An industrial warehouse being constructed at Laurel Estates will gain direct access to North Ridge Trail now that Polk County Commissioners have approved an agreement for improvements to the trail.
At their regular meeting on Tues. July 1, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted unanimously to approve an infrastructure agreement between the County and EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC., the developer for Laurel Estates.
The agreement will allow the developer to “design and construct certain non-site related transportation improvements for the North Ridge Trail,” as explained by Thado N. Hays, CPM, Concurrency & Entitlements Manager.
North Ridge Trail is located next to the property currently owned by the developer, which is located south of Laurel Estates Phase 2, west of US Highway 27, and east of the Core of the Green Swamp.
“The Developer’s property is currently being developed with an industrial warehouse that will gain direct access to the North Ridge Trail once complete,” Hays wrote.
“This agreement will allow for these improvements to be made more rapidly by the Developer and at a reduced cost if Polk County were to program these improvements,” he continued.
The agreement and its transportation improvements are estimated to cost no more than $4,181,255. Funding through the county is available in the Roads and Drainage 5-year CIP General Capital Improvement Fund.
To improve communications during emergencies such as hurricanes, the Polk County Utilities Division has been approved to purchase emergency operations communications equipment and services.
At their meeting on Tues. July 1, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted unanimously to approve a request from the Utilities Division to purchase radios and other related essential services through a one-time expense of $269,754.
“The Utilities Division has identified the need to improve communications during emergencies such as hurricanes and other real-time events,” wrote Holden Wright, P.E., Utilities Projects Manager.
“During Hurricane Milton in 2024, Utilities lost the ability to communicate with cell phones and had to rely on existing radios for not only field staff, but also Contractors conducting emergency work to restore service,” he further elucidated.
The Utilities Division will purchase this equipment through an agreement with Motorola, which they had initially entered into on Nov. 5, 2019. The agreement, as Wright explained, provides “for the purchase of various Motorola equipment and services using discounted pricing and hourly rates.”
“These additional radios will ensure that all staff and authorized Contractors in the field are equipped with radios during storm events, increasing Utilities’ reliability and level of service,” Wright wrote.
Funding for this purchase is available through the Utilities Operating budget.
Red, White and BOOM at LEGOLAND – Winter Haven (LEGOLAND Florida Resort) • Special 3D-glasses fireworks show
Lakeland Flying Tigers Fireworks Spectacular – Lakeland (Publix Field / Joker Marchant Stadium) • Game starts at 5:00 PM; fireworks follow around 9:00 PM
Thunder on the Ridge – Haines City (Lake Eva Park, 555 Ledwith Ave) • 4:00 PM–10:00 PM – Live bands, food vendors, kids’ zone, beer garden, fireworks at 9:15 PM
Auburndale 4th of July Fireworks – Auburndale (Lake Ariana Park) • Fireworks at 9:00 PM
Bartow Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks – Bartow (Mosaic Park & Civic Center) • 2:30 PM–10:00 PM – Concerts, food, kids’ games, fireworks at 9:10 PM
Davenport 4th of July Celebration & Fireworks – Davenport (Lewis Mathews Sports Complex) • 3:00 PM–9:45 PM – Live entertainment, food vendors, fireworks at 9:15 PM
Dundee 4th of July Celebration – Dundee (Community Center, 603 Lake Marie Blvd) • 6:00 PM–9:30 PM – Games, bounce houses, live music, fireworks at 9:00 PM
Rockin’ the Ridge – Lake Wales (Lake Wailes Park) • Start 3:00 PM, family-fun + live music, fireworks at 9:00 PM
HAINES CITY – The Haines City Rotary Club is celebrating its 100th anniversary this month. It began with a Proclamation from the City.
During the June 5 meeting, the Commission recognized the occasion with this proclamation:
WHEREAS, Rotary is a global network of over 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
WHEREAS, the local Haines City Rotary Club plays an active part in Haines City and the surrounding communities.
WHEREAS, the local Haines City Rotary Club sponsors numerous events throughout the year that raise money for the annual scholarship fund and other well-deserving non-profits that provide services to the local citizens.
WHEREAS, First responders, law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians are invited to lunch, giving them a small thank you for all their work in our communities.
WHEREAS, the Haines City Rotary club sees the need to assist children and families that might not be fortunate to have holiday celebration meals and partners with a variety of organizations and schools and supply meals for a variety of holiday seasons.
WHEREAS, The Haines City Rotary club has weekly meetings and speakers learning about new businesses, community leaders, and special events, which are among the topics
NOW, THEREFORE, the City of Haines City does hereby proclaim the Haines City Rotary Club 100th year anniversary in the City of Haines City and urge all residents to become aware of and support the Haines City Rotary Club.
“We get a lot of support from the community,” said Steve Tiner, President of the Haines City Rotary Club. “We can’t do what we do without you guys.”
In order to meet the needs of the residents in the area, beginning July 1, the Haines City Rotary Club will become the Northeast Polk County Rotary Club. For more information on meetings, visit hainescityrotary.org.
Community Encouraged to Help Feed Local Shelter Pets
LAKELAND, FL – The Lakeland Fire Department (LFD) is proud to once again partner with SPCA Florida for the third annual 7 Days of Giving, taking place July 7–14, 2025. This weeklong donation drive invites the community to help feed local shelter animals by donating dog or cat food at LFD Station 1, located at 701 E. Main Street in downtown Lakeland.
This year’s campaign goal is to collect 7,000 pounds of pet food and $7,000 in monetary donations to support SPCA Florida’s essential efforts. The funds and supplies collected will help feed more than 300 animals currently in the care of SPCA Florida. Thanks to the generosity of anonymous donors, all monetary donations will be tripled, amplifying the love and impact of each dollar.
When we show up to help, we’re there for every life—human or animal,” said Fire Chief Doug Riley. “Pets are part of the families we serve, and SPCA Florida has always been there to help the animals we rescue. This campaign is a way to give back and support their lifesaving work.
LFD personnel are trained and equipped with specialized animal rescue tools, including pet oxygen masks, leashes, and carriers, allowing them to provide aid to animals during fire, medical, and rescue emergencies. SPCA Florida often steps in to care for these animals after they’re rescued, providing shelter, rehabilitation, and adoption.
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The public is encouraged to bring pet food donations to Station 1 throughout the week. Those wishing to make a financial contribution should donate directly to SPCA Florida at www.spcaflorida.org/777.
Together, LFD and SPCA Florida recognize the vital role of the community in this meaningful effort. Your participation is crucial to help ensure that no shelter pet goes hungry. We invite you to join us and be part of this life-saving mission.
Seeing Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton has been on our list for a long time. The only thing that usually gets in the way is the price tag. Like many folks, we’ve looked at the cost of getting there and back and it can be pretty intimidating.
But after some careful planning and a few last minute changes, we decided we are going to do it and we are going to try to do it for under $2500.
We originally had flights and a rental car booked for a Utah trip. That was the plan. But as road trips often go, things changed. We decided instead to head north and visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
After buying the tickets I also realized just how hot it gets around the Utah national parks this time of year. We are talking well into the 90s and even triple digits in some areas. Not exactly ideal for sightseeing.
With that in mind we decided to head for cooler weather. Up in Yellowstone and Grand Teton the daytime highs are in the upper 70s to low 80s with cool nights dropping into the 40s. That sounded a lot more enjoyable to us.
We just flew into Las Vegas landing around one o’clock this morning. These were round trip flights from Orlando to Las Vegas and we managed to get them for a total of $314 for both of us. That is not per person. That is both tickets round trip.
We also picked up our rental car but here is something folks should watch out for. I usually go with Budget when I rent cars and normally they are my preferred group. But Budget in Las Vegas is a franchise and they only allow you to drive the vehicle in Nevada Utah Arizona and California. That is not going to get you to Yellowstone.
Thankfully I talked to a helpful person with Budget and they worked with me to set up the same reservation through Budget Avis which allows travel all the way to Yellowstone and back. If you are planning a similar trip pay attention to those restrictions.
The Mountain View In Mesquite Nevada at 5:30am Pacific Time Zone
The Numbers So Far
Here is what we have spent so far
Flights from Orlando to Las Vegas round trip for both of us came to $314 Rental car for the trip $300 National Park Annual Pass $80 Estimated gas $285
Total so far $979
What’s Left
We still have lodging and food to figure out. We expect to be on the road for about seven nights and where we stay will be the biggest factor in whether or not we can keep this trip under $2500.
We plan to track every dollar and update folks along the way so you can see exactly what it takes.
The Route
We are headed from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City then up to Grand Teton National Park through Jackson Hole. After that several days in Yellowstone before making our way back to Las Vegas.
We are not planning a lot of hiking this time around. This trip is mostly about scenic drives iconic viewpoints and hopefully spotting some wildlife along the way.
Can We Do It
That is what we are about to find out. With some careful planning and watching what we spend we believe we can make this trip happen for under $2500.
If you have ever thought about visiting Yellowstone or Grand Teton but figured it was too expensive stick around. We will be sharing the real costs and experiences along the way so folks can see exactly what it takes.
A Polk County Sheriff’s deputy once praised for his record-breaking efforts to get drunk drivers off the road has now found himself on the wrong side of the law.
Deputy Justin Register, 28, resigned from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, following his arrest for petit theft. Sheriff Grady Judd made it clear that had Register not stepped down, he would have been terminated.
“I am disgusted by Justin Register’s dishonest behavior,” said Sheriff Judd. “We are going to hold him accountable for his disgraceful actions, and he should never be trusted to work in law enforcement again. I am proud of the two other deputies who came forward to report what they discovered.”
The arrest stems from an incident during a traffic stop near Fort Meade, where Register had pulled over a driver for operating a vehicle without a valid license. Deputies Joseph Leon and Vito Mineo arrived as backup and observed Register place the driver’s wallet and phone into the trunk of his patrol vehicle.
Deputy Leon later witnessed Register return to the trunk, and when the driver’s daughter arrived to collect her father’s belongings, Register retrieved the items and handed her $82 from the wallet. The driver, however, reported that approximately $300 was missing.
Deputies Leon and Mineo began searching the scene and located a pay stub showing the driver had recently cashed a $400 check. Deputy Leon again observed Register return to the trunk of his vehicle, where he unzipped a rifle bag and pulled out folded cash. After unfolding and flattening the money, Register proclaimed, “Oh, here it is!”
The incident was immediately reported to a supervising lieutenant, launching an internal investigation that resulted in Register’s arrest and resignation. He has been charged with misdemeanor petit theft.
But this incident is more than just a case of theft — it casts a long shadow over Register’s previous work as a traffic enforcement deputy, particularly his widely publicized DUI arrests.
In 2024, Register was celebrated across Polk County and beyond for making over 200 DUI arrests, shattering previous department records. His efforts were praised by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and earned him a Sheriff’s Commendation from Sheriff Judd. A social media post from the Sheriff’s Office at the time proudly highlighted Register’s accomplishments, noting that no deputy in PCSO history had made so many DUI arrests in a single year.
Now, those very arrests are under scrutiny.
Sheriff Judd has announced that all of Register’s arrests and traffic stops will be audited. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is also working with the 10th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office to review any active cases tied to Register’s work.
“This investigation is far from over,” Judd said. “If anyone has information concerning Register’s conduct related to any of his investigations, they are encouraged to contact our administrative investigation section.”
Justin Register had served with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office since May 2018.
Anyone with concerns or information related to Register’s past investigations is urged to contact the PCSO Administrative Investigations Section at (863) 298-6506.
Notice is hereby given that on 07/27/2025 at 06:00 AM the following vehicles(s) may be sold at public sale at 110 SPIRIT LAKE RD STE 3WINTER HAVEN, FLORIDA 33880 for the amount owed on each vehicle to satisfy the lien for repairs, services and storage charges and any administrative fees allowed pursuant to Florida Statute 713.585. JHMCN36415C017484 2005 HOND 3100.00 The name, address and telephone number and public sale location of the repair shop claiming the lien for unpaid charges is: Lienor Name: CENTRAL FL SPEED LAB LLC Lienor Address: 110 SPIRIT LAKE RD STE 3, WINTER HAVEN, FL 33880 Lienor Telephone #: 407-942-4974 MV License #: [COMPANY_MV_LICENSE] Location of Vehicles: [VEHICLE_LOCATION] The customer or person claiming an interest, or a lien may redeem the vehicle by satisfying the amount due in cash on or before the sale date and time. The customer or person claiming an interest in or lien on a vehicle may file a demand for a hearing with the Clerk of Court in the [COMPANY_COUNTY] County where the vehicle is held to determine whether the vehicle has been wrongfully taken or withheld from him or her. At any time before the date of sale a customer or person of record claiming a lien on the vehicle may post a cash or surety bond in the amount stated on the invoice with the Clerk of Circuit Court where the disputed transaction occurred.
Sheriff Grady Judd will brief the media at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow morning, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the PCSO Sheriff’s Operations Center, 1891 Jim Keene Blvd in Winter Haven, about a Fentanyl drug trafficking investigation involving two Mexican cartels.
Detectives worked with investigators from The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE); U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa and Phoenix Offices; U.S Border Patrol; Auburndale Police Department; Office of the State Attorney 10th Judicial Circuit, and United States Postal Inspection Service from the Tampa and Phoenix offices, resulting in the arrests of multiple suspects and the largest seizure of Fentanyl in Polk County Sheriff’s Office history.
Recent documents raise concerns about the severity of mold contamination at Polk State College’s Lakeland Technology Building (LTB) and whether the College provided full transparency to students and staff regarding the situation.
Example of mold in a storage room adjacent to a lab used by students.
In public statements and emails to students, Polk State officials described their response to air quality concerns as “proactive” and “transparent,” highlighting enhanced cleaning, air monitoring, and HEPA filtration. In one campus-wide email sent around October 21, 2024, College leadership assured students that air quality concerns were being addressed and that appropriate measures were in place.
However, internal reports obtained by Daily Ridge show that the extent of the contamination and required remediation may not have been fully conveyed in those public messages.
Examples of mold that was found at the Lakeland campus of Polk State College
Mold Report Shows Serious Contamination
According to an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Assessment conducted by NOVA Engineering and Environmental on October 1, 2024, the LTB Auditorium and an associated break room contained concerning levels of multiple mold species, including:
• Cladosporium, identified in high concentrations on ceiling tiles, known to trigger allergic reactions and asthma.
• The presence of Stachybotrys, commonly referred to as “toxic black mold,” known to produce endotoxins and classified by the report as a “zero tolerance” mold in indoor spaces.
The report further documented inadequate air filtration and recommended that the affected areas be fully sealed and remain closed until extensive mold remediation, including HEPA air filtration and duct cleaning, could be completed.
“Occupancy should not be allowed to occur until the above items are completed,” the report states.
Example of mold at Lakeland campus at Polk State College
Timeline Highlights Gaps in Public Information
*This timeline is an estimation derived by the documentation available to the Daily Ridge
The internal mold report establishes the following timeline:
• October 1, 2024: NOVA conducts air quality and mold testing in LTB.
• October 4, 2024: College officials hold a Teams meeting to discuss results. The Auditorium and associated break room are reportedly sealed off following this meeting.
• October 9, 2024: NOVA issues its initial IAQ report.
• October 21, 2024 (approx.): A College-wide email is sent to students providing general assurances about air quality efforts but without disclosing specific test results or the presence of hazardous mold species.
• October 29, 2024: NOVA issues a revised report confirming earlier findings and reiterating the need for full remediation before reoccupying the affected areas.
Despite this sequence of events, the College’s public statements, including the October student email, made no direct mention of Stachybotrys, inadequate filtration, or the specific remediation protocols recommended.
Daily Ridge has reached out to Polk State College for further clarification. We were advised that more responses to our inquiries would come Tuesday of this week. After a major meeting regarding college leadership.
Photos taken by NOVA during testing
Questions Remain
While Polk State College has stated that it took appropriate steps to address air quality issues, key questions about the situation remain unanswered, including:
• When were all of NOVA’s remediation recommendations fully implemented?
• Were students and employees notified promptly and fully about the presence of hazardous mold species in LTB?
• Did any areas reopen before final clearance testing confirmed they were safe for occupancy?
• What long-term steps have been taken to prevent moisture issues and inadequate air filtration that could allow mold to return?
The NOVA report emphasizes the importance of proper remediation, noting:
“Although mold-containing areas or surfaces may be cleaned or removed, mold will reoccur if the source of moisture is not remedied.”
The College has not publicly disclosed whether all underlying moisture and filtration issues identified in the report have been permanently addressed.
Example of stained and possible moldy ceiling tiles at Polk State College
Conclusion
The discrepancy between internal reports and public messaging raises concerns about how the situation was communicated to students and staff. As of now, while remediation efforts were initiated, full details about the timeline, testing, and resolution of the mold concerns at Polk State College’s Lakeland Technology Building have not been made completely available.
** Polk State College has a Monday scheduled meeting of the District Board of Trustees set for 4:00 p.m. on June 23 where trustees, college officials, and members of the public will gather to discuss college operations, ongoing concerns, and future plans for the institution.
Example of mold in the ceiling tiles of the auditorium
