Haines City, Fla. (September 3, 2025) – A pedestrian was struck by a dump truck in Haines City Wednesday afternoon.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:56 PM near the intersection of E. Hinson Avenue and N. 10th Street. Haines City Fire Rescue along with Polk County Fire Rescue units quickly responded to the scene. They are currently trying to extricate the injured person. It’s listed as an adult trauma alert and medical helicopter has been launched.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area as emergency crews remain on scene. Traffic delays are expected along Hinson Avenue while the crash is being investigated.
No further details about the condition of the pedestrian have been released at this time.
Get ready for a “crisp,”’colorful day of family fun at the Bartow Fall Festival — a beloved tradition packed with seasonal charm and activities for all ages!
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025 Time: 10 AM – 3 PM Location: Main Street, Bartow (180 S Central Ave)
Enjoy: • Delicious food & treats • Classic carnival games • A charming pumpkin patch • Local artisan vendors • Face painting & kids’ activities • Tractor displays & more!
Come wander through downtown Bartow, savor tasty bites, discover unique handmade goods, and make memories with friends and family. Fall is here — and we’re celebrating big!
On Friday August 29th, 2025, Robert H. Gumtow of Davenport, FL passed away in the comforts of his home at the age of 73 years. Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Bob H. Gumtow and Melvina L. Doak, by his beloved son Charlie Gumtow and his brother David Gumtow. He is survived by his loving wife J. Rossana Gumtow and by his children Stephanie, Steve,Samantha and Sierra. Born in Rockford, IL and raised in Toledo, OH. Robert was a dedicated member of Solid Rock Church under Pastor Keith Crampton where he lent his services to being an usher. Robert was proud of his country and also had many passions including cooking, movies, photography and most recently he took on woodworking and gardening. All of these were what made him happy, however, Robert’s proudest achievement was becoming a truck driver. He was able to visit almost all 50 states, take multiple photographs and make many memories in doing so. After leading a blessed life, Robert will be laid to rest on September 3rd in Haines City, FL.
As a follow-up to our earlier reporting on the difficulty obtaining town records, the Town of Dundee has now released the minutes from its July 22, 2025 meeting. The records were provided by Interim Town Manager Joseph Carbone by email this past Monday, nearly a month after the meeting took place and only after multiple requests for them.
My initial written request for the minutes was made on July 29. I visited Town Hall on August 12 and again on August 15, but what I was given then were handwritten notes that did not meet the standard of proper minutes under Florida law. On August 19, I received a formal reply from the clerk that referenced only the August 8 and August 12 meetings, leaving the July 22 minutes unaddressed. The official minutes were not released until this week.
The July 22 meeting itself was significant. Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 25-23, setting Dundee’s proposed maximum millage ceiling at 9.8679 mills for the 2025–26 budget year. That figure is nearly 33 percent higher than the rollback rate of 7.4381 mills, and it immediately took effect once passed so the required information could be transmitted to the Polk County Property Appraiser for TRIM notices.
It is important to note, however, that this July 22 action did not set the town’s final tax rate. Under Florida law, the commission must hold a second public hearing before formally adopting the millage rate and budget. Resolution 25-23 specifies that hearing will take place on September 9, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Dundee Town Hall Commission Chambers. At that hearing, the commission may set the final millage rate at or below 9.8679 mills, but not higher without re-advertising.
The minutes provided for the July 22 meeting record attendance, proclamations, motions, and votes. They also list the names of nine residents who spoke during the millage discussion and two more who spoke during the final public comment period. What the minutes do not capture are the concerns and arguments raised by those residents, despite the strong turnout and vocal opposition to adopting the maximum ceiling.
Other issues stand out in the document. Commissioner Mary Richardson’s name is repeatedly misspelled as “Richardsson”. The space for the “approval date” is also left blank, meaning the minutes are technically unfinished until the commission formally adopts them. Since they had not had an official city commission meeting they couldn’t be certified. It doesn’t appear as a matter of practice on previous agenda’s that voting to approve the minutes is being done.
Florida law requires that minutes be promptly recorded and open to inspection. These minutes satisfy that requirement in the most basic sense by listing the actions taken. But Dundee’s own Public Records Policy requires records to be professional, consistent, and prepared in a manner that informs the public. On that measure, the July 22 minutes provide little insight into the substance of the meeting, particularly on a decision that could affect the pocketbooks of every property owner in town.
The July 22 meeting was not routine. It was the night commissioners gave themselves the authority to levy up to the maximum allowable millage rate. Residents filled the chambers, asking commissioners not to do so. In the official record, however, their voices are reduced to little more than a list of names. The final decision will come September 9, when the commission takes its required second vote to adopt Dundee’s millage rate and budget for the coming year.
“PCSO Arrests Illegal Alien for Interfering with a Train and Fighting with Law Enforcement
On August 30, 2025, deputies with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 38-year-old Josue Castaneda-Castro following a series of disruptive actions near railroad tracks in Mulberry. Castaneda-Castro, a Mexican national in the United States illegally, now faces multiple charges related to the incident.
Deputies responded to the intersection of State Road 37 South and Railroad Avenue at around 10:30 p.m. after receiving a report of a suspect interfering with a CSX train. Upon arrival, deputies learned that train conductor was operating the train when a black Chevrolet pickup truck pulling a homemade trailer drove parallel to the tracks. The suspect then crossed in front of the train, causing the trailer to become stuck on the tracks and obstructing the train’s movement.
Castaneda-Castro exited the vehicle and engaged in a verbal confrontation with the conductor. He then disconnected the trailer from the truck and drove away eastbound, leaving the trailer behind, blocking the tracks. Moments later, he returned to the scene and attempted to enter the train car while continuing to act aggressively toward the conductor.
Deputies arriving on scene observed the truck and trailer across the tracks and Castaneda-Castro standing nearby. As they approached, he retreated to his vehicle and attempted to reverse toward them. Deputies ordered him to exit the vehicle, which he initially complied with, but he refused to answer questions and repeatedly tried to return to his truck. Deputies also noted the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the suspect.
When asked to step away from the vehicle for further questioning, Castaneda-Castro resisted and grabbed one deputy’s arm. The deputy deployed an agency-issued Taser, but it was ineffective, and the suspect fled on foot toward a wooded area.
Additional units responded, including Deputy Sheriff Gann and his partner, K9 Rone. K9 Rone successfully tracked to the suspect’s location, where he was hiding under heavy brush. Rone apprehended the suspect, but Castaneda-Castro then grabbed Rone’s collar and struck and kicked the dog multiple times, ignoring repeated warnings from deputies. He was ultimately taken into custody.
Further investigation revealed that Castaneda-Castro’s driver’s license had been revoked since January 2023. He was taken into custody and transported to the Sheriff’s Processing Center. He is a Mexican national in the United States illegally and has been previously deported; due to his illegal immigration status, all charges were enhanced by one degree. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement was contacted and an immigration detainer was placed on Castaneda-Castro.
“This individual not only endangered the safety of a train operator and disrupted critical infrastructure, but he also violently resisted arrest and attacked one of our K9s. He is in our country illegally, his license was revoked, and now he’s facing serious charges. Our deputies did an outstanding job bringing this dangerous situation under control.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Castaneda-Castro is being charged with interfering with a railroad track (F2), interfering with a railroad train (F2), Trespassing (F3), battery on a law enforcement officer (F2), striking a police canine (F3), unarmed burglary of an occupied conveyance (F1), driving with a suspended license (M1), resisting an officer without violence (F3), and resisting an officer with violence (F2). His criminal history includes prior arrests for DUI, no valid DL, and DWLSR.”
On the evening of August 29th, the Sebring Police Department was alerted to threatening comments and video which were posted on social media by an individual named Emily Staten, 27, of Sebring. Staten repeatedly issued death threats and threats of violence against our officers through use of Facebook Messenger. We immediately began an investigation into the posts and messages. Over the course of four hours, Staten authored nearly 200 posts and messages, many of them threatening in nature. Staten even sent video of herself driving by the police department after sending the threatening messages.
Though the content of much of her communication is too vulgar to share, some of her threatening posts included:
· “If you don’t want me to throw Molotov cocktails through the downtown department, respond now”
· “I hid all the bottles of gas all around the building”
· “This is a threat come find me I want to kill you”
· “Come get shot, I am making a threat against the Sebring Police Department”
As a result of the investigation, an arrest warrant was obtained for Staten, and she was taken into custody without incident. She is currently being held in the Highlands County Jail.
“We want to make something very clear… The Sebring Police Department respects and protects the First Amendment rights of everyone so that they may freely express their opinions. We encourage and want everyone to enjoy freedom of speech. However, when free speech crosses the line and turns into threats of violence, we will act swiftly. Threats to kill or do harm will not be tolerated.”
From teaching golf swings to overseeing the daily operations of a golf course, Bob Schade is a man whose life truly revolves around golf. With 39 years of experience in the sport, Mr. Schade has dedicated his career to playing, teaching, and maintaining the very grounds golfers play on.
Bob Schade
On July 7th, I had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with Mr. Schade at Cypresswood Golf & Country Club to discuss his background, his passion for golf, and the many roles he takes on at the club. Mr. Schade currently serves as the Director of Operations at Cypresswood, where he manages not only the golf course but also the on-site restaurant, Cypresswood Pub.
Cypresswood Pub
In addition to his administrative duties, he is also a dedicated golf instructor, a role he took on at the young age of 21. Now, 10 years into being a certified Stack and Tilt golf instructor, Mr. Schade continues to find joy in helping golfers of all ages improve their game. “That’s my passion in this business: to help people get better at golf,” he shared during our conversation.
There is no set age limit for the people he teaches, as his students range from as young as 3 years old to as old as 106, proving that golf is truly a lifelong sport. One of the most common mistakes he sees among beginners? The classic advice to “keep your head down.” According to Mr. Schade, this is one of the most destructive tips a golfer can receive. “My job is to reconfigure their minds,” he explained. “Golf is an introverted sport where you have to create everything in your mind to know how to approach different situations on the course.”
The most rewarding part of Mr. Schade’s job as a golf instructor is twofold: watching younger players develop their skills and become better, and helping older golfers find ways to continue playing and enjoying the game well into their golden years.
Cypresswood Golf Course
Outside of teaching, Mr. Schade’s role as Director of Operations is equally demanding. He is responsible for the overall maintenance of the golf course as well as the management of Cypresswood Pub. Of all his responsibilities, he says that running the restaurant side of the business is the most challenging. “There are a lot of moving pieces,” he noted. “You’ve got people in entry-level positions who need training, and there’s always something new to figure out. It keeps you on your toes and your mind active.”
When it comes to the restaurant’s menu, Mr. Schade works closely with the executive chef and the food and beverage manager to ensure it meets the diverse tastes of the club’s visitors. One of the things that makes Cypresswood Pub unique is the wide variety of people who dine there and Schade’s goal is to make sure the menu reflects and satisfies that diversity.
Live Music at the Cypresswood Pub
Cypresswood Pub is no slouch, it has even won awards for having one of the best burgers in Polk County. According to Mr. Schade, one of the things that makes his job easier is the quality and dedication of the staff at the golf course. Depending on the season, the staff size ranges from 30 to 50 people. It’s because of these individuals that Cypresswood Golf & Country Club enjoys the popularity and reputation it has today.
One of the most popular times of year to visit Cypresswood is from January 15th through April 15th, when many visitors from up north come down to play. Mr. Schade states that the course is made for everyone, no matter your experience level. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, Cypresswood Golf & Country Club is built for you.
The club also hosts various events throughout the year, including the Folds of Honor Tournament, one of the more important events on the calendar. This tournament honors American veterans and the sacrifices they’ve made, making it a point of pride for both the course and its community.
Patriot Golf Day Scramble
Whether it’s hosting events, teaching people how to play golf, or running the restaurant, one thing is certain: Mr. Schade has an undeniable passion for what he does.
Davenport, Fla. (September 2, 2025) – Polk County Fire Rescue crews are headed to scene of a fully involved structure fire at 564 Seattle Slew Drive in Davenport.
The fire was reported shortly before noon on Tuesday. According to initial dispatch information, the home was fully involved per caller. Occupants were reportedly out of the residence at the time of the fire. A vehicle was also reported to be on fire.
Responding crews advised they could see a column of smoke from a distance as they made their way to the scene. Multiple units, including engines, trucks, and rescue vehicles, were dispatched to battle the blaze.
At this time, no injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
DUNDEE, Fla. – The Town of Dundee has selected Ken Cassel as its new town manager following a unanimous vote of the commission on August 8, 2025.
The decision came during a special meeting held that morning, where commissioners reviewed the details of Cassel’s employment agreement. Provisions of the contract included a $400 monthly car allowance, a $430,000 life insurance policy naming the town as beneficiary, and a health insurance stipend not to exceed the amount given to regular employees. Severance pay was set at 20 weeks in accordance with Florida law, and the agreement included an 18-month review clause. Residency requirements were waived, though Cassel must notify the commission of any relocation within 90 days, with the option for renegotiation if distance from Dundee becomes an issue. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the contract contingent on standard reference checks from his current employer.
Cassel comes to Dundee from the City of Westlake in Palm Beach County, where he had served as city manager since its incorporation in 2016. He also managed the Seminole Improvement District beginning in 2013, overseeing much of the new city’s infrastructure and development. His resignation from Westlake was announced earlier this month as he prepared to relocate to Central Florida to be closer to family.
The search for a new manager in Dundee began earlier this summer. In July, commissioners reviewed updates from Strategic Government Resources and narrowed the list of semifinalists to three, with Cassel among the finalists. Records from that period placed the salary range for the position between $130,000 and $160,000 depending on qualifications. The exact amount of Cassel’s salary were not listed in the minutes of the August 8th meeting.
With the contract now approved by a unanimous vote, Dundee has formally moved forward with Cassel as its next town manager
Bartow, Fla. (Aug. 28, 2025) — Polk County Fire Rescue’s Highland City crew, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications staff and the Hartl family reunited for the first time since crews assisted with the birth of their fourth child, Theodore. Kaylee Hartl, Marquise Hartl and Firefighter/Paramedic George Gibson spoke about the birth. Deputy County Manager Joe Halman Jr. and Fire Chief Shawn Smith also praised everyone involved in the birth.
“Today is a great day. We are so proud of the men and women of Polk County Fire Rescue, especially this crew that had a hand in delivering this baby,” Halman said.
The Hartl family thanked everyone involved in the birth including Captain/Paramedic Joe Jones, Engineer/Paramedic Austin Hamilton, Firefighter/Paramedic George Gibson, Firefighter/EMT Madison Bennett, Firefighter/EMT Daniel Banks and PSCO Emergency Communications member, Anne Debolla, for their seamless delivery and professionalism.
The happy reunion included an exchange of gifts, the taking of photos and tours of the station for the Hartl’s older children Marquise II (6), Olivia (3) and Naomi (2). The Hartl family also brought along Theodore’s grandmother, Mindi Wade, and great-grandmother, Penny Green.
During the ceremony, County Commissioner Becky Troutman and Fire Chief Shawn Smith pinned the PCFR members and Debolla, with stork lapel pins.
