POLK COUNTY, Fla. – An unusual case of distracted driving left a pickup truck perched atop a concrete barrier along the Polk Parkway Sunday morning, but fortunately no one was injured.
According to Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Steve Gaskins, the crash happened around 7 a.m. Sunday, September 14, near milepost 14 on State Road 570.
FHP said a 22-year-old Auburndale man was driving a GMC Sierra westbound on the Polk Parkway when he entered a curve in the roadway.
According to FHP, the driver was simultaneously applying deodorant while traveling through the curve.
The GMC then collided with a crash attenuator before coming to rest partially atop a concrete barrier wall.
Photos from the scene show extensive debris scattered across the roadway and damage to the crash attenuator. The pickup can be seen balanced at an angle on top of the concrete barrier. Troopers were able to confirm it was a stick deodorant and not a spray deodorant located at the crash site.
Despite the appearance of the crash, FHP reported that the driver was not injured.
The crash serves as an unusual reminder that distracted driving involves more than cellphones. Anything that takes a driver’s attention or hands away from operating a vehicle can potentially lead to a crash.
Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation has reached another milestone with the placement of its 103rd automated external defibrillator (AED), this time at Gary’s Oyster Bar. The AED was placed on August 31 as a Pay-It-Forward donation from Brian Beilke with Stone Up Services & Masonry, LLC.
For Susan Gossett, Gary’s wife of 22 years, the placement carried an especially meaningful connection to her late husband, Gary Gossett, who died in August 2023.
“I am Susan Gossett, Gary’s wife of 22 years, together for 34 years until his death in August of 2023. I feel so very Blessed that Brian chose our location to potentially be able to help save lives if needed. It was meant to be….Brian’s favorite number is 3….The 103rd AED was placed on Aug 31st on Gary’s 3rd Anniversary of his death. Tell me Gary didn’t have something to do with that special day!” Susan said.
She also shared her appreciation for Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation and its team.
“I enjoyed reconnecting with Melanie, hearing her agonizing story about her reason she started Culpepper’s Foundation, and why she (and Brian and Eric) are so passionate about what they do on their own free time. It touched our hearts and are so very proud to be a part of such a meaningful and important foundation!”
A Polk County Staple
Drew Derham, general manager at Gary’s Oyster Bar for nine years, also shared the history behind the longtime local restaurant.
“Gary’s Oyster Bar has been a Polk County staple for 48 years serving fresh seafood, and oysters on the half shell. Gary Gossett, the owner of Gary’s Oyster Bar is my stepfather. So I grew up coming out to Gary’s Oyster Bar of course to eat, but also I’ve done a lot of homework at these tables. Bussing tables and dishwashing at Gary’s as my first job at 14 years old.”
Derham said he was honored that Brian chose Gary’s Oyster Bar for the AED.
“I was extremely honored to be chosen by Brian not only because it is a generous donation but because he truly loves Gary’s Oyster Bar, the history behind it and of course the oysters and “dirty butter.“ I haven’t known Brian for very long but when we see each other it’s like we’ve been friends for years.”
Derham also spoke about the relationship between his family and Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation.
“Our family has known Melanie for years. Melanie has always been a good friend, kind and generous. Although the story behind the origin of the foundation is heartbreaking, Melanie has turned tragedy to Hope and generosity. We have watched the foundation grow over the years, and we are honored and grateful to be apart of the CCF family.”
Learning How to Respond
As part of the AED placement, the Gary’s Oyster Bar team participated in an AED demonstration led by Eric Shimcus.
“Eric’s demonstration was very informative. Taking life-saving measures can seem scary but Eric explains step-by-step that it is very simple and anyone can do it as long as you stay calm and focused. In addition to teaching us how to use the AED, Eric also taught us new guidance on choking, giving chest compressions, and CPR.”
Why Brian Chose Gary’s Oyster Bar
Beilke, who has been doing masonry work for approximately 37 years and has operated Stone Up Services & Masonry, LLC for nearly two years, said the decision to place the AED at Gary’s was an easy one.
“I chose Garys because of the vibe I got each and every time I was there. I thought it was the perfect location for AED and as being #103, I thought it as a milestone to be included as part of CCF.”
Beilke said the atmosphere at Gary’s played a major role in his decision.
“It meant a lot to be a part of this location as the atmosphere always has a good aura and they treat you like family. I thought Susan & Drew were very deserving of having this as they both are exceptionally friendly and cool people.”
He also expressed his admiration for Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation and its continued growth.
“I think CCF is a rock solid foundation that literally started from scratch and just blew up over the past years as Melanie was determined to make a difference since losing Michael Culpepper and she’s doing exactly that and gaining speed as she goes.”
Beilke said he is proud to support the foundation and its mission alongside his wife, Melanie Brown Culpepper, and Eric Shimcus.
“I think quite highly of Eric and Melanie and proud to be a part of the team with them both. I love my wife and proud of her in everything that she does and I back her 100 percent.”
He added:
“They both from the start being the CCF team and everything they’ve accomplished thus far from Erics knowledge and experience to Melanie‘s Drive and determination. It’s a strong running machine that’s only gaining speed with the goal of saving lives as that’s what truly matters.”
The AED at Gary’s Oyster Bar marks the 103rd AED placed by Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, continuing the organization’s mission of making life-saving equipment and education more accessible throughout the community.
The PCSO Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit is investigating a two‑vehicle crash that resulted in one fatality. The crash occurred on Friday, September 11, 2026, at approximately 3:24 p.m. at the intersection of Hancock Ave and Hwy 98 S in Highland City.
According to evidence and witness statements, a 2026 Kawasaki motorcycle was traveling northbound on Hwy 98 at a high rate of speed and rapidly changing lanes while passing cars. At the same time, a 2015 Mitsubishi began to enter into the northbound lanes of Highway 98 from Hancock Ave attempting to cross over to the southbound lanes and entered into the motorcycles’ s path. The motorcycle impacted the rear passenger door of the Mitsubishi causing significant damage to both vehicles.
The driver of the motorcycle, an 18-year-old male, was ejected from his vehicle. He was wearing a helmet. The driver of the Mitsubishi did not have her seatbelt on.
Upon arrival of first responders, life saving measures were performed on the 18-year-old but he was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Mitsubishi driver was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
On Thursday, September 10, 2026, PCSO deputies arrested 42-year-old Jessica Vlasac of Lakeland, charging her with aggravated child abuse (F1) resulting in the death of a 3-month-old infant who was in her care.
According to the affidavit, at approximately 11:58 p.m. on Sunday, September 6, 2026, deputies responded to Vlasac’s home after receiving a report that the baby boy was unresponsive. The baby was transported to Orlando Health Medical in Lakeland and was pronounced deceased shortly after. He had an abrasion and bruising on his head.
Vlasac told deputies that she had accidentally fallen asleep with the baby in the bed and that she did not remember anything else, and that when she woke up, she found the baby lying face down on the bed, not moving and cold to the touch. She made statements such as, “I think I killed our son,” and said she believed it happened while she was asleep.
An autopsy revealed that the baby had subdural hemorrhaging around the skull. Medical Examiner Dr. Stephen Nelson identified three separate impact injuries to the baby’s head. The impact injuries were located on the top of the forehead. Dr. Nelson also identified a 1.7 cm by 1 cm L-shaped injury to the baby’s forehead, which he stated appeared to be consistent with being caused by a square-like object.
After the autopsy, detectives interviewed Vlasac again and observed her wearing a large, diamond-like stone ring on her ring finger that was consistent with the large, square-like shape mentioned in the autopsy. Detectives executed a search warrant for Vlasac’s devices, as well as her ring. During the search, Vlasac spontaneously asked if the ring was what killed the victim.
During interviews with other members of the household who were present at the time of the incident, nobody reported noticing anything suspicious. They stated that they assumed Vlasac and the infant were sleeping in Vlasac’s room and that they were unaware of anything happening until they heard her screaming.
In an interview with the infant’s father, he described Vlasac as someone who becomes violent when she consumes alcohol.
The father showed detectives messages between himself and Vlasac from the night of the incident. The messages showed that Vlasac had purchased alcoholic shots at approximately noon that day. Later that night, she sent multiple messages stating that she had killed the infant and that he was dead. She had also deleted some messages.
The father stated that Vlasac called him a few days later and seemed unusually normal when discussing the death. He also said she asked him not to show detectives their messages.
In a follow-up examination, Dr. Nelson examined the ring that had been confiscated from Vlasac and advised that the victim’s injuries were consistent with being struck by the ring, as a part of the impact injuries. Furthermore, there was no evidence of co-sleeping causing the death.
Vlasac was taken into custody and booked into the Polk County Jail. The investigation is ongoing.
Lake Wales Considers Purchasing $65K in Equipment for Fleet Maintenance Operations by James Coulter
As the City takes on responsibility for maintaining and repairing its vehicle fleet from the County, Lake Wales city commissioners will consider purchasing the necessary equipment.
At their regular work session on Wed. Aug. 12, 2026, Lake Wales commissioners reviewed an agenda item authorizing the completion of the City’s fleet maintenance operation as it prepares to take over vehicle and equipment maintenance responsibilities from the County.
For the past 20 years, Polk County Utilities has provided maintenance and repair services for the City’s vehicle and equipment fleet. However, the County will end the agreement on Sept. 30, 2026, requiring the City to re-establish internal fleet maintenance operations.
To prepare for the transition, Public Works evaluated the existing maintenance facility on Crystal Avenue and identified the equipment needed to handle routine fleet maintenance and repairs, while city staff completed an inventory of existing parts, tools, and equipment.
“The required startup equipment includes tire changing and balancing equipment, automotive air-conditioning service equipment, battery charging equipment, welding equipment, lifting and support equipment, and other shop tools necessary to perform routine vehicle and equipment maintenance,” wrote Nancy C. Hernandez, Public Works Operations Manager.
To procure the equipment, the City will make two purchases. The first, from Hunter Engineering, will total $39,942.20 and include a heavy-duty wheel balancer, tire changer, associated adapters, factory installation, and training.
The second purchase, from Automotive Development Group, will total $25,077.13 and include an automotive A/C service machine, along with additional shop equipment and materials needed to support Fleet operations.
The City will also enter into a contract with Genuine Parts Company to serve as a reliable source for ongoing automotive and equipment parts. The company was recommended because it offers the City a purchasing program comparable to that of NAPA Auto Parts, which currently provides similar services to the county, Hernandez wrote.
“Utilizing the Sourcewell agreement provides continuity in the parts supply relationship already supporting the City’s fleet while transitioning purchasing responsibility directly to the City,” she said. “The agreement also provides an established, competitively procured mechanism for obtaining routine automotive and equipment parts and supplies as operational needs arise.”
Commissioner Carol Gillespie inquired if they had explored any alternatives to bringing fleet maintenance back in‑house. Public Works Director Sarah Kirkland said the department had looked into using local dealerships, but determined that reinstating internal maintenance was more practical given the size of the city’s fleet and ongoing concerns about the reliability of dealership service.
City Manager James Slaton said that after comparing county services with private-sector options, staff concluded that contracting with a large-scale fleet maintenance provider would offer the greatest benefit, especially considering the city’s wide range of specialized equipment.
“Trying to find specialized providers in each one of those areas is really difficult, and they are certainly not geographically located in one location,” he explained. “So, if we can get people in who are number one mechanics, they can at least learn our various pieces of equipment and systems and be able to provide something for everything rather than ship them all over the county.”
Economic Development, Airport, and Historic Stuart House Discussed for Next Year’s Lake Wales Budget
by James Coulter
A new economic development director position, the city’s airport, and the Historic Stuart House were several key areas of discussion during a review of the city’s draft budget for the next fiscal year.
At a regular work session in mid August, Lake Wales city commissioners examined several high‑cost projects and long‑term capital needs slated for funding next year.
Source Pixabay Steve Buissinne
Key items include:
· $1 million for city street resurfacing
· Completion of the Memorial Gardens Cemetery expansion
· An emergency generator for City Hall
· Rehabilitation of the Market Street Water Treatment Plant building
· Replacement of the library roof
· Multiple airport improvements
· $500,000 for the full restoration of the Historic Stuart House
· Continuation of the police vehicle fleet replacement program
· Creation of a new Economic Development Director position within the City Manager’s office
· Ongoing implementation of the Lake Wales Connected plan
During the meeting, City Manager James Slaton highlighted two significant items: the police vehicle fleet replacement program, and the new Economic Development Director position.
Since 2008, the city has relied on the county’s fleet maintenance division for vehicle service. With the county recently ending that contract, the city must now consider operating its own fleet department, Slaton said.
Economic Development Director
The city is also considering an Economic Development Director position within the City Manager’s office to help strengthen business recruitment and better support existing businesses.
“We do not have a business liaison,” Slaton said. “So, it would be nice to have someone internally who can work with those departments.
Commissioner Terri Miller, speaking from her experience as an entrepreneur who has worked with the city to open a business, said a dedicated business liaison would help aspiring entrepreneurs navigate the city’s processes and launch their ventures more smoothly.
“If we had a liaison who could walk you through the hoops you need to go through, that would be a benefit for Lake Wales,” she said.
Miller also argued that the Economic Development Council (EDC) was falling short in that role. Commissioner Keith Thompson agreed, saying that while the EDC can still contribute to local economic efforts, the city would be better served by handling those responsibilities in‑house.
Furthermore, he added that if the city hires its own business liaison, it would need to notify the EDC that it is ending the partnership and will not renew the annual contract.
“That does not mean that the EDC cannot think of a way to keep operating,” he said. “We wanted to plan to make them more self-sufficient. If they want to figure out and bring in economic development, the more the merrier. But as far as city money, this makes more sense in-house than contracting with a third party.”
City Airport and Historic Stuart House
The draft budget also includes several projects for the municipal airport, including the replacement of the weather station and beacon, the expansion of the current parking ramp, and the purchase of an aircraft tug to tow aircraft onto the airfield.
“It has always been the position that there is a strong belief in the airport, so money goes to the airport to help sustain itself…then the airport will generate more of its revenue,” said Finance Director Dorothy Abbott.
Originally managed by the Lake Wales History Museum, the historic house is now overseen by the city, which plans to fully restore the building now that renovation plans for the Historic Walesbilt Hotel have been resolved, Slaton said.
Thompson proposed having a “real healthy discussion” about what the building will be used for once renovations are complete.
“The real value in this house is not monetary, it is nostalgic and historical,” he said. “Improving this property will add nothing but preserving history and nostalgia and sentimentality, and I am all for it, but we have to talk about what it will be for at the end. It has to be something that does produce something for the city.”
With another week of action-packed football, we are now moving fast through the season as we head into Week 4. The early-season excitement is still there, but the stakes are beginning to rise. Teams have a better idea of who they are and what they need to improve on. Some teams are riding momentum, while others are looking to bounce back. For a few, Week 4 is a chance to make a statement.
With another Friday night of football ahead, Polk County has plenty of intriguing match-ups on tap. Some teams are looking to stay hot, while others are desperate to get back on track. Every game brings a new storyline and another opportunity to prove something. So, with that being said, Week 4 is here. The question is simple: Which Polk County teams will rise to the moment, and which ones will leave Friday night with even more questions to answer?
To kick it off, games to keep an eye on this week, we have is the (1-1) Lakeland Dreadnoughts at the (2-1) Osceola Kowboys. The Dreadnaughts are coming into the game off a heartbreaking loss to the Venice Indians in double overtime. They are looking to get back on track to get back over .500. For the Kowboys, they are coming into the game after a 17-9 victory over a solid Lake Mary squad, who is currently ranked No. 30 in the state.
In this game, if Lakeland wants to win, they will need to focus on Osceola’s rushing attack that is averaging 218 yards a game with the help of senior running back Javontay Barnett who averages 100 yards a game and a physical defense that is only allowing 11 point a game with the help of players such as Colton Carter who averages 9.5 tackles per game. Despite Osceola’s strengths, I have Lakeland coming away with a close victory on the road.
My prediction: Lakeland 24, Osceola 17.
The next game to keep an eye on is the (2-0) Auburndale Bloodhounds at the (2-1) Bartow Yellow Jackets. If there is one team in Polk County that has been making a statement early in the season, it is Auburndale. Auburndale is coming off a 50-0 beat down of Davenport and as for Bartow they are coming off a 28-6 win against Haines City.
Each team has some key things they need to focus on if they want to win the game. For Auburndale, if they want to win the game, they need to focus on keeping their offense rolling. As of late has not been a problem after scoring 107 points and allowing zero points in the process. That is about as hot of a start as you can ask for.
For Bartow, if they want to win, this goes without saying but they will need to slow down Auburndale’s offense. They may have a good chance at doing that since they are allowing on average 7 points against them a game.
One player I would have my eyes on is Auburndale quarterback Teo Edwards. Edwards enters the game with 582 passing yards and seven touchdowns. If he gets comfortable early, Bartow could have a long night ahead.
Expect this one to be competitive, but I am still taking the Bloodhounds to keep their perfect start alive.
My prediction: Auburndale 42, Bartow 32.
The last game to keep an eye out for would have to be (2-1) Lake Wales at (1-1) Lake Region. Lake Wales is coming into this game after a 41-14 victory over Winter Haven, while Lake Region is coming off a 25-0 victory over Fort Meade. Both teams are coming into Friday night with momentum, but only one will be able to leave with another win.
But in order for one of them to do that, here are some things that each team has to do. For Lake Wales, if they want to win the game, they need to stop Lake Region’s pass rush as Lake Region is averaging 4.0 sacks a game as well as 65.0 tackles a game.
For Lake Region, if they want to win the game, they will need to limit what Lake Wales can do on offense as Lake Wales so far this season has averaged 36 points a game and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.
With this being said, I see Lake Wales winning this game. The reason I have them winning this game is as stated earlier, is their offense and what they have been able to produce every game. For Lake Region, they are going against a team that is ranked in the top 25 in the state of Florida.
My prediction: Lake Wales 45, Lake Region 13.
As Week 4 gets ready to kick off, the stakes are starting to rise across Polk County. From Lakeland looking to bounce back against Osceola, to Auburndale trying to keep its perfect start alive against Bartow, there are plenty of teams looking to make a statement Friday night.
At this point in the season, every game means a little more. Teams are starting to find their identity, the competition is getting tougher, and there is less room for mistakes.
So, when Friday night arrives, who will rise to the moment, who will protect the home turf, and who will leave the field with something to prove?
Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 57 people for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol and/or drugs last month.
One of the drivers arrested picked up his 3rd DUI.
Of these arrests, 13 of them were involved in traffic crashes. Two of those involved in crashes had a child in the car with them (and they were charged with child neglect for that as well).
Erasmo Rodriguez was involved in a crash in May, but wasn’t arrested until August 13th after the PCSO’s Traffic Homicide investigation determined that Erasmo was driving under the influence of alcohol at 117 mph when he crashed. A female passenger in his car died as a result.
Francisco LaPierre was also arrested for DUI following a crash, although his crash was minor. But when a deputy arrived at the scene, he noticed LaPierre had an ankle monitor on. The reason for the monitor was because LaPierre was on pre-trial release for leaving the scene of a crash on September 28, 2025, in which a 21-year-old Winter Haven woman was killed.
And finally, 5 of the 57 arrested last month were found to be in the United States illegally and had an ICE hold placed on them.
These 57 arrests were PCSO arrests only, and do not include arrests in Polk County made by any of the city police departments or the Florida Highway Patrol.
If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, please call 9-1-1 immediately.
Polk County, Florida – Ninety-three nonprofit organizations serving Polk County are receiving a combined $717,537 through GiveWell Community Foundation’s 2026 Impact Polk grant program.
Sara Hallett with GiveWell Community Foundation said the grants will support programs addressing a wide range of community needs, including affordable housing, food security, education and quality of life.
The funding comes through the George W. Jenkins Fund, Leland Bryan Fund and anonymous funds held by GiveWell Community Foundation. The annual Impact Polk program allows eligible nonprofits serving Polk County to compete for donor-directed grant funding.
Demand significantly exceeded the money available. GiveWell received 138 applications seeking more than $2.3 million this year. Ultimately, 93 organizations received full or partial funding.
Several organizations serving communities in the Daily Ridge coverage area were among the recipients.
The Frostproof Care Center received $10,000 for its Housing for a Healthier Community program, which assists families facing housing instability. The program provides crisis assistance while also working individually with residents on budgeting, savings, debt management and longer-term housing stability.
Hallett said housing costs have become an increasing burden in Frostproof, with some households spending about half of their budgets on housing and being forced to make difficult choices involving food, medical care and rent or mortgage payments.
Several Lake Wales organizations also received grants. The Family Literacy Academy of Lake Wales received $9,500, while the Lake Wales Arts Council and Lake Wales History Museum each received $10,000. The Lake Wales Care Center received $7,755.99, the Lake Wales Little Theatre received $5,000, and The Vanguard School of Lake Wales received $5,000.
The Lake Wales Little Theatre has a thriving children and teen theatre where every child who wants to participate gets a part. The experience of being on stage gives each child a feeling of confidence, accomplishment, and excitement. Teens learn how a theatre works, by running everything from tech, stage management, to acting on stage. The goal of the Lake Wales Little Theatre is to create quality productions that the students and audiences will enjoy. Productions have included a teen production of Just Another High School Play, a children’s production of Stuck on These Islands, and a theatre tot production of The Hungry Little Caterpillar. Photo Credit: GiveWell Community Foundation 2025 Annual Report
Other East Polk recipients include Habitat for Humanity of East Polk County, which received $5,000 for home repairs, and Lake Aurora Christian Camp, which received $13,000 for summer camp scholarships for East Polk youth.
Winter Haven programs also received funding. Heart for Winter Haven was awarded $5,000 for a financial literacy camp, The Mission of Winter Haven received $4,500 for its Nourishing Children, Building Futures program, and Theatre Winter Haven received $5,000 for its Arts for the Underserved program. Talbot House Ministries received $15,000 for an employment and life-skills program at its Winter Haven Center for Women and Children.
Education was another major focus. The Polk Education Foundation received $15,000 for its Building Better and Resilient Readers – Polk Reads program, which provides tutoring to kindergarten through third-grade students who are below reading proficiency.
Other grants range from food assistance and children’s programs to healthcare, housing, workforce development and services for seniors.
GiveWell estimates that programs funded through this year’s grants will collectively impact more than 975,000 people.
Impact Polk is GiveWell Community Foundation’s annual competitive grant program designed to address needs identified throughout Polk County. GiveWell has operated since 1997 and currently manages more than 400 charitable funds.
