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After 15 Years Without a Change, Winter Haven Considers Raising Commissioner Pay

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After 15 Years Without a Change, Winter Haven Considers Raising Commissioner Pay

After 15 Years Without a Change, Winter Haven Considers Raising Commissioner Pay
by James Coulter
 

Prompted in part by other cities exploring similar adjustments, Winter Haven city commissioners are considering their first pay increase in 15 years.
 
At one of their meetings last month, Winter Haven City Commissioners voted 3-2 to consider a future ordinance modifying commissioner compensation rates.
 
Commissioner Chad Davis requested the discussion, noting that the commission’s $12,000 annual salary had been set 15 years ago and had not been significantly updated save for yearly costofliving adjustments. He also pointed out that other Polk County cities are now considering substantial increases.
 
“I had heard, while running for office, that we were underpaid for a city our size,” he said. “I was concerned that we were undervaluing the work that we do.”
 
Currently, their annual salary is $17,525 for commissioners and $20,917 for the mayor. Based on the county’s percapita rate, those rates could rise by roughly $27,500, though Davis acknowledged that such a jump would be “a little too much” and unlikely to be “accepted” or “appreciated” by the public.
 
Instead, Davis proposed raising commissioner pay to about $24,000 and the mayor’s to $32,000 — a level he described as “more manageable” and still supported by the data.
 
Davis argued that the commission’s workload often demands more time than members can reasonably spare, especially since most already hold fulltime jobs. He said he has exhausted all of his paid time off and has even taken unpaid leave to meet his responsibilities as a commissioner.
 
After reviewing other municipalities, he noted that even smaller cities with lower annual salaries (some around $6,000) still outpaced Winter Haven on a percapita basis because their smaller populations made the compensation proportionally higher.
 
“I see the population drives the amount of work that we have to do,” he said. “We have more decisions to make because we have more people coming into the city.”
 
Commissioner Nathaniel J. Birdsong Jr. agreed with Davis’assessment. Having served on the commission for nearly two decades, Birdsong noted that while the city’s population and the commission’s responsibilities have grown, commissioner pay has not.
 
“When I got on the commission, the city was under 30,000 people; and so now we are over somewhere close to 60,000 people,” he said. “Certainly this [pay increase] would not be able to compensate or help you make a living, but I think it is worth the time and effort to take a look at it with consideration and make some kind of decision about it.”
 
Mayor Yates disagreed, saying he does not support a pay increase because he views the role less as a job and more as an act of public service.
 
“I would sit up here and do this job for nothing,” he said. “I knew what I was getting into when I ran…And I could not see myself supporting an increase in salary. This is a public service I am offering and giving to my community, and I am proud to do it.”

Commissioner Dollison mentioned he concurs with Mayor Yate’s statement, but he didn’t’ want to devalue the time the commissioners invest. “We all serve. It’s great to serve. At the same time, the value of what we ran for, we stood for, and the fact that we want to help advance the City in every way. I think that at least garners some consideration to look at this.”
 
Mayor Pro Tem Tracy Mercer opposed the pay increase. With 40 years in public service, she said she did not take the position for the money and argued that raising compensation would not be “responsible” at this time.
 
“I know we are headed for some pretty rough times, [and] it will affect a lot of people,” she said. “We have to be the one that leads the way and sets the example for others to follow. So, I will not be for any increase at this time.”

Commissioners Davis, Birdsong, and Dollison voted in favor oftaking the next steps to consider a pay raise for Commissioners.Mayor Yates and Mayor Pro Tem Mercer voted against the measure. An ordinance with a proposed compensation increase for the commission will be brought to a future City Commission meeting.

Parking Isn’t the Problem in Lake Wales: Finding It Is, Study Shows

Allison
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Parking Isn’t the Problem in Lake Wales: Finding It Is, Study Shows

Parking Isn’t the Problem in Lake Wales: Finding It Is, Study Shows
by James Coulter
 
If you’ve ever tried parking in Downtown Lake Wales, you’ve probably circled the blocks, wondered where all the good spaces went, and wished the city would add more.
 
Turns out downtown already has plenty of spaces. The real challenge is helping drivers find them and managing the system more effectively.


 

That’s the central takeaway from a recent presentation by a consultant contracted by the City of Lake Wales.
 
On Tue. July 15, 2026, the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) received a presentation on the findings of the Lake Wales Parking Study & Mobility Strategy, a parking study conducted by Kimley-Horn.
 
Senior Planner Marc Ispass told board members that downtown’s issue “isn’t a shortage of parking spaces,” and that the solution “isn’t to build more,” but to make existing spaces easier to locate.
 
“Downtown Lake Wales has enough parking today, and the data shows it will continue to have enough parking under a variety of forecasted scenarios,” he explained. “The opportunity now is to focus on managing the system so that parking is easier to find, easier to understand, and better aligned with the Downtown Growth.”
 
The study found 1,442 total spaces downtown, with about 1,332 considered effective public parking. Even during peak hours, only 570 were occupied, leaving roughly 762 still available.
 
Overall occupancy averaged about 40 percent, with the busiest pockets reaching 65 to 68 percent. Ispass noted that drivers typically “start to circle and experience frustration” only when occupancy exceeds 85 percent.
 
The study also modeled six future scenarios, including one where the Historic Walesbilt Hotel is fully revitalized and operating. Even then, demand is projected to rise only to about 747 spaces, leaving a surplus of roughly 585.
 
Ispass said the hotel would be a “major near‑term demand catalyst,” not a “systemwide shortage,” even with about 177 additional peak vehicles.
 
Because supply isn’t the problem, the study recommends improving how parking is managed. Suggested near‑term actions include clearer signage, coordinated shared‑parking agreements, relocating employee parking so prime spaces remain open for customers, and predictable enforcement.
 
“These are achievable steps that can improve the downtown parking experience without committing the community to unnecessary capital investment,” Ispass said.
 
Urban Planner Evan Magley added that none of the recommendations require major spending and would “support downtown businesses” while giving staff flexibility to adjust.
 
One example underscored the need for better wayfinding: a lot with 109 spaces saw only three cars parked there all day, leaving dozens of unused spaces simply because drivers didn’t know they existed.
 
Two downtown business owners spoke during public comment. Catherine Mazzullo, property manager of the Bullard Building, asked the city to consider residential needs, including elderly tenants, when enforcing time limits. She claimed it would be unreasonable to expect such residents to “move their cars every three hours.”
 
Brianna Mayer, owner of Mayers Jewelry, said downtown has less of a “parking problem” and more of an “enforcement problem,” noting that customers and employees from other businesses often occupy the spaces directly in front of her store.
 
“Our people who are coming in and paying money to keep our doors open are not the ones who should be expected to have to walk a block and a half,” she said.
 
Ispass welcomed the feedback, saying most of the concerns aligned with the strategy and could be incorporated into the final report.
 
Commissioner Carol Gillespie questioned whether requiring people to park closer to their destinations or adding more spaces “sooner than later.” Ispass replied that additional parking wouldn’t make a meaningful difference without supporting infrastructure.
 
The CRA Board voted unanimously to approve the study’s findings and recommendations and authorize staff to advance near-term actions.
 

Haines City Parks & Rec Celebrates Fun Friday at Leroy & Virginia Tyler Youth Enrichment Center

Allison
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Haines City Parks & Rec Celebrates Fun Friday at Leroy & Virginia Tyler Youth Enrichment Center

Join us for Fun Friday this week at the Leroy & Virginia Tyler Youth Enrichment Center!

Address:

1008 Ave D

Haines City, FL 33844

When: This Friday (every 1st Friday of the month)
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Cost: Absolutely FREE!
For: Youth – Ages 17 and under

Get ready for an exciting evening filled with activities, an esports lounge, tons of games, and delicious refreshments. This is a fantastic opportunity to hang out, make new friends, and kick off your weekend with a bang!

For more information, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 863-421-3700.

Info courtesy of Haines City Parks & Rec

Protein-Packed Snacking for Back-to-School Season

Allison
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Protein-Packed Snacking for Back-to-School Season

As busy families prepare for hectic school days, it can be invaluable to have nutritious grab-and-go options on hand for lunches and snacks. Having one less thing to worry about makes a difference when you’re juggling work, school, sports practices and games, and other extracurriculars while trying to keep everyone fed and happy.

Since protein is an important nutrient for energy and satiety, choosing options like PB2Go Cups could be the perfect solution. As the pioneer of powdered peanut butter, PB2 has made it more portable than ever with the introduction of their new, on-the-go cups.

With 10-11 grams of protein per cup, they’re easy to toss in a lunchbox or backpack, offering a convenient way to keep your family powered up through the afternoon. Simply add water to the fill line, stir with the built-in spoon and enjoy the Original or Chocolate Chip flavors on their own or as a dip with pretzels, crackers, apple slices or bananas for more flavor and fun during your snack break.

“Between packed lunches, busy schedules, and after-school activities, convenient protein options are a game changer,” said registered dietitian Mia Syn, a food and nutrition expert. “That’s why I love PB2Go Cups. With a built-in spoon in the lid, they’re ready to toss in a lunch box, backpack, or gym bag and enjoy wherever the day takes you.”

Whether you’re tackling early-morning school prep or searching for a ready-when-you-are snack to keep in your locker, powdered peanut butter is a healthy, satisfying choice. No stress and no mess makes for a winning combination, and families who value balanced nutrition will appreciate having a quick, pre-portioned source of protein on hand when their schedules are full.

PCSO Charges 21-Year-Old With First-Degree Murder After He Allegedly Bashed In His Mothers Face

Carl Fish
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PCSO Charges 21-Year-Old With First-Degree Murder After He Allegedly Bashed In His Mothers Face

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has charged the man responsible for the murder of an Eagle Lake woman last month. 

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21-year old Gibson Nash was charged with 1st Degree Murder (FC) for the brutal killing of his mother, 56-year old Margaret Chu Dufour on July 21, 2026 (her name is being released with permission from her family). He has also been charged with Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Injury (F3, 2-counts)

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Gibson Nash

“Gibson Nash needs to remain locked away from the public forever. The way he murdered his mother was a mix of pure rage and extreme violence. After killing her, he caused two vehicle crashes on a busy road. He has no respect for others and is a clear threat to society.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

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PCSO deputies first became aware of Nash while investigating multiple traffic crashes on US 27 on the morning of July 21st. 

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At around 6:58 am, deputies responded to a hit and run crash on US 27 and Holly Hill Grove Road. The vehicle that fled was a blue 2022 BMW SUV. As the BMW fled, it struck another vehicle and continued fleeing. The BMW crossed into the southbound lanes of US 27 and became disabled after it struck a third vehicle which was towing a trailer. A fourth vehicle became involved when it collided with the third vehicle’s trailer. 

Gibson Nash was the driver of the BMW; he was injured and taken to a local hospital, sedated and intubated. At the time, Nash’s identity was unknown.

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Nine other people were involved in the series of crashes; three of them were transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

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Deputies determined the BMW was registered to Margaret Chu Dufour and a deputy attempted to make contact with her at her residence on Wilder Way in Eagle Lake. 

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There was no response at the home, so deputies spoke with neighbors. One of the neighbors reported hearing two loud noises, described as “thuds,” at Ms. Chu Dufour’s home at around 4:30 am.

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Deputies walked around Ms. Chu Dufour’s home and noticed broken glass from a plate at the rear sliding patio door, as well as a shovel at the side of the house. 

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Due to the suspicious circumstances, deputies entered the home and found Ms. Chu Dufour in a front room, obviously deceased, with blunt force facial trauma.

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PCSO homicide detectives responded to the house and a death investigation got underway. 

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Gibson Nash was determined to be the driver of the BMW, and detectives began looking at him as a suspect in Ms. Chu Dufour’s murder.

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Family members told investigators that Nash had a lengthy history of violence and mental illness, reportedly suffering from schizophrenia and bi-bolar disorder. They reported that Nash had frequent violent outbursts and had been arrested for domestic violence multiple times in Tennessee, including an incident in which he charged at Ms. Chu Dufour with a knife. 

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On July 14, 2026, Ms. Chu Dufour drove to Tennessee to get Nash after he bonded out of jail there, and brought him to Eagle Lake to live with her. 

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As a part of their death investigation, investigators responded to the hospital and documented bruising on Nash’s knuckles and feet. Blood samples taken from his boots were tested and later determined to be blood from Nash’s mother, the victim.

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Medical staff reported that Nash was intubated (and would remain so) and hospitalized while recovering from liver damage, a result of him taking a large amount of Tylenol prior to the crashes.

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On August 3, 2026, Nash was extubated and removed from sedation after his liver showed signs of improvement. He was subsequently arrested for the murder of his mother. Nash is under PCSO supervision and custody at the hospital until he is able to be released, at which time he will be booked into the Polk County Jail. 

S.R. 60 Railroad Crossing Reopens Ahead of Schedule

Allison
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S.R. 60 Railroad Crossing Reopens Ahead of Schedule

City of Lake Wales –

S.R. 60 Railroad Crossing reopens six days ahead of schedule.

State Road 60 between Bartow and Lake Wales has officially reopened to all eastbound and westbound traffic following the early completion of essential railroad crossing repairs by CSX.

Originally scheduled to conclude on Monday, August 10, crews finished work six days ahead of schedule—reopening the corridor in time for the start of the school year on Tuesday, August 11.

Project Highlights & Improvements:

  • Complete Infrastructure Renewal: CSX crews replaced all ties, rail, and ballast through the crossing.
  • Upgraded Surface: The crossing now features a full-depth rubber surface, delivering a significantly smoother and safer ride for commuters.
  • Interagency Coordination: The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) supported the project by assisting with managing Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) plans and coordinating closely with local law enforcement to enforce the 31-mile truck detour and local traffic routes.

FDOT and CSX extend their sincere appreciation to the community and local drivers for their patience during this temporary closure as work was completed to enhance safety and corridor rideability.

Suspect Arrested in Eagle Lake Woman’s Death; Sheriff Judd to Release Details Wednesday Morning

Carl Fish
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Suspect Arrested in Eagle Lake Woman’s Death; Sheriff Judd to Release Details Wednesday Morning

EAGLE LAKE, Fla. — Nearly two weeks after a woman was found dead inside her Eagle Lake home, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office has announced that a suspect has been arrested in the case.

Sheriff Grady Judd is scheduled to provide an update during a media briefing at 11 a.m. Wednesday, where investigators are expected to release additional details about the arrest and the investigation. 

The investigation began on July 21 when deputies responded to a home on Wilder Way in the Ranches at Lake McLeod subdivision, where they discovered a woman deceased inside the residence. At the time, the Sheriff’s Office classified the death as suspicious.

During the initial investigation, Sheriff Judd said detectives believed they had identified a suspect or suspects connected to the case but declined to release additional information while investigators continued to gather evidence. He also emphasized there was no active threat to the surrounding community. 

In a media advisory issued Wednesday morning, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a suspect has now been arrested in connection with the investigation. Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s identity, the charges filed, or the victim’s cause of death.

Those details are expected to be announced during Wednesday’s news conference at the Sheriff’s Operations Center in Winter Haven.

The Daily Ridge will provide updates following Sheriff Judd’s 11 a.m. briefing as more information becomes available.

Polk County Fire Rescue Earns Improved Property Insurance Rating

Allison
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Polk County Fire Rescue Earns Improved Property Insurance Rating

Polk County residents and businesses could see a reduction in property insurance premiums after the Insurance Services Office rated Polk County Fire Rescue among the top 7% of fire departments evaluated nationwide.

PCFR recently received a Class 2 Public Protection Classification from the ISO. The achievement signifies a one-class improvement from last year’s rating.

Polk County Fire Rescue Chief Shawn Smith attributed this latest achievement to hard work by PCFR members from every level.

“This is an independent confirmation that the people of Polk County are served by one of the premier fire rescue organizations in America,” said Smith. “It reflects thousands of hours of training, unwavering professionalism, exceptional teamwork and the county’s commitment to investing in public safety.”

The ISO’s Public Protection Classification program assigns communities around the country scores ranging from Class 1 to Class 10, where Class 1 reflects superior fire protection and Class 10 indicates no minimum criteria met. Insurance companies use these scores to help set policy prices and underwrite properties.

The ISO rating is based on three criteria with 50% coming from fire department operational readiness, including equipment, staffing and training. Another 40% comes from water supply availability and 10% from dispatch emergency communications.

Polk County’s new Class 2 ISO rating goes into effect Nov. 1, 2026.

Winter Haven Pastor Arrested on Child Sex Crime Charges, Faces Four HIV-Related Felony Charges

Carl Fish
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Winter Haven Pastor Arrested on Child Sex Crime Charges, Faces Four HIV-Related Felony Charges

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — A Winter Haven pastor is facing more than 20 criminal charges, including allegations involving a minor as well as four felony counts accusing him of engaging in sexual activity without disclosing his HIV-positive status, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Grady Judd is scheduled to hold a 10 a.m. news conference Tuesday to release additional details surrounding the arrest of 42-year-old Timothy Chaneyfield, whom investigators identified as the pastor of St. James United American Free Will Baptist Church in Winter Haven.

The charges announced by the Sheriff’s Office include three counts of lewd battery of a minor, three counts of traveling to meet a minor, three counts of interfering with the custody of a minor, one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device, four counts of an HIV-infected person engaging in sexual activity without informing a partner, along with drug-related misdemeanor charges.

Two Young Men Seriously Injured After Lexus Crashes Into Disabled Semi on I-4 in Polk County

Carl Fish
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Two Young Men Seriously Injured After Lexus Crashes Into Disabled Semi on I-4 in Polk County

Two young men suffered serious injuries Monday afternoon after a crash involving a disabled tractor-trailer and another semi shut down westbound Interstate 4 in Polk County for nearly four hours.

According to information released by the Florida Highway Patrol through Public Affairs Officer Sgt. Steve Gaskins, the crash occurred at approximately 3:50 p.m. on August 3, just west of State Road 33.

FHP investigators say a Lexus sedan was traveling westbound on I-4 when it entered the outside shoulder and collided with a disabled tractor-trailer parked there. The impact caused the Lexus to rotate back into the westbound travel lanes, where it was struck by a second westbound tractor-trailer traveling in the center lane.

The driver of the Lexus, a 20-year-old Winter Haven man, and his passenger, a 19-year-old Orlando man, both suffered serious injuries and were transported to an area hospital.

Neither tractor-trailer driver was injured.

The crash forced the closure of all westbound lanes of Interstate 4, with traffic diverted at Exit 38 until the roadway reopened around 7:30 p.m.

The crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.

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