City of Winter Haven, Florida –

Lane Closure Notice
On Tue. and Wed., May 21 and 22, First St. S. will be closed from Ave. O SE to Post Ave. from 8:30 am – 4 pm for work on two existing manholes. Drivers should follow signage for safety purposes.

Obituary of William Robert Simpkins
William Robert Simpkins, age 76, passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at his home in Bartow, FL after a long courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born on November 8, 1947, in Millville, NJ to parents Janice and William. He graduated from Vineland High School in 1966 and completed his education at Warner University in Lake Wales, FL where he graduated in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserved from 1965-1967. He worked in law enforcement all his adult life, beginning his career at Vineland Police Department and retiring from Polk County Sheriff’s Office in 2009. He also spent several years working for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska as an armed security officer. After his retirement, he worked as a substitute teacher for the Polk County School. He will be dearly missed by his soulmate and wife of 42 years, Rose Marlene, sons John and wife Sandra, Wayne and wife Gina, Krisopher and wife Danielle and daughter Wendy and husband Kenny, 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, brothers, Michael, Bobby and Harold, sisters, Sherrie, Jaye and Cindy, brother in laws, John and Andrew Fiocchi and his closest dearest friend, Dottie Heck. He was preceded in death by his parents, Janice and William, his sister Freda and grandson Dean. A private memorial service will be held sometime in the future. 

Polk County Government Florida has shared that FDOT Southwest Florida is spending about a half million dollars to fund construction of the Inwood Elementary School sidewalk improvement project. The money will help Polk County fill in gaps between existing sidewalks, making commuting to and from school safer for students in Winter Haven by reducing the amount of time they spend exposed to traffic. The Polk TPO helped prepare a Safe Routes to School grant application requesting the funding for this project.

Winter Haven is now home to a DIY (Do It Yourself) charming boutique studio called AR Workshop Winter Haven.

“My name is Glenda Mercado and I am the owner of AR Workshop Winter Haven,” Mercado said. “ARW is a franchise with over 100 locations nationwide, 10 in the state of Florida. Locations are individually owned and operated.” 

The grand opening was on May 4, 2024. AR Workshop is open Tues-Sat from 11am-6pm and Sunday 11am-4pm + during Workshops.

Located at Cypress Station- 5535 Cypress Gardens Blvd Suite 210 Cypress Gardens, FL 33884 

“AR Workshop is your destination for all things DIY! Our charming boutique studio offers hands-on craft classes, group activities, private parties and a curated selection of gifts and on-trend home decor. We’ve tailored the workshop to suit any style and budget. 

We also offer family friendly workshops and hands-on crafting experiences that are fun for children of all ages. Check out our youth summer art sessions, now booking!

No time for DIY? Let us handle it! Order a customer project today!!! We are happy to create the perfect gift or home/office decor piece for you. Custom projects are handmade at our shop in any color, style and customization you choose including business logo. We can even add gift wrapping and retail items to your package. Gift cards are available too! 

We are DIY Polk County! where you can create decor from raw materials- wood signs (framed/unframed), canvas pillows/aprons/bags, candles, doormats and more. We’ve also partnered with local instructors to bring you classes such as soap making, clay jewelry, cookie/cupcake decorating, and charcuterie …… these are just a few of the specialty workshops we offer. 

Enjoy a girls night, date night, team building/corporate event, private party, baby shower or birthday party at AR Workshop Winter Haven. 

We welcome girl/boy scouts and offer projects to earn DIY badges. 

Need a space for a meeting or family gathering we offer space share and can rent out the studio for special events and occasions. 

Real Estate Professional? We offer unique gifts for your clients and have the perfect closing gifts! Call or email us today about our Realtor Rewards program. 

Getting Married? Say “I Do” to DIY Decor! Enjoy crafting your own beautiful wedding day decor, keepsakes, and gifts such as welcome signs, gift card boxes, centerpieces, trays, candles and so much more! Come celebrate at AR Workshop Winter Haven your Bridal Shower or Bachelorette party! 

Love to shop? In our retail boutique you can also find decor pieces and accessories to pair up with your finished projects. We also have jewelry, beauty products, DIY to go Kits, and  items made by local crafters/artisans such as soaps, shampoos, conditioners, etc.

The Walk-in Craft Bar is Now Open! Drop by with friends, family or on your own and create something special! Whether its hand poured candles, personalized gifts or seasonal/holiday decor, we’ve got all the material and inspiration you need! No registration required, you can choose from several available projects & designs, and come craft at your convenience.  

Fundraising? We can help! Let us help you create the most FUN and Memorable fundraising event at our workshop. We are proud to partner with organizations in our communities to craft unique DIY experiences which bring both meaning and memories to those supporting them.

Walking in our doors customers can look forward to a unique memorable experience and the highest level of service. We love DIY and want to help you create a beautiful piece. We pride ourselves in our research – based workshop, in-house collections of paints, non-toxic stains, and high quality materials.  

We have over 1000+ designs, 60+ colors (paints/stains/glitters) and 26 scents. We can seat up to 32 people. Food, beverages, and party decorations are welcomed. Our friendly staff will guide your group from start to finish. 

Join our newsletter for the latest information on our upcoming workshops, sneak peeks and exclusive deals! Become a VIP member after 5 visits and receive special perks, gifts, etc.”

Mercado loves what she does.

“My favorite thing about owning the store is that I get to work with my daughter and have fun DIYing,” she said.

“We have a lot of wonderful memories doing arts and crafts together as she was growing up that we’ll always cherish. I was a customer since 2018 and going to ARW was a stress releaser from my high demanding corporate career I was able to disconnect, unwind and create! It was also fun to come to the workshop with friends, family and my team!

After almost 28 year with a global corporation with international and national assignments the time came to do something different and follow other interests. I decided to follow my family’s entrepreneurial spirit and  I wanted to bring something different to the beautiful city of winter haven. Come join us and bring your inner creativity to life! 

I am bilingual in English and Spanish and offer classes in both languages. 

Let’s Get Crafty! Aqua Hugs!!!”

City of Winter Haven, FL

Attention Winter Haven Residents!

Starting soon, we’ll be crack-sealing a number of roads across Winter Haven to enhance the longevity and quality of the city’s roadways. This treatment is a crucial step in our pavement management toolbox to enhance our roadways. While crack sealing may not be the most aesthetic, fear not! It needs 30 days to cure, and then the city’s contractor will be back to add the finishing touches with a double micro surface treatment, giving the road that smooth finish.

Good news for drivers: You can hop back on the road right after the crack seal is applied. Just keep an eye out for any traffic signs or measures in place to protect our hardworking crews.

The roads slated for this type of treatment include:

• 1st Terrance NW
• 3rd Street NE
• 3nd Street NE
• 4th Street NE
• 4th Street SE
• Avenue A NE
• Avenue B NE
• Avenue P SW
• Jardin Lane
• Kenwood Avenue SW
• Orangewood Avenue SW
• Orrin Avenue SW
• Roselawn St SW
• Sheridan Street SW

Stay tuned for updates, and thanks for your patience as we work to make Winter Haven’s roads safer and smoother for everyone!

Auburndale Police Department

On April 24, 2024, between the hours of 6:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M., a theft occurred between the Auburndale City Park and the Shake Shoppe.

The victim was responding to Auburndale City Park to sell a black iPhone 11. While walking to the City Park after parking at the Shake Shoppe three unknown suspects ran up to the victim, when one of the suspects wearing a red hoodie approached her and slapped her left arm which held the cellphone.

The suspect in the red hoodie took the cellphone and all three suspects ran towards the alleyway behind Beef O’ Brady’s.

SUSPECT 1 – black male, approximately 14-18 years old, last seen wearing a red hoodie with white writing on the front and dark, faded jeans.

SUSPECT 2 – black male, approximately 14-18 years old, last seen wearing all black.

SUSPECT 3 – black male, approximately 14-18 years old, last seen wearing a gray T-shirt.

If you have any information, please contact Detective Perrington at 863-837-5151 or by email at [email protected]

It is with a heavy heart that we announce Winter Haven Police Retired Major Gay William Henry passed away on May 13, 2024. After 34 years of dedicated service to the Winter Haven Police Department and the citizens of Winter Haven, Major Henry retired in 2003.
A viewing will be held on Sunday, May 19, 2024 from 6 – 8 pm at St. Paul Worship Center, 2520 Bishop James Cochran Way in Winter Haven.
Services will be on Monday, May 20, 2024 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Worship Center.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives have solved and closed a murder investigation that started 52 years ago in unincorporated Eloise. Detectives have identified the victim using advanced forensic genetic genealogy, and uncovered the two suspects responsible for the murder, both of whom are dead.

On May 17, 1972, Polk deputies responded to a reported body found in a field just to the south of the canal between Lake Lulu and Lake Ship, and southeast of the US 17 overpass from Eloise to Winter Haven. A person fishing in the area discovered the victim.

Deputies found the body of a white male estimated to be in his 40s to 50s in advanced stages of decomposition. There was no wallet and no identification on the body. There were 2 small caliber gunshot wounds to left side of the head and 1 exit wound to right side of the head.

No leads or witnesses were identified during the initial investigation. The unidentified body was buried in a pauper’s grave in Lakeside Memorial Cemetery in Winter Haven.

In January of 1974, Polk investigators were contacted by Charles Williams, an inmate in the Florida State prison system. He claimed that in November of 1973 he was in Raiford Prison (Union Correctional Facility in Raiford, Florida) with Clarence Ingram. Williams said Clarence Ingram told him the following:

•   That in 1972, he (Clarence Ingram) and Edgar Todd met a white male/victim in a bar in Winter Haven. 
•   He claimed that they left the bar in the victim’s white Chevrolet car and at some point while in the car they engaged in an argument. 
•   During argument, Ingram handed Todd a 22 caliber pistol and Todd shot the victim two times in the head.
•   He claimed that they drove down the road and pulled over near an overpass in the Winter Haven / Eloise area.
•   They removed the body from the vehicle and put him in an area near a canal.
•   They removed his wallet and rings, leaving him by the canal, so the turtles would eat him.
•   He claimed the victim had approximately $1000 to $1500 worth of tools in his vehicle. They sold the tools to Clarence’s brother, Johnny Ingram.
•   They then took the victim’s vehicle to Keeler Michigan and sold it for $500.
•   Clarence told him that victim’s vehicle had a Georgia license plate.

In 1974 detectives made contact with law enforcement in Georgia seeking information about 1972 missing persons cases. Georgia authorities gave detectives information about a missing person named Lewis House, who went missing in 1972. The circumstances were similar to the PCSO case in that House left Georgia headed to Florida and was never seen again.

This information was followed up, but no further leads were found and the case went cold. They were unable to prove or disprove the identity of the victim.

In February of 2017 the PCSO Cold Case Unit obtained a court order allowing the 1972 homicide victim’s body to be exhumed for the purpose of DNA collection. The victim’s DNA was collected and sent to the University of North Texas. With the assistance of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, family reference samples were collected from Lewis House’s family members. These samples were sent UNT. Testing revealed the victim was not Lewis House. The victim’s DNA was entered into the national CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) data base and there were no matching profiles.

In November of 2023 the cold case unit submitted a section of the victim’s femur bone to Othram, Inc., a private lab specializing in forensic genetic genealogy in cold case investigations, for genealogical testing and examination. In April of 2024 Othram submitted a report which indicated that the victim could possibly be Mack Lavell Proctor, a white male with of date of birth of 11/28/1914.

Contact was made with Mr. Wright Proctor, of Ellijay, Georgia, the son of Mack Proctor. During interviews with Wright and other family members, it was learned that Mack Proctor was last seen by the family between 1969-1972 in Georgia, though he was never reported missing to law enforcement.

Mr. Wright Proctor provided DNA samples to be compared with the 1972 Eloise homicide victim. Wright confirmed that he last saw his father sometime around 1969 – 1970 in Georgia. Wright stated that his father gave him the impression that he was leaving Georgia. Wright confirmed that his father was a master mechanic and would have his tools in his vehicle.

On May 5, 2023, detectives received a report from Othram that indicated that Wright Proctor is the biological son of Mack Lavell Proctor, indicating that Mack Lavell Proctor is the homicide victim. 

As a part of the cold case unit’s investigation, detectives learned that suspect Edgar Todd died 2015. Suspect Clarence Wallace Ingram died 1995. Clarence’s brother, Jonny Lee Ingram, to whom they reportedly sold to tools, died in 2003.

It was discovered on Clarence Ingram’s criminal history that he received a criminal traffic citation on May 25, 1972, which was just eight (8) days after the victim’s body was found. He received the citation in Paw Paw, Michigan. This gives credence to what Charles Williams said, that the victim’s vehicle was sold in Michigan. Keeler, Michigan is 20 miles away from Paw Paw, Michigan.

Clarence Ingram was charged with a homicide in Lake County on 04/21/1973 and was later convicted. During this incident he shot that victim with a 25 Caliber handgun, in the back, three times.

According to Mack Proctor’s family, Mack commonly had a 25 Caliber handgun with him at all times.
Polk detectives attempted to complete a firearm trace, but the serial number of the gun did not reveal any history.

The cold case investigation revealed:

•   According to the Victim’s Family, the victim was (Mack Proctor) was known to be a heavy drinker.
•   Clarence Ingram and Edgar Todd were close associates and resided in the Eloise and Winter Haven areas at the time of the homicide.
•   The information provided by Charles Williams (the prison informant) was extremely accurate, including:
•   The victim was shot twice in the head.
•   The body dumpsite was near an overpass and a canal.
•   The victim would have had a large amount of tools in his vehicle.
•   The victim’s vehicle would have had Georgia license plate.
•   Clarence Ingram was stopped by police in Michigan approximately a week later, near where it was said they sold Mack Proctor’s car.
•   Charles Williams could only have learned these specific details from someone involved in the murder.
•   Polk detectives confirmed that Clarence Ingram and Charles Williams (informant) were both incarcerated in the state prison in Raiford, Florida in 1973 when Williams claimed he was told this information by Ingram. 

“We are extremely grateful for the assistance from Othram, Inc., who provided us with investigative leads that ultimately lead to our ability to positively identify Mack Proctor as the unknown 1972 homicide victim. Through that information, and the information provided to us by Charles Williams in 1974, we were able to piece together circumstantial evidence that strongly points to his killers: Edgar Todd and Clarence Ingram. They are dead, and unfortunately, we cannot hold them accountable for the cold-blooded killing and robbery of Mr. Proctor. However, we have provided some closure to Mr. Proctor’s family and concluded a cold case homicide investigation. I am so thankful to our outstanding team of detectives who worked hard to solve this case, especially our lead detective Master Deputy Jason McPherson.” Grady Judd, Sheriff
 
 
Time Line:
 
• May 17, 1972: the body of a “John Doe” homicide victim discovered in Eloise
• May 25, 1972: Clarence Ingram was stopped by police in Paw Paw Michigan and received a criminal traffic citation (8 days after the body was found in Eloise) and 20 miles away from where an informat tol detectives Ingram sold the murder victim’s car.
• 04/21/1973: Clarence Ingram charged with a homicide in Lake County and was later convicted.
• Nov. 1973: Charles Williams and Clarence Ingram were confirmed to be in Raiford Prison (Union Correctional Facility in Raiford, Florida) at the same time.
• 01/14/1974: Informant Charles Williams told investigators that Clarence Ingram and Edgar Toddmurdered a man in Winter Haven in 1972 and dumped his body near a canal and overpass.
• 1995: Clarence Ingram died.
• 2003: Jonny Lee Ingram died.
• 2015: Edgar Todd died.
• 02/10/2017: “John Doe” body exhumed, DNA extracted. Detectives confirmed “John Doe” was not Lewis House. “John Doe’s” DNA does not match any other profile in CODIS.
• 11/15/2023 – Detectives submitted a section of the victim’s femur bone to Othram, Inc., for genealogical testing and examination.
• 04/01/2024 – Othram submitted a report indicating the victim could possibly be Mack Lavell Proctor, w/m dob: 11/28/1914.
• 04/17/2024 – Detectives made contact with Wright Proctor, son of Mack Proctor, in Ellijay, Georgia.
• 05/03/2024 – received a report from Othram indicating that Wright Proctor is the biological son of Mack Lavell Proctor, indicating that Mack Lavell Proctor is the 1972 victim, “John Doe.”

OBITUARY OF JACK MOBLEY

Jack C. Mobley, 81, of Winter Haven, FL passed away Monday, May 13, 2024, at the Good Shepherd Hospice Forsythe Hospice House in Auburndale, FL.

Born October 11, 1942, in Coffee County, AL, to Conley J. and Myrtle Keel Mobley, he moved here in 1950.  He was a member of the First Assembly of God in Eagle Lake and worked for Country Boy Pest Control.

He is preceded in death by his wife Reba Mobley and is survived by his sons, Daryl Mobley and his wife Janeann of Haines City, Dwayne Mobley and his wife Nichole of Lake Wales, Ronnie Henderson and his wife Pam of Winter Haven and Timmy Kriston of Winter Haven; his daughters, Karen Jones and her husband Billy of Cottondale, FL and Gina Brossart and her husband Mike of Lakeland, FL; twenty grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 1:00pm till 2:00pm on Friday May 17, 2024, at First Assembly of God of Eagle Lake. Funeral Services will follow at 2:00PM followed by interment at Glen Abbey Memorial Gardens in Auburndale. 

Babson Park, FL, May 2024 — Webber International University is thrilled to announce the graduation of 186 exceptional students at its 97th commencement ceremony, which took place on May 3 in the Sabbagh Athletic Center, located on the university campus. This year’s graduates exemplify resilience, commitment, and excellence, highlighting a diverse range of academic accomplishments and active participation in extracurricular activities.

Florida State Representative Jennifer Canady, who represents House District 50 in Lakeland, delivered an inspiring and motivating address during the commencement ceremony. Her commitment to education and the state of Florida was clear. Her words struck a chord with our graduates, inspiring them as they embark on their journey to success.

Webber’s President/CEO, Dr. Nelson Marquez, stated: “We have a saying here at Webber which you’ll often hear: ‘The Webber Way.’ He went on to say, ‘The Webber Way…We Make Things Happen Here.’ And all of you are witnesses to how we make things happen here. Our graduates are living proof of that.”

Among the distinguished graduates, four individuals received special honors for their remarkable accomplishments:

Carter Reynolds earned the Ashley Hustead Award for most improved GPA, reflecting his impressive academic growth over the course of his studies.

Rebecca Wilkins achieved the Highest GPA, showcasing unparalleled dedication and academic rigor.

Sydney Sneed received the Communications Award for her exceptional skills in public speaking, writing, and media.

Paysee Crow was named Outstanding Senior, recognizing her leadership, commitment to the university community, and academic excellence.

Webber International University applauds these graduates and looks forward to seeing their impact in the world.

About Webber International University

Established in 1927 by Roger Babson as the first college chartered under Florida’s then new charitable and educational laws, Webber International University is a private, not-for-profit, independent institution offering degrees at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. Founded as America’s second school of business for women, the university boasts highly qualified faculty, engaged staff, small class sizes, and a diverse range of intercollegiate sports and extracurricular activities. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the institution offers numerous programs through traditional day and entirely online formats.

Webber International University has received recognition as a US News and World Reports Best Regional Colleges: South and a Princeton Review Best Southeastern College. It has earned top marks from Petersons for academics, value, and community, and has been designated a Military Friendly School. In 2011, St. Andrews University, a historically Presbyterian, comprehensive liberal arts school tracing its roots back to 1896, joined Webber as a branch campus.