The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit is investigating a traffic fatality that occurred in Eagle Lake around 11:33 a.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, involving a dump truck and an SUV.
According to the investigation so far:
A 69-year-old Winter Haven man driving a 2026 Buick Enclave was facing east on West Eagle Avenue in Eagle Lake at the stoplight with U.S. Hwy 17 (AKA 4thStreet North). When the light turned green, the Enclave proceeded into the intersection, heading straight. At the same time, a 2007 Sterling dump truck being driven by a 30-year-old Tampa man was heading south on Hwy 17 and, according to multiple witnesses, ran through the red light at the intersection. The dump truck struck the Enclave on the driver side, causing significant intrusion and fatal injuries to the driver.
The investigation is ongoing. The roadway in that area was shut down for approximately 3.5 hours.
The driver killed was a Polk County Fire Rescue volunteer chaplain on-duty. Hector Cruz served PCFR since 2023.
“Chaplain Cruz’s influence was felt throughout the department as he had the ability to make a difficult situation easier. This ability is a rare one that not many can master but he was one of the few who did,” said Fire Chief Shawn Smith. “Such sudden tragedy is never easy, but it is especially difficult when it is one of our own. My heart goes out to Hector’s family, friends and colleagues as they navigate this trying time.”
$27.8 Million Preconstruction Services Approved for Water Resource Facility at Pollard Road by James Coulter
The expansion of Winter Haven’s water resource facility, which aims to reach a capacity of 12.5 million gallons per day (MGD), is one step closer to completion following the city commissioners’ approval of a $27.8 million task order for preconstruction services.
At their regular meeting on Mon. July 27, 2026, Winter Haven city commissioners voted unanimously to approve a task order for preconstruction services to advance the phased expansion of Wastewater Treatment Plant 3 into the One Water Campus Water Resource Facility.
The order authorizes Wharton-Smith, Inc. to begin roughly 20 months of preconstruction work for the phased expansion, the scope of which includes design development, cost estimating, and other services needed to prepare the project for construction.
“This task order will advance the project design to approximately the 60% design milestone, providing the level of design development necessary to establish a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) proposal for the initial construction phase,” wrote Gary M. Hubbard, Water Department Director.
The expansion will modernize the Pollard Road facility and increase its capacity from 7.5 MGD to 12.0 MGD, with the ability to grow to 24.0 MGD in the future. Once the new facility is operational, Wastewater Treatment Plant 2 will be decommissioned.
The preconstruction work is budgeted at $27,783,259 (including allowances) and is incorporated into the Water Department’s five‑year Capital Improvement Plan.
The project is part of the city’s broader One Water Program, an initiative to “modernize aging water and wastewater facilities to support population growth, comply with future regulatory requirements, and address water supply affordability,” according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
City Manager T. Michael Stavres called the effort one of the largest projects the city has ever undertaken. While the current design phase totals about $27.8 million, the full multi‑year expansion program could approach $200 million, according to city staff.
Built in the 1970s, Wastewater Treatment Plant 3 is required to undergo the proposed expansion not only to modernize aging infrastructure and improve treatment technology, but also to secure long‑term wastewater capacity for a growing community.
“It is important to recognize that these are projects that serve a community for at least 50 years, and those costs are recovered over that entire time, leading to when the next decision has to be made on that long after we are all gone,” Stavres said.
Stavres noted that Winter Haven’s One Water Program may be influencing other municipalities, pointing to Hillsborough County’s own One Water initiative, a $1.6 billion sustainable infrastructure program that includes a state‑of‑the‑art advanced treatment plant in Lithia.
“I think it further sends a message that you are not the only ones who are doing this,” he said. “There are a number of agencies that are in the exact same situation with historic legacy water and wastewater treatment facilities that are now to the point of having to make those improvements.”
Bartow, Fla. (Aug. 19, 2026) — Polk County Fire Rescue has lost one of their own in a line of duty death. Volunteer Chaplain Hector Cruz passed away due to injuries sustained during a car crash in the Eagle Lake area Wednesday. The crash occurred while he was traveling between PCFR stations to check on crews.
Cruz served PCFR since 2023. He was known for his compassion, guidance and his ability to offer solace whenever someone was going through a difficult situation. He truly embodied the servant mentality as he aided the men and women of not only the county’s fire and EMS services, but of the community as well.
“Chaplain Cruz’s influence was felt throughout the department as he had the ability to make a difficult situation easier. This ability is a rare one that not many can master but he was one of the few who did,” said Fire Chief Shawn Smith. “Such sudden tragedy is never easy, but it is especially difficult when it is one of our own. My heart goes out to Hector’s family, friends and colleagues as they navigate this trying time.”
The cause of the crash is under investigation, and no funeral arrangements have been announced at this time.
HIGHLAND CITY, Fla. – An investigation is underway after Polk County firefighters responding to a house fire Wednesday morning discovered a deceased adult in the backyard who authorities say appeared to have been shot.
Polk County Fire Rescue was dispatched to the Highland City home at approximately 11:42 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, according to Public Safety Information Officer Layth Mekkaoui.
Firefighters arrived within minutes and encountered heavy smoke and flames coming from the home. Crews immediately entered the structure and began attacking the fire.
As additional firefighters arrived, the situation became more complicated. According to Polk County Fire Rescue, several other fires began burning throughout the structure while crews were working to extinguish the initial fire.
During a search of the property, firefighters discovered a deceased adult outside the home in the backyard. Officials said the victim appeared to have suffered a gunshot wound.
“Scenes like this show how unpredictable a fire call can be for firefighters,” Polk County Fire Rescue Chief Shawn Smith said. “I commend our crews for their work on this scene and offer condolences to the family of the victim.”
Authorities have not released the identity of the deceased person or additional information about the circumstances surrounding the death.
The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office and Polk County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the incident.
Every Pet Finds a Home at Polk County Adoption Event Hosted by Brooks Law Group
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — All four dogs available at an Aug. 1 pet adoption event hosted by Brooks Law Group in partnership with Polk County Animal Control found new families, bringing the event to an early close after every dog was adopted.
The event was scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to noon at Brooks Law Group’s Winter Haven office, but prospective adopters began arriving nearly 15 minutes before the scheduled start. By approximately 11:30 a.m., 30 minutes before the event was scheduled to end, all four dogs had been matched with families.
The adoption day marked the second such event hosted by Brooks Law Group. The firm held its first pet adoption event in May 2025.
Winter Haven Community Helps Four Dogs Find Homes
“What a paws-itively amazing Saturday,” Brooks Law Group Managing Partner Steve Brooks said following the event. “Because of this incredible community, all four dogs found their forever homes. We’re grateful to be part of a community that shows up, gives back and changes lives one adoption at a time.”
While all four dogs brought to the Aug. 1 event were adopted, dozens of pets remain available through Polk County Animal Control.
Residents considering adding a pet to their household canview animals currently available for adoption through the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services website or visit Polk County Animal Control at 7115 DeCastro Road in Winter Haven, Florida.
The event was part of Brooks Law Group’s ongoing community outreach efforts and provided another opportunity to support Polk County Animal Control’s work connecting adoptable animals with families throughout the community.
About Brooks Law Group
Brooks Law Group is a Florida personal injury law firm representing individuals and families throughout the state, with a particular focus on commercial vehicle accident cases. The firm also supports community initiatives in Central Florida and beyond.
If you have young children and are looking for some Halloween fun which provides treats but no tricks, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office has an event for you! For the 3rd year in a row, the Safe Schools Division is holding another FREE festive event for your family, hosted at SUN ‘n FUN on 4175 Medulla Road in Lakeland.
This event is ONE NIGHT ONLY – Saturday, October 24th from 2-6 PM.
There will be lots of entertainment and deputies will have patrol cars and multiple stations where kids can get candy, take pictures, and have some Halloween fun!
So get your best costume ready and join them on October 24th to kick off our SAFE Halloween event!
On August 16, 2026 at approximately 7:30 p.m., Winter Haven officers responded to a residence on Lakeside Landings Blvd. in Winter Haven after a victim reported his Bluetooth speaker missing from his work truck.
The victim reported that earlier in the day, he was at a construction site along Lucerne Park Rd where he had the speaker, valued at $630, on the back of his work truck. Believing the construction area was secured, the victim left for a short time with the speaker on the back of the truck. When he returned he found that the speaker was gone from his truck.
The victim saw a neighborhood in the area and started driving through the neighborhood to see if his speaker would connect to his phone. Well, it did. The speaker connected in front of the Lakeside Landings residence of 19 year-old Jesus Luciano Velazquez (DOB 1-10-2007). The victim stopped in front of the residence and started playing music to the connected speaker from his phone. He immediately heard the music coming from inside of the residence. Luciana Velazquez was standing outside of the residence and when he saw the victim in the truck, he retreated inside. This is when the victim called Winter Haven Police.
Luciano Velazquez exited the residence again to walk his dog and the victim confronted him about the speaker. Denying any knowledge of the missing speaker, Luciano Velazquez offered the victim a drink and assistance in finding the speaker. When officers arrived, they met with Luciano Velazquez who once again denied knowledge of the speaker.
Officers explained that they could obtain video footage from the construction yard to identify who took the speaker. Luciano Velazquez then acknowledged he did take the speaker. He stated he rode his bicycle to the site and took the speaker. Once he realized the victim showed up at his house, he believed the speaker had a tracking device and he started taking the speaker apart to find the tracking device – there was no tracking device.
Officers obtained the speaker and the victim was able to connect it and play music allowing officers to see the song playing on the speaker matched up with the phone. The damage caused to the speaker when the attempt to disengage the “tracking device” was approximately $200.
Luciana Velazquez was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with Burglary of an Unoccupied Vehicle (F3), Criminal Mischief (M2) and Petit Theft (M2).
Central Polk Parkway construction from Polk Parkway to U.S. 17 continues to make major progress and remains two years ahead of schedule!
Crews have completed all bridge decks, keeping the project on track for summer 2027. Once completed, the new roadway will provide a more direct route for drivers and commercial vehicles, offering an alternative to local roads. A new interchange at U.S. 17 will also include turn lanes and a signalized intersection for easier access.
Strong coordination and careful planning continue to move this important project forward for Polk County.
Tampa Bay, FL – Beginning Saturday, August 22, 2026, tolls will be electronically collected on the new Howard Frankland Bridge (I-275) Express Lanes across Old Tampa Bay through the SunPass Prepaid Toll Program. Only passenger vehicles, registered vanpools, and buses are allowed in the I-275 Express Lanes.
To view a list of where you can buy a SunPass, please click here.
Motorists on southbound I-275 can enter the express lanes just south of the SR 60 interchange in Tampa and just past the 4th Street exit on the St. Petersburg side of the bridge. Once in the Express Lanes, drivers will then travel across the Howard Frankland Bridge and merge back into the general-use lanes on either side of the bridge to remain on I-275.
The new Howard Frankland Bridge (I-275) Express Lanes provide direct connections between Pinellas and Hillsborough counties and provide additional travel options for thousands of Tampa Bay area drivers.
In addition, motorists are reminded to obey the newly posted speed limit of 65 MPH across the Howard Frankland Bridge (I-275) and should slow down and remain alert, as the speed limit is reduced to 55 MPH on either side of the bridge due to active construction work zones.
LFor more information on the new Howard Frankland Bridge (I-275) project, please visit FDOT Tampa Bay.
WINTER HAVEN – Bobby Williams wears many hats: Christian, pastor, husband, founder, and business owner. If all that isn’t enough to keep him busy, he wants to add governor to the list.
On Tuesday, Aug. 18, Williams hopes to receive enough votes as a Republican candidate in Florida’s 2026 primary election to advance to the November general election. Governor Ron DeSantis is term limited and cannot seek reelection.
“We’ve got to get back to ‘We the People,’” Williams said. “I’m with the people every day. I’m not sitting in a big office. I’m out praying with people for their anxiety and stress. I hear their concerns because I deal with it every day.”
Williams said politicians may make promises with the best of intentions while campaigning, but too often fail to follow through once elected.
Gubernatorial Candidate Bobby Williams
“Some are trying to silence me because I understand that when they get elected, they forget reality and the struggles that people have,” he said. “I am willing to go against our government because our state is tired of politicians who don’t stand up for them.”
Williams also said mainstream media outlets have largely overlooked his campaign. He said he has run his campaign without press coverage and is rarely mentioned beyond his name alongside the other candidates.
“If I can get out in front of people, it’s a win,” Williams said.
Despite what he describes as a lack of media and political support, Williams said his campaign has accomplished things others told him were impossible.
When he first entered the governor’s race, Williams said he was told he would need at least $1.4 million to run a statewide campaign. Instead, he said, he has mounted his campaign with approximately $70,000. He also said he has no endorsements or GOP officials supporting his campaign.
Paid Political Advertisement By Jerry Carter
If they were by his side, they would have to move quickly. Williams said he has traveled throughout the state, shaking hands, listening to Floridians and sharing his platform.
“Don’t New York my Florida” is one of his campaign mantras, reflecting his concerns about what he considers the state’s rapid overdevelopment. He points to “massive data centers, corporate control and illegal immigration” as issues contributing to what he describes as a state of emergency.
Williams said he wants to replace members of all state-level boards because, in his view, they do not adequately represent Floridians.
“They don’t fight for us,” he said. “The average Floridian is a couple who are a sheriff’s deputy and teacher who are just barely hanging on financially.”
His platform includes disaster-response readiness, eventually eliminating property taxes, advocating for working-class Floridians and lowering the tax burden.
Although Williams said he does not have the support of the media or many political figures, he said he sees God’s favor throughout his campaign.
“We’ve got to get God back into government and God back into schools,” he said.
Williams also points to his record of helping others as evidence of his commitment to serving Floridians.
“Where were these guys—the other candidates—when I was on the street feeding 1,000 a day?” Williams said. According to the organization’s website, The Freedom Tour’s mobile pantries serve communities in need by bringing nutritious food, essential supplies and support directly to underserved neighborhoods, food deserts, motels and trailer parks. The organization relies on volunteers to distribute fresh food, proteins and dry goods to people who may lack transportation or face other barriers. Williams founded the nonprofit about 10 years ago.
For Williams, the gubernatorial campaign represents an extension of the work he said he has been doing for years: serving people, listening to their concerns and advocating for those he believes are being overlooked.
Now, he is asking Florida voters to give him the opportunity to take that mission to Tallahassee.
