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Polk Commissioners Oust CareerSource Polk Executive Director Amid Allegations of Deception and Mismanagement

Allison
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Polk Commissioners Oust CareerSource Polk Executive Director Amid Allegations of Deception and Mismanagement

By James Coulter & Carl Fish

CareerSource Polk President and CEO Stacy Campbell-Domineck has been temporarily removed from her position as executive director without compensation while an independent review examines the organization’s management and governance. The Polk County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday, Sept. 1, to approve two resolutions involving CareerSource Polk, the local workforce development organization responsible for connecting job seekers with employment and training opportunities. The first resolution immediately removed Campbell-Domineck from the executive director position until the governance review is completed. The second allows the county to bypass its normal consultant-selection procedures so the review can be conducted on an expedited basis. The county’s actions followed an Aug. 25 letter from FloridaCommerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly and CareerSource Florida President and CEO Adrienne Johnston. “We believe she has effectively abdicated her role,” the letter stated. “Alarmingly, we have noted a trend of noncooperation, questionable fiscal management, and in some cases outright deception.” The state agencies alleged that CareerSource Polk implemented procedures and conducted employee training connected to a mandatory Performance Improvement Plan without first obtaining required state approval. The letter stated that the training may have resulted in an unauthorized expenditure of federal workforce funds. The letter also raised concerns about CareerSource Polk’s decision to remove three local commercial driver’s license training providers offering seven programs. According to the state, that left Hillsborough Community College as the only remaining CDL training provider available through the program. State officials alleged the affected providers were not properly informed of their grievance and appeal rights. They also questioned whether CareerSource Polk had made sufficient efforts to connect people completing the programs with available trucking jobs. Additional concerns involved a CareerSource Polk fundraising event and calendar promoted under the theme “For the LOVE of MEN…of the workforce.” According to the state letter, CareerSource Florida asked Campbell-Domineck to remove a social media post and cancel the event because of its “inappropriate and questionable tone.” The post was removed, but the event reportedly continued during regular business hours. The letter also questioned several CareerSource Polk office closings that allegedly did not match the organization’s approved operating schedule. One closure occurred on the morning of the annual meeting and fundraising event. State officials directed Polk County to immediately begin a governance review and provide a written response within 15 business days. The letter warned that failure to act could result in sanctions, including reduced workforce funding, revocation of the local board’s certification or state-level removal action. County Manager Bill Beasley explained that Campbell-Domineck’s employment contract provides 52 weeks of severance pay, based on an annual salary of approximately $220,000, if she is terminated without cause. However, he said the contract also allows termination for cause under certain circumstances, including a felony conviction or willful neglect of duties. The governance review will be presented to county commissioners, who will then determine whether Campbell-Domineck should be permanently removed as executive director. Commissioner Bill Braswell described CareerSource Polk’s governing structure as a “convoluted mess,” noting that the County Commission has the authority to remove the executive director even though it neither appoints nor directly pays her. “It’s a mess,” Braswell said. “And I think, however this turns out, we need to revisit this with CareerSource Florida if this is really the best way to be operated, or do we even need it?” Commissioner Mike Scott, who serves as the County Commission’s representative to the CareerSource Polk board, said he became concerned after comparing the organization’s performance with that of other workforce boards across Florida. “When you look at the data, it ranked from 17th to 21st, which is last,” Scott said. “And so to be last with anything in this county, it’s at least not by my standards and not by our standards. We don’t necessarily need to be number one, but we need to be striving to be fair.” Scott also criticized Campbell-Domineck’s decision not to attend an Aug. 27 State Workforce Development Board meeting after state officials invited her to explain and justify her actions. The state letter said she reported being unavailable but offered no further explanation. Scott described that response as a “blatant disregard” and said the review should help determine whether Polk County should remain involved with the organization. “Do we need it or not?” he asked. “I have seen a lot of good work, but I have seen a lot of pitfalls of what it could do. So I am looking for a review.” Commissioner Becky Troutman said Polk County residents deserve better oversight of the public money intended for workforce development. “To me, the people of Polk deserve better for the amount of tax dollars that are available for workforce training,” Troutman said. “I believe that clearly defines a willful failure to perform your job duties. And the people of Polk and this board deserve much better.” The allegations have not yet been independently substantiated through the governance review, and commissioners have not made a final determination regarding Campbell-Domineck’s permanent removal.

City of Winter Haven Announces Lane Closure for Evening of September 3

Allison
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City of Winter Haven Announces Lane Closure for Evening of September 3

A lane closure on Ave M NW from Unity Way NW to 1st St NW will begin Thursday, September 3, 2026 until Friday, September 4, 2026. The lane will be closed from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. during these dates. Please follow all posted detours and exercise extra caution when driving in this area.

This is a TECO project, we are sharing this notice as it may impact Winter Haven residents. For questions or more information, please contact Kyle Owens, Primoris Construction at (863) 845-6531.

Veteran Investigator Selected To Probe Former Bartow Police Chief As Allegations Remain Secret

Carl Fish
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Veteran Investigator Selected To Probe Former Bartow Police Chief As Allegations Remain Secret

The City of Bartow has selected a veteran law enforcement investigator with decades of experience to conduct the Internal Affairs investigation involving former Bartow Police Chief Stephen Walker, providing a significant new development in a case that has left one major question unanswered: What exactly is Walker accused of doing?

City Manager Mike Herr announced Wednesday that Glenn Ferrell will conduct the investigation into allegations involving Walker, who abruptly resigned Aug. 14 after city officials confronted him about a complaint.

Ferrell is a founding member of the Florida Internal Affairs Investigators Association and has decades of law enforcement and Internal Affairs experience, including with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Records from the Florida Sheriffs Association show Ferrell previously served in PCSO’s Office of Professional Compliance, where he worked in Administrative Investigations. 

The decision means the investigation will be conducted outside the Bartow Police Department.

“Our goal is to be as transparent as possible with this investigation,” Herr said in Wednesday’s statement. “Because the complaint involved the former head of our Police Department, the decision was made that it would best be accomplished by someone outside of that agency.”

The investigation is expected to take several weeks.

While the selection of Ferrell answers the question of who will conduct the Internal Affairs investigation, the central mystery surrounding Walker’s resignation remains.

The City of Bartow still has not publicly disclosed the nature of the allegations against its former police chief.

What has been disclosed suggests the matter extends beyond a simple disagreement between Walker and city administration.

According to the city, the original complaint concerning Walker was disclosed Aug. 12 while Herr, Bartow city commissioners and other city staff were attending the Florida League of Cities conference in Hollywood.

Herr returned to Bartow, and a preliminary inquiry conducted Aug. 12 and 13 found the allegations “credible and concerning,” according to the city.

Walker met with Herr and City Attorney Sean Parker on Aug. 14. While Walker did not admit wrongdoing, he resigned effective immediately.

Within an hour of Walker’s resignation, according to Wednesday’s statement, Herr was contacted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. PCSO indicated it intended to conduct its own investigation into whether any criminal activity had occurred.

City officials subsequently conducted administrative and legal reviews and met with representatives of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on Aug. 26.

Two days later, Herr formally launched Internal Affairs Case #26-05.

The latest city statement also provides another potentially important detail.

Bartow officials said they have exercised “an abundance of caution” because of the sensitive nature of the complaint and applicable Florida laws involving pending investigations. The city said that caution is intended to protect the “privacy and identity of affected employees.”

The reference to affected employees indicates that people other than Walker are involved in or affected by the allegations, although the city has not identified those employees or explained their involvement.

Daily Ridge is not speculating about the nature of the complaint while the investigations remain active.

The city has said that once Ferrell completes his investigation, the findings and supporting documents will be released publicly to the extent allowed under Florida law.

Walker joined the Bartow Police Department in 2022 as a captain and was promoted to deputy chief in December 2023. He was sworn in as police chief on Dec. 6, 2024.

Deputy Chief Kyle Dowdy is currently serving as officer in charge of the Bartow Police Department.

The city also plans to contract with Strategic Government Resources to conduct the search for Bartow’s next police chief.

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Polk County High School Football Preview Week 3 

Ethan Jones
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Polk County High School Football Preview Week 3 
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By Ethan Jones

After another week of action-packed high school football, we now head into week 3 of the high school football season. Where we have some good matchups in store for you once again, with that being said, Week 3 is here, and the honeymoon is over. Teams have had a chance to see what works, what doesn’t, and where they need to improve. Now, it’s about putting those lessons to work when Friday night arrives. With statement games and plenty of county pride on the line, there’s no shortage of storylines to follow. With this being said, here are some games that are going on around Polk County that you should watch out for.  

Lake Wales at Winter Haven 

First off, we have Lake Wales at Winter Haven. These two teams have some history against each other as Lake Wales has the most recent edge against Winter Haven having won the last 3 matchups against the Blue Devils and outscoring them 67-7 in the last 2 matchups. The Blue Devils are hoping to flip the script and have a different outcome this time around. The Highlanders are 1-1 and are coming off a 35-34 loss and are hoping to get back over .500 while the Blue Devils are 1-0 coming off a 44-28 victory at home. Heading into this game we have two great matchups and that is Winter Havens rushing attack vs Lake Wales defense.  

This season, although it still being early, Winter Haven has that it is effective at running the ball and being able to oppose their will on opposing defenses while on the other hand Lake Wales has shown that it has the ability to slow down offenses. With that being said, I have Winter Haven coming out with the victory. The reason I have Winter Haven coming out with a victory is for one they are hungry to have a different result this time after two poor performances their last two matchups and another reason being that they can catch Lake Wales while their down, with Lake Wales coming off a 1-1 start they may be still struggling to find their identity. 

Prediction: Winter Haven 41, Lake Wales 35 

Lakeland vs. Venice 

The biggest game on the Polk County schedule this week could very well be Lakeland versus Venice at historic Bryant Stadium. This game will be taking place at the historic Bryant Stadium for Lakelands home opener. This game will be a matchup of two highly regarded programs in the state of Florida where both teams are in the top 10 according to On3’s official top 25 rankings for the state of Florida. Venice will provide a much harder test for Lakeland early in the season after coming off a 47-0 shellacking of a struggling Kathleen team. Venice is coming off a 64-8 victory over SmartEn Sports Academy and so far, this season has shown that they have a high caliber offense averaging 53 points a game and scoring a total of 106 points so far this season.  

If you live in Polk County This will be a great opportunity to see how Lakeland will stack up against an elite Florida opponent. I expect this one to be a shootout. One of the biggest reasons I am picking Lakeland is the home-field advantage. The Dreadnaughts are known for having some of the best football crowds in Polk County, and playing at Bryant Stadium could make a difference in a game this close. Lakeland also has an efficient passer in quarterback Kelin Hendrix. In the Dreadnaughts opener, Hendrix completed 11 of 14 passes for 193 yards and two touchdowns. If he could continue to play efficiently, he could give Venice’s defense plenty to handle. Finally, I believe Lakeland’s defense will make just enough big plays to swing the game in its favor. 

Prediction: Lakeland 48, Venice 45   

Davenport at Auburndale 

My last game that I would suggest watching this Friday would have to be Davenport at Auburndale. The reason why this game is a must-watch game is because it is a great matchup of desperation Vs. Momentum. Auburndale is entering the game with some confidence after a 57-0 win against Ridge Community and Davenport comes into the game looking to respond after a poor performance against Lakewood Ranch where they lost 27-0. Another reason why this game will be worth watching is to see if Davenport’s offense can get back on track and see if they can figure out what they are missing. I predict Auburndale winning this game. The reason why I have them winning this game is because their offense is coming off a great performance and are coming into a game where their opponent is still trying to figure out their offense. Another reason I have Auburndale winning this game is because of the performance of their star players such as their quarterback Teo Edwards who is averaging 61 rushing yards and has already thrown for 4 touchdown passes. 

Prediction: Auburndale 42, Davenport 13 

And with another big Friday night on tap across Polk County, the only question left is simple: Which teams will rise to the moment, and which ones will leave the field with something to prove? 

Fictitious Name Public Notice

Staff Reporter
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Fictitious Name Public Notice

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 CBRS Creations, Located in Polk County, Florida that parties interested in said business enterprises are as follows Names or officers Cindy Gonzales.

New Pizzeria and Sports Bar Coming to Downtown Lake Wales

Allison
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New Pizzeria and Sports Bar Coming to Downtown Lake Wales

New Pizzeria and Sports Bar Coming to Downtown Lake Wales
by James Coulter
 
Are you looking for the best pizza in town? Well, soon, you’ll be able to buy two slices and a drink for only $5 now that a popular pizzeria is setting up shop in Downtown Lake Wales.
 
At their regular meeting in August, the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board voted unanimously to approve a matching grant of up to $50,000 for a new pizzeria and sports bar moving to the city.
 
Located at 253 E. Stuart Avenue, Downtown Pizza & Sports Bar will be owned and operated by Kevin and Janay Rodriquez, the former owners of Dundee Downtown Pizza & Burgers.
 
Their former business, which had been open since 2018, was forced to close its doors on Aug. 1 following a significant rent increase, according to a post on Facebook.
 
“Our landlord has proposed increasing our rent by nearly $10,000 in just one year, followed by 5% annual increases every year after that,” the post read. “Unfortunately, that’s simply not something a small, family-owned business like ours can afford in today’s economy.”
 
The new eatery will occupy the space that was the former location of Mimi’s Bakery, which closed in August 2024. Downtown Pizza & Sports Bar, true to its name, will operate as both a pizzeria and a sports bar.
 
“This new location more than doubles their seating capacity and features a family-friendly atmosphere, complete with a full-service sports bar,” wrote Ronni Wood, Assistant CRA Director.
 
To help with renovations, matching funds of up to $50,000 will be provided through the city’s Food-Related Services Incentive Program, which assists food-related businesses in the Downtown Main Street District.
 
The funds will help create “a well-appointed commercial kitchen,” as the former kitchen area had been used only for baking, Wood explained.
 
Wood praised the new eatery being revitalized through a grant as an example of how the Lake Wales CRA helps promote economic development. She mentioned that private growth grew exponentially between 2019 and 2025 with more than $6.6 million in private investment.
 
“Lake Wales is way above the norm, way above the average. And we are above average and proving it every single day,” she said.
 
Catherine Mazullo, owner of the Bullard Building, in which the new eatery will open, commended the new business for choosing that location to help draw more activity to that part of the downtown area.
 
“Hopefully, it will build community and bring something into that space that will make Lake Wales thrive and grow,” she said.
 
Kevin Rodriguez, owner of the new eatery, assured the board that not only will his pizzeria prove popular among locals but also draw in potential customers from outside the city limits. He mentioned that his old business had customers driving from as far as Poinciana, Clermont, and Sebring for their famous pizza.
 
“They will drive for a slice,” he said. “And they will realize there are other businesses to patronize.”
 
Several board members expressed their enthusiasm for the new pizzeria. Mayor Jack Hilligoss bragged about how his son started “politicking” on social media for the business to move to Lake Wales. Commissioner Terri Miller expressed hope that the eatery would allow customers an opportunity to peruse other downtown businesses.
 
Rodriguez mentioned that his business was willing to “jump through any hurdles” to open in Lake Wales. One hurdle he mentioned was the seating requirement of 180 people needed to obtain a liquor license.
 
Commissioner Keith Thompson inquired about the possibility of lowering the seating threshold. He welcomed the new eatery, claiming that the City of Lake Wales was more than dedicated to promoting economic growth and development by bringing in new businesses.
 
“I do not think you will see a group of people who want to see downtown Lake Wales more successful than we do,” he said.

Source Downtown Pizza Facebook

City Commission Considers Making Residency Proof Necessary for Commission Seats

Allison
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City Commission Considers Making Residency Proof Necessary for Commission Seats

City Commission Considers Making Residency Proof Necessary for Commission Seats
by James Coulter
 
Anyone planning to run for public office in Lake Wales must prove they actually live within the city limits. That point commissioners agree on. What remains unsettled is how potential candidates will be required to prove their residency, a question that is still waiting for a straightforward answer.
 
During a work session late last month, Lake Wales city commissioners had a discussion about the best method for commission candidates to verify their residency.
 
City code requires commission candidates to have lived within Lake Wales for “not less than one year preceding their date of election.” However, the code does not specify how that residency is verified.
 
“There are currently no specifics as to what may establish that the residency qualification has been met,” explained City Manager James Slaton. “The filing officer, City Clerk, is required to accept the oath at face value and is precluded from investigating as to the truthfulness of the candidate’s sworn representations. A challenge to qualifications is a matter for the courts.”
 
In response, commissioners were recommended to change the city code, specifying the evidence candidates must provide to show the one-year residency requirement. The options under consideration include vehicle registration, a driver’s license, voter registration, or a deed or lease.
 
Commissioner Carol Gillespie asked whether candidates would need to provide one or more of the listed documents. Slaton responded that any of the items could be accepted individually or used in combination should the commission deem it necessary.
 
Commissioner Gillespie questioned the necessity of such a requirement, claiming that it was not only unnecessary but also that it could potentially erode public trust.
 
“People will not lie their way into candidacy for the position,” she said. “I would like to keep the system of taking their word for it. I think the candidates that we want in these positions are people we can trust.”
 
The discussion emerged after a public comment at the Apr. 21, 2026 meeting, when a resident questioned whether Commissioner Terri Miller had met the one‑year residency requirement during her campaign for the seat.
 
At the recent work session, Commissioner Miller cleared the air on the matter. She said she has resided within the city for the past three years, having lived a “nomadic life” across the state.
 
“It just didn’t occur to me that I was going to run for this office,” she said. “So, it didn’t pose so much gravity to get something changed the minute that I moved in to where I lived.”
 
However, Commissioner Miller was more than open to establishing a formal requirement for proving residency, saying the idea was “not a bad one.” She noted that during her first Florida League of Cities conference, presenters emphasized that ordinances are often more effective when written broadly rather than narrowly.
 
“So, being a nomadic world where people do not stay or choose to be somewhere, I do not know if it will be easier or more difficult if you have a lot of criteria,” she said. “But I do not think it is a bad idea to have one of these.”
 
Commissioner Keith Thompson replied that the broadest approach would be to rescind the requirement. As such, he felt the city was responsible for outlining the specific criteria for that requirement.
 
“This exposed a weakness in the system where no one wants to handle this hot potato,” he said. “I do think the people who are running for office, if you are serious, then you need to look up the requirements and have ways to prove that you meet those requirements. No one is forcing anyone to run for office.”
 
Commissioners agreed to move forward with the proposal, directing staff to draft an ordinance for review at the next work session. The ordinance’s first reading was on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, according to City Clerk Jennifer Nanek.

One Movie Later: Obsession Is a Horror Movie Worth Being Obsessed With

Allison
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One Movie Later: Obsession Is a Horror Movie Worth Being Obsessed With

One Movie Later: Obsession Is a Horror Movie Worth Being Obsessed With

By James Coulter

Original films have felt like an endangered species in Hollywood, crowded out by endless sequels and remakes. But the past year has proven that not only is originality not dead, but it is also, in fact, still thriving. Fresh hits like Hoppers, Project Hail Mary, and indie horror breakouts like Backrooms have dominated the box office. And among them is the subject of this review: Obsession.

Released earlier this year, Obsession quickly became a box‑office anomaly. It opened with a strong $17.2 million weekend and kept growing, a pattern almost unheard of for wide‑release horror, eventually becoming the highest‑grossing film ever made on a budget under $1 million. Audiences didn’t just watch Obsession; they latched onto it. But does the film earn that fervor, or is this fixation just another strange side effect of a wish made on a One Wish Willow?

Bear is an ordinary guy in the most painfully relatable way. He’s hopelessly in love with his crush, Nikki, yet paralyzed by the thought of telling her how he feels. Desperate for courage he doesn’t have, he turns to a novelty trinket called a One Wish Willow and makes a simple, earnest wish: that Nikki would love him more than anything in the world. To his shock, the wish works. But as any seasoned horror fan knows, wishes granted rarely come without a price—and in horror movies especially, that price can often be deadly.

The premise is simple: boy loves girl, boy wishes girl loved him back, wish comes true, and it’s all downhill from there. It’s a classic Monkey’s Paw setup with a timeless warning: be careful what you wish for. What makes Obsession stand out is how far it pushes that familiar idea. The film delivers exactly what the marketing promises, yet still veers into chaotic, unpredictable territory. You think you know where it’s going…until you don’t!

Nikki’s magically induced devotion quickly becomes disturbing. She’s clingy, obsessive, and emotionally volatile. Even worse, her behavior doesn’t follow a neat, predictable pattern. One moment she’s doting and affectionate; the next she’s a sobbing wreck; and then, without warning, she erupts into a screaming rage that threatens both Bear and herself. These whiplash shifts can happen in under a minute, and they’re genuinely unnerving.

The film’s refusal to fully explain the wish’s mechanics makes Nikki’s behavior even more chilling. Is her personality being warped by magic? Is something darker possessing her? Is the “real” Nikki still trapped inside, fighting for control during those erratic swings? Obsession never gives a straightforward answer, and that ambiguity becomes one of its greatest strengths. Your imagination fills in the gaps, and what you imagine is often scarier than what’s on screen.

Nikki’s chaotic performance works because Inde Navarrette is a phenomenal actress. She flips emotions on a dime, blending the unstable intensity of Misery’s Annie Wilkes with the otherworldly menace of The Exorcist’s Regan. It’s a performance worthy of joining the ranks of those horror icons—and frankly, one that deserves an Oscar for Best Actress!

A popular fan theory suggests that Bear is actually the film’s true villain, a reading the director himself has hinted might be valid. It’s easy to see why. Yes, Bear makes his wish without realizing the cheap trinket he bought would actually work, and at first he doesn’t fully grasp what’s happening to Nikki. But even after he learns the wish is controlling her, and even after he’s been given multiple chances to undo it, he refuses. (Spoiler: In one moment, Nikki begs for relief, and Bear responds, “What’s so bad about being with me?” It’s then you realize he may not be the “nice guy” he thinks he is.)

Obsession is now streaming on Peacock and available to rent on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. If you missed its theatrical run, it’s well worth watching at home, preferably in the dark. This is one horror film that earns its title. Obsession is absolutely worth obsessing over.

Fictitious Name Public Notice

Staff Reporter
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0
Fictitious Name Public Notice

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 The Oak Company LLC DBA I Love Finger Limes, Located in Polk County, Florida that parties interested in said business enterprises are as follows Names or officers Laura Oak and Arne Oak.

Sheriff Judd Calls Woman Accused Of Poisoning Haines City Man A “Black Widow,” Warns Of Possible Other Victims

Carl Fish
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Sheriff Judd Calls Woman Accused Of Poisoning Haines City Man A “Black Widow,” Warns Of Possible Other Victims

Haines City man thought he had met a woman named “Nala” through a dating app.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says what followed included money, a vehicle, whiskey, an alleged demand for $1,000 for sex and ultimately a trip to the hospital from what investigators say was an intentional drug overdose.

Now 39-year-old Samantha Adams of Orlando is facing an attempted murder charge, and investigators believe there could potentially be other victims.

Judd referred to Adams as a “black widow” while discussing the investigation and warned that detectives want to hear from anyone else who may have had a similar encounter with her.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, detectives arrested Adams on Thursday, Aug. 27, at the Posner Park shopping center in Davenport after arranging for her to meet the alleged victim there.

The investigation began Aug. 20 after a 69-year-old Haines City man contacted PCSO regarding what he believed were suspicious circumstances surrounding a medical emergency three days earlier.

The man told investigators he originally met Adams through a dating app and knew her only as “Nala.” Detectives later identified the woman as Adams.

According to PCSO, the man told detectives that he and Adams had gotten into an argument over a vehicle he had purchased for her. At some point after the argument, Adams allegedly went into the kitchen carrying her purse before returning with two glasses of whiskey.

The victim drank from one of the glasses.

Investigators say the two then became intimate before Adams allegedly stopped and told the man he would have to pay her $1,000 to continue. The man refused and Adams left the residence.

Later that evening, the man passed out and was transported to a hospital.

According to PCSO, medical personnel determined he had suffered a benzodiazepine overdose. The victim told detectives he does not take benzodiazepines and did not have any prescribed to him.

Detectives allege Adams intentionally mixed the drug into the man’s drink.

Investigators also learned that someone had allegedly tampered with the victim’s home security system. The man told detectives he had seen Adams in the area of his home where the security system was located.

Perhaps even more concerning to investigators were the man’s accounts of several previous incidents involving Adams.

According to PCSO, the victim described at least three other suspicious episodes after consuming small amounts of alcohol with Adams at her Orlando residence during August.

During one incident, he reportedly became unsteady and fell after having a drink. On another occasion, he passed out in his vehicle after leaving her residence.

The man also reported an Aug. 15 incident in which he left Adams’ residence feeling groggy and backed into another vehicle.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the victim maintained that on each occasion he had consumed only a small amount of alcohol.

Detectives arrested Adams Aug. 27 after she agreed to meet the man at Posner Park. According to PCSO, detectives moved in and boxed in her vehicle before taking her into custody.

Deputies reported finding a prescription bottle belonging to another person containing 19 Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen pills, 2.5 Oxycodone Hydrochloride pills, nine Sertraline pills, a partial Adderall pill and a partial Alprazolam, commonly known as Xanax.

Adams was charged with second-degree attempted murder, tampering with evidence, possession of Oxycodone, possession of Hydrocodone, possession of Alprazolam, resisting without violence, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a new legend drug without a prescription and offering to commit prostitution.

Sheriff Grady Judd said investigators are concerned that the Haines City man may not be the only person who encountered Adams under similar circumstances.

“It is possible that there could be more people out there who have been victimized by Samantha Adams,” Judd said. “Her motivation is money, and as we have seen with this case, she is willing to go to great lengths to get money– including murder.”

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone who believes they may have had a similar encounter with Adams should contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

The charges against Adams are allegations. She is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

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