CITY OF WINTER HAVEN ANNOUNCES CONTINUED DISCUSSIONS ON HISTORIC RITZ THEATRE ACQUISITION

Winter Haven, FL – The Winter Haven City Commission authorized City staff during their March 25, 2024 regular City Commission meeting to continue discussions with The Historic Ritz Theatre Board of Directors regarding the potential acquisition of the Historic Ritz Theatre. This decision follows in-depth conversations and considerations about the future of this iconic structure and its importance to the cultural and economic vibrancy of downtown Winter Haven.

The Historic Ritz Theatre, a cornerstone of our community’s arts and culture scene, has faced financial challenges that have jeopardized its continued operations and maintenance. Recognizing the theatre’s significant place in our City’s history and its potential for enhancing the downtown area, the City has been in talks with the Theatre Board of Directors, at their request, about the possibility of the City taking over ownership of the building.

In line with the proposed plan, operations of the Ritz Theatre would be contracted out to Theatre Winter Haven, utilizing a similar structure of agreement as is currently in place with them at their main stage and second stage in the AdventHealth Fieldhouse & Conference Center complex. Theatre Winter Haven has a proven track record of delivering quality cultural programming and operational management, and their involvement would ensure the continued vibrancy and sustainability of the Ritz Theatre.

The building, nearly a century old, remains in good condition, with inspections revealing only minor repairs needed. The City’s Facility Maintenance Division has outlined a comprehensive plan for these repairs, ensuring the theatre’s structural integrity and operational efficiency for years to come.

This initiative represents a strategic investment in the cultural and economic development of downtown Winter Haven. By securing the future of the Ritz Theatre, the City aims to enhance its status as a center for arts and culture, attracting visitors and residents alike to experience the diverse programming and events that reflect our community’s rich heritage and dynamic future.

The next steps in the process include consideration of the proposed plan by both the Historic Ritz Theatre Board of Directors and the Theatre Winter Haven Board of Directors and further analysis by City staff. Further details on the progress of these discussions and plans for the Ritz Theatre will be provided as they become available.

OBITUARY OF HOUSTON LEE PLOWMAN

Houston L. Plowman, 82, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2024 with his loving wife by his side. Houston was born January 8, 1942 in Key West, FL to the late William and Catherine (Ybarmea) Plowman. He moved to Winter Haven, FL in 2022 to be closer to family. 

Houston worked for City Electric/Key’s Energy for many years.  He began his career in the Engineering department, working with the survey crew, and then moved to the fleets department as manager. Houston retired in 2002 as the Customer Service Manager.

Houston was a wonderful man, both inside and out.  He loved his wife, Susie, family, and friends more than anything in the world. He owned and operated a bait and tackle shop, Master Angler, which was brought on from his love for fishing. He was an avid fisherman, known by his friends in Key West as “Red”. He enjoyed meeting his buddies in the shop, sharing laughs and reminiscing. He also enjoyed watching TV and spending time with Susie and their dog, Coco. Houston was a great cook who made meals for everyone.  He loved to show his children and grandchildren the art of “cooking his way” and using his method of “eyeballing” amounts of ingredients.

Houston is preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Dennis.  He is survived by his wife, Susie Plowman; and three sons, Philip (Elizabeth “Bettina”) Plowman, Patrick Plowman (Elaine Liz-Ramirez), and Michael Plowman (Joseph Bove).  Also surviving are Dawn Plowman; grandsons, Douglas Plowman and Ryan Plowman (John Deen III); niece, Cecily (Jason) Means; and great-nephew, Mason. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all of those lucky enough to have known him.

Houston will be missed especially his favorite words he would always say, I love you as big as the sky!

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. 

Polk County Public Schools:
Polk County families seeking required or optional vaccinations for their children can take advantage of free immunization events being held at local schools.

If you would like your child to receive immunization, please come to one of several clinics being held throughout Polk County. The complete schedule can be found below.

All vaccines are available, including the MMR vaccine, which protects against Measles, Mumps and Rubella.

Please note that proof of residency or Social Security numbers are NOT required.

These clinics are made possible by a partnership between Polk County Public Schools and the Florida Department of Health in Polk County.

Immunization Event Schedule

Date: Tuesday, March 26
Time: 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Garner Academy, 2500 Havendale Blvd. N.W., Winter Haven

Date: Thursday, April 4
Time: 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Willow Oak School, 4815 Bailey Road, Mulberry

Date: Saturday, April 13
Time: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Location: Boone Middle, 225 S. 22nd St., Haines City

I’m Date: Wednesday, April 17
Time: 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Bella Citta, 201 Bella Citta Blvd., Davenport

Auburndale Police Department –

The Graduation Ceremony for Law Enforcement Academy class BLE 23-04 at Kenneth C. Thompson Institute of Public Safety saw three of the graduating Recruits sponsored by the Auburndale Police Department. These sponsored individuals include:

• Squad Leader Graduate Austin Kirkland
• Recruit Graduate Allison Peralta
• Recruit Graduate Deven Persaud.

Thank you to these three for all their hard work and dedication to our community. We welcome the community to join us in wishing them safety and continued future success!

Sunday, March 24

Winter Haven, FL –

On March 24, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Homicide detectives conducted a death investigation in Wahneta. Here are the details released by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office:

“On Sunday, March 24, Homicide detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office conducted a death investigation in Wahneta, in the area of Rifle Range Road and 1^st Street West. A 47-year old male is deceased from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.”

This is an ongoing investigation.

We will update this article if more information is released on the incident.

Update: Bartow, Fla. (March 22, 2024) – Polk County Fire Rescue responded to a technical rescue call on Bermuda Court in Winter Haven today at 12:59 p.m.

Upon Polk County Fire Rescues arrival at 1:05 p.m., crews located an individual pinned between a tree and a bucket lift truck behind a residence. The individual was preforming tree trimming services when the incident occurred.

14 Polk County Fire Rescue units responded to the scene and mutual aid was provided by Lakeland Regional Trauma Surgeon Dr. Olumide Sobowale, members of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Auburndale Fire Department and Winter Haven Fire Department.

“Our members continue to function at the highest levels and are prepared for all hazards,” said Fire Chief Hezedean A. Smith, D.M. “The interdisciplinary collaboration between our medics, special operations members, command staff and our trauma surgeons was phenomenal.”

One trauma alert patient was transported from the scene and the incident is under investigation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

————- Original Post ———-

The Polk County Fire Rescue & The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently on scene of an accident involving a tree service worker pinned by tree in Winter Haven. The call came into the 911 center at approximately 12:57pm. The scene is on Bermuda Ct. which is just off Spirit Lake Road.

According to Carrie Horstman, PIO for PCSO, only one individual is involved in the incident. It was too early for any details to be available.

Emergency responders could be heard requesting a surgeon to help in the extraction of the injured victim. Readers confirm a medical helicopter arrived, then took off and returned a short time later. That helicopter is believed to have picked up a surgeon from Lakeland Regional Health.

It appears that the victim has been now extricated from the tree.

We will update this article as more information is released.

Obituary of Brenda Pace Groetzinger

Brenda Pace Groetzinger, 77, of Winter Haven, FL went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at her residence with her family by her side.

Born June 29, 1946, in Tampa, FL, Brenda was a lifelong resident of the area. She attended Parkland Baptist Church and had worked as secretary for Winter Haven Christian School for 22 years.

Brenda is survived by her husband of twenty-two years, Bob Groetzinger; two sons, Matthew Todd Simpson and his wife Jennifer of Lake Wales, FL and Dexter Lane Simpson and his wife, Emily of Cincinnati, OH; and six grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 10:00am until 11:0am Friday, March 22, 2024, at Parkland Baptist Church in Winter Haven.  Funeral Services will follow at 11:00am, followed by interment at Auburndale Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association or Parkland Baptist Church.  Condolences may be sent at www.oakridgefuneralcare.com.

Winter Haven, FL – March 21, 2024

PCSO responded to a car crash involving two vehicles in Winter Haven on Dundee Rd this morning.

Vehicle crash
2400 DUNDEE RD, WH

Dispatched at 7:43am

It was reported that two vehicles were involved: 2018 blue Ford and red 2002 Mazda

1 westbound lane of Dundee Rd was blocked

Cleared from scene at 9:35am

It is believed that PCFR transported two patients without apparent life-threatening injuries

The US National Weather Service Tampa Bay Florida predicts heavy rainfall starting Friday, March 22.
A Gulf system will approach the area on Friday, bringing heavy rainfall to portions of the region. The highest amounts are expected across SWFL.
Marginal Risk of Excessive Rainfall from Tampa Bay southward.

Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying areas.
Stay alert as severe weather could also occur.

Dundee, FL – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a motorcylce crash at HL SMITH RD/LAKE MABEL LOOP RD – Dundee on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Dispatched at 3:20pm

A motorcyclist went under a Nissan Sentra

The motorcyclist was transported to the hospital via Aeromed

EMTs reported that the man did not appear to have life-threatening injuries.

This is the only info PCSO has provided at this time. We will update this article if more information is released.