As hurricane season approaches, residents are encouraged to prepare before a storm is on the horizon by attending the free Hurricane Expo on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.
Hosted in partnership by Home Instead, Age Friendly Lakeland, City of Lakeland, RP Funding Center, and United Way of Central Florida, the family-friendly event will provide valuable information, resources, and hands-on guidance to help individuals and families get storm-ready.
The Hurricane Expo will feature nationally recognized weather experts, local emergency preparedness leaders, interactive exhibits, local vendors, and preparedness resources.
Event Schedule
10 to 11 a.m. – Dr. Jonathan Zawislak, NOAA Hurricane Hunters
12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Dr. Tracy Fanara, Environmental Engineer
12:30 to 1:30 p.m. – Community Preparedness Panel featuring local experts, moderated by Trinity Laurino, Executive Director of LkldNow
1:30 to 2 p.m. – Kyle Hanson, Baynews 9 Meteorologist
Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with local organizations and vendors offering free advice, resources and preparedness information. Giveaways and raffles will also be available throughout the event, including hurricane preparedness kits, while supplies last, as well as a generator and portable power station.
“This expo is designed to help our community feel informed, prepared and confident before hurricane season begins,” said Adam Lebovitz, United Way’s Community Resilience Manager. “Preparedness can make a significant difference during and after a storm, and we want families to have access to trusted information and resources in one place.”
Many Americans think of sunscreen at the beach. Fewer consider wearing it for the drive there. And many are questioning if they should wear sunscreen at all.
These trends, uncovered in a new national survey from the nonprofit Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA), highlight a central challenge in skin cancer prevention.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, according to the CDC. Nine in 10 skin cancers, including melanoma, are linked to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, according to the MRA. Reducing exposure to UV radiation lowers the risk of skin cancer, making sunscreen a key part of prevention.
A survey of 2,000 adults found that most Americans have a basic understanding of the risks of sun exposure, but that awareness doesn’t always translate into action. More than 8 in 10 recognize that spending long hours in the sun contributes to melanoma risk, yet roughly one-quarter say they rarely or never use sunscreen when spending time outdoors.
Then there are those everyday moments that most people don’t recognize as risky. The light coming through the window over the sink. The short walk from the parking lot. The hour in the bleachers with the sun hitting one side of your face. A single sunburn can be dangerous, but it’s the accumulation of exposure over time that often drives risk.
Sunscreen is widely recognized as an effective tool for skin cancer prevention, yet confusion and misinformation persist, especially on social media. Fifty-three percent of respondents say they have seen claims that sunscreen ingredients may be harmful. Fifty-nine percent say they are concerned about what’s in sunscreen, and 38% don’t believe sunscreen is safe and effective.
Many Americans also say they aren’t sure how sunscreen works. Only about a third can correctly explain the difference between types of sunscreens, while a much larger share reports being unsure.
Sunscreen works by absorbing or blocking UV radiation from reaching the skin, preventing DNA damage that can cause skin cancer. In the United States, the active ingredients in sunscreen undergo rigorous review by the Food and Drug Administration, which evaluates them as over-the-counter drugs. This drug-level standard requires extensive testing and contributes to a more limited set of approved UV filters compared with Europe, where sunscreens are regulated as cosmetics. The FDA is currently evaluating additional methodologies for assessing sunscreen ingredients, a process that could expand the number of approved UV filters available to U.S. consumers.
All of this is unfolding during a period of real progress in melanoma research. While melanoma remains the deadliest form of skin cancer, more than 8,500 Americans are expected to die from it in 2026, roughly one person every hour, according to the American Cancer Society. Recent advances are improving outcomes for many patients with advanced disease, though approximately 50% of patients do not respond to current treatments, according to MRA, underscoring why prevention and early detection remain critical.
A new disposal facility aimed at reducing illegal dumping in northeast Polk County is expected to open in early June, giving residents a more convenient way to dispose of household waste, furniture, tires, and other materials that often end up abandoned along roadways and vacant properties.
The Polk County Board of County Commissioners approved the Northeast Landfill Customer Convenience Center (NELF-CCC) Pilot Project during its April 21 meeting. While the program was approved last month, county officials recently confirmed the facility is not expected to begin operations until June 2026.
The one-year pilot program will be located at the Polk County Northeast Landfill at 4001 Bannon Island Road in Haines City and is designed specifically to address ongoing illegal dumping concerns in the northeast portion of the county.
According to Polk County Solid Waste Division Director Brian Cogswell, the facility will accept many of the items commonly found at illegal dump sites, including household waste, furniture, bulk waste, yard debris, residential construction debris, tires, and scrap metal.
County officials hope providing a convenient disposal option closer to residents will reduce the amount of waste being illegally discarded throughout the area.
The facility will be available to Polk County residents only. Commercial businesses and automated dump trailers will not be permitted to use the site. Residents will be required to provide proof of residency and payments will be accepted only by credit or debit card.
Once operational, the facility is expected to operate Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Commissioners also approved disposal fees for the pilot program, which will be based on vehicle type:
• Car, SUV, or pickup truck: $10 • Vehicle with utility or enclosed trailer under 6 feet: $18 • Vehicle with utility or enclosed trailer between 6 and 16 feet: $27 • Tires: $5 per tire
During the commission meeting, Commissioner Michael Scott asked whether the fees would remain in place permanently. Cogswell explained that many of the costs are tied specifically to the pilot project and that a long-term operation would require additional infrastructure and permitting.
Unlike a traditional landfill, waste brought to the facility will not remain on site. Materials will be placed into roll-off containers and transported to the county’s landfill in Winter Haven. Staff will be present to process payments, verify acceptable materials, and help ensure prohibited waste is not brought to the facility.
County officials also plan to use the pilot program to gather real-time data about the types and volume of waste being disposed of in the northeast region. That information could help determine whether a permanent convenience center is warranted in the future.
Commissioner Martha Santiago voiced support for the project during the April meeting, noting that residents in northeast Polk County have long complained about illegal dumping in the area.
“We had a lot of illegal dumping, and we hope this will take care of the issue,” Santiago said. “We have heard complaints from residents in the northeast. I hope people will use it.”
The facility is expected to begin accepting customers in early June. Polk County officials have indicated additional updates will be released as the opening date approaches.
The PCSO Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit is investigating a single‑vehicle crash that resulted in one fatality. The crash occurred on Friday, May 22, 2026, at around 2:34 a.m. near the intersection of Home Run Blvd. and Westview Rd. in Davenport.
According to evidence and witness statements, a 2019 BMW was traveling westbound on Home Run Blvd. As the vehicle entered a curve, the driver, a 26‑year‑old male, lost control, left the roadway, and struck a power pole. The vehicle then continued down a slope and rolled multiple times.
Three people were inside the vehicle. During the rollover, the driver and a 28‑year‑old rear passenger were ejected. The 31‑year‑old front passenger, who was the only occupant wearing a seat belt, remained inside the vehicle.
First responders transported the driver to a local hospital with minor injuries. The front passenger was evaluated and cleared at the scene. The rear passenger who was ejected was transported to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Andy Oguntola, EdD., Assistant Vice President of Admissions at Florida Polytech University
AUBURNDALE – He remembers so often sitting – at his mother’s request – in her kitchen with smells that made his mouth water from the dishes she created. During those visits, he quickly learned that to have a successful recipe, the right ingredients must be included.
Now, as a leader in the world of college admissions, Andy Oguntola, EdD., Assistant Vice President of Admissions at Florida Polytech University, has written and just published his first book that teaches readers the ingredients of a good leader.
His book, “The Right Ingredients: The THANKFUL Method for Building Leaders People Trust and Follow,” is – as he writes – is “A Proven Leadership Blueprint.” Just published in April, Dr. Oguntola’s book was #1 on the Chrisitan Leadership bestselling list for more than a week and it currently hovers around #30.
Dr. Oguntola began his future in college admissions – and leadership – at Webber University in Lake Wales. Arriving on campus as a freshman with a suitcase and a black trash bag that contained the rest of his belongings, he didn’t even have a bed sheet. There on a football scholarship, he fast became well-thought of around campus. So much so, that a week before graduation, he was pulled aside with a job offer in admissions. “They said they didn’t want to lose me,” Dr. Oguntola said. His football career didn’t work out but that career change – he had planned on pre-law at Stetson – changed the course of his life.
His success at Webber continued to Valencia Community College and on to Polk State University. At those institutions of higher learning, Dr. Oguntola used his leadership skills and unique understanding of students to advance up the admissions ladder.
“I just talk to the students like my Mom and Dad talked to me,” he said. “My parents were from Nigeria and they spoke in parables. My Dad told me wisdom was chasing after me, but I was running faster. It was his way of saying slow down.”
At Webber, from 2008 – 2011, he was promoted from Admissions Counselor to Director of MBA and Adult Admissions breaking enrollment records. At Valencia, from 2011 – 2016, he was promoted from Coordinator to Director of Admissions and was an integral part of the college winning the Aspen Award. Then, at Polk State’s JD Alexander Center in Lake Wales he was a part of enrollment doubling from 600 to 1,200 students.
Now, in the past 16 months at Florida Poly, he has successfully led his team to an amazing 39 percent increase in enrollment.
“Dr. Oguntola didn’t inherit a playbook at Florida Poly, because that didn’t exist. So, what did he do? He wrote one. When he took the reins of Enrollment Management, he faced the challenge that every transformational leader must face: Building something meaningful from the ground up, with urgency and without a blueprint,” said Bryan Brooks, Vice President, Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, and Strategic Communications. “The results speak for themselves as Fall 2026 is shaping up to be a record-breaking class. He had the vision to see what the Enrollment Management division could be at Florida Poly, the discipline to make tough decisions, and the tenacity to never give up. We are grateful for his leadership at Florida Polytechnic University.”
Oguntola remains humble giving God the credit for his success in everything.
“I think any success I’ve had with students starts with genuinely seeing them and believing in them before they fully believe in themselves,” said the 40-year-old. “Leadership is definitely part of it, but for me leadership has never been about position or authority; it’s about service, consistency, and showing up faithfully over time.”
And he elaborates on those attributes in his book as well as THANKFUL. The word THANKFUL in his book title is an acronym for what Dr. Oguntola believes are the ingredients of a good leader: T is for Transparent; H is for Humble; A is for Adaptable; N is for Nurturer; K is for Kneeler; F is for Faithful; U is for Unifier; and L is for Loyal.
Those ingredients are a part of Dr. Oguntola’s daily personal life too. He has a strong personal faith that he and his wife, LaPorsha, are teaching their four children – his legacy. “My faith has also shaped the way I approach people,” he said. “It taught me that success isn’t only measured by achievements, titles, or numbers, but by impact, stewardship, and how you help others grow into who they were created to be.”
Local Army and Marine Veterans Reflect on How Their Military Service Shaped Them by James Coulter
Two wars. Two branches. Two lives that could not look more different at first glance. One Marine who served in the Gulf, one soldier who fought in Iraq. One is now retired from law enforcement; the other is shaping young minds as a high school teacher.
Yet beneath those differences runs a shared truth: both are veterans whose service carved deep marks on who they are—and whose sacrifices helped ensure that others can live freely without ever paying the same price.
Dan Fiore and Ian Lilly are two veterans from Lake Wales. Both are proud members of the local American Legion, with Dan serving as the First Vice Commander.
Dan Fiore
Dan joined the Marines in 1991, around the time the First Gulf War had started. As the son of a Navy service member, he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps.
“Not sure if I felt a sense of duty or patriotism or whatever you want to call it, but I felt it was something that I needed to be a part of,” he said. “The Marine Corps was a good fit, a good choice, and I don’t regret a bit of it.”
Dan served as an infantry rifleman, serving in a mobile security force that provided personal protection duty for an American ambassador. Despite growing up in a big family with many brothers, Dan felt a stronger brotherhood serving alongside his fellow Marines.
Though he was proud to have served his country, that service came with the usual personal costs. He attempted to push those inner struggles deep inside, but they eventually bubbled up into major issues, including alcoholism, a ruined first marriage, and a nearly estranged daughter.
Dan eventually received the help he needed, and though he still struggles with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and the stress related to it, he still feels that some good has come out of his pain.
“There is something that changes a person when you get into military service,” he said. “The first time, when you are sitting there as a young adult and someone as young as seventeen, they are made to draw out their last will and testament. I think that affects you and changes your mindset of what you are really doing, and the reality that kind of sets in. So, it gave me a heightened sense of duty and responsibility, loyalty, and service.”
Ian Lilly grew up in a Navy family. His father served in the Navy for 24 years, requiring his family to constantly move across the country. So, when he became old enough to serve, Ian decided that he “had enough of the Navy” and joined the Army instead.
“I wanted a life of adventure and to blow stuff up,” he said.
His enlistment would prove fateful. He was still in basic training when the September 11 attacks unfolded. As the smoke rose over New York and Washington, his drill sergeants assembled him and his fellow recruits and told them plainly: the country was at war, and the road ahead would be dangerous.
“Two-thirds of this graduating class will go to war, and one-third of this class will die,” Ian recalled his drill sergeant’s warning. “You’d better pay attention to all of the training we give you because this may be all you get.”
His training proved hard, but all the better to prepare him to “survive in the harshest environment the world has to offer.” He went on to serve in Iraq. Now he uses the discipline he was taught to help teach the next generation as a high school teacher.
“The army breaks you down and rebuilds you,” he said. “I learned what never quit means in its absolute purest form. As a soldier, you see the worst in humanity, and you see the absolute best in humanity. I have learned the true meaning of perseverance.”
Community members making a difference — one life at a time.
Through hard work, dedication, and a mission rooted in saving lives, Melanie Brown Culpepper Beilke and Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation continue to impact Polk County in a powerful way. This week, the foundation awarded its final scholarship of the year to a deserving Bartow High School student pursuing a future of helping others.
From placing AEDs throughout the community to supporting students entering medical, fire, and EMT fields, the foundation’s mission continues to honor the memory of Michael Culpepper while creating lasting change.
Read Melanie’s heartfelt message below as she shares the story behind this year’s final scholarship presentation at Bartow High School.
I was honored to give out our 3rd $1,000 scholarship this year from Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation to Ms Angelina Cartagena – Beckford at Bartow Senior High School!!!
I started Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation in 2021 in honor of Michael Culpepper, who passed away from Congestive Heart Failure. I wanted to help save someone else’s life because I couldn’t save him. I wanted to honor Culpepper and to let him know that he didn’t die in vain.
We raise money every year to put out AEDs throughout our community.
We are currently at #95 AED going out this month that we have placed in our communities.
We also chose to help give out 3 scholarships every year for Medical, Fire and EMT as we support all of our 1st Responders. We want to help students further their education and this is our way to say Thank You to our students & to help further their education in choosing to Save Others.
This was our 3rd $1,000 Scholarship this year & our 5th year giving out scholarships with The Polk Education Foundation.
Culpeppers Cardiac Foudation will have given out a total of $13,000 in scholarships including this year.
I personally am from Bartow and went to Bartow High School over 35 years ago.What a Blessing it was to be there to give out our final scholarship this year right here at Bartow High School.
Go Yellow Jackets!!!
Ms Angelina’s Essay stood out to me with some of these words that she wrote in her essay.
“I Am Only One, But I Am One. I Can’t Do Everything, But I Can Do Something And What I Can Do, I Ought To Do And By The Grace Of God, I Shall Do. I Want Nothing More Than To Save Lives and Let Nothing To Stand In Her Way To Stop Her.”
A huge shout out to my Husband, Brian Beilke, for always standing beside me and being here for me no matter what. Even it being our 2 year Anniversary, he was right here with me encouraging me to do my best. Happy Anniversary!
Thank you, everyone who helps support, donate, sponsor & and promote in anyway.
Without all of you and the love of our community we couldn’t do this and it takes all of us pulling together to make a difference as “Saving Lives Matters.”
A Lakeland restaurant server is facing multiple felony charges after Polk County investigators say she used a customer’s debit card information to make nearly $900 in unauthorized purchases after serving the victim at a local restaurant.
According to an affidavit from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Angela Nicole Borrero, 49, was arrested on charges including fraudulent use of personal identification information, fraudulent use of a credit card, scheme to defraud, grand theft, and violation of probation.
Angela Nicole Borrero
Investigators allege the incident began on April 16, 2026, when a woman and her husband dined at Champs Grill on South Florida Avenue in Lakeland. Borrero was reportedly working as their server that evening.
According to the report, the woman handed Borrero her USAA debit card to pay the restaurant bill. Detectives allege Borrero took the card to another area of the restaurant to process the transaction and later used the card information without authorization.
In the early morning hours of April 17, the victim reportedly began receiving alerts from her bank regarding suspicious transactions. The affidavit states the card was used for six separate $100 purchases at a Winter Haven day spa, a $93.88 purchase at a Lakeland restaurant, and a $200 purchase at a Lakeland cosmetic store.
After discovering the transactions, the victim contacted her bank and canceled the card.
Investigators said the victim then contacted the spa, where the owner reviewed transaction records and determined the purchases were used to buy gift cards. While speaking with the victim, the business reportedly received a phone call from a woman identifying herself as Angela who wanted to schedule an appointment and use the gift cards. According to the report, the caller provided a phone number that was later linked to Borrero.
The affidavit states the spa owner located Borrero’s social media profile and provided a photograph to the victim, who allegedly identified Borrero as the same server who had waited on her and her husband at Champs Grill the previous day.
Investigators also contacted Champs owner Cary Liptak, who reportedly confirmed that Borrero was working on April 16 and that the victim had been seated in Borrero’s section.
Detectives later subpoenaed records from T-Mobile and the cosmetic store. According to the affidavit, the phone number provided to the spa was subscribed to Borrero, and records showed the victim’s card information had been used to purchase two gift cards.
Authorities estimate the total unauthorized purchases at $893.88.
The investigation also revealed that Borrero was already on probation in Polk County for a controlled substance conviction. Court records cited in the affidavit indicate she was placed on probation in November 2025 and remains under supervision through November 2028.
Investigators noted Borrero has prior convictions that include theft, fraud-related offenses, identity theft, possession of fraudulent checks, and drug-related charges.
Lakeland Police have arrested Borrero, but if you feel you’re a victim it is suggested you reach out to Polk County Sheriff’s Office or Lakeland Police Department.
A 62-year-old Lakeland man was involved in a tractor-trailer crash Wednesday morning on Interstate 75 in Hillsborough County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash happened around 9:45 a.m. on May 20, 2026, near milepost 243 on northbound I-75.
Troopers say the Lakeland man was driving a tractor-trailer northbound on the interstate behind another tractor-trailer driven by a 54-year-old Kissimmee man. Traffic ahead of the second tractor-trailer reportedly slowed or stopped, causing that driver to stop as well.
According to investigators, the Lakeland driver failed to stop in time and collided with the rear of the other tractor-trailer.
Graduation marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, a significant milestone worth celebrating. However, planning a graduation party can be overwhelming.
To host a memorable celebration for your graduate, consider these tips to help take the stress out of planning.
Set a Budget and Make a Guest List
When planning a graduation party, it’s important to start by setting a budget and creating a guest list.
Determine how much you’re willing to spend and allocate funds for different aspects, such as food, decorations and entertainment, which can help you stay organized and ensure you don’t overspend.
Next, create a guest list of family members, friends and classmates you want to invite. Consider the size of the venue and your budget when finalizing the guest list.
Choose the Perfect Theme
The theme of a graduation party can help set the tone and create a memorable experience for guests. When selecting a theme, consider the graduate’s interests, hobbies and future plans. For example, if he or she is going to college, have a college-themed party with decorations and activities related to the chosen university.
Other ideas include having guests bring items that represent memories with the graduate and creating a time capsule to be opened in the future or a travel theme with wanderlust-inspired decorations, food from different countries and activities that celebrate adventure.
Determine Decor
Personalize the party by incorporating elements unique to your graduate’s achievements and personality. Display diplomas, awards and photos throughout the venue. You can also create a photo collage or slideshow showcasing his or her journey from kindergarten to graduation. Remember to match the color scheme to the overall theme of the party and use lighting, such as string lights, candles or lanterns, to help set the right ambiance.
Organize Food and Drink Options
Food and drinks are an important aspect of any party. Based on your budget and the style or party, decide whether you want to have a sit-down dinner, buffet or finger foods. You can hire a caterer, ask friends and family to contribute dishes or prepare the food yourself if you enjoy cooking.
Don’t forget to have a variety of beverages available, including non-alcoholic options, and consider any dietary restrictions or preferences of your guests when planning the menu.
Get creative with your food and drinks by incorporating graduation-themed treats. For example, you can serve cupcakes decorated as graduation caps or cookies shaped like diplomas and create a signature drink that represents the graduate or his or her future plans. You can give it a fun name and serve it in personalized glasses.
Plan Entertainment and Activities
To keep guests entertained throughout the party, plan fun activities and entertainment. Consider hiring a DJ or creating a playlist of your graduate’s favorite songs to keep the energy up. You can also set up a dance floor or karaoke station for guests to enjoy. Also consider activities like a photo booth with props, trivia game about the graduate or memory jar where guests can write down their favorite memories with the graduate.
If your graduate has any specific hobbies or interests, try to include them in the entertainment. For example, if he or she loves sports, organize a friendly pickup game or set up a mini sports area for guests to enjoy.
