Families in Lakeland are invited to a fun and interactive experience this month as Children’s Theater presents Snow White!
Hosted at the Lakeland Public Library, this special program gives kids the chance to become part of the story, turning a classic fairytale into a hands-on adventure.
The event will take place on Saturday, April 11th at 2 p.m. and is open to children ages 4 and up. Best of all, no registration is required—just show up and enjoy the magic of storytelling brought to life!
Lakeland Public Library is located at 100 Lake Morton Dr in Lakeland.
A suspect wanted in connection with a fatal shooting outside a Lakeland nightclub in February has now been taken into custody, marking a significant development in the case.
Childs is charged with second-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and tampering with or destroying physical evidence.
“This arrest represents a step toward justice for the family of Mr. Montgomery,” said Lakeland Police Chief Sam Taylor. “I’m proud of the dedication shown by our detectives, who have worked tirelessly to pursue every lead since the night of the homicide. We also extend our gratitude to our partners with the U.S. Marshals Service, Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Plant City Police Department for their assistance in bringing this suspect into custody.”
Jamar’s Child’s
The charges stem from a deadly shooting that occurred around 2:00 a.m. on February 22, 2026, outside the Jade Fox Lounge on Lakeland Highlands Road.
According to investigators, officers who were already on patrol nearby heard multiple gunshots and quickly responded to the scene. They discovered a silver Dodge pickup truck parked near the entrance with the driver’s door open. The victim, identified as 38-year-old Deandre Montgomery Sr., was found lying on the ground near the vehicle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Officers immediately began life-saving measures before Montgomery was transported to Lakeland Regional Health, where he later died despite medical efforts.
Based on witness statements and evidence collected, detectives allege that Childs approached Montgomery’s vehicle and initiated a verbal confrontation that escalated into a physical altercation. During that encounter, Childs allegedly produced a handgun and shot Montgomery multiple times before fleeing the scene in a white Lincoln SUV that was waiting nearby.
Investigators previously stated that the suspect and victim were known to one another.
An arrest warrant for Childs was issued on February 24, and authorities had been searching for him since that time. His arrest this week brings the case one step closer to prosecution.
The investigation remains active, and no additional details have been released at this time.
Diabetes and kidney disease are major risk factors for heart disease, yet many cases are undiagnosed. In fact, most people don’t realize their heart, kidney and metabolic health — how the body creates, uses and stores energy — are connected. Understanding these connections can help you take steps toward protecting your long-term health.
Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome is a health condition that includes heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and obesity. Many people don’t realize they’re at risk, though, because they aren’t aware of health risks beyond the heart. Almost 1 in 4 U.S. adults with diabetes are unaware they have it, according to a 2026 statistics update from the American Heart Association. In addition, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that as many as 9 in 10 adults with chronic kidney disease don’t know they’re living with the condition.
Learning about CKM syndrome can be a helpful step in understanding your overall health picture.
How are CKM conditions connected?
Heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes have shared risk factors — including high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar; excess weight; and reduced kidney function — and they’re closely linked. Having one condition often increases the likelihood of developing the others.
“We are encouraging people to become aware of the connection between conditions so they and their health care team can think about their overall health beyond individual conditions,” said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association, executive director of the Katz Institute for Women’s Health and senior vice president of women’s health at Northwell Health. “Understanding the connection helps you better prevent complications through lifestyle changes and appropriate treatment.”
The biggest health threats from CKM syndrome are disability and death from heart disease and stroke, which make up the “cardiovascular” part of CKM. The “metabolic” part includes diabetes and obesity. Kidney disease is closely linked with both metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.
How common is CKM syndrome?
CKM-related risks are common. Nearly 90% of U.S. adults have at least one risk factor for CKM syndrome. The 2026 statistics report showed about half of all U.S. adults have high blood pressure, about 1 in 3 has high total cholesterol, more than half have prediabetes or diabetes, about 1 in 7 has kidney disease and more than half have a high waist circumference.
These risks often develop slowly, with few or no symptoms at first, but you can stay informed.
Rosen emphasizes regular screening of your cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic health, which can catch problems early.
“Due to the current risk factor rates, everyone could benefit from being screened this way,” she said.
Regular check-ins with your health care team can offer a clearer picture of your CKM health. They can check your:
Blood glucose (blood sugar), measured in either the short term as tasting glucose or long term as A1C
Body weight and size, measured by body mass index and waist circumference
Kidney function, using both UACR and eGFR
These results can be used in the PREVENT online calculator to estimate your risk for cardiovascular disease over the next 10 or 30 years. CKM syndrome can often be prevented and improved with healthy daily habits like those in Life’s Essential 8 and science-based treatments.
The CKM Health Initiative was introduced by the American Heart Association to raise awareness of the connections between CKM syndrome conditions and improve diagnosis rates. It’s supported by founding sponsors Novo Nordisk and Boehringer Ingelheim, supporting sponsors Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Bayer, and champion sponsor DaVita.
Visit Heart.org/myCKMhealth to learn more about CKM health, including screening and treatment options.
On April 2, 2026, PCSO Cyber Crimes detectives arrested 50-year-old Christopher Burnside of Lakeland and charged him with 46 counts promoting sexual performance of a child after receipt of NCMEC (National Center for Missing and Endangered Children) tips and the subsequent investigation.
The tips indicated that several files containing child sexual abuse material were uploaded to KIK via a specific Samsung phone and shared with other users from an address on Champion Drive in Lakeland. The files contained videos of female children between the ages of four and twelve years old being sexually battered by adult males and females. Detectives confirmed that 46 files were shared via private chat on the KIK app with other users.
The email address associated with the KIK account at that residence is [email protected].
Detectives responded to the home and interviewed Burnside, who confirmed the email address was his and that he owns a Samsung phone. Detectives served a search warrant and seized all electronic devices from the home.
Upon his arrest, Burnside was charged with 46 felonies, but after a forensic analysis of all the devices seized, more charges are possible.
“This suspect uploaded and shared horrible videos of children being sexually abused. There is no place for someone like that except behind bars” —Grady Judd, Sheriff
Burnside was booked into the Polk County Jail and is behind held on no bond.
A crash involving a semi occurred Tuesday morning, April 7, 2026, along SR-400 in Polk County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Troopers say the incident happened around 10:10 a.m. when a semi-tractor with an empty trailer, driven by a 60-year-old man from Lakeland, was traveling westbound near Milepost 57.
For unknown reasons, the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to crash into a concrete median barrier. The semi then traveled over the wall before coming to a final rest.
Despite the severity of the crash, the driver was not injured. However, the vehicle’s fuel tanks were damaged.
No additional information has been released at this time.
GiveWell Community Foundation (GWCF) is proud to announce a new granting milestone: since its founding in 1997, GWCF has awarded $524 million in grants to nonprofit organizations in Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties and beyond. The announcement was made at the Community Foundation’s annual celebration of philanthropy event, attended by founders, fundholders, current and past board leadership, and community partners.
Pictured: Kimberly Elmhorst, GWCF Board Chair; Barney Barnett, Founder and Board Member at Large; and Callie Neslund, President & CEO
“For nearly 30 years, GiveWell Community Foundation has been impacting our community through thoughtful giving by fundholders and donors,” said Kimberly Elmhorst, GWCF’s Board Chair. “This milestone is not just a number – it’s a reflection of the generosity of those who have supported our mission, and a representation of lives changed and communities strengthened.”
The Community Foundation’s story began in 1997, when Jack Grady and 17 other dedicated community leaders recognized that a community foundation could help donors meet community needs through nonprofit organizations, while providing a means for sustainable support. Since that time, GWCF has awarded grants to thousands of nonprofits that address critical needs in areas such as community development, education, human services, health, environmental stewardship, animal services, and arts & culture. Nearly 24,000 grants have supported causes that make our communities stronger and more resilient.
“We are proud to celebrate this milestone that represents decades of community investment and lasting change – real needs being met and neighbors being supported,” said Callie Neslund, GWCF’s President and CEO. “As we look to the future, our commitment to addressing evolving community needs remains unwavering. We’re honored to help proven, effective nonprofit organizations grow their impact, foster innovative solutions, and leverage donor contributions to attract additional government funding for our area. Because of this community’s continued generosity, we have the privilege of working alongside dedicated partners to support organizations that are making a meaningful difference both today and for years to come.”
About GiveWell Community Foundation
GiveWell Community Foundation (GWCF) partners with individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits to build a stronger community throughout Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties and beyond through charitable funds and competitive grant cycles. Since its founding in 1997, GWCF has awarded nearly $525 million in grants to nonprofit organizations. Today, the Community Foundation is home to more than 400 charitable funds and the Impact Polk and Empower grant cycles. To learn more about GWCF, visit givecf.org or call 863-683-3131.
Polk County Clerk & Comptroller Launches Operation Green Light Week to Help Residents Get Back on the Road
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Summary: For one week only, the additional outside collection agency fee applied to outstanding court fines is waived. Customers must pay the full fine amount. Once paid, customers can move forward with the reinstatement of their driver’s license.
Event Details:
Monday, April 13, through Friday, April 17, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with extended hours until 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14
In person at all three Clerk offices in Bartow, Lakeland, and Lake Alfred, or by phone at 863-534-4000
Bartow, Fla. (April 6, 2026) – For one week this month, Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Stacy Butterfield is offering residents a fresh start to resolve overdue court fines and take steps toward reinstating their driver’s licenses through Operation Green Light.
During this limited-time event, customers who pay their court fines in full will have the additional outside collection agency fees waived—removing a common barrier that can keep licenses suspended longer than necessary.
Operation Green Light takes place Monday, April 13, through Friday, April 17, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with extended hours until 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14.
Residents can participate by calling 863-534-4000 or visiting any of the Clerk’s three locations:
“A suspended license can impact nearly every part of a person’s daily life,” said Clerk Stacy Butterfield. “Operation Green Light is about removing obstacles and giving our residents a clear path forward—helping them regain their driving privileges and move ahead with confidence.”
Additional Details:
Customers must pay fines in the county where the citation was issued
Accepted payment methods include cash, money order, credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or check (*3.5% processing fee applies to credit card transactions)
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Agriculture Crimes Unit is seeking information in regard to a shooting of several cattle that occurred on the night of March 18, 2026, in the area of Lake Buffum Road West, Fort Meade.
On March 19, deputies met with the property owner after he reported the incident.
Deputies located nine cows that had been shot.
Three were deceased upon discovery.
Five were critically injured and had to be euthanized; four of those were believed to be pregnant.
The ninth cow was located several days later.
Each cow had a live calf nearby at the time of the incident.
The owner estimated the value of each cow at approximately $4,000.
There were no eyewitnesses, and no surveillance cameras in the area. A hunting stand was observed on a neighboring property, which is leased.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Det. Jacob Durrance at (863) 534-7205 regarding case #26-11726.
If you wish to remain anonymous AND be eligible for a reward, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:
An FHP Trooper, responding to a call for service on April 4, 2026, was traveling westbound on SR-400 in Hillsborough County. Near the 16.5 Milepost, the Trooper observed two vehicles traveling at high speed and overtaking his marked patrol vehicle. The lead vehicle, a silver Toyota Camry, passed the Trooper at speeds near 100 MPH. The Camry overtook a motorcyclist in the outside lane and cut in front of the Trooper to pass. As the Trooper accelerated to perform a traffic stop on the Camry, the second vehicle, a Kia Seltos attempted the same maneuver as the first vehicle. Unsuccessful, the SUV collided with the motorcyclist while adjacent to the patrol car. The rider, a 52-year-old Plant City man, was thrown from the motorcycle, suffered serious injuries, and was transported to an area hospital. Following the collision, the driver of the SUV, Preston Taylor Nascimento, 22, of Apopka, Florida, stopped along the shoulder of the highway and was later arrested by the Trooper for Reckless Driving Involving Serious Bodily Injury.
Anyone with information regarding the silver Toyota Camry or its driver is asked to call *FHP (*347).
HAINES CITY – “A man of service.” That’s how Commissioner Omar Arroyo described City Manager Jim Elensky following his unexpected retirement announcement Thursday night, an appropriate moniker that reflects a career spanning decades in law enforcement and public leadership.
During the April 2 City Commission meeting, Elensky announced he will retire effective May 1, catching City leaders and residents off guard.
City Clerk Sharon Lauer read Elensky’s letter aloud to the Commission.
“It is with sincere gratitude and deep appreciation that I submit this letter announcing my retirement as City Manager for the City of Haines City with an effective date of May 1, 2026,” Elensky wrote. “Serving this City has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life, and I am especially thankful to Mayor West and the Commissioners whose leadership and confidence in me allowed me to begin my service to this City.”
The announcement was met with surprise from commissioners.
“Wow. All I can say is this really took me by surprise,” said Mayor Morris West. “This definitely comes as a surprise. I understand your position that you want to go ahead and enjoy retirement. I think you have done some amazing work during your time as City Manager.”
Elensky has served in the role since 2022, after first stepping in as interim City manager. West recalled recognizing his leadership early on.
“You’ve been an outstanding person and City Manager, and I believed in you from day one when I said, ‘There’s the City Manager standing back there, we don’t need to look any further,’” West said. “I hate to see you go, but I understand that retirement has to happen. I just hate it happened so soon.”
Elensky’s career began with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office before he transferred to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, where he rose through the ranks to captain in the Criminal Investigations Division. He retired from the PCSO at 46, then joined Haines City as Deputy Police Chief, later serving as Police Chief and Public Services Director. He was eventually appointed City Manager after serving in the interim role.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a master’s degree in management from Warner University. He is also a graduate of the Florida State University Certified Public Manager program.
In his letter, Elensky highlighted several accomplishments during his tenure, including the construction of Fire Station 3 and the Emergency Operations Center, business and restaurant recruitment, continued crime reduction, responsible budget growth, and managing the City’s expansion to a population of approximately 50,000 residents.
Commissioners praised his leadership and impact.
“We have done great things thanks to you and your leadership,” Arroyo said. “Over your four amazing years of service, we have a different Haines City. You go out there and you will see a different City than four years ago. It’s sad to see you go, but what better time than when the City is where it is today?”
Commissioner Ann Huffman also expressed appreciation.
“You’ve done so much for this City. It’s going to be some large shoes to fill,” she said. “I just want to know who is ready to fill those shoes.”
Potential internal candidates to succeed Elensky include Assistant City Manager James Keene, who oversees Public Infrastructure, Development Services, and Parks & Recreation; Assistant City Manager Loyd Stewart, who oversees Police, Fire, Human Resources, Technology Management, and Communications & Marketing; and Public Safety Director Joe Halman, who recently stepped down as Assistant Polk County Manager.
Elensky indicated his final day will be May 1, allowing about a month for transition. “We should honor 30 days and let you ride off into the sunset,” West said. Even residents in attendance urged him to reconsider. “I think you should stay on,” said Haines City resident Sharon Garrett. “I think you should retract your submission and stay on for a little while longer.”
Looking ahead, Elensky plans to return to aviation, a lifelong passion. He earned his pilot’s license at age 16 and previously flew a twin-engine aircraft for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
“Although I am retiring from the City, I am going back to aviation as I currently do on a part-time basis,” he said. “However, it is difficult to stay current when working a minimum of 70 hours a week at the City.”
His departure follows the recent resignation of longtime City Attorney Fred Reilly due to health reasons.
Letter in its entirety
It is with sincere gratitude and deep appreciation that I submit this letter announcing my retirement as City Manager for the City of Haines City with an effective date of May 1, 2026.
Serving this City has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life. I am thankful for the opportunity you entrusted to me, and I am especially grateful to Mayor West, and the commissioners whose leadership and confidence in me allowed me to begin my service to this City. I was initially hired as Deputy Police Chief, later promoted to Police Chief, then Public Safety Director, and ultimately given the privilege of serving as City Manager. I will always be grateful for the trust placed in me throughout these years.
For the past four and a half years, you graciously allowed me to serve as a change agent for this City, as your City manager. Together, we have made significant strides and positioned Haines City for continued success.
During this time, we have seen positive growth in population, economic development, and overall quality of life for our residents. We have improved competitive pay and benefits for employees, strengthened diversity throughout the organization, and enhanced our ability to serve the community with excellence.
Among the many accomplishments during my tenure, I am especially proud of the construction of our state-of-the-art Fire Station 3 and Emergency Operations Center, the recruitment of new businesses and restaurants, continued reduction in crime, responsible budget growth, and the steady expansion of our City, which now serves a population of approximately 50,000 residents.
These milestones reflect the hard work of our staff, the support of the Commission, and the commitment of this community.
After years of public service, beginning at the age of 20, I believe the time has come for me to enter retirement. This decision is not based on a single event, but on a season of life that I had already begun preparing for. Over time, I have taken steps to build a strong team, giving thoughtful consideration to preparing the next generation of leadership, including Loyd Stewart, James Keene, and most recently, Joe Halman, with a long-term view toward developing future leadership for the City.
I want to personally thank the Mayor, Vice Mayor, each Commissioner, and the employees of this City for allowing me to serve. I am especially grateful for those who have supported me throughout my tenure, and I appreciate the opportunity to meet with several of you who have been strong supporters during this transition.
Haines City is in a strong position, and the future of this City is bright. It has truly been an honor to work with you, to work for you, and to serve the citizens of Haines City.
