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 June 19,2025 at 10:00 am at storageauctions.com
Units belonging to the following:
Ike Knighten/ Unit 1002
Lasaysha Taylor/ Unit 208
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.
On Friday, May 30, 2025, deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested two men on multiple counts of animal neglect after discovering six dogs living in deplorable conditions inside a residence with no power or ventilation.
When deputies arrived to the scene, they were unable to make contact with anyone at the residence but observed and heard multiple dogs inside the home. The home had no power and there were no windows open for air circulation. The temperature inside the home was measured at 107 degrees Fahrenheit.
The dogs were visibly panting and the inside of the home was covered in trash, feces, and urine, the odors of which could be smelled from outside the home. In one of the bedrooms deputies observed trash and items stacked to the ceiling making it impossible to navigate through the residence, forcing them to climb over items and through feces to get around. No food or drinkable water was accessible to the dogs.
PCSO deputies conducted an emergency seizure of the animals. Body temperatures of the dogs reached as high as 105 degrees Fahrenheit and ammonia levels in the home registered 25 ppm, a hazardous reading compared to the standard 0 ppm for clean air.
During the investigation, 29-year-old Alan Alderman and 65-year-old Thornton Arnold arrived at the property where they claimed only two of the dogs were theirs, three belonged to Alderman’s girlfriend who is currently in jail, and they were unaware the sixth dog existed. They were both placed under arrest and booked into the Polk County Jail.
All dogs were taken to Polk County Animal Control for medical evaluation and treatment.
Alan Alderman and Thornton Arnold were both charged with six counts of animal neglect, a first degree misdemeanor.
“We don’t tolerate animal abuse in Polk County. These dogs suffered due to pure neglect and now, their abusers are right where they belong.”– Grady Judd, Sheriff
Bartow, Fla. (June 2, 2025) – The 2025 Atlantichurricane season has started and the Polk County Emergency Management team reminds residents and visitors to act now to ensure they are ready for the upcoming storm season.
“Storms don’t wait and neither should you,” said Paul Womble, Polk County Emergency Management Director. “Taking action now can make all the difference when severe weather strikes.”
Prepare Now with These Tips for Developing an Emergency Plan
Build a Seven-Day Emergency Supply Kit
Residents are encouraged to compile an emergency kit that includes enough food, water, medication and essential supplies to last at least seven days. Potential items may include flashlights, batteries, important documents and items for pets.
Update your family’s communications plan. Establish how your family will stay in contact if separated, be sure to designate an out-of-town contact everyone can check in with. Make sure that everyone has key phone numbers written down, and not just stored in phones. Have a plan that includes the possibility that both power and cell phone service may be out.
Prepare Your Property
Homeowners and renters are urged to review their insurance policies and store important documents in a waterproof container. It is also recommended to create digital backups of essential records.
Trimming low hanging limbs and overgrown vegetation surrounding your home can protect the structure and help keep you and your loved ones safe.
Special Needs Planning
Families with medical needs should also review their emergency plans. Make sure you have a plan for those who may require the use of electrical equipment, oxygen or other special needs.
If anyone in your household requires medical devices or electricity, has mobility or cognitive impairments, be sure to plan for transportation and assistance in advance. A special needs shelter plan may be appropriate during a hurricane or emergency event.
To register for a special needs shelter and/or transportation, visit the Florida Special Needs Registry https://snr.flhealthresponse.com/.
Potential Polk County Public Emergency Shelters
Polk County has 48 emergency public shelters including three pet-friendly shelters and three special needs shelters that can be activated during an emergency. It is important to remember that not all public shelters are automatically activated during an emergency as shelters are opened as needed.
Residents should also sign up for the local alert system, Alert Polk to receive emergency notifications and follow Polk County Emergency Management on social media for real-time updates and safety information during a storm.
HAINES CITY – There’s an empty chair now on the porch of the home at 1005 Avenue D. Neighbors and passersby no longer receive a friendly wave or hear a cheerful “hello” from its longtime resident, Janet Jolly Smith. There will be no more invitations to join her there in the shade of the overhang to talk about the day’s events. The larger-than-life 95-year-old passed away on May 17.
Janet’s porch
“She yelled at many she knew to, ‘Come here, young blood’ or ‘Brotherman’ or by your name,” said Carolyn Jasper, a longtime friend and fellow church member of Janet’s. “She would even call you on the phone to ask, ‘Didn’t I see you pass by here? You didn’t stop.’”
She invited friends, police officers, and a host of others to sit on the porch – her life was there.
“From the time she got up in the morning until dark, she was on that porch,” Jasper said.
Smith was beloved by many on and off her porch —and occasionally challenged by some—for her unwavering commitment to what she believed was right. A familiar presence at city commission meetings, she never hesitated to speak up—whether to report a needed repair or to advocate for raises for the police department.
“Haines City was Mrs. Smith’s heart,” Jasper said. “She only wanted what was for the betterment and the safety of the city.”
Among her many passions was the push for a neighborhood pool in Oakland, where she lived. Although she didn’t know how to swim, Smith believed children and families deserved a safe, fun place to enjoy the water. In 2020, her efforts paid off when the city opened a new facility and named it in her honor: the Janet Jolly Smith Aquatics Center. At the grand opening, she joyfully dipped her feet into the water.
A Haines City native, Smith attended cosmetology school and went on to open Janet’s Beauty Salon which served the community for many years. She also owned Bexley’s Restaurant, open just on Friday and Saturday evenings.
“People came from far away for her food! She was a great cook,” Jasper said. She was somewhat famous for her “Flips,” a frozen dessert everyone loved she sold at the restaurant. The businesswoman also owned several rentals in the area, worked as a teacher’s aide and, eventually, as a substitute teacher in local schools.
In 2019, she was recognized for her love of the town when she was inducted into the city’s Hall of Fame.
In the program for that honor, it read, “Mrs. Smith has a heart and a love for Haines City. She was the first African American female to run for city commissioner. Although her bid was unsuccessful, she continues to be an active part of city politics until this day. She is one of the oldest active citizen organizers and community advocates in Haines City. Mrs. Smith has championed numerous initiatives. She has been instrumental in many community projects for the Oakland neighborhood and throughout the city. Her desire is to be simply known as a concerned citizen who wants the best for Haines City.”
Although she married twice, she never had any children of her own. But, she loved entertaining little ones saying that they just needed attention.
According to one of her two nieces, Sheryl Martin, her aunt had many “Janetisms,” like calling her walking cane, Will.
“For the last 25 years of her life, she was never without her constant companion, her cane, ‘Mr. Will.’” Martin said. “She said that he was so named because ‘he will help me walk and he will bring peace out of confusion.’”
For years, she was a devout member of the Greater St. Mark AME Church in Haines City.
“Sometimes at church, if the pianist didn’t show up, Mrs. Smith would play ‘Try Jesus, He’s Alright,’” Jasper said.
She is survived by her stepdaughter, Dannette Allen, Sheryl, one other niece, two nephews, their children and grandchildren, cousins, and other family and friends.
Janet Jolly Smith’s voice may be quiet now, but her legacy echoes through every corner of the city she fought for—and in the lives of those who answered when she called them by name.
Bartow, Fla. (May 31, 2025) – Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) responded to a recreational vehicle (RV) fire that resulted in a fatality on Combee Road in Lakeland.
At 11:52 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, PCFR crews were dispatched to a working structure fire on Combee Road. Upon PCFR’s arrival, crews located an RV fully engulfed in flames with an individual potentially trapped inside. Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire and located one confirmed fatality.
No additional injuries were reported. No patients were transported from the scene.
The incident is currently under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshals Office and Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
HAINES CITY – School is out and the kiddos are already bored. Here are some activities available to help keep them busy for the next couple of months.
In Haines City:
Lake Eva Aquatics Center features pools and splash pads and is open daily, weather permitting, from June 1 to Aug. 9. Admission is $5 per person for ages 3 and older.
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The Janet J. Smith Aquatic Facility, 1900 N. 10th Street, Haines City, FL 33844 is open daily through Aug. 8 including Juneteenth, and July 4. The facility features a zero-depth entry into the splash-pad, and a large pool.
Youth Indoor Soccer League is available for children up to age 12, running June 2 through Aug. 8. For more information, call 863-421-3700.
Vacation Bible School at Northridge Church will be held June 16–20. It’s open to students who have completed kindergarten through 5th grade. Call 863-422-4488 for details.
Camp Frontier, located at 5000 Firetower Road, is an overnight adventure summer camp for boys and girls ages 7–17. Activities include archery, outdoor life skills, basketball, bike riding, canoe trips, sailing, and tent camping. For more information, call 888-977-2267, email [email protected], or visit www.campfrontier.com.
In Davenport (Tom Fellows Community Center):
Vocal Lessons with Ms. Mel: $55/hour for private lessons, $45/hour for group lessons (if available). Available Monday 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Friday 4–7:30 p.m., and Saturday 8–11:30 a.m. Call 203-598-5138 or email [email protected] for an appointment.
A Touch of Drama – Circus Arts: Learn juggling, aerial silks, and flexibility. $60/month. Call 203-598-5138.
A Touch of Drama – Acro Classes: Includes acrobatic arts, conditioning, and flexibility for $60/month. For more info, call Heidi at 203-598-5138 or email [email protected].
A Touch of Drama – Acting Classes: Covers character work, improv, and script reading. $50/month. Contact Heidi at 203-598-5138 or email [email protected].
A Touch of Drama – Musical Theatre: For kids who love to perform, sing, and act. Contact Heidi at 203-598-5138 or email [email protected].
Creative Crafters: Play, Create, Memories: Weekly themed craft classes held Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays for little ones, kids ages 5–12, teens, and families. Prices start at $10. Call or text 407-470-3442 or visit www.spreadingsmilesevents.com for more info.
Karate Classes (Okinawa Shorin Ryu, Kenpo Karate, Self Defense): For ages 5 and up. $50/month with sibling discounts. Classes are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 5–7 p.m. For info, call 863-800-6002.
Studio C, School of Dance and Productions: Registration is now open for ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop classes, beginning Sept. 3.
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For more information about these or other programs, call the Tom Fellows Community Center at 863-588-1130.
In Lake Hamilton:
Back to School Splash Event is hosted annually by the Police Department at the end of summer. For event details, call 863-439-1561.
In Winter Haven:
Big Bass Guide Kids Fishing Camp is held weekly through July 17 at 1171 Eloise Loop Road. For info, contact Captain Shea Arnold at 863-307-6585, email [email protected], or visit www.bigbassguidefl.com.
The National Trial Lawyers proudly announces the re-selection of Stephen Brooks, a distinguished member of Brooks Law Group, as an NTL – Civil Plaintiff – Top 100 Trial Lawyer in the state of Florida.
The Top 100 distinction is bestowed upon a select group of attorneys who exhibit superior qualifications, exemplary trial results, and exceptional leadership in the realms of criminal defense and/or civil plaintiff law. Membership in The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 not only recognizes these legal professionals for their achievements but also offers invaluable legal news, information, and continuing education resources to trial lawyers nationwide.
The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Brooks for their continued and valued membership, contributing to the organization’s success during a period of remarkable growth. About The National Trial Lawyers:
The National Trial Lawyers is an invitation-based organization dedicated to recognizing and promoting excellence in the legal profession. Comprising the top 100 trial lawyers in each state, the organization provides a platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and professional development within the legal community. For more information, visit http://thenationaltriallawyers.org/.
In May, my family and I went on a 7-day cruise on the Carnival Jubilee. We sailed from Galveston, Texas to Honduras to Mexico. Here’s a day-by-day travel log of my trip.
Day 3: Second Day at Sea (Sun. May 4, 2025)
I woke up and went to breakfast with the family. Went to the waterpark afterward. Took a few pictures with my great-nephew playing in the water and going on the slide. I even went on a slide as well!
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Originally planned on going on the Blue Lightning, but that required going on your belly on a mat, and my old knees would not have liked that. So, I went on the Yellow Twister instead. Somehow, I would have loved it more if I were younger. But a young man I no longer am, and that ride reminded me of that. The orange slide (I forgot the name of it) was one of those drop slides that dropped you right onto the slide. But it was not working. And somehow I would not have dared even if I was.
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Went to Guy’s Burger Joint for lunch. Had a cheeseburger with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Added chili and hot peppers cuz that’s how I roll. It was stinking good.
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Went to the gym after. Worked on the treadmill and elliptical for an hour. Came back to my room to freshen up, shower, and nap. Then I got dressed for the family picture. We posed on the glass stairs. My sister brought me my tuxedo, something I will only wear once. Because of course!
We spent an hour afterward trying to get a reservation at a restaurant. Why we did not place a reservation earlier that day is anyone’s guess. We ate at an Italian place, Cucina del Capitano, inspired by Carnival’s Italian heritage. I had Nona’s meatball for an appetizer. Just one meatball. Yes! That’s what counts as an appetizer. It was good. Small, but good.
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For my main entrée, I ordered Penne Pomondo. It was a penne pasta prepared in a roasted tomato sauce. Everyone else had chicken parmesan. I wanted to have pasta. It was savory. For dessert, I had an apple pie with ice cream. It tasted like an apple pie with ice cream. Not sure what else I can say about it.
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I went to the gym later that evening with my niece’s husband. I didn’t even care about the workout. I just wanted to spend some guy time with him because I wanted advice. I told him I was planning on going on some social mixers to break out of my shell. Not even to hook up with anyone. Just gain some experience talking to people.
He told me the one thing I need to have is confidence. Also to be honest. Better to be honest upfront than have to deal with a lie being found out and answering for it later. Honestly, that I can do. It’s the confidence that I lack.
Day 4: Third Day at Sea (Sun. May 4, 2025)
Yet another day at sea. Woke up and had breakfast by myself. I had the works: bacon, eggs, toast, biscuits and gravy. And don’t forget the orange juice.
It was mostly a do-something-on-your-own day. So, I went to the lido deck to sit by the pool and do some reading. Pilgrim’s Regress by C.S. Lewis. I then met up with my sister and her husband to go to the pool in the back of the boat. It was a shallow pool where you could sit at water level. There were even pool chairs built into the pool and with the water as the boat sails on.
I then went to Guy’s Pig and Anchor Smokehouse for lunch. Had pork butt with mac and cheese, baked beans, and potato salad with spicy siracha sauce. Very savory. Not as good as Sonny’s BBQ. But then, nothing is.
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I later attended a singles mixer at the Golden Mermaid bar. Well, the event met up to its name. I was the only one there. Ha! Seriously, I have been meaning to break out of my shell. Can’t say I didn’t try. At least I had some ginger ale and grenadine out of it.
Again, it was a do-it-yourself thing today. So, I went to the buffet for dinner. Nothing fancy. Just spaghetti carbonara with eggplant parmesan and barbecue spring rolls. It was okay for what it was.
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Oh, and my sister and I were able to book the excursion in Cozumel. The snorkeling excursion with sharks, stingrays, and barbecue. We almost were not able to. There was only one ticket left. But we managed to book it.
Went to a comedy show with my nephew and my niece’s husband. Daniel Dugar was the comedian performing that evening. He was more of an insult comic. His comedy was very raunchy. I can’t even share any of his jokes they were that spicy. Let’s just say that one of his jokes involved him commenting that something tastes like chicken…and that his people really love chicken. My niece’s husband really got into the routine. He told the comedian that you need to “scratch and sniff” it. What, exactly? Well, that’s one of the things I can’t share because it’s too spicy.
We dropped by the piano bar afterward. The guy playing there looked like Elton John. Probably why one of my other family members was hanging out there. They must have really enjoyed the drinks there because we counted at least half a dozen cans when we met them there. LOL!
And that was the first two days at sea. The next day would bring us to our first port of call. What adventures awaited us there? Stay tuned and find out.
With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Alice Cao ( Nguyen Thi Ngoc Mai ), our beloved beacon of kindness, and champion of compassion, on May 19, 2025, in Orlando. Born in Hoc Mon, Vietnam, on November 16, 1942. Alice was a cherished soul renowned for her unwavering kindness and generosity. A devout Christian, she was a member of her beloved Winter Haven Vietnamese Alliance Church.
A multifaceted individual, Alice found immense fulfillment in volunteer work, songwriting, music composition, poetry, and gospel singing. Family was her unwavering priority and purpose in life. Her radiant smile was a constant presence, and her passion for infusing joy into people’s lives, even those she had never met, was truly remarkable. Her gentle yet powerful spirit and appreciation for the inherent beauty in individuals and life continue to inspire those who were fortunate to have known her.
In this somber moment, we remember Alice not only for her benevolence but also for the profound impact she had on our lives. Her spirit will endure through the countless lives she touched.
Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Nguyen Van Hue and Nguyen Thi Tu; her beloved husband, Cao Thoi Thuy Frank; her sons, Cao Thoi Binh and Cao Van Van; and her brother, Nguyen Ngoc Anh. She is survived by her cherished sister, Nguyen Ngoc Phuong, devoted daughters, Hoang Cao Lan, Pham Kieu Oanh, Cao Kieu Loan, and her loving sons in laws, Hoang Ngoc Bich, Pham Huu Tung, and Juan Francisco Alvear. Her grandchildren, who brought her so much joy, include Juliet Hoang, Davis Galleon, Emily Ho, Daniel Hoang, Abel Cao, and Tin Pham. She adored her one and only beloved granddaughter-in-law, Cassandra Galleon. Her treasured great-grandchildren include Caius Jacinto, Ryleigh Galleon, Atlas Jacinto, and Camryn Galleon. Alice will be deeply missed by all who cherished her.
HAINES CITY – Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas were finally informed of their freedom—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Celebrated annually on June 19, this historic event continues to be honored across the nation. In Haines City, the Juneteenth Heritage Coalition has been dedicated to keeping the spirit of this day alive for the past four years.
This year’s theme, “Celebrating Freedom and Resilience,” will be brought to life through a series of three community events hosted by the Coalition:
Juneteenth: Faith and Freedom – Movie Screening
The celebration begins with a screening of Faith and Freedom on June 18 at 2 p.m. at the Oakland Auditorium, located at 915 Avenue E, Haines City. The film explores the intersection of faith and the long journey toward liberation.
4th Annual Juneteenth Gala
The highlight of the festivities, the annual gala, takes place on June 20 at 6 p.m. at the Lake Eva Event Center. This semi-formal event will feature live musical performances, local vendors, arts and crafts, and a keynote address by Dr. Daniel Maxwell, an acclaimed motivational speaker. Guests are encouraged to dress to impress and join an evening of celebration, unity, and reflection—with great food, entertainment, and a powerful message.
Freedom Music Festival
The festivities conclude with the Freedom Music Festival on June 21 from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Lake Eva Great Lawn. The event will showcase local musical talent, along with featured performances by The Get Down Band and Fat Boy Juice. The evening will wrap up with a fireworks show, lighting up the sky in honor of freedom.
The Haines City Juneteenth celebration is open to all and serves as a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and enduring spirit of a community that continues to honor its history and embrace its future.
