Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a crash scene on County Line Road and Gateway Boulevard, west of Lakeland Saturday night, March 7, 2026, to what was originally reported as a crash involving a pedestrian.
First responders were dispatched at around 8:40 pm and arrived on scene a short time later to find the victim deceased.
He was identified as 29-year old Justin Lane Fuller of Plant City.
Deputies quickly discovered that Fuller was not a pedestrian; he had been operating a burgundy 2008 Harley Davidson motorcycle, and for an as yet undetermined reason, crashed the bike. Detectives found no evidence that the motorcycle was hit by another vehicle.
Freak Crash Claims Life Of Plant City Motorcyclist
According to the preliminary investigation, detectives determined that Fuller’s bike was traveling north on County Line Road when it went down, and ejected him. Fuller tumbled for approximately 75-feet, and came to a stop in the southbound lane where he was hit by two vehicles.
The drivers of both of those vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation.
A motorcycle helmet was found near Mr. Fuller, but it is unknown at this time if he was wearing it at the time of the crash.
County Line Road was closed in both directions for approximately 4 hours due to the extensive evidence search, processing, and investigation required due to the crash circumstances, debris, and size of scene.
Families are invited to celebrate the season at Bartow Ford’s annual Easter Egg Hunt, set for Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Address: 2800 US-98, Bartow, FL 33830.
The popular community event promises a morning packed with fun activities for kids and families.
The egg hunt will begin promptly at 10:15 a.m., with more than 20,000 eggs hidden and ready to be discovered. In addition to the hunt, children will have the chance to meet the Easter Bunny and take photos.
The event will also feature plenty of entertainment including inflatables, a pirate swing, a rock climbing wall, balloon art, and food vendors.
Families are encouraged to bring their baskets and enjoy a morning full of laughter, excitement, and Easter fun.
Homicide Investigation – Lakeland Police Department Press Release
Lakeland, FL (March 5, 2026) – Detectives with the Lakeland Police Department are investigating a shooting which occurred early Thursday morning outside of Wally’s Poolhall, located at 1136 East Main Street, Lakeland, Florida.
Based on witness statements and evidence located at the scene, the incident occurred around 12:35 a.m. on March 5, 2026, when an argument occurred between two patrons outside of the business. One of the participants pulled a handgun and shot at the other. The victim then pulled his own handgun and returned fire. It is unknown if the suspect was struck during the volley.
The 48-year-old victim was identified as Steven Michael Magee. Arriving officers immediately began life saving measures and Magee was transported to Lakeland Regional Health, where he later succumbed to his injuries despite the best efforts of medical professionals.
This case remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Jaime Smith at 863-834-8981 or [email protected].
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Edward R. “Rusty” Rutledge, 91, of Haines City, passed away on February 26, 2026, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 29, 1934, in Polk City to James Edward and Mary Jane Hancock Rutledge. He was a proud veteran who served for two years in the United States Army. He later worked for Coca Cola Foods as a refrigeration technician for 32 years, retiring in 1989 and he was a faithful member of Sycamore Baptist Church in Sycamore, GA.
Edward was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He raised beef cattle, collected coins, and took great pleasure in researching his family history. He was a fan of NASCAR, the Florida Gators, and President Donald Trump. He was known as a sociable, hardworking man who made friends easily and was admired for his warm and friendly spirit.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary; son, Thomas Rutledge; and siblings, John W., James B., Abraham, Bobbie Jean, Wanda Sue, and Mary Edwina. Edward leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 69 years, Hazel Rutledge; children, Edward L. Rutledge and wife, Marsha, Karen Rutledge, and Robert Rutledge and wife, Theresa; sisters, Lavond, Ila Mae, and Ethel; nine grandchildren, Brian, Nancy, Jerod, Josh, Nicole, James, Britney, Edward, and Mara; and seven great-grandchildren, Jonathon, JJ, Wade, Oakley, Robbie, Malia, and Levi.
A visitation was held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m., all at Oak Ridge Funeral Care. His final resting place will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Loughman, FL.
The City of Haines City Utilities Department will be continuing infrastructure enhancements beginning at 30th Street and progressing east along Pryor Road. Work is expected to begin on March 16th through approximately March 30th.
Daily rolling lane closures will be in effect on Pryor Road as the work advances toward E. Park Road. During this time, thru traffic will not be permitted.
Local residents along Pryor Road will maintain access and will be directed by on-site personnel to the safest available route to either 30th Street or Johnson Avenue.
Motorists are urged to use caution when traveling near the work zone and to follow all posted signage and the directions of traffic control personnel.
Thank you for your patience as we continue to improve infrastructure throughout our growing city.
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — A Winter Haven soldier who built a distinguished career in the U.S. Army Reserve has been identified as one of several American service members killed during a drone attack in Kuwait as tensions escalate in the Middle East.
According to the Department of Defense, Captain Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, died March 1, 2026, at the Port of Shuaiba, Kuwait, during what officials described as an unmanned aircraft system attack targeting U.S. forces.
Khork was one of four soldiers from the 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) who died in the attack.
Also killed were:
• Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska
• Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota
• Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa
The Department of Defense said the incident remains under investigation.
Captain Khork served as a military police officer in the U.S. Army Reserve and was part of the 317th Military Police Battalion within the 290th Military Police Brigade, a unit headquartered in Florida.
His leadership within the military police community had already drawn national recognition. In 2025, the Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 317th MP Battalion — led by Khork — received the prestigious Maj. Gen. Harry H. Bandholtz Award, recognizing the top military police unit in the U.S. Army Reserve for the year.
Captain Khork Accepting Prestigious Maj. Gen. Harry H. Bandholtz Award For The Unit He Led
Khork’s military career began in 2009 when he enlisted in the National Guard. He later commissioned as an officer in the Army Reserve in 2014, becoming a military police officer.
Over the years, Khork deployed and served in several locations around the world, including:
• Saudi Arabia in 2018
• Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in 2021
• Poland in 2024
He had also earned multiple military decorations during his service, including the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon, among others.
Outside of the military, Khork was also recognized for his academic achievements. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Florida Southern College in Lakeland, just a short distance from his hometown of Winter Haven.
Khork also contributed to professional military publications, writing about the future of military police operations and leadership challenges in modern warfare.
In one article discussing the evolution of military police roles, Khork wrote that soldiers must be prepared to adapt to rapidly changing technology and global challenges while maintaining their commitment to protecting others and upholding standards of humane treatment.
A friend took to social media to remember Khork as someone who was always there for him and others even ‘when he had nothing to his name and never complained about it’
Military leaders expressed condolences following the deaths.
“We honor our fallen heroes, who served fearlessly and selflessly in defense of our nation,” said Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, Chief of the Army Reserve and Commanding General of U.S. Army Reserve Command. “Their sacrifice, and the sacrifices of their families, will never be forgotten.”
The attack occurred amid escalating conflict in the Middle East following recent U.S. military operations targeting Iranian missile infrastructure.
As of Monday, U.S. officials reported that multiple American service members have been killed and others wounded during the ongoing operation.
For the Winter Haven community, however, the loss is deeply personal.
Captain Khork is being remembered not only as a decorated officer but as a local soldier who dedicated his life to service.
Editors Note: We thank the U.S. Army Reserve Command Public Affairs Office, in Fort Bragg, N.C. for contributing some details to this article.
Polk County Fire Rescue Responds to Fatal Fire in Lakeland
Bartow, Fla. (March 3, 2026) — Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) crews responded to a fatal fire off Ralph Road in Lakeland on Tuesday Morning.
PCFR crews were dispatched at 9:48 a.m. and arrived on scene at 9:50 a.m. to a structure fire that spread to multiple rooms. A person was found outside the home and transported to a local hospital. Firefighters started a primary search after they were notified someone was still inside. Other PCFR crews worked simultaneously to put out the flames.
Crews discovered a deceased victim while searching the home. The fire was brought under control at 10:29 a.m.
“These scenes are difficult for everyone involved. Our crews moved quickly to put out the fire and locate any individuals still inside the home,” said Fire Chief Shawn Smith. “We offer our condolences to the victim’s family and hope for a quick recovery for the individual transported from the scene.”
A PCFR firefighter sustained minor injuries while battling the fire.
The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office and Polk County Sheriff’s Office are investigating.
Residents are invited to lace up their walking shoes and enjoy the outdoors in celebration of National Take a Walk in a Park Day on Monday, March 30. The Mulberry Public Library is partnering with Se7en Wetlands to host a guided walking tour through one of Polk County’s most unique areas.
The guided walk will begin at 10 a.m. at the Mulberry Park gate, located at 310 Kid Ellis Park, Mulberry, FL 33860. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the scenic wetlands while learning more about the area’s natural environment.
Organizers recommend bringing binoculars for wildlife viewing, along with water or a snack. Attendees should wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes and consider bringing a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent for comfort on the trail.
Please note that pets, bicycles, and fishing are not permitted on the trail.
For additional information about the event, contact the Mulberry Public Library.
Flyer courtesy of City of Mulberry Government Florida
Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies issued an arrest warrant for 31-year-old Ashley Hernandez after a new victim came forward with details that Hernandez also stole jewelry when she was hired to clean the victim’s home.
Hernandez, who owns her own cleaning business and advertises online, was arrested by the PCSO on February 18, 2026, and charged with felonies related to the theft and fraudulent pawning of jewelry from an elderly victim. Her arrest was published via news release, posted on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, as well as on dailyridge.com.
On February 24th, a Mulberry woman contacted the PCSO after seeing Hernandez’s arrest on Facebook, and reported that she hired Hernandez on three occasions — January 26, February 13, and February 23– to clean her home. She searched the house at that point and noticed a white gold ring valued at $2,500.00 was missing. The ring was kept in a small jewelry dish next to her bathroom sink.
The victim positively identified the ring as property recovered by PCSO at Quick Cash Liquidators, where Hernandez had completed 12 separate fraudulent pawn transactions. The pawn shop provided the receipt for the pawned stolen ring, signed by Hernandez on January 28th; the receipt included a copy of her identification and her right thumbprint.
Detectives obtained an arrest warrant charging Hernandez with dealing in stolen property (F2), providing false owner information to a pawnbroker (F3), scheme to defraud (F3), and grand theft (F3). She was taken into custody on March 2, 2026.
This is Hernandez’s third arrest since February 18th. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (see previous news release below) obtained a warrant for her arrest in their grand theft case, and she was picked up on that warrant by PCSO deputies on February 26, 2026. She posted bond and was released the next day. She still has pending charges in Hillsborough.
“We would be willing to bet there are more victims out there. In fact, we arrested her on the 18th of February, she bonded out of jail on the 21st, and cleaned this new victim’s home for a third time on the 23rd. If Ashley cleaned your home, she may have cleaned you out. Please check your valuables and contact us if you suspect she did the same to you.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Heart disease is something many adults push to the back of their minds if they are not experiencing symptoms; a concern for “later” in life. However, that mindset may be changing.
New research suggests younger generations are thinking about their cardiovascular health earlier and with greater urgency.
They’re right to be thinking about it, too. Data from the American Heart Association shows heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of Americans.
In fact, someone dies from cardiovascular disease every 34 seconds in the United States.
Risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney disease are on the rise, too.
Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure (47%), and obesity (42%), and more than half (57%) have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.
Despite growing concern about heart health, many adults remain unclear about their personal risk. In fact, a majority of respondents (62%) in a survey conducted by Atomik Research on behalf of Doctor’s Best said they don’t know their current risk for heart disease. To provide context on these findings and highlight emerging heart health trends, Dr. Tania Elliott, a dual board-certified physician in internal medicine, offers some insights.
Feeling Fatigue
In the study, only 50% of respondents reported feeling energetic on a daily basis. Among those who reported feeling fatigued, 46% listed stress as their top perceived contributor, followed by insufficient sleep (38%), both of which are closely tied to cardiovascular health.
Troubling Symptoms
Among Gen Z respondents, 25% reported having shortness of breath during activity or while lying down, compared to just 16% of Baby Boomers, which is commonly associated with compromised heart health.
Statins and Youth
Statins, which help address cardiovascular risk factors such as high cholesterol, are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in America, with more than 92 million Americans currently taking them, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Although most survey respondents (76%) aren’t currently taking a statin, 17% of adults ages 25-34 reported using statin therapy, which is an unexpectedly high proportion given their age and the group’s low anticipated risk of cardiovascular disease.
Side Effects of Statins
Among those taking statins, which are considered a first-line treatment for treating high cholesterol and reducing heart disease risk, 54% reported experiencing side effects, particularly muscle pain (23%) and fatigue (31%). However, taking statins can also affect levels of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which supports cellular energy and cardiovascular function.
All About CoQ10
Cells use CoQ10 to produce energy and detoxify. Studies have shown people with heart failure who took CoQ10 had around a 50% reduction in mortality. Despite this, awareness is low. Nearly two-thirds (66%) of respondents had never heard of CoQ10 and that number jumps to 76% of adults ages 25-34. Additionally, only a small percentage of respondents (8%) who were on a statin reported having their CoQ10 level tested.
“We have a real opportunity to help younger adults take a more proactive approach to heart health,” Elliott said. “CoQ10 plays a critical role in cellular energy production and heart muscle function, and it can decline with age and statin use.
If you’re among the 71% of survey respondents who expressed a willingness to learn more about improving your heart health, talk with your health care provider and visit DoctorsBest.com to learn more.
Strategies to Support Heart Health
While some risk factors for heart disease, like age and family history, are out of your control, you can make lifestyle changes to help lower your risk:
Eat Whole Foods: A heart-healthy eating plan includes plenty of lean proteins as well as fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains and foods high in omega-3s, such as salmon, nuts and plant oils.
Know Your CoQ10 Levels: If you’re low, look for a high-quality, bioavailable formula, like Doctor’s Best High Absorption CoQ10 with BioPerine, which supports energy production and muscle function.
Get Moving: The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week to help control weight and lower the risk for conditions that negatively impact the heart.
