Lakeland city leaders marked a major milestone for public safety in northwest Lakeland on International Firefighters Day, officially approving the construction budget for the city’s newest fire station.
During the commission meeting, the Lakeland City Commission gave the green light to move forward with Rodda Construction, Inc. on Fire Station #8, a project aimed at enhancing emergency response capabilities in one of the city’s fastest-growing areas.
The new three-bay fire rescue facility will be built at the corner of Sleepy Hill Road and Mall Hill Drive. Once completed, it will house an advanced life support (ALS) fire engine, a quick-response ALS medical rescue vehicle, and an incident supervisor unit. Officials say the added resources will significantly improve response times and strengthen overall public safety as the northwest district continues to expand.
City leaders emphasized that the project reflects a strong community effort. The approval follows continued support from residents in the Northwest District, along with backing from the City Commission. Additionally, a recent $1.9 million investment from state and federal partners played a key role in bringing the project to this stage.
With the construction budget now approved, the project moves into final permitting, bringing Lakeland one step closer to breaking ground on Fire Station #8.
A teacher at Valleyview Elementary in Lakeland was arrested on Friday, May 1, 2026 by detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for vandalizing a vehicle that belongs to her ex-boyfriend’s current girlfriend.
Deanna Kay Parks, 54, of Lakeland, was taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center Friday evening and charged with Felony Criminal Mischief (F3).
“Elementary teachers should never behave this way. Miss Parks earned herself a detention at the Polk County Jail, and she needs to relearn, ‘Keep your hands off of other people’s property.” -Grady Judd, Sheriff
The act of vandalism occurred on April 26th at around 12:45 am while the victim’s vehicle was parked at her boyfriend’s home near Yarborough Lane, Lakeland.
When the victim went to her vehicle, she saw that it had been moved about twenty feet, had damage to the rear bumper, and had scratches on both sides of the car.
During that same timeframe, Parks sent a rude and profane text message to her ex-boyfriend.
PCSO detectives went to Parks’ home and found her black 2025 Jeep had damage that was consistent with striking the victim’s car. The Jeep also had paint transfer from the victim’s car. Evidence was also found that showed her Jeep was in the area of the crime when it occurred.
During an investigative interview, Parks denied having damage on her car, and denied having been involved in any crashes. After detectives confronted her with the damage on her front bumper, Parks claimed she had been in a “fender bender” a couple of weeks ago.
According to Polk County Public Schools, “Ms. Parks is still a PCPS employee, this incident is being reviewed by school district staff.”
HAINES CITY – Haines City’s population continues to grow rapidly and is changing everything from housing to infrastructure, making local leadership decisions more significant than ever. As new residents continue to move into the city and development pushes its way through, Tuesday’s runoff election for Commission Seat 2 will help determine who guides Haines City through this time. Tomorrow (Tuesday, May 5) Former City Commissioner Horace West and political newcomer Lekia Johnson go up against one another in that race.
During the April 7 municipal election, Johnson received 34.09 percent of the vote, while West garnered 26.95 percent. However, according to the City Charter, a candidate must secure at least 51 percent to be declared the winner.
West would bring decades of experience to the job, having served 22 years as a City Commissioner. He also retired from State Farm after a 32-year career, including 24 years in management. A graduate of Haines City High School and Bethune-Cookman University, West emphasized his readiness to lead.
“I am the candidate that will help prepare Haines City for a fantastic future,” West said. “I have the experience to help us move forward and will dedicate 100 percent of my time making that happen.”
Previously, West donated his commission salary to the local communities and plans to do the same again.
“I just want people to remember that I truly just want to help,” he said. “I am so sincere about that.”
Johnson is making her first run for office. She wanted to remind residents that their concerns matter to her.
“To our amazing residents: Local voting shifts your daily quality of life,” she said. “Your concerns are real and your vote has power and, most importantly, yours matters to me … your quality-of-life matters to me … the future of our children in our town matters to me.”
Johnson is also a graduate of Haines City High School and Polk State College.
Omar Arroyo held Seat 2 until recently when he decided not to run again. Instead, he has thrown his hat into the ring for the District 4 County Commissioner seat.
There are four polling locations for the election open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Precincts 302, 306 and 341: Emergency Operations Center (EOC), 250 Park Place Blvd., Davenport.
Precincts 405 and 413: Iglesia Pentecostal Luz y Verdad, 116 N. 22nd St., Haines City.
Precincts 407 and 408: Oakland Neighborhood Center (Auditorium), 915 Ave. E, Haines City.
Precinct 409: Lake Eva Community Center, 555 Ledwith Ave., Haines City.
For more information, call the City Clerk’s office at 863.421.9924.
On Sunday, May 3, 2026, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 33-year-old Andre Brown Jr of Davenport for child abuse, a life felony enhanced due to the abuse being a hate crime.
According to the affidavit, the investigation began after a 9-year-old girl in his care contacted her mother and advised that Brown was abusing her and the two other children in the home. She then texted her mom stating, “I’m scared, he’s whooping him so hard, I’m scared.”
During screenings with the children, they advised that Brown was mad at the 5-year-old boy “for being gay” and began slamming him on the ground multiple times. He then got upset with the two other children for an alleged past occurrence and began striking all three children with a belt. Deputies made contact with the 5-year-old boy who had marks all over his body which were consistent with being hit with a belt. During his screening, the victim disclosed that he was afraid of Brown and did not want to say anything else.
The girl sustained bruising on her arms and one of the boys sustained bruising on his arms and legs. The 5-year-old victim had the most significant marks and bruising on his legs, arms, back, and stomach and also sustained a fracture on his right wrist and a contusion to his forehead.
Brown told deputies that he decided to whoop the victim because the victim was gay. He advised he would “beat the gay out of him if possible, but since it wasn’t possible he would beat him more.”
Due to Brown maliciously beating the child and causing a fracture to his right wrist for the belief of being gay, this crime is classified as a hate crime, and has been enhanced one degree. When deputies attempted to remove Brown from the scene he pulled away, became increasingly loud, and began yelling slurs. Once in handcuffs, he continued yelling and pulling away.
Brown was charged with aggravated child abuse (FL) and resisting arrest (M1).
“This was a brutal and hateful attack on a defenseless child. There is absolutely no excuse for it. We will make sure justice is served and these children get the safety and support they deserve.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Brown has an extensive criminal history including Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Burglary, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Theft, Theft of Utilities, Kidnapping with Intent to Commit a Felony, Home Invasion Robbery w/ a Firearm, Aggravated Battery, Battery 2nd Offense, Aggravated Battery on Pregnant Person, Driving Under the Influence, Possession of Weapon on School Property, Felony Battery, Domestic Battery Strangulation, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Burglary of a Dwelling, Criminal Mischief, VOP, Battery-Cause Bodily Harm- Dating Violence, Conditional Release Violation Pre Trial, Battery Touch/ Strike, Marijuana Possession- Less than 20 Grams, Battery on LEO (x4), Resisting an Officer w/ Violence, Shoplifting/ Petit Theft.
To show your mom just how much she means to you, choose a Mother’s Day gift that reflects her interests and passions. As you’re looking for the perfect gift, consider these thoughtful ideas that will touch her heart.
Personalized Gifts
Show your mom how much she means to you by giving a gift uniquely tailored to her. Consider a personalized photo album filled with special memories or a custom-made piece of jewelry with her initials or birthstone. If your mom enjoys cooking, a personalized apron or cutting board with her name or a special message can be a winning gift. For the mom who loves to relax, a monogrammed robe or customized spa gift set allows her to pamper herself. You can also include a handwritten note or heartfelt letter expressing your love and appreciation.
DIY Gifts
Handmade gifts often hold special sentimental value and show you put thought and effort into creating something unique just for your mom. You could try making a homemade candle or bath bombs, a hand-painted picture frame or a personalized scrapbook filled with cherished memories. Alternatively, you could bake her favorite treats, prepare a special breakfast in bed or create a customized coupon book with vouchers for things like a homemade dinner or day of pampering. Get creative and have fun with your DIY gift – your mom is sure to appreciate the sentiment behind it.
Experience Gifts
Sometimes the best gifts are experiences rather than physical items. Plan a day trip to her favorite destination, book a spa day for her to relax and unwind or arrange a cooking class where she can learn new recipes. You could also surprise her with tickets to a concert, theater show or sporting event.
Practical Gifts
For busy moms who are always on the go, practical gifts can be lifesavers. Consider getting your mom a stylish yet functional tote bag or a backpack to carry all her essentials. You could also give her a smartwatch or fitness tracker to help her stay organized and track her health and fitness goals. A subscription to a meal delivery service or gifting kitchen gadgets or appliances that make meal preparation easier and more efficient are also useful ideas.
A 74-year-old Tampa woman was seriously injured Friday morning following a crash in Hillsborough County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred around 10:00 a.m. on State Road 574, just west of Chastain Road. Troopers say the woman was driving a Chevy Trax eastbound when, for unknown reasons, her vehicle crossed into the westbound lane.
Her vehicle then collided nearly head-on with a Ford F-350 towing a trailer, driven by a 25-year-old Lakeland man who was traveling westbound at the time.
Following the impact, both vehicles rotated and came to rest in the roadway, blocking the highway.
The Tampa woman sustained serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The Lakeland man suffered minor injuries and was not transported.
A tragic crash in Polk County early Thursday morning claimed the life of a Lakeland woman, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred around 2:00 a.m. on April 30, 2026, along Memorial Boulevard near the entrance to Interstate 4. Troopers say a 47-year-old woman was driving a Nissan Maxima westbound when she lost control of the vehicle for unknown reasons.
The vehicle veered off course and collided with a barrier wall. Authorities reported that the driver was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and suffered fatal injuries at the scene.
The incident remains under investigation as officials work to determine what led to the loss of control.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office makes 266 arrests during human trafficking and child predator enforcement operation “Polk Around and Find Out”
During a multi-day-long joint-agency undercover human trafficking and child predator operation, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office made 266 arrests involved in child predators, illegal acts related to soliciting prostitutes, offering to commit prostitution, aiding/abetting or transporting prostitutes, and other charges.
Nineteen (19) suspects were arrested for a multitude of felonies related to traveling to meet a minor for sex and other similar crimes (read that release: https://tinyurl.com/ys5scj4u).
The portion of the investigation focusing on illegal acts related to prostitution and human trafficking resulted in 247 arrests.
PCSO detectives were joined by investigators from the Department of Homeland Security, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement; Attorney General James Uthmeier Office of Statewide Prosecution; Florida Department of Financial Services; State Attorney for the 10th Judicial Circuit Brian Haas; Auburndale PD; Bartow PD; Davenport PD; Hardee County Sheriff’s Office; Highlands County Sheriff’s Office; Lake County Sheriff’s Office; and the San Francisco Police Department, during the prostitution and human trafficking-related portion of the investigation.
Members from the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), and social services organizations One More Child, Heartland for Children, and the Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking, were also embedded with detectives and investigators during the entirety of the investigation.
The 127 suspects who travelled to commit prostitution were screened by detectives and the social services organizations to determine if they were being trafficked or exploited by others, and were offered services by the social services organizations at the operation. During this investigation, seven (7) possible human trafficking victims were identified.
There were 108 suspects arrested for soliciting a prostitute and traveling to the undercover location to negotiate having sex in exchange for money. Twelve (12) other suspects were arrested for aiding/abetting, transporting, or deriving proceeds from prostitutes.
OVERALL STATS during Polk Around and Find Out:
Detectives charged a total of 439 charges: 298 felonies, 141 misdemeanors.
The suspects’ prior criminal histories included a combined total of 1028 charges: 400 felonies, 519 misdemeanors
Some interesting notes from the operation:
34 are here illegally (from 10 different countries: Cuba, El Salvador, Argentina, Russia, Mexico, India, Venezuela, Haiti, Italy, France, Bahama, Honduras, Bolivia, Romania, Colombia, Jamaica, Ecuador, Canada)
167 are from outside Polk County, from 11 different states and Puerto Rico, and 18 different countries.
22 said they were receiving government assistance (total of $15,188 per month)
The youngest suspect is 18; the oldest is 68years old.
4 firearms were brought to the location by different suspects
21 people were charged with possession of narcotics
One suspect was arrested and charged with offering to commit prostitution. After she was released from jail on bond, she continued to advertise her services, traveled to an undercover location, and was arrested again. Two suspects (men) brought children to the undercover location after agreeing to pay an undercover detective posing as a prostitute, for sex. They were both charged with child neglect.
Notice is hereby given that Lake Wales Storage intends to sell the property described below to enforce a lien under the Florida Self Storage Facility Act, Statutes (section 83.80-83.809). The owner will sell at public auction on or after May 13th at 10:00 am at storageauctions.com
Units belonging to the following:
Bridget Maddox Unit 1076
Ashley Bane Unit 303
This sale will be continued on such succeeding sale days thereafter as may be necessary to be completed. Unless otherwise noted units contain household items.
April 29, 2026 @ 11:40 PM Pinellas County Road Ranger Crash on I-275
The following is a report by FHP regarding a vehicle crash on I-275:
A Honda Accord, driven by a 32-year-old Lithia man, was traveling northbound on I-275 in the inside lane, north of 4th Street North. A marked Road Ranger Ford F600 truck, operated by a 52-year-old Plant City man, was stopped in traffic northbound on I-275 in the inside lane.
The remaining three northbound lanes of I-275 were closed due to active construction. Traffic cones were positioned to direct all northbound traffic into the inside lane; all cones were upright and clearly visible. Advanced warning signs and arrow boards were also in place to alert approaching motorists of the lane closure. Multiple law enforcement vehicles were positioned within the lane closure area with their emergency lights activated to provide additional warning to approaching traffic.
While the Road Ranger was stopped in traffic, the driver of the Honda Accord failed to slow or stop upon approach. As a result, the front of the Honda Accord collided with the rear of the Road Ranger truck.
The Road Ranger operator was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. The driver of the Honda Accord, Cedrick Travon Brown, was arrested for DUI, Refusal to Submit, Driving While License Suspended/Revoked, and an active felony warrant.
