Resident Says He’s Singled Out in Golf Cart Citations; City Eyes Rule Changes

Haines City

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August 25, 2025

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Resident Says He’s Singled Out in Golf Cart Citations; City Eyes Rule Changes

By Anita Todd

HAINES CITY – At the Aug. 7 City Commission meeting, Bates Road resident Leon Daniels told commissioners he believes he is being singled out by the Haines City Police Department. Daniels said he recently received three violations for driving his golf cart, while other residents cruise by without issue.

Daniels said he has used a golf cart on city roads for about 10 years without a problem. But after buying a new cart, he said enforcement suddenly became an issue, an expensive one.

He received two citations, one for $114 and another for $164, as well as a court summons.

“The police officer did an illegal search looking for the serial number of the cart,” Daniels said. “He also asked me for my license and registration.”

Daniels said he believed golf carts were allowed on any street with a speed limit of 35 mph or under. However, Mayor and City Commissioner Morris West explained that an older resolution specifically designates which roads golf carts may use.

In response to a public records request, the Daily Ridge obtained Resolution No. 11-965, dated April 21, 2011. It authorizes golf cart use on the following roads:

Commerce Avenue west of U.S. Highway 27
Nilsen Street between Commerce Avenue and Johnson Avenue
Southern Dunes Boulevard east of U.S. Highway 27
Blue Heron Boulevard west of the Walmart north parking lot entrance
Glen Este Boulevard west of U.S. Highway 27
The City right-of-way behind S&S Tire to its dead end at Sonic*

The resolution also states: “Under no circumstances shall any golf cart cross U.S. Highway 27, drive on sidewalks, or otherwise be in violation of Section 316.212, Florida Statutes.”

“It’s a pretty old ordinance that needs to be brought up to today’s standard,” West said. “We need to address it sooner rather than later.”

Daniels said he thought the law required signage on roads that permitted golf carts, but that requirement is not included in Florida statutes.

According to the statute, “Golf carts may be operated only on the specifically designated city roads designated by resolution of the city commission of the City of Haines City in accordance with Florida Statutes. Furthermore, golf carts may not cross a county or state road except at locations which have been specifically designated and posted for such by Polk County.”

Daniels said he simply wants to enjoy his cart responsibly.

“I am not harming a soul. I just want to ride with my grandchildren,” he said.

S&S Tire is now Aspen Dental and Sonic is now Zaxby’s.

Veteran Actor Jerry Adler Dies at 96

Entertainment & Lifestyle

Carl Fish

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August 24, 2025

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New York, August 24, 2025 — Jerry Adler, a late-blooming but beloved figure in television and stage, has passed away at the age of 96. TMZ confirmed his death, reporting that he passed away Friday night—August 23—in New York City, though no official cause was given, with sources suggesting it may have been due to old age .

Born on February 4, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York, Adler came from a storied theatrical lineage, closely related to the famed acting teacher Stella Adler . He spent the early decades of his career behind the scenes on Broadway—working as a stage manager on productions like My Fair Lady, The Apple Tree, and others—before eventually stepping in front of the camera .

Adler’s onscreen debut came at age 62 with an appearance in the TV series Brooklyn Bridge in 1991 . His breakthrough role came two years later, when he played Paul House in Woody Allen’s Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993) .

A Career Transformed by The Sopranos

Adler rose to widespread recognition for his portrayal of Herman “Hesh” Rabkin, the sharp and cunning consigliere to Tony Soprano in HBO’s critically acclaimed The Sopranos. His character appeared in 28 episodes across the show’s six-season run from 1999 to 2007, becoming a fan favorite .

Later Roles and Legacy

Following The Sopranos, Adler joined the cast of The Good Wife as attorney Howard Lyman, a role that extended through six seasons (2011–2016). His performance earned him a continuation on its spin-off, The Good Fight, where he reprised the role in 2017–2018 .

Showrunner Robert King fondly recalled Adler’s rise to a key recurring character:

“The intent was only to have him on one episode of The Good Wife, but he was so funny in a diner scene … we had him back for six years of The Good Wife and three years of The Good Fight. One of our favorite collaborators.”

Adler continued acting in notable TV and film projects through the 2010s, with credits including Mad About You, Rescue Me, Transparent, Synecdoche, New York, and A Most Violent Year .

Personal Life and Final Days

Jerry Adler is survived by his wife, psychologist Joan Laxman, whom he married in 1994 . According to his obituary, he passed away peacefully in New York City on August 23, surrounded by family .

Reflecting on a Remarkable Journey

Adler’s life was a testament to persistence and reinvention. After decades behind the scenes, he emerged as a character actor of rare warmth and timing—someone whose late-in-life fame was richly deserved. Colleagues and fans alike celebrated his wit, wisdom, and the unassuming power he brought to every role .

Lakeland Woman Arrested for Fatal Hit-and-Run on West Highland Street In Lakeland

Lakeland

Carl Fish

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August 23, 2025

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Lakeland Woman Arrested for Fatal Hit-and-Run on West Highland Street In Lakeland

PCSO Press Release

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 24-year-old Aliya Cruz of West Highland Street, Lakeland, four days after she fatally struck a pedestrian on W. Highland Street then fled the scene.

“My Traffic Homicide detectives are the very best in the business. They meticulously work around the clock when conducting fatal crash investigations, especially those that involve suspects who flee the scene. They treat each victim as if he or she were their own family member. I’m very proud of them for solving this case.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Just before 4:00 a.m. on Monday, August 18th, the PCSO ECC received a 911 call regarding a female lying in the middle of West

Highland Street in Lakeland. When first responders arrived, they located Danielle Stilwell, DOB 9/12/1997, deceased in the roadway, and broken vehicle parts indicating a vehicle was involved, although no vehicle was found at the scene.

The parts included the front driver’s side fender liner with a part number included, and a piece of the front bumper. After inquiring with local dealerships, it was learned that this vehicle part belonged to a 2019 to 2022 Kia Forte.

Deputies canvassed the area in search of video surveillance cameras, and reviewed the footage from the Sunoco located near the intersection of Wabash Avenue and W. Highland St., which showed a black sedan traveling westbound from the scene of the crash on W. Highland. The vehicle made a right turn at the red light, heading north on Wabash, then immediately made a U-turn to head south. The vehicle then turned right to go westbound on W. Highland St. The vehicle did not remain on scene, nor did the driver render aid or call for help.

Deputies reviewed a list of black Kia Fortes, 2019-2022 models, registered in Polk County. They located a black Kia parked in the driveway of a house on West Highland Street, which was missing a piece of the driver’s side bumper and the front left wheel fender liner, consistent with the parts left behind at the scene.

After speaking with the residents inside the home, it was determined that Aliya Cruz, DOB 8/28/2000, was the owner and sole driver of this vehicle.

Detectives interviewed Cruz. She told them that she left her residence at approximately 3:50 a.m. that morning to go to work at the Publix warehouse on S. County Line Rd. in Lakeland. She had to be at work at 4:00 a.m.She traveled west on W Highland St, which is the same route she takes to work daily.

She told detectives that as she was driving, a truck approached her from the opposite direction with high beam lights on, impairing her vision. The truck turned right, and then she observed a woman lying on the roadway in front of her with her hands over her face. She told detectives that she swerved right to avoid striking the woman, and went off the road into the grass. She said she believed that she did not hit the person but she was not sure. She said she turned right at the light, then made a U-turn in the middle of the road, and went back to W. Highland St. to head to work because she did not want to be late to work.

Detectives responded to the Publix warehouse and verified her arrival per their security cameras and badge access readers. Detectives spoke with Cruz’s supervisors, one of whom said Cruz told him she had “possibly killed someone.” She showed him photos of the damage to her car. He advised her to call the police and report it. She made other statements such as, “I don’t really want to say anything,” “Well uhm, I know I didn’t hit them,” “I don’t think I hit the person,” and “I know I swerved.”

On August 22, 2025, detectives interviewed Cruz again, and she told them that when she got to work that morning she took photos of the damage to her car and showed her boss and told him that she was worried because she was unsure if she struck the person or not. She asked him what she should do. He said that she should have stopped and that she should notify the police.

Cruz was taken into custody on August 22, 2025, and charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death, F1.

CRA Consultant Pitch Sparks Concerns Over Cost, Race, and Religion

Haines City

Staff Reporter

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August 22, 2025

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CRA Consultant Pitch Sparks Concerns Over Cost, Race, and Religion

By Anita Todd

HAINES CITY – During the Aug. 7 meeting, Darrell Starling, D. Starling Consulting, gave a presentation to the Community Redevelopment Agency in an effort to become the next consultant for the organization. His fee would be $300,000 a year for three years.

The Daily Ridge was unable to find a CRA Consultant’s “job description” in the CRA Bylaws. So, it isn’t clear whether or not what Starling said he could accomplish fits the needs of the CRA.

According to the website, the Haines City Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is dedicated to preserving, unifying, and nurturing the heart of Florida by providing vision leadership and inspiration for the revitalization within the designated CRA districts. Through the strategic use of tax increment financing (TIF) and other available resources, we aim to eliminate slum and blight while fostering economic growth, community development, and vibrant public spaces.

Starling said he previously worked at the Lake Wales CRA and has extensive expertise in community development, economic development and program management. He said he focuses on affordable housing and was instrumental in bringing multi-family housing projects to the Lake Wales CRA. He said he pioneered East Tampa’s first business incubator and secured over $1.5 million in state funding plus an additional $1.2 million for Lake Wales CRA housing initiatives.

If hired, he said he would bring 100 plus new and rehabilitated housing units to Haines City. But then on a different slide, he only projected four houses to be built for the next three years each year. Additionally, he said 75 plus local businesses would be supported through grants, training, and capital access. He said that $2.5 million in infrastructure investment would be put into the City’s streets, lighting and public spaces.

However, In addition to the contradictory numbers in the presentation, there were other problems. During the presentation, Starling repeatedly referred to “Black neighborhoods” and shared two Bible stories as part of his pitch. Both raised concerns because government agencies are expected to remain neutral when it comes to race and religion.

Community Redevelopment Agencies are funded with public dollars and must follow federal civil rights laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The Constitution also requires government agencies to maintain a separation between church and state. That means public meetings and presentations tied to government action must remain neutral on matters of faith. Bringing Bible stories into a redevelopment presentation, even if meant as illustrations, crosses into territory that can appear to promote religion in an official setting.

There was discussion between Starling and Commissioner Omar Arroyo about the Return on Investment the CRA would see by hiring him. Arroyo said that according to his calculations, the CRA wouldn’t see a return for 100 years. But, Starling said it would be three years. However, Arryo said that three years did not include what the programs would cost – only Starling’s nearly million dollar paycheck.

“I’m not in favor of consultants – especially if it’s going to cost $300,000 a year – almost a million dollars over three years,” Arroyo said. “The amount is just crazy.”

In the spirit of the Sunshine Law, before the presentation Mayor Morris West said he had lunch with Starling. During that lunch, West said that they spoke about the possibility of Starling becoming a consultant.

The position was not advertised.

At the end of the presentation, West said the CRA Board will take it under consideration and let Starling know the decision.

“Operation Capital City Crack Down” – Bartow Drug Trafficking Bust

Carl Fish

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August 22, 2025

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“Operation Capital City Crack Down” – Bartow Drug Trafficking Bust

Polk County Sheriff ‘s Office Press Release

Detectives from the PCSO Tactical Drug Unit, Organized Crime Unit, and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force worked together in a year-long investigation focusing on a drug trafficking organization based out of Bartow, Florida.

The investigation began in August 2024 and included collaboration with the State Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), United States Postal Inspection Service, the Medical Examiner’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bartow Police Department, and the Auburndale Police Department.

Detectives identified Nathaniel “Nate” Donald, Bryan “B” Myrick, and Isaiah “Bubba” Donald as key members of the organization. Myrick was recently released from prison in 2021 for trafficking in cocaine.

Detectives learned that in September 2024, Troy Walker, a supplier, had arranged a narcotics transaction with Irene Anderson, involving marijuana and cocaine. Anderson later consumed the cocaine and died from acute cocaine toxicity. Based on the medical examiner’s findings, Walker was indicted by the grand jury for First Degree Murder in August 2025. Click here to read the news release: https://tinyurl.com/ya6yypbz

A total of eight search warrants were served countywide, along with an additional search warrant in Orange County, resulting in charges against 32 suspects as part of the investigation’s conclusion. Thousands of grams of various illegal drugs were seized with a total street value of $150,000 dollars. Arrests included suspects already on probation or pre-trial release, and several firearms were recovered from convicted felons. The combined total of the suspects’ criminal histories add up to 554 previous felonies and 394 misdemeanors.

All 32 suspects have been arrested. They are listed below. One suspect was in the country illegally from Venezuela, and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been notified.

“This investigation shows exactly how dangerous and far-reaching these drug trafficking networks have become. We’re not just talking about illegal narcotics—we’re talking about deadly fentanyl, firearms in the hands of convicted felons, and a supplier now charged with murder. Thanks to the relentless work of our detectives and partner agencies, 32 suspects are off the streets and this criminal organization has been dismantled.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

In total, the operation led to the seizure of:

– $7,016 cash

– 4 firearms

– 22 lbs. of marijuana

– 26.72 grams of Fentanyl – capable of killing 13,360 people

– 1.5 lbs. of powder and crack cocaine

– ½ lb. of methamphetamine

– 48 opioid pills including hydrocodone, hydromorphone, and oxycodone

– 1.7 lbs. of MDMA (Ecstasy)

– 1.5 lbs. of Ketamine

– $46,500 in Assets (Jewelry)

The following is a list of those arrested:

Troy Cortez Walker, 48, of Bartow: 1st Degree Murder, Conspiracy to purchase cocaine (6 counts), Conspiracy to purchase Oxycodone (2 counts), Conspiracy to sell cocaine (1 count), Unlawful use of two way communication device, Possession of Cocaine with intent to sell, Possession of firearm by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of cannabis under 20 grams, Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Bryan Bernard Myrick, 42, of Bartow: Conspiracy to traffic cocaine over 28 grams (2 counts), Conspiracy to sell cocaine (35 counts), Conspiracy to sell Oxycodone (2 counts), Conspiracy to sell MDMA (3 counts), Conspiracy to sell cannabis (65 counts), Conspiracy to purchase alprazolam (2 counts), Unlawful use of two way communication device, Trafficking in methamphetamine over 200 grams, Trafficking in cocaine over 200 grams, Trafficking in fentanyl over 14 grams, Trafficking in MDMA, Possession of cannabis over 20 grams, Possession of cannabis with the intent to sell, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Maintaining a residence to traffic drugs, Possession of oxycodone, Possession of hydrocodone, Possession of hydromorphone, and Violation of probation. .

Nathaniel Demond Donald, 43, of Bartow: Conspiracy to traffic cocaine over 28 grams (3 counts), Conspiracy to sell cocaine (7 counts), Conspiracy to sell cannabis (2 counts), Unlawful use of two way communication device, Traffic cocaine 28 grams (2 counts), Maintain a structure/conveyance for drug trafficking (2 counts), Possession of cocaine with intent to sell, Possession of Oxycodone, Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Isaiah Donald II, 54, of Bartow: Conspiracy to sell cocaine (2 counts), Unlawful use of two way communication device, Traffic Cocaine over 28 grams, Maintain a structure for drug trafficking, Possession of paraphernalia.

Elijah Golshan-Nejad, 23, of Orlando: Conspiracy to sell cannabis (4 counts), Unlawful use of two way communication device, Possession of cannabis over 20 grams, Possession of cannabis with intent to sell, Maintain a conveyance for drug sale, Possession of paraphernalia.

Chalese Leshelle Boatwright, 36, of Lake Wales: Conspiracy to Sell Cannabis (3 counts), Unlawful use of two way communication device.

Emily Grace Troup, 26, of Bartow: Conspiracy to sell cocaine (1 count), Conspiracy to sell cannabis (3 counts), Unlawful use of two way communication device.

Gloria Awilda Nazario, 37, of Bartow: Conspiracy to sell cannabis (7 counts), Unlawful use of a two way communication device.

Gomorrah Clayton Myrick, 62, of Lakeland: Conspiracy to sell cocaine (2 counts), Unlawful use of a two way communication device.

Herbert Emanuel Merricks III, 42, of Lakeland: Conspiracy to traffic cocaine over 28 grams (1 count), Conspiracy to sell alprazolam (2 counts), Unlawful use of a two way communication device.

Jesus Gonzalez, 46, of Lake Wales: Conspiracy to traffic cocaine over 28 grams (1 count), Conspiracy to sell cocaine (4 counts), Unlawful use of a two way communication device.

Johnnie Stacy II, 40, of Mulberry: Conspiracy to sell cocaine (1 count), Unlawful use of a two way communication device.

Lydell Brown, 55, of Bartow: Conspiracy to sell MDMA (3 counts), Conspiracy to sell cannabis (7 counts), Unlawful use of a two way communication device.

Maurice Lamar Garrison, 43, of Lakeland: Conspiracy to sell cocaine (13 counts), Conspiracy to sell cannabis (5 counts), Unlawful use of a two way communication device.

Michael Anthony Lewis, 42, of Lakeland: Conspiracy to sell cocaine (3 counts), Unlawful use of a two communication device.

Qua’nisha Daphene Reaves, 32, of Bartow: Conspiracy to sell cannabis (11 counts), Unlawful use of a two way communication device.

Steven Lynn Baker, 54, of Fort Meade: Conspiracy to sell cocaine (2 counts), Conspiracy to sell cannabis (4 counts), Unlawful use of a two way communication device.

Willie Barber, 41, of Bartow: Conspiracy to sell cocaine (10 counts), Conspiracy to sell cannabis (13 counts), Unlawful use of a two way communication device.

Kimani Naivasha Vinetha Cook, 33, of Bartow: Conspiracy to sell cannabis (6 counts), Unlawful use of two way communication device.

Shania Hawthorne, 26, of Lake Alfred: Possession of cocaine, Possession of cannabis under 20 grams, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Provide false identification to LEO.

Frederick Smith, 54, of Bartow: Possession of cocaine, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Provide false name to LEO, Violation of probation.

Eboni Moran, 27, of Bartow: Trafficking in methamphetamine over 200 grams, Trafficking in cocaine over 200 grams, Trafficking in fentanyl over 14 grams, Trafficking in MDMA, Possession of cannabis over 20 grams, Possession of cannabis with the intent to sell, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Maintaining a residence to traffic drugs, Possession of oxycodone, Possession of hydrocodone, and Possession of hydromorphone.

Maickol Caballero-Medina, 24, of Bartow (Illegal Alien): Traffic in Phenethylam, Maintain a structure for drug trafficking, Possession of paraphernalia.

Pearlie Williams, 47, of Lake Wales: Possession of cocaine, Possession of cannabis 20 grams, Maintain a conveyance for drug use, Possession of paraphernalia, Driving while license suspended/revoked.

Princess Coney, 66, of Bartow: Possession of cocaine, Possession of paraphernalia.

Belinda Snell, 64, of Bartow: Possession of cocaine, Possession of paraphernalia.

Brenton Ammons, 42, of Bartow: Traffic in Cocaine over 28 grams, Possession of cocaine with intent to sell, Possession of cannabis with intent to sell, Possession of cannabis over 20 grams, Maintain a structure for trafficking, Possession of paraphernalia.

Murray Randolph, 35, of Bartow: Possession of cocaine, Possession of cannabis under 20 grams, Possession of paraphernalia.

Archie Rogers Jr, 66, of Bartow: Possession of cocaine with intent to sell, Possession of cannabis with intent to sell, Maintain a structure for drug sales, Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Possession of cannabis over 20 grams, Possession of paraphernalia.

Charles McCray, 45, of Lake Wales: Possession of cocaine, Possession of paraphernalia, resist officer without violence, Provide false name to LEO.

Jahcel Wilson, 48, of Bartow: Traffic Cocaine over 28 grams, Possession of cocaine with intent to sell, Maintain a structure/vehicle for drug trafficking, Possession of paraphernalia, Possession of cannabis under 20 grams, Possession of prescription drug without prescription.

Anthony Sanders, 51, of Bartow: Sale of cocaine, Possession of cocaine with intent to sell, Possession of Cannabis with intent to sell, Possession of cannabis under 20 grams, Maintain conveyance/structure for drug sales, Possession of paraphernalia (2 counts).

Avon Park Corrections Officer Arrested After Allegedly Striking Woman In Domestic Assault

Carl Fish

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August 21, 2025

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Avon Park Corrections Officer Arrested After Allegedly Striking Woman In Domestic Assault

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 29-year-old Artavis Pierce of Lakeland for battery domestic violence on Thursday, August 21, 2025.

Just before 1:00 a.m. this morning, deputies were dispatched to the home he shares with the victim, who reported that she and the suspect were arguing when he struck her twice on her face. She was unsure if it was an open-handed strike or a closed fist, but her injuries were visible. Pierce was taken into custody without incident.

“Domestic violence committed by anyone is egregious, but when it’s committed by someone who is a public servant and entrusted to care for state prisoners, it’s especially disappointing.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Polk County Fire Rescue Crew Delivers Child in Highland City

Polk County Fire Rescue

Carl Fish

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August 20, 2025

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Polk County Fire Rescue Crew Delivers Child in Highland City

PCFR Press Release

Bartow, Fla. (Aug. 20, 2025) — Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) members assisted in welcoming a new life on Tuesday, Aug. 19 in Highland City. Firefighter/Paramedic George Gibson along with Firefighter/EMT Daniel Banks and Firefighter/EMT Madison Bennett worked quickly as they delivered a newborn within minutes of arriving on scene of the Southgrove Place home.

The crew arrived at the home at 9:31 a.m. where they noticed that delivery was imminent, so they got to work and about four minutes later completed the delivery. Following the delivery, the members transported the mother and newborn to a local hospital.

“The ability to aid in the birth of a child is one of the most special moments for any Paramedic or EMT,” said Fire Chief Shawn Smith. “I am proud of the crews of Rescue 28 and Engine 28 for their excellent work in such an important medical situation. Their actions helped make sure both patients arrived to the hospital in good health.”

District 3 School Board Member Rick Nolte Passes

Polk County News

Carl Fish

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August 20, 2025

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District 3 School Board Member Rick Nolte Passes

Polk County Public Schools Press Release

Polk County Public Schools is deeply saddened by the passing of District 3 School Board Member Rick Nolte.

Elected in 2022, Mr. Nolte was serving his first term on the Polk County School Board, with his term set to continue through November 2026. He had been on medical leave but was eager to return to his work, which reflected his enduring dedication to serving our students, teachers, and community.

“Mr. Nolte cared deeply about the mission of public education,” said Superintendent Fred Heid. “As a former educator, he had tremendous respect for teachers and staff, and he admired their daily commitment to preparing students for bright and successful futures. I am grateful for the time I had to work alongside him, and our prayers remain with his family during this difficult time.”

In addition to his years as a teacher in Orange, Polk, and Hillsborough counties, Mr. Nolte was a small business owner in Lakeland. He earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education and health from Florida Southern College in 1978, followed by a master’s degree in administration-supervision from Rollins College in 1980.

Mr. Nolte believed in the heart of servant leadership: putting the needs of others before one’s own, listening with compassion, and leading with humility. His service as a School Board member was grounded in that philosophy. He sought to represent his community faithfully, and to ensure every child had access to opportunity and hope.

“As we grieve his passing, we also honor his example of servant leadership,” Heid added. “We remain committed, as a School Board and as a school district, to serving our students and families with the same dedication Mr. Nolte demonstrated. That is the essence of public service — to lead by serving.”

“We understand that Mr. Nolte’s passing raises questions regarding how this important position on the School Board will be filled,” Heid said. “This will be addressed in the near future. For now, we ask our community to join us in honoring Mr. Nolte’s life and his service while respecting the privacy of his family during this time of loss.”

Shooting Under Investigation After Vehicle Struck by Gunfire in Lakeland

Lakeland

Carl Fish

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August 20, 2025

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Shooting Under Investigation After Vehicle Struck by Gunfire in Lakeland

LAKELAND, Fla. — The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that occurred Tuesday night in Lakeland after three individuals reported their vehicle was struck by gunfire.

It’s believed the incident happened sometime after 9 p.m. while the victims were parked on Skyview in Lakeland. The three individuals were reportedly using drugs inside the vehicle when an unknown car drove by and opened fire, striking the windshield multiple times.

The suspect vehicle fled the scene. The victims then drove away and later encountered deputies on Reynolds Road, where they reported the shooting.

Deputies said all three occupants of the vehicle have prior criminal histories. Inside the car, investigators located large amounts of drugs, including marijuana and cocaine, as well as packaging materials and paraphernalia.

No injuries have been reported in connection to the shooting. The investigation remains ongoing.

Auburndale Community Church Enhances Safety with New AED Installation from Culpepper Cardiac Foundation

Staff Reporter

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August 18, 2025

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Auburndale Community Church Enhances Safety with New AED Installation from Culpepper Cardiac Foundation

By Kip Kirchberg

Press Release 8/14/2025

AUBURNDALE, Fla. – In a heartfelt effort to bolster community safety, the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation (CCF) recently installed an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at Auburndale Community Church, marking another step in their mission to protect lives across Central Florida. As the official media sponsor of CCF, DailyRidge.com is proud to highlight this initiative, which underscores the foundation’s commitment to equipping local organizations with life-saving tools.

The installation took place during an evening event where CCF founder Melanie Brown Culpepper and her team, including Brandon, delivered a powerful presentation on cardiac health and emergency response. The event not only introduced the new AED but also shared inspiring stories of resilience and community impact.

Clay Bennett, Senior Pastor of Auburndale Community Church, shared his enthusiasm about the partnership. “Pastoring at ACC is a great honor. Our goal is to help people ‘Finish Well’ in Christ, and I’m proud to say that we have an excellent team of servants working towards that goal,” Bennett said, reflecting on the church being selected for the installation.

Bennett, who has deep roots in the Auburndale community, elaborated on his personal connection to the church. “ACC is my home church. We were founded by both my paternal and maternal grandparents. Being born and raised in Auburndale has given me the opportunity to know our church family and the greater community on a personal level, which has been a tremendous blessing,” he explained. In addition to his pastoral duties, Bennett is an active member of the Auburndale Rotary Club and serves on the Chaplaincy team at the Auburndale Police Department. When not immersed in ministry, he enjoys reading comic books, spending time with friends and family, or playing music.

The pastor praised CCF’s vital work, calling it “a God send.” “CCF’s mission to keep our communities healthy and safe is a God send. This ministry will continue to have a lasting impact on families all around central Florida,” Bennett noted.

He was particularly moved by Culpepper’s personal story and presentation. “Melanie’s testimony is an inspiration to us all. It was a blessing to see how she was used by God to turn a tragedy into a triumph that is actively making our community a safer place. What a wonderful legacy!” Bennett added, highlighting the emotional resonance of the event.

The Culpepper Cardiac Foundation, led by Melanie Brown Culpepper Beilke, continues to expand its reach by placing AEDs in key community locations and raising awareness about sudden cardiac arrest. Their efforts emphasize that “Saving Lives Matters,” a sentiment echoed throughout the installation ceremony.

Auburndale Community Church invites the public to join their services and experience the welcoming atmosphere firsthand:

Sunday Morning Worship: 10:30 AM
Celebrate Recovery: 6:00 PM Sunday Evening
Wednesday Bible Study / Youth: 6:30 PM

For more information on the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation or to support their life-saving initiatives, visit their social media page. DailyRidge.com remains committed to covering stories that strengthen our local communities, one heartbeat at a time.

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