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Lake Wales History Museum Names Nancy Turnquist 2026 Pioneer of the Year

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Lake Wales History Museum Names Nancy Turnquist 2026 Pioneer of the Year

LAKE WALES, Fla. – The Lake Wales History Museum has named Nancy Martin Turnquist the 2026 Pioneer of the Year, recognizing more than five decades of volunteer service, civic involvement, and commitment to the Lake Wales community. A lifelong resident and member of a multigenerational Lake Wales family, Turnquist has spent much of her life supporting local schools, organizations, and institutions while raising her family in the community she has always called home.

Born in Lake Wales in 1950, Turnquist attended Polk Avenue Elementary School, Lake Wales Junior High School, and Lake Wales High School, graduating in 1968. She attended Polk Community College before completing her education at Newberry College in Newberry, South Carolina, where she earned a degree in speech and drama. In August following her graduation, she married Lee Turnquist and returned to Lake Wales, where they built their life and raised their family.

Education and literacy have been an important part of Turnquist’s community service. She volunteered as a tutor with the Literacy Academy of Lake Wales, helping local students and families with reading, vocabulary, grammar, and communication skills. She also served as a substitute teacher at McLaughlin Middle School and was president of her children’s Parent Teacher Organization at Hillcrest Elementary School. Her commitment to education extended to the Lake Wales Library Association, where she served as president for 11 years, helping support the library and its programs.

Turnquist has also given her time to a number of charitable and civic organizations throughout Lake Wales. She has served on the board of the Lake Wales Care Center and continues to volunteer with the organization. She was involved in the early development of the Lake Wales Family YMCA, serving two terms on its board while also volunteering, fundraising, and participating in its programs and activities. She has been a longtime member and supporter of Bok Tower Gardens and has been an active member of P.E.O., a philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing women’s educational opportunities, serving twice as president.

Much of Turnquist’s service has taken place quietly, without seeking recognition. Friends and community members have long known her as someone willing to give her time, energy, and support wherever it is needed.

Her connection to Lake Wales is also deeply rooted in family history. Turnquist was born here, as were her mother and grandmother, and she raised her two daughters, Ann and Laura, in Lake Wales. Ann is married to Travis Vollendorf, and they are the parents of Sarah, Ryan, and Kaite Vollendorf. Laura is married to Andy Bennett, and they are the parents of AJ and Rilee Bennett. One branch of her family can be traced four generations to the area once known as Enterprise, better known locally as Sick Island, just west of Lake Wales. Her family’s history is also reflected in local landmarks and roads, including Ray Martin Road and Lewis Griffin Road.

Turnquist’s contributions have been recognized throughout the years. In 1994, she and her husband, Lee, were named Co-Citizens of the Year by the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce. In the early 1980s, she was elected Queen of the local Beta Sigma Phi sorority. She received the 2020 Larsen-Miller Award from the National Agricultural Aviation Association in recognition of her contributions to her local community and the 2024 Franklin Williams Memorial Award for her years of service and contributions to the Southeast agricultural industry. In May 2026, the Florida State Genealogical Society formally recognized Turnquist as a seventh-generationdescendant of Florida pioneers Aaron Vickers, Rebecca Vickers, and Noah Whidden following her submission of documented family history.

“Nancy has spent her entire life in Lake Wales, and throughout those years she has consistently found ways to give back to the community,” said Brandon Alvarado, President of the Lake Wales History Museum Board of Directors. “We are honored to recognize Nancy as the 2026 Pioneer of the Year.

Across more than five decades, Turnquist has been a familiar presence in Lake Wales. Through both her public service and the many contributions made quietly behind the scenes, she has helped strengthen the community she has called home throughout her life.

The Pioneer of the Year award will be presented to Nancy Turnquist during the 50th Annual Lake Wales Pioneer Days Festival on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Lake Wailes Park. The annual festival, presented by the Lake Wales History Museum, celebrates the people, stories, traditions, and history of the Lake Wales community. The public is invited to attend and join the museum in honoring Turnquist as the 2026 Pioneer of the Year.

About the 50th Annual Pioneer Days

The Lake Wales Pioneer Days Festival is a free, family-friendly heritage festival celebrating the history, people and traditions of Lake Wales and Polk County. The 50th Annual Pioneer Days will take place Oct. 24-25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lake Wailes Park, 499 E. Park Ave. in Lake Wales. The two-day festival features historical demonstrations, an artisan craft market, live entertainment, traditional festival foods, hands-on children’s activities and the annual Pioneer of the Year Award. Established in 1976, Pioneer Days has become a beloved community tradition, bringing people together to celebrate the history of Lake Wales while creating new memories for future generations. For more information, visit lakewaleshistory.org/pioneerdays.

About the Lake Wales History Museum

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, the Lake Wales History Museum preserves and shares the stories of Lake Wales and the communities that surround it. Housed in the city’s historic 1928 Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Depot, the Museum connects residents and visitors with local history through its collections and exhibits, as well as tours, educational programs, special events and hands-on learning experiences. The Museum is located at 325 S. Scenic Highway in Lake Wales and is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdaythrough Saturday. Admission is free. For more information, visit lakewaleshistory.org.

Tracy Lee Britt | December 29, 1966 – October 1, 2026 | Obituary

Staff Reporter
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Tracy Lee Britt | December 29, 1966 – October 1, 2026 | Obituary

Lake Wales, Florida

Man wearing a protective helmet with sunglasses on top, indoors, front-facing, smiling; dark T-shirt with Britt's Landscaping Supplies logo.
#image_title

Tracy Lee Britt, 59

Tracy Lee Britt, a lifelong resident of Lake Wales, Florida, passed away on October 1, 2026. He was born on December 29, 1966, in Lake Wales, Florida.

Tracy was a hardworking and generous man who believed in helping others whenever he could. He owned Britt’s Landscaping Supplies and Trucking and also worked at Alcoma for 20+ years, carrying the same strong work ethic and dedication with him throughout his life. He proudly served his community as a volunteer firefighter and was always willing to lend a helping hand to someone in need. Tracy had a special place in his heart for the youth in his community and often gave back through donations and support, never looking for recognition in return. Generosity came naturally to him, whether he was helping a friend, supporting a local cause, or simply doing something kind for someone who needed it.

Tracy was also known for his sense of humor and his ability to make a joke out of just about anything. He loved making people laugh and could bring a smile to those around him even during difficult times. He was of the Baptist faith, and Lake Wales was always home. It was the community where he worked, served, gave back, built lifelong relationships, and made countless memories. Tracy will be remembered not only for how hard he worked, but for his giving heart, his humor, and the many ways he showed up for others throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife, Tonda Britt. Tracy is also survived by his mother, Ann Britt. He also leaves behind his daughter, Tori Britt Doughty, and her husband, Chandler, of Babson Park; his daughter, Taylee Britt, and fiancé Mac Updike of Lake Wales; and his son, Travis Britt, and his wife, Areli, of Sebring; and his son, Stanley Shawn Britt of Lake Wales. Tracy is also survived by his brother, Ricky Britt, and his wife, Tina, of Lake Wales; and brother, Troy Britt, and his wife, Tammy, of Auburndale. His memory will also be cherished by his granddaughter, Tristan (Elexis) Britt, and grandson, Wyatt Britt.

He was preceded in death by his father, Stanley William Britt. Tracy Lee Britt will be remembered with love by his family and by all who knew him. His life was rooted in faith, family, and the Lake Wales community he called home for all his years.

Services will be held on October 10, 2026, at 11 AM at the First Baptist Church Lake Wales.

338 E Central Ave

Lake Wales, FL 33853

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

Ryan Taylor Chosen as Next County Manager for Polk County

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Ryan Taylor Chosen as Next County Manager for Polk County
Headshot photograph of Deputy County Manager Ryan Taylor wearing a navy suit jacket and pattern neck tie.

The Polk County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved Ryan Taylor to serve as the next county manager during its meeting Tuesday, Oct. 6. Taylor will succeed Bill Beasley and begin serving as county manager on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2027.

“I truly appreciate the opportunity and the confidence the board has placed in me,” said Taylor. “I’m grateful for the strong working relationship I’ve developed with each of the commissioners, and I look forward to continuing to work together in the years ahead. I’m equally grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting Mr. Beasley, learning from him, and leaning further into this role as I prepare for what comes next. When the time comes, it will be an honor and a privilege to serve the residents of Polk County in this new role.”

Beasley, who has been with the county for 20 years, the last nine years as county manager, will retire on Jan. 15, 2027.

Taylor has served in leadership roles with Polk County since 2017, when he joined the county as an assistant county manager responsible for strategic initiatives, special assignments and organizational analysis.

In 2019, Taylor became the Deputy County Manager of Infrastructure, a position he held for five years before moving into his current role as Deputy County Manager of Support and Human Services.

Prior to joining Polk County, he served as Town Manager for the Town of Dundee for four years and as City Manager of Davenport for three years from 2004 and 2007.

As county manager, Taylor will oversee the administration of the county and execute the Board of County Commissioners’ policy direction. His responsibilities will include managing the county budget and staffing resources, engaging in community relations, fostering economic development, coordinating land use planning and ensuring regulatory compliance.

He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and has completed coursework for his master’s degree in Public Administration at the University of South Florida. He is also a Certified Public Manager through Florida State University.

City of Winter Haven Recruiting Community Members to Join Lake Defenders League To Keep Winter Haven Clean

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City of Winter Haven Recruiting Community Members to Join Lake Defenders League To Keep Winter Haven Clean

City of Winter Haven – Winter Haven is known as the “Chain of Lakes City” due to the chain of 18 lakes connected by navigable canals. These lakes power our economy, bring in tourism, offer peace to our residents, create habitats for wildlife, and so much more.

However, they are in need of rescue! Due to storm runoff, water rushes over our rooftops, streets, and other surfaces, then carries litter, oils, and other pullutants right into our lakes.

In the face of growing pollution, the Lake Defenders League was founded in effort to rally the community, clean up our waters, and stop pollution at its source. Join the LDL, a symbolic alliance of animals, lakes, and everyday heroes.

Adopt-a-Lake Program

We’re looking for individuals, companies, or organizations to adopt each of the 50 lakes in or touching Winter Haven City Limits! Similar to the Adopt-A-Road program, you will be committed to hosting an annual clean-up event at your lake and reporting the amount collected. 

For info on joining, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdcgmyEFsVC7ANr3SGg8qQHEkbOZQUHBhO2wVUZ4-8UV5jr3Q/viewform

Lake Wales Public Library Celebrates Completion of New Space

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Lake Wales Public Library Celebrates Completion of New Space

Oct. 5, 2026 – It was an exciting morning at the Lake Wales Public Library as city officials, staff and residents gathered to celebrate the completion of the library’s newly improved space with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Source City of Lake Wales

Library Director Belle Reynoso thanked everyone who played a role in bringing her vision for the space to life, with a special thank-you to the community.

“Libraries exist for the people they serve, and every decision in this project was made with you in mind,” Reynoso said.

The project was designed to create additional community space, provide more areas for studying and help make the library more open and accessible to everyone.

Among the improvements is a brand-new teen room connected to the Youth Services Library. Library staff said the space has already been popular, with the room packed with teenagers after school since it opened.

Source City of Lake Wales

Sheriff Judd Provides Update on Fatal Early Morning Bus Crash in Winter Haven

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Sheriff Judd Provides Update on Fatal Early Morning Bus Crash in Winter Haven

Sheriff Grady Judd provided an update Tuesday morning on the fatal early morning crash October 5 involving a school bus in Winter Haven. The information is current approximately 25 to 27 hours after the crash, and the investigation remains ongoing.

According to Sheriff Judd, a Chevrolet Malibu crossed the double yellow line and struck the school bus near the tandem wheels in the rear. The impact caused the bus to lose a tire and forced the energy of the crash across the westbound lanes.

The bus was then forced into a Jeep traveling in the opposite direction, resulting in a head-on collision. The driver of the Jeep, identified as Deshawn Smith, 26, of Haines City, was killed. Judd said Smith was on his way to work and had no opportunity to avoid the crash.

“You see how quickly death occurs in a horrible crash, “ Judd said.

He added, “It happened in the blink of an eye.”

He said there was no time for the drivers to react before the vehicles collided.

“It was a horrible set of circumstances,” Judd said.

Sheriff Judd showed bus camera footage of the crash during the briefing, including footage from inside the bus.

The bus was carrying 37 students, along with the driver and the driver’s 9-year-old child. Fire and EMS transported 35 patients to several hospitals following the crash. Three people remain hospitalized, and all are expected to make a full recovery.

Sheriff Judd praised the actions of the bus driver, who was injured and pinned inside the bus following the crash.

The driver, identified as Jessica Dye, 34, was able to free herself from being pinned inside the bus and immediately returned to help the students, despite her own injuries. Her 9-year-old child was also on the bus.

Sheriff Judd called the dedication of the bus driver incredible.

The sheriff also addressed a previous minor crash involving the bus driver in which she rear-ended a car and received a citation. He said he brought it up because the current crash footage clearly shows she was not speeding, was traveling in her lane and was not at fault in this crash.

“One event has absolutely nothing to do with the other,” Sheriff Judd said.

The driver of the Malibu was identified a nursing student, Maria Jimenez, who was traveling to Lakeland Regional Health. *The name spelling has not been confirmed. She reportedly cooperated with investigators, provided a voluntary blood draw and surrendered her cell phone. She told investigators she did not remember what happened. She was treated and released from the hospital.

A Kia Forte was also involved in the crash after striking the rear of the Malibu. The occupant of the Kia suffered minor injuries and was transported to the hospital.

Judd said everyone involved was traveling below the posted speed limit.

Student Killed in Crash Identified

PCPS Superintendent Fred Heid identified the student who died as Adinaluz Prieto Oyola, a 10th-grade student at WHHS.

Heid said Adinaluz was loved by everyone at the school and was scheduled to attend her first cheerleading practice on the day of the crash. Her belongings were returned to her parents Monday night.

Her older brother graduated from Winter Haven High School last year, Heid said. He also noted that her phone was filled with messages from loved ones.

The crash has affected students both physically and emotionally, school officials said.

The investigation into the crash remains ongoing. Authorities said the information released Tuesday reflects what investigators know approximately 25 to 27 hours after the crash.

Old Eagle Lake Winter Haven Road Nightly Closures Scheduled to Begin Oct. 7 for Utility Infrastructure Improvement Work

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Old Eagle Lake Winter Haven Road Nightly Closures Scheduled to Begin Oct. 7 for Utility Infrastructure Improvement Work

A portion of Old Eagle Lake Winter Haven Road in Eagle Lake is scheduled to close nightly at 8 p.m. beginning on Wednesday, Oct. 7for utility infrastructure improvement work.

Old Eagle Lake Winter Haven Road will be closed for approximately 850 feet between the 3200 and 4000 blocks until utility infrastructure improvement work is completed. The roadway is expected to reopen at 6 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 9.

Traffic will be detoured on Old Eagle Lake Winter Haven Road, State Road 540, State Road 620 and Lake Shipp Drive South. Residents are asked to plan alternative routes as needed.

The closure is part of a Primoris Services Corporation (PSC) project.

*All dates/times listed above are subject to change due to circumstances occurring in the field.*

State Rep. Jon Albert Heartbroken Over Loss Of Life In Winter Haven School Bus Crash, Offers Assistance To Families

Carl Fish
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State Rep. Jon Albert Heartbroken Over Loss Of Life In Winter Haven School Bus Crash, Offers Assistance To Families
10th Grade Winter Haven Student One of Two Killed in Polk County School Bus Crash

Winter Haven, Florida – State Rep. Jon Albert is offering assistance through his Winter Haven district office to families affected by Monday morning’s deadly school bus crash on Lucerne Park Road.

Albert, who represents Florida House District 48, issued a statement Monday following the crash that claimed two lives, including a Winter Haven High School student.

“This morning’s school bus crash on Lucerne Park Road is every parent’s worst fear,” Albert said. “We are heartbroken by the loss of two lives, including a Winter Haven High School student.”

The crash occurred Monday morning on Lucerne Park Road and involved a Polk County Public Schools bus and other vehicles. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd later confirmed that two people were killed, including a 10th-grade Winter Haven High School student.

Albert said his prayers are with the families of those killed, the injured students and their families, the bus driver and everyone affected by the crash.

He also thanked deputies, firefighters, paramedics, doctors, nurses, school staff and others who responded to the scene and continue to care for those affected.

Albert said families impacted by the crash who need assistance dealing with a state agency or locating other resources can contact his Winter Haven District Office at (863) 500-8310.

“My staff will pick up the phone and work through it with you,” Albert said.

“Polk County looks after its own.”

Florida House District Representative Jon Albert

One Movie Later: 2026 Summer Blockbuster Blowout – Here’s How the Summer’s 8 Hottest Movies Rank! 

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One Movie Later: 2026 Summer Blockbuster Blowout – Here’s How the Summer’s 8 Hottest Movies Rank! 

One Movie Later: 2026 Summer Blockbuster Blowout – Here’s How the Summer’s 8 Hottest Movies Rank! 

by James Coulter

If you’ve been following my One Movie Later reviews, you already know I packed my summer with moviegoing: some hits, some misses, and a few surprises in between.

I recently recapped all eight films in a special One Movie Later podcast episode. If you haven’t listened yet, now’s a great time to catch up: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/episodes/one-movie-later-2026-summer-blockbuster-blowout

But if you’re here for the quick version, here’s the fast‑and‑furious rundown of how this summer’s biggest flicks stacked up:

The Mandalorian and Grogu

Already gave this movie a full review. TL;DR: It was decent two to three episodes of a steaming show cobbled together into a full-length feature.

Read the review here: https://dailyridge.com/2026/07/09/one-movie-later-the-mandalorian-and-grogus-big-screen-debut-is-not-so-big/

Masters of the Universe

I’m not a lifelong He‑Man fan, but I respect the franchise enough to wish this movie were better.

Its biggest misstep is Jared Leto’s Skeletor: he plays the villain with such grim menace that the character’s essential camp never lands, turning Skeletor into a stiff, humorless Horned King knockoff.

The film itself suffers from an identity crisis after years in development hell, mimicking Marvel’s tone without understanding why Marvel’s humor works. Jokes repeatedly undermine the heroes instead of the villains, making the movie feel insecure about its own mythology.

It’s more faithful than the 1987 film, but far less entertaining. Instead of finding the power, Masters of the Universe mostly finds dullness.

Read the full review here: https://dailyridge.com/2026/07/20/one-movie-later-masters-of-the-universe-doesnt-have-the-power/

Supergirl

I didn’t watch this film in theaters. A real shame! I actually like the Supergirl character, and I even thought James Gunn’s take on Superman was refreshing. Maybe I’ll catch this flick on streaming to see if the “discourse” surrounding it was warranted or not.

Toy Story 5

I wasn’t excited for Toy Story 5. I thought the series should’ve ended with the third film, and Disney’s sequel‑heavy phase didn’t inspire confidence.

But the movie is far better than expected—stronger than Toy Story 4 and surprisingly thoughtful.

Marketing teased a shallow “toys versus tech” plot, yet the film treats technology with nuance, turning Lilypad into a sympathetic, Buzz‑like antagonist.

Jessie finally gets the character arc she’s long deserved, confronting her abandonment trauma while stepping into a leadership role.

Buzz and Woody support the story without overshadowing it, and even the island of stranded Buzz Lightyear toys adds charm.

The film didn’t need to exist, but it proves the franchise still has creative life.

Read the full review here: https://dailyridge.com/2026/08/20/one-movie-later-toy-story-5-is-surprisingly-good/

Moana

I didn’t even bother watching this movie, let alone reviewing it. Then again, did I need to? Did you see the original animated Moana movie? Then you saw this version, only it’s in live-action and not as good.

The Odyssey

The Odyssey is technically impressive, gorgeous IMAX cinematography, a stacked cast, and Christopher Nolan’s signature precision.

It delivers striking reinterpretations of myth, from the shadow‑stalked cyclops to Circe’ body‑horror transformations and the sirens’ muffled terror. The suitors’ brutal comeuppance is cathartic.

Yet despite these highlights, the film feels oddly bland. Its washed‑out palette and gritty realism drain the wonder from gods and monsters, stretching three hours into a slog.

The A‑list cast turns in surprisingly lifeless performances that match the movie’s muted aesthetic.

Fans of Nolan or Greek myth may enjoy it, but stronger adaptations exist—like the 1997 miniseries.

For me, this beautifully crafted epic left me wishing for lotus to forget the time I spent watching it.

Read the full review here: https://dailyridge.com/2026/09/08/one-movie-later-the-odyssey-is-an-objectively-good-movie-that-i-didnt-like

Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Reviewing a Spider‑Man movie almost feels redundant, he’s one of cinema’s most reliable heroes and Brand New Day continues that trend.

Already a box‑office giant, the film stands out by balancing sequel, soft reboot, and MCU setup all at once.

Its core strength is Peter’s identity crisis: erased from memory, he must rebuild himself while grappling with mutated powers that echo real neurodivergent experiences, especially sensory overload.

His dynamic with the Punisher adds sharp, lived‑in chemistry, and the morally gray antagonist sets the stage for future MCU conflicts.

It doesn’t reach Raimi or Spider‑Verse heights, but it’s far better than Spider‑Man 3 or the Amazing films.

Energetic, thoughtful, and engaging, it proves Spidey still belongs at the MCU’s center.

Coyote Vs. Acme

Coyote vs. Acme arrives with a saga worthy of Looney Tunes: shelved for a tax write‑off, rescued by Ketchup Entertainment, and ultimately a surprise box‑office success.

The film thrives by embracing Wile E. Coyote’s silent expressiveness, pairing him with Will Forte’s weary lawyer and a lively supporting cast including Lana Condor and John Cena.

Its Roger Rabbit‑style blend of animation and live action is stylish and full of clever cameos.

Beneath the slapstick lies a sincere story about failure, persistence, and taking risks, plus sharp corporate satire that unintentionally mirrors the film’s real‑world drama.

It’s funny, charming, and socially aware, a movie that deserved far better than studio limbo and proved itself against the odds.

Read the full review here: https://dailyridge.com/2026/09/23/one-movie-later-coyote-vs-acme-is-the-must-see-film-warner-bros-tried-to-bury/

10th Grade Winter Haven Student One of Two Killed in Polk County School Bus Crash

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10th Grade Winter Haven Student One of Two Killed in Polk County School Bus Crash

UPDATE- Lucerne Park Road back open in both directions.

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Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd provided an update Monday morning on a fatal crash involving a Polk County school bus and multiple other vehicles in Winter Haven.

Judd spoke during a 10 a.m. media briefing at the AdventHealth Fieldhouse following the crash, which occurred around 6:15 a.m. on Lucerne Park Road (State Road 544), west of Jacaranda Avenue (Brookhaven Village community) on the northeast side of Winter Haven.

According to Sheriff Judd, school bus No. 1819 was traveling eastbound on Lucerne Park Road when a white Chevrolet Malibu traveling westbound crossed the center line and struck the bus’s tandem rear wheels causing the bus to lose traction. The school bus then crossed over into the westbound lane of traffic and struck a silver Jeep head-on. Another vehicle was also involved but that car wasn’t described at the time of the briefing. The exact reason the Malibu crossed into the eastbound lane is under investigation.

At this time, authorities have confirmed three other vehicles and the school bus were involved in the crash.

Sheriff Judd clarified the bus did not catch fire. The jeep however did.

There were 39 people aboard the school bus, including 37 high school students who were traveling to Winter Haven High School, the bus driver and the driver’s 9-year-old daughter.

A 10th-grade girl was killed in the crash while aboard the school bus. A second person, who was inside the silver Jeep, also died.

Judd said approximately five to seven people were transported as trauma alerts by helicopters, ambulances and private vehicles. One person remains in critical condition, while several others are still being treated. Some injured individuals have already been treated and are expected to be released.

“To have one fatality is to have one too many,” Judd said.

Lucerne Park Road has remained closed in both directions throughout the morning as investigators work at the scene.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit continues to investigate the crash. More definitive details are expected to be released as the investigation continues.

Sheriff Judd did add that the Malibu driver was on the way to work and the investigation is ongoing. The driver is cooperating with the investigation.

Preliminary details can be found in our original report: https://dailyridge.com/2026/10/05/major-crash-involving-polk-county-school-bus-closes-lucerne-park-road-in-winter-haven/

We will update as additional details are released.

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