car wash, and conversion of the existing shingle roof to a metal roof. Construction is expected to begin on the car wash in June. The estimated cost of the project is $128,782.06, with a CRA reimbursement of $100,000. Dewdney and Wright opened their first business more than 25 years ago with a one-bay car wash. The car wash was located at 1650 1st Street, where they now operate a plaza with several other businesses. “We want to have all kinds of different businesses for residents to enjoy,” Dewdney said. Those interested in CRA grants are encouraged to apply, just as Dewdney and Wright did. “There are many opportunities available in our CRA districts, and we encourage local landowners, business owners, entrepreneurs, and investors to reach out to our team directly. The team is really great at helping people navigate all available options, match them to those they qualify for and that would be most beneficial to them,” said Katrina Hill, Director of Communication and Public Affairs, City of Winter Haven. For more information, call the CRA at 863.292.8046, stop by City Hall, or email Angie Hibbard, CRA Director, at [email protected].
