LAKELAND, FL (June 10, 2025) – On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at approximately 5:56 a.m., officers responded to a traffic crash near the 1300 block of U.S. 98 South. Just prior to the crash, a grey 2021 Tesla was traveling north on US Highway 98 South in the inside lane of travel. At the same time, a pedestrian was crossing US Highway 98 South in the marked crosswalk. The Tesla impacted the pedestrian in the crosswalk then stopped and remained at the scene. It should be noted the Tesla had a green light and the pedestrian walking signal indicated do not walk.
The Lakeland Police Department Patrol Units, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department all responded, and the pedestrian was declared deceased at the scene. The driver of the Tesla had no apparent injuries but was transported to Lakeland Regional Health via ambulance.
Members of the Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The roadway was shut down for approximately four hours while the scene was processed.
This remains an open and active investigation. If anyone has any additional information regarding the crash, please contact investigating Officer Travis Payne at [email protected].
LAKE HAMILTON – After nearly three years of construction and growing anticipation, Port 27 has finally opened its doors. Nestled on the shores of Lake Hamilton, this family-owned, village-style destination is set to become the area’s newest hot spot for locals and visitors alike.
With its first-class brewery, diverse dining options, quaint shops, live entertainment, and outdoor play for the kids, Port 27 offers something for everyone—all within a walkable, 16-building campus spanning just under three acres. Add in the stunning sunsets, and each visit promises to be as scenic as it is memorable.
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“We want this to be a place where families can sit for hours and everyone can enjoy themselves,” said co-owner and Events Coordinator Nicole Sosa ThurdeKoos. “Our goal is to make everyone feel comfortable – like they are at home.”
At the heart of the property is the Port 27 Brewing Company, already producing a range of beers from easy-drinking classics to bold craft specialties. For true beer lovers, The Port 27 Club offers an exclusive experience. Limited to just 270 members, the club promises VIP benefits, early access, and a sense of belonging to a community built for something more.
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Members also receive a personalized Port 27 beer mug—marked with their number and kept at the brewery for every visit.
“This is for someone who really likes beer,” Nicole said. “They can come have a beer, use their mug – they will have a special card and just be able to sit and enjoy themselves.”
Dining at Port 27 is an experience, with culinary offerings that are all unique. Guests can explore the Deli Market, Burger Bar (with burgers, hot dogs, wraps, and fries), Van DeWalle artisanal chocolate and café roastery, a gelato and popsicle Ice Cream shop, Tiki Bar with craft cocktails, Juice It for natural drinks, and food truck-like train cars for crepes, seafood, and tacos.
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But Port 27 is more than just food and drink. “We have a vinyl store that will sell records, old and new, as well as other music accessories,” Nicole said. “Attached to it we will have a room set up for radio transmission or podcast recording. This will be called The Crow’s Nest.”
Morning wellness classes and lake activities will add even more dimension to the experience. Jet skis will be available for rent, and guests can even arrive by boat or seaplane.
The vision for Port 27 began with the patriarch of the family, Luis Sosa, whose dream inspired the entire concept. Nicole said finding the property on Lake Hamilton was what they had been looking for for years. The ideal location set in a booming area felt perfect for the venue.
“My father has a very big imagination and what is here is only slightly tweaked from what he envisioned,” Nicole said. “It is very much inspired by the Hamptons and Martha’s Vineyard.”
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Boutique shopping rounds out the experience, with thoughtfully curated spots like the Vintage Studio, featuring reimagined clothing, and Soap and Candles, where handcrafted goods are made on-site.
An events venue is under construction and will open soon.
As Port 27 opens its doors, the Sosa family invites the community to relax, explore, and enjoy the one-of-a-kind blend of charm, flavor, and lakeside magic.
Port 27 is partially open every day from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. For more information, visit port-27.com.
HAINES CITY, FL – After more than a year of uncertainty following a devastating hurricane, the Haines City Historical Museum has been assured a new, permanent home. In a unanimous vote on June 5, the Haines City Commission officially approved the relocation of the Museum to the historic train Depot, signaling an end to the protracted wait and a renewed commitment to preserving the city’s past.
The Museum’s previous building, located near the Haines City Fire Department, was severely damaged by flooding during a hurricane, forcing its closure. In the aftermath, members of the Northeast Polk County Historical Society approached the City Commission, proposing a partnership. The agreement stipulated that the Society would transfer ownership of its flooded building to the City in exchange for the Museum being housed in the historic Depot.
During the June 5 meeting, Stacy Vandiver Stokes, representing the Society, voiced the members’ growing concern over the delay. “It’s been a year and a half since the flooding and the Museum having to close,” Stokes stated, emphasizing the need for the Museum to be situated in historic downtown Haines City, “where people are, where they need to be in the midst of everything.”
A point of contention had emerged regarding the Depot’s future, with some speculating it was earmarked for a Sun Rail station. However, Commissioner Omar Arroyo clarified the situation. “Yes, we are going to use that property for Sun Rail, but that could be ten years from now. It’s not going to happen tomorrow,” Arroyo asserted. He passionately advocated for immediate action, adding, “To me, we need to put the Museum there and stop giving any excuses. Let’s fix the building now and stop saying there is no money in the budget. We need to make sure that we get something that is key to our city…to our past…to have a great Museum, and I know they do a great job.”
Commissioner Anne Huffman echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the Museum’s vital role. “Our history needs to have a permanent place,” Huffman said. “I don’t know where the change took place. I apologize. You all need to be in that building. The historical Museum needs to be in the Depot.”
The Commission’s final vote reaffirmed the commitment to the Museum’s move, with the directive for work to begin “as soon as possible.” Importantly, the resolution clarified that the Society is not responsible for bringing the building up to code, signifying a clear path forward for the Haines City Museum to once again open its doors and share the city’s rich history.
Paul Marvin Boggs, 78, of Davenport, Florida, passed away on Friday, June 6th, 2025, at 7:48 AM, at a local hospital in Kissimmee, Florida.
Born in South Shore, Kentucky on July 23rd, 1946, he was the son of the late Maxine Floyd and the late James Lafe Boggs.
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Paul retired in April 2021 from his position as a captain for Inland Marine. He loved working outdoors. His property was his pride and joy. He also loved fishing and hunting; however, his favorite pastime was spending time with family and enjoying life with his babydoll, Betty.
Paul was preceded in death by his mother, Maxine Floyd; his father, James Lafe Boggs; his sister, Mary Boggs; his step-brother, Perry Reffitt; his son, Terry Broughton; his daughter-in-law, Dana Boggs; and his other daughter-in-law, Claire Boggs.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Boggs, who he married on December 16th, 1989. He is also survived by his brother, Quinton (Karen) Boggs; his brother, Dee (Nancy) Boggs; his son, Paul “Roho” (Jill) Boggs; his son, David (Angela) Boggs; and his son, James Boggs.
Furthermore, he is also survived by his many grandchildren, including Sarah (Josh) Brown; Zackery (Mika) Boggs; Zachery (Kay) Boggs; Adam Lipscomb; Jesse Lipscomb; Zoey Boggs; Gavin Boggs; Heather Slater; Greg Broughton; Aaron (Breanna) Broughton; Sydney (TJ) Baker; Michaela Broughton; and Nicklaus Broughton.
Paul is also survived by multiple great-grandchildren, including Bryleigh Craft, Aria Brown, Jacob Brown, Josiah Brown, Jolee Ann, Bryson Paul Michael Boggs, Andrew Boggs, Austin Boggs, Brantley Lipscomb, MaryJo McClain, Jaxson McClain, Maggie McClain, Grayson Lipscomb, Remington Lipscomb, Warren Lipscomb, Lilo Boggs, Wyatt Slater, Braelyn Slater, Avery Sprague, Isaac Broughton, Sarah Broughton, Brittany Broughton, Benji Broughton, and Cayden Broughton.
Paul is survived by his best friend and neighbor, Yasel, who was by his side until the very end. Yasel and Paul loved each other unconditionally.
Services for Paul are being handled privately by the family.
Lakeland will be celebrating a decade of LGBTQ pride with the 10th Annual Pride in the Park, to be hosted on Sat. June 14 at Munn Park in Lakeland.
The outdoor celebration will be hosted from 10 AM to 3 PM with festivities for all ages including live music, food trucks, arts and craft vendors, and drag shows.
Pride in the Park is part of a weeklong celebration being hosted to commemorate LGBTQ Pride Month. Other events throughout the week include:
Pride For Youth, a party for young people, hosted at United Women’s Club on Wed. June 11 at 6:30 PM.
Pride in Faith, an interfaith worship service, hosted at Beacon Hill Fellowship on Thurs. June 12 at 7 PM.
Friday Night Pride, a night of drinks, dancing, and drag, hosted at The Parrot on Fri. June 13 at 9 PM.
Pride After Dark, an 18+ party and drag show to be hosted at Union Hall on Sat. June 14 at 9 PM.
Scott Guira and Kerri McCoy, president and vice president of Polk Pride FL, recently appeared on the Chattin on the Ridge podcast to discuss the 10th Annual Polk Pride celebration. Listen to the full podcast here: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/episodes/ep-62-in-ten-tionally-proud-wkerri-mccoy-scott-guira
Notice is hereby given that Lake Wales Storage intends to sell the property described below to enforce a lien under the Florida Self Storage Facility Act, Statutes (section 83.80-83.809). The owner will sell at public auction on or after June 19,2025 at 10:00 am at storageauctions.com
Units belonging to the following:
Ike Knighten/ Unit 1002
Lasaysha Taylor/ Unit 208
This sale will be continued on such succeeding sale days thereafter as may be necessary to be completed. *Unless otherwise noted units contain household items.
Speed Humps to be Installed on Eleventh Street Southeast and Friedlander Road near Highland City
by James Coulter
Diane is a resident who lives near Friedlander Road near Highland Park Manor. She has four grandchildren. Every afternoon, she worries for their safety when they and 40 other students get off the bus. Her concern, like that of many other residents, is with the traffic traveling during that time in that area.
Diane recently approached the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) during a public comments portion concerning the proposed installation of three-speed humps on Friedlander Road. She urged them to approve those traffic calming devices.
“We do need those speed bumps,” she said. “If you put those speed bumps there [on the road], that really, really help us slow that traffic down traffic and help those kids get back and forth [safely]. I sincerely thank you all for what you have done so far for us.”
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Polk County Commissioners voted to approve two resolutions to install traffic calming devices on two roads within the Highland City area: Eleventh Street Southeast near Highland City, Friedlander Road near Highland Park Manor.
In both instances, a resident had approached the county requesting the installation of traffic calming devices. County staff then conducted studies on both roads and “determined that the roadway met the Policy criteria based on traffic speed and volume,” wrote Jay M. Jarvis, Roads & Drainage Division Director.
Staff had also distributed ballots to residents living near those roads inquiring about the proposed speed humps. In both cases, those proposals “received a favorable vote from the required percentage of that population.”
The speed humps for Eleventh Street Southeast will cost an estimated $20,000 for their installation, while the installation of speed humps at Friedlander Road is estimated to cost $15,000.
Davenport, FL – A Bradenton man who is in the country illegally has been arrested and charged with manslaughter following a fatal incident at a construction site in Davenport on June 4, 2025. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred at the Grand Pointe Apartments development on Founders Way.
Deputies responded to the site after receiving a report of an industrial accident. The victim, identified as Jose Lopez, was found deceased beneath the raised loading bucket of a skid steer. The victim had suffered fatal head trauma consistent with being crushed by the heavy equipment.
Angel Bautista Martinez, 29, was arrested at the scene and is accused of operating the machinery at the time of the incident. Blood spatter within the operator’s cab and on Martinez’s pants was cited in the affidavit as evidence contradicting his claim that he was standing away from the equipment when the fatal injury occurred.
Martinez initially told deputies that the victim was manipulating the skid steer controls while standing beneath the bucket. However, the investigation determined that no blood or footprints were found in the area where Martinez claimed to have been during the incident.
Two witnesses provided statements indicating they believed Martinez was the one operating the skid steer at the time. One witness reported seeing the equipment moving as dirt was being driven back and forth, and stated no one else besides Martinez and the victim was in the immediate area during the incident. Another witness confirmed seeing the victim on the front of the machine and Martinez operating it.
The affidavit stated that Martinez’s operation of the skid steer while the victim was in an unsafe position showed clear culpable negligence. Investigators concluded that his actions were unreasonable and flagrant, ultimately leading to the victim’s death in violation of Florida Statute 782.07.
Because Martinez is reportedly in the country illegally, deputies are submitting paperwork to upgrade the charge to a first-degree felony. An ICE hold has been placed on him at the Polk County Jail.
Martinez was scheduled to make his first appearance in court. The investigation is ongoing.
On Sunday, June 1, 2025, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit arrested a Lake Wales man for felony animal cruelty, and seized horses and goats from his property on Poe Road in Lake Wales.
The investigation began after PCSO received a tip regarding two horses in a field that appeared to be malnourished. The horses were found by deputies in the following conditions: one was extremely skinny, with its rib and hip bones visible; another was laying on the ground in its own feces, unable to lift its head, and barely breathing – this horse succumbed to its severe neglect and was deceased by the time detectives arrived.
Detectives also found numerous environmental hazards, and several adults and children living in various structures on the property. The homeowner, Joemanuel Nunez-Suarez, DOB 10/20/1984, claimed ownership of most of the livestock, including eight horses (including the deceased one), 11 goats, and two sheep. Three of the horses were neglected and in poor condition. He told detectives that he was taking care of the animals for a friend but that it was too expensive to feed them, and that he told the friend to come get the animals three months ago. All of the animals were seized by PCSO and will be rehabilitated.
Piles of solid waste, including rotting household trash, scrap metal, waste wood, 23 tires, hundreds of flies, and broken appliances, were scattered about. Detectives also located a trough filled with a mixture of antifreeze and gasoline, leaking into water that the animals were then drinking.
Two suspects (Jorge Almeida Rodriguez & Idanys Queveto) were charged with the environmental crimes; two suspects (Barbara Suarez & Hennycha Rosa Rosa) were charged with resisting arrest; Barbara owned one of the horses, and she was additionally charged with animal neglect.
Nunez-Suarez was placed under arrest and charged with felony animal cruelty (F3), animal cruelty (M1), and three counts confining animals without proper food, care, and sustenance (M1).
Thunder, a two-year-old stallion owned by Barbara Suarez, that was kept in a small stall in a dark barn and never turned out to pasture.
“We appreciate the tipster who alerted us to the deplorable conditions on this property. It’s a shame we were unable to save one of the abused horses, but we will make it our mission to rehabilitate all of the animals that were subjected to this filth and neglect, and ensure these suspects are never again allowed to own animals.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Last month, my family and I went on a 7-day cruise on the Carnival Jubilee. We sailed from Galveston, Texas to Honduras to Mexico. Here’s a day-by-day travel log of my trip.
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Day 5: Mahogany Bay (Tues. May 6, 2025)
Today was our first port of call: Mahogany Bay in Rotan, Honduras. A scenic little island with lush green trees, rolling hills, and crystal blue waters.
One of the first things we did when we stepped off the ship was ride the chair lift to the private beach. It was crowded with folks sunbathing on the shore and wading in the water. We took a dip in the water for a little bit, then dried off and went to browse the shops. One of our family members bought a tiki, which was wrapped in a long brown package.
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There were many amenities at the beach. One place allowed you to dip your feet into a tank and let fish nibble at your toes. They claimed to have health benefits. I highly doubt that, but I bet fish tickling your toes feels good.
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I went back to the ship and had lunch at the sandwich shop Beach Buns. I ordered a grinder on a baguette with ham and cheese. I ate it with a side of chips and a bowl of tomato soup. The soup tasted more like sauce, and it had the texture of sauce.
I spent the rest of the afternoon napping in my cabin. I had nausea earlier that morning. I woke up in the middle of the night with nausea, and I woke up that morning with nausea. My sister gave me a pill to take. I did not have breakfast that morning. Only a ginger ale and a banana. Up until recently, I was feeling fine. I was not seasick. I just guess the extra rocking of the ship made me seasick.
We went to Chibang for dinner. It was a Mexican/Chinese fusion eatery. I had pot stickers with noodles and kung pow chicken. It was decent. I ordered the chicken because it was allegedly the spiciest dish on the menu. I’ve had spicier. And I had better Chinese food.
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I went to a comedy show later that evening. I didn’t care much for his jokes. One funny joke: he mentioned the ship’s coaster Bolt. It’s called Bolt because of a missing part. And the vehicles are shaped like jet skis so if they fly off the track, you can ride them to your next port of call.
Day 6: Costa Maya (Wed. May 7, 2025)
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Our second port of call was Costa Maya in Mexico. A scenic little getaway with swaying palm trees, thatched roof houses, and sandy white beaches with turquoise waters.
Two other cruise ships were moored at our pier. So, there was a lot of traffic with people disembarking from the ships. And the shopping plaza was even more crowded. Two unique locations included a poolside bar and a dolphin area where people can pet and ride dolphins.
My group mostly browsed the shops. One lady tried to get my sister to buy a $75 lotion. A lot of the shopkeepers pressed potential buyers to buy their merch.
I specifically wanted to find something with a mermaid. We’re in a tropical aquatic area, so I considered it fitting. I managed to find a snow globe. It went for $25. But my sister managed to haggle it for $20. So I got it for that.
Back at the ship, we ate lunch. I wanted the taco bar, but it did not open until 1 PM. So, I had a hot dog and shawarma instead. I then went to the gym to workout. The biggest downgrade: no air-conditioning. Back home, the treadmills had built-in fans, so that made jogging up a sweat more bearable.
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For dinner, we went to a hibachi grill: appetizers included a soup or salad and some seaweed salad with tempura. They served rice without eggs (because one of our family members has an egg allergy). It was really buttery. I ordered the shrimp and chicken. I even had some steak. It was good, but not as good as the Japanese places back home.
I went to the comedy club after. The comedian was Tim Young. His jokes did not impress me. Here’s one: “People fear that immigrants are taking their jobs. But robots are the ones who you really need to worry about. I should know. I gave my girlfriend…” Well, something I can’t say. Rimshot!
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So that’s two ports of calls down. One more to go. The trip is almost over. And how did it go? Stay tuned and find out as my tale comes to its conclusion.
