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In Loving Memory of Hunter Lee Wright

Allison
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In Loving Memory of Hunter Lee Wright

Hunter Lee Wright

December 9, 2007  –  March 24, 2026

In Loving Memory of Hunter Lee Wright (“Nunner”)

December 9, 2007 – March 24, 2026

With broken hearts and deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Hunter Lee Wright, lovingly known as “Nunner,” who left this world far too soon on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at just 18 years old.

Born on December 9, 2007, in Lakeland, Florida, Hunter was a bright light in the lives of all who knew him. He was only one month away from graduating, standing on the threshold of a promising future filled with dreams, purpose, and endless possibilities. Though his time here was brief, his impact was immeasurable.

Hunter was known for his vibrant spirit, kind heart, and unwavering faith. He had a deep love for Jesus and a passion for sharing that love with others. Whether through conversations, friendships, or the Bible studies he led with his friends, Hunter’s faith was a guiding force in his life and an inspiration to those around him.

He attended Lake Wales High School, where he proudly played lacrosse. A hardworking and determined young man, Hunter took great pride in earning and saving enough money from his job at Freddy’s restaurant to purchase his very first vehicle—a milestone he cherished deeply.

Hunter found joy in the simple and meaningful moments of life. He loved fishing whenever he had the chance, finding peace and happiness in nature. He was also eagerly anticipating becoming an uncle to baby Ezmae Ann, who will soon enter this world—a role he was so excited to embrace.

At home, Hunter shared a special bond with his beloved family dog, Riley (“Ry Ry”), who followed him everywhere and rarely left his side, even sleeping in his bed. Their companionship was a reflection of Hunter’s gentle and loving nature.

Hunter is deeply loved and will be forever missed by his father, Benjamin Wright; his mother, Rhonda Gibson; and his stepfather, Brandon Gibson. He leaves behind his cherished siblings: Baia Wright (16), Gracelyn Gibson (15), Benjamin Wright (14), Aria Wright (11), and Brantley Gibson (6), all of whom adored him.

He is also survived by his grandparents, Felicia and Kenny Gregory, and Rhonda and Bobby Wright, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives were touched by his kindness, laughter, and faith.

Though we grieve deeply, we hold onto the promise found in Scripture:

“The pain you feel now cannot compare to the joy that has yet to come.”

— Romans 8:18

Hunter’s life, though short, was filled with purpose, love, and light. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, and his legacy of faith will continue to shine.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our Nunner.

Service information will be posted once finalized. 

Authorities Investigating Violent Overnight Death of Bartow Man

Allison
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Authorities Investigating Violent Overnight Death of Bartow Man

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Bartow Police Department are investigating a violent death that occurred late last night (March 26, 2026) in Bartow.

The victim has been identified as 56-year-old Jeffrey Lee Blevins.

According to investigators, the incident happened shortly after 11:00 p.m. on North Wilson Avenue. Blevins was reportedly outside his apartment, where he lived with his sister, speaking on the phone with his mother at the time.

While on the call, his mother suddenly heard him fall to the ground. After calling out to him and receiving no response, she ended the call and contacted her daughter, asking her to check on him out of concern that he had fallen.

When Blevins’ sister went outside, she discovered him lying in a pool of blood and immediately called the Bartow Police Department. Officers arrived within two minutes, along with emergency medical services. Life-saving measures were performed at the scene before Blevins was transported to Bartow Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 11:55 p.m.

Bartow Police Chief Stephen Walker stated that officers found Blevins unresponsive and that the death appeared to be violent in nature.

Sheriff Grady Judd and Chief Walker are continuing to provide details as the investigation progresses. Authorities say more information will be released as it becomes available.

We reached out to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer, who advised that additional information will likely not be provided today.

ADVERTISEMENT OF SALE

Staff Reporter
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ADVERTISEMENT OF SALE
#image_title

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 April 8,2026 at 10:00 am at storageauctions.com

Units belonging to the following:

Andrew Chambers Unit 1105

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.

Polk County Parks and Rec Hiring Bus Drivers for Summer Camp

Allison
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Polk County Parks and Rec Hiring Bus Drivers for Summer Camp

Polk County Parks and Recreation are hiring bus drivers for summer camp.
Be part of a team that supports fun, safe summer experiences for local kids.

📅 June 8 – July 31
⏰ Full-time | 40 hours per week

What We’re Looking For:

  • Valid CDL with Passenger Endorsement
  • Willingness to assist staff in supervising children on outings
  • Ability to communicate clearly with camp staff and supervisors
  • Professional and friendly interaction with campers
  • Reliable and punctual attendance

This is a seasonal, full-time position supporting our Summer Camp programs.

Apply at https://fa-eqpz-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/jobs/preview/2467

*info provided by Polk County Parks and Rec

Sheriff Judd: Illegal Immigrant Arrested After Assaulting Teen and Fleeing Deputies

Carl Fish
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Sheriff Judd: Illegal Immigrant Arrested After Assaulting Teen and Fleeing Deputies

PCSO Press Release

Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 23 year-old Vidal Jimenez after he assaulted an 18 year-old victim during an incident in Mulberry on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Jimenez is in the United States illegally from Mexico.

Deputies responded to Bailey Place in Mulberry regarding a possible armed disturbance. The victim told deputies the following: that he had been at a local park when two suspects approached him and asked if he was selling marijuana, and that when he told them he was not, the suspects became angry, and Jimenez began striking him. The victim said he attempted to flee, but Jimenez continued chasing him.

The victim contacted his brother and asked him to call law enforcement. The brother arrived at the park but initially could not locate him because the victim was hiding from the suspects. When the suspects found him again, Jimenez was armed with a knife and the second suspect was armed with a bottle. Both began chasing the victim, who ran toward his brother as the suspects pursued them.

A short time later, deputies observed a man matching the suspect’s description walking out of the Willow Oak Mobile Home Park. When deputies attempted to detain him, he pulled away and fled on foot. After ignoring multiple commands to stop, a deputy deployed his Taser, allowing deputies to take him into custody. Deputies are continuing to investigate the identity and whereabouts of the second suspect.

Jimenez is charged with two counts of aggravated assault without intent to kill (F2), simple battery (F3), and resisting without violence (F3). Due to his illegal status in the United States, each charge is enhanced by one degree.

“This suspect assaulted a young man, armed himself, and then tried to outrun deputies. He’s also in this country illegally. That didn’t work out for him, and it won’t work out for anyone else who tries it.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Deputies: Bartow Woman Sold Other People’s Property… Then Claimed Country Music Conspiracy

Carl Fish
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Deputies: Bartow Woman Sold Other People’s Property… Then Claimed Country Music Conspiracy

A Bartow woman is facing felony charges after investigators say she carried out a multi-state real estate fraud scheme that allegedly involved selling homes and land she did not own.

According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Cheryl Annette Jefferson, 63, was arrested following an investigation into fraudulent real estate transactions involving properties in several states.

Cheryl Annette Jefferson, 63

Investigators say Jefferson allegedly used forged documents and false identification to list and sell properties belonging to other people without their knowledge. Authorities say the scheme involved properties in Florida, Georgia, and Colorado and resulted in more than $421,000 in deposits tied to the fraudulent sales.

In several cases, detectives say the legitimate property owners were unaware their land had been sold until after the transactions had already taken place.

One property owner reportedly discovered her Palm Coast lot had been sold when she attempted to pay property taxes and learned she was no longer listed as the owner of the property.

During the investigation, detectives said Jefferson offered an unusual explanation for some of the financial activity tied to the case.

According to investigators, Jefferson told detectives she opened a bank account for someone she believed to be Brian Kelley, a member of the country music duo Florida Georgia Line. She reportedly told investigators the funds were connected to plans to build a recording studio in Nashville.

Authorities say there is no evidence linking any country music artists to the alleged fraud scheme.

Jefferson was arrested on a Flagler County warrant and charged with organized scheme to defraud more than $50,000. She was later released on bond.

Public social media profiles that appear to belong to Jefferson indicate she previously worked for Polk County Fire Rescue for decades as an office manager before retiring in 2022. The same profiles also indicate she later worked in customer service at Publix.

Investigators say the case highlights a growing type of real estate fraud where scammers target vacant land or property owned by people who live out of state, then use forged documents to complete property sales without the owner’s knowledge.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Two Teens Arrested After $750 Bike Stolen from Porch

Allison
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Two Teens Arrested After $750 Bike Stolen from Porch

On March 21, 2026, shortly after midnight, an electric bicycle was stolen from the porch of a residence in the Combee area of Lakeland.

The bike was stolen by two suspects, and one of the suspects wore a mask.

The bike was valued at around $750.

One of the suspects was recognized by some locals as a young man who had spoken to them on March 20th about playing basketball and mentioned that he was a US Marine. He also had a pair of handcuffs in his pocket.

Based on that description, one of the deputies believed he had trespassed the same person from a Harvey’s store the night prior. The deputy reviewed his information and came up with the suspect’s name: Michael Rogers, an 18-year old who resides two streets over from the crime scene.

As the investigation progressed, the second suspect was identified as 18-year old Jonathan White, a roommate of Michael Rogers.

Both suspects were located and provided full confessions, and the bicycle was returned to the victim.

Michael Rogers and Jonathan White were both arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center.

Because Rogers wore a mask during the crime, his charges were enhanced one degree. He was charged with: Burglary of an Occupied Dwelling (F2 to an F1) and Grand Theft from a Dwelling (F3 to an F2).

White was already on probation. He was charged with Burglary of an Occupied Dwelling (F2), Grand Theft from a Dwelling (F3), and Violation of Probation (F2).

Nature Lecture Series Coming to Polk’s Nature Discovery Center

Allison
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Nature Lecture Series Coming to Polk’s Nature Discovery Center

Join us at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 26 at Polk’s Nature Discovery Center at Circle B Bar Reserve, 4399 Winter Lake Road in Lakeland, for the next installment of our Nature Lecture Series.

“Stormwater: Your Neighborhood’s Living Landscape” will be presented by Craig Johnson and Ryan Ellis from our very own Polk County Parks and Natural Resources Water Resources team. Come learn more about what stormwater is and how stormwater systems work, as well as what you can do to help stormwater efforts as a Polk County resident.

Registration is not required but is requested for planning purposes. RSVP at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nature-lecture-series-stormwater-your-neighborhoods-living-landscape-tickets-1983166260671?aff=oddtdtcreator

Polk’s Nature Discovery Center hosts a different lecture each month highlighting an aspect of the natural world. For more information, call Polk’s Nature Discovery Center at 863-668-4673 or email [email protected].

*info & flyer provided by Polk County Parks & Rec

Public Notice of Fictitious Name

Staff Reporter
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Public Notice of Fictitious Name

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned pursuant to the fictitious name statutes 865.09 Florida statues will register with the division of corporations of the state of Florida upon receipt of proof of publication of this notice the fictitious name to Alibi Services LLC dba Alibi Notary & Alibi Bookkeeping under which we are or intend to do business as in Polk County Florida that parties interested in said business enterprises are as follows Names or officers Taylor Buchanan.

Public Notice of Fictitious Name

Staff Reporter
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0
Public Notice of Fictitious Name

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned pursuant to the fictitious name statutes 865.09 Florida statues will register with the division of corporations of the state of Florida upon receipt of proof of publication of this notice the fictitious name to Alibi Assets LLC dba Alibi Home Refresh, Alibi Getaways & Alibi Rides under which we are or intend to do business as in Polk County Florida that parties interested in said business enterprises are as follows Names or officers Taylor Buchanan.

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