The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Hurricane Kirk, located over the central tropical Atlantic Ocean, and on Tropical Storm Leslie, located over the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean.
For the latest forecast, visit Hurricanes.gov/#Kirk or Hurricanes.gov/#Leslie For the latest marine forecast, visit hurricanes.gov/marine
In the Gulf of Mexico: Disorganized showers and thunderstorms over portions of the Gulf of Mexico are associated with a surface trough. A broad area of low pressure is likely to develop over the Gulf of Mexico late this weekend or early next week, but subsequent tropical or subtropical development could be limited by the system’s potential interaction with a frontal boundary. Regardless of development, locally heavy rains could occur over portions of Mexico during the next few days and over portions of the Florida Peninsula next week. It has a near zero chance of formation through 48 hours and a low (30 percent) chance in the next 7 days.
On the evening of October 2, 2024 just after 8:00 p.m. Winter Haven Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched to a structure fire at a senior apartment home complex (Winter Haven Manor Senior Apartments), located at 140 Avenue A SW in Winter Haven.
According to City of Winter Haven’s Public Safety Public Information Officer (PIO) Jamie Brown, one unit in the senior apartment home complex had a kitchen fire.
The fire was quickly extinguished, though it resulted in smoke and water damage. No injuries were reported.
This is an ongoing investigation, and we will update this article as more information is released.
Get ready for a day full of excitement, exploration, and hands-on fun at Hands on Haven! This family-friendly event brings the Winter Haven community together for a unique experience, featuring the always-popular Touch-A-Truck and so much more!
Climb aboard and explore an incredible variety of vehicles, including fire trucks, police cars, garbage trucks, heavy equipment, and even airplanes and a Tampa General helicopter. Kids and adults alike will love getting an up-close look at these machines and meeting the people who operate them!
But that’s just the start! Here’s what else you can expect:
Interactive demos every 30 minutes: Watch exciting demonstrations from K9 units, see rescue operations in action, and participate in fun contests like hula hoop challenges and dance-offs.
Hands-on displays: Test your skills in the Fire Course, explore public safety exhibits, and experience Winter Haven’s new technology, including robotic field stripers and augmented reality.
Family activities: Enjoy storytime, games, and crafts brought to you by the Winter Haven Library, plus outdoor lawn games and obstacle courses.
Giveaways & contests: Pick up fun giveaway items throughout the event and see our coloring contest winners and photo contest finalists on display.
Dunk tank: Watch City leaders take the plunge to raise funds for the Aspiring Aviators Club!
Food trucks will be on-site, along with the Flightline Café in the airport terminal, offering delicious bites and refreshments. Free bottled water will also be available at the event.
Parking: Parking is available in the grassy field west of the terminal, with assistance from the Winter Haven Police Explorers.
This is a FREE event, so bring the whole family and get ready for a day of fun, discovery, and hands-on excitement. We can’t wait to see you at Hands on Haven on October 26!
The new red light at the intersection of HWY 27 and Kokomo Road in Lake Hamilton is now live. This will help improve safety and traffic flow for everyone. Please remember to follow the signals and drive safely. Thank you for your cooperation.
City of Winter Haven Approves $236 Million Budget for Next Fiscal Year. Here’s What’s Inside
by James Coulter
Affordable housing, homelessness assistance for school-aged children and their families, and a greater focus on community safety are some of the major priorities for Winter Haven’s budget for the next fiscal year.
At their regular meeting on Mon. Sep. 23, Winter Haven city commissioners voted unanimously to approve both the budget and millage rate for the next fiscal year.
The overall budget totals more than $263 million. The adopted millage rate is 6.5900 mills, which is expected to generate more than $27 million for the general fund at a collection rate of 96.50 percent. As such, ad valorem taxes are expected to make slightly more than 10 percent of the budget’s total revenue.
Many of the significant projects and spending within next year’s budget include:
• 250,000 for affordable housing efforts.
• 320,000 for support of non-profit organizations, including 40 agencies to be funded.
• 285,000 for community partnerships with Winter Haven EDC, Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Winter Haven, and Polk Vision.
• 295,000 for the commission’s efforts to address homelessness in housing among families that have school-aged children through arrangements we have with Hearts 4 Winter Haven.
• 294,000 for the Lakeland Mass Transit to continue the WH Area Mass Transit program.
The budget supports funding for 630 full-time employees and 106 part-time employees. The budget will also continue to fund the STEP plan, which adjusts employee rates on an annual basis during the anniversary of their employment.
Approximately 45 percent of the budget will go towards capital improvements, including investments in infrastructure like roadways and utilities. About 20 percent of the budget is aligned with personnel and other miscellaneous costs. And 19 percent goes towards operations within the city’s facilities.
The largest expense within the general fund goes toward public safety, including police and law enforcement, fire and rescue services, and code compliance. Another major expense will be CRA revenues, with $3.75 million for Downtown Winter Haven and 1.3 million in Florence Villa, both of which are increases over the prior year’s revenue.
The ordinances for both the millage rate and the city budget were passed through a unanimous vote by city commissioners.
Previously postponed due to Hurricane Helene, CSX Transportation (CSXT) will close Saddle Creek Road starting Oct. 2, at its rail crossing by the Saddle Creek Distribution Warehouse complex located a quarter-mile west Fish Hatchery Road in the Combee area of Lakeland. The two-day closure is needed to repair an “identified track defect,” with Saddle Creek Road scheduled to reopen on Thursday afternoon, Oct. 3.
Saddle Creek Road traffic will detour along Combee Road (State Road 659) or Fish Hatchery Road to U.S. Highway 92 to bypass rail work zone. Detour will increase congestion and travel delays, especially during peak-hour traffic. Local commuters can seek alternate routes to lessen delays. Motorists are advised to drive carefully and add extra time to trips through this area.
For more details, contact Bill Skelton with the Polk County Roads & Drainage Division at (863) 535-2200. Anyone wanting to report a public road rail crossing issue or complaint should call CSX at 1-800-232-0144or email them at [email protected].
The Lake Wales Police arrested Samuel Leone Hamilton, of Carla Ct., Winter Haven on 9/20/24. According to reports Hamilton was allegedly swerving and almost caused two separate accidents that were witnessed by officers. He accelerated at high rate of speed prior to his arrest. He eventually stopped and was taken into custody. He refused a breathalyzer test. He was arrested and charged with Fleeing To Elude & DUI.
Here is an excerpt of the arrest affidavit (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Lake Wales Police Department. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Lake Wales Daily does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions)
“On September 20, 2024, at approximately 1700 hours, I responded to the area of Chevron gas station, Lake Wales, in reference to a traffic complaint.
I, Officer Natal (L433) was dispatched to the area Hwy 27 south and Chevron gas station near Hunt Brothers Road. I then made contact with a silver in color GMC Sierra bearing Florida registration tag Y329SF. I observed the vehicle in question swerving out of his lane and nearly crashing into another motorist. After observing the vehicle reckless driving, I conducted a traffic stop near Hwy 27 North and Central Avenue. The vehicle continued traveling North on the outside lane on Hwy 27 ignoring my lights and sirens on my agency issued marked patrol vehicle. then observed the vehicle nearly side swipe a tractor trailer, which was traveling in the middle lane. I observed the vehicle accelerate in an attempt to flee from me. At this time, I advised dispatched that I was in pursuit of the vehicle.
Samuel Hamilton
The vehicle reached speeds over 90 MPH passing Mountain lake Cut-Off on Hwy 27. I attempted to catch up to the vehicle and observed the vehicle slow down due to a Polk County Sheriff Deputy blocking his lane path. The vehicle came to a stop in the middle lane near the intersection of Hwy 27 and Washington Avenue. I ordered the driver out of the vehicle and to throw his vehicle keys on the road. I asked the driver to exit the vehicle and to walk backwards to the sound of my voice. The driver, later identified as Samuel Leone Hamilton, was taken into custody using my agency issued handcuffs and placed in my marked patrol car. I ran Hamilton’s using D.A.V.I.D. and discovered Hamilton licensed was suspended on 09/09/2024. I also discovered Hamilton has a previous conviction for DWSLR dated on 04/11/2024.
I observed indicators that led me to believe Hamilton was under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. I was able to indicate the smell of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his person. In addition, I was able to observe Hamilton slur his words and be extremely repetitive with the things he was stating. Hamilton displayed several indicators of impairment.
PHASE 2 Personal Contact:
I made contact with Hamilton and observed his speech to be slurred/mumbled, his eyes to be blood shot/watery, and a moderate odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath and person. I observed him to be unsteady on his feet and had a hard time exiting the vehicle. Hamilton had to hold onto the side of the vehicle for support to exit the vehicle.
Based on these indicators I asked Hamilton to submit to a serles of Field Sobriety Test (SFST’s) and Hamilton consented to those test.
Prior to conducting the test. I asked Hamilton a series of medical auestions.
I was able to determine based on Hamilton answers that he was not suffering from a medical issue or diabetic episode. I also questioned Hamilton of any pre-existing body pains prior to conducting SFST’s. Hamilton advised of knee pain he has endured when he was younger, but was still able to walk correct. Based on what Hamilton advised, SFST’s were conducted.
PHASE 3 Pre-Arrest Screening / Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SEST’S):
I conducted the following Field Sobriety test (SFST’s) with the following results:
Horizontal Gaze and Nystagmus – observed 6 of 6 clues 4 or more clues is an indicate of impairment
Walk and Turn – Observed 8 of 8 clues 2 or more clues is an indicates of impairment
One Leg Stand – Observed 4 of 4 clues, 2 or more clues is an indicator of impairment.
Based on my observations I determined Hamilton was operating a motor vehicle with in Polk County, Florida and based on my training and experience was determined to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol to the point where his normal faculties were impaired.
I advised Hamilton of the DUI charge, he advised they understood, and I took him into custody without incident.
Post Arrest Procedures / Breath Testing:
I transported Hamilton to the Polk County Processing Center. During the transporting process. Upon my arrival at the Processing Center for breath test at 2100 hours, I began a 20-minute observation period at 2130 hours.
At the conclusion of the 20-minute observation period, I requested Hamilton provide two breath samples to determine his breath alcohol level. Hamilton stated he was refused to provide a breath sample. After being read
Implied consent Hamilton said no and not consented to take the breath test because I know my license is suspended.
I advised Hamilton he would be charged with refusal as well of the DUI. Hamilton advised he understood.
I issued Hamilton one Florida DUI citation (AIE9ICE) for Florida state statue charge and Fleeing to elude with lights and sirens active High Speeds (AKA4HQE). Furthermore, I released him to Book-In staff to complete the booking process.
Hamilton refused to provide a breath sample during the same incident.
Based on the facts in this investigation, Samuel Leone Hamilton was criminally charged with one count of DUI and One count of fleeing to elude with lights and sirens activated High Speeds.”
Big opportunity tonight…both on and off the court. Tonight we honor all the women who are or have fought breast cancer. We have a specially designed pink WHVB t shirt that we are giving to fans who attend the game (while supplies last)! Let’s fill the gym with pink tonight!
But this is a unique situation where we have an opportunity to support two causes…as many are aware Hurricane Helene devasted much of our northern neighbors. We will be collecting common household items and putting them on a semi Monday to take to North Carolina. If you get a chance, please come to WHHS and support the VB team and bring toilet paper, paper towels, case of water or anything that can help those in need.
Game time: October 2 at 6:00 p.m. at Winter Haven High School
This Sunday (Sep. 22) was the first day of fall. Autumn is officially upon us. The nights are getting longer. The air is getting cooler. (Okay, maybe not so much in Florida!) And with this cooler weather comes jackets and hot drinks.
Obviously, everyone is clamoring for pumpkin spice. After all, what could be more warming on a brisk autumn day than a pumpkin spice late?
Well, there’s a meme currently circulating on Facebook: “When people think of fall, they think pumpkin spice. I think chili.”
After a long day strolling through the brisk autumn air, nothing feeling more relaxing than returning to a home filled with the spicy aroma of chili either cooking on the stove or in a crockpot and ladling a piping serving of beef and beans slowed cooked into a savory stew.
Of course, anyone could post any run-of-the-mill recipe chili. Me? I wanted to be different. So, what makes this chili recipe different? Simple: it’s meatless.
That’s right. This chili recipe still has everything else you’ve come to love from classic chili including beans, tomatoes, and corn. But what sets this batch apart from the rest is the lack of meat.
Instead, this chili is made with steel-cut oats.
You heard correctly. Oatmeal! And interestingly enough, it tastes just as good as beefy chili.
This recipe requires the chili to be prepared and cooked on the stove. However, I decided to use my slow-cooker instead. Because who doesn’t like dumping all of their ingredients into a pot in the morning and enjoying a hearty meal once dinner rolls along later that evening?
As for my own attempt at making this, the chili itself tasted like authentic chili sans meat. My only deviation was that I used chili powder rather than cumin, so this batch was particularly spicier.
My only other reservation was the significant lack of meat. Without that beef, the overall texture tasted more like a soup than a stew. Perhaps next time I will add more than a half cup of oats to provide more texture.
Otherwise, if you’re looking for a meatless chili alternative, give this recipe a try. I highly recommend it.
Recipe from SheKnows.com:
Ingredients
2 cups water plus 1 veggie bouillon cube (or 2 cups veggie broth)
1/2 cup steel-cut oats
1 tbsp. oregano
2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. chili powder
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (or 1-1/2 cups homemade)
1 (14.5 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed (or 1-1/2 cups homemade)
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, regular or fire-roasted
1 cup frozen corn, regular or fire-roasted
1/2 to 1 teaspoon liquid smoke, to taste
Juice of 1/2 a lime
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
1. Bring the water and bouillon to a boil in a soup pot. Add oats and lower to medium heat.
2.Cook uncovered for about 15 minutes or until the oats are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
3. Stir in the oregano, cumin, garlic, kidney beans, black beans, tomatoes, corn and liquid smoke.
4. Cover and cook over low heat for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Before serving, add the juice of half a lime as well as salt and pepper, to taste.
Lanny “Scott” Huckaby of Lake Wales passed away Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at AdventHealth Lake Wales.
He was born January 9, 1957 in Colorado Springs, Colorado to the late Wayne and Sue Huckaby; he moved to Lake Wales from Virginia 40 years ago. Scott loved his job as a truck driver. He also spend several years as a Polk County Firefighter in the early 90s. Scott enjoyed fishing and cooking BBQ. He previously ran the smoker for the community kitchen at the Lake Wales Care Center along with other friends. He loved his grandchildren dearly and loved playing Santa Claus for them around Christmas.
Scott is survived by his wife of 41 years, Anita Huckaby; daughter, Alisha Ruble (Josh) of Babson Park; son, David Huckaby (Samantha) Lake Wales; sister, Sheila Tabor (Gary) of Pampa, Texas; and grandchildren, Jeremiah, Ava, Oliver, and Watson.
