A mandatory burn ban is now in effect in Polk County as of today (Tuesday, May 28, 2024). The burn ban will remain in effect until the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) drops below 500 for consecutive days or until further notice.
WHAT IS A BURN BAN? A burn ban prohibits outdoor burning to prevent accidental and avoidable wildfires. Burn bans occur when there has been an extensive drought and dry vegetation could easily ignite and start a wildfire.
The burn ban prohibits the following:
Campfires;
Bonfires;
Unpermitted controlled burns;
Burning of yard and household trash;
Burning of construction debris;
Burning of organic debris;
Igniting of fireworks; and
Noncommercial burning of materials other than for religious or ceremonial purposes, in which case they must be contained in a barbecue grill or barbecue pit, and the total fuel area cannot exceed three feet in diameter and two feet in height.
DOES THE BURN BAN APPLY TO ME? The burn ban applies to all unincorporated Polk and to the following municipalities: Auburndale, Bartow, Dundee, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lakeland and Winter Haven.
We honor fallen veterans on this Memorial Day. At our Memorial Day Ceremony, Mayor Dorothea Taylor Bogert & City Commission, City Staff, and the Auburndale High School NJROTC collaborated to present a wreath to pay respects and honor our fallen veterans yesterday.
We invite our residents and veterans to visit the location along West Park Street in Downtown Auburndale to pay respects to the fallen.
Michael L Simpson, affectionately known as Mike, passed away on May 13, 2024 in Winter Haven Florida.
In Loving Memory of Michael “Mike” L Simpson
Born to Ethel Clair and James Bracken on April 24, 1942. Mike attended Shortridge High School until he was 17 and at the age of 18 signed up with the Air Force where he later got his GED and diploma. After serving his country he applied for college and was accepted at Purdue University where he got his degree in Engineering and even did some teaching there on the side. After graduating in 1965 from Purdue he sought employment with Ford Motor Company then later with Ransburg, P.R. Mallory and finally with RS Electronics where he really enjoyed his job in helping the company be successful and later when he received his VP of Southeast Region position, his employees see their potential and be successful. Mike was highly respected as a leader and those who worked with him knew he cared about them.
In 1984 he met his now wife Robin and having sealed their relationship with their acceptance of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they were married on April 21, 1985.
Together they celebrated their 39th Anniversary and his 82nd Birthday this past April.
Mike was a quiet man in many ways but if he had something to say he felt was important he was sure to say it and wanted the person to know he was sincere. He loved working outdoors and making things beautiful. He loved animals, reading, working puzzles, crosswords, word search and Sudoku and an occasional golf game. He loved his family, friends, Church and his Country. One of Mikes favorite verses is II Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Mike you sure have done just that and you will be deeply missed by all who knew you and we can only imagine how joyous and happy you are now with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ!
Mike leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Roberta (Robin) Simpson; children Michele Simpson and Douglas Simpson; sisters and brothers-in Cathy Farris, Linda Cucci, Carla (Greg) Linamen, Charlotte Pardue, and Debbie (Jim) Randall; as well as adopted sisters Lucy Hart and Sue (Tom) LeFeure; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his parents Ethel (Clair) Hatley and Richard Bracken; adopted sister Carol Dominianni; and brother-in-law Euclid Odom.
A Celebration of Life for Mike will be held at Christ Community Church on June 19, 2024 at 2:00 PM, located at 1895 Overlook Drive, Winter Haven, Florida 33884. Mike will later be laid to rest at Florida National Cemetery.
At approximately 1:50 p.m. today, an airplane glider crashed into a neighborhood along Ave K SE just adjacent to Winter Haven High School. There are no injuries on the ground.
The pilot was taken to a local hospital with critical injuries.
This is a developing story and we will update as information is released!
Cheryl Brewer has a lot available for sale in Winter Haven! Details:
$395,000
5.22 acres with excellent exposure to US Highway 17 N located between Winter Haven and Eagle Lake. New Residential Home Community to the East and Commercial to the west. Close access to intersection of County Rd 540.
Contact Cheryl Brewer at The Can Do Team today! 863-224-0045
By: Auburndale Police Officer Jazmine Jaimes Thank you to everyone who showed incredible support to law enforcement during National Police Officer Week 2024 (May 13 – 17). However, your year-round support is crucial for law enforcement officers protecting our community. We take this opportunity to shine a spotlight on one of our previous and cherished officers, Stacy Booth, a true embodiment of courage, dedication, and service.
Humble Beginnings
Stacy Booth grew up in the tranquil, rural town of Alturas, Florida. From a young age, Stacy carried a deep passion for helping those without a voice. After graduating from Lake Region High School, she knew her calling was in public service. Stacy served in the U.S. Army Reserves before returning home. Her mother suggested she apply to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, which led to Stacy being hired as a Polk County Dispatcher. She quickly fell in love with her role in telecommunications.
Answering the Call to Serve
After working closely with the community and sheriff deputies for about 18 months, Stacy realized she wanted to become a law enforcement officer. Determined to achieve this goal, Stacy put herself through the police academy and graduated in the winter of 2009. Stacy was later hired by Chief McLeod at the Auburndale Police Department, embarking on her career as a dedicated law enforcement officer.
What truly ignited her passion was responding to calls that required investigative skills and a keen eye for detail. Stacy recalled one incident when a distraught citizen reported a stolen phone, but this was no ordinary device. The phone contained priceless photographs of the victim’s beloved son, who had tragically passed away. While Stacy was unable to recover the stolen item, she provided a compassionate ear and a shoulder to lean on for the grieving individual, who was forced to relive the heartbreaking loss. Stacy’s empathy and commitment to her duty shined. She understood that sometimes the role of a law enforcement officer extends beyond solving crimes – it’s about offering solace and support to those in their darkest moments.
A Heroic Survivor
On September 2nd, 2011, Stacy responded to a call reporting a domestic disturbance. Once on scene, Stacy approached the front door, not knowing that the suspect, Michael Lester, lie in waiting. After Stacy knocked on the front door, Michael opened fire with an SKS assault rifle, unleashing twenty rounds through the door. Tragically, Stacy was struck by three bullets, with one of these bullets rendering her firearm inoperable. Two of these bullets struck her, causing critical injuries.
Even as she laid wounded, Stacy’s unwavering dedication to her duty continued as she relayed important details to her responding partners. Her bravery and quick thinking ensured that her fellow officers could respond safely and effectively, preventing further tragedy to them. Officers located Stacy and provided life-saving medical treatment until she was airlifted to Lakeland Regional Medical Center.
Auburndale Police Department and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team surrounded Lester’s house. Officers fired tear gas canisters into the residence until Lester collapsed. He was wheeled away with his hands and feet handcuffed to a stretcher.
From Heroism to Nomadic Adventures
After enduring 8 surgeries and 15 months of physical therapy, Stacy faced the difficult decision of medically retiring from the Auburndale Police Department in the Spring of 2013. Law enforcement had been her true calling, making this transition particularly challenging.
Undeterred, Stacy returned to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, where she applied her expertise in dispatch and later transitioned to latent print identification. However, a few years down the line, she made the bold choice to resign from her position, sell her possessions, and purchase an RV, embarking on a nomadic journey.
Stacy’s first stop was the breathtaking Florida Keys, where she began learning the art of living “off the grid.” Embracing this newfound lifestyle, she decided to share her experiences with the world by launching her own YouTube channel. Through captivating videos, Stacy documented her travels and taught others how to live sustainably, embracing a minimalist and eco-friendly existence.
A Journey of Growth and Fulfillment
While Stacy’s YouTube channel allowed her to share her knowledge and experiences with a wide audience, she eventually felt the call to further her education. Determined to expand her horizons, Stacy enrolled at Western Governors University, where she accelerated her studies and earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Health and Human Services in just three and a half months – a remarkable accomplishment!
Today, Stacy is enjoying life to the fullest and has secured a rewarding career with the Florida Department of Transportation. In her free time, she indulges in a variety of hobbies, including the fast-paced sport of pickleball, immersing herself in captivating books of self-growth, and nurturing her newfound passion for growing and caring for household plants.
Alongside her partner, Felix, Stacy has found true happiness and contentment. However, her journey has not been without its challenges, and she understands the importance of self-care, especially for those in the demanding field of law enforcement.
One piece of advice Stacy wishes to impart to new officers is the significance of seeking support. Whether it’s confiding in a close friend, seeking guidance from a mentor, or seeking professional help from a therapist, Stacy emphasizes the importance of not bottling up the stress and emotions that come with the job. Talking to someone can provide a much-needed outlet and help officers maintain their mental well-being.
A Lasting Legacy
Stacy’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of personal growth. From her days as a heroic law enforcement officer to her current role as a fulfilled individual, she serves as an inspiration to those seeking to embrace life’s challenges and opportunities with courage and determination. The annual Stacy Lee Booth Award is a lasting legacy, with the most recent recipient being Auburndale Police Sgt. Craig, and is awarded to Auburndale Police Department members who distinguished themselves by overcoming extreme adversity in their daily lives.
Stacy, we will forever miss your unwavering commitment and the positive impact you’ve had on countless officers. Although you no longer serve our agency, your legacy will live on as a shining example of the courage, resilience, and strength that define the noblest among law enforcement officers. Thank you blue angel!
The next Polk County Sheriff’s Office Women’s Basic Self Defense* and Personal Safety* class is scheduled for June 1st. It’s also the first day of Hurricane Season. For what that’s worth.
Join our Crime Prevention Unit for a couple of hours to learn some basic moves and information that could help keep you safe in a bad situation.
Our upcoming class is set for Saturday, June 1st at 10:00 a.m. – Noon, at the PCSO Sheriff’s Operation Center, 1891 Jim Keene Blvd near Winter Haven.
These classes are FREE of charge and designed for ladies 13 years and older. Those under 18 will need a parent present to sign a waiver at the start of class.
Each class is approximately one hour long unless more than 30 women attend. For every additional 10-15 females, 15 minutes are added to the time frame.
The class consists of lecture (approximately 15 minutes) and hands-on techniques (approximately 45 minutes). Attendees will demonstrate all of the techniques on a body opponent bag (B.O.B.) which we will supply.
NEXT CLASS: Saturday, June 1st PCSO Sheriff’s Operations Center 1891 Jim Keene Blvd, Winter Haven 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
If you wish to attend, please RSVP to [email protected], and please include your name and phone number.
And check out our calendar https://www.polksheriff.org/events and our website https://www.polksheriff.org/programs-services for more information! You can also contact the team at 863-298-6677 or [email protected] with any questions.
*Personal Safety: Common sense safety tips are presented on how to avoid being the victim of a crime.
*Women’s Basic Self-Defense: Learn basic safety tips and techniques to enable women to escape less than desirable situations.
On May 23, 2024, several units responded to a fire in Lake Wales. Units were dispatched at 12:37 pm to an outside fire located at 10936 Shore Drive in Lake Wales.
Photo credit Amy Greco
Crews battled the fire for about four hours. Assigned units were as follows:
EN026
FC508
BR010
TE013
BR001
BR026
FRTE1
EN014
BR014
BC005
PCFR Battalion Chief confirmed that the outside fire was just involving brush. There were no injuries and no property damage. The Department of Foresty is still monitoring the situation.
