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Winter Haven Commissioner Very Critical Of Incumbent Jon Albert, Says “Tallahassee Has a Representative. Winter Haven Doesn’t.”

Carl Fish
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Winter Haven Commissioner Very Critical Of Incumbent Jon Albert, Says “Tallahassee Has a Representative. Winter Haven Doesn’t.”

By Carl Fish
Daily Ridge

WINTER HAVEN, Florida – Winter Haven City Commissioner Chad Davis is publicly backing Jerry Carter over incumbent State Representative Jon Albert in the Republican primary for Florida House District 48, while delivering a sharp criticism of Albert’s first term in Tallahassee.

“Tallahassee has a representative. Winter Haven doesn’t,” Davis wrote in his endorsement of Carter.

Davis, who was elected to the Winter Haven City Commission in 2025, accused Albert of moving away from the local-government principles he campaigned on.

“For two years, Winter Haven has had no voice in the Florida House of Representatives,” Davis wrote. “Representative Jon Albert campaigned as someone who understood local government, yet once in Tallahassee, he sided with efforts that weakened home rule and chipped away at local control.”

Davis called it “a remarkable betrayal coming from a former mayor who should understand that decisions affecting Winter Haven are best made in Winter Haven – not by bureaucrats and special interests hundreds of miles away.”

Albert, a Republican from Frostproof, was elected to the Florida House in 2024. Before going to Tallahassee, Albert served in local government in Frostproof, including serving as mayor. He is also a Marine Corps veteran and business owner.

Rep Jon Albert

House District 48 is entirely within Polk County and represents a portion of the county that includes Winter Haven and extends into eastern and southeastern Polk County. The district brings together communities with different needs, ranging from the larger Winter Haven area to smaller municipalities and rural portions of Polk County.

One vote from Albert’s first term provides additional context to Davis’ criticism regarding home rule and local control.

Albert voted in favor of Senate Bill 180 during the 2025 legislative session, a wide-ranging emergency preparedness and hurricane recovery bill that included restrictions on certain actions by local governments following hurricanes.

Among the provisions were restrictions preventing affected cities and counties from adopting certain construction or redevelopment moratoriums and from making some comprehensive plans, land-development regulations and development procedures more restrictive or burdensome following hurricanes.

The provisions were intended in part to prevent local governments from placing additional obstacles in the way of property owners attempting to rebuild following a hurricane. However, the legislation became controversial among local governments because of concerns that the restrictions went beyond hurricane recovery and interfered with local authority over growth and development.

Albert’s vote on the legislation is clear in the official record.

On April 29, 2025, Albert voted yes on SB 180 when the Florida House approved the legislation 115-1. The House later voted 106-0 on May 2 to concur with the Senate’s amended version. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law on June 26, 2025. 

The vote does not necessarily mean Albert opposes home rule generally. SB 180 contained numerous provisions dealing with emergency preparedness and hurricane recovery beyond the controversial land-use restrictions, and the legislation received overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers.

Still, Albert’s vote provides relevant context to Davis’ specific criticism that the representative has supported legislation that weakened local control.

Davis also took aim at what he says Winter Haven has received during Albert’s time representing the district.

“The results have been hard to miss,” Davis wrote. “Winter Haven taxpayers have little to show for Albert’s time in office. In his two years, he failed to secure a single penny in the state budget for our city. He may represent District 48 on paper, but his actions suggest he is more interested in representing Tallahassee.”

Daily Ridge has not independently verified Davis’ claim that Albert failed to secure any state budget funding specifically for Winter Haven. State funding can reach a community through countywide, regional or state agency projects even when a municipality is not specifically listed as the recipient.

Davis is throwing his support behind Carter, who is making his second run for House District 48.

Carter is a longtime Polk County resident whose campaign emphasizes his multigenerational roots in the county, conservative positions and private-sector background. Carter previously sought the House District 48 seat in 2024, finishing second in a crowded six-candidate Republican primary won by Albert.

Jerry Carter

Unlike Albert, Carter has not served in the Florida Legislature and therefore does not have a state legislative voting record for voters to examine. His campaign has instead focused on his Polk County roots and an argument that District 48 needs representation focused more heavily on local priorities.

There is also some political history behind Davis’ endorsement.

Before being elected to the Winter Haven City Commission, Davis was himself a candidate for House District 48 in 2024 and competed in the same Republican primary against both Albert and Carter.

Davis is now choosing one of his former political rivals over the other.

The 2026 Republican primary is essentially a rematch between the top two finishers from the 2024 contest, but this time Albert enters the race as the incumbent. Florida Division of Elections records confirm Albert has qualified to seek reelection. 

Davis made clear which of his former opponents he believes should represent the district.

“We deserve a representative who will fight for us, defend local control, and put our communities first,” Davis wrote. “Jerry Carter is that candidate.”

Albert and Carter will face each other in the August 18 Republican primary for Florida House District 48.

There will not be a Democratic primary for the seat. Democrat Alethea Pugh has qualified for the District 48 race and advanced without a primary after the other Democratic candidates who had entered the race withdrew or were disqualified. State election records currently list Pugh as a qualified Democratic candidate for the 2026 general election. 

The winner of the Albert-Carter Republican primary will face Pugh in the November general election.

Daily Ridge reached out to Albert and provided him with Davis’ statement, giving him an opportunity to respond to the criticism regarding Winter Haven, local control and his legislative record.

Albert responded Tuesday morning but said he would not be addressing the issues at this time.

“I do have responses to some of what you are asking, but I have been advised to keep working and sit this one out,” Albert told Daily Ridge.

DUI Suspect Involved in 3-Vehicle Crash That Killed 17-Year-Old Among 43 Arrested by PCSO

Allison
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DUI Suspect Involved in 3-Vehicle Crash That Killed 17-Year-Old Among 43 Arrested by PCSO

Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 43 people for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol and/or drugs last month.

Of these arrests, six of them were involved in traffic crashes.

Two were found to be in the United States illegally and had an ICE hold placed on them.

Four are known to be repeat offenders.

And one, Ricky Willis, was involved in a 3-vehicle crash that claimed the life of a 17-year old who was on a dirtbike. Willis was also driving while there were two juveniles in his vehicle.

These 43 arrests were PCSO arrests only, and do not include arrests in Polk County made by any of the city police departments or the Florida Highway Patrol.

If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

Haines City Man, 26, Killed After SUV Crosses Center Line on Cypress Parkway

Carl Fish
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Haines City Man, 26, Killed After SUV Crosses Center Line on Cypress Parkway

 

A fatal two-vehicle crash occurred Sunday morning, August 9, 2026, and left one driver injured, and the other driver deceased.

 

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the crash. Deputies were dispatched to the scene at around 6:07 am on Sunday.

 

The crash occurred on Cypress Parkway, about 1.2 miles west of San Clemente Avenue.

 

Upon arrival of first responders, a 26-year-old Haines City man was found deceased in his 2025 Hyundai Elantra. 

 

The driver of a 2012 Toyota 4Runner, a 28-year-old female from Kissimmee, suffered non life-threatening facial injuries and was taken to a local hospital.

 

The PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit determined that the 4Runner was traveling west on Cypress Parkway while the Elantra was traveling east prior to the crash.

 

For an unknown reason, the 4Runner crossed the center line and collided with the Elantra.

Cypress Parkway was closed for approximately 2.5 hours.

The determination of any criminal or civil charges will be made at the conclusion of this investigation which is ongoing.

Vegetable Gardening Event in Winter Haven Monday

Allison
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Vegetable Gardening Event in Winter Haven Monday

Now is the perfect time to plan your fall vegetable garden. Get expert advice from Polk County Master Gardener Volunteers as they guide you through the process.
Register at https://ow.ly/705M50ZvcaN to reserve your spot!

Website info:

Join UF/IFAS Extension Polk County to learn grow your own veggies this fall.

Now is the perfect time to plan your fall vegetable garden. Get expert advice from Polk County Master Gardener Volunteers as they guide you through the process. We will talk about vegetable gardening basics, how to start a vegetable garden, what you can plant now, and tips and tricks to make your veggie gardening successful. Join the growing group of green and brown thumbs who have dicovered how tasty, fun, and rewarding it can be to raise your own food! Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your gardening skills, this event is the perfect opportunity to get growing and learn more about cultivating your own fresh vegetables.

Workshop is presented by UF/IFAS Extension Polk County.

If any accommodations are needed, please contact Julie Schelb at 863-519-1041 or [email protected]. Requests should be made as soon as possible but at least ten days prior to the scheduled meeting.

Cancellation Policy: Programs, workshops, and events are subject to cancellation if a minimum number of attendees are not registered. Cancellations will be posted on Eventbrite and an email will be sent to registrants.

Sheriff Grady Judd Backs Jon Albert Despite Albert’s Vote To Advance Property Tax Amendment

Carl Fish
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Sheriff Grady Judd Backs Jon Albert Despite Albert’s Vote To Advance Property Tax Amendment

POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has officially endorsed State Rep. Jon Albert in his reelection campaign for Florida House District 48, despite the two taking notably different positions on a major property tax proposal headed to Florida voters this November.

Albert’s campaign has prominently advertised the endorsement, including campaign material featuring the two men together and stating that Judd endorses Albert.

Daily Ridge independently confirmed the endorsement with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

“The Sheriff has endorsed Representative Albert,” PCSO Director of Communications Scott Wilder told Daily Ridge.

The endorsement creates an interesting political contrast when it comes to one of the most significant property tax proposals Florida voters will consider this November.

Albert voted in favor of CS/HJR 1-F during the Florida Legislature’s June special session. The joint resolution is the measure that placed the proposed constitutional amendment before Florida voters.

The Florida House approved the measure June 2 by a vote of 75-26, with Albert voting yes on final passage. The Florida Senate subsequently approved the measure 30-9, sending the proposed constitutional amendment to voters.

Judd, meanwhile, has publicly raised concerns about the proposal and the potential consequences it could have for local governments and public safety.

That creates a notable distinction between the two men. Albert voted for the legislative resolution sending the property tax proposal to voters, while Judd has publicly warned about the potential effects of the amendment.

What Would Amendment 3 Actually Do?

The proposed constitutional amendment, titled “Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes,” would make significant changes to Florida’s property tax system.

Most notably, it would substantially increase the homestead exemption applying to property taxes levied by counties, cities and other taxing authorities, excluding school district taxes.

Beginning in 2027, the exemption would increase to as much as $150,000 of assessed value for qualifying homestead property. Beginning in 2028, it would increase to as much as $250,000, with future adjustments.

The proposal would also reduce the maximum annual assessment increase on certain non-homestead residential and non-residential property from 10 percent to 5 percent.

For qualifying homeowners, the proposal could mean substantially lower property tax bills.

However, those savings would also mean less property tax revenue flowing to counties, cities and other local taxing authorities.

That is at the center of Judd’s concern.

Counties and municipalities rely heavily on property tax revenue to fund services including law enforcement, fire protection, roads, parks, libraries and other local government operations.

The debate essentially pits two concerns against each other: homeowners who argue rising property values have resulted in increasingly burdensome property tax bills, and local governments and public safety officials who warn that dramatically reducing property tax revenue could eventually affect services or force governments to find revenue elsewhere.

A Difference Worth Noting

The difference between Judd and Albert is important, but it also requires some context.

Albert’s vote for HJR 1-F establishes that he voted to send the proposal to Florida voters. It does not necessarily establish how Albert personally intends to vote when the amendment appears on his own ballot in November.

Daily Ridge has not received a statement from Albert saying whether he currently supports passage of Amendment 3 by voters.

Judd’s position has been much clearer. The Sheriff has publicly warned about the potential financial consequences of the property tax proposal and its possible effect on local government services.

That makes the endorsement noteworthy.

Judd has formally endorsed Albert for reelection, even though Albert cast a legislative vote helping advance a property tax proposal about which Judd has publicly expressed significant concerns.

The endorsement also illustrates that Judd’s support for Albert does not necessarily mean the two agree on every major policy issue.

Amendment Faces Legal Challenge Over Ballot Language

The proposal has also encountered a legal controversy just months before the November election.

A Leon County circuit judge ruled this week that the ballot title and summary were misleading and ordered the language rewritten. The dispute centers on how the proposal is described to voters rather than the underlying policy debate over property tax reductions.

If Amendment 3 ultimately appears before voters in November, it will require approval from at least 60 percent of voters to become part of the Florida Constitution.

If approved, portions of the constitutional changes would begin taking effect January 1, 2027.

One Dead, Another Seriously Injured In Crash Near ChampionsGate

Carl Fish
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One Dead, Another Seriously Injured In Crash Near ChampionsGate

DAVENPORT, Fla. – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash Friday afternoon that has shut down a portion of Ronald Reagan Parkway in the Davenport area.

According to an update from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Traffic Homicide detectives were called to the crash on Ronald Reagan Parkway near Portofino Way on Friday, August 7.

The Sheriff’s Office confirmed that one person was killed in the crash, while another person appears to have suffered serious injuries.

As of the latest update, Ronald Reagan Parkway is completely shut down in both directions while deputies investigate the crash.

The crash occurred in the ChampionsGate area, near the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate and the ChampionsGate Sports Complex. The location is also west of Interstate 4.

PCSO has not yet released information about the vehicles involved, the identities of those involved, or what investigators believe caused the crash.

Traffic Homicide detectives remain on scene, and motorists should avoid Ronald Reagan Parkway in the area until the roadway is reopened.

The Daily Ridge will update this story as additional information is released by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Live Music Around Winter Haven This Weekend

Allison
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Live Music Around Winter Haven This Weekend

Looking for live entertainment around the Winter Haven area this weekend? Whether you’re in the mood for karaoke, acoustic favorites, or a full band, several local venues have great performances lined up.

Tanner’s Lakeside

  • Friday: Karaoke Night
  • Sunday: Strictly Business from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Cypresswood Pub

  • Friday: Acoustic Roots from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: Hunter McNeer from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

B.Haven
Catch B.Haven live at the VFW in Winter Haven on Saturday, August 8, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Whether you’re looking to sing along at karaoke, enjoy an acoustic performance over dinner, or dance the night away with live music, there’s something for everyone around Winter Haven this weekend. Gather your friends, support local musicians, and enjoy a great weekend of entertainment.

Want Your Music Featured?
Email your performance schedule to [email protected] and put LIVE MUSIC in the subject line.

Winter Haven Prepares $371.8M Budget Framework Amid Concerns Over Statewide Tax Amendment

Allison
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Winter Haven Prepares $371.8M Budget Framework Amid Concerns Over Statewide Tax Amendment

Winter Haven Prepares $371.8M Budget Framework Amid Concerns Over Statewide Tax Amendment

By James Coulter

Even as Winter Haven anticipates higher property values and stronger ad valorem revenue, city commissioners are worried that a new tax amendment might reduce the funds the city needs in the near future.

At their regular meeting on Mon. July 27, 2026, Winter Haven commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the tentative millage rate for the next fiscal year and set the date for the first public budget hearing.

The tentative millage rate remains at 6.5900 mills, the same as last year. However, because this rate is higher than the rolled‑back rate, state law requires it to be publicly noticed as a tax increase.

Next fiscal year’s proposed budget totals $371,845,623, including $177,489,939 in capital expenditures for infrastructure and major asset investments. Under the tentative millage rate, ad valorem revenues for the General Fund are projected to rise by $1,551,326, bringing the total to $32,753,796.

The city’s overall taxable property value increased 4.97 percentto $5.61 billion. Of that growth, 2.83 percent (or $164.8 million) comes from new construction, while the remaining 2.14 percentreflects increases in existing taxable value.

Of the ad valorem proceeds in the CRA, $4,382,780 and $1,676,558 will be allocated to the Downtown District and Florence Villa District, respectively—increases of $147,770 in the Downtown District and $109,041 in Florence Villa compared to last year.

The proposed budget also includes a 3 percent cost‑of‑living adjustment for city employees, setting a minimum wage of $17.30 per hour. The city plans to fund 659 full‑time budgetedpositions, including six new roles.

However, several commissioners worried that the following fiscal year’s budget might be affected if voters approve Florida Amendment 3 in November. If approved, the statewide amendment would increase the homestead exemption to $150,000 and lower the assessment growth cap on non‑homesteaded properties from 10 percent to 5 percent.

These changes apply to non‑school property taxes, a primary revenue source for cities and counties, including Polk County.State economists estimate the amendment would reduce local government revenue by roughly $12 billion annually once fully implemented, according to the Florida Policy Institute.

If approved, the amendment will affect all municipal and county budgets starting next fiscal year on Oct. 1 2027. However, Karina Hill, Director of Public Affairs and Communications, assures that the change will not affect next fiscal year’s budget.

“The City of Winter Haven has approached [next fiscal year’s] budget conservatively so as not to create any new positions, projects, or initiatives that we may not be able to fund in the following year if the Amendment passes,” she said.

Mayor Brian Yates urged caution in adopting the tentative millage rate, noting that if Amendment 3 passes, the resulting revenue loss could affect planned city projects.

“So as we continue through this budget season and beyond, I think these are the things that we need to continue to think about and consider what direction you want to go forward [because] we don’t have any crystal balls,” he said.

City Manager T. Michael Stavres praised commissioners for approaching the fiscal year with caution and strategy, especially given the risks posed by Amendment 3. He described the amendment as a “rushed approach” that could deliver far deeper revenue losses than intended, saying it could amount to “a decapitation” for governments that lack alternative funding sources.

“What’s intended to achieve some level of a haircut becomes a decapitation for many governments who don’t have the opportunities for replacement revenue,” he said.

The first public budget hearing will be held on Tues., Sept. 15, 2026, at 6 PM in the John Fuller Auditorium in City Hall at 451 Third Street N.W., Winter Haven. The meeting was rescheduled so as not to conflict with the Board of County Commissioners’tentative budget public hearing on Mon. Sept. 14, 2026.

Wanted Accused Sex Offender Killed In Deputy-Involved Shooting After K-9 Shot Protecting Handler

Carl Fish
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Wanted Accused Sex Offender Killed In Deputy-Involved Shooting After K-9 Shot Protecting Handler

LAKELAND, Fla. — A wanted accused sex offender was killed Thursday after authorities say he opened fire on Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies from inside a tent, critically wounding a K-9 who was tracking him.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd identified the suspect as Angel Bowers, who was being sought on an outstanding warrant related to a sex offense involving a minor.

According to information released by Judd, deputies received information from Bowers’ bondsman that helped lead investigators to the area where Bowers was believed to be staying in a tent.

K-9 Deputy Natalie Oestreich and her 7-year-old K-9 partner, Ace, were among those involved in tracking Bowers.

Judd said that as deputies approached the tent, Bowers began firing through the tent with a 9mm handgun equipped with an extended magazine. Investigators say he fired multiple rounds before deputies returned fire.

During the gunfire, Ace was struck by a bullet. Judd said the K-9 took the shot while protecting his handler.

Ace suffered what the sheriff described as an arterial injury and was initially rushed to an advanced veterinary care facility in Lakeland. He was later flown to an advanced care facility in Lakewood Ranch for further treatment.

Bowers was struck multiple times when deputies returned fire and was pronounced dead at the scene.

During his remarks following the shooting, Judd used characteristically blunt language to describe what happened.

“Angel asked to be shot, and we gave him lead poison,” Judd said.

The sheriff also praised Ace and his handler, crediting the K-9 with putting himself between the gunfire and Oestreich.

The shooting remains under investigation, as is standard following a deputy-involved shooting. Additional details, including the number of deputies who fired and the exact sequence of the gunfire, are expected to be released as the investigation continues.

The Daily Ridge will provide additional information on Ace’s condition and the investigation as it becomes available

After 15 Years Without a Change, Winter Haven Considers Raising Commissioner Pay

Allison
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After 15 Years Without a Change, Winter Haven Considers Raising Commissioner Pay

After 15 Years Without a Change, Winter Haven Considers Raising Commissioner Pay
by James Coulter
 

Prompted in part by other cities exploring similar adjustments, Winter Haven city commissioners are considering their first pay increase in 15 years.
 
At one of their meetings last month, Winter Haven City Commissioners voted 3-2 to consider a future ordinance modifying commissioner compensation rates.
 
Commissioner Chad Davis requested the discussion, noting that the commission’s $12,000 annual salary had been set 15 years ago and had not been significantly updated save for yearly costofliving adjustments. He also pointed out that other Polk County cities are now considering substantial increases.
 
“I had heard, while running for office, that we were underpaid for a city our size,” he said. “I was concerned that we were undervaluing the work that we do.”
 
Currently, their annual salary is $17,525 for commissioners and $20,917 for the mayor. Based on the county’s percapita rate, those rates could rise by roughly $27,500, though Davis acknowledged that such a jump would be “a little too much” and unlikely to be “accepted” or “appreciated” by the public.
 
Instead, Davis proposed raising commissioner pay to about $24,000 and the mayor’s to $32,000 — a level he described as “more manageable” and still supported by the data.
 
Davis argued that the commission’s workload often demands more time than members can reasonably spare, especially since most already hold fulltime jobs. He said he has exhausted all of his paid time off and has even taken unpaid leave to meet his responsibilities as a commissioner.
 
After reviewing other municipalities, he noted that even smaller cities with lower annual salaries (some around $6,000) still outpaced Winter Haven on a percapita basis because their smaller populations made the compensation proportionally higher.
 
“I see the population drives the amount of work that we have to do,” he said. “We have more decisions to make because we have more people coming into the city.”
 
Commissioner Nathaniel J. Birdsong Jr. agreed with Davis’assessment. Having served on the commission for nearly two decades, Birdsong noted that while the city’s population and the commission’s responsibilities have grown, commissioner pay has not.
 
“When I got on the commission, the city was under 30,000 people; and so now we are over somewhere close to 60,000 people,” he said. “Certainly this [pay increase] would not be able to compensate or help you make a living, but I think it is worth the time and effort to take a look at it with consideration and make some kind of decision about it.”
 
Mayor Yates disagreed, saying he does not support a pay increase because he views the role less as a job and more as an act of public service.
 
“I would sit up here and do this job for nothing,” he said. “I knew what I was getting into when I ran…And I could not see myself supporting an increase in salary. This is a public service I am offering and giving to my community, and I am proud to do it.”

Commissioner Dollison mentioned he concurs with Mayor Yate’s statement, but he didn’t’ want to devalue the time the commissioners invest. “We all serve. It’s great to serve. At the same time, the value of what we ran for, we stood for, and the fact that we want to help advance the City in every way. I think that at least garners some consideration to look at this.”
 
Mayor Pro Tem Tracy Mercer opposed the pay increase. With 40 years in public service, she said she did not take the position for the money and argued that raising compensation would not be “responsible” at this time.
 
“I know we are headed for some pretty rough times, [and] it will affect a lot of people,” she said. “We have to be the one that leads the way and sets the example for others to follow. So, I will not be for any increase at this time.”

Commissioners Davis, Birdsong, and Dollison voted in favor oftaking the next steps to consider a pay raise for Commissioners.Mayor Yates and Mayor Pro Tem Mercer voted against the measure. An ordinance with a proposed compensation increase for the commission will be brought to a future City Commission meeting.

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