Anytime we can get pets adopted; microchipped and vaccinated is a great day! So tomorrow (Saturday, July 25,2026) should be one for the books.
We hope to see you at the Hurricane Pet Preparedness Event tomorrow in Lakeland and at our facility where Polk pets are waiting on the chance at a new beginning!!!
PCSO Animal Control is located at 7115 De Castro Road, Winter Haven.
Event starts at 8am.
The event will be held at the SPCA Florida Campus located at 5850 Brannen Road South.
Detectives with the Lakeland Police Department arrest a Tampa man, after he arranged for
and then traveled to have a sexual encounter
with a 14-year-old girl.
LAKELAND, FL (July 24, 2026) – On July 14, 2026, 48-year-old Fozi Nagi Al-Zokari initiated a text conversation with a Lakeland Police Department undercover detective in response to a post of who he believed to be a parent that was trying to prostitute their 14-year-old daughter. Al-Zokari and the undercover detective continued communication for multiple days. During the message exchange Al-Zokari agreed to travel to Lakeland and pay $200 for sex with who he believed to be 14-year-old female.
On July 22, 2026, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Al-Zokari arrived at the designated meeting place and was taken into custody. During a search of Al-Zokari’s person, detectives located $300, two unopened packs of condoms and plastic baggies containing Methamphetamine. Further located in the back seat of the vehicle was a black suitcase. Inside the suitcase was a bag with several sexual toys and one large hatchet.
Al-Zokari was transported to the Polk County Jail and booked in on the following charges: Human Trafficking Forced Sex Trade – Victim Under 18 (Life Felony), Use a Computer to Solicit Parent Guardian (F3), Traveling to Meet Using a Computer to Solicit Guardian (F2), Unlawful Use of 2-Way Communication Device (F3), Possession of Methamphetamine (F3) and Possession/Use of Drug Paraphernalia (M1).
Dance, Flip, Shine! Wendy’s Summer Classes End with a High-Energy Finale
By Anita Todd
BARTOW – Wendy’s Dance Company is providing a fun way for dancers, tumblers, and cheerleaders to improve through its summer classes! The final week is right around the corner.
Wendy Attix, owner of the studio, is working with variousprofessionals to teach a variety of dance styles.
“Our summer classes are designed to give dancers opportunities they don’t always get during the regular season, including training with guest instructors who bring fresh perspectives and industry experience,” Attix said. “This summer has allowed us to expand those opportunities, and it’s a preview of the vision we have for Elevate Performance Complex (Attixs’ new facility that is under construction), where guest teachers and specialized training will become a year-round part of our program.”
The classes are $35 each and include Tumbling 1 and 2; Tap/Clogging; Island Princess; Jazz; Hip Hop; Jazz Pom; Leaps/Turns; and Ballet. Current staff summer teachers are Attix, Grace Devecchis, Jermaine Thornton, Amanda Conti of Flipside Tumbling, and Breanna Jones. Guest summer teachers are Julian “Juju” Samuels, Kinsey Hughey, The Gardner Twins -Sydney and Savannah and Jaliyah “Juicy” Kersten.
During the hour-long classes, students can count on having fun and, hopefully gain confidence too, Conti said.
“As a coach, it is my hope that kids walk away with the courage to try new and hard things, become confident in themselves and their abilities, and learn that they are capable of accomplishing anything they put their minds to … and having fun and enjoyingwhat they are doing is always a part of it, as well,” she said.
For Conti, students’ safety is of major importance while they are dancing.
“We always strive to not only provide a fun environment, but a safe one using kinesiology-based coaching, Kinesiology is the scientific study of human body movement that bridges science and health together, focusing on optimizing physical performance, preventing injuries and rehabilitating the body,” she said.
Sydney Gardner also promotes confidence during her classes.
“Students in my class can expect positive vibes, high energy, and a good time! I strive to challenge my students while also helping them grow confidence with what they already know,” Gardner said.
For Gardner, she wants to inspire students to find the style of dance they love and to continue their training.
“I hope from my classes students will learn new things about themselves and a new appreciation for dance. I want to bring a fresh new energy and style for the dancers that will inspire them to continue dancing and find what style they love best,” Gardner said. “I also hope that every dancer leaves my class feeling like they learned something and feeling good about themselves.”
Wendy’s Dance Company is located at 780 W. Main Street in Bartow.
Detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested five teens from the Washington D.C. area for conspiring to steal merchandise from the 7-Eleven store at 3141 Ronald Reagan Parkway in Davenport.
The teens are members of Run it Up, a travel basketball program. Their team is in the area to participate in the Puma NXTPro basketball tournament and they were staying at a Solterra Resorts vacation rental which is less than a mile from the store.
The theft occurred on July 23, 2026 at around 4:10 am.
The suspects concealed merchandise such as Doritos, gummies, Starburst Minis, a Big Mama sausage, lemonade, and grape and orange Slurpees. The total value of the theft was $37.60.
A clerk confronted the suspects about the thefts and they fled the store.
PCSO deputies responded to the area and located three of the suspects near the entrance to Solterra after they placed the stolen goods into a backpack and hid it in the bushes.
A detective made contact with the team’s coach, Malik Abdul Harvey, 27, of Bryans Road, Maryland, and asked if he could identify the remaining two suspects from the security video.
Later in the morning, the remaining two suspects were located and they admitted that Harvey was their coach.
Harvey then confessed to lying about not knowing the other two suspects to protect them.
“We welcome anyone who wants to visit or stay in Polk County on vacation. But people need to realize that while you might be able to get away with crimes and foolishness where you live, it won’t fly around here. If you steal in Polk County, we’re going to send you home with a commemorative mug shot from the Polk County Jail.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
The five theft suspects were each charged with Conspiracy to Commit Retail Theft (F3), Tampering with Evidence (F3), Petit Theft (M1), and Violation of the County Curfew Ordinance for Juveniles (M).
The suspects are: 17-year-old Tavion Rashaud Hale of Washington DC, 16-year-old Taureon Darnell Ferrell of Washington DC, 16-year-old Obai Sankoh Sheriff of Lanham, Maryland, 16-year-old James Thomas Hall of Washington DC, and 17-year-old Tyjuan Grover of Washington DC.
Coach Malik Harvey was also arrested and charged with Child Neglect (F3) Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor (M1), Accessory after the Fact (M1), and Resisting without Violence (M1).
Harvey is employed by the Department of Juvenile Services at the Cheltenham Youth Detention Center where his responsibilities include assisting and empowering youth. The basketball trip was not associated with his work duties.
The City of Winter Haven and the Winter Haven Public Safety Department are inviting the community to the Inaugural Winter Haven Fire vs. Police Charity Basketball Game on Friday, July 31, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd.
Doors open and warmups at 5:00 p.m. Game starts at 5:30.
Community members who want to take the court are asked to make a $20 donation, which includes an official game T-shirt.
Can’t play? You can still make a difference. Donations are being accepted from those who would like to support the event even if they are unable to participate.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the Police Benevolent Association, helping support local law enforcement efforts while bringing the community together for a fun evening of friendly competition between Winter Haven’s firefighters and police officers.
The City of Winter Haven and the Winter Haven Public Safety Department are inviting the community to the Inaugural Winter Haven Fire vs. Police Charity Basketball Game on Friday, July 31, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd.
Doors open and warmups at 5:00 p.m. Game starts at 5:30.
Community members who want to take the court are asked to make a $20 donation, which includes an official game T-shirt.
Can’t play? You can still make a difference. Donations are being accepted from those who would like to support the event even if they are unable to participate.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the Police Benevolent Association, helping support local law enforcement efforts while bringing the community together for a fun evening of friendly competition between Winter Haven’s firefighters and police officers.
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 August 12, 2026 at 10:00 am at storageauctions.com
Units belonging to the following:
Linda Rash Unit 1071
Eric Bembry Unit 1013
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.
Looking for live music in Winter Haven this weekend? Whether you’re in the mood for country, rock, or just a fun night out, several local venues have entertainment lined up from Thursday through Sunday.
Cypresswood Pub kicks off the weekend early with DJ Steve and Karaoke on Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Friday, enjoy live country music from Prime Country Duo from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Then on Saturday, local favorite B. Haven takes the stage from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Over at Twisted Prop Bar & Grille, TMike and Duke Burr will perform on Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., offering a great way to start the weekend with live music.
At Tanner’s Lakeside, the music continues all weekend long. Smokepoint Band takes the stage on Saturday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., followed by Twizted on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
No matter which venue you choose, there’s plenty of live entertainment to enjoy throughout Winter Haven this weekend.
Want Your Music Featured? Are you a musician with upcoming shows in the Winter Haven area? Winter Haven Daily wants to help spread the word. Email your schedule to [email protected] and put LIVE MUSIC in the subject line.
Looking for live music in Winter Haven this weekend? Whether you’re in the mood for country, rock, or just a fun night out, several local venues have entertainment lined up from Thursday through Sunday.
Cypresswood Pub kicks off the weekend early with DJ Steve and Karaoke on Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Friday, enjoy live country music from Prime Country Duo from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Then on Saturday, local favorite B. Haven takes the stage from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Over at Twisted Prop Bar & Grille, TMike and Duke Burr will perform on Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., offering a great way to start the weekend with live music.
At Tanner’s Lakeside, the music continues all weekend long. Smokepoint Band takes the stage on Saturday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., followed by Twizted on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
No matter which venue you choose, there’s plenty of live entertainment to enjoy throughout Winter Haven this weekend.
Want Your Music Featured? Are you a musician with upcoming shows in the Winter Haven area? Winter Haven Daily wants to help spread the word. Email your schedule to [email protected] and put LIVE MUSIC in the subject line.
Detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Winter Haven High School teacher on Thursday, July 23, 2026, after an investigation revealed that he had sexually battered a 15-year-old student numerous times whom he met at Winter Haven High in his capacity as a teacher. Cutshaw is also the tennis coach for the boy’s team there.
55-year old Otis Cutshaw of Winter Haven was transported to the Sheriff’s Processing Center and charged with: 5 counts of sexual battery by custodial figure (FL), 5 counts of travelling to meet a minor (F2), 5 counts of unlawful use of a two-way communication device (F3), 7 counts of transmission of harmful material to a minor (F3), 8 counts of possession of obscene material depicting a minor (M2), use of a device to solicit sexual conduct with a minor (F3), child pornography (F3), offenses against students by authority figures (F2), lewd molestation (F2), and tampering with physical evidence (FL).
The PCSO investigation began on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 after it was discovered that the victim was in an inappropriate relationship with the 55-year-old suspect.
Detectives made contact with the victim who admitted that she had been in a sexual relationship with Cutshaw since school ended in May 2026 and that they communicated through messaging apps like GroupMe. According to the victim, the encounters occurred frequently at the beginning of summer and then daily during this past week.
When detectives retrieved her phone, their messages appeared to have been deleted, but they were able to find substantial message history through forensic analysis. Detectives found numerous pictures, videos, and messages all predominately sexual in nature including photographs and videos of Cutshaw with his penis exposed or while masturbating that he had sent to the victim.
During a phone call between the victim and Cutshaw, he told her that he deleted their chat history and that he needed to know what she had told law enforcement so that they could “match their stories.”
While speaking to detectives, Cutshaw admitted to traveling to the victim’s residence and engaging in oral sex and penile-vaginal intercourse without a condom on approximately five occasions while her parents were away. He also admitted to exchanging nude photos and videos, providing the victim with gifts, and deleting their chat history because he knew law enforcement was coming to his house. Cutshaw also stated that despite the circumstances, he remains optimistic that he will eventually be able to marry the 15-year-old victim. Cutshaw is married and has two kids of his own.
“We are disgusted to hear that someone entrusted with educating and protecting children has been arrested for such unacceptable behavior,” said Fred Heid, superintendent of Polk County Public Schools. “We are terminating his employment, and he will have no further involvement with our students. The school district will continue to cooperate fully with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigation, and we appreciate deputies moving so quickly to address this situation.”
