City of Winter Haven Purchases Ritz Theatre for $497K

by James Coulter

“We just purchased a building,” Mayor Pro Tem Nathanial Birdsong exclaimed after he and his fellow commissioners voted unanimously to have the City of Winter Haven purchase the Historic Ritz Theatre for $497,000.

At their regular meeting on Mon. June 24, Winter Haven City Commissioners voted 4-0 to approve an agreement that would allow the city to purchase the Historic Ritz Theatre. Commissioner Brian Yates declined to vote, as he felt his position as liaison to the theatre would have been a conflict of interest.

The theatre will close its doors on Aug. 5, 2024. By that time, ownership and responsibility will have shifted from the Historic Ritz Theatre, Inc. (formerly known as The Ritz Theatre 100, Inc.) to the City of Winter Haven.

Mayor Birdsong assured commissioners and attendees at the meeting that the purchase would not result in the permanent closing or dissolution of the theatre, but that its ownership and operation would simply be under new management by the city.

Located at 263 W. Central Ave. in Downtown Winter Haven, the historic theatre was built in 1925. Originally known as The Williamson Theatre, the venue would go on to showcase vaudeville acts, concert performances, stage musicals, and theatrical films.

However, as the years went on, the theatre’s legacy waned, and it eventually re-opened as a teen club in the 1980s before being shut down shortly after, according to its website. In 1996, Ritz Theatre 100, Inc. was formed by a group of concerned citizens to “Save The Ritz.”

“After 16 years, over 83,115 volunteer hours, and clearing many hurdles, the facility was restored to its original beauty,” its website states. “Today, the Theatre operates as a movie theatre, concert venue, home stage for Out of the Box Improv, and much more.”

On Mon., March 25, Winter Haven City Commissioners voted unanimously to recommend staff consider acquiring the theater, placing its ownership and maintenance directly in the hands of the City.

In Feb. 2024, the City had been contacted by members of the Historic Ritz Theatre, Inc. with the intent of potentially selling the theatre to the city. Currently, the theatre has been facing “a dire financial position” with mortgage obligations and general operation costs.

Commissioner Bradley T. Dantzler inquired whether the city should consider a set time frame through which they can review the theatre and determine whether to continue maintaining it or selling it.

“We are spending public money on this, and I think we owe it to them,” he said. “I think it may work, but we should reconsider it in the next few years. I want to do this, but we should also have an exit strategy.”

City Manager T Michael Stavres replied that the city would be reviewing the theatre every budget year with the other city budget items. He recommended against setting a specific time frame in the motion because it might place unwanted restrictions.

“I would recommend against that in the motion only because it put restrictions on you that you may or may not want,” he said. “It may muddy the waters if you put it in.”

City of Auburndale, FL Government

Celebrate Fourth of July with a stunning fireworks display being launched from the center of Lake Ariana, Auburndale, FL 33823. This event will begin at 9:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 4th.

Please note: Lake Ariana Park is under construction and will be closed. The boat ramp will be open. The First United Methodist Church of Auburndale (316 Lake Ariana Blvd., Auburndale, FL 33823) is graciously inviting the public to safely park and enjoy the fireworks from their lawn, earliest set-up time for the Church will be 5:00 P.M.

For more information, please contact Parks & Recreation at (863) 965-5545.

Winter Haven Police Capture Homicide Suspect from Haines City
 
HAINES CITY, FL. – Yesterday morning, the Haines City Police Department (HCPD) responded to a fatal shooting near La Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant. The victim, a 29-year-old female, succumbed to her injuries despite emergency medical efforts. A suspect believed to have been involved has been arrested.
 
At approximately 10:55 AM, HCPD received a 911 call reporting a shooting in the parking lot near the restaurant. Multiple calls followed, confirming that someone had been shot. The victim also called 911, describing the suspect as the father of her children; estranged boyfriend of at least 7 years, Rolando Guevara Zarate.
 
Units arrived on the scene at 10:58 AM and found the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Witnesses provided a description of the suspect’s vehicle, a burgundy Ford Mustang, prompting HCPD to issue a BOLO to surrounding agencies while they began providing first aid to the victim.
 
At 11:18 AM, a Winter Haven Police Department K-9 officer spotted a vehicle matching the description coming into their jurisdiction. With assistance from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) Aviation Unit, the vehicle was stopped, but the suspect fled on foot. He was promptly apprehended by Winter Haven police officers. The suspect’s vehicle was seized for evidence, and a rifle was observed inside, for which a search warrant is being obtained.
 
Despite the swift emergency response from both Haines City Police Department, Haines City Fire Department, and hospital staff, the victim was pronounced deceased at approximately 12:03 PM.
 
“This is a tragic and needless loss of life! Our hearts go out to the victim’s family and loved ones,” said Chief Greg Goreck. “I commend the coordinated efforts of our officers and the cooperation with the Winter Haven Police Department and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, which led to the swift apprehension of a suspect we believe to have carried out these heinous acts.”
 
Detectives are processing multiple scenes, continuing to interview the suspect, and notifying the victim’s family members. Zarate has confessed to the crime, stating that he was concerned the victim was going to take their children from him. He also confessed to disposing of the firearm he used, while driving away from the scene. A weapon matching this description has since been recovered.
 
Zarate also has a past allegation of domestic battery with the victim along with; possession of cocaine, DUI, possession of methamphetamine, violation of injunction, battery, aggravated battery, and several misdemeanor traffic charges.
 
Rolando Guevara Zarate is being charged with the following offenses:
• First Degree Murder (Florida Statute 782.04)
• Aggravated Stalking (Florida Statute 784.048(3))
• Violation of an injunction for protection against domestic violence (Florida Statute 741.31)
• Discharging firearm in public (Florida Statute 790.15)
• Tampering with or fabricating physical evidence (Florida Statute 918.13)
• Unlawful use of a two-way communications device (Florida Statute 934.215)
 
As part of our investigation, we will be examining the interactions between the suspect and the victim leading up to this fatal incident; to include any calls for service received by this agency, or other agencies. The Haines City Police Department will conduct a comprehensive review of these interactions to ensure that all protocols were followed.
 
The investigation remains ongoing. If you or anyone you know has information about this investigation, contact the Haines City Police Department at (863) 421-3636. For those wishing to provide information anonymously, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at (888) 400-8477.
 

As of 11:35 am on June 30, 2024 Hurricane Beryl is now a Category 4 Hurricane.

Maximum sustained winds 130 mph.

Moving W at 21 mph.

The Westward path means no impact to Polk County, but it is predicted to be a busy hurricane season, so start preparing now for future impacts/storms if you haven’t already.

Below is some information on hurricanes and what the different categories entail.

Breakdown from the National Hurricane Center:

Category 1
74-95 mph

Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days.

Category 2
96-110 mph

Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.

Category 3
(major)
111-129 mph

Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.

Category 4
(major)
130-156 mph

Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

Category 5
(major)
157 mph or higher

Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

———-

Original report:

8am update – June 30, 2024

…BERYL IS NOW A VERY DANGEROUS CATEGORY 3 HURRICANE… …LIFE-THREATENING WINDS AND STORM SURGE EXPECTED IN THE WINDWARD ISLANDS BEGINNING EARLY MONDAY…

Maximum sustained winds 115 mph.

Movement W at 21 mph.

From National Hurricane Center:

”Beryl is expected to be an extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane when it reaches the Windward Islands early Monday, bringing destructive hurricane-force winds and life-threatening storm surge.”

—————
5 pm update – June 29, 2024

…BERYL IS NOW A HURRICANE AND FORECAST TO INTENSIFY QUICKLY… …EXPECTED TO BRING LIFE-THREATENING WINDS AND STORM SURGE TO THE WINDWARD ISLANDS AS A MAJOR HURRICANE…

Maximum sustained winds 75 mph.

Movement W at 22 mph.

From National Hurricane Center:

“Beryl is expected to be a dangerous major hurricane when it reaches the Windward Islands late Sunday night or Monday, bringing destructive hurricane-force winds and life-threatening storm surge.”

Keeping an eye on the tropics –

Information from the National Hurricane Center as well as Us National Weather Service of Tampa Bay

The 11pm update on June 28, 2024 shows that Beryl is now a labeled a tropical storm. Max sustained winds 40 mph. Movement W at 18 mph. 

Tropical Storm Beryl has formed in the Atlantic and is forecast to strengthen to a hurricane over the next few days as it approaches the Windward Islands. 

The tropics are becoming quite active. HOWEVER, there are no immediate threats from this system to Polk County at this time.

For your reference:

D: Tropical Depression – wind speed less than 39 MPH
S: Tropical Storm – wind speed between 39 MPH and 73 MPH
H: Hurricane – wind speed between 74 MPH and 110 MPH
M: Major Hurricane – wind speed greater than 110 MPH

We will update this article if there are any major updates and/or if the path of the storm is projected to have any impact on Polk County. 

For now, be sure to prepare for hurricane season if you have not already. It is better to get ahead of any future storms and be prepared.

8am update – June 30, 2024

…BERYL IS NOW A VERY DANGEROUS CATEGORY 3 HURRICANE… …LIFE-THREATENING WINDS AND STORM SURGE EXPECTED IN THE WINDWARD ISLANDS BEGINNING EARLY MONDAY…

Maximum sustained winds 115 mph

Movement W at 21 mph.

From National Hurricane Center:

”Beryl is expected to be an extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane when it reaches the Windward Islands early Monday, bringing destructive hurricane-force winds and life-threatening storm surge.”

—————
5 pm update – June 29, 2024

…BERYL IS NOW A HURRICANE AND FORECAST TO INTENSIFY QUICKLY… …EXPECTED TO BRING LIFE-THREATENING WINDS AND STORM SURGE TO THE WINDWARD ISLANDS AS A MAJOR HURRICANE…

Maximum sustained winds 75 mph

Movement W at 22 mph.

From National Hurricane Center:

“Beryl is expected to be a dangerous major hurricane when it reaches the Windward Islands late Sunday night or Monday, bringing destructive hurricane-force winds and life-threatening storm surge.”

---

Keeping an eye on the tropics –

Information from the National Hurricane Center as well as Us National Weather Service of Tampa Bay

The 11pm update on June 28, 2024 shows that Beryl is now a labeled a tropical storm. Max sustained winds 40 mph. Movement W at 18 mph.

Tropical Storm Beryl has formed in the Atlantic and is forecast to strengthen to a hurricane over the next few days as it approaches the Windward Islands.

The tropics are becoming quite active. HOWEVER, there are no immediate threats from this system to Polk County at this time.

For your reference:

D: Tropical Depression – wind speed less than 39 MPH
S: Tropical Storm – wind speed between 39 MPH and 73 MPH
H: Hurricane – wind speed between 74 MPH and 110 MPH
M: Major Hurricane – wind speed greater than 110 MPH

We will update this article if there are any major updates and/or if the path of the storm is projected to have any impact on Polk County.

For now, be sure to prepare for hurricane season if you have not already. It is better to get ahead of any future storms and be prepared.

Heartland Crime Stoppers –

CRIME: BURGLARY & THEFT
CRIME SCENE: AVE I NW & 34TH ST NW, WINTER HAVEN
POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE CASES #24-24707

A burglary and theft occurred at a business in the area of 34th St. NW and Avenue I NW in Winter Haven in the overnight hours of June 15th.

The suspect can be seen in these photos wearing a back pack and something on his head—possibly a trapper’s hat.

If you have any information about this crime, or you think you know who the suspect may be, please contact PCSO Detective Brasswell at 863-297-1100 or [email protected].

If you wish to remain anonymous AND be eligible for a reward, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:

• CALL 1-888-400 TIPS (8477)
• DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone
• VISIT www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
• DOWNLOAD the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet

The town of Lake Hamilton is Hosting Stars, Stripes and Sparkles Fireworks Show

Food! Drinks! Music!

Music by The Bluesouth Band.

Kids, get ready for the Bounce it again kids zone.

The fun begins at 4 pm. on July 2. Fireworks scheduled to begin at 9:30 pm.
Location – Lake Hamilton near the ball fields.

*free parking available

Auburndale Police –

ATTEMPT TO IDENTIFY:

Auburndale Police Department was dispatched to a past occurred theft at Tropical Supply located at 305 Magnolia Avenue in Auburndale, FL.

On 5/31/2024 the business set out wood pallets against their fence-line outside the warehouse. On 6/2/2024 at approximately 8:43am, a white pickup truck equipped with a flatbed trailer approaches the business and backed the trailer into the front of the warehouse. An unknown white male begins to load approximately 33 pallets onto the flatbed before leaving the scene.

Suspect – White male, between the age of 50-60 years old, gray hair, last seen wearing a blue t-shirt, black shorts, and flip flops.

If you have any information, please contact Corporal Lahr at 863-965-5555 or by email at [email protected]

Polk County Parks & Rec –

Polk County Families! Our Virtual Fishing Derby kicks off this weekend.

To enter, go fishing and take a photo of your catch from Friday, June 28 through Sunday, June 30. Post your picture on Facebook and tag us @PolkCoFLParksAndRec.

Three random photos will be picked to win a fun prize from Polk County Parks and Recreation. All prizes will be mailed. Winners will be announced on Monday, July 1!
Contest Rules:

-1 Entry per family
-Must show a fish and fishing gear in your family photo

Mary Bellinger Williams, 65, died peacefully Tuesday June 25, 2024 at Winter Haven Hospital, surrounded by members of her family. Mary was a strong woman, she beat breast cancer and was battling stomach cancer in her last days but she never gave up her faith in God. She was born on June 20, 1959 to Henry Ray Bellinger Sr. and Dorothy Jean Bellinger. She received her GED and then went on to work at Race & Race, followed by Wilson Printing. 

Mary married Robert Williams on January 12, 1976. They had two sons together, Steve and Bobby. When Mary retired from Wilson Printing, she dedicated all of her time to her three grandchildren, they were her life. If she wasn’t playing with them at her home everyday, she was taking them to Family Fun Center or the park. She also loved to spend days on the lake and at the beach. Mary had a big heart, not only for people but for animals. She always had multiple dogs at a time and was caring for strays or watching someone else’s pet. She never failed to pick up any animal she found and nurture it back to health. 

When Mary wasn’t volunteering at Freedom Tour Church she was helping the people in need. Those who knew her would agree that she was always straightforward with you but she would not hesitate to give you the shirt off her back if you were in need. She truly had a fun spirit and kept everyone around her laughing up to her last day. 

Mary leaves behind her husband, Robert Williams; two sons, Steve (Tiffany) Williams and Bobby (Andrea) Williams; two sisters, Sharon Hill and Theresa Bellinger; a brother Henry Ray (Jenny) Bellinger Jr. ; granddaughters, Steffany Williams, Paxton Williams, and Sara Williams; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Henry Ray Bellinger Sr. and Dorothy Jean Bellinger; her sister, Peggy Sue Mullis; her brothers, Larry Dwayne Bellinger; step brothers, John-Wayne Stepp and Billy Stepp; and many dogs!

Services for Mary B. Williams will be held at Living Water Church of Eagle Lake on June 29, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior. Preferred donations are to Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center in Lakeland.