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Count On Me: Jim N Judy Taylor Performing at Saving Lives Matter 2026

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Count On Me: Jim N Judy Taylor Performing at Saving Lives Matter 2026

Count On Me: Jim N Judy Taylor Performing at Saving Lives Matter 2026
by James Coulter
 
Ever since a local philanthropist stepped in to support them during a difficult chapter in their lives, this musical duo has been returning the kindness, joining her in helping other families weather their own hardships and, in the process, forming a bond that feels more like family than partnership.
 
Jim and Judy Taylor, the married couple behind the musical duo Big Ass Jam, will be among the many local performers taking the stage at this year’s Saving Lives Matter, a fundraising event scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3 at Tanner’s Lakeside in Winter Haven.
 
Proceeds from the event will benefit Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to donating and installing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) throughout Polk County. The organization recently marked a milestone by donating its 100th AED to Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales.
 
Melanie Brown Culpepper Beilke created the foundation more than five years ago, inspired by the sudden loss of her fiancé, Michael Culpepper, to cardiac arrest. Determined to prevent others from facing the same loss, she launched the foundation to expand access to life‑saving defibrillators.
 
Jim and Judy met Melanie several years earlier, in the midst of their own family tragedy. Their grandson, Xander, had been diagnosed with cancer, and his condition had become terminal.
 
At first, the couple hesitated to accept friends’ offers to host a benefit in his honor. But after receiving the terminal prognosis, they were grateful for the support and willing to work with Melanie.
 
“So, at the time that it happened, it was probably the right time that Melanie was placed into our lives because Xander was terminal,” Judy said. “We wanted him to experience everything life had to offer in the short time he had. So, we agreed to the benefit.”
 
“Melanie is a very hard person to say no to,” Jim said.
 
“Yes, definitely,” Judy said. “You cannot say no to Melanie.”
 
The result was one of the biggest events Jim and Judy could remember. Friends from across the music community rallied to support them, and the turnout far exceeded anything they expected. Watching Melanie orchestrate such a massive event for their family felt, to them, like nothing short of a miracle.
 
“And Melanie brought this all together,” Jim said. “I don’t know how she does things, but she works miracles.”
 
“We are forever indebted to her, but we love her like family,” Judy added.
 
“She has helped so many people in the community through their worst times,” Jim said.
 
A few years later, Melanie faced her own personal tragedy with the passing of her late fiancée. And just as she had helped them years earlier, they were there to help see her through her own dark times.
 
“The Lord works in mysterious ways,” Jim said. “We had some talks about why things happen to people. No one knows. It just happens. And this community has come together for a lot of people, and Melanie Brown has been the core of it all. Always has been. Still is to this day.”
 
Whenever the couple performs at one of Melanie’s events, they make sure to play “Count On Me” by Bruno Mars, a song that has grown into the defining motto of their friendship.
 
“And we will be there for her every step of the way because Melanie is definitely family, ” Judy said.
 
More than simply helping pay off a personal debt, Jim and Judy take part in Melanie’s events however they can because they genuinely believe in the good work her organization is doing for the community.
 
“She has more energy in her little pinkie than anyone I know,” Jim said. “The girl has never stopped.”
 
“If one AED that she puts out into the community saves one life, it’s all worth it,” Judy added.
 
“She has put out over 100 [AEDs] in the community, and that is fantastic, that is wild, because there is a lot of time that goes into her benefits and her raising money and her educating people every time she puts an AED out there,” Jim said. “The work she is doing is just phenomenal.”
 
To learn more about Saving Lives Matter, visit their Facebook page at: facebook.com/honoringculpepper
 
And listen to the podcast minisode of this article on the Chattin on the Ridge podcast: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/episodes/minisode-41-saving-lives-matter-2026-wjim-n-judy

Mother Calls Deputies After Son Allegedly Assaults Her, Investigation Leads To Incest & Adultery Arrest For Her

Carl Fish
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Mother Calls Deputies After Son Allegedly Assaults Her, Investigation Leads To Incest & Adultery Arrest For Her

Daily Ridge Staff

Lakeland, Florida- What began as a call to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office about an alleged assault between a Lakeland mother and her son took a bizarre turn when deputies learned the two were allegedly involved in a sexual relationship.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd discussed the case involving Christina Clemons and her 22-year-old son, Shane Clemons, both of Lakeland.

According to Judd, Christina initially called deputies after Shane allegedly assaulted her.

Shane was apparently upset that his mother called law enforcement and, while deputies were investigating, told them that he had been having a sexual relationship with his mother since he was 18 years old.

That revelation prompted investigators to question Christina about the alleged relationship.

According to Judd, Christina admitted that she and her son had sex approximately 100 times.

Both Christina and Shane were arrested in connection with the alleged incestuous relationship.

The investigation also revealed Christina is married. Judd said detectives spoke with her husband, who told investigators he was unaware his wife and son were allegedly having a sexual relationship.

He apparently had been suspicious about their behavior, however. According to Judd, Christina’s husband told detectives the two would go into the master bedroom together and lock the door.

Christina was charged with incest and living in open adultery.

What started as an alleged domestic assault investigation ultimately resulted in the arrests of both mother and son.

Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation Places 104th AED at Lake Alfred Lions Club

Allison
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Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation Places 104th AED at Lake Alfred Lions Club

Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation has reached another important milestone, placing its 104th AED at the Lake Alfred Lions Club September 8.

The AED was donated as the foundation’s eighth Pay It Forward AED, made possible through Bingo for a Cause at Tanners Lakeside.

The Lake Alfred Lions Club was nominated to receive the AED by Sharon Wood. Wood, along with Lions Club member Susan Shaw, reached out to Melanie about providing an AED for the club.

Wood shared that her connection to the cause is deeply personal. She lost both her father and mother to cardiac heart failure and said she is grateful for the opportunity to help bring an AED to the Lake Alfred Lions Club.

“We are very happy to help the lake Alfred lions club in getting the AED just in case they need it “ Woodridge said. We met Melanie at Tanner’s lakeside on Wednesday nights for bingo and dinner. I am so blessed that Melonie started Culpepper Foundation after the terrible loss of her fiance. Thank you Culpepper Foundation and Melanie, Tanner’s for giving us the opportunity to help out the Lion’s Club.”

Rita Fawcett, treasurer of the Lake Alfred Lions Club, said the club has been serving its community since 1945. The organization built its current buildings in 1958 and continues to support the community through a variety of projects.

The club’s community efforts include an Easter egg hunt, Santa visits at schools, trunk-or-treat events and assistance with special needs at assisted living facilities. One of its major focuses is eyesight, reflecting the Lions Club’s longstanding commitment to vision services.

Fawcett said the club was honored to be selected to receive the AED.

“It is an honor to be chosen. We have people of all ages who come to our lions club and this is just another way to help the community. It is a great cause and we firmly stand behind Melanie and the foundation due to her tragic loss. She has a great cause and wish that more business would support the foundation.”

The placement of the 104th AED represents another step in Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation’s mission to make life-saving equipment more accessible in local communities.

Through Pay It Forward donations, Bingo for a Cause and community support, the foundation continues working to place AEDs where they can potentially make a difference when seconds matter most.

Monstropolis Under Construction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Allison
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Monstropolis Under Construction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Monstropolis Under Construction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

by James Coulter

Get ready to scream for excitement! Because monsters are expected to arrive real soon at Walt Disney World now that a new Monsters, Inc.-themed land is being constructed.

Monstropolis Under Construction

Several news outlets and social media accounts have shared photographs of construction currently underway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios of Monstropolis, the new themed land based on Disney/Pixar’s 2003 animated feature Monsters, Inc.

Park photographer bioreconstruct has shared zoomed-in aerial photography tracking the progress of the ongoing development, including the construction of the steel framework for the land’s main attraction and show building.

Disney Food Blog reported on the erection of two chopsticks as part of the facade for Harryhausen’s, a new table service inspired by the sushi restaurant from the film.

“Those massive chopsticks from the film are standing tall!” wrote Emma Kenner Cowan. “These chopsticks will eventually hold a large eyeball in between them, but nothing is staring at us…yet!”

Meanwhile, WDW News Today has chronicled the transformation of the former MuppetVision 3D building into The Glob Theater. Currently, the facade is receiving new faux brickwork, along with a new paint job, around its central tower.

“Other sections feature small mesh-covered openings and box-shaped steel pieces projecting from the walls,” wrote Austin Haughton. “These may support additional decorations that have yet to be installed.”

What to Expect

The new themed land was announced in August 2024 at the D23 fan event. The following year, in October 2025, its name was revealed as Monstropolis, inspired by the movie’s fictional city.

The land will occupy the area formerly known as Muppets Courtyard, the location of the PizzaRizzo restaurant, Stage 1 Company Store, and the land’s iconic attraction, MuppetVision 3D. The area was eventually folded into the Grand Avenue area in 2017, and later closed in June 2025.

Don’t worry about the Muppets, though! They’ve since moved to their new home across the park at the newly re-themed Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets, which opened earlier this summer.

As for Monstropolis, the new land will feature several attractions, including Harryhausen’s table-service restaurant and a stage production to be hosted in The Glob Theater. The main attraction, of course, will be the Monsters, Inc. Door Coaster, Disney’s first-ever suspended roller coaster inspired by the movie’s iconic factory door vault.

The official opening date for Monstropolis has yet to be announced, but the new land has been speculated to open in 2027. However, Disney has revealed many additional details about the new area and its lore.

H.U.M.A.N. Day Celebration

The themed land will be set following the events of the original Monsters, Inc. movie. James P. “Sulley” Sullivan and his partner, Mike Wazowski, have since placed the fictional company under new management, transitioning away from “scream energy” to the more powerful “laugh energy.”

This change in energy production also brings about a broader cultural shift toward the human world, to the extent that monsters are now inviting humans into their realm. The newly-formed Department of Human Relations is leading this effort, which includes a celebration designed to welcome humans into the monster world: H.U.M.A.N. Day.

Disney Parks Blog has the details:

“H.U.M.A.N. Day, short for ‘Humans Understand Monsters Are Nice,’ marks a historic milestone for the city. Part celebration, part cultural exchange, the event is designed to introduce humans to life inside Monstropolis while helping monsters discover that humans are not so frightening after all. Now that’s something to snarl – ahem, smile about!

Human guests will have the chance to explore the city, meet its citizens, taste unique cuisine, and step into the everyday world of monsters in a totally new way. For the first time, two worlds once separated are meeting face to scaly, furry, and fang-filled face – brought together not by screams, but by laughter.”

Whether you believe in monsters or not, you better believe this new land will offer plenty of laughter and screams—of excitement!

DeSantis Breaks Ground on Major New Archery Center at Tenoroc in Polk County

Carl Fish
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DeSantis Breaks Ground on Major New Archery Center at Tenoroc in Polk County

By Carl Fish

Polk County, Florida – Gov. Ron DeSantis was in Polk County Monday to break ground on a new Florida Archery Center at the Tenoroc Public Use Area near Lakeland, a project envisioned as a major destination for competitive archery in Florida.

DeSantis announced the groundbreaking Monday while also highlighting Florida’s Hunting, Fishing and Camping Sales Tax Holiday, which allows Floridians to purchase a wide range of qualifying outdoor equipment without paying sales tax through the end of the year.

The new archery center represents a significant expansion of the shooting sports facilities already available at Tenoroc.

State budget documents previously described plans for a facility capable of hosting local, state, national and potentially international archery competitions. The proposal includes three wooded 3-D field ranges and facilities designed to accommodate both able-bodied and para-athletes. State planners said the completed complex could become one of the largest archery facilities of its kind in the world. 

Earlier plans placed the overall project at approximately $16 million, including $1.5 million for design and permitting and $14.5 million for construction. The Easton Sports Development Foundation was expected to contribute $8 million toward the project, with another $8 million coming through state funding sources. 

Tenoroc, located northeast of Lakeland, already features extensive outdoor recreational facilities. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission operates rifle and handgun ranges, sporting clays, trap, air rifle and archery facilities there. The larger public use area also offers fishing, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, paddling and wildlife viewing. 

While in Lakeland, DeSantis also promoted the state’s 2026 Hunting, Fishing and Camping Sales Tax Holiday.

“Great to be in Lakeland today to break ground on the new Florida Archery Center at Tenoroc and highlight the Hunting, Fishing, and Camping Sales Tax Holiday,” DeSantis wrote Monday.

The tax holiday began Sept. 1 and continues through Dec. 31. According to the Florida Department of Revenue, qualifying hunting, fishing and camping supplies can be purchased without Florida sales tax during that period. 

The exemption covers qualifying items including firearms, ammunition and certain firearm accessories, along with bows, crossbows and numerous fishing and camping products. Some outdoor products are subject to price limits to qualify for the exemption.

The exemption does not apply to rentals or repairs of qualifying items, nor does it apply to purchases made at theme parks, entertainment complexes, public lodging establishments or airports. 

The sales tax holiday was approved by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by DeSantis.

Residents can see the state’s complete list of qualifying purchases through the Florida Department of Revenue Hunting, Fishing and Camping Sales Tax Holiday page⁠

Driver Applying Deodorant Crashes on Polk Parkway, Truck Ends Up Atop Concrete Barrier

Allison
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Driver Applying Deodorant Crashes on Polk Parkway, Truck Ends Up Atop Concrete Barrier

POLK COUNTY, Fla. – An unusual case of distracted driving left a pickup truck perched atop a concrete barrier along the Polk Parkway Sunday morning, but fortunately no one was injured.

According to Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Steve Gaskins, the crash happened around 7 a.m. Sunday, September 14, near milepost 14 on State Road 570.

FHP said a 22-year-old Auburndale man was driving a GMC Sierra westbound on the Polk Parkway when he entered a curve in the roadway.

According to FHP, the driver was simultaneously applying deodorant while traveling through the curve.

The GMC then collided with a crash attenuator before coming to rest partially atop a concrete barrier wall.

Photos from the scene show extensive debris scattered across the roadway and damage to the crash attenuator. The pickup can be seen balanced at an angle on top of the concrete barrier. Troopers were able to confirm it was a stick deodorant and not a spray deodorant located at the crash site. 

Despite the appearance of the crash, FHP reported that the driver was not injured.

The crash serves as an unusual reminder that distracted driving involves more than cellphones. Anything that takes a driver’s attention or hands away from operating a vehicle can potentially lead to a crash.

103rd AED Placed at Gary’s Oyster Bar as Pay-It-Forward Donation

Allison
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103rd AED Placed at Gary’s Oyster Bar as Pay-It-Forward Donation

Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation has reached another milestone with the placement of its 103rd automated external defibrillator (AED), this time at Gary’s Oyster Bar. The AED was placed on August 31 as a Pay-It-Forward donation from Brian Beilke with Stone Up Services & Masonry, LLC.

For Susan Gossett, Gary’s wife of 22 years, the placement carried an especially meaningful connection to her late husband, Gary Gossett, who died in August 2023.

“I am Susan Gossett, Gary’s wife of 22 years, together for 34 years until his death in August of 2023. I feel so very Blessed that Brian chose our location to potentially be able to help save lives if needed. It was meant to be….Brian’s favorite number is 3….The 103rd AED was placed on Aug 31st on Gary’s 3rd Anniversary of his death. Tell me Gary didn’t have something to do with that special day!” Susan said.

She also shared her appreciation for Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation and its team.

“I enjoyed reconnecting with Melanie, hearing her agonizing story about her reason she started Culpepper’s Foundation, and why she (and Brian and Eric) are so passionate about what they do on their own free time. It touched our hearts and are so very proud to be a part of such a meaningful and important foundation!”

A Polk County Staple

Drew Derham, general manager at Gary’s Oyster Bar for nine years, also shared the history behind the longtime local restaurant.

“Gary’s Oyster Bar has been a Polk County staple for 48 years serving fresh seafood, and oysters on the half shell. Gary Gossett, the owner of Gary’s Oyster Bar is my stepfather. So I grew up coming out to Gary’s Oyster Bar of course to eat, but also I’ve done a lot of homework at these tables. Bussing tables and dishwashing at Gary’s as my first job at 14 years old.”

Derham said he was honored that Brian chose Gary’s Oyster Bar for the AED.

“I was extremely honored to be chosen by Brian not only because it is a generous donation but because he truly loves Gary’s Oyster Bar, the history behind it and of course the oysters and “dirty butter.“ I haven’t known Brian for very long but when we see each other it’s like we’ve been friends for years.”

Derham also spoke about the relationship between his family and Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation.

“Our family has known Melanie for years. Melanie has always been a good friend, kind and generous. Although the story behind the origin of the foundation is heartbreaking, Melanie has turned tragedy to Hope and generosity. We have watched the foundation grow over the years, and we are honored and grateful to be apart of the CCF family.”

Learning How to Respond

As part of the AED placement, the Gary’s Oyster Bar team participated in an AED demonstration led by Eric Shimcus.

“Eric’s demonstration was very informative. Taking life-saving measures can seem scary but Eric explains step-by-step that it is very simple and anyone can do it as long as you stay calm and focused. In addition to teaching us how to use the AED, Eric also taught us new guidance on choking, giving chest compressions, and CPR.”

Why Brian Chose Gary’s Oyster Bar

Beilke, who has been doing masonry work for approximately 37 years and has operated Stone Up Services & Masonry, LLC for nearly two years, said the decision to place the AED at Gary’s was an easy one.

“I chose Garys because of the vibe I got each and every time I was there. I thought it was the perfect location for AED and as being #103, I thought it as a milestone to be included as part of CCF.”

Beilke said the atmosphere at Gary’s played a major role in his decision.

“It meant a lot to be a part of this location as the atmosphere always has a good aura and they treat you like family. I thought Susan & Drew were very deserving of having this as they both are exceptionally friendly and cool people.”

He also expressed his admiration for Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation and its continued growth.

“I think CCF is a rock solid foundation that literally started from scratch and just blew up over the past years as Melanie was determined to make a difference since losing Michael Culpepper and she’s doing exactly that and gaining speed as she goes.”

Beilke said he is proud to support the foundation and its mission alongside his wife, Melanie Brown Culpepper, and Eric Shimcus.

“I think quite highly of Eric and Melanie and proud to be a part of the team with them both. I love my wife and proud of her in everything that she does and I back her 100 percent.”

He added:

“They both from the start being the CCF team and everything they’ve accomplished thus far from Erics knowledge and experience to Melanie‘s Drive and determination. It’s a strong running machine that’s only gaining speed with the goal of saving lives as that’s what truly matters.”

The AED at Gary’s Oyster Bar marks the 103rd AED placed by Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, continuing the organization’s mission of making life-saving equipment and education more accessible throughout the community.

Saving Lives Matters.

Eighteen Year Old Motorcyclist Killed On Hwy 98

Carl Fish
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Eighteen Year Old Motorcyclist Killed On Hwy 98

The PCSO Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit is investigating a two‑vehicle crash that resulted in one fatality. The crash occurred on Friday, September 11, 2026, at approximately 3:24 p.m. at the intersection of Hancock Ave and Hwy 98 S in Highland City.

According to evidence and witness statements, a 2026 Kawasaki motorcycle was traveling northbound on Hwy 98 at a high rate of speed and rapidly changing lanes while passing cars. At the same time, a 2015 Mitsubishi began to enter into the northbound lanes of Highway 98 from Hancock Ave attempting to cross over to the southbound lanes and entered into the motorcycles’ s path. The motorcycle impacted the rear passenger door of the Mitsubishi causing significant damage to both vehicles.

The driver of the motorcycle, an 18-year-old male, was ejected from his vehicle. He was wearing a helmet. The driver of the Mitsubishi did not have her seatbelt on.

Upon arrival of first responders, life saving measures were performed on the 18-year-old but he was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Mitsubishi driver was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. 

The investigation remains ongoing.

Detectives Say Lakeland Woman’s Ring Was Consistent With Injuries Found On 3-Month-Old Baby

Carl Fish
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Detectives Say Lakeland Woman’s Ring Was Consistent With Injuries Found On 3-Month-Old Baby

On Thursday, September 10, 2026, PCSO deputies arrested 42-year-old Jessica Vlasac of Lakeland, charging her with aggravated child abuse (F1) resulting in the death of a 3-month-old infant who was in her care.

According to the affidavit, at approximately 11:58 p.m. on Sunday, September 6, 2026, deputies responded to Vlasac’s home after receiving a report that the baby boy was unresponsive. The baby was transported to Orlando Health Medical in Lakeland and was pronounced deceased shortly after. He had an abrasion and bruising on his head.

Vlasac told deputies that she had accidentally fallen asleep with the baby in the bed and that she did not remember anything else, and that when she woke up, she found the baby lying face down on the bed, not moving and cold to the touch. She made statements such as, “I think I killed our son,” and said she believed it happened while she was asleep.

An autopsy revealed that the baby had subdural hemorrhaging around the skull. Medical Examiner Dr. Stephen Nelson identified three separate impact injuries to the baby’s head. The impact injuries were located on the top of the forehead. Dr. Nelson also identified a 1.7 cm by 1 cm L-shaped injury to the baby’s forehead, which he stated appeared to be consistent with being caused by a square-like object.

After the autopsy, detectives interviewed Vlasac again and observed her wearing a large, diamond-like stone ring on her ring finger that was consistent with the large, square-like shape mentioned in the autopsy. Detectives executed a search warrant for Vlasac’s devices, as well as her ring. During the search, Vlasac spontaneously asked if the ring was what killed the victim.

During interviews with other members of the household who were present at the time of the incident, nobody reported noticing anything suspicious. They stated that they assumed Vlasac and the infant were sleeping in Vlasac’s room and that they were unaware of anything happening until they heard her screaming.

In an interview with the infant’s father, he described Vlasac as someone who becomes violent when she consumes alcohol. 

The father showed detectives messages between himself and Vlasac from the night of the incident. The messages showed that Vlasac had purchased alcoholic shots at approximately noon that day. Later that night, she sent multiple messages stating that she had killed the infant and that he was dead. She had also deleted some messages.

The father stated that Vlasac called him a few days later and seemed unusually normal when discussing the death. He also said she asked him not to show detectives their messages.

In a follow-up examination, Dr. Nelson examined the ring that had been confiscated from Vlasac and advised that the victim’s injuries were consistent with being struck by the ring, as a part of the impact injuries. Furthermore, there was no evidence of co-sleeping causing the death.

Vlasac was taken into custody and booked into the Polk County Jail. The investigation is ongoing.

Lake Wales Considers Purchasing $65K in Equipment for Fleet Maintenance Operations

Allison
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Lake Wales Considers Purchasing $65K in Equipment for Fleet Maintenance Operations

Lake Wales Considers Purchasing $65K in Equipment for Fleet Maintenance Operations
by James Coulter
 
As the City takes on responsibility for maintaining and repairing its vehicle fleet from the County, Lake Wales city commissioners will consider purchasing the necessary equipment.
 
At their regular work session on Wed. Aug. 12, 2026, Lake Wales commissioners reviewed an agenda item authorizing the completion of the City’s fleet maintenance operation as it prepares to take over vehicle and equipment maintenance responsibilities from the County.
 
For the past 20 years, Polk County Utilities has provided maintenance and repair services for the City’s vehicle and equipment fleet. However, the County will end the agreement on Sept. 30, 2026, requiring the City to re-establish internal fleet maintenance operations.
 
To prepare for the transition, Public Works evaluated the existing maintenance facility on Crystal Avenue and identified the equipment needed to handle routine fleet maintenance and repairs, while city staff completed an inventory of existing parts, tools, and equipment.
 
“The required startup equipment includes tire changing and balancing equipment, automotive air-conditioning service equipment, battery charging equipment, welding equipment, lifting and support equipment, and other shop tools necessary to perform routine vehicle and equipment maintenance,” wrote Nancy C. Hernandez, Public Works Operations Manager.
 
To procure the equipment, the City will make two purchases. The first, from Hunter Engineering, will total $39,942.20 and include a heavy-duty wheel balancer, tire changer, associated adapters, factory installation, and training.
 
The second purchase, from Automotive Development Group, will total $25,077.13 and include an automotive A/C service machine, along with additional shop equipment and materials needed to support Fleet operations.
 
The City will also enter into a contract with Genuine Parts Company to serve as a reliable source for ongoing automotive and equipment parts. The company was recommended because it offers the City a purchasing program comparable to that of NAPA Auto Parts, which currently provides similar services to the county, Hernandez wrote.
 
“Utilizing the Sourcewell agreement provides continuity in the parts supply relationship already supporting the City’s fleet while transitioning purchasing responsibility directly to the City,” she said. “The agreement also provides an established, competitively procured mechanism for obtaining routine automotive and equipment parts and supplies as operational needs arise.”
 
Commissioner Carol Gillespie inquired if they had explored any alternatives to bringing fleet maintenance back in‑house. Public Works Director Sarah Kirkland said the department had looked into using local dealerships, but determined that reinstating internal maintenance was more practical given the size of the city’s fleet and ongoing concerns about the reliability of dealership service.
 
City Manager James Slaton said that after comparing county services with private-sector options, staff concluded that contracting with a large-scale fleet maintenance provider would offer the greatest benefit, especially considering the city’s wide range of specialized equipment.
 
“Trying to find specialized providers in each one of those areas is really difficult, and they are certainly not geographically located in one location,” he explained. “So, if we can get people in who are number one mechanics, they can at least learn our various pieces of equipment and systems and be able to provide something for everything rather than ship them all over the county.”

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