Polk County Emergency Services

Bartow, Fla. (Dec. 15, 2023) — A large drainage pipe being installed as part of Polk County’s West Pipkin Road widening project will close Airside Center Drive in south Lakeland near the GEICO Corporate Office and Lakeland Linder Airport for 11 days starting Tuesday, December 19. Traffic will be briefly detoured along Old Medulla Road to bypass the work zone located just north of the Airside Center Drive and West Pipkin Road intersection. Southbound traffic along Airside Center Drive will still be able to make a westbound right-turn onto Aviation Drive. Commuters can expect moderate travel delays, especially during weekday peak-hour traffic. Drivers are advised to drive carefully and to add extra time to trips through this area.

Contact Bill Skelton with the Polk County Roads & Drainage Division at (863) 535-2200 for more details.

Sherry’s Obituary
Ms. Sherry S. Garrett, age 63, a resident of Winter Haven passed away Tues. Dec. 12, 2023 at Winter Haven Hospital surrounded by family. Ms. Garrett was born Nov. 4, 1960 in Winter Haven to Haines Larry and Frances Virginia (Pearson) Garrett. She was a lifetime Polk Co. resident, attended Auburndale High School, member of the Winter Haven Moose Lodge and was of the Baptist faith. Sherry enjoyed singing, socializing and spending time with her family. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter – Amanda Graham; grandson – Larry James Graham & brother – George Postell. Sherry is survived by her loving family, sister – Jane Harrison Quick; brother – Robert Black; aunt – Cissy (Tommy) Matthews; uncle – AJ Pearson; nephew – Justin; 3 nieces – Arabia (Amos), Andrea & Alana (Josh); gt niece & nephew – Sophia & Adam and many extended family & friends. 
Visitation will be Tues. Dec. 19^th from 6-8 pm at Kersey Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 12 noon Wed. Dec. 20^that the funeral home. Interment will follow at Rolling Hills Cemetery in Winter Haven.

Davenport, Florida Police Department

Davenport Police Department and Target in Posner Park joined forces for a heartwarming initiative, “Shop with a Cop” spreading holiday cheer in the Davenport community. This collaborative effort brought together officers, and students from three different Davenport schools for a special shopping experience at Target. The event not only fostered positive relationships, but it also created lasting memories of unity and generosity. Thank you Target for your generous partnership and commitment for making this holiday season brighter.

Obituary of Deacon James Brown 

James F. Brown

June 6, 1942- December 15, 2023

Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28-30

With heavy heart, that we announce the passing of Deacon James Brown, the father to Heather, (Stephen) Kruk, Tiffaney ( Randall) Doughman, Kiersten (Micheal) Olson, Tamara (Steven) Moor, Jamie (Elizabeth) Brown, and Jonathan (Timothy Swearingen) Brown. Cherished by 16 grandchildren. Best friend to his beloved standard poodle, Willow.  Loving cousin, uncle, friend to many, member of the Roman Catholic Clergy at St. Christine’s, Youngstown, Ohio(34 years), St. Matthew’s, Winter Haven, Florida (2 years), retired State Farm Agent/Manager (40+ years) and graduate of John Carroll University (1964).

Deacon Jim is united in Christ with his parents, Edmund (Mickey), and Florence (Gill) Brown.  In honor of Deacon Jim, visitation and bible vigil will be held on December 19th at 3:00 at St. Matthew’s Church.  The funeral mass will be on December 20th at 9:00 AM and also held at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 1991 Overlook Dr.  Winter Haven, FL.

In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to Meals on Wheels of Polk County, Florida, Assisting Hands Home Care Winter Haven, Florida, or have a mass dedicated for Deacon Jim Brown at your home parish.

Visitation 

3:00 pm – 5:30 pm

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

St Matthew Catholic Church

1991 Overlook Drive

Winter Haven, Florida, United States

Service

9:00 am – 10:00 am

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

St Matthew Catholic Church

1991 Overlook Drive

Winter Haven, Florida, United States

New Year’s Resolution – Finding a Health Plan Through Open Enrollment May Be Your Best Decision All Year 

Are you starting to create your New Year’s resolution checklist for 2024?

Hit the gym or shed some pounds? Check.

Save some money or go back to school? Check.

Get a new job or take that long dreamed of vacation? Check.  

Get health insurance and avoid a potential financial pitfall? 

Wait. What?? 

Most people would never add health insurance to the New Year’s resolution list, but if you’re among the 12% of Floridians who don’t currently have health insurance, there’s no better time to make and keep that resolution – which could be one of the smartest and easiest financial decisions you make all year.    

By now, most people have likely seen advertisements everywhere –billboards, television, social media, even in the mailbox heralding the “Open Enrollment” registration window.  

But what exactly is “Open Enrollment?” Don’t most people already have health insurance? I’m young, healthy and on a limited income. Do I really need it? 

Lack of health insurance can have devastating financial consequences on individuals or young and growing families. But that doesn’t mean Floridians can’t – or shouldn’t – be able to easily get the coverage they need to protect themselves and their families. 

And, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, a health insurance solution could come at no or limited cost because income-based subsidies and reduced out-of-pocket expenses are now available to assist with the costs of comprehensive health coverage. This can help remove the obstacle of cost for many.

The open enrollment period for Individual and Family Plans now runs Dec.16-Jan.15 for a Feb. 1 start date. After visiting healthcare.gov, the process isn’t complicated to navigate nor difficult to choose a plan that’s right for an individual or family.    

While you’re thinking about 2024, now is the perfect time to get online and do some research – or contact a local health insurance provider to understand what plan and pricing would be best for you. 

Everyone deserves to be protected when it comes to your health and finances, and obtaining health insurance doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. Open Enrollment may be the fastest and easiest resolution you’ve ever made – and kept.

-Matt Gerrell, President of Brevard County-based Health First Health Plans

An Auburndale man was arrested by Polk County Sheriff’s Special Victims Unit detectives on Friday, December 15, 2023, and charged with aggravated child abuse, a first degree felony, after he admitted that he shook a two-month-old baby he had access to until the infant suffered from significant head injuries. 

The investigation began on December 14^th when the Sheriff’s Office was contacted by Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center ER staff regarding an injured infant. The baby’s external and visible injury was slight bruising above one eye, but an exam and X-ray revealed hemorrhages to the brain, a slight skull fracture, and a .5 cm midline shift of the brain. According to medical staff the baby should make a full recovery. 

During an interview with the suspect, Damian Trafton, DOB 3/28/2003, who was watching the baby that day, he first stated that the baby was acting fussy and would not stop crying, so he placed the baby in a bouncy seat, which usually soothes the baby. When that didn’t work, Damian told detectives he bounced the bouncy seat at a harder pace than normal, causing the infant’s head to move side-to-side. During subsequent interviews, Damian admitted that he had actually placed the baby’s on its back and lifted its legs to try to ease gas pain, which didn’t appear to be working. Damian said he became increasingly frustrated with the baby and started aggressively moving the baby’s legs back and forth for approximately 2-3 minutes, causing the baby’s breathing to become abnormal, at which point he called the baby’s mother, who contacted emergency services.

Damian’s criminal history includes prior arrests for vehicle burglary, driving with a suspended license, and probation violation.

“There are so many resources out there for parents and caregivers to help them cope with a newborn or child – but the easiest step to take when you get upset or frustrated with a baby, is to place them somewhere safe and walk away for a few minutes until you are calm enough to calm the baby. Babies are our most innocent and defenseless victims and it is everyone’s responsibility to keep them healthy and safe.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Lakeland Police Department

Oh Frankie… you gotta let someone know when you plan on leaving the house.

You never know what the day holds. Officers Cupit, Phidd and Smith helped get Frankie the pot-belly pig reunited with his owner after he escaped earlier this morning. He didn’t give a reason for is sneaky stroll, but was super nice when posing for a few photos.

City of Auburndale

TICKETS FOR THE DADDY-DAUGHTER DANCE NOW ON SALE!

Each ticket is $15. There will be a limit on the amount of tickets to 8 per person. Tickets are available for purchase IN-PERSON at the Parks & Recreation office at 119 West Park Street, Auburndale. The office is open 8AM-5PM Monday through Friday.

The Daddy-Dance will be hosted on February 9th, 2024, as well as on February 10th, 2024. It will be from 6:00PM to 8:00PM. Come enjoy food, a photo booth, and dancing!

OBITUARY OF WILLIAM LOYE BARNHILL JR

William Loye Barnhill Jr. 89, of Winter Haven, Florida passed away on December 12, 2023. Loye was born in Bartow, Florida and made Winter Haven his home in 1942.

Loye started working right out of high school and never spent a day without a job. He worked for Larry Tucker at Tucker Construction and Engineering for over 30 years. He was a proud member of Lake Shipp Baptist Church. Loye was involved with many types of sports including bowling on the league three times a week. He started shooting skeet when the club was at the Winter Haven Airport.  He enjoyed various shooting sports including deer and turkey hunting. He stopped shooting when his children were small and got involved with the Little League programs in Winter Haven. He worked with the programs for over 10 years serving on the board for both football and baseball. Loye was also involved in helping build Sertoma Park. Loye hoped to get his grandchildren into shooting one day. Loye was very active in the skeet club of Winter Haven which is one of the finest gun clubs in the state. He enjoyed doing things at the club to keep it safe and make it better for members and guests, he was on the board of directors for over 2 years. 

Loye is preceded in death by his parents, William Sr. And Francis Barnhill; his wife Renae Barnhill. He is survived by his sons, Curtis (Norma) Barnhill, William “Buck” (Suzonne) Barnhill; daughter, Teresa (Russ) Beardmore; brother, Glenn “Buddy” (Max) Barnhill; sister, Janann McInnis; grandchildren, William B. Barnhill, Kaylee B. Barnhill. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

VISITATION 

10:00 am – 11:00 am

Monday, December 18, 2023

Oak Ridge Funeral Care

2425 Havendale Blvd

Winter Haven, Florida, United States

863 967 5090

FUNERAL SERVICE

11:00 am

Monday, December 18, 2023

Oak Ridge Funeral Care

Obituary of Nickolas “Nick” Parrish
Nickolas “Nick” Parrish, age 44, passed away on December 12, 2023 in Winter Haven, Florida. He was born on October 28, 1979 in Lansing, Michigan.

Nick was a landscaper and business owner. He was a huge sports fanatic. You could always find him cheering on his Miami Dolphins, Boston Red Sox or University of Michigan. Nick loved music, especially classic rock, loved kids and dogs, was a loyal friend and resident chef.

Nick was preceded in death by his beloved dog Rocky. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth Reis Parrish, mother Mary Parrish, father Richard Parrish and stepmother Sharon Parrish, sister Jessica Parrish along with her fiancé Tommy and son Jaxson, paternal grandmother Ella Parrish, brother Miguel Barcelo and his Uncle/Business Partner/Best Friend John Parrish. Nick is also survived by his dogs Apollo and Bianca along with a multitude of aunts, uncles, extended family members and close friends who will miss him dearly.

A gathering of friends and family to celebrate Nick’s life will be held at Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home in Winter Haven on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 from 4:00PM – 600PM. There will be a time of sharing memories from 4:30PM – 5:00PM. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Nick’s honor to the Wounded Warrior Project.