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.
At around 1:45 Monday morning, March 2nd, a PCSO deputy responded to the area in front of Bartow Executive Airport on northbound US 17, to assist a disabled vehicle.
A black Chrysler 300 was stopped in the outside lane, and the deputy made contact with the driver, 21-year old Cheyenne Melody Williams of Avon Park, who was outside of her car.
Williams quickly got back into her vehicle and sped away. The deputy did not pursue, but notified other units nearby via the radio.
Another deputy attempted a traffic stop on the Chrysler in Eagle Lake, and again the driver accelerated quickly trying to flee. That deputy also chose not to pursue, opting to relay the information on the radio.
The Chrysler was spotted again, pulled off on the side of US 17. A deputy pulled in behind the Chrysler, and another deputy pulled up in front of the Chrysler to box it in.
Did that stop Williams? No. She turned her wheels, and accelerated, striking the PCSO vehicle in front of her. She drove away yet again.
Williams drove into the Ranches at McLeod neighborhood, parked her car, and fled on foot. Two cans of Four Loko were found in the vehicle.
Deputies found Williams in a residence on Trotters Drive. She was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center.
When asked why she fled three times, Williams said she didn’t know why. She said she was trying to head home to Avon Park from Orlando, but couldn’t explain why she was driving north.
Lakeland, FL — Lakeland Fire Department (LFD) responded to a mobile home fire on Pine Ridge Drive yesterday (Mar. 1) evening at approximately 9:45 PM.
Initial reports indicated two individuals were possibly entrapped inside the residence. Fire crews arrived to find heavy fire involvement in the carport area and immediately began suppression and search operations. One adult victim was located deceased within that area. Search operations continued due to reports of a second occupant unaccounted for.
Fatal Fire In Lakeland
Following a secondary search and LFD confirmation that no additional victims were inside the residence, the remaining occupant was accounted for and confirmed to have evacuated prior to LFD arrival.
“Our firefighters arrived to challenging fire conditions and immediately began suppression and search operations. Despite their efforts, one life was lost. We are thankful the second occupant was able to escape safely,” said Fire Chief Douglas Riley. “Any loss of life is tragic, and we understand how deeply this loss affects the family and others connected to them.”
The fire was brought under control, and the incident remains under investigation with the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Lakeland Police Department.
PCSO deputies arrested a Dundee woman who critically injured a motorcyclist with her vehicle then fled the scene at approximately 5:39 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the intersection of W. Central Avenue and 2nd Street NW in Winter Haven.
According to evidence and witness statements, 55‑year‑old Cresenciana Maziniswas traveling eastbound in a Honda CRV on W. Central Avenue at a high rate of speed. Mazinis failed to stop—or even slow down—for one red light and two stop signs. At the same time, a 2001 Harley‑Davidson motorcycle was entering the intersection southbound on 2nd Street NW when the Honda struck the right side of the motorcycle.
The impact redirected the motorcycle, and the rider was fully ejected, landing on the hood of the Honda and being carried approximately 25 feet before falling to the ground.
Mazinis immediately exited her vehicle and fled the scene on foot. Witnesses attempted to stop her, but she refused and continued walking away. 911 callers provided a description, and Winter Haven Police officers located her about two blocks from the crash. She attempted to avoid officers before being detained. She provided no information at the scene, stating she had somewhere else to be, and later complained of a leg injury. She was transported to a local hospital, treated, and released into the custody of law enforcement.
First responders found the motorcyclist lying in the grass. He was airlifted to a local hospital with severe injuries, including multiple broken bones in his legs and feet and a traumatic head injury. He was not wearing a helmet.
Mazinis was arrested and charged with reckless driving with serious bodily injury (F3) and leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury (F2). She was also charged with violation of probation for a prior 2024 trespassing case. Because she refused to sign the citations issued to her, deputies added an additional misdemeanor charge of refusal to sign citations (M2).
“This driver left a man on the ground with life‑threatening injuries and tried to flee from her responsibility. We are grateful for the witnesses who stayed at the scene and immediately called 911 with a description of the driver — their quick actions helped our deputies and the Winter Haven Police Department locate her and make sure she was held accountable.” — Grady Judd, Sheriff
Put on your green and head to Downtown Bartow for a fun, free community celebration as Saint Paddy’s Unparade kicks off March Friday Fest March 20.
The evening begins with the Saint Paddy’s Unparade — an informal, just-for-fun march where the community gathers and walks together from Nye Jordan Park to downtown to start the festivities. This is not a formally organized parade — there’s no registration and no fees — just friends, families, festive costumes and plenty of Irish spirit making their way downtown together.
Event Details:
📍 Unparade Meet-Up Location: Nye Jordan Park
🕔 Lineup Begins: 5:00 p.m.
🚶♂️ March to Downtown: Shortly after lineup
🎉 Friday Fest: 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
📍 Downtown Location: 180 S. Central Ave., Bartow
🎉 Sponsored by: Spath Jewelers
Once participants arrive downtown, Friday Fest will be in full swing featuring craft vendors, shopping, dining and live music by the Daniel Burns Band. Visitors can enjoy the charm of Downtown Bartow while celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day with the community.
Whether you choose to walk, watch or jump in along the way, everyone is welcome. Grab something green and celebrate Saint Paddy’s Day the Bartow way.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives received information about a package containing Xylazine that had been intercepted by U.S. Customs in New York. The package had been shipped from India and was addressed to a residence on North Socrum Loop Road in unincorporated Lakeland, Florida.
Xylazine—commonly known as “tranq”—is a veterinary sedative frequently found mixed with fentanyl for street sales. The package contained eight boxes labeled “Xylaxine,” containing glass bottles filled with liquid Xylazine—a total of 240 grams of the substance.
On February 26, 2026, detectives executed a search warrant at the home on North Slocum Loop Road and spoke to 35 year old Ashley Wimbrow. Ms. Wimbrow told detectives that she was involved in dog breeding and said that she used the Xylazine to perform surgical procedures on dogs for monetary compensation, with fees ranging from $10 to $100 depending on the size of the animal and the nature of the procedure. Ms. Wimbrow indicated that she has been engaged in these surgeries for approximately one year. She explained that she uses medication (Xylazine) to sedate the dogs for procedures such as “tail docking” (the removal of the dog’s tail to shorten it), and “ear cropping,” (a procedure intended to make the ears stand upright).
Ms. Wimbrow told deputies that she did not, and has never had a license to practice veterinary medicine. She said that she did not know she needed a license. Deputies confirmed that she did not have a veterinary license.
Inside the home, deputies found five dogs inside uncleaned separate dog crates with fresh and dried feces and puddles of urine. The room emitted a strong ammonia odor. The dogs were a smaller than the standard-sized breed of pit bulls, referred to as “pocket bullies.”
Wimbrow signed a form to transfer custody of the dogs to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. They were transported to Polk County Animal Control where they will be medically evaluated. There were no indications suggesting dogs were involved in dogfighting. The dogs will eventually be made available for adoption through a reputable animal rescue organization.
Ms. Wimbrow was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance (F3), possession of drug paraphernalia (M1), animal neglect by confining the dogs to their crates without a wholesome exchange of air (M1), and practicing veterinary medicine in the state of Florida without a valid active license (F3).
The investigation was a joint effort between the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Tampa office of Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
“Fortunately, we found no evidence of ‘tranq/fentanyl’ trafficking. Unfortunately, we discovered that animals were being subject to unsafe surgeries and dogs were being confined in an unhealthy environment. No one should be performing medical procedures on animals without proper training or licensing.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Polk County I.T. Division Staff are searching for a strong, well-rounded developer with command of both front-end and back-end technologies and a keen eye for problem-solving. The senior full stack developer position, which is based in Bartow, includes designing and building scalable web applications, mentoring junior developers and contributing to architectural decisions, among other things. To learn more about the position or apply, visit: https://www.polk-county.net/about/careers/
Polk County’s employee benefits include:
Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Florida Retirement System (FRS) Pension/Investment Options
A routine traffic stop by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office led to the arrest of a 35-year-old man with a lengthy criminal history and several new charges.
Deputies stopped a vehicle driven by David Reback after learning his driver’s license was suspended for multiple failures to pay traffic fines. During the investigation, deputies discovered that Reback had just been released from Florida State Prison.
The deputy conducting the stop recognized Reback and realized he was the same individual who had fled from him just days earlier on Interstate 4. Authorities say Reback was taken into custody and transported to jail on several new charges.
Sheriff Grady Judd addressed the arrest, stating, “He got to go to jail for a whole lot of new charges, and it appears that due to his recklessness and carelessness, he’s on his way back to state prison.”
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Reback has a long history of committing a variety of crimes.
Judd added, “If you see this guy, crime’s not far away.”
