Earlier today, firefighters with the Auburndale Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire and arrived to find the vehicle fully engulfed in flames. Crews quickly worked to extinguish the fire without incident.
Units on scene included Battalion 421, Brush 421, and Ladder 421. Firefighter Luis Sepulveda and Firefighter Shoquan Brooks were among the personnel who responded to the call.
Fortunately, firefighters confirmed that no one was inside the vehicle at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported.
ECHO of Riverview recently received AED unit No. 92 as part of a pay-it-forward donation from HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, strengthening emergency preparedness and cardiac response capabilities within the community resource center. The donation was made possible through the ongoing partnership between HCA Healthcare and the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation (CCF), an organization dedicated to expanding access to life-saving AEDs and CPR awareness.
Community Partnership Behind AED No. 92
Simeon B., Resource Center Manager at ECHO of Riverview, highlighted the importance of community support in sustaining the organization’s mission.
Simeon shared, “It’s amazing to be supported by our community’s healthcare systems. We do great work at ECHO and local businesses and organizations help us to continue to make an impact in our area.”
He noted that the connection to HCA was established through organizational leadership and ongoing outreach partnerships.
“Connected through our CEO, Eleanor Saunders, HCA is a business support partner in our operations and community outreach. We appreciate their donation!”
Simeon also acknowledged the story behind the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, emphasizing the meaning behind its mission.
“CCF has an amazing backstory; it is often out of our greatest losses that we’re able to see a way to make a difference in the lives of people around us. Melanie is so courageous in sharing her experience and getting places outfitted/trained to be able to provide emergency support when needed.”
Personal Connection and Purpose Behind the Mission
Rebecca Gustafson, a Realtor with Keller Williams and property manager for TCS Management, shared a deeply personal connection to HCA Brandon Hospital and the mission behind AED expansion efforts.
She began her healthcare journey in 2021 when she earned her CNA and joined HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, later working on the Progressive Care Unit caring for cardiac patients.
Rebecca reflected on the personal significance of her start date:
Her official start date “was October 18th, which would have been my brother’s 43rd birthday, making the day even more meaningful since it was just over a year since he passed.”
She described how working with cardiac patients became a way to honor her brother’s memory.
“From the moment I began working directly with patients and met the incredible team on the floor, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.”
Connection to Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation
Rebecca also shared her personal connection to Melanie Brown Culpepper and the foundation’s origins following the sudden loss of her brother Michael.
She said, “He couldn’t say enough great things about her; Of course he thought she was absolutely beautiful, but he was was so proud of the work she was doing raising money for various charities, all while running her salon full time.”
Following his passing, Rebecca described the devastating impact on their family and the transformation that followed.
“She poured her heart and soul into it, transforming her grief into purpose, and through that work, she’s helping others while keeping his legacy alive.”
She added, “The Culpepper Cardiac Foundation is more than an organization, it is a living, breathing legacy of my brother.”
AED Training Experience
Rebecca praised the AED demonstration led by paramedic Eric Shimkus, noting its depth and emotional significance.
“I was very impressed with Eric Shimkus. I walked away having learned new things that I hadn’t learned in previous AED trainings.”
She also reflected on the personal meaning behind his involvement.
“Knowing that Eric was one of the EMTs who responded to my brother makes it even more meaningful.”
Her message emphasized urgency and awareness:
“Learn CPR and how to use an AED. Pay attention to where AEDs are located when you’re out. In an emergency, you could be the difference between life and death.”
HCA’s Commitment to Community Impact
Laura Stauter, Communication and Community Engagement Director for HCA Healthcare, emphasized the broader purpose behind the AED donation and partnership with ECHO of Riverview.
She explained that supporting ECHO aligns with addressing critical community needs.
“ECHO of Riverview does so much to help our neighbors in the community in need.”
Laura noted that many individuals facing food insecurity may also be at increased medical risk.
“Often times when someone is wondering where their next meal will come from, their healthcare is the last thing on their mind. And often times, these community members are at high risk for cardiac events.”
She added that placing AEDs in community spaces has both practical and educational value.
“AEDs do save lives. We see it every day in the hospital and out in the community with paramedics.”
Strength of the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation
Laura highlighted the growing influence of the foundation and its continued outreach.
“The growth and impact of CCF can not only be measured by the number of AEDs placed over the last few years, but in the awareness raised in the community.”
She described the long-term effect as lasting and meaningful.
“That domino effect is one that will continue for a very long time.”
A Mission Focused on Saving Lives
The placement of AED No. 92 at ECHO of Riverview represents more than equipment delivery—it reflects a collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and individuals driven by personal loss and purpose.
Through education, awareness, and access to life-saving tools, the partnership between HCA Brandon Hospital, Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, and ECHO of Riverview continues to expand its impact across the community—one AED at a time.
Looking for live music and a night out around the Winter Haven area? From lakeside performances to local pub favorites, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy live entertainment over the next week.
Cypresswood Pub
Head over to Cypresswood Pub for food, cocktails, happy hour specials, and live music throughout the week.
Happy Hour: Daily from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Entertainment Schedule:
May 7: ADRIENNE performing live
May 8: Gerry Williams Band live
May 9: Bar & Grill closed for a private event
Tanner’s Lakeside
Enjoy waterfront dining and live music at Tanner’s Lakeside Restaurant & Bar.
May 9: Josh Blevins performs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Joey Foley Performances
Local musician Joey Foley has two performances lined up this weekend:
May 9: Eagle Lake Elite Softball Bass Tournament at Camp Mack
May 10: Performing with Renee at Ole Red from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Daniel Burns Band
Catch the Daniel Burns Band live at The Twisted Prop Bar & Grille on May 9 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Jade and Duke
Live duo Jade and Duke will perform at Somewhere Sports Bar on May 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Whether you’re looking for acoustic sets, full bands, or a laid-back lakeside atmosphere, there’s no shortage of live entertainment happening around Winter Haven this week.
Want Your Music Featured? Musicians performing in the Winter Haven area who would like their shows included in a future roundup can submit their schedules to [email protected]. Be sure to include “LIVE MUSIC” in the subject line to be featured in an upcoming edition of the Winter Haven Daily music listings.
The PCSO Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit is investigating a single vehicle crash that resulted in the death of the driver. The crash occurred on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at approximately 9:24 p.m.at US 17 and Winter Lake Road/North Cameron Road in Eagle Lake.
Evidence and witness statements indicated that a gray Toyota Camry was travelling eastbound on Winter Lake Rd at a high rate of speed when the driver approached the intersection with US 17 and failed to stop for a red light. The Camry struck a sidewalk and then went airborne for approximately 50 feet, continuing east across an open field and then entering a wooded area. It continued another 200 feet striking multiple trees. The 28-year-old male driver was ejected from the vehicle.
The airbags went off and the driver was wearing his seat belt.
On Wednesday, May 6th, at approximately 2:50 pm, PCSO deputies were requested to respond to West Daugherty Road in Lakeland regarding a retail theft that had just occurred.
A store representative reported that a man had entered the store and stole six fishing rods worth about $1,400. Attempts by an employee to stop the suspect were unsuccessful.
As deputies arrived and set up a perimeter in the area, several witnesses provided tips about the direction of travel by the suspect.
Deputies saw the suspect and yelled for him to stop, but he continued running with the fishing rods still in his grasp.
After a brief foot chase, the suspect was captured and identified as 32-year-old Tathan Holt Fields of Lakeland.
Once in custody, Fields asked a deputy, “All this over some fishing poles?” Which is a common reaction from criminals and others who are soft on crime.
The fishing rods were recovered and returned to the store.
Tathan Fields was taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center and charged with: Grand Theft (F3), Possession of Methamphetamine (F3), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1), Resisting a Merchant (M1), and Resisting without Violence (M1).
Fields has prior arrests that include: several burglary offenses, criminal mischief, trespassing, thefts, battery, and weapon-related offenses.
Mr. Zachary Lee Shelton, age 26, a resident of Pennsylvania, formally of Polk County, passed away Monday, May 4, 2026.
Zack was born on July 22, 1999, in Winter Haven to Paula Jo Mathews and Christopher Troy Shelton. He moved to Pennsylvania about a year ago from Fernandina Beach.
He graduated from Lake Region High School and was a Technician for Steri-Clean, a Biohazard Company where he worked with his mom and stepdad. Zack enjoyed fishing, the outdoors, paintball, spending time with family & friends but, most of all, loved to spend time with his precious daughter Isla.
He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents – Mary & Donald Mathews, and paternal grandfather – Herbert Shelton. Zack is survived by his loving family, mother & stepfather – Paula & Trey Bennett; father & stepmother – Chris & Claire Shelton; his 6 year old daughter – Isla Rae Shelton; paternal grandmother – Florence Shelton; brother – David (Jordyn) Shelton; sister – Brooke Shelton; 2 half-brothers – Luke & Isaiah Shelton; half-sister – Mary Margaret Shelton; step-brother – Michael Bennett; nephew – Malakai Shelton.
Visitation will be held Monday, May 11th from 5-7pm at Kersey Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 11am Tuesday, May 12th at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Auburndale Memorial Park.
DAVENPORT – More than 100 people recently attended the first ever Family Wealth Summit presented by Halls Academy at Ridge Community High School.
The event was designed to focus on empowering families through financial education. The event also gave back to community members with money for groceries, utilities, and interactive youth activities.
Lakeia Hall, a Ridge Community High alumnus, is at the forefront of financial literacy for children in the Northeast Polk County area. As the founder of Halls Academy, she created the Summit and is the instructor of an after-school program at Loughman Oaks Elementary School designed to teach students how to be financially successful.
“The overall goal of the Summit was to not only educate but to equip families with practical tools to build stronger financial futures and the response was incredible,” Hall said. “We saw high engagement, meaningful connections, and real impact within our community.”
Since April was Financial Literacy Month, she said she wanted to bring something to the community that was informative and resourceful. Hall said she plans to make the event an annual one and has already scheduled next year’s on April 17, 2027.
“Through Halls Academy, we created an engaging and impactful experience that included interactive financial literacy workshops for both youth and adults; Community partner and sponsor activations, including local organizations providing resources and opportunities; and a Community Care Initiative, where we were able to bless three families experiencing hardship with financial relief from utility bills, car insurance and more. We also gave away 25 gift cards,” she said.
She said she collaborated with the principal of Ridge Community High School and the City of Davenport to create an event that would benefit the community. The Summit was also sponsored by community partners Polk State College and VyStar Credit Union.
Hall is planning a summer camp program with weekly themed activities for children beginning June 1. The themes will center around finances and academics with the first week, Welcome Week, focusing on STEM activities. To register or for more information, visit http://myahq.com/HallsAcademy.com.
As we approach the third anniversary of Tonya Lee Whipp’s disappearance, the Auburndale Police Department remains committed to actively investigating this case.
On June 29, 2023 Auburndale Police Department responded to a report of a missing person, Tonya Lee Whipp (born 10/8/1984). Whipp is a white female, approximately 5’7” with light brown hair. Last known contact with Whipp via phone/social media was 05/28/2023 – 06/01/2023.
If you have any information, please contact Lieutenant Chris Wall at 863-965-5555 or by email at [email protected].
To remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of, $3000.00 from Crime Stoppers and $1000.00 from an anonymous donor, total cash reward of $4,000.00.
Contact Heartland Crime Stoppers: Phone: 1-800-226-TIPS (8477) or **TIPS Web: www.P3Tips.com App: Download the free “p3tips” app to your smart device.
Bartow, Fla. (May. 6, 2026) — As drought conditions persist across the county, Polk County officials made the decision to reinstate the burn ban effective May 6. The ban includes unincorporated Polk County and the following municipalities: Auburndale, Bartow, Davenport, Dundee, Eagle Lake, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Haines City, Hillcrest Heights, Lake Alfred, Lake Hamilton, Lakeland, Mulberry, Polk City and Winter Haven.
The burn ban is determined using the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI). The KBDI is a continuous reference scale, ranging from 0 to 800. It assesses the moisture content from no moisture deficiency (0) to maximum drought conditions (800) of the soil. This helps predict the potential for wildfires.
Utilizing the KBDI, a burn ban is issued once more than 50% of the county reaches over 500 on the index. Polk County’s current daily reading is 76% over the 500 benchmark with a countywide average of 531.
The burn ban prohibits: • Campfires; • Bonfires; • Unpermitted controlled burns; • Burning of yard and household trash; • Burning of organic debris; • Igniting of fireworks; and • Noncommercial burning of materials, other than for religious or ceremonial purposes, which is not contained in a barbecue grill or barbecue pit, and the total fuel area cannot exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.
”Many officials across the county and I have kept track of the countywide KBDI, and we have determined that a burn ban is necessary as conditions have deteriorated to an unsafe level,” said PCFR Fire Chief Shawn Smith. “We understand that burn bans are inconvenient, but we ask you to think of your family, friends and neighbors as a small spark or stray ember could quickly transform into a large fire because of these dry conditions.”
Anyone who refuses to comply or violates this burn ban shall be in violation of Polk County Ordinance 08-015 and can be punished by a fine not to exceed $500 or by imprisonment not to exceed 60 days in the county jail or both.
Polk County officials may repeal the burn ban when deemed safe.
Families in Winter Haven are invited to enjoy a morning of outdoor fun at the 3rd Annual Kid’s Fishing Derby, happening Saturday, May 9, 2026, at South Lake Howard Nature Park. The event will run from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and promises a mix of fishing, learning, and family-friendly activities.
Please note that 8:00 am start time refers to check-in time. Everyone is welcome to fish in our stocked pond, but only those under 15 are eligible to win some fun prizes. Parents need only register for the children that will be participating in the event and do not need to register themselves.
Children 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Live bait will be provided while supplies last.
Don’t know how to fish? Now’s the time to learn! We will have natural resource professionals from Florida Fish and Wildlife, International Game Fish Association, and Winter Haven’s Natural Resources giving free lessons for any kids interested in learning to fish.
With thanks to a grant provided by Fish Florida we have 80 rods and reels to give away to kids that complete our five stations on safe fishing practices. This is a great opportunity for kids to learn how to fish and gain some practice.
Rod & reel & bait supplies are limited to first come first serve.
This annual event is a great way for kids to connect with nature, learn new skills, and create lasting memories with family and friends. Early arrival is encouraged due to limited supplies and high participation.
