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Haines City Voters Urged to Vote in Runoff Election

Staff Reporter
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Haines City Voters Urged to Vote in Runoff Election
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By Anita Todd

HAINES CITY – Haines City’s population continues to grow rapidly and is changing everything from housing to infrastructure, making local leadership decisions more significant than ever. As new residents continue to move into the city and development pushes its way through, Tuesday’s runoff election for Commission Seat 2 will help determine who guides Haines City through this time. Tomorrow (Tuesday, May 5) Former City Commissioner Horace West and political newcomer Lekia Johnson go up against one another in that race.

During the April 7 municipal election, Johnson received 34.09 percent of the vote, while West garnered 26.95 percent. However, according to the City Charter, a candidate must secure at least 51 percent to be declared the winner.

West would bring decades of experience to the job, having served 22 years as a City Commissioner. He also retired from State Farm after a 32-year career, including 24 years in management. A graduate of Haines City High School and Bethune-Cookman University, West emphasized his readiness to lead.

“I am the candidate that will help prepare Haines City for a fantastic future,” West said. “I have the experience to help us move forward and will dedicate 100 percent of my time making that happen.”

Previously, West donated his commission salary to the local communities and plans to do the same again.

“I just want people to remember that I truly just want to help,” he said. “I am so sincere about that.”

Johnson is making her first run for office. She wanted to remind residents that their concerns matter to her.

“To our amazing residents: Local voting shifts your daily quality of life,” she said. “Your concerns are real and your vote has power and, most importantly, yours matters to me … your quality-of-life matters to me … the future of our children in our town matters to me.”

Johnson is also a graduate of Haines City High School and Polk State College.

Omar Arroyo held Seat 2 until recently when he decided not to run again. Instead, he has thrown his hat into the ring for the District 4 County Commissioner seat.

There are four polling locations for the election open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Precincts 302, 306 and 341: Emergency Operations Center (EOC), 250 Park Place Blvd., Davenport.

Precincts 405 and 413: Iglesia Pentecostal Luz y Verdad, 116 N. 22nd St., Haines City.

Precincts 407 and 408: Oakland Neighborhood Center (Auditorium), 915 Ave. E, Haines City.

Precinct 409: Lake Eva Community Center, 555 Ledwith Ave., Haines City.

For more information, call the City Clerk’s office at 863.421.9924.

Child Abuse Case Upgraded to Hate Crime After Alleged Statements to Deputies

Carl Fish
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Child Abuse Case Upgraded to Hate Crime After Alleged Statements to Deputies

On Sunday, May 3, 2026, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 33-year-old Andre Brown Jr of Davenport for child abuse, a life felony enhanced due to the abuse being a hate crime.

According to the affidavit, the investigation began after a 9-year-old girl in his care contacted her mother and advised that Brown was abusing her and the two other children in the home. She then texted her mom stating, “I’m scared, he’s whooping him so hard, I’m scared.” 

During screenings with the children, they advised that Brown was mad at the 5-year-old boy “for being gay” and began slamming him on the ground multiple times. He then got upset with the two other children for an alleged past occurrence and began striking all three children with a belt. Deputies made contact with the 5-year-old boy who had marks all over his body which were consistent with being hit with a belt. During his screening, the victim disclosed that he was afraid of Brown and did not want to say anything else. 

The girl sustained bruising on her arms and one of the boys sustained bruising on his arms and legs. The 5-year-old victim had the most significant marks and bruising on his legs, arms, back, and stomach and also sustained a fracture on his right wrist and a contusion to his forehead. 

Brown told deputies that he decided to whoop the victim because the victim was gay. He advised he would “beat the gay out of him if possible, but since it wasn’t possible he would beat him more.”  

Due to Brown maliciously beating the child and causing a fracture to his right wrist for the belief of being gay, this crime is classified as a hate crime, and has been enhanced one degree. When deputies attempted to remove Brown from the scene he pulled away, became increasingly loud, and began yelling slurs. Once in handcuffs, he continued yelling and pulling away.

Brown was charged with aggravated child abuse (FL) and resisting arrest (M1).

“This was a brutal and hateful attack on a defenseless child. There is absolutely no excuse for it. We will make sure justice is served and these children get the safety and support they deserve.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Brown has an extensive criminal history including Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Burglary, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Theft, Theft of Utilities, Kidnapping with Intent to Commit a Felony, Home Invasion Robbery w/ a Firearm, Aggravated Battery, Battery 2nd Offense, Aggravated Battery on Pregnant Person, Driving Under the Influence, Possession of Weapon on School Property, Felony Battery, Domestic Battery Strangulation, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Burglary of a Dwelling, Criminal Mischief, VOP, Battery-Cause Bodily Harm- Dating Violence, Conditional Release Violation Pre Trial, Battery Touch/ Strike, Marijuana Possession- Less than 20 Grams, Battery on LEO (x4), Resisting an Officer w/ Violence, Shoplifting/ Petit Theft.

Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

Allison
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Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

To show your mom just how much she means to you, choose a Mother’s Day gift that reflects her interests and passions. As you’re looking for the perfect gift, consider these thoughtful ideas that will touch her heart.

Personalized Gifts


Show your mom how much she means to you by giving a gift uniquely tailored to her. Consider a personalized photo album filled with special memories or a custom-made piece of jewelry with her initials or birthstone. If your mom enjoys cooking, a personalized apron or cutting board with her name or a special message can be a winning gift. For the mom who loves to relax, a monogrammed robe or customized spa gift set allows her to pamper herself. You can also include a handwritten note or heartfelt letter expressing your love and appreciation.

DIY Gifts


Handmade gifts often hold special sentimental value and show you put thought and effort into creating something unique just for your mom. You could try making a homemade candle or bath bombs, a hand-painted picture frame or a personalized scrapbook filled with cherished memories. Alternatively, you could bake her favorite treats, prepare a special breakfast in bed or create a customized coupon book with vouchers for things like a homemade dinner or day of pampering. Get creative and have fun with your DIY gift – your mom is sure to appreciate the sentiment behind it.

Experience Gifts


Sometimes the best gifts are experiences rather than physical items. Plan a day trip to her favorite destination, book a spa day for her to relax and unwind or arrange a cooking class where she can learn new recipes. You could also surprise her with tickets to a concert, theater show or sporting event.

Practical Gifts

For busy moms who are always on the go, practical gifts can be lifesavers. Consider getting your mom a stylish yet functional tote bag or a backpack to carry all her essentials. You could also give her a smartwatch or fitness tracker to help her stay organized and track her health and fitness goals. A subscription to a meal delivery service or gifting kitchen gadgets or appliances that make meal preparation easier and more efficient are also useful ideas.

Tampa Woman Crosses Into Oncoming Lane, Strikes Lakeland Man in SR-574 Head-On Crash

Allison
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Tampa Woman Crosses Into Oncoming Lane, Strikes Lakeland Man in SR-574 Head-On Crash

A 74-year-old Tampa woman was seriously injured Friday morning following a crash in Hillsborough County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The crash occurred around 10:00 a.m. on State Road 574, just west of Chastain Road. Troopers say the woman was driving a Chevy Trax eastbound when, for unknown reasons, her vehicle crossed into the westbound lane.

Her vehicle then collided nearly head-on with a Ford F-350 towing a trailer, driven by a 25-year-old Lakeland man who was traveling westbound at the time.

Following the impact, both vehicles rotated and came to rest in the roadway, blocking the highway.

The Tampa woman sustained serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The Lakeland man suffered minor injuries and was not transported.

The crash remains under investigation.

Circle B Bar Reserve Offers Scenic Wildlife Experience in Polk County

Staff Reporter
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Circle B Bar Reserve Offers Scenic Wildlife Experience in Polk County

Located at 4399 Winter Lake Road in Lakeland, Circle B Bar Reserve is a must-visit destination for nature lovers exploring Polk County. Situated along the northwest shore of Lake Hancock, this 1,267-acre preserve was once a working cattle ranch and has since been transformed into a thriving natural habitat.

Today, the reserve is home to a wide variety of plants and wildlife, featuring several distinct ecosystems. Visitors can expect to encounter native species throughout the park, with alligators commonly spotted along the shores of Lake Hancock. The lake is also recognized as the headwaters of the Peace River, which flows more than 100 miles southwest from Polk County to the Gulf of Mexico.

Circle B Bar Reserve was acquired in December 2000 through a partnership between Polk County and the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The goal of the acquisition was to preserve vital water resources, protect wildlife habitats, and restore the Banana Creek marsh system.

As a protected nature reserve, visitors are asked to follow several important rules to help maintain the area’s natural beauty. Pets, balloons, music, and fishing are not permitted, ensuring a peaceful environment for both wildlife and guests.

Hours:

Monday through Sunday

6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Standard Time)

5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Daylight Saving Time)

Whether you’re looking to explore scenic trails, observe wildlife, or simply enjoy the outdoors, Circle B Bar Reserve offers a unique glimpse into Florida’s natural landscape.

Photo source Polk County Parks and Rec

Early Morning Lakeland Crash Claims Life of 47-Year-Old Woman

Allison
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Early Morning Lakeland Crash Claims Life of 47-Year-Old Woman

A tragic crash in Polk County early Thursday morning claimed the life of a Lakeland woman, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The crash occurred around 2:00 a.m. on April 30, 2026, along Memorial Boulevard near the entrance to Interstate 4. Troopers say a 47-year-old woman was driving a Nissan Maxima westbound when she lost control of the vehicle for unknown reasons.

The vehicle veered off course and collided with a barrier wall. Authorities reported that the driver was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and suffered fatal injuries at the scene.

The incident remains under investigation as officials work to determine what led to the loss of control.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Makes 266 Arrests During Human Trafficking and Child Predator Enforcement Operation

Allison
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Polk County Sheriff’s Office Makes 266 Arrests During Human Trafficking and Child Predator Enforcement Operation

Polk County Sheriff’s Office makes 266 arrests during human trafficking and child predator enforcement operation “Polk Around and Find Out”

During a multi-day-long joint-agency undercover human trafficking and child predator operation, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office made 266 arrests involved in child predators, illegal acts related to soliciting prostitutes, offering to commit prostitution, aiding/abetting or transporting prostitutes, and other charges.

Nineteen (19) suspects were arrested for a multitude of felonies related to traveling to meet a minor for sex and other similar crimes (read that release: https://tinyurl.com/ys5scj4u).

The portion of the investigation focusing on illegal acts related to prostitution and human trafficking resulted in 247 arrests. 

PCSO detectives were joined by investigators from the Department of Homeland Security, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement; Attorney General James Uthmeier Office of Statewide Prosecution; Florida Department of Financial Services; State Attorney for the 10th Judicial Circuit Brian Haas; Auburndale PD; Bartow PD; Davenport PD; Hardee County Sheriff’s Office; Highlands County Sheriff’s Office; Lake County Sheriff’s Office; and the San Francisco Police Department, during the prostitution and human trafficking-related portion of the investigation.

Members from the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), and social services organizations One More Child, Heartland for Children, and the Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking, were also embedded with detectives and investigators during the entirety of the investigation. 

The 127 suspects who travelled to commit prostitution were screened by detectives and the social services organizations to determine if they were being trafficked or exploited by others, and were offered services by the social services organizations at the operation. During this investigation, seven (7) possible human trafficking victims were identified.

There were 108 suspects arrested for soliciting a prostitute and traveling to the undercover location to negotiate having sex in exchange for money. Twelve (12) other suspects were arrested for aiding/abetting, transporting, or deriving proceeds from prostitutes.

OVERALL STATS during Polk Around and Find Out: 

  • Detectives charged a total of 439 charges: 298 felonies, 141 misdemeanors. 
  • The suspects’ prior criminal histories included a combined total of 1028 charges: 400 felonies, 519 misdemeanors

Some interesting notes from the operation: 

  • 34 are here illegally (from 10 different countries: Cuba, El Salvador, Argentina, Russia, Mexico, India, Venezuela, Haiti, Italy, France, Bahama, Honduras, Bolivia, Romania, Colombia, Jamaica, Ecuador, Canada) 
  • 167 are from outside Polk County, from 11 different states and Puerto Rico, and 18 different countries.
  • 22 said they were receiving government assistance (total of $15,188 per month)
  • The youngest suspect is 18; the oldest is 68years old.
  • 4 firearms were brought to the location by different suspects
  • 21 people were charged with possession of narcotics

One suspect was arrested and charged with offering to commit prostitution. After she was released from jail on bond, she continued to advertise her services, traveled to an undercover location, and was arrested again. Two suspects (men) brought children to the undercover location after agreeing to pay an undercover detective posing as a prostitute, for sex. They were both charged with child neglect.

ADVERTISEMENT OF SALE

Staff Reporter
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ADVERTISEMENT OF SALE

Notice is hereby given that Lake Wales Storage intends to sell the property described below to enforce a lien under the Florida Self Storage Facility Act, Statutes (section 83.80-83.809). The owner will sell at public auction on or after May 13th at 10:00 am at storageauctions.com

Units belonging to the following:

Bridget Maddox Unit 1076

Ashley Bane Unit 303

This sale will be continued on such succeeding sale days thereafter as may be necessary to be completed. Unless otherwise noted units contain household items.

Traffic Stop in Winter Haven Leads to Arrest, 13 Iguanas Found Bound in Truck Bed

Staff Reporter
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Traffic Stop in Winter Haven Leads to Arrest, 13 Iguanas Found Bound in Truck Bed

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — A routine traffic stop early Friday morning escalated into a wildlife investigation after Florida Highway Patrol troopers discovered more than a dozen live iguanas bound and being transported in a pickup truck.

According to FHP Public Affairs Officer Sgt. Steve Gaskins, troopers stopped a Ford F-150 towing a utility trailer around 6:30 a.m. on April 30, 2026, along SR-540 (Winter Lake Road) near Thornhill Road due to a tag light violation.

The driver, identified as Rendon Casildo-Acdiel, 32, of Georgia, was found to have a suspended license and no valid Florida driving privileges. He told troopers he was aware of the suspension due to unresolved court requirements.

During the stop, troopers became suspicious of the driver’s travel explanation, which involved multiple states and raised concerns about the purpose of the trip. A Polk County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit was requested to assist.

Following the investigation, troopers discovered 13 live iguanas in the bed of the truck. According to authorities, the animals had their feet zip-tied behind their backs while being transported.

Investigators from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Agricultural/Marine Unit responded to the scene. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission assumed the lead on the wildlife portion of the investigation.

Casildo-Acdiel was arrested and transported to the Polk County Jail on a charge of driving while license suspended.

The iguanas were seized and turned over to a local rescue organization.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Case Against Winter Haven Businessman Accused of Groping A Woman Could Be Moving Towards Trial

Staff Reporter
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Case Against Winter Haven Businessman Accused of Groping A Woman Could Be Moving Towards Trial

A Winter Haven businessman is moving closer to trial in a battery case involving allegations a young woman was groped while working at a downtown Winter Haven establishment.

James Franklin Knight has entered a not guilty plea in connection with the Oct. 30, 2025 incident, according to Polk County court records. A pretrial conference is scheduled for May 12 as the case advances.

According to a Winter Haven Police Department arrest affidavit, Knight was at a downtown Winter Haven establishment when he allegedly groped a female server by grabbing her breast without consent.

Investigators said the alleged incident was captured on video and collected as evidence. According to the affidavit, a coworker also witnessed the incident, and the woman later identified Knight in a photo lineup.

In the video, investigators say a man, identified as Knight, appears to grab and squeeze the young woman’s right breast. The video also appears to show the woman recoil and immediately place her arm over her chest.

Brian Haas, State Attorney for the Tenth, Judicial Circuit through assistant state attorney Colin Nakagawa subsequently filed formal charges, and court records show the case has progressed through arraignment and multiple pretrial hearings as it moves toward a potential trial.

Knight is listed as a vice president at an insurance company, according to publicly available professional information.

The May 12 pretrial conference is the next scheduled court date in front of judge Kevin M. Kohl.

Knight has denied the allegation through his not guilty plea. He was charged by affidavit, and no mugshot is currently available.

Editor’s Note: The Daily Ridge has received information alleging similar incidents at other establishments in Winter Haven; however, we have not independently verified those claims and are not aware of any additional criminal or civil cases, either pending or previously filed. If you believe you have been a victim of a crime, we encourage you to contact the Winter Haven Police Department or the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. As with all criminal cases, the charge remains an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

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