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County Commissioner Treks Critical Corridor

Staff Reporter
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County Commissioner Treks Critical Corridor
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By Anita Todd

STATE OF FLORIDA – As the Sunshine State’s population continues to grow, roads and communities are becoming increasingly crowded. As land is cleared to accommodate that growth, Florida’s wildlife is losing habitat and struggling to survive amid the surge in construction and development.

To raise awareness about the importance of connecting and protecting ecosystems across the state, the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation is sponsoring the Longleaf to Lighthouse Expedition. The 100-mile trek begins in the Red Hills of southern Georgia and ends at the St. Marks Lighthouse on the Gulf of Mexico.

Four Florida lawmakers departed Monday (April 21) to experience the critical corridor connection firsthand. The group will bike, hike, and kayak approximately 20 miles per day, meeting with landowners, scientists, and storytellers who will provide a close-up look at the landscape.

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Participants include Becky Troutman, Polk County commissioner; Jack Porter, Tallahassee City Commissioner; Rick Minor, Leon County Commissioner; and Sean Parks, Lake County Commissioner. These elected officials represent counties along the trek and play key roles in land-use decisions affecting the corridor.

The expedition will highlight longleaf pine forests, quail country, hardwood hammocks, floodplain swamps, and the coastal marshes of Apalachee Bay. “This path is one of the Southeast’s most important ecological linkages—a landscape that serves as both a wildlife and water bridge between states. Together, these working lands, public forests, and protected waters show how stewardship across an entire watershed sustains the region’s wildlife, water, and cultural heritage,” according to the foundation’s website.

During a recent interview, Troutman said protecting the Florida Wildlife Corridor is important not only for environmental reasons, but also for future generations.

“I want my daughter to want to come back home after college,” Troutman said. “I want her to be able to find a job in whatever field she chooses while still recognizing the place she grew up.”

The foundation works to “connect, restore, and protect the Florida Wildlife Corridor, which spans 18 million acres—about half the state. Currently, 10 million acres are protected, leaving 8 million unprotected,” according to its website.

The Apalachee region will give participants insight into longleaf pine and fire ecology, Floridan aquifer recharge, quail and private land management heritage, and Indigenous history.

While the foundation has sponsored similar treks in the past, this is the first to include elected officials.

Troutman’s views closely align with the mission of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, and she said she remains a strong advocate for property rights. Through this expedition, she said she hopes to gain meaningful insight into how these two priorities can be thoughtfully woven together for the benefit of Florida’s future generations.

Polk County is one of 10 counties “especially vulnerable to this pressure and in urgent need of conservation—some with connections that could be lost forever without compatible planning. If we

don’t act now, half a million acres could be gone by 2030, and another 400,000 acres by 2050,” according to the foundation’s website.

For more information, to volunteer, or to donate, visit www.floridawildlifecorridor.org.

Facts about the Corridor

· 17.7 million acres

· 7 million acres of working lands in the Corridor, 13 percent are conserved lands.

· 75 state parks and 32 state forests

· 1.700 miles of paddling trails and 6,300 miles of recreational trails

· Florida’s tow official International Dark Sky Parks – Kissimmee Prairie State Park and Big Cypress National Preserve

· Canaveral National Seashore, Fort Matanzas National Monument, Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve

· Apalachicola National Forest, Osceola National Forest and Ocala National Forest

· Rare species habitat

· Strategic habitat

· Under-represented ecosystems

· Functional wetlands

· National floodplain

· Surface water protection

· Groundwater recharge

· Sustainable forestry

· 171 1st and 2nd magnitude springs

· Portions of 23 of Florida’s 30 outstanding Florida springsheds

· 1,300 named rivers and streams

Polk County Man Known for Playing Santa Arrested in Child Predator Sting According To PCSO Arrest Reports

Carl Fish
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Polk County Man Known for Playing Santa Arrested in Child Predator Sting According To PCSO Arrest Reports

A 68-year-old Polk County man known locally for portraying Santa Claus at community Christmas events was among 19 people arrested in Operation Child Protector VIII, a multi-agency undercover investigation targeting alleged child predators, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

According to a Polk County arrest affidavit, Thomas Allen Hicks of Lakeland was charged with human trafficking for commercial sexual activity involving a minor, traveling to meet a minor for unlawful sexual conduct, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and using a computer to solicit a parent or guardian for access to a child.

Investigators allege Hicks responded to an undercover operation involving a detective posing as the father of a 13-year-old girl and continued communications after being told the purported child’s age.

According to the affidavit, Hicks allegedly arranged to meet at a Lakeland location and was taken into custody when he arrived. Deputies reported recovering cash investigators allege was connected to the arranged meeting.

Court records identify Hicks as employed in marketing with Tri-County Human Services, and the affidavit notes he plays Santa each year at major Christmas events in Polk County, a detail Sheriff Grady Judd referenced during Wednesday’s news conference when describing a “well-known” suspect.

That public role had recently been highlighted in a Spectrum Bay News 9 feature that profiled Hicks and his wife Cindy as beloved local figures who portrayed Santa and Mrs. Claus at events across Polk County, including the Lakeland Christmas Parade and community programs for children. The 2024 story noted Hicks attended Santa school in 2016 and described portraying Santa as a way to bring joy to families.  

During Wednesday’s news conference, Judd announced Hicks was among 19 suspects arrested during the operation. According to the sheriff’s office, 16 suspects were charged with traveling to meet a minor for sex, while three, including Hicks, faced human trafficking-related charges.

As with all criminal cases, the allegations remain accusations unless and until proven in court.

Sheriff Grady Judd will hold press conference on sting at 2:30pm today.

Here is link to Bay News 9 Article: Tom and Cindy Hicks are beloved for playing Santa and Mrs. Clausein Polk County

PCSO Deputy Arrested Following His Inappropriate Communications With A Juvenile  Cadet Under His Supervision

Staff Reporter
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PCSO Deputy Arrested Following His Inappropriate Communications With A Juvenile  Cadet Under His Supervision

PCSO Press Release

Detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office have arrested a man who served as a deputy sheriff with the agency and who was assigned as an advisor for the PCSO’s cadet program.

Skylar Lamar Bush, 29, was charged Tuesday, April 28, 2026 with: Authority Figure Engaging in a Romantic Relationship with a Student (F2), Tampering with Physical Evidence (F3), and Unlawful Use of a 2-Way Communication Device (F3).

Another cadet in the program reported Monday that she witnessed inappropriate communications between Bush and a 16-year-old cadet under his supervision. 

The Sheriff’s Office began an immediateinvestigation and made contact with the victim. She confirmed the communications, saying that some of Bush’s messages were “weird.” 

Among the messages sent by Bush to the victim, he told her that he was falling in love with her, and he wanted her to have his children.

“This 29-year-old demonstrated a gross obsession, and he attempted to groom her. At this point in this investigation, there is no evidence that there was any physical contact, nor are there any allegations of physical contact, but my detectives are still investigating. If he’s done this to someone before, we want to know about it. I commend the cadet who stepped forward with the information before the inappropriate communications escalated.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

When PCSO detectives interviewed him, Bush admitted to being “emotionally entangled” with the victim, and also said that he deleted his text messages, and instructed the victim to delete hers. 

Skylar Bush resigned from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Had he not, his employment would have been terminated. 

Bush was hired by the PCSO in August of 2022.

Former Assistant Manager Busted in $7,800 Refund Fraud Scheme

Allison
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Former Assistant Manager Busted in $7,800 Refund Fraud Scheme

Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies have arrested 22-year-old Justin Johnson following a grand theft investigation at the Ace Hardware store located at 1218 Finley Ave in Davenport.

On Monday, April 27, 2026, deputies were contacted by the store owner, who reported noticing a pattern of unusually high refund amounts occurring over the previous week. The suspicious transactions, which ranged from $400 to $1,500, took place between April 18 and April 26. The total amount of fraudulent charges was approximately $7897.81.

During the investigation, deputies reviewed surveillance footage and identified Johnson—who was employed as an assistant manager at the time—as the employee conducting each of the fraudulent returns. According to the evidence, Johnson was making false sales and then processing the returns at his register; at the payment terminal he used his phone to transfer the refunded money into his personal account.

The store owner also reported that Johnson unexpectedly quit his job on Sunday, April 26, 2026.

Deputies arrested Johnson and charged him with grand theft more than $5k less than $10k (F3), and defraud to obtain property less than $20k (F3).

“This was a clear case of an employee abusing his position for personal gain. I’m proud of the quick work by our deputies and grateful to the business owner who reported the suspicious activity. We will always stand with our local businesses and hold offenders accountable.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Join the Fight Against ALS: Register and Make a Difference

Allison
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Join the Fight Against ALS: Register and Make a Difference

Every year, doctors tell more than 5,000 Americans they have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as ALS. It is a life-changing diagnosis.

Still, it’s hard to estimate the total number of ALS cases in the United States. No one knows what causes most cases of ALS, something the U.S.

National ALS Registry is working to change.

In honor of ALS Awareness Month, learn more about the registry, how the information is used and how to enroll if you have ALS.

What is ALS?

ALS is a disease that affects the nerve cells that make muscles work in the body. This disease makes the nerve cells stop working and die. The nerves lose the ability to trigger specific muscles, which causes the muscles to become weak and leads to paralysis.

What is the registry?

“The National ALS Registry is a program of, by and for those living with ALS,” said Dr. Paul Mehta, principal investigator of the Registry. “The program collects, manages and analyzes data about people with ALS in the United States. It includes data and information provided by individuals who choose to register and complete the risk factor surveys.”

What is its purpose?

The main purpose is to gather information that can be used in the fight against ALS. The information is used to:

-Estimate the number of new cases of ALS diagnosed each year

-Estimate the number of people who have ALS at any given point in time

-Better understand who gets ALS and what factors affect the disease

-Enhance research that could improve care for people with ALS

How do researchers use the data?

Researchers can use the data to look for disease pattern changes over time and try to identify whether there are common risk factors among people with ALS. Since 2010, the registry has funded more than a dozen studies exploring potential ALS risk factors.

What does participation look like?

Individuals with ALS are encouraged to share their stories, enhancing ALS data and supporting research efforts. People living with ALS can help the National ALS Registry by completing up to 18 risk factor surveys, covering topics such as occupational history and environmental exposures, which help create a more complete picture of their ALS story.

How can someone join?

Anyone living with ALS can enroll. By joining and taking the risk factor surveys, individuals living with ALS can help future generations.

Get started at cdc.gov/als.

Service Agreements Approved for Intersection Improvements to Buckeye Loop Road and Bates Road

Staff Reporter
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Service Agreements Approved for Intersection Improvements to Buckeye Loop Road and Bates Road

Service Agreements Approved for Intersection Improvements to Buckeye Loop Road and Bates Road
by James Coulter
 
Two roads in Winter Haven and Haines City are closer to receiving intersection improvements now that agreements for the projects have been approved.
 
At their regular meeting on Tues. Apr. 7, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted unanimously to approve two agreements about intersection improvements.
 
The first agreement was for construction and inspection services for improvements to the intersection at Country Club Road and Buckeye Loop Road in Winter Haven.


 These services will be provided through RS&H Inc. at a cost not to exceed $460,157.24. Their services are estimated to be carried out in 11 months. Funding is budgeted and available in the Transportation Trust Fund.
 
The other agreement will be for professional design services for improvements to the intersection of Bates Road and US Highway 27 in Haines City.


 
These services will be provided through RK&K, LLP at a cost not to exceed $307,006.07. Funding is budgeted and available in the Transportation Trust Fund within the Roads and Drainage 5-year CIP.
 
The Buckeye Loop Road Intersection Improvement Project is an active right‑of‑way acquisition project, focusing on enhancing traffic flow and safety.
 
Last year, the Polk BoCC reviewed an infrastructure agreement for proposed traffic improvements, recommending facilitating the construction of a proposed Circle K gas station at the northwest corner of the intersection of Buckeye Loop Road and Dundee Road, as previously reported by the Daily Ridge.
 
The Bates Road Intersection Improvement Project, meanwhile, will provide several transportation improvements to the intersection of Bates Road and US Hwy 27. The Bates corridor has already undergone incremental safety enhancements, including a turn lane at Bates and US 17/US 92, stop signs, and streetlights at the 10th Street and Bates intersection.
 
Both projects are part of an overall effort by Polk County to improve infrastructure. The county is in the middle of one of the most aggressive road capacity, safety, and multimodal improvement pushes in Florida, driven by rapid population growth and development pressures.
 
The county has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in active and upcoming road projects, including a rolling five-year plan with more than $1.9 billion in projected capital spending, as detailed on the Polk Government website.

Search Continues for Missing Divers on Lake Jackson; Officials Urge Public to Check In

Allison
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Search Continues for Missing Divers on Lake Jackson; Officials Urge Public to Check In

FINAL UPDATE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 27, 2026

The Sebring Police Department has completed an extensive investigation involving a potential drowning on Lake Jackson.

On Sunday, April 26th, 2026, the Sebring Police Department received a call from dispatch at approximately 8:17 p.m. in reference to two potential swimmers in destress on Lake Jackson. Sebring Police Department, Sebring Fire Department and Highlands County Fire Rescue arrived on scene of a residence on Lakeview Drive and immediately made contact with the homeowner to identify the last known location of the swimmers.

The homeowner identified two individuals who appeared to be diving or snorkeling, due to the way they were moving through the water. Due to the lack of daylight, first responders were only able to have a slight visual of individuals in the water until all visibility was quickly lost. Rescue Boat 15 from Sebring Fire Department was immediately launched at the Veterans Beach Boat Ramp and proceeded to the last known area they were seen swimming on the east side of Lake Jackson.

Highlands County Sheriff’s Office – Sheriff Paul Blackman and Highlands County Emergency Management responded to the scene to provide assistance with drone support. Sebring Fire Department, MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife, Highlands County Fire Rescue, Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Frostproof Volunteer Fire Department all launched search and rescue boats in order to provide assistance with search efforts throughout the nearly 21-hour search.

Throughout the extensive search, no evidence was found of any missing swimmers. The search and rescue boats on Lake Jackson used high-tech sonar and underwater imaging along with extensive search patterns throughout the search, though they never recorded anything indicating anyone had drowned.

Detectives were made aware of a caller that saw the news reports of the search efforts and felt that they may be the potential swimmer in question. This individual discussed with detectives that they had been swimming in the area identified and once boats began to arrive on scene, they swam to the area of the Elks Lodge and exited the water. Detectives with Sebring Police Department were able to verify their account using security footage of nearby locations. Video ultimately showed that the person exited Lake Jackson at 9:11 p.m., which correlates with the last known visual of someone swimming at the time the call was reported.

Due to the swimmer reporting that they were alone, along with no evidence to support any other swimmers missing at this time, the Sebring Police Department has suspended any further search efforts.

We extend our gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to the many agencies that assisted with this search. Further, we appreciate all the assistance that the community provided by sharing information and helping with this incident. We are relieved that this outcome resulted in everyone returning home safe!

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4/27/26 at 11:26am Update – First responders remain on the water searching. There are no new updates to the active investigation.

We want to emphasize, if you were in the area swimming or diving last night, please call the Non-Emergent Central Dispatch at 863-402-7200.
You are NOT in any trouble, our first responders only want to ensure that if these individuals left the water, that they are safe.

4/27/26 at 7:50am Update – First Responders are still on Lake Jackson continuing in search efforts. Sebring Fire Department, MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife and Highlands County Sheriff’s Office – Sheriff Paul Blackman have been on the lake searching since the initial call last night.

Initial reports were that eye witnesses saw two swimmers who appeared to be diving/snorkeling and looked to be in distress in the area south of City Pier Beach.

First Responders will remain on scene and continue search efforts.

  • If you were on the east side of Lake Jackson between the Sebring Elks Lodge and the City of Sebring Pier, within the hours of 6:00pm and 8:00pm (swimming or diving) and have since exited the lake; please notify the Non-Emergent Central Dispatch at 863-402-7200.

You can help by checking in on your family and friends. If your roommate or significant other was expected to return home but didn’t, or your coworker did not show up for work this morning, please contact us!

4/26/26 at 11:53pm (Update) – Search efforts are still ongoing in the area of City Pier Beach. Agencies aiding in search efforts are Sebring Police Department, Sebring Fire Department, Highlands County Sheriff’s Office – Sheriff Paul Blackman, Highlands County Emergency Management, MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife and Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Please avoid the area as first responders remain on scene. We will continue with updates as the investigation continues.

4/26/26 at 9:10pm (Update) – If you were on the east side of Lake Jackson between the Sebring Elks Lodge and the City of Sebring Pier, within the last 2 hours, swimming or diving and have exited the lake; please notify the Non-Emergent Central Dispatch at 863-402-7200.

4/26/26 at 8:50pm (Original Post) – Sebring Police Department and Sebring Fire Department are currently on scene of Lake Jackson due to reports of missing divers in the water.

Please avoid the lake as first responders search the area. We have drones in the air searching, we ask that the public DOES NOT operate a drone at this time

*Info provided by Sebring Police Department

City of Winter Haven Announces “Rock Your Socks” Challenge Winner for World Down Syndrome Day

Staff Reporter
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City of Winter Haven Announces “Rock Your Socks” Challenge Winner for World Down Syndrome Day

In honor of World Down Syndrom Day, which was March 21, the City of Winter Haven offered a Rock Your Socks Design Challenge to all of the City employees. Parks, Recreation, and Culture Crew Leader, Carlos Dejesus-Alvarado was the winning designer of the challenge!

These custom socks are available for purchase online or in person at City Hall, Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until supplies last.

Cost $20 and comes with Awareness socks and cooling towel.

Crew Leader, Carlos Dejesus-Alvarado stops for a quick pose at the AdventHealth Fieldhouse and Conference Center.

*info provided by City of Winter Haven

Winter Haven Woman with Four Felony Warrants Found Hiding Under Blanket, Arrested by PCSO K9 Unit

Staff Reporter
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Winter Haven Woman with Four Felony Warrants Found Hiding Under Blanket, Arrested by PCSO K9 Unit

On Tuesday, April 21st at around 8:30 pm, 36-year-old Holley Heart of Winter Haven was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

PCSO deputies were looking for Ms. Heart because she had four active felony warrants for her arrest:

  • Failure to Appear (Possession of Methamphetamine)
  • Failure to Appear (Possession of Methamphetamine)
  • Failure to Appear (Grand Theft Motor Vehicle)
  • Violation of Probation (Grand Theft Motor Vehicle)

The deputies went to a residence on South Varandoe Road and saw Ms. Heart walking inside the home.

Deputies announced themselves, and requested Ms. Heart exit the residence. They got no response.

Deputies entered the home, along with K9 Cain, and again called out to Ms. Heart. No response.

K9 Cain found Ms. Heart hiding in a bedroom under a blanket and clothes.

Holley Heart was taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center on her warrants and additionally charged with Resisting without Violence.

DOJ Revives Firing Squads in Major Federal Death Penalty Shakeup

Carl Fish
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DOJ Revives Firing Squads in Major Federal Death Penalty Shakeup

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Justice on Friday announced sweeping actions to strengthen the federal death penalty, including restoring a previously used pentobarbital lethal injection protocol and authorizing firing squads as an execution method in federal cases.  

The changes were outlined in a Justice Department report titled Restoring and Strengthening the Federal Death Penalty, which officials say is intended to streamline capital punishment procedures and reinforce the federal government’s authority to carry out death sentences.  

According to the Justice Department, the move reinstates the single-drug pentobarbital protocol used during President Donald Trump’s first administration, when 13 federal executions were carried out after a nearly two-decade pause. Officials also announced federal protocols will be expanded to include firing squads, and potentially other execution methods permitted under certain state laws.  

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the policy changes are aimed at ensuring federal death sentences are carried out and that victims’ families receive justice. The department also signaled it intends to speed up reviews in capital cases and continue pursuing the death penalty in dozens of pending cases. Reports indicate federal prosecutors have been authorized to seek capital punishment in 44 cases, with several already approved.  

The move marks a dramatic shift from the Biden administration, which imposed a moratorium on federal executions and commuted most federal death row sentences to life without parole. Only three inmates remain on federal death row following those commutations, according to reports.  

Supporters say the changes restore tools needed to punish the most heinous crimes, while critics are expected to challenge the policy on constitutional and humanitarian grounds, particularly regarding firing squads and other alternative methods of execution.

The announcement is likely to intensify national debate over capital punishment, federal authority, and the limits of punishment under the Eighth Amendment.

More legal and political challenges surrounding the policy are expected in the weeks ahead.

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