Join UF/IFAS Extension Polk County and the Florida-Friendly Landscaping program at the Winter Haven Library for tips to save water and reduce stormwater runoff by incorporating a rain barrel in your Florida-Friendly landscape. Learn how to create, install, and maintain a rain barrel.
Saturday, August 15 at 9:30 a.m.
The ticket option with a registration fee includes one pre-assembled rain barrel. There is a free ticket option for those not wanting a rain barrel.
*Pre-registration preferred. Supplies limited for day of class registration.
Presented by UF/IFAS Extension Polk County.
If any accommodations are needed, please contact Julie Schelb at 863-519-1041 or [email protected].
Cancellation Policy: Programs, workshops, and events are subject to cancellation if a minimum number of attendees are not registered. Cancellations will be posted on Eventbrite and an email will be sent to registrants.
HAINES CITY, Fla. — A Haines City police officer has been arrested after an internal investigation found he allegedly used the department’s access to the FLOCK license plate camera system hundreds of times to track a vehicle associated with his estranged wife.
Officer Christopher Goodson has been charged with one count of offenses against users of computers, computer systems, computer networks and electronic devices, and one count of official misconduct. Both charges are third-degree felonies, according to the arrest affidavit.
Goodson has served with the Haines City Police Department since March 2022. The department said he has indicated his intention to resign following the investigation.
According to the affidavit, the investigation began after Goodson went to the home of a supervisor and disclosed that he had made several inquiries in the FLOCK camera system involving his estranged wife’s vehicle.
The supervisor was identified in the affidavit as Haines City Police Lt. Carter.
According to investigators, Goodson made the disclosure after receiving a text message indicating that The Washington Post had contacted his estranged wife and told her the newspaper was working on a story concerning his alleged use of FLOCK to follow her location.
Goodson allegedly told the lieutenant that he had searched the vehicle several times using FLOCK in order to keep track of his children’s location when they were with his estranged wife.
Haines City Police opened a criminal investigation and placed Goodson on administrative leave with pay.
Investigators then reviewed Goodson’s activity within the FLOCK system.
According to the affidavit, a search covering September 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026, found Goodson had entered the license plate number of a vehicle associated with his estranged wife into the FLOCK database 717 times.
The affidavit details a significant increase in searches during portions of 2025. Investigators reported 86 entries in August 2025, 280 in September, 72 in October, 104 in November and 68 in December.
Investigators said the searches were conducted using Goodson’s employee credentials and were made through a department-issued laptop and cellphone.
According to the affidavit, Goodson allegedly selected a variety of law enforcement justifications when accessing the system, including criminal motor vehicle offenses, drugs and narcotics, assault and battery, fleeing and eluding, traffic infractions, larceny and theft, wanted persons and felony investigations.
However, investigators wrote that Goodson’s estranged wife was not involved in any criminal investigation during the period examined, nor was the vehicle associated with a crime that would have required Goodson to search for its location.
The case was presented to the Polk County State Attorney’s Office on August 11. According to the affidavit, investigators determined there was probable cause to charge Goodson with the two offenses.
Haines City Police Chief Isaac Jackson called the situation “an unfortunate incident” and said the department does not tolerate unauthorized or personal use of investigative databases or law enforcement information systems.
“These resources are provided for legitimate official purposes only and must be used responsibly and in accordance with department policies and applicable laws,” Jackson said.
Jackson said the department remains committed to transparency and accountability despite the case involving one of its own officers.
The chief also said he has ordered additional quarterly measures to ensure department personnel are accessing investigative databases only for legitimate law enforcement purposes.
The charges against Goodson are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
A 64-year-old Haines City man was killed Tuesday morning after being struck by a dump truck while crossing the roadway in a crosswalk.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash happened August 11, 2026 around 9:35 a.m. on South 30th Street at Robinson Drive.
The dump truck, driven by a 36-year-old Winter Haven man, was traveling northbound on South 30th Street when the driver turned right at the intersection and struck the pedestrian, who was walking southbound across the roadway in the crosswalk.
The pedestrian suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The new conceptual designs for the Kiwanis Park Loop Trail are eye-catching, with several improvements planned to make the park more accessible, connected and enjoyable for the community.
Plans include: A new ADA-accessible 2,400-foot multi-use paved trail A new playground Enhanced pavilions New restrooms Improved access to the soccer field and skate park
These improvements will create stronger connections throughout Kiwanis Park while making it easier for residents and visitors to connect to two other multiuse trails: Lake Wailes Park Trail and Rails-to-Trails.
Public Engagement
Input from the community was captured and integrated into the Parks & Recreation Master Plan. City staff conducted interviews with citizens, held focus groups and collected feedback through the statistically valid 2022 Community Survey and project website.
The master plan addresses the major parks and recreation needs in the next 20 years.
Multi-sport stadium (football, soccer, lacrosse, and track and field)
Multi-purpose recreation facility
Consolidated improvements for the Consortium of Lake Wales Waterfront Parks
Integrated network of trails
Funding
The plan features an itemized implementation list that includes costs and priority rankings for each improvement in the plan based on public sentiment. Funding for the projects will require multiple sources and partnerships with community organizations, local, regional and state agencies.
Excitement and anticipation are in the air as the football season approaches. Once again, Viking Country will show up to support their beloved Vikings on Friday nights at Viking Stadium. The Vikings are coming off an impressive 8-3 record during the 2025 season, finishing second in their district with a plus-130-point differential.
The Viking are led by head coach Daniel Williams who is heading into his 10th season as head coach for the Vikings. During his time as Head Coach Daniel Williams has a 48-18 record all time, which is an impressive .727 winning percentage.
With another season on the horizon, the Viking faithful are looking forward to more great football as Lakeland Christian enters the 2026 season with plenty of returning talent. Some of these top players include senior Quarterback Brody Brenneman, who during his 2025 season had a 67.1% completion rate, 25 passing touchdowns, and 8 rushing touchdowns as well as 2,607 yards of total offense. Senior Running back AJ Truedell who during his 2025 season, had 1,184 rushing yards and had 11 rushing touchdowns. Lastly there is Junior Linebacker Joseph Bustos who had 7.8 tackles a game, 12.5 sacks, 8 Quarterback hurries, and 1 interception.
With this returning production and talent to the team Lakeland Christian aims to continue to have success that they have had in previous years and maybe even go further than they have before claim that illustrious state title that has eluded them for so many years.
Although Lakeland Christian has some much-needed talent returning they will have to deal with the talented players they have lost. Some talent that Lakeland Christian has lost includes players such as wide receiver/ defensive back Devonte Howard, Mr. Howard will be a huge loss for the Vikings on offense as he averaged 97 receiving yards per game, had 13 receiving touchdowns, and had 3 interceptions on defense. Another player the Vikings will miss heading into the season is defensive end/ tight end Davin Sirmons Jr. Who had a productive 2025 season with 6.9 tackles per game, 4 sacks, and 6 quarterback hurries, he will truly be a big loss on defense for the Vikings. Lastly, a star player that will be missed for the Vikings is linebacker/ fullback Caleb McDonald who during the 2025 season had 6.9 tackles per game, recorded a fumble recovery, and was a regular contributor on defense. Despite these losses on the roster for the Vikings, they look to build off what they did last year.
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The Vikings will begin their season on August 21 against the Santa Fe Catholic Crimson Hawks. In order to get off to a strong start and open the season 1-0, Lakeland Christian will need to execute in several key areas. Here are the Vikings’ keys to victory. First The Vikings must establish the run early, this means that they need to make their opponent Sante Fe respect the ground game. If the Vikings can consistently create 4–5-yard gains, that should open up their ability to have play action passing and give them an easier chance offensively. Another Key to Victory for Lakeland Christian would be winning the line of scrimmage, this means by them controlling both sides of the line it will limit the game from getting out of hand and give them a fighting chance to win the game. Lastly, The Vikings will have to limit explosive plays; this means Sante Fe cannot be allowed to gain momentum especially when it comes to letting up big plays. If the Vikings are able to limit this from happening and keep everything happening in front of their secondary, Sante Fe will have to fight for every yard they get. Although nothing is guaranteed heading into the 2026-27 season, one thing is certain: it is once again time for football in Viking Country.
Under the Friday night lights, the Viking faithful will once again pack the stands, bring their energy, and support their team as Lakeland Christian begins its pursuit of another successful season and, ultimately, the state championship that has eluded the program for so long. Before the Start of the 2026 season for the Vikings, I had a chance to talk to some of its star players including quarterback and recent University of South Florida Commit Brody Brenneman and offensive lineman and University of Central Florida Commit Ty MontsDeOca and asked them some questions regarding the upcoming season. When talking to Mr. Brenneman I asked him about his time at Lakeland Christian and how it has helped prepare him for the next level and this was his response “I say it’s been very good, a lot of schools differentiate from LCS in the way of schedule wise our practices are very scheduled you go lift and then you go into a scheduled practice, everything is timed out everything is organized so that is one thing that has helped me going into it that I also see at the next level.” Later on in our conversation I asked him about how he feels about the team as a whole heading into the season, and this is what he had to say. “As a whole I feel great we got a bunch of star guys, a bunch of guys that are just playmakers, but the most important thing is the people behind them.” When it came to Mr. MontsDeOca, I asked him what he Believes the teams greatest strength is heading into the season and this is what he had to say. I think we have a lot of guys that are really versatile, I think our offense is going to be good other than that we have guys that are willing to give it there all.” As the season begins, only time will tell what this team is capable of and what they will be able to accomplish.
On Saturday, August 8, 2026, PCSO deputies were in the area of Thompson Nursery Road and Eloise Loop Road when Ernest Lee Lamb, 35 of Wahneta, saw them and ran.
Lamb ran because he was wanted. And it wasn’t the first time he fled from the deputies– he had done it the night before also.
Multiple deputies responded to the area to locate Lamb who had run into the woods. Officer Nason from Auburndale PD also showed up with her K9 Arlo, and thanks to their efforts, Lamb was located and taken into custody.
Ernest Lamb was taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center on his warrant for Battery with Prior Conviction (F3, 2-counts), Felony Petit Theft (F3), and Simple Assault (M2). He was additionally charged with Resisting without Violence (M1).
Phillip Mabry Lambert, 78, of Winter Haven, FL passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at Spring Lake Nursing and Rehabilitation Center after a lengthy illness.
Born August 1, 1948, to Corris and Vera Lambert (nee Hillard) he was a resident of Winter Haven for most all of his life. He was retired from Mosaic where he worked as a maintenance mechanic and was a member of the Southside Baptist Church in Winter Haven where he spent a lot off time volunteering. In his spare time, he loved to camp, hunt and fish and served as an assistant Boy Scout Leader when his son Keith was in the Boy Scouts. He also volunteered JROTC with his son Lee at Lake Region High School
Phillip was a veteran of the Vietnam War in the United States Army and went on later to serve in the United States Navy both of which he served his nation proudly.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Tammy; two sons, Lee Lambert of Alabama and Keith Lambert of Winter Haven; two sisters, Lavon (Joe) Baldwin of Macon, GA and Bernice Daniels of Sun City Center, FL; three sisters-in-law, Shuby Peebles, Mary (Bob) Jones and Joyce Royce; four grandchildren, Savanna, Gabby, Addy, and Willow; and many nieces and nephews.
The family received friends from 10:00am until 11:00am, Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven. Funeral Services followed immediately at 11:00am in the Funeral Home Chapel followed by interment at Lakeside Memorial Park in Winter Haven.
WINTER HAVEN, Florida – Winter Haven City Commissioner Chad Davis is publicly backing Jerry Carter over incumbent State Representative Jon Albert in the Republican primary for Florida House District 48, while delivering a sharp criticism of Albert’s first term in Tallahassee.
“Tallahassee has a representative. Winter Haven doesn’t,” Davis wrote in his endorsement of Carter.
Davis, who was elected to the Winter Haven City Commission in 2025, accused Albert of moving away from the local-government principles he campaigned on.
“For two years, Winter Haven has had no voice in the Florida House of Representatives,” Davis wrote. “Representative Jon Albert campaigned as someone who understood local government, yet once in Tallahassee, he sided with efforts that weakened home rule and chipped away at local control.”
Davis called it “a remarkable betrayal coming from a former mayor who should understand that decisions affecting Winter Haven are best made in Winter Haven – not by bureaucrats and special interests hundreds of miles away.”
Albert, a Republican from Frostproof, was elected to the Florida House in 2024. Before going to Tallahassee, Albert served in local government in Frostproof, including serving as mayor. He is also a Marine Corps veteran and business owner.
Rep Jon Albert
House District 48 is entirely within Polk County and represents a portion of the county that includes Winter Haven and extends into eastern and southeastern Polk County. The district brings together communities with different needs, ranging from the larger Winter Haven area to smaller municipalities and rural portions of Polk County.
One vote from Albert’s first term provides additional context to Davis’ criticism regarding home rule and local control.
Albert voted in favor of Senate Bill 180 during the 2025 legislative session, a wide-ranging emergency preparedness and hurricane recovery bill that included restrictions on certain actions by local governments following hurricanes.
Among the provisions were restrictions preventing affected cities and counties from adopting certain construction or redevelopment moratoriums and from making some comprehensive plans, land-development regulations and development procedures more restrictive or burdensome following hurricanes.
The provisions were intended in part to prevent local governments from placing additional obstacles in the way of property owners attempting to rebuild following a hurricane. However, the legislation became controversial among local governments because of concerns that the restrictions went beyond hurricane recovery and interfered with local authority over growth and development.
Albert’s vote on the legislation is clear in the official record.
On April 29, 2025, Albert voted yes on SB 180 when the Florida House approved the legislation 115-1. The House later voted 106-0 on May 2 to concur with the Senate’s amended version. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law on June 26, 2025.
The vote does not necessarily mean Albert opposes home rule generally. SB 180 contained numerous provisions dealing with emergency preparedness and hurricane recovery beyond the controversial land-use restrictions, and the legislation received overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers.
Still, Albert’s vote provides relevant context to Davis’ specific criticism that the representative has supported legislation that weakened local control.
Davis also took aim at what he says Winter Haven has received during Albert’s time representing the district.
“The results have been hard to miss,” Davis wrote. “Winter Haven taxpayers have little to show for Albert’s time in office. In his two years, he failed to secure a single penny in the state budget for our city. He may represent District 48 on paper, but his actions suggest he is more interested in representing Tallahassee.”
Daily Ridge has not independently verified Davis’ claim that Albert failed to secure any state budget funding specifically for Winter Haven. State funding can reach a community through countywide, regional or state agency projects even when a municipality is not specifically listed as the recipient.
Davis is throwing his support behind Carter, who is making his second run for House District 48.
Carter is a longtime Polk County resident whose campaign emphasizes his multigenerational roots in the county, conservative positions and private-sector background. Carter previously sought the House District 48 seat in 2024, finishing second in a crowded six-candidate Republican primary won by Albert.
Jerry Carter
Unlike Albert, Carter has not served in the Florida Legislature and therefore does not have a state legislative voting record for voters to examine. His campaign has instead focused on his Polk County roots and an argument that District 48 needs representation focused more heavily on local priorities.
There is also some political history behind Davis’ endorsement.
Before being elected to the Winter Haven City Commission, Davis was himself a candidate for House District 48 in 2024 and competed in the same Republican primary against both Albert and Carter.
Davis is now choosing one of his former political rivals over the other.
The 2026 Republican primary is essentially a rematch between the top two finishers from the 2024 contest, but this time Albert enters the race as the incumbent. Florida Division of Elections records confirm Albert has qualified to seek reelection.
Davis made clear which of his former opponents he believes should represent the district.
“We deserve a representative who will fight for us, defend local control, and put our communities first,” Davis wrote. “Jerry Carter is that candidate.”
Albert and Carter will face each other in the August 18 Republican primary for Florida House District 48.
There will not be a Democratic primary for the seat. Democrat Alethea Pugh has qualified for the District 48 race and advanced without a primary after the other Democratic candidates who had entered the race withdrew or were disqualified. State election records currently list Pugh as a qualified Democratic candidate for the 2026 general election.
The winner of the Albert-Carter Republican primary will face Pugh in the November general election.
Daily Ridge reached out to Albert and provided him with Davis’ statement, giving him an opportunity to respond to the criticism regarding Winter Haven, local control and his legislative record.
Albert responded Tuesday morning but said he would not be addressing the issues at this time.
“I do have responses to some of what you are asking, but I have been advised to keep working and sit this one out,” Albert told Daily Ridge.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 43 people for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol and/or drugs last month.
Of these arrests, six of them were involved in traffic crashes.
Two were found to be in the United States illegally and had an ICE hold placed on them.
Four are known to be repeat offenders.
And one, Ricky Willis, was involved in a 3-vehicle crash that claimed the life of a 17-year old who was on a dirtbike. Willis was also driving while there were two juveniles in his vehicle.
These 43 arrests were PCSO arrests only, and do not include arrests in Polk County made by any of the city police departments or the Florida Highway Patrol.
If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, please call 9-1-1 immediately.
A fatal two-vehicle crash occurred Sunday morning, August 9, 2026, and left one driver injured, and the other driver deceased.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the crash. Deputies were dispatched to the scene at around 6:07 am on Sunday.
The crash occurred on Cypress Parkway, about 1.2 miles west of San Clemente Avenue.
Upon arrival of first responders, a 26-year-old Haines City man was found deceased in his 2025 Hyundai Elantra.
The driver of a 2012 Toyota 4Runner, a 28-year-old female from Kissimmee, suffered non life-threatening facial injuries and was taken to a local hospital.
The PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit determined that the 4Runner was traveling west on Cypress Parkway while the Elantra was traveling east prior to the crash.
For an unknown reason, the 4Runner crossed the center line and collided with the Elantra.
Cypress Parkway was closed for approximately 2.5 hours.
The determination of any criminal or civil charges will be made at the conclusion of this investigation which is ongoing.
