HAINES CITY – Voters made their choice resoundingly tonight casting 403 more votes for the winner, Lekia Johnson – the City’s newest Commissioner.
Johnson, political newcomer, and Horace West, veteran City Commissioner, faced off today for vacant Seat 2 of the City Commission.
Johnson received 1,178 votes compared to 775 for West.
A runoff was necessary after no one candidate received 51 percent of the vote April 7. Johnson and West were two of five vying for the seat during the regular municipal election last month.
Contacted via text after the results were announced, West remained positive. “Congratulations to her,” he said. “I respect the people’s decision.”
Johnson did not immediately respond to our request for comment.
She will be sworn in Thursday at the Commission meeting.
The PCSO Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit is investigating a single‑vehicle crash that resulted in the death of the driver. The crash occurred on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at approximately 11:18 a.m.on Alturas Babson Park Cutoff Road (ABC Road) and 80 Foot Road in Ft. Meade.
Evidence indicates that a 2014 silver Nissan 4‑door was traveling westbound on ABC Road at a high rate of speed. For unknown reasons, the vehicle exited the right side of the roadway and struck a large metal utility pole. There were no brake marks indicating any attempt to stop. The utility pole was a large transmission‑line pole made of metal with an approximately 3‑foot base. When the Nissan impacted the pole, it sustained significant front‑end damage and caught fire, fully burning the vehicle and surrounding grass.
Due to the vehicle being burned, it is unknown whether the driver was wearing a seatbelt or if any airbags deployed. Upon arrival, first responders extinguished the fire and confirmed there was one fatality inside. The occupant was unrecognizable due to the burns but appears to be an adult; a positive identification is pending autopsy.
LAKELAND, FL (May 6, 2026) – On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at approximately 12:38 p.m., officers responded to a traffic crash in the 1600 block of George Jenkins Boulevard. Just prior to the crash, a black Nissan SUV was traveling east on George Jenkins Boulevard. At the same time, a yellow motorcycle was traveling west on George Jenkins Boulevard. Upon entering the intersection, the Nissan made a left turn in front of the motorcycle which impacted the Nissan on the passenger side.
The Lakeland Police Department Patrol Units, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department all arrived on scene to provide life saving measures. The motorcyclist was transported to Lakeland Regional Health (LRH) where despite the best efforts of medical professionals was pronounced deceased. The driver of the Nissan did not sustain injuries.
Members of the Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The roadway was shut down for approximately two and a half hours while the scene was processed.
This remains an open and active investigation. If anyone has any additional information regarding the crash, please contact investigating Officer Travis Payne at [email protected].
The motorcycle (deceased) driver was identified as:
High blood pressure poses significant health risks for people of all ages, but there are effective ways to both prevent and manage this “silent killer” by working with a health care professional to make lifestyle changes.
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is when the force of blood flowing through blood vessels is consistently too high. This condition makes the heart work harder than normal and can damage arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and other health problems.
High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke and heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Strengthening evidence also shows high blood pressure is linked to risk of cognitive decline and dementia, which is why the American Heart Association is working to increase awareness and encourage people to manage blood pressure. Protect your heart and brain both now and in the future with this information and wellness advice.
Who Can Have High Blood Pressure?
Anyone can develop high blood pressure, which is why it’s encouraged for everyone – in all age groups, including children and young adults – to have their blood pressure checked at annual physicals or wellness checkups. For those with a history of high blood pressure or risk factors for developing the condition, more frequent measurements may be recommended.
Major risk factors for high blood pressure include excess weight, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, lack of physical activity, alcohol consumption and a diet high in sodium and low in potassium.
Nearly half of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure and many don’t even know it. Of those with high blood pressure, about 75% don’t have the condition under control. Because it typically shows no symptoms, it’s often called a “silent killer.”
How is Blood Pressure Checked?
To get the best blood pressure reading, sit in a chair with support for your back with both feet flat on the ground.
Use a validated, automatic, cuff-style, upper-arm monitor. Remove clothing over the arm that will be used and rest for at least 5 minutes. Extend your arm and support it at heart level while staying quiet and still then take multiple readings and record the results. Aim to measure at the same time each day.
For most adults, a normal blood pressure reading should be less than 120/80 mm Hg.
What Happens After a High Blood Pressure Diagnosis?
Recognizing and taking quick action to control high blood pressure can significantly lower the risk of severe health consequences, including heart attack and stroke, and improve overall health. If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, work with a health care professional to design a treatment plan that works for you. It may include lifestyle changes to your diet or activity levels or medication.
How Can High Blood Pressure Be Prevented or Managed?
Preventing high blood pressure is possible. Talk with a health care professional to create a plan that works for you, which may include small steps like eating a heart-healthy diet, staying active and maintaining a healthy weight.
For those diagnosed with high blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight by staying active (at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week) and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains are important. Even losing 5% of your weight can help improve blood pressure.
It’s also important to reduce or avoid alcohol consumption and tobacco use. Consider stress-reducing activities, including meditation, breathing control or yoga. For many individuals, adhering to prescribed medications is essential to effectively control blood pressure and reduce the risk of serious health complications.
To learn more about blood pressure management and how to check it properly, visit heart.org/bp.
The City of Winter Haven Water Department is inviting job seekers to attend an upcoming job fair on Friday, May 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The address is 500 3rd St NW, Winter Haven.
The event will take place in the Florida Room at Nora Mayo Hall.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore a variety of career openings within the department, learn more about available positions, and meet members of the team. The job fair is open to anyone interested in pursuing employment with the city’s water services division.
City officials encourage those interested to stop by, ask questions, and discover potential career paths in public utilities.
For more information, residents can contact the Winter Haven Water Department directly.
A fatal crash involving a vehicle fire shut down a roadway in the Bartow area late Tuesday morning, according to emergency responders.
Polk County Fire Rescue units responded at approximately 11:18 a.m. to the intersection of 80 Foot Road and Alturas Babson Park Cutoff Road following reports of a crash with a vehicle on fire.
When crews arrived, they found a single vehicle involved and began fire suppression efforts.
At approximately 11:27 a.m., command confirmed a fatality at the scene.
An air medical helicopter was initially placed on standby but was later canceled after it was determined there were no additional patients.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer has confirmed the fatality. No further information about the victim has been released at this time. The vehicle was described over dispatch as a Nissan Altima.
The roadway remains shut down as crews continue to work the scene and investigators process the crash.
On Friday, April 27, 2026, Winter Haven Police responded to a call that involved a female victim reporting harassing phone calls. The victim advised officers that she met 29 year-old Hector Manuel Cruz (DOB 10-30-96 – Girard, Pennsylvania) roughly a month ago on Instagram and they began messaging back and forth. Most of the conversations were talking about her daily activities and her work. The relationship became romantic, to include exchanging nude images via text messages.
As the conversations continued, Cruz started demonstrating aggressive behavior in the messages accusing the victim of talking to other men and cheating on him when she wouldn’t respond immediately to calls or messages. He would go into jealous rages and state, “I hate cheaters and if you cheat on me, I’ll shoot you.” Cruz knew where the victim worked and would send harassing messages to the victim’s female supervisor at work and sent images that the victim had shared with him.
The victim ended the relationship, but Cruz continued to contact the her using multiple phone numbers and social media accounts. Cruz continued to threaten to kill the victim stating he was going to head to Florida soon. Cruz also contacted the supervisor threatening to harm her and her husband when he got to Florida.
Winter Haven Detectives began the investigation and learned a possible Connecticut address and also one in Pennsylvania. A request was sent to both local agencies to check on his location and he was found in Girard PA by the Girard Borough Police Department and taken into custody. Cruz is charged with Written Threats to Kill, Misuse of 2-Way Communication Device, Sexual Cyber Harassment and Harassing Phone Calls. Cruz will be extradited back to Florida in the coming days. Cruz also has additional warrants from other states with one out of Connecticut for Written Threats of Physical Harm.
Cruz has an extensive criminal history to include Assault, Robbery, Burglary and Harassment.
“I am confident that the determination of our detective to track this suspect down and get him behind bars has prevented another victim being harassed or even worse,” said Winter Haven Police Chief Vance Monroe. “His behavior was quickly escalating and he could have had the opportunity to follow through on his threats.”
There could be additional victims that Cruz has interacted with. Anyone who believes they had any negative interactions with Cruz should contact the Winter Haven Police Department at 863-401-2256.
Lakeland city leaders marked a major milestone for public safety in northwest Lakeland on International Firefighters Day, officially approving the construction budget for the city’s newest fire station.
During the commission meeting, the Lakeland City Commission gave the green light to move forward with Rodda Construction, Inc. on Fire Station #8, a project aimed at enhancing emergency response capabilities in one of the city’s fastest-growing areas.
The new three-bay fire rescue facility will be built at the corner of Sleepy Hill Road and Mall Hill Drive. Once completed, it will house an advanced life support (ALS) fire engine, a quick-response ALS medical rescue vehicle, and an incident supervisor unit. Officials say the added resources will significantly improve response times and strengthen overall public safety as the northwest district continues to expand.
City leaders emphasized that the project reflects a strong community effort. The approval follows continued support from residents in the Northwest District, along with backing from the City Commission. Additionally, a recent $1.9 million investment from state and federal partners played a key role in bringing the project to this stage.
With the construction budget now approved, the project moves into final permitting, bringing Lakeland one step closer to breaking ground on Fire Station #8.
A teacher at Valleyview Elementary in Lakeland was arrested on Friday, May 1, 2026 by detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for vandalizing a vehicle that belongs to her ex-boyfriend’s current girlfriend.
Deanna Kay Parks, 54, of Lakeland, was taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center Friday evening and charged with Felony Criminal Mischief (F3).
“Elementary teachers should never behave this way. Miss Parks earned herself a detention at the Polk County Jail, and she needs to relearn, ‘Keep your hands off of other people’s property.” -Grady Judd, Sheriff
The act of vandalism occurred on April 26th at around 12:45 am while the victim’s vehicle was parked at her boyfriend’s home near Yarborough Lane, Lakeland.
When the victim went to her vehicle, she saw that it had been moved about twenty feet, had damage to the rear bumper, and had scratches on both sides of the car.
During that same timeframe, Parks sent a rude and profane text message to her ex-boyfriend.
PCSO detectives went to Parks’ home and found her black 2025 Jeep had damage that was consistent with striking the victim’s car. The Jeep also had paint transfer from the victim’s car. Evidence was also found that showed her Jeep was in the area of the crime when it occurred.
During an investigative interview, Parks denied having damage on her car, and denied having been involved in any crashes. After detectives confronted her with the damage on her front bumper, Parks claimed she had been in a “fender bender” a couple of weeks ago.
According to Polk County Public Schools, “Ms. Parks is still a PCPS employee, this incident is being reviewed by school district staff.”
A Winter Haven Man On Probation for Aggravated Assault on Law Enforcement Officer Is Back in Jail Facing Aggravated Assault With A Deadly Weapon Charge
On May 3, 2026 at approximately 6 p.m., Winter Haven Police responded to a 9-1-1 call at the Winter Haven Recreation and Cultural Center with reports of someone having a gun on the property outside of the building. When officers arrived, they learned that a juvenile called his mom reporting that someone at the property had issues with him had a gun. The mother immediately responded and began asking questions about anyone having issues with her son, to which all denied having any problems with the juvenile.
As the mother started to walk away, she saw 20 year-old Jermarius Julian (DOB 12-1-05) lift up his sweatshirt, reach in his waistband and produced a black 9 mm handgun. The mother told Julian that she was going to call 9-1-1. Julian left the area in a gray Kia. The incident was also witnessed by others at the property.
Officers were able to locate a male wearing the same clothing that was described by the victim and witnesses. Ultimately, Julian was positively identified as the male who showed the firearm to the victim, which caused her to be in fear for her safety. Julian, who is currently on probation for Aggravated Assault on Law Enforcement, Grand Theft, Fleeing to Elude and Violation of Probation, was charged with one count of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and one count of Violation of Probation/Community Control and taken to the Polk County Sheriff’s Processing Center.
