A 19-year-old Winter Haven man is facing an attempted murder charge after police say he shot a 15-year-old girl Sunday night.
According to the Winter Haven Police Department, officers responded to a residence on Avenue K NE at approximately 10:36 p.m. September 27 after receiving a report that someone had been shot.
When officers arrived, they found the girl standing near the roadway with a single gunshot wound. She was transported to Lakeland Regional Health with injuries police described as non-life-threatening.
Investigators said witnesses told officers that 19-year-old Dorion Crosdale Jr. had entered the property and begun banging on a window of the residence.
Police said Crosdale had previously been in a relationship with one of the occupants of the residence and had previously been trespassed from the property.
According to police, Crosdale refused to leave, and the 15-year-old girl attempted to help get him to leave the property. Police allege Crosdale then produced a firearm and fired one round, striking the girl.
Crosdale fled after the shooting, according to police. Officers later located him on Avenue J NE in Winter Haven and took him into custody.
Crosdale was charged with attempted murder, armed trespassing and possession of a firearm by a delinquent.
Police said Crosdale had previously been adjudicated delinquent on February 18, 2021, following a second conviction for battery.
The 15-year-old victim’s name is not being released because she is a juvenile.
George Ellis Hunt, Sr., 96, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2026, surrounded by his beloved family. His long and fruitful life was deeply rooted in the Lake Wales community he called home, and he will be remembered with love and gratitude by his family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched.
Ellis was born on June 14, 1930, in Lake Wales, Florida, to the late Deeley A. and Louise E. Hunt. He was proud to share that he believed he was the first baby born in the original Lake Wales Hospital. He attended elementary and secondary school in Lake Wales and graduated from Lake Wales High School, where he excelled academically and was a four-sport athlete.
Following high school, Ellis attended the University of Florida, initially on an athletic scholarship as a member of his beloved Gator football team. He often enjoyed telling the story of his father reminding him that he had not gone to college to play sports. Ellis apparently took the advice to heart, graduating in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. While at UF, he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity and served on the President’s Council. Most importantly, it was at the University of Florida that he met the love of his life, his beautiful wife, Nancy.
Ellis proudly served his country in the United States Army as a First Lieutenant in Korea. After completing his military service, he returned home to Lake Wales, where he and Nancy raised their family. Ellis joined Hunt Brothers Cooperative, the family citrus grove business established in 1922 by his father and uncle. He served as president of Hunt Brothers Service.
Service to his community was a defining part of Ellis’s life. For 35 years, he served as a trustee on the Board of the Lake Wales Medical Center and was its longest serving president. He also served as president of the Lake Wales Noon Rotary Club and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International.
Among his proudest accomplishments was helping bring Water’s Edge Retirement Community to Lake Wales alongside his dear friend, Clay Terry. Ellis took great satisfaction in helping create a place where members of the community could spend their retirement years. Fittingly, Water’s Edge later became his home during the final years of his life.
His many contributions to Lake Wales were recognized when he was named Citizen of the Year in 1996 and Pioneer of the Year in 2011.
His Christian faith was an important part of his life. He faithfully served First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales as an Elder, Sunday School teacher, and Sunday School Superintendent. He especially enjoyed serving as a greeter, warmly welcoming friends, neighbors, and fellow church worshippers into the church he loved.
Ellis was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy Hunt; his daughter, Liz Hunt; his grandson, Carson White; his parents, Deeley A. and Louise E. Hunt; brothers, Deeley A. Hunt, Jr. and Frank M. Hunt II. He is survived by sons Ellis Hunt, Jr. and wife Debbie of Babson Park, Deeley Hunt and husband Adam of Clearwater Beach; his daughters Barbara Daines and husband Will, of Tampa, Ginger Henry and husband Brad, of Minneola and Helene Valdes and husband Chris, of Orlando; as well as 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Ellis’s family takes comfort in knowing he is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, free from earthly pain and reunited with those he loved who went before him.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16
A celebration of Ellis’s life will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m at First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales, Florida. There will be a reception immediately following in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ellis’s honor may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales.
Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation has donated five automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to the City of Winter Haven, bringing the foundation’s AED placements to numbers 105 through 109.
The five AEDs were sponsored by the Winter Haven Hospital Bostick Heart Center and presented to the City of Winter Haven during an event at the Museum of Winter Haven History and Woman’s Club of Winter Haven.
Winter Haven Hospital President Tom Garthwaite attended the presentation alongside Melanie Brown Culpepper Beilke, founder of Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation. Scott Eilers, Interim Director of the City of Winter Haven’s Parks, Recreation & Culture Department, and Jose Setien, the city’s HR Risk Manager, were present to accept the AEDs on behalf of the city.
The five AED locations:
AED #105: Museum of Winter Haven History / Woman’s Club of Winter Haven AED #106: Nora Mayo Hall AED #107: Rolling Hills Cemetery AED #108: Reuben Williams Sports Complex AED #109: AdventHealth Fieldhouse
For Eilers, the donation represents an important step toward the city’s goal of making AEDs available throughout its facilities.
“The City was very grateful to be contacted by CCF with the opportunity to receive five AED units. The City has made a commitment to placing AEDs at every City facility, and this generous donation has helped us move closer to achieving that goal much sooner.”
Eilers has worked for the City of Winter Haven for 30 years, beginning as a part-time seasonal lifeguard. During his career, he has served in a variety of positions, including Head Lifeguard, Aquatics Supervisor, Park Manager, Athletics Superintendent, Fieldhouse & Conference Center Manager and Parks, Recreation & Culture Assistant Director before becoming Interim Director.
He said the city is also working to increase CPR and AED training among its employees.
“Additionally, our Fire Department is offering hands-only CPR and AED certification classes to all employees beginning early October. Our hope is this ensures someone who can help is nearby in the event any of our citizens experience an emergency.”
Eilers also praised Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation and its founder for the work behind the AED initiative.
“I believe CCF and Melanie Brown Culpepper have an amazing mission to place AEDs in as many locations as possible so they are readily available in the event of a cardiac emergency. Melanie has turned a personal tragedy into a meaningful mission to help save as many lives as possible, and her dedication to this cause is truly inspiring.”
He also highlighted the role of Winter Haven Hospital and the Bostick Heart Center in supporting the project.
“The City of Winter Haven is truly blessed to have such an amazing hospital and the incredible Bostick Heart Center serving and helping protect our community. We are grateful for the donation, care, expertise, and commitment they provide to the people of Winter Haven and the surrounding communities.”
AED #105 at the Museum of Winter Haven History
The Museum of Winter Haven History and Woman’s Club of Winter Haven will be home to AED #105.
Bob Gernert, Volunteer Curator for the Museum of Winter Haven History, has been writing about Winter Haven’s history for 30 years and established the museum in 2006.
Gernert said both the Woman’s Club and museum welcomed the opportunity to have an AED available in the building.
“The Woman’s Club and the museum both embraced the opportunity to place an AED in the building and the City of Winter Haven made it happen through the generosity of the foundation.”
He added, “We appreciate Melanie’s selfless dedication to making such lifesaving equipment widely available. It is truly inspiring and we are fortunate to be a beneficiary.”
The Museum of Winter Haven History is open Saturdays from October through May from 9 a.m. to noon. The museum is also available most days year-round for groups of four or more by appointment. For more information, call or text 863-206-6855.
A meaningful location for AED #105
Kimberly Surles Burr, President of the Woman’s Club of Winter Haven, said club members were particularly moved by Culpepper’s story when CCF was featured as a guest speaker and organization in spring 2026.
The Woman’s Club building, located at 660 Pope Ave., is on the historic registry and has played a significant role in the lives of many current Winter Haven residents.
Burr said the members were impressed by Culpepper’s efforts and were honored to learn that a future AED could be placed at the building.
The presentation also included representatives from the Winter Haven Fire Department, including Fire Chief Drew Newbrand and Chief Justin Hooper, as well as Woman’s Club Vice President Cheryl Price and Treasurer Judith Hahn.
Culpepper also recognized Bob Gernert for helping prepare the museum for the event and Kimberly Surles Burr for helping bring the presentation together.
She thanked photographer Melvin “DJ Melvin R” Rios for donating his time to capture photos from the event, as well as John Straughn for being there to support her.
Culpepper also recognized Eric Shimkus, a CCF team member and Winter Haven firefighter who has been involved with the foundation from the beginning. Shimkus has been a paramedic with the Winter Haven Fire Department for more than 24 years and was on scene the day of Michael Culpepper’s passing.
Culpepper said Shimkus has helped with AED and CPR demonstrations at CCF events and has continued to support the foundation’s mission.
The latest five AEDs bring Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation’s placements to 109 AEDs, made possible through community support, donations, sponsorships, fundraising events and organizations committed to increasing access to lifesaving equipment.
Culpepper encourages the community to continue supporting CCF’s mission, whether through sponsorships, donations, attending its annual event, contributing raffle or live auction items, or simply spreading awareness about heart health and cardiac emergencies.
The foundation’s next event, “Saving Lives Matters,” will be held October 3 at Tanner’s Lakeside.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that four people were injured in a shooting late Saturday night near the area commonly known as the “Mud Hole” south of Lake Wales.
The shooting occurred in the area of Alturas-Babson Park Cutoff Road and prompted a large response from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Polk County Fire Rescue.
Carrie Horstman, Public Information Officer for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed Sunday morning that the victims are three females and one male.
“We are investigating that – there are 3 females and one male victim. They have non life threatening injuries,” Horstman told Daily Ridge.
Horstman said some of the victims were transported to hospitals by private citizens before deputies arrived at the scene. The investigation remains ongoing.
The new information confirms early scanner reports heard by Daily Ridge overnight indicating there could be as many as four victims.
Daily Ridge staff also witnessed one patient being transported by medical helicopter from the Warner University football field. Polk County Fire Rescue personnel, PCSO deputies and Warner University security were at the landing zone.
Photo Credit: Daily Ridge Staff
During the initial response, scanner traffic indicated the suspected shooter had not been taken into custody. The PCSO helicopter remained over the area and could still be seen and heard circling the scene at approximately 1:30 a.m. Sunday.
As of Sunday morning, PCSO has not provided Daily Ridge with information confirming an arrest. The Sheriff’s Office says the investigation remains ongoing.
Daily Ridge will continue following the investigation and update this story as additional information becomes available.
LAKE WALES, Fla. — The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a reported shooting that prompted a large law enforcement and emergency response late Saturday night into early Sunday morning near the area commonly known as the “Mud Hole” south of Lake Wales.
The incident was reported in the area of Alturas-Babson Park Cutoff Road.
Area in the red is South Lake Wales Mud Hole location.
According to scanner reports, multiple people were reportedly injured in the shooting. Early radio traffic indicated there could be as many as four victims. However, as of early Sunday morning, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office had not confirmed the number of people injured.
Daily Ridge staff did confirm that at least one patient was airlifted for medical treatment.
A medical helicopter landed at the Warner University football field, where Polk County Fire Rescue personnel, PCSO deputies and Warner University security were staged. The patient was transported from the landing zone by helicopter.
Scanner traffic also indicated the suspected shooter had not been taken into custody. As of approximately 1:30 a.m. Sunday, the PCSO helicopter remained overhead and could be seen and heard circling the area of the reported shooting.
Daily Ridge reached out to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for official information. Due to the early-morning hour and the active nature of the investigation, additional confirmed details were not immediately available.
Residents were advised to avoid the immediate area while deputies continued their investigation.
Daily Ridge will update this article as additional information is confirmed by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Wild Wild West Arms is celebrating the re-grand opening of its newly upgraded range on Saturday, September 26, with an event featuring free food, range time, vendors, firearm rentals and a firearm giveaway.
Owners John and Yashera Phillips said the business has undergone a major rebrand at its location at 29350 Highway 27 in Lake Hamilton.
“We upgraded to a fully automated and integrated action target tactical range,” the Phillips owners said.
The new range includes turning targets and more than 160 training modules, drills and games. The system is designed to provide both recreational shooting and more advanced training scenarios.
The range also features low-light scenarios for nighttime training. Wild Wild West Arms plans to offer two night-shoot events each month, featuring low-light scenarios conducted without traditional range lighting.
Another feature is a camera system integrated into the target system, allowing shooters to see their targets at all times.
Phillips said the system is used by law enforcement agencies across the country and called it “the greatest out there on ranges.”
The re-grand opening event will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday and will include free food from Floridinos and drinks throughout the day. Visitors can also receive a free 20-minute range session.
Vendors will be on site with a selection of firearms available for visitors to try on the range, with free rentals available during the event.
Wild Wild West Arms will also be holding a free firearm giveaway as part of the re-grand opening celebration.
The event will be held at 29350 Highway 27, Lake Hamilton.
With another week of high school football officially in the books, it is time to turn our attention toward Week 6, and once again, there is plenty to be excited about around Polk County. Last week gave us a little bit of everything, including some predictions that turned out to be correct and a few that definitely did not go the way I expected. I correctly picked Lakeland to get past American Heritage, and the Dreadnaughts came away with a 21-16 victory. I also had Lakeland Christian beating Sebring, and the Vikings stayed perfect with a 45-21 win. However, my prediction for George Jenkins and Seminole was way off. As I had the Warhawks winning a close game, but the Eagles had other plans and dominated Seminole 37-0. That is what makes high school football so exciting. You can look at the records, the numbers, the matchups and everything that has happened up to that point, but once Friday night arrives, anything can happen. Every week brings new storylines, new challenges and another opportunity for teams to prove themselves. With that being said, there is no shortage of exciting games to keep an eye on this week. Kicking things off, we have (3-1) Auburndale at (3-1) Lakeland, and the stakes are high with this being a district matchup. Lakeland is looking to move to 2-0 in district play, while Auburndale is searching for its first district win and a chance to move to 1-1. This should be an intriguing matchup, as Lakeland enters the game ranked No. 9 in the state and is coming off a 21-16 victory over American Heritage. Auburndale, meanwhile, is coming off a 27-9 win over Kathleen and has shown that it can put points on the board throughout the season. As they are averaging 198.0 yards a game. If each team wants to come away with the win, there are some key factors they will need to focus on. For Lakeland, the biggest priority will be limiting Teo Edwards and his ability to make plays. Edwards has been one of Auburndale’s biggest offensive threats this season, completing 26 of 40 passes for 496 yards, seven touchdowns and zero interceptions. If Lakeland can make Edwards uncomfortable and prevent him from making plays with both his arm and his legs, it could make things difficult for the Bloodhounds’ offense. For Auburndale, the challenge will be finding a way to put pressure on Lakeland quarterback Kelin Hendrix. That will be no easy task, as Hendrix has been one of the biggest reasons for the Dreadnaughts’ success this season. Through the first five weeks, Hendrix has shown the ability to hurt opposing defenses both through the air and on the ground, making him a difficult player to contain. I expect this game to be competitive early, but I believe Lakeland’s experience and offensive firepower will eventually allow the Dreadnaughts to pull away.
Prediction: Lakeland 35, Auburndale 20
The next game I would keep an eye on this week would be (3-1) Bartow at (3-2) Sebring. This will be another district matchup for both teams, with Bartow sitting at 1-0 in district play and Sebring also at 1-0. With both teams looking to strengthen their position in the district standings, this could be an important game when it comes to district positioning as the season continues. This should be an interesting matchup because both teams are coming into the game with different momentum. Bartow enters Friday night riding a three-game winning streak, which includes its most recent 14-8 victory over Auburndale. Sebring, meanwhile, is looking to get back on track after suffering a 45-21 loss to Lakeland Christian. If each team wants to come away with the win, there are some key things they will need to focus on. For Bartow, one of the biggest priorities will be keeping its defense playing at a high level. The Yellow Jackets have allowed only 30 points through four games, an average of just 7.5 points per game. If Bartow can continue that defensive success, it could make things difficult for Sebring’s offense. For Sebring, one of the main priorities will be slowing down and putting pressure on quarterback Amire Hall. Hall has been one of Bartow’s biggest offensive threats this season, completing 21 of 40 passes for 663 yards while also rushing for 288 yards and accounting for 12 total touchdowns, including seven passing and five rushing. I expect this to be another competitive district matchup, but I believe Bartow’s defense and recent momentum will be enough to make the difference. The Yellow Jackets will have to play well on the road, but I expect them to find a way to get the job done.
Prediction: Bartow 25, Sebring 21.
The last game I would keep an eye on this week would be (3-1) George Jenkins at (1-3) Davenport. This will be another important district matchup, with both teams sitting at 0-1 in district play and looking for their first district victory of the season. For George Jenkins, this is an opportunity to build off one of its most impressive performances of the season. For Davenport, it is a chance to turn things around and get back on track. One of the biggest storylines will be whether George Jenkins can continue the offensive performance it put together against Seminole. The Eagles recorded 304 rushing yards, 79 passing yards and 383 total yards in their dominant 37-0 victory over the Warhawks. For Davenport, the biggest question will be whether the Broncos can get their offense back on track after being shut out in their last three games. Finding a way to move the football and put points on the board will be critical if Davenport wants to stay competitive. If George Jenkins wants to win, the Eagles will need to keep their rushing attack going. The ground game was the strongest part of their offense against Seminole, and continuing to establish the run could allow Jenkins to control the tempo once again. For Davenport, the key will be slowing down George Jenkins’ rushing attack. If the Broncos can limit the Eagles on the ground and force them to become one-dimensional, they could give themselves an opportunity to stay in the game. With that being said, I expect George Jenkins to continue the momentum it built last week and put together another dominant performance.
Martha Steward Criss, 99, passed away after a long and active life on Friday September 18, 2026. She amazed those who knew her for surviving three spouses, and by continuing to participate in the management of her affairs up until the final days of her life.
Born on August 23, 1927 in Knox County, Ohio, Martha moved to central Florida in 1975, and moved to Tallahassee, Florida in2019. She had long careers as an office manager for the Continental Can Company in Mt. Vernon, Ohio; and then as an administrative assistant at the U.F. Agricultural Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred, Florida. She was active at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Haines City, Florida, and was a proud member of Chapter BN of P.E.O. International.
She is survived by her nieces Connie Workman and Amy Camillo/both of Ohio; her stepchildren: Dorothy Steward/Switzerland; Carl Jr. “Carlos” (and Cynthia) Steward/North Carolina; Bill (and Julie) Steward/north Florida; Michael (and Peggy) Criss, Robert Criss, Richard Criss/all of central Florida; Patty Criss Wilson/Illinois; and many step grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at the First Christian Church in Haines City, Florida at a date yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to P.E.O. Chapter BN (for the “Daisy Scholarship”), and sent to the P.E.O. chapter treasurer at 105 E. Lake Menzie Blvd., Dundee, FL. 33838.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit responded to investigate a traffic fatality on Thursday, September 24, 2026, around 12:50 p.m. on CR 542 (K-Ville Ave) and Jimmy Lee Road in Auburndale.
Three vehicles were involved in the crash:
A 2006 gray Ford F350 being driven by a 29-year-old Lakeland man;
A 2004 white Ford F150 being driven by a 67-year-old Winter Haven man;
and a 2022 white Honda Accord being driven by a 54-year-old Winter Haven man, whose wife was a passenger.
The preliminary investigation so far indicates that the F350 was traveling eastbound on K-Ville Ave behind the F150 when, approximately 300 feet west of the intersection with Jimmy Lee Rd, the F350 began to drift across the center line, then back to the right and partially onto the right shoulder, before then impacting the right rear of the F150. After that impact, the F350 crossed all the way over the center line and into the westbound lane, where it struck the Honda Accord nearly head-on, killing both people inside (the driver was killed instantly, while the passenger suffered significant injuries which led to her death).
Neither of the other two drivers were injured.
The roadways were closed for approximately four hours during the initial investigation, which is ongoing.
