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Live Music This Weekend in Winter Haven

Jody
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Live Music This Weekend in Winter Haven

Live Music This Weekend in Winter Haven

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, T Mike 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.

High School Teacher and Tennis Coach Arrested for Sexual Relationship with Student

Staff Reporter
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High School Teacher and Tennis Coach Arrested for Sexual Relationship with Student

The following is a press release by PCSO:

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.”

Eagle Lake 12U All-Stars Headed to Babe Ruth World Series

Staff Reporter
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Eagle Lake 12U All-Stars Headed to Babe Ruth World Series

Eagle Lake 12U All-Stars Headed to Babe Ruth World Series

The team needs the community’s help

By Anita Todd

EAGLE LAKE – For the first time in Polk County history, a youth baseball team has earned an invitation to the Babe Ruth World Series.

On Aug. 5, the Eagle Lake 12U All-Star Team will head to the Cal Ripkin Baseball, Babe Ruth World Series in Branson, Missouri, after winning the first regional championship in league history.

The ten players and three coaches are excited about the upcoming tournament but need the community’s help with travel expenses.

“It has been somewhat of a wake-up call to get thrown into planning the trip to Branson right after winning,” said Jake Wren, head coach of the team. “This is a once in a lifetime trip.”

The team’s coaches and families have organized several fundraising efforts to help cover the cost of the trip to Missouri, which they estimate will total more than $30,000. Airfare, transportation during the tournament, lodging, food, uniforms, photos, and other expenses must be covered for the entire team. All money raised will go directly toward the trip.

Hat Drop: A hat drop will be held at the Winter Haven Lowe’s Sunday, July 26 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Yard Sale: A community celebration will be held on Saturday, Aug. 1 at the Eagle Lake Ball Park. The event will start with a yard sale from 8 a.m. until noon. Donations in good condition may be dropped off July 31 from 6 – 8 p.m. and Aug. 1 at 7 a.m.

Pre-ordered BBQ dinners: The BBQ dinners (pork donated by the Smokin’ Ox) are only available for pre-purchase and may be picked up Aug. 1 at the Eagle Lake Ball Park after 3 p.m. To purchase dinners, call Heather at 863.241.7449 or Valerie at 863.307.8105. The BBQ dinners are $15 and include pork, two sides, and garlic bread.

Also beginning at 3 p.m., there will be lots of fun including a wiffleball, water slide, and snack sale.

Raffle and 50/50 tickets: Tickets for two raffles will be sold in advance by calling Heather at 863.241.7449 and all day at the celebration on Aug. 1. One raffle is for two concert tickets to Usher and Chris Brown in Miami Dec. 3 or 5. The raffle basket has a value of several hundred dollars and includes BEATS headphones, baseball items, gift cards and more. There will also be a 50/50 drawing.

Raffle tickets are $25 or 10 for $200. Raffle winners will be announced at 6 p.m.

Donations: Please mail checks to made out to Eagle Lake Sports Association, P.O. Box 1126, Eagle Lake, Florida 33839. The QR code is included with this article and will send to Wade Heathman. For help with the QR code, call 863.860.3718.

Members of the team are:

0 – Cooper Lehning

2 – Seth Cutrer

3 – Josh Barfield, Jr.

9 – Paisley Wren

12 – Aydin Britton

21 – Landin Britton

23 – Cameron Taylor

24 – Chase Smith

42 – Jayden Brooks

99 – Jacob Hanson

The coaches are Luke Lehning, Josh Barfield, and Jake Wren, Head Coach.

The Babe Ruth League is one of the largest youth baseball organizations in the United States. It has two primary baseball divisions: Cal Ripken Baseball – for younger players, generally ages 4–12 and Babe Ruth Baseball – for older players, generally ages 13–18. The designation 12U is 12 years old and under.

The Eagle Lake Ball Park is located at 109 Shirley Court, Eagle Lake.

Back to School Bash in Davenport August 1

Allison
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Back to School Bash in Davenport August 1

The Gate’s Annual Back to School Bash is Back! Join us for a day of fun, community, and support as we help local families get ready for the new school year!

FREE while supplies last:

  • Backpacks filled with school supplies
  • Food giveaway
  • Community resources
  • Free physicals
  • Audiology services
  • And more!

Saturday, August 1, 2026 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Tom Fellows Community Center, 207 North Blvd W, Davenport, FL 33837

No registration is required! Backpacks and supplies will be distributed on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.

This event is open to the community, and we’d love to serve your family as we prepare for another great school year. Invite your friends, neighbors, and anyone who could benefit!

Info provided by the City of Davenport and The Gate Church

Lake Hamilton Police Department to Host Annual Back 2 School Splash and Backpack Giveaway

Allison
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Lake Hamilton Police Department to Host Annual Back 2 School Splash and Backpack Giveaway

The Lake Hamilton Police Department is inviting families to its annual Back 2 School Splash and Backpack Giveaway on Saturday, August 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event will take place at the ballfield concession stand, located across the street from Town Hall at 100 Smith Avenue in Lake Hamilton.

During the event, families can receive free backpacks and school supplies while supplies last. There will also be a teacher gift basket raffle, along with plenty of family-friendly activities.

Attendees can enjoy:

  • Free backpack and school supply giveaway
  • Water slide
  • Teacher gift basket raffle
  • Hot dogs, chips, and drinks

The annual event is designed to help students prepare for the upcoming school year while bringing the community together for an afternoon of fun.

Residents are encouraged to arrive early, as backpacks and school supplies will be distributed while supplies last.

Info courtesy of Lake Hamilton Police Department

Winter Haven Water Customers Can Pay Bills Online, by Phone, in the WH2O App or With Cash at Retailers

Staff Reporter
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Winter Haven Water Customers Can Pay Bills Online, by Phone, in the WH2O App or With Cash at Retailers

Customers can now pay their water bills with cash at participating CVS, Walgreens, and Dollar General locations, adding another convenient option alongside online, mobile app, and phone payments.

Winter Haven Water customers now have another convenient way to pay their bills. Cash payments can be made at participating CVS, Walgreens and Dollar General locations.

The new retail payment option is part of a larger selection of payment methods designed to fit different schedules, needs and preferences. Whether you prefer to pay with cash, online, through an app or by phone, you can choose the option that works best for you.

Choose the Payment Option That Works for You

New: Pay With Cash at Participating Retailers

Customers who prefer to use cash can now make a Winter Haven Water payment at local retailers close to home or where you’re already doing your shopping. Just generate your barcode, save it to your phone, and make your payment when and where it’s convenient to you. 

Cash Payment Locations include:

Video: How to make a Winter Haven Water payment with cash at a participating retail location.

Pay through the WH2O app

Download the WH2O app to access convenient payment options from your mobile device. The app is available for both Apple and Android devices.

Pay by automated phone system

Call 863-291-5678 and select Option 2, followed by Option 2 again. The automated payment system is available 24 hours a day

Pay online

Visit wh2o.mywinterhaven.com to make a payment at any time.

Get Help From a Customer Service Representative

Customers who need assistance with their accounts can call 863-291-5678 and select Option 3 to speak with a customer service representative.

More Options. More Convenience.

Winter Haven Water offers several ways to pay so customers can choose the method that best fits their lives. Pay from home, from your phone, or while visiting a participating retailer. The choice is yours.

 

Winter Haven Water Customers Can Pay Bills Online, by Phone, in the WH2O App or With Cash at Retailers

Jody
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0
Winter Haven Water Customers Can Pay Bills Online, by Phone, in the WH2O App or With Cash at Retailers

Customers can now pay their water bills with cash at participating CVS, Walgreens, and Dollar General locations, adding another convenient option alongside online, mobile app, and phone payments.

Winter Haven Water customers now have another convenient way to pay their bills. Cash payments can be made at participating CVS, Walgreens and Dollar General locations.

The new retail payment option is part of a larger selection of payment methods designed to fit different schedules, needs and preferences. Whether you prefer to pay with cash, online, through an app or by phone, you can choose the option that works best for you.

Choose the Payment Option That Works for You

New: Pay With Cash at Participating Retailers

Customers who prefer to use cash can now make a Winter Haven Water payment at local retailers close to home or where you’re already doing your shopping. Just generate your barcode, save it to your phone, and make your payment when and where it’s convenient to you. 

Cash Payment Locations include:

Video: How to make a Winter Haven Water payment with cash at a participating retail location.

Pay through the WH2O app

Download the WH2O app to access convenient payment options from your mobile device. The app is available for both Apple and Android devices.

Pay by automated phone system

Call 863-291-5678 and select Option 2, followed by Option 2 again. The automated payment system is available 24 hours a day

Pay online

Visit wh2o.mywinterhaven.com to make a payment at any time.

Get Help From a Customer Service Representative

Customers who need assistance with their accounts can call 863-291-5678 and select Option 3 to speak with a customer service representative.

More Options. More Convenience.

Winter Haven Water offers several ways to pay so customers can choose the method that best fits their lives. Pay from home, from your phone, or while visiting a participating retailer. The choice is yours.

 

Polk Sheriff’s Charities to Host Back to School Bash in Davenport on July 25

Allison
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Polk Sheriff’s Charities to Host Back to School Bash in Davenport on July 25

Families can get ready for the new school year at the Polk Sheriff’s Charities Back to School Bash on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The event will take place at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Northeast District, located at 1100 Dunson Road, Davenport, FL 33896.

Backpacks and school supplies will be distributed while supplies last to help students prepare for the upcoming school year.

Organizers remind families that children must be present to receive school supplies.

The annual Back to School Bash is hosted by Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc. and aims to provide local students with the supplies they need for a successful start to the school year. Families are encouraged to arrive early, as supplies are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Florida League of Cities to Present Years of Service Award to Bartow Commissioner Leo Longworth

Carl Fish
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Florida League of Cities to Present Years of Service Award to Bartow Commissioner Leo Longworth

BARTOW, Fla. — Bartow City Commissioner Leo Longworth will receive statewide recognition Monday evening as the Florida League of Cities presents him with the John Land Years of Service Award during the Bartow City Commission meeting.

The presentation will be made by Eryn Alcorn, Member Services Administrator for the Florida League of Cities, and is included on Monday night’s commission agenda.

Named in honor of longtime Apopka Mayor John Land, one of the longest-serving elected officials in American history, the John Land Years of Service Award recognizes municipal elected officials who have dedicated decades to serving their communities. The Florida League of Cities presents the award in five-year service milestones beginning at 20 years.

While the Bartow meeting agenda does not specify Longworth’s exact service milestone, he was previously recognized by the Florida League of Cities in 2021 for 25 years of municipal service. Based on the League’s award schedule, Monday’s presentation is expected to recognize approximately 30 years of service on the Bartow City Commission.

Over the past three decades, Longworth has helped guide the city through continued growth and development while serving on the commission and participating in decisions involving public safety, infrastructure, economic development and other issues affecting Bartow residents.

The presentation is scheduled during the opening portion of Monday’s regular City Commission meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. at Bartow City Hall.

Colombian Man Arrested for DUI After Allegedly Driving 101 MPH on I-4

Allison
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Colombian Man Arrested for DUI After Allegedly Driving 101 MPH on I-4

A suspect who is in the country illegally was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit on Saturday, July 18, 2026, for DUI and other traffic-related charges.

Deputies conducting traffic enforcement on Interstate 4 observed a red Kia K4 traveling at a high rate of speed and driving recklessly. A deputy’s radar measured the Kia going 101 MPH in a 70 MPH zone, while also weaving in and around other vehicles, causing other drivers to take evasive action and/or slam on their brakes. When the deputy stopped the Kia he immediately detected obvious signs of impairment for the driver, 22-year-old Jhorland Atehortua, who is in the country illegally from Colombia. The deputy also located a smoking pipe and marijuana in the vehicle. 

Atehortua was taken into custody and charged with DUI (M1), dangerous excessive speed (M1), reckless driving (M1), possession of cannabis (F3), and possession of drug paraphernalia (F3).

Each of these charges is enhanced by one degree due to his illegal status. An ICE hold has been placed on him in the Polk County Jail.

“Driving under the influence is dangerous enough, but combining impaired driving with reckless speeding at more than 100 miles per hour puts countless innocent people at risk. Our deputies stopped this suspect before someone was seriously hurt or killed. Now he’ll face the consequences of his actions, and because he’s in this country illegally, ICE has placed a hold on him as well” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.

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