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.
Three people died as a result of a two-vehicle crash near Lake Wales early Thursday morning, September 24, 2026.
Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched at about 4:22 am to State Road 60 at Acuff Road, after a two-vehicle crash was reported there.
Upon the arrival of first responders, two occupants of a black 2008 Chevy Malibu were found deceased in the car. The driver of the vehicle was seriously injured and transported to a local hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries.
The victims were: a 31-year-old woman from Auburndale (driver), a 45-year-old man from Lake Wales, and a 40-year-old female from Lake Wales.
The driver of a black 2016 Kenworth dump truck that was also involved, received only minor injuries.
According to PCSO detectives, the dump truck had been traveling west on SR 60 when the Malibu crossed in its path while leaving Acuff Road from the south side of SR 60.
No charges are anticipated, but the investigation remains ongoing.
Westbound SR 60 was closed for about four hours on Thursday.
If you’re looking for live music in Winter Haven this weekend, several local venues have performances scheduled Thursday through Sunday, September 24-27.
Thursday, September 24
DJ Steve and Karaoke at Cypresswood Pub from 6-9 p.m.
Friday, September 25
Duke Burr at Kimber’s from 7–10 p.m.
Josh Blevins at Tanner’s Lakeside from 7–10 p.m.
Prime Country at Cypresswood Pub from 6-9 p.m.
Twizted at Kimber’s Bar & Grill at 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 26
Jaded at Tanner’s Lakeside from 7–10 p.m.
Vandal Eyes at Cypresswood Pub from 6-9 p.m.
One More Round – TwiZted Tattoo Party with Influence Tattoos onsite 7:00–10:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 27
B.Haven at The Twisted Prop from 2–5:30 p.m.
X IT 7 at Tanner’s Lakeside from 2–6 p.m.
Whether you’re looking for a Thursday/Friday night out, Saturday evening entertainment or some Sunday afternoon music, there are several opportunities to enjoy live music around Winter Haven this weekend.
Want Your Music Featured? Musicians performing in the Winter Haven area can email [email protected]. Please include LIVE MUSIC in the subject line.
A motorcyclist who was involved in a single-vehicle crash in Kathleen on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, later passed away at the hospital.
Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the crash on Kathleen Road at 1stAvenue NW on Wednesday at around 1:40 pm.
Upon arrival of first responders, the 44-year-old motorcyclist from Lakeland was found with serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
According to the preliminary investigation from the PCSO’s Traffic Homicide Unit, the man had been operating a 2002 white Honda motorcycle, traveling north on Kathleen Road at a high rate of speed, and failed to negotiate a curve, causing him to crash.
A helmet was found at the scene, but it is unknown if the victim was wearing it when he crashed.
Kathleen Road was closed for about two hours during the investigation.
