A two-vehicle crash occurred near Lake Wales Tuesday evening, October 15, 2024. One person was killed, and two others received minor injuries.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Lake Wales Police, and Polk County Fire Rescue responded at about 6:38 pm, to the crash on State Road 60 at Story Road, just east of the city.
74-year old Duane Matthew Kolaski of Lake Wales was transported to a local hospital, where he passed away.
Mr. Kolaski was the driver of a black 2017 BMW X7 SUV.
The other vehicle, a black 2021 Dodge 3500 pickup truck was driven by 45-year old Maksim Zakharov of Orlando. His passenger was 24-year old Nikita Zakharov. Both were transported to a local hospital where they were treated for minor injuries and released.
The crash is being investigated by the PCSO’s Traffic Homicide Unit.
Based on the evidence and witness statements, Mr. Kolaski’s BMW was travelling east on State Road 60 when it drifted across the median and into the westbound lanes where it collided with the Zakharovs’ Dodge pickup.
It was determined that the Zakharovs were wearing their seatbelts, but so far it remains undetermined if Mr. Kolaski was wearing his.
Wednesday October 16, 2024: Winter Haven High School Homecoming Parade will include Temporary Closures will begin at 5pm as the parade participants leave Citi Centre and will continue North on 3rd St NW. This will be a rolling closure as the parade moves throughout downtown.
Ave G SW between 1st. and 3rd St. NW
3rd St. NW and Ave F. NW
Winter Haven High School Post Parade Celebration Road closure will begin at 4:30pm, and will be reopened by 9pm on the same day. Road Closures and other traffic pattern changes include:
S Lake Silver Dr., between 5th St. NW and 2nd St. NW
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control division is searching for the owners of 44 dogs and 32 cats found during Hurricane Milton last week. Our Animal Control team is fully focused on returning pets to their rightful owners, but we need the community’s help to reunite owners and fur babies.
Adoptable Pet
“Only two of the over 76 animals found wandering during the hurricane have microchips. We would like to encourage all pet owners to please microchip your pets. This helps our amazing Animal Control staff quickly and easily identify owners of lost pets, so we can promptly return your pets to you if they are lost.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
If your pet was lost during Hurricane Milton and you are still searching for them, we have pictures of all animals found during the hurricane in the front office of our Animal Control Shelter. Please stop by between 8 AM and 8 PM Monday through Friday this week, and 9 AM to 4 PM on Saturday if you are searching for your pet, and you can check our records to see if we have your pet in our shelter. The address is 7115 de Castro Road, Winter Haven, Florida 33880. We want to help return your pets home where they belong.
Adoptable Pet
We would like to thank our amazing community partners at the Polk County Bully Project, Rescue Pets of Florida, and the Florida Little Dog Rescue for helping us care for our shelter animals always, but especially during Hurricane Milton. Polk County Bully Project took over 44 dogs for us before the storm. Florida Little Dogs took over 18 dogs the day before the hurricane. Rescue Pets of Florida took several foster kittens into their care as well. They were instrumental in helping us make sure our furry friends were safe and sound during the storm. If you are interested in donating to their causes, their websites are:
We currently have 56 adoptable dogs and 84 cats that are ready to go home with you today. These animals are not part of the group of strays found during Hurricane Milton. Adoptions are a significant way to assist Polk County Animal Control by making room for the animals that continue to come in during the recovery period. If you are interested in adopting one of our furry friends, please visit our website at: https://www.polksheriff.org/animal-services/adoptable-pets. Our facility is open for adoptions from 10 AM – 4 PM Mondaythrough Friday, and from 9 AM – 4 PM on Saturdays.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management has announced the opening of Operation Blue Roof. Eligible Polk County residents can apply for this no-cost service through Nov. 5 by visiting blueroof.gov, calling 888-ROOF-BLU ((888) 766-3258), or visiting a Right of Entry (ROE) collection.
ROE collection center locations are listed on blueroof.gov, and these are sites where residents can sign up for Blue Roof assistance using an ROE form, which gathers information about the residence.
This program is a free service for homeowners and permanently occupied rental properties, providing fiber-reinforced, industrial-strength sheeting to protect storm-damaged roofs until homeowners can make permanent repairs.
Cecil D. Lettis Jr. was born in Johnstown, NY on Tuesday, June 16, 1931, to Cecil and Evelyn Lettis. He attended Johnstown High School and graduated with the class of 1949. Prior to enlisting in the U.S. Navy in December 1950, he worked for the Johnstown Bank. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in October 1954. In 1955 and 1956 he attended Wittenberg College in Springfield, OH. When his parents moved from Johnstown to St. Petersburg, FL in 1956, he transferred to the University of Florida in Gainesville and was graduated in 1961 with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. He remained an avid Gator fan until his death in Winter Haven, FL on Thursday, September 26, 2024. In 1962 he was employed by the American National Red Cross. During his thirty-one years with the Red Cross, he worked, among other places, in Labrador, Greenland, Turkey and Vietnam. When he retired in 1993, he was a member of the management team of the Greater Miami and the Keys Chapter Red Cross.
Cecil was predeceased by his father (1984), his mother (1995), his brother Robert (2007), his brother-in-law, Robert Rowland (2006), his nephew Jonathan Rowland (2006). He is survived by his sister Cheryl Rowland of Oceanside, CA, his husband Michael Tobin of Winter Haven, FL, his sister-in-law Mary Lettis (Persico), five nieces, four nephews and numerous grand nieces and grand nephews.
Cecil was cremated by Steele’s Family Funeral Services of Winter Haven. In accordance with his wishes there will be no funeral service. A celebration of his life maybe held by the family at a future date.
Polk County Parks and Recreation’s Rec@Home kits for October are all about the spooky season! Activity kit registration is free, but there is a limit of 500 registrations.
Our Rec@Home kits are packed with fun for your little explorers to do at home! Each kit will include the following free activities:
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested two suspects on October 10, 2024 for burglarizing a vacant home in Lake Wales in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.
On October 10, 2024 at approximately 9:40 AM, deputies responded to a call about a residential burglary in progress on Fast Trot Trail in the Lake Wales area. They arrived and found the rear door pried open, and two suspects inside.
Derik Jansen, 34, and Kathryn Cooper, 50, initially told deputies they were told they “could live there” but then admitted that they broke in to the residence to “escape Hurricane Milton.” The floor of the residence was covered in broken housewares, and the drywall inside was severely damaged. The suspects admitted to causing the damage – it was not caused by the storm.
The owner of the residence was contacted, and he stated that no one had permission to be inside of his home.
Jansen’s criminal history includes drug charges, assault, and aggravated domestic violence. He was charged with burglary and criminal mischief.
Cooper’s criminal history includes aggravated domestic violence. She was charged with burglary, criminal mischief, and resisting arrest.
Both suspects received enhanced charges for burglarizing a residence during a state of emergency.
“In Polk County, we have zero tolerance for criminals who victimize those affected by hurricanes. Hurricane Milton damaged many homes – and Cooper and Jensen added to that damage by vandalizing a home. This is unacceptable behavior, and they will receive enhanced charges for burglary during a state of emergency.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
The City of Winter Haven is proud to announce the appointment of Vance Monroe as the new Chief of Police. Known for his unwavering commitment to public safety and a career marked by excellence, Monroe brings a wealth of experience to the Winter Haven Police Department. With decades of public service across military and law enforcement roles, he has demonstrated leadership that is both strategic and compassionate, prioritizing community engagement, proactive safety measures, and a vision for a connected and secure Winter Haven. The City is excited to begin this new chapter under his guidance, confident in his ability to lead the department with integrity and purpose.
A distinguished U.S. Air Force veteran, Monroe served nearly a decade during both wartime and peacetime, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant before transitioning to a career in law enforcement. His military service instilled a strong foundation of discipline, leadership, and dedication to public service that has defined his career.
Monroe brings over 26 years of law enforcement experience, most recently serving as a Major and Division Commander with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. In this role, he led municipal policing services and played a pivotal part in school safety and other critical public safety initiatives. Known for his proactive approach and commitment to community-oriented policing, Monroe has earned respect throughout the law enforcement community as a leader who prioritizes the safety and well-being of the residents he serves.
Complementing his extensive field experience, Chief Monroe holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s in Organizational Management from Warner University. He is also a graduate of elite training programs, including the Southern Police Institute and the Senior Management Institute of Public Safety, equipping him with advanced skills in law enforcement leadership and strategy.
To ensure a smooth transition, Chief Monroe joined the City of Winter Haven prior to the retirement of the previous chief, working closely with department and City leaders to establish continuity and stability. Now, as he officially steps into the role, Monroe is fully prepared to lead the Winter Haven Police Department.
A public Oath of Office Ceremony will be held to formally welcome Chief Monroe to his new position on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Nora Mayo Hall, 500 Third St. NW, Winter Haven. The City invites the community to join us in celebrating this significant occasion and showing support for our new Chief.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred Monday night, October 14, 2024, north of Lakeland.
33-year old James Brooks III of Lakeland died at the scene of the crash, despite efforts from bystanders who attempted to keep him alive with CPR.
PCSO deputies and members from Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched to the crash at Deeson Road and Kathleen Road at about 11:03 pm.
The investigation is being conducted by the detectives from the PCSO’s Traffic Homicide Unit.
According to the preliminary findings, Mr. Brooks was driving a red 2007 Suzuki motorcycle east on Deeson Road, and failed to negotiate a curve, just west of Kathleen Road.
Brooks’ motorcycle left the right (south) side of the road and struck a utility pole.
It is believed that Mr. Brooks was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Deeson Road was closed for approximately three hours, and the investigation is ongoing.
THIS Thursday, October 17th, the Auburndale Public Library presents MONSTER MASH! This fun family night will involve fun crafts, sensory play, & spooky treats. Costumes are encouraged! You do not want to miss out on this graveyard smash!
For more information, please call the Auburndale Library at 863-965-5548.
