HAINES CITY – The City Commission held a special meeting today (April 15) to appoint an interim City Manager, effective immediately.
Current City Manager Jim Elensky announced his retirement on April 2, making the selection of an interim necessary until a permanent replacement is chosen. Elensky’s final day is May 1.
Assistant City Manager Loyd Stewart was unanimously selected to serve as interim City Manager. While Stewart made it clear during the meeting that he is not interested in the position on a permanent basis, he agreed to step in temporarily.
Vice Mayor Vernell and the interim City Attorney Seth Cantor will write a contract for Stewart to be approved by the Commission.
Commissioners also discussed updating the qualifications for the City Manager position. A nationwide search will be conducted, though internal candidates will be eligible to apply.
Assistant City Manager James Keene is not currently eligible for the position due to the requirement of holding a bachelor’s degree. The Commission discussed the possibility of revising that requirement, noting that relevant experience can, in some cases, serve as a substitute for formal education.
Also a candidate for the interim position was Current Public Safety Director Joe Halman, Jr. who was hired two and a half months ago. Previously, he served as the Deputy County Manager for Polk County.
After Elensky’s last day and the Commission determines the qualifications for the position it will be advertised nationally.
Families looking for a relaxed way to enjoy the outdoors have a great local option at Bradley Junction Mini Park.
Located just south of Mulberry, this neighborhood park provides a mix of recreational activities perfect for a morning or afternoon outing. Visitors can bring a basketball and take advantage of the on-site court, making it easy to get in a quick game or practice with friends and family.
For those looking to slow things down, the park also features picnic tables—ideal for packing a lunch and enjoying some time outdoors. Kids have their own space to burn off energy as well, with a playground designed for climbing, sliding, and exploring.
In addition to its casual amenities, Bradley Junction Mini Park includes baseball and softball fields, offering even more opportunities for recreation, whether it’s an organized game or a spontaneous pickup match.
With its simple layout and family-friendly features, the park serves as a convenient spot for locals to gather, play, and unwind without needing to travel far.
Winter Haven, FL – Thomas Hammond Wood, 71, passed away peacefully at home on March 31, 2026, surrounded by his family. A Winter Haven, Florida native, Tom attended Santa Fe High School in Lakeland, Florida, graduating in 1972. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Citrus and Horticultural Science from Florida Southern College.
From his earliest days, Tom learned the residential building and development trade at his father’s side. He spent his life working alongside his family at John G. Wood & Associates, Inc., a family business built on hard work and dedication to the community. He also managed the citrus and cattle operations of the family business. Those who knew Tom well saw in his work the same qualities he brought to every area of life – integrity, dedication, and a quiet pride in building something that would last.
Tom’s love for the outdoors was instilled early. He earned Scouting’s highest rank as an Eagle Scout in Troop 123 in Winter Haven and was elected by his peers to the Order of the Arrow, the program’s national honor society. Tom carried that adventurous spirit with him throughout his life as an avid hunter, fisherman, and pilot. Tom’s passion for flying was born out of a shared love with his father, a bond that connected them deeply throughout their lives. As a licensed commercial pilot, Tom held multiple ratings and had a particular passion for antique aircraft. He was a lifetime member and Trustee Emeritus of the Beechcraft Heritage Museum, a member of the American Waco Club and the Florida Antique Biplane Association.
Tom was a faithful Christian and follower of Jesus Christ, and his faith was the compass by which he lived, shaping his character, his generosity, and the grace he extended to everyone around him. He was a member of Heartland Church.
Nothing brought Tom greater joy than his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who poured himself into the lives of those he loved most. His children and grandchildren were his proudest achievement and his greatest delight.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Anne; son Thomas (Corissa) of Atlanta, Georgia; daughters Elizabeth Voss (Jeremy), Shannon Gosnell (Robbie), and Samantha Roy (Mark), all of Winter Haven; grandchildren Ella Gosnell, Thomas Wood III, Anderson Voss, Jack Gosnell, Christopher Voss, Alanna Wood, Sawyer Voss, Sean Gosnell, and William Roy; brothers Craig (Traci) of Mancos, Colorado, John, Jr. (Lea Ann Thomas) and Paul (Betty Finzel) of Winter Haven; mother-in-law, Carole Vincent of Laurel, Delaware; brothers-in-law Clayton Vincent (Cherie) and Raymond Vincent (Teresa) of Laurel Delaware; and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ella, and father-in-law, R. Thomas Vincent.
Families in Winter Haven will have the opportunity to celebrate Mother’s Day with a special community event hosted by Polk County Parks and Recreation.
The Wilfred Smith Resource Center will hold a free Mother’s Day Brunch on May 9 from noon to 3 p.m. at 135 Ave. Y NE. The event is designed to bring the community together in celebration of mothers and will feature a variety of activities for attendees to enjoy.
Guests can look forward to games, prizes, and crafts, creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere for families. Organizers note that space is limited to 50 participants, so early registration is encouraged.
Those interested in attending must RSVP by May 4. To reserve a spot, participants can email [email protected] or call (863) 298-7898.
Organizers say they are excited to host the event and look forward to celebrating the special day with the community.
PCSO Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit is investigating a single vehicle dirt bike crash that resulted in the death of the 58-year-old adult male driver. The crash occurred at approximately 11:47 a.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026 at Bone Valley ATV Park in Mulberry.
There were no witnesses to the crash but video from the driver’s Go Pro showed him riding a blue KTM dirt bike through one of the park trails at a moderate speed when he went over an incline and lost control. He was ejected and suffered significant injuries. His friends discovered him, rendered aid, and called 911.
The driver was wearing a helmet. Upon arrival of first responders, the driver was found unresponsive with no pulse. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased shortly after.
The power of community, compassion, and preparedness came together in Brandon as ECHO received support through an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) initiative aimed at saving lives and raising awareness about heart health.
Christian Trias serves as Brandon Center Manager and has been with ECHO since May 2025. He shared his perspective on the organization’s mission and the impact of the recent AED demonstration and highlighted the organization’s commitment to helping individuals and families in crisis.
He explained that ECHO provides critical resources to neighbors in need, offering food, clothing, and guidance toward long-term stability. “ECHO is dedicated to supporting our neighbors who are experiencing hardship or crisis by providing essential resources such as food and clothing. In addition, our Advocacy Department works closely with individuals and families to help guide them toward stable housing and financial assistance. We also operate an Opportunity Employment Center, which supports those who are unemployed or transitioning between jobs as they work toward sustainable employment.”
Trias also spoke about the inspiration behind the initiative and the people driving it forward. “After hearing about Melanie’s past experiences, I was truly moved by her passion and dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Her involvement in the Culpepper Foundation is both inspiring and impactful, and I strongly believe in the importance of raising awareness around emergency response practices such as CPR and the use of defibrillators.”
The initiative was made possible in part through sponsorship from HCA Healthcare, with Laura Stauter, Communication and Community Engagement Director, emphasizing the importance of supporting organizations like ECHO.
“ECHO of Brandon does so much to help our neighbors in the community in need. Often times when someone is wondering where their next meal will come from, their healthcare is the last thing on their mind. And often times, these community members are at high risk for cardiac events. Paying it forward to an organization like ECHO is meaningful for us as a team to promote heart health and save lives in our community,” Stauter said.
Stauter, who has been with HCA Healthcare for five years, also shared her connection to Melanie Brown Culpepper and the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation. “Melanie and I were introduced by a mutual acquaintance a couple years ago and couldn’t be more grateful. It turns out we were even more acquainted when we found out that Culpepper’s sister also worked here at Brandon Hospital at the time. The world can be so big and so small at the same time and it’s all connected.”
Highlighting the broader impact of AED placements, Stauter noted, “AEDs do save lives. We see it every day in the hospital and out in the community with paramedics. Not only do these AEDs have a physical impact, but the awareness caused by this foundation is impactful by raising awareness to the community of heart health.”
She also praised the continued growth of the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation and its ripple effect across the community. “The growth and impact of CCF can not only be measured by the number of AEDs placed over the last few years, but in the awareness raised in the community. That domino effect is one that will continue for a very long time.”
The demonstration, led by paramedic Eric Shimcus, was another key component of the initiative. “Eric does an incredible job with showing how the AEDs work and taking away fears. He in an incredible paramedic while on and off duty. This community service he does will no doubt save lives throughout the area and state,” Stauter said.
With partnerships like these and continued community engagement, organizations like ECHO and the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation are helping ensure that more individuals are equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to respond in life-threatening situations—ultimately creating a safer, more prepared community.
For more information about CCF, visit https://culpepperaed.com (https://culpepperaed.com/)
Roughly 1 in 8 American adults take GLP-1 medications for diabetes or weight loss and the number continues growing, according to a recent KFF Health poll. People considering these drugs understandably have many questions, ranging from which GLP-1 would be best, what side effects might they experience and whether their insurance will cover it.
The health care professional who prescribes GLP-1s is a key source of information, but another vital partner is the medication expert on your health care team: your pharmacist.
“GLP-1s are more complicated than your typical antibiotic or medicines like cholesterol drugs, and they require particular expertise to manage effectively,” said Martin Torres, PharmD, director of pharmacy, University of California, Irvine. “With their medication management expertise, pharmacists are particularly equipped to counsel people on GLP-1s. Our guidance can help people maximize benefits and minimize the risks.”
GLP-1s are intended to be taken long-term, so it’s helpful to consult with the pharmacist at your medical center or clinic. The health-system pharmacists who work collaboratively with doctors in these settings can serve as ongoing guides on your GLP-1 journey.
Here are three ways they can support you.
Managing Costs
Health-system pharmacists are an important resource for helping figure out how to pay for your medications. If you have insurance, they can help determine which GLP-1s your plan covers and which will suit you best.
If your plan doesn’t cover these drugs or you lack insurance, pharmacists can help you find alternative payment options, such as a drug-maker coupon or medication-support program.
Effective and Safe Usage
Figuring out the optimal dose and frequency for each patient typically takes time. Many people also experience side effects. Pharmacists can help you manage the risks and maximize the effectiveness of your GLP-1 in several ways.
They’re experts in flagging potential harmful interactions between GLP-1s and other medications or supplements you’re taking.
They can work with you to cope with or lessen side effects such as nausea, reflux and constipation.
They can advocate to your doctor for increasing or decreasing your dose to get you to the safest effective amount and coordinate any other needed medication changes.
They can teach you how to administer your medication properly to avoid waste.
Lifestyle Changes
Health-system pharmacists are also resources for lifestyle counseling to make the most of your GLP-1. There’s a common misconception that GLP-1s simply melt away fat. Rather, by reducing cravings, they help people eat less – and that can open the door to developing healthier eating and activity habits.
Pharmacists can provide a wealth of intormation on the effects of lifestyle modifications. The strategies for healthy eating and physical activity they share can help make these a routine part of your life for long-term success.
To learn more about how health-system pharmacists can impact your overall health, visit yourpharmacist.org.
Discontinuing a GLP-1: How Your Pharmacist Can Smooth the Transition
At least half the people who start GLP-1s will stop within the first year. High costs, insurance issues and side ettects are among the reasons people discontinue use. If you anticipate stopping your GLP-1, your health-system pharmacist can help smooth the transition.
A pharmacist’s extensive knowledge of medications is valuable not only for starting but also for stopping GLP-1s. They can help by:
Determining whether a different GLP-1 or a more affordable source for the drug is right for you
Helping people understand the source of side effects and how to lessen and manage them
Providing advice on alternative medicines that may help patients reach their goals
Guiding people on tapering their doses to avoid a hard stop
The Winter Haven Public Library is inviting the community to sharpen their digital design skills with an upcoming intermediate class focused on Canva.
Scheduled for Thursday, April 16 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., this hands-on session will explore several useful Canva features designed to take your projects to the next level. Participants will learn how to resize and rotate elements, create engaging text animations, apply slide transitions, and use the platform’s “Ask Canva” text generator tool.
Whether you’re working on personal projects, social media graphics, or just looking to expand your skill set, this class offers a great opportunity to learn and ask questions. Attendees are encouraged to bring along any current projects or ideas they’d like help with.
The class will be available both in person at the library and virtually via Zoom, making it accessible for everyone.
Haines City, FL — The City of Haines City is inviting residents of all ages to take part in a special event in recognition of Autism Awareness Month — “Color with the Mayor.”
The event will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Haines City Public Library, 111 N. 6th Street.
“Color with the Mayor” is designed to bring the community together in a fun, relaxed and creative setting while raising awareness and celebrating individuals on the autism spectrum. Attendees will have the opportunity to color alongside city leaders, including Mayor Morris West, while enjoying a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Crayons will be provided, along with light refreshments and trinkets for participants. The event encourages families, children and residents to express themselves through art while honoring the importance of acceptance, understanding and support for those with autism.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together, celebrate creativity and show our support for individuals and families impacted by autism,” said Mayor West. “We look forward to seeing our residents join us for a colorful and meaningful morning.”
The City of Haines City remains committed to fostering an inclusive community where all residents feel valued and supported.
Florida Poly drafts first athletic director as program takes off
LAKELAND, Fla. – As Florida Polytechnic University prepares to debut its inaugural collegiate athletics program this fall, featuring eight sports, new coaches, and a roster of high-achieving STEM-focused student athletes, Derek Lower has been selected as the University’s first athletic director.
The University recently announced the launch of Florida Poly Athletics, designed to elevate the student experience. The initiative will begin with men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s cross-country, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, and softball.
“Starting an athletics program at a public university doesn’t happen often because they’ve all been established for a very long time, so this is a pretty unique opportunity,” said Lower, who joined Florida Poly in 2017 to help build its student recreation program. “I love this University and I’m proud to help shape another major part of its story.”
Lower holds a bachelor’s degree in sports management from the University of Florida and has worked to support the Gators’ track and field team. He also has a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Central Florida.
During his nine years at Florida Poly, most recently as associate director of campus recreation, Lower has overseen the implementation of club sports, intramural sports, fitness programs, and aquatics. He additionally has managed all recreation facilities and Solaris, the University’s mascot.
“Derek knows what makes Florida Poly great and is building a program that reflects our values of innovation, determination and excellence,” said Bryan Brooks, vice president of student affairs, enrollment management and strategic communications. “With his leadership, our student athletes will set a new standard for success at a university where rigor in the classroom matches drive on the field.”
Lower said he aims to guide the athletics program toward a successful first season, with his sights set on building a lasting legacy of excellence. Hiring coaches and recruitment of student athletes is well underway.
“As we hire and recruit, I think about who is going to represent Florida Poly in the best way while giving us the right foundation so we can grow into something special,” he said.
The players are the most critical part of the program’s strength and sustainability, and Lower said they must be talented both athletically and academically. Florida Poly consistently ranks among the nation’s top universities for academic excellence and career outcomes, with graduates earning the highest salaries in Florida’s public university system.
That combination is already drawing strong interest. Lower said many students now plan to attend Florida Poly because they can pursue both a challenging STEM degree and continue their athletic career. Other incoming athletes were already set on attending the University but are now excited they no longer have to give up competitive-level gameplay.
“I firmly believe our students are going to be phenomenal members of the workforce and contribute a lot to our society, and adding the athletic factor brings the time commitment, grit and grind they’ll need to succeed,” he said. “That combination will make them even more exceptional when they graduate.”
