Polk County Fire Rescue Helps Save Owl Tangled in Fishing Line
First responders came to the rescue of an owl that was found hanging from a tree after becoming tangled in fishing line earlier this week.
According to Polk County Fire Rescue, crews assisted Fort Meade Fire Department, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission with the unusual rescue on Monday, March 9.
Officials said the owl was suspended in the air and appeared to be caught in fishing line wrapped around its wing. Crews from Ladder 15 used their ladder to carefully reach the bird in the tree. Firefighters were able to cut the owl down safely before turning it over to deputies and wildlife officials so they could finish removing the fishing filament from its wing.
The coordinated effort allowed the responders to safely free the owl from the dangerous entanglement.
Polk County Fire Rescue later highlighted the call as an example of the wide range of situations firefighters respond to — from emergencies involving people to helping wildlife in distress.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Cyber Crimes detectives arrested 47-year-old Steven Gugel of Mulberry and charged him with 3 counts generating altered sex depiction without consent and 5 counts creating generated child pornography after locating images on his cell phone that he created using real juvenile victims.
The investigation began on March 9, 2026, when a woman reported finding the disturbing images on his phone. She told detectives that she sometimes checks his phone due to the fact that she knows he looks at pornography. When she went into the phone’s folders, she found images of three girls (children) that Gugel has access to; the images appeared to be manipulated by artificial intelligence, placing their faces onto nude adult bodies displayed in lewd manners.
On March 10th, detectives interviewed Gugel and he admitted to using an AI program to alter the images to depict the children as having adult nude women’s bodies. Detectives seized his phone for further forensic analysis.
“This is a disgusting example for those who think putting the faces of children onto already-existing sexually explicit pornography is harmless and not against the law. He is facing 8 felonies and will likely not have access to children once his criminal case is resolved.” —Grady Judd, Sheriff
Gugel was booked into the Polk County Jail and is behind held on no bond.
For families with young children, mealtimes can often feel like negotiations or even battles. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Picky eating is one of the most universal challenges families face.
With the right strategies, parents can reduce stress, build healthier habits and help children become more confident, curious eaters. Dr. Lauren Loquasto, senior vice president and chief academic officer at The Goddard School, and registered dietitian Ali Bandier, founder of Senta Health and member of the Expert Council at Little Spoon, share these insights and guidance to help parents navigate picky eating.
Why Young Children are Picky Eaters
Picky eating isn’t just common; it’s an expected part of early childhood development. In fact, it would be more surprising if children didn’t experience a picky eating phase.
Picky eating is a natural expression of independence. As children enter toddlerhood, they discover they can assert control, and food becomes a typical place to do it. They can’t decide whether to go to school or take a bath, but they can decide whether to take a bite of broccoli.
Avoid the Power Struggle
The key for parents: stay calm, consistent and neutral. Pressuring children only makes picky eating worse.
Telling your child they must try one bite, celebrating excessively when they do eat a vegetable or resorting to negotiation (“three more bites then dessert”) can actually reduce their desire to eat. It also creates a dynamic that only reinforces the power struggle.
Instead, recognize the division of responsibility when it comes to eating. Parents decide what food is served, when it’s served and where meals happen. Children decide whether to eat and how much to eat. As a parent, you can’t force your child to eat; recognizing this is critical to reducing the mealtime tug-of-war and creating a calmer, more predictable environment for the entire family.
Exposure, Not Pressure
Young children often need repeated, low-pressure exposure to a new food before trying it. Offering broccoli once likely isn’t enough. It’s important to offer it repeatedly, without commentary, bribing or coaxing.
Trying new foods is more than just ingesting them. Touching and smelling are steps toward tasting and acceptance. Involving children in food preparation – washing vegetables, stirring batter, mixing ingredients – lets them gain familiarity without the pressure of having to eat. Inclusion in this process increases curiosity and that curiosity is often followed by a willingness, or even desire, to try the food.
It’s also important for parents to model desired eating habits. If you want your child to try salmon but you’re eating pizza, they’re unlikely to want to eat the salmon. Daily family mealtimes – often dinner in busy households – where you’re modeling manners and eating the food you want your child to eat is key.
The Importance of Routines
For young children, routines provide structure, predictability and comfort. A consistent meal and snack schedule helps children learn what to expect and can reduce not only their anxiety around mealtimes, but parental anxiety, too.
Notably, there is no right or wrong schedule; every family needs to figure out what works best for their circumstances. What matters is setting a schedule and maintaining consistency. For example, if you provide a snack between breakfast and lunch, do it every day, not just a few days a week. This helps children know what to expect and feel comfortable.
Schedules also help parents resist “secondhand cooking.” When a child refuses the meal offered, parents often scramble to make alternatives, but this teaches the child if they hold out long enough, a preferred food will arrive. Instead, calmly remind your child when the next snack or meal will be:
“OK, you don’t want to have the yogurt and fruit. That’s fine, but I’m not going to make something else. Snack time is in two hours.” This builds trust and reduces anxiety for everyone.
With patience, low-pressure exposure and consistent routines, most picky eaters gradually broaden their palates and mealtimes become more enjoyable for the whole family.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 32-year-old Emmanuel Sanchez of Lakeland after multiple students at two Polk County middle schools reported inappropriate conduct by him while he was working as a substitute teacher.
Sanchez was employed as a temporary substitute through Kelly Services. On February 25, 2026, a 13-year-old student at Kathleen Middle School reported to staff that the substitute teacher—who identified himself as “Mr. Jeremiah”— sat down next to her with his thigh touching hers. He then took his hand and rubbed it up her thigh while telling her she was beautiful, had nice eyes, and that he liked her body. Detectives interviewed seven additional students who were in the classroom at the time, and their statements supported the victim’s account. The substitute was later identified as Sanchez.
During the ongoing investigation, on March 3, 2026, detectives received two additional disclosures from Lake Gibson Middle School involving two 12 year old male students. The students reported inappropriate touching and inappropriate comments by Sanchez. Two other students told detectives they observed Sanchez being visibly erect around other students in the classroom.
On March 6, detectives made contact with Sanchez at his Lakeland residence. He described the middle school girl in detail and confirmed the incidents in her report did occur but denied touching her. He also confirmed that he prefers to be called “Jeremiah,” the name he used in the classroom. He denied the incidents with the boys.
Sanchez was arrested and charged with Lewd and Lascivious Conduct on a Minor (F2). The investigation remains active. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
“This is highly inappropriate and disgusting behavior by a substitute teacher. He was clearly using his position as a teacher to prey upon this student. We are reviewing other interactions he has had with other students. We encourage other students to come forward if they have been inappropriately approached by or touched by this man. We want to make sure he is held accountable and that he does not have this kind of access to other children.” —Grady Judd, Sheriff
According to Polk County Public Schools, Sanchez will no longer serve as a substitute or in any capacity in PCPS schools.
“This is disgusting behavior. We expect substitute teachers and all individuals who work with students to protect them and act appropriately. We will always cooperate with law enforcement to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students and keep individuals like this out of our schools. Thank you to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.” – Superintendent Fred Heid
Three people were killed Sunday evening, March 8, 2026 in a four-vehicle crash north of Polk City.
Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched at around 8:26 pm, to the crash scene in the 15000 block of Commonwealth Avenue (State Road 33), about six miles north of Polk City.
Upon arrival of first responders, two motorcyclists were found deceased. Two occupants of a red 2013 Dodge Charger were transported to the hospital; the driver of that vehicle succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. One other driver involved was not injured in the crash, and remained at the scene for the investigation.
According to the PCSO’s Traffic Homicide detectives, the motorcycles (a black 2022 Harley Davidson and a red & black 2017 Harley Davidson) were being operated by a male adult and a female adult (names aren’t being released at this time until next of kin notification can be made), both from Florida’s Sun Coast area. The motorcycles were traveling side-by-side in the southbound lanes of Commonwealth Avenue.
The other vehicles involved were traveling north on Commonwealth Avenue, in a line of traffic.
According to witnesses, the Dodge Charger began an attempt to pass three vehicles in front of it, by moving into the southbound lane. As the Dodge got next to the vehicle at the front of the line, the Dodge hit the two southbound motorcyclists head-on.
A white 2011 Jeep Compass that was one of the northbound vehicles being passed was hit by the male motorcyclist who had been ejected from his bike. The driver of the Jeep was not injured.
The deceased driver of the Dodge Charger was identified as 75-year old Richard Lee Logan of Clermont. His passenger was 75-year old Janice M. Logan. She reportedly suffered only minor injuries.
Due to the scale of the crash scene and debris, Commonwealth Avenue was closed for approximately four-and-a-half hours.
No charges are anticipated, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The No. 20 ranked Florida State Seminoles baseball team continued their strong start to the season, improving to 11–2 overall while remaining unbeaten at home after defeating the Northern Kentucky Norse. Florida State’s success this season has been fueled by a high-powered offense that ranks among the top 15 nationally, according to Baseball America. The Seminoles have remained consistent at the plate, posting a .295 batting average, a .441 slugging percentage, and a 48-run differential through their first 12 games.
Several players have led the offensive surge for Florida State this season. First baseman Myles Bailey has been one of the team’s most reliable hitters with a .378 batting average, while infielder Noah Sheffield entered the game with 15 RBIs. Outfielder Chase Williams has also been a key contributor, adding speed on the basepaths with five stolen bases.
Florida State ended their long nine game home stretch by facing the 7–4 Northern Kentucky Norse before preparing for a matchup with the No. 9 ranked Florida Gators in Gainesville. Wes Mendes got the start on the mound to kick off the series against Northern Kentucky. Mendes, who entered the game with a 3–0 record and a 0.55 ERA, was matched up against Northern Kentucky pitcher Logan Wilson, who held a 0–0 record and a 3.48 ERA.
As the game began, it was a strong outing in the top of the first inning for Florida State. Wes Mendes delivered an impressive performance on the mound, striking out the side and sending all three batters back to the dugout. In the bottom half of the inning, Noah Sheffield opened the scoring with a 388-foot home run to left field, putting the Seminoles up 1–0. Sheffield continued his momentum after recording his first collegiate home run earlier in the week.
The Seminoles added to their lead in the second inning when Will Bavaro doubled, bringing Kelvyn Paulino Jr. home to make it 2–0. Northern Kentucky responded in the third inning, capitalizing on a throwing error to first base that allowed Alex Brazer and Landon Spring Meyer to score and tie the game at 2–2.
Florida State quickly answered in the bottom half of the third inning as Sheffield delivered again, recording an RBI that brought Chase Williams home and gave the Seminoles a 3–2 lead. The Seminoles extended their advantage in the fourth inning when John Stuetzer drove in a run, pushing the lead to 4–2. Mendes continued to dominate on the mound before being pulled in the sixth inning after recording a career high 12 strikeouts. Chris Knier came in out of the bullpen to replace him.
Northern Kentucky cut into the lead in the sixth inning when Marcus Harrison recorded an RBI, scoring Mark Nowak and making it 4–3. However, Florida State responded quickly as Will Bavaro blasted a 347-foot home run, extending the Seminoles’ lead to 5–3.
The Seminoles added insurance in the seventh inning when Kelvyn Paulino Jr. singled through the left side, bringing Carter McCulley home and extending the lead to 6–3. Myles Bailey later capped off the scoring for the night as he grounded out to second base, allowing John Stuetzer to cross the plate for another run.
To close out the game for the Seminoles, pitcher Chris Knier secured the final outs and helped seal the 7–3 win, moving Florida State to 11–2 overall on the season. By the numbers, the Seminoles recorded 10 hits while allowing only one hit from Northern Kentucky. Each team committed one error. Florida State left 10 runners on base, while Northern Kentucky left only three. In terms of pitching decisions, Wes Mendes recorded the win, Logan Wilson was charged with the loss, and Chris Knier received the save.
After the game, members of the media were allowed to ask Florida State’s coach and players questions regarding the matchup. When asked about Wes Mendes’ performance despite an early error in the game, head coach Link Jarrett shared his thoughts.
“I thought it was the best display of stuff I’ve seen from him. We’ve seen flashes here and there, and I’ve probably seen that stuff throughout his time here. I don’t know if I’ve seen it put together in one outing where all of it was on display at an extremely high level.”
Following the interview with Jarrett, I had the opportunity to ask one of the top performers of the game, Wes Mendes, how he felt after recording a career high 12 strikeouts. This was his response.
“Yeah, you know it feels great. We got the win, and yeah it feels good to get out there whenever I can and set the tone for the team and set the tone for the weekend.”
The road ahead for the Seminoles will only get tougher. Florida State will travel to Gainesville on Tuesday to face their archrival, the No. 9 ranked Florida Gators. After that matchup, the Seminoles will open conference play against the No. 15 Wake Forest Demon Deacons.
The Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation (CCF) placed its 86th automated external defibrillator (AED) on March 3, 2026, continuing its mission to increase heart-safety awareness and access to life-saving equipment throughout the community.
The newest AED was installed at Eterna Chiropractic Wellness Center in Bartow, owned by Dr. Bryce Duncan. The device was sponsored and donated by Eric Shimkus, a firefighter/paramedic and Duncan’s uncle.
Dr. Duncan, who opened Eterna Chiropractic Wellness Center in July 2025, said his goal has always been to provide personalized care focused on long-term health.
He explained that his practice focuses on helping patients improve mobility, reduce pain, and support overall wellness through individualized treatment plans.
“I have always believed the human body was designed to heal, adapt, and perform at the highest level when given the right environment and care. I created ETERNA Chiropractic with a goal and mission to provide personalized, high-quality chiropractic services that restore movement, calm the nervous system, and support long-term wellness, not just temporary relief,” Duncan said.
Duncan said the practice serves individuals and families looking for more comprehensive care.
“Located in the heart of Bartow, here at Eterna Chiropractic I have been able to serve a community of individuals and families who want more than a quick fix. We treat acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain, inflammation, post-injury recovery, and spinal conditions. Our approach of care combines chiropractic adjustments, corrective exercises, and supportive therapies tailored to each patient’s needs. Every care plan is designed with intention,” he said.
Duncan also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the AED placement and for his uncle’s sponsorship.
“It was truly an honor to be the location selected. I’m incredibly grateful to my Uncle, Eric Shimkus for sponsoring the AED for my business. Opportunities like this allow us to impact the Bartow community and save lives when needed,” he said.
He also shared appreciation for the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation and its ongoing work.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the work the CCF Foundation continues to do in our community. Their dedication to bringing awareness and creating a meaningful impact truly makes a difference. I’m honored to support and be associated with an organization that genuinely cares about educating and saving lives of those in our community,” Duncan said.
Shimkus, who has served as a Firefighter III/Paramedic for 24 years — including 20 years as a paramedic — said his support for the foundation comes from both professional experience and personal connection.
“I’ve known Melanie for just over 15 years and have been with her since the beginning of all this. I feel like Dr. Duncan is doing something good for local citizens. He wanted to go to a big city but chose to stay local,” Shimkus said.
Shimkus said the foundation’s mission to educate the public about heart health is something he strongly believes in.
“I truly believe we are helping people. Not only in the event of cardiac arrest but in the awareness of heart related deaths and it affects the family. Melanie is truly here to make a difference and to educate about heart awareness,” he said.
Shimkus said the AED placement also held personal significance for him, as he wanted to support both his nephew’s local business and the ongoing efforts of the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation to raise awareness about heart disease and cardiac arrest. Drawing from his 20 years of experience as a paramedic, he emphasized the importance of educating the public about heart health and ensuring life-saving equipment like AEDs is accessible in the community. Shimkus added that public education around heart conditions and cardiac arrest remains critically important.
Shimkus added that Duncan’s decision to remain in Polk County and serve the local community made the location especially meaningful.
“This location was imported to me, not only because I’m related to him, (my nephew), but because he chose to stay local and give his services and expertise as a doctor, chiropractor, and being a good person to Polk County,” Shimkus said.
He also believes Duncan’s practice offers a more personalized approach to care.
“He has realized that although there are a lot of chiropractic businesses in Polk County, he brings a more personal and in depth approach to Dr Duncan’s understand that he can be a pivotal part of someone’s life. In a smaller business he is able to spend more time one on one and not look at them as just a number. I truly believe that Dr Bryce Duncan is here to help individuals,” Shimkus said.
Eterna Chiropractic Wellness Center offers a variety of services including chiropractic manipulation, targeted cryotherapy, active rehabilitation, STIM/ultrasound therapy, dry hydro therapy, intersegmental traction, IASTM, custom foot orthotics, and vibe plate therapy. Non-surgical spinal decompression is expected to be offered soon.
The Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation continues working throughout the region to install AEDs, raise awareness about heart health, and help communities be prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies.
For more information about the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation and its AED initiative, visit CulpepperAED.com.
Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a crash scene on County Line Road and Gateway Boulevard, west of Lakeland Saturday night, March 7, 2026, to what was originally reported as a crash involving a pedestrian.
First responders were dispatched at around 8:40 pm and arrived on scene a short time later to find the victim deceased.
He was identified as 29-year old Justin Lane Fuller of Plant City.
Deputies quickly discovered that Fuller was not a pedestrian; he had been operating a burgundy 2008 Harley Davidson motorcycle, and for an as yet undetermined reason, crashed the bike. Detectives found no evidence that the motorcycle was hit by another vehicle.
Freak Crash Claims Life Of Plant City Motorcyclist
According to the preliminary investigation, detectives determined that Fuller’s bike was traveling north on County Line Road when it went down, and ejected him. Fuller tumbled for approximately 75-feet, and came to a stop in the southbound lane where he was hit by two vehicles.
The drivers of both of those vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation.
A motorcycle helmet was found near Mr. Fuller, but it is unknown at this time if he was wearing it at the time of the crash.
County Line Road was closed in both directions for approximately 4 hours due to the extensive evidence search, processing, and investigation required due to the crash circumstances, debris, and size of scene.
Families are invited to celebrate the season at Bartow Ford’s annual Easter Egg Hunt, set for Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Address: 2800 US-98, Bartow, FL 33830.
The popular community event promises a morning packed with fun activities for kids and families.
The egg hunt will begin promptly at 10:15 a.m., with more than 20,000 eggs hidden and ready to be discovered. In addition to the hunt, children will have the chance to meet the Easter Bunny and take photos.
The event will also feature plenty of entertainment including inflatables, a pirate swing, a rock climbing wall, balloon art, and food vendors.
Families are encouraged to bring their baskets and enjoy a morning full of laughter, excitement, and Easter fun.
Homicide Investigation – Lakeland Police Department Press Release
Lakeland, FL (March 5, 2026) – Detectives with the Lakeland Police Department are investigating a shooting which occurred early Thursday morning outside of Wally’s Poolhall, located at 1136 East Main Street, Lakeland, Florida.
Based on witness statements and evidence located at the scene, the incident occurred around 12:35 a.m. on March 5, 2026, when an argument occurred between two patrons outside of the business. One of the participants pulled a handgun and shot at the other. The victim then pulled his own handgun and returned fire. It is unknown if the suspect was struck during the volley.
The 48-year-old victim was identified as Steven Michael Magee. Arriving officers immediately began life saving measures and Magee was transported to Lakeland Regional Health, where he later succumbed to his injuries despite the best efforts of medical professionals.
This case remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Jaime Smith at 863-834-8981 or [email protected].
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
