LAKELAND, FL (September 11, 2024) – On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at approximately 10:31 a.m., officers responded to a traffic crash involving a red Toyota Celica and a grey Ford pickup truck in the 1600 block of East Memorial Boulevard. Just prior to the crash, the Toyota was headed westbound on East Memorial Boulevard and Ford was traveling eastbound on East Memorial Boulevard. For unknown reasons, the Toyota crossed over the center turn lane and into the eastbound lanes of travel. The front of the Toyota then impacted the front of the Ford.
The Lakeland Police Department Patrol Units, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department all arrived on the scene to begin life-saving measures. Despite the best efforts of these responders, the driver of the Toyota was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver and passenger of the Ford were transported to Lakeland Regional Health for serious bodily injuries.
The roadway was partially shutdown for approximately three hours.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact Traffic Crash Investigator Officer Travis Payne at travis.payne@lakelandgov.net.
A recent independent investigation into the Polk County Fire Rescue, requested by the Polk County Commission, has revealed several allegations, particularly concerning the department’s fire chief. Dr. Hezedean A. Smith is the current Fire Chief of Polk County Fire Rescue in Florida. Appointed in 2022, Dr. Smith was expected to bring a wealth of experience to the role, having served in various fire rescue positions prior to this. He was also celebrated as the first Black fire chief in the county’s history.
Additionally, he is the COO of Global Emergency Services Consulting Group, LLC, and an adjunct assistant professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Chief Smith also recently published an article for the International City/County Management Association titled: Exploring Diversity and Meritocracy in the Fire Service. In the article he writes “In today’s public safety profession (fire and emergency medical services), fostering inclusivity and equitable practices has become imperative for effective service delivery to the community and organizational development. As part of a professional development cohort, I had the opportunity to conduct a quantitative study that explored the correlation between diversity fatigue and meritocracy within the profession.”
In the report recently released by the Polk County Commission several allegations have been made that do not appear to show Chief Smith fostering inclusivity and equitable practices.
Editors Note: Please remember the following are not comments or assertions by the author of this article or the DailyRidge.com. The comments come directly from the investigation conducted. This investigation did not conclude any finding individually regarding Chief Smith. As they state that was not part of their investigation. However, county administrators are reviewing these allegations and as soon as they have a statement we will provide.
Here are a couple of allegations regarding Chief Smith in regards to race:
“The investigation report states that one witness alleged Smith recounted a story to her in which he used the “ ‘N word’ ”. Another witness alleged a co-worker said Fire Chief H. Smith used the word “cracker.” The first witness employee reported to this Review that after the 2023 MLK, Jr. parade, Fire Chief H. Smith told her that he had observed an African American battalion chief shaking hands with white firefighters, which prompted Fire Chief H. Smith to say to the battalion chief, “Hey [n-word], get over here, why are you shaking their hand? They should be thanking you.” The first witness was not present at the parade; she alleges that Fire Chief H. Smith told her that is what he said. Similarly, another employee reported that the battalion chief told her that Fire Chief H. Smith had used the word “cracker” while at the parade. The employees reported these allegations to EO in this investigation. The battalion chief in question denied hearing Fire Chief H. Smith say the “n-word” and denied both hearing Smith say “cracker” or telling his co-worker. The investigation report does not state whether or not the investigators asked Fire Chief H. Smith about those allegations. The report makes no mention of these allegations in its Conclusion and whether or not they were taken into consideration in finding the complaints unsubstantiated.”
Editors Note: The EO department is under scrutiny for allegations it did not do thorough investigations into several cases brought before them.
Here is another allegation regarding Chief Smith within the context of race and comments regarding the EO investigations:
“For example, in the EO Office’s investigation into a complaint by a former Digital and Media Services Manager against Fire Chief H. Smith, the ultimate report does not address numerous allegations against Smith. The Digital and Media Services Manager provided documentation alleging that Smith, on multiple occasions, commented on the races of current or future employees or appeared to suggest that race could or should be factored into an employment decision or practice. It also appears that numerous potential witnesses were not interviewed by the Equal Opportunity Administrator. The Digital and Media Services Manager provided alleged witness accounts from Josh Whitehead, Jen Boden-Evans, Jennifer Huff, Deborah Jones Strafford, Betzi LaCounte complaining about Fire Chief H. Smith’s conduct. The report does not mention if it interviewed those witnesses nor does it appear to address their allegations.”
These are not the only allegations regarding race and Chief Smith. We mentioned others in another article regarding the release of the 45 page report (Full Report).
At this time the county has not made an official statement regarding the investigative report, it’s findings or any additional investigations that may come from this report.
This is a developing story and we will follow up as more information is revealed.
Photo from ribbon-cutting of BizLINC Credit: City of Lake Wales
The results of an independent audit of the second year of BizLINC, the City of Lake Wales business incubator, have been received and reviewed by the city.
BizLINC is facilitated by the Florida Development Corporation (FDC) through a three-year grant agreement with the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). Located at 225 Lincoln Ave., the facility engages entrepreneurs to assist them with such services as strategic planning, financial reporting, technical assistance, e-commerce support, public-speaking certifications, office space, and more.
An audit completed earlier this summer, covering the first year of the program, resulted in several items not being compliant with initial expectations. The second audit, dated August 26, has provided seemingly better results.
Jack Hilligoss, Mayor of the City of Lake Wales, says that while the improvement is satisfactory, it’s also vital to look at the successes coming out of the business incubator.
“I am happy that the AUP audit of Biz Linc has been completed and satisfied with its findings,” says Hilligoss. “The Audit reveals FDC has met or exceeded the deliverables we agreed upon in all but a couple of areas. And even in those areas, the discrepancies, in my opinion, are minor.
“More important than the black and white statistics, this process has introduced us to people who have started construction, HVAC, lawn care, consulting, and educational companies among thirty businesses receiving service and support through Biz LInc. All of those companies are based in Lake Wales, twenty one of them are owned by residents of Lake Wales. They have generated forty jobs for residents as well. Several of those entrepreneurs have spoken to the Commission with great sincerity and enthusiasm of how the Biz Linc incubator has been vital to their launch and success.”
Derrick Blue, co-founder and chief operating officer of FDC who oversees the operation of the BizLinc facility, is pleased with the work that is happening and acknowledges some positive results. 
“The recent performance audit findings further validate the work we’ve been doing to fuel the economic engine of the Northwest Community and, ultimately, the entire city,” says Blue. “While we exceeded expectations overall, like any inaugural initiative, it wasn’t perfect—but I’d say we came pretty close. More than the positive audit report, what truly makes us proud are the success stories we witness from the businesses we support. We have the privilege of being part of changing lives.
“Statistically, many businesses fail within their first three to five years, but several BizLINC companies are on a trajectory to defy those odds. Not only are they becoming profitable, but they’re also creating job opportunities for others in the community. That’s the kind of impact we set out to achieve, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see it come to life.”
Derrick Blue Addresses Lake Wales Commission
Blue offers an example of the program’s success in Corey Young, owner of AIC Lawn Care Services, a business that has grown through BizLINC.
“Being part of BizLINC has been a game-changer for us,” says Young. “The support and resources received by this organization have not only helped our business grow, but also allowed us to give back to the community in meaningful ways, such as our Annual Give Love At Christmas Toy Drive, that has enabled our businesses to partner with BizLinc and other small businesses within our community, that will donate toys to young kids with a Toy for Christmas.
“We’ve secured new contracts, expanded our team, and it’s incredibly rewarding to be a role model for young black men in the Northwest Community. My wife Lori and I are committed to not just building our businesses, but also inspiring others to see what’s possible when you have the right support and a strong work ethic. BizLINC is more than a business incubator; it’s a community lifeline.”
POLK COUNTY – After more than 20 years, Polk County officials said that because of increasing costs globally, they are discontinuing the curbside recycling program beginning Oct. 1. The good news is recycling will still be available.
“With the global market collapse, there was a high degree of focus on the purity of recyclable materials,” said Dale Henderson, Polk County Solid Waste Director.
The “purity” of recyclables can be degraded easily. “It is very easy for recyclable material to become contaminated,” said Jeff Foley, Public and Media Relations Officer, Polk County Communications Division. “For example, if a soda bottle still has soda left inside or a pizza box has grease, those things are contaminated. Those soiled items can even impact other things in the bin.”
After Oct. 1, residents who still want to recycle after the county discontinues curbside collection will be able to do so at the Landfill.
Residents with an additional trash receptacle specifically for recycling may now use that can for regular and yard waste. Household and yard waste will be collected on the same day.
Some residents will also experience an additional change in their collection days. According to a press release, while FCC Environmental will continue collection operations in western Polk County, new hauler GFL Environmental, along with PCSW, will replace Advanced to the east beginning Oct. 1. GFL will cover the northern portion of the zone while PCSW will cover the southern portion. (see map)
Orange stickers have already been placed on household waste containers with the new collection days.
Residents who want to recycle after Oct. 1 are welcome to take their items to the North Central Landfill Recycling Area, 7425 De Castro Road, Auburndale.
With the change in services, the Polk County Waste & Recycling Division will become the Polk County Solid Waste Division on Oct. 1.
Unincorporated Polk County encompasses all residents who do not live within the city limits.
For more information on any of the services, visit www.polk-county.net.
Resurfaced city streets, a new airport hangar, a revitalized cemetery, and several renovation projects related to Lake Wales Connected. Those are some of the upcoming projects planned for next year’s city budget.
At their regular meeting and budget workshop on Wed. Sep 4, Lake Wales City Commissioners approved the first reading of next year’s city budget, millage rate, and the five-year capital improvement plan.
The total funds are estimated at $107,822,344. This year’s general fund revenues are projected to have an increase of $2,912,842. This is mostly due to an increase in ad valorem taxes ($209,537), sales and use taxes ($581,000), and other miscellaneous taxes and revenue funds.
Meanwhile, general fund operating expenditures are projected to be $22,807,877, which is $2,152,788 more than last year’s budget. This increase is due to miscellaneous city service expenditures, including an increase in public safety ($1,270,893) mainly due to personnel costs for police ($745,899), fire ($192,550), and code enforcement ($31,085).
Next year’s city projects will focus on implementing the city’s award-winning Lake Wales Connected plan, with projects including affordable housing construction, housing rehabilitation, development incentives, and capital construction.
One major project includes the Park Avenue & Market Plaza Streetscape Construction, which is being touted as “the first transformative streetscape to take place in the historic core.” This project will convert Park Avenue into a two-way curbless street with enlarged sidewalks, enhanced lighting, and added streetscapes.
Other Lake Wales Connected projects included streetscape renovations at 1st Street and A Street, Lincoln Avenue, and Orange Avenue & Crystal Avenue, as well as the Crystal Lake Park Connector Trail Construction project to create a full recreational trail loop around Crystal Lake.
Aside from redevelopment projects tied in with Lake Wales Connected, other notable projects include $750,000 to resurface several streets, $896,593 to renovate the T Hangar and Taxi Lane B at the city airport, and $200,000 toward rehabilitating the Lake Wales Cemetery.
City commissioners also approved the millage rate of 7.0462 mills, which is the rolled-back rate. They also approved the city’s 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan, which totals $121,182,334 and includes:
• $775,000 in land acquisition
• $12,300,050 in building improvements/acquisitions
• $70,138,784 in infrastructure and recreation improvements
• $24,768,500 in equipment acquisition
• and $13,200,000 in other capital outlay.
During public comments, resident Catherine Price inquired about potentially providing a PowerPoint summary presentation of the proposed city budget during meetings so that both commissioners and the audience have a good overview during budget meetings.
“Our budget is one of our most important documents that you, as our city commissioners, vote on and it exerts a great deal of influence over our quality of life,” Price said. “It is frustrating to have such a complex, complicated document brought before us and passed without even a nod to our need of understanding.”
Commissioner Carol Gillespie expressed a similar sentiment during the commission’s discussion of the agenda items. She proposed making budget presentations more “detailed” so that commissioners like herself and the general public can better analyze the proposed budget.
“I am not an accountant and I do not know how to analyze city budgets like this,” she said. “Maybe the public will like a time when we go through the documents. We go page by page and talk about them and bring awareness of the info in there.”
City Commissioner Keith Thompson took umbrage at the implication that commissioners like himself do not comprehend what is in the budget, and thus, “do not have a clue of what we are voting on.”
“In my case, it could not be further from the truth,” he said. “We put the time in. I put the time in. I trust the people who are up here to put the time in to understand this to the best of their ability and their knowledge…We are not [just] rubber-stamping stuff every meeting. That is not what is happening.”
“I just hope we can get over this hump with this lack of trust with the commissioners,” he continued. “It feels that way a lot of the time. I am satisfied with the budget, and it is a good conservative budget. We have not been able to raise taxes in any significant way. I appreciate the hard work.”
Commissioner Robin Gibson mentioned that “one thing that should give everyone comfort: every bit of this is subject to an annual audit by an independent auditor.” As such, the general public should rest assured that someone experienced would take note of any potential discrepancies in the budget.
“As far as the city commission is concerned, the best friend a city commissioner has is the auditor,” he said. “Because the auditor has a skilled audit that points out any shortcoming of the budget. All of that is a lot of comfort to me.”
Lake Wales Commissioners Discuss The Proposed Budget
During the vote on the millage rate, Commissioner Daniel Williams briefly stepped out for a drink of water. The commissioners moved forward with the roll call vote on the item despite his absence. As such, the commission voted 4-0 to approve the millage rate, and later 5-0 to approve the city budget when Commissioner Williams returned.
Sheriff Grady Judd will discuss the tragic details related to a 17-year old; Collin Griffith of Port Charlotte, murdering his mother, 39-year old Catherine Griffith, also of Port Charlotte, in Polk County (unincorporated Auburndale). The homicide occurred Sunday evening. Collin Griffith has been arrested and is in custody.
News briefing 2:00 p.m. today at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, in Winter Haven.
On Monday afternoon, September 9, 2024, several units responded to a vehicle vs bicycle crash in Winter Haven at Cypress Gardens Road and Willowbrook Circle involving a child.
The crash occurred around 3:00 p.m.
Nathaniel Gale, Polk County Fire Rescue Public Information Officer (PIO) confirmed there was one trauma alert patient transported via helicopter.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Team, the 9-year-old child struck suffered some road rash, but did not break any bones.
He has since been released from the hospital.
Meghan Petty, Public Information Officer (PIO) for PCSO says the traffic team stated it appeared the child who was hit was trying to ride his bike across the street while traveling home from school, and while crossing, the driver did not see him, ultimately striking him. All persons involved remained on scene, and were cooperative. No charges are expected for the driver, as no violation was found by the traffic team.
This is the second reported accident this week in Winter Haven involving a child being struck by a vehicle while riding a bicycle.
October starts the Florida gardening season. Shop from top plant vendors and get your home garden or landscape ready for the season. Enjoy live music on the Terrace, hay rides, and more.
Event Date & Time Saturday, October 5, 2024 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location Picnic Area
Price Free for Members / $20 for non-member adults, $10 for non-member child (includes admission) No Registration required
A Lakeland man was shot and killed at his residence on Fleming Avenue Tuesday morning, September 10, 2024.
The victim was identified as 32-year old Alfredo “Freddie” Alfaro-Astello.
Victim, Alfredo “Freddie” Alfaro-Astello
Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were able to locate the suspect; he was identified as 38-year old Clinton “CJ” Robinson, Jr.
Suspect, Clinton “CJ” Robinson, Jr.
The deputies arrived at the scene at about 10:07 am following the report of gunshots. Upon their arrival, they found Mr. Alfaro-Astello deceased in the front yard.
PCSO Homicide detectives began their investigation and soon learned that witnesses saw Robinson approach the victim, heard multiple gunshots, saw smoke coming from a firearm held by Robinson, and heard him say, “How do you like me now?” as he walked away.
The two men are neighbors, and witnesses said that there have been prior arguments between the two.
“Detectives are still trying to determine what specifically lead this morning’s deadly interaction, and believe there may be more witnesses. Those who have any information about this murder, please contact homicide detectives at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-888-400-TIPS.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
Deputies were able to locate Robinson and take him into custody. He is currently being interviewed at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation is ongoing, and Robinson will be charged with murder.
***a video of Sheriff Judd providing the details from the scene can be viewed on the PCSO YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/2orym9PgmhE
This afternoon (September 10, 2024) around 2:19 p.m. a 911 call came in regarding an accident involving a vehicle and bicycle.
The accident occurred at 535 Avenue M NW in Winter Haven, near Lake Silver.
We reached out to City of Winter Haven’s Public Safety Public Information Officer (PIO) Jamie Brown and she stated that the cyclist was alert and talking. It is protocol for a patient to be airlifted when there is a pedestrian or cyclist involved.
Polk County Fire Rescue’s PIO, Nathaniel Gale confirmed one trauma alert patient was transported via helicopter.
The cyclist is a 17-year-old male who reportedly darted out in front of the vehicle. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. No spinal injuries believed to have occurred, though the patient may have a broken leg, according to Brown.
The roadway was temporarily closed down for the helicopter, but all lanes are back open as of now.
