A 47-year-old Apopka man died Tuesday morning following a crash along State Road 400 in Polk County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred at approximately 6:25 a.m. on June 9, 2026.
Investigators said a 50-year-old Orlando man was driving a Toyota Camry westbound on SR-400 when he failed to maintain control of the vehicle. The Camry traveled onto the outside shoulder of the interstate and struck a trailer that was attached to a parked Chevy Silverado.
The Silverado’s driver, a 47-year-old Apopka man, was standing outside of his vehicle on the shoulder at the time of the collision. After striking the trailer, the Camry also struck the man.
The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment but later died from injuries sustained in the crash.
The crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
A bit of shade and diligent sunscreen use can go a long way, but protecting your skin – the body’s largest organ – takes more than just the basics for optimal health, particularly during the hottest times of the year.
In fact, it’s not only about what you put on your body, but in it, too. Emerging research suggests grapes may do more than simply provide hydration, nutrition and natural sweetness; they may help support health at the genetic level. A study published in “ACS Nutrition Science” found consuming grapes changed gene expression in human skin and helped support biological processes associated with healthier, more resilient skin.
These findings add to mounting evidence that grapes act as a “nutrigenomic” food, meaning the antioxidant and other polyphenol compounds naturally found in grapes may influence how genes behave in the body. The results also highlight how whole foods like grapes may influence important biological pathways in the body, according to John Pezzuto, dean and professor of pharmaceutics at the Western New England University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
“We are now certain that grapes are a superfood and mediate a nutrigenomic response in humans,” Pezzuto said. “The changes in gene expression indicated improvements in skin health.”
Along with making foods like Grapes from California a regular part of your diet, consider these ways to support and protect skin throughout the year.
Cool Down After Sun Exposure
Time in the sun can leave skin feeling dry or irritated, even with sunscreen and protective clothing. After going for a run or spending time at the pool, make sure to rinse off sweat and chlorine with a gentle cleanser then follow up with a lightweight moisturizer or lotion to replenish skin and leave it feeling fresh. Applying moisturizer regularly – especially after showering or washing your face – can help lock in hydration and support your skin’s natural barrier.
Consume Skin-Friendly Foods and Beverages
A cold glass of water goes a long way, but what you put on your plate can play a role in how your skin looks and feels, too. Foods that deliver antioxidants and other polyphenols, like California grapes, may help support skin health from the inside out. An additional bonus: With their high water content, grapes can help maintain hydration, particularly during warmer months.
For the best of both worlds, add an easy beverage to your menu with California Grape Rosemary Spritzers, which combine sparkling water and grapes with a hint of rosemary for a sip that’s equal parts refreshing and delicious.
Don’t Forget Lips and Eyes
Layering sunscreen on exposed skin might be your first priority before stepping into the sun. However, lips and eyes shouldn’t be forgotten. Often overlooked in skin care routines, lips are especially vulnerable to sun damage and dehydration. Make sure to use a lip balm with SPF protection throughout the day and reapply often.
Similarly, the delicate skin around the eyes might be one of the first places to show signs of sun damage. Wear sunglasses with UV protection to shield both your eyes and surrounding skin from harsh rays.
Keep an Eye on Changing Skin
New spots, skin changes or itchiness shouldn’t be ignored. Perform regular skin checks at home, particularly if you spend a lot of time outdoors, and routinely visit a dermatologist who can help catch potential concerns early in support of long-term skin health.
Find more ways to support your skin with nutritious foods and recipes by visiting GrapesFromCalifornia.com.
Get ready to cool off this summer as Haines City Parks & Recreation brings back its popular Summer Splash Bash for two exciting dates in 2026.
Families from Haines City and surrounding communities are invited to enjoy free water-filled fun featuring giant water slides, a foam party, and plenty of activities for kids and families.
The Summer Splash Bash will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 12, 2026, and July 17, 2026, at the Larry Parrish Baseball Complex, located at 2401 E. Johnson Ave. in Haines City.
The event is free to attend and is designed for families and individual participants. Organizers note that the event is not intended for camps or organized groups.
For more information, contact the Haines City Parks & Recreation office at 863-421-3700.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit is investigating a traffic fatality that occurred during the early morning hours of Sunday, June 7, 2026, in Auburndale.
Around 1:40 a.m., a 56-year-old Auburndale man was heading home from work in his 2007 black Mercedes Benz and driving eastbound on US Hwy 92 when he struck a bicyclist from behind who was also heading eastbound in the inside lane of the highway; the impact occurred approximately 500 feet west of the Polk Parkway. The bicyclist, an adult middle-aged male who appears to be homeless, died at the scene.
The bicyclist had on dark clothing and was not wearing any reflective gear, nor was he wearing a helmet. The bike did not appear to be equipped with lights or reflectors. Investigators are still working to positively identify him and notify his next of kin.
Neither impairment nor excessive speed on the part of the Mercedes driver appear to be factors but the investigation is ongoing.
A 22-year-old motorcyclist was arrested after allegedly fleeing from law enforcement while traveling at speeds exceeding 140 miles per hour on Interstate 4, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
The rider, identified as Ethan McAuley-Mendez, was first spotted by a Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputy who was conducting traffic enforcement on I-4. The deputy observed the motorcycle traveling at 127 mph and attempted to initiate a traffic stop.
Rather than stopping, McAuley-Mendez accelerated and continued down the interstate, allegedly outrunning the deputy. Sheriff Judd later commented on the incident, saying, “You can’t outrun the radio.”
During the pursuit, McAuley-Mendez also passed a Florida Highway Patrol trooper. According to the trooper, the motorcycle was traveling in excess of 140 mph at the time.
The pursuit eventually came to an end when the motorcyclist stopped at a gas station to refuel. A second Florida Highway Patrol trooper spotted him at the gas pumps, allowing law enforcement to take him into custody without further incident.
McAuley-Mendez was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and charged with reckless driving and fleeing to elude law enforcement. His motorcycle was towed from the scene.
Sheriff Judd emphasized the dangers of the incident, stating, “This guy is fortunate enough he gets to live to go to court.”
A former employee of a well known Bartow law firm is facing multiple felony charges after State Attorney’s Office investigators alleged she diverted client payments, created false records, and concealed missing funds over a period of several years.
Natalie Escamilla, 39, has been charged with Grand Theft between $20,000 and $100,000, Scheme to Defraud greater than $20,000, Grand Theft between $750 and $5,000, 15 counts of Forgery, and 15 counts of Uttering a Forged Instrument.
Natalie Escamilla Polk County Mugshot
According to the affidavit, the case began when attorney Gil Colon learned his law firm’s trust account was overdrawn. While attempting to determine why the account was short, Colon discovered thousands of dollars in payments that had been documented as received by the office but allegedly never reached the trust account. Investigators say the review eventually uncovered dozens of additional transactions that appeared in office records but could not be matched to deposits into the firm’s accounts.
Investigators allege Escamilla, who handled a significant portion of client payments for the firm, collected cash and electronic payments intended for the law office but failed to deposit some of those funds into the firm’s trust account. Instead, investigators allege some payments were routed into Escamilla’s personal accounts.
The affidavit states the investigation expanded after Attorney Gil Colon discovered issues involving missing funds and requested a review of office records. According to investigators, a forensic examination of payment records, bank statements, accounting documents, electronic payment records, and client accounts revealed numerous discrepancies between payments documented by the office and deposits received by the firm.
Investigators further allege Escamilla used multiple methods to conceal missing funds. According to the affidavit, some clients were instructed to send payments through Zelle, with investigators later alleging the money was deposited into Escamilla’s personal accounts rather than the law firm’s trust account.
The affidavit also alleges investigators uncovered payment receipts documenting money orders and credit card payments that either could not be verified or were later disputed by clients. In one instance, investigators allege payments continued to be collected from a client whose criminal case had already been dismissed. In another, investigators allege receipts were created for money orders that family members later stated were never purchased or submitted to the law firm.
According to investigators, the review identified numerous clients whose payments were documented in office records but did not appear to have been deposited into the firm’s accounts. The affidavit alleges the conduct began in 2022 and continued through 2025.
Investigators also allege Escamilla received more than $16,000 in Zelle payments from clients and that additional cash payments totaling thousands of dollars were never deposited into the law firm’s trust account.
Court records indicate investigators reviewed bank records, Zelle records, Cash App records, office accounting documents, client statements, text messages, emails, and information recovered from an office-issued cellphone during the investigation.
Investigators conducted a controlled phone call as part of the investigation. Details from that call were included among the evidence supporting the charges.
Escamilla has a court appointed attorney and has been issued bond.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a motorcycle crash which occurred Wednesday night, June 3, 2026, that resulted in the death of a 24-year old Lakeland man.
Deputies were dispatched along with Polk County Fire Rescue at about 7:38 pm, to the crash scene at 4000 Frontage Road South in Lakeland.
First responders arrived within minutes and began life-saving measures. The victim was transported to the hospital, but he passed away shortly after arriving.
The victim was operating a red and white 2026 Yamaha YZFR7 motorcycle.
According to the preliminary investigation, the motorcycle appears to have been exiting a parking lot onto an exit lane from the commerce park, and in doing so, made slight contact with the rear of a trailer of a semi-truck that was stopped in the exit lane and waiting to enter the roadway of Frontage Road South.
The impact was minor but enough to cause the victim to lose control of the bike. The bike and the victim both struck a nearby curb.
The victim was wearing a helmet.
No charges are anticipated at this time, but the crash remains under investigation.
Fraud detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, following an investigation into identity theft from a deceased person and unauthorized credit card charges totaling thousands of dollars.
24-year-old Jeffrey Ziegler is accused of committing the crimes beginning the day after the victim died on February 28, 2024.
Between February 29, 2024 and March 12, 2024, numerous unauthorized charges were made on the deceased man’s credit cards totaling $10,362.02.
The charges went unnoticed until December 31, 2025 when family members going through the deceased man’s mail discovered past-due notices for all of the charges.
The fraud was reported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on January 2, 2026, and an investigation began.
It was learned that the deceased man lived with his daughter and her boyfriend at that time; the boy friend was identified as Jeffrey Ziegler. The daughter provided detectives text messages that had been sent to her from Ziegler in which he mentioned being at specific locations, and those texts matched up with the fraudulent charges.
During the timeframe of his crimes, Ziegler was employed as a detention deputy at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. When he was arrested, Ziegler was employed as an officer with the Haines City Police Department.
“Knowingly stealing from someone who has died is just terrible. I’m not sure what he was thinking, but we are holding him accountable for his criminal behavior. This permanently ends his career in public safety, that’s for sure.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Jeffrey Ziegler was booked-in at the Sheriff’s Processing Center and charged with Criminal Use of Personal Identification of a Deceased Person (F2), Grand Theft (F3), Fraudulent Use of Credit Card (F3), Unlawful Use of Two-Way Communication Device (F3), and Unlawful Possession of Personal Identification Information (M1).
“We are deeply saddened and disappointed by the alleged off duty behavior of former officer Jeff Ziegler. We expect our officers to uphold the law and maintain integrity on and off duty. Based upon the information we have reviewed, he exercised exceedingly poor judgment. His actions do not reflect the values of this department. We remain committed to accountability and maintaining the public’s trust. Had he not resigned, he would have been terminated.” – Joe Halman, Jr., Public Safety Director, Haines City
According to the Haines City Police Department, Jeffrey Ziegler submitted a letter of resignation effective immediately upon his arrest.
The City of Davenport is inviting residents and visitors to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a community-wide Fourth of July celebration on Saturday, July 4, at the Lewis Mathews Sports Complex.
The event will feature the official ribbon cutting of the city’s brand-new, state-of-the-art Lewis Mathews Sports Complex, along with an evening of family-friendly activities, live entertainment, food vendors, and fireworks.
Festivities begin at 4 p.m. at the sports complex, located at 400 E. Palm St. in Davenport. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m., giving attendees an opportunity to be part of the official opening of the new facility.
Guests can enjoy live music from the Josh Blevins Band, browse food and vendor booths, and take advantage of a kid zone designed for family fun throughout the evening.
The celebration will conclude with what organizers are calling the largest fireworks display in Polk County, set to begin at approximately 9:15 p.m.
“Come spend the evening with your neighbors and celebrate together in the heart of our community,” the city said in announcing the event.
Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating. Personal fireworks will not be permitted at the event.
The Lewis Mathews Sports Complex is located at 400 E. Palm St., Davenport, FL 33837. Admission to the celebration is free.
