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Trauma Alert Patient Who Was Extricated and Transported After Vehicle Crash in Winter Haven Later Dies

Staff Reporter
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Trauma Alert Patient Who Was Extricated and Transported After Vehicle Crash in Winter Haven Later Dies

On Saturday, October 19th, 2024, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office was notified of the death of a driver who was involved in a crash the day before in Winter Haven.

The crash occurred at approximately 2:00 PM on October 18, 2024 at the intersection of Recker Highway and Coleman Road. Polk County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue responded to the scene.

Two vehicles were involved, with one occupant in each car. The vehicles were a 2021 Honda HRV, driven by David O’Daniels, and a 2019 Subaru Sport driven by Jeffery Wood.

David O’Daniels was injured in the crash, and was extricated from the vehicle then transported to the hospital via ground as a trauma alert. Deputies spoke with O’Daniels at the hospital and his family members, and learned that he likely had a medical episode, causing him to strike Wood’s vehicle, and ultimately hit a tree.

David O’Daniels, age 52, passed away overnight while in the hospital. An autopsy will determine his exact cause of death but at this time it appears to be medical and not necessarily related to the traffic crash.

 The investigation is ongoing.

Late Night Cypress Gardens Boulevard Crash Leads to Fire, Along with Power Loss For Residents

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Late Night Cypress Gardens Boulevard Crash Leads to Fire, Along with Power Loss For Residents

Late Wednesday evening (October 23, 2024) Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Polk County Fire Rescue responded to a vehicle crash on Cypress Gardens Blvd near LEGOLAND Florida Resort. The call came in at 11:39 p.m.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Brian Bruchey advised that a driver in a blue Toyota Camry reportedly struck a power pole, causing live electric lines to fall to the ground and start a fire. This resulted in power loss to some TECO customers.

TECO arrived on the scene to work on restoring power.

Polk County Fire Rescue Public Information Officer Nathaniel Gale confirmed that they transported one patient from the scene. The extent of the driver’s injuries is unknown.

Red Cross Notified to Assist After Fire Crews Battle House Fire in Winter Haven

Staff Reporter
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Red Cross Notified to Assist After Fire Crews Battle House Fire in Winter Haven

On October 23, 2024 Polk County Fire Rescue responded to a residential structure fire on Limewood Street in Winter Haven.

Crews were dispatched at 2:16 p.m. and the first unit arrived on scene at 2:19 p.m. Upon arrival, crews found a working mobile home fire.

Crews had the fire under control at 3:05 p.m.

There were no reported injuries and Red Cross was notified to help the affected family. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Polk County Drivers Can Register Emergency Contact Information with FLHSMV

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Polk County Drivers Can Register Emergency Contact Information with FLHSMV

Last year, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and law enforcement partners across the state responded to 394,953 crashes, of which over 60% involved injuries.

Timing is critical during an emergency. In many cases, it is the difference between life and death. In such situations, law enforcement and other first responders, including medical professionals, often need to contact family members or friends to notify them of the status of their loved one who was involved. Whether it is information related to transportation to a local medical facility or, in the worst case, a death notification, emergency contact information is crucial.

In 2022, ECI was initiated by Florida mother, Christine Olson, whose daughter Tiffiany died in a fatal crash, and it took over six hours to notify her. Law enforcement agencies and medical facilities have access to this emergency contact information for the purpose of notifying designated individuals in case of an emergency. As of August 2024, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) recorded 20,617,304 licensed drivers who had registered their ECI.

If you haven’t registered an emergency contact, it’s free, easy, and secure to do so through FLHSMV, all you need is a valid Florida driver’s license or ID card. You can register up to two designated people by visiting Emergency Contact Information History – Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (flhsmv.gov).

Additional Resources:

  • Watch a PSA about the importance of registering your ECI here.
  • Download an informational brochure here.

In Loving Memory of Josefina Martinez of Winter Haven

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In Loving Memory of Josefina Martinez of Winter Haven

Josefina Martinez

June 27th, 1962 – September 21st, 2024

Josefina Martinez, 62, of Winter Haven passed away on September 21, 2024. Born in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico she moved to Winter Haven 35 years ago from Fort Meade. Josefina graduated from Fort Meade High School June 9th, 1981 and then graduated from Polk Community College in June 1984 with a Associate Degree in Administrative Secretarial. Josefina was a paraprofessional at Auburndale High School, and she also worked with Christ renews his parish retreat. She was a proud member of St Joseph Catholic Church in Winter Haven. 

She is survived by her parents, Antonio and Maria Mendez; sons, Edgar Martinez, Mario Martinez and Omar Martinez; brothers, Alberto Mendez, Guadalupe Mendez, Erasmo “Mo” Mendez and Juan Antonio Mendez; grandchildren, Elijah Martinez, Jaccob Martinez and Eden Martinez. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. 

Deadline Approaches for Recipe Submissions for the Lake Wales Potluck Cookbook

Staff Reporter
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Deadline Approaches for Recipe Submissions for the Lake Wales Potluck Cookbook

The Lake Wales Public Library is building the Ultimate Cookbook and needs your help.

Do you have a family recipe passed down that you think everyone should know? Or just one you got from the back of a box? Please consider donating a copy of your recipe to the Lake Wales Public Library and help to create The Lake Wales Potluck Cookbook.

Stop by the library (they can make a copy). Last day to submit a recipe is October 31st. Submission of a recipe does not guarantee inclusion in the final cookbook.

Vehicle Accident Involving Two Trauma Alerts Temporarily Causes Traffic Delays on Lucerne Park Road in Winter Haven

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Vehicle Accident Involving Two Trauma Alerts Temporarily Causes Traffic Delays on Lucerne Park Road in Winter Haven

On October 23, 2024 emergency crews responded to a vehicle accident in Winter Haven on Lucerne Park Road. The initial call came in at 2:55 p.m.

Polk County Fire Rescue arrived on scene and transported two patients. According to Nathaniel Gale, PCFR Public Information Officer (PIO), one patient was a trauma alert transported by ground and the other was a trauma patient transported by air.

Winter Haven Police Department also responded to the scene and is currently investigating the crash. Winter Haven’s Public Safety Public Information Officer (PIO) Jamie Brown advised details are not yet available regarding the crash.

The roadway was shut down for a period of time, but according to Brown, the roadways are now back open, though traffic may still be slow for a while.

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Original post by Winter Haven Public Safety Department: Both lanes of Lucerne Park Rod at Ave. Y NE are shut down due to a crash. 
Drivers should take alternate routes.

Lake Howard Dr at Ave. F SW Shut Down In Both Directions Due to Power Pole Incident

Staff Reporter
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Lake Howard Dr at Ave. F SW Shut Down In Both Directions Due to Power Pole Incident

TRAFFIC ALERT
Lake Howard Dr at Ave. F SW (at the curve in the Lake Howard Nature Park area) is shut down in both directions due to a power pole with wires blocking the roadway. The incident occurred as a truck with a boom hit the wires and pulled the poles down. There are no injuries. Power is out in the area at this time.
Drivers are being diverted at 15th St and Ave E. Drivers should avoid the area and find alternate routes for at least the next five hours according to TECO crews.

Sheriff Grady Judd Will Brief Media On Deputy Involved Shooting In Unincorporated Haines City

Carl Fish
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Sheriff Grady Judd Will Brief Media On Deputy Involved Shooting In Unincorporated Haines City

The Tenth Judicial Circuit Officer Involved Deadly Incident Task Force is investigating a deputy-involved shooting that occurred in northeast Polk County this afternoon. All of the deputies involved are safe.

At 6:30 p.m. this evening (Wednesday, October 23, 2024) Sheriff Grady Judd will brief the media at the scene, which is near the 2000 block of Slocumb Road in unincorporated Haines City. He will provide preliminary details this evening, and more information will be released at a later time.

Lake Wales Live is Back Oct. 25

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Lake Wales Live is Back Oct. 25

Lake Wales Live is back Friday, October 25th to offer live music in conjunction with the Beers with Pioneers event. The event starts at 5pm at 290 Cypress Garden Lane, Lake Wales. Brett Staska will be performing on stage at the park across from the library. Make sure to swing by the revitalized Lake Wales History Museum and check out the new exhibits and meet the new museum director, Angela Rosado. Entry is free on Friday, October 25th.

The weekend is packed with family-fun events.

On Saturday, October 26th, Main Street is sponsoring a trick-or-treating opportunity at select businesses in the historic downtown district. **Please note the time change: the event will run from 11am to 2pm. Dress up, bring a bag for candy and enjoy the beautifully updated streets lined with trees, flowers and landscaping. Support the local businesses by shopping and eating during your visit to downtown.

On Saturday the 26th and Sunday the 27th, step back in time at the Lake Wales Pioneer Days, a cornerstone event celebrating the rich history and enduring spirit of Lake Wales and Polk County.

This free community heritage festival invites families, history enthusiasts, and visitors from all over to explore a vivid tapestry of life in early America. Immerse yourself in a weekend filled with historical demonstrations, artisan craft markets, and live entertainment, offering something for every age and interest.

Don’t miss the chance to partake in the Pumpkin Patch kids’ activities, enjoy traditional festival foods, and celebrate local legends with the Pioneer of the Year award. The event, held at Lake Wailes Park, is an unforgettable journey through the past, promising engaging experiences and fun for the entire family.

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