Bartow, Fla. (May 31, 2025) – Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) responded to a recreational vehicle (RV) fire that resulted in a fatality on Combee Road in Lakeland.
At 11:52 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, PCFR crews were dispatched to a working structure fire on Combee Road. Upon PCFR’s arrival, crews located an RV fully engulfed in flames with an individual potentially trapped inside. Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire and located one confirmed fatality.
No additional injuries were reported. No patients were transported from the scene.
The incident is currently under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshals Office and Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
HAINES CITY – School is out and the kiddos are already bored. Here are some activities available to help keep them busy for the next couple of months.
In Haines City:
Lake Eva Aquatics Center features pools and splash pads and is open daily, weather permitting, from June 1 to Aug. 9. Admission is $5 per person for ages 3 and older.
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The Janet J. Smith Aquatic Facility, 1900 N. 10th Street, Haines City, FL 33844 is open daily through Aug. 8 including Juneteenth, and July 4. The facility features a zero-depth entry into the splash-pad, and a large pool.
Youth Indoor Soccer League is available for children up to age 12, running June 2 through Aug. 8. For more information, call 863-421-3700.
Vacation Bible School at Northridge Church will be held June 16–20. It’s open to students who have completed kindergarten through 5th grade. Call 863-422-4488 for details.
Camp Frontier, located at 5000 Firetower Road, is an overnight adventure summer camp for boys and girls ages 7–17. Activities include archery, outdoor life skills, basketball, bike riding, canoe trips, sailing, and tent camping. For more information, call 888-977-2267, email [email protected], or visit www.campfrontier.com.
In Davenport (Tom Fellows Community Center):
Vocal Lessons with Ms. Mel: $55/hour for private lessons, $45/hour for group lessons (if available). Available Monday 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Friday 4–7:30 p.m., and Saturday 8–11:30 a.m. Call 203-598-5138 or email [email protected] for an appointment.
A Touch of Drama – Circus Arts: Learn juggling, aerial silks, and flexibility. $60/month. Call 203-598-5138.
A Touch of Drama – Acro Classes: Includes acrobatic arts, conditioning, and flexibility for $60/month. For more info, call Heidi at 203-598-5138 or email [email protected].
A Touch of Drama – Acting Classes: Covers character work, improv, and script reading. $50/month. Contact Heidi at 203-598-5138 or email [email protected].
A Touch of Drama – Musical Theatre: For kids who love to perform, sing, and act. Contact Heidi at 203-598-5138 or email [email protected].
Creative Crafters: Play, Create, Memories: Weekly themed craft classes held Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays for little ones, kids ages 5–12, teens, and families. Prices start at $10. Call or text 407-470-3442 or visit www.spreadingsmilesevents.com for more info.
Karate Classes (Okinawa Shorin Ryu, Kenpo Karate, Self Defense): For ages 5 and up. $50/month with sibling discounts. Classes are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 5–7 p.m. For info, call 863-800-6002.
Studio C, School of Dance and Productions: Registration is now open for ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop classes, beginning Sept. 3.
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For more information about these or other programs, call the Tom Fellows Community Center at 863-588-1130.
In Lake Hamilton:
Back to School Splash Event is hosted annually by the Police Department at the end of summer. For event details, call 863-439-1561.
In Winter Haven:
Big Bass Guide Kids Fishing Camp is held weekly through July 17 at 1171 Eloise Loop Road. For info, contact Captain Shea Arnold at 863-307-6585, email [email protected], or visit www.bigbassguidefl.com.
The National Trial Lawyers proudly announces the re-selection of Stephen Brooks, a distinguished member of Brooks Law Group, as an NTL – Civil Plaintiff – Top 100 Trial Lawyer in the state of Florida.
The Top 100 distinction is bestowed upon a select group of attorneys who exhibit superior qualifications, exemplary trial results, and exceptional leadership in the realms of criminal defense and/or civil plaintiff law. Membership in The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 not only recognizes these legal professionals for their achievements but also offers invaluable legal news, information, and continuing education resources to trial lawyers nationwide.
The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Brooks for their continued and valued membership, contributing to the organization’s success during a period of remarkable growth. About The National Trial Lawyers:
The National Trial Lawyers is an invitation-based organization dedicated to recognizing and promoting excellence in the legal profession. Comprising the top 100 trial lawyers in each state, the organization provides a platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and professional development within the legal community. For more information, visit http://thenationaltriallawyers.org/.
In May, my family and I went on a 7-day cruise on the Carnival Jubilee. We sailed from Galveston, Texas to Honduras to Mexico. Here’s a day-by-day travel log of my trip.
Day 3: Second Day at Sea (Sun. May 4, 2025)
I woke up and went to breakfast with the family. Went to the waterpark afterward. Took a few pictures with my great-nephew playing in the water and going on the slide. I even went on a slide as well!
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Originally planned on going on the Blue Lightning, but that required going on your belly on a mat, and my old knees would not have liked that. So, I went on the Yellow Twister instead. Somehow, I would have loved it more if I were younger. But a young man I no longer am, and that ride reminded me of that. The orange slide (I forgot the name of it) was one of those drop slides that dropped you right onto the slide. But it was not working. And somehow I would not have dared even if I was.
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Went to Guy’s Burger Joint for lunch. Had a cheeseburger with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Added chili and hot peppers cuz that’s how I roll. It was stinking good.
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Went to the gym after. Worked on the treadmill and elliptical for an hour. Came back to my room to freshen up, shower, and nap. Then I got dressed for the family picture. We posed on the glass stairs. My sister brought me my tuxedo, something I will only wear once. Because of course!
We spent an hour afterward trying to get a reservation at a restaurant. Why we did not place a reservation earlier that day is anyone’s guess. We ate at an Italian place, Cucina del Capitano, inspired by Carnival’s Italian heritage. I had Nona’s meatball for an appetizer. Just one meatball. Yes! That’s what counts as an appetizer. It was good. Small, but good.
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For my main entrée, I ordered Penne Pomondo. It was a penne pasta prepared in a roasted tomato sauce. Everyone else had chicken parmesan. I wanted to have pasta. It was savory. For dessert, I had an apple pie with ice cream. It tasted like an apple pie with ice cream. Not sure what else I can say about it.
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I went to the gym later that evening with my niece’s husband. I didn’t even care about the workout. I just wanted to spend some guy time with him because I wanted advice. I told him I was planning on going on some social mixers to break out of my shell. Not even to hook up with anyone. Just gain some experience talking to people.
He told me the one thing I need to have is confidence. Also to be honest. Better to be honest upfront than have to deal with a lie being found out and answering for it later. Honestly, that I can do. It’s the confidence that I lack.
Day 4: Third Day at Sea (Sun. May 4, 2025)
Yet another day at sea. Woke up and had breakfast by myself. I had the works: bacon, eggs, toast, biscuits and gravy. And don’t forget the orange juice.
It was mostly a do-something-on-your-own day. So, I went to the lido deck to sit by the pool and do some reading. Pilgrim’s Regress by C.S. Lewis. I then met up with my sister and her husband to go to the pool in the back of the boat. It was a shallow pool where you could sit at water level. There were even pool chairs built into the pool and with the water as the boat sails on.
I then went to Guy’s Pig and Anchor Smokehouse for lunch. Had pork butt with mac and cheese, baked beans, and potato salad with spicy siracha sauce. Very savory. Not as good as Sonny’s BBQ. But then, nothing is.
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I later attended a singles mixer at the Golden Mermaid bar. Well, the event met up to its name. I was the only one there. Ha! Seriously, I have been meaning to break out of my shell. Can’t say I didn’t try. At least I had some ginger ale and grenadine out of it.
Again, it was a do-it-yourself thing today. So, I went to the buffet for dinner. Nothing fancy. Just spaghetti carbonara with eggplant parmesan and barbecue spring rolls. It was okay for what it was.
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Oh, and my sister and I were able to book the excursion in Cozumel. The snorkeling excursion with sharks, stingrays, and barbecue. We almost were not able to. There was only one ticket left. But we managed to book it.
Went to a comedy show with my nephew and my niece’s husband. Daniel Dugar was the comedian performing that evening. He was more of an insult comic. His comedy was very raunchy. I can’t even share any of his jokes they were that spicy. Let’s just say that one of his jokes involved him commenting that something tastes like chicken…and that his people really love chicken. My niece’s husband really got into the routine. He told the comedian that you need to “scratch and sniff” it. What, exactly? Well, that’s one of the things I can’t share because it’s too spicy.
We dropped by the piano bar afterward. The guy playing there looked like Elton John. Probably why one of my other family members was hanging out there. They must have really enjoyed the drinks there because we counted at least half a dozen cans when we met them there. LOL!
And that was the first two days at sea. The next day would bring us to our first port of call. What adventures awaited us there? Stay tuned and find out.
With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Alice Cao ( Nguyen Thi Ngoc Mai ), our beloved beacon of kindness, and champion of compassion, on May 19, 2025, in Orlando. Born in Hoc Mon, Vietnam, on November 16, 1942. Alice was a cherished soul renowned for her unwavering kindness and generosity. A devout Christian, she was a member of her beloved Winter Haven Vietnamese Alliance Church.
A multifaceted individual, Alice found immense fulfillment in volunteer work, songwriting, music composition, poetry, and gospel singing. Family was her unwavering priority and purpose in life. Her radiant smile was a constant presence, and her passion for infusing joy into people’s lives, even those she had never met, was truly remarkable. Her gentle yet powerful spirit and appreciation for the inherent beauty in individuals and life continue to inspire those who were fortunate to have known her.
In this somber moment, we remember Alice not only for her benevolence but also for the profound impact she had on our lives. Her spirit will endure through the countless lives she touched.
Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Nguyen Van Hue and Nguyen Thi Tu; her beloved husband, Cao Thoi Thuy Frank; her sons, Cao Thoi Binh and Cao Van Van; and her brother, Nguyen Ngoc Anh. She is survived by her cherished sister, Nguyen Ngoc Phuong, devoted daughters, Hoang Cao Lan, Pham Kieu Oanh, Cao Kieu Loan, and her loving sons in laws, Hoang Ngoc Bich, Pham Huu Tung, and Juan Francisco Alvear. Her grandchildren, who brought her so much joy, include Juliet Hoang, Davis Galleon, Emily Ho, Daniel Hoang, Abel Cao, and Tin Pham. She adored her one and only beloved granddaughter-in-law, Cassandra Galleon. Her treasured great-grandchildren include Caius Jacinto, Ryleigh Galleon, Atlas Jacinto, and Camryn Galleon. Alice will be deeply missed by all who cherished her.
HAINES CITY – Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas were finally informed of their freedom—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Celebrated annually on June 19, this historic event continues to be honored across the nation. In Haines City, the Juneteenth Heritage Coalition has been dedicated to keeping the spirit of this day alive for the past four years.
This year’s theme, “Celebrating Freedom and Resilience,” will be brought to life through a series of three community events hosted by the Coalition:
Juneteenth: Faith and Freedom – Movie Screening
The celebration begins with a screening of Faith and Freedom on June 18 at 2 p.m. at the Oakland Auditorium, located at 915 Avenue E, Haines City. The film explores the intersection of faith and the long journey toward liberation.
4th Annual Juneteenth Gala
The highlight of the festivities, the annual gala, takes place on June 20 at 6 p.m. at the Lake Eva Event Center. This semi-formal event will feature live musical performances, local vendors, arts and crafts, and a keynote address by Dr. Daniel Maxwell, an acclaimed motivational speaker. Guests are encouraged to dress to impress and join an evening of celebration, unity, and reflection—with great food, entertainment, and a powerful message.
Freedom Music Festival
The festivities conclude with the Freedom Music Festival on June 21 from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Lake Eva Great Lawn. The event will showcase local musical talent, along with featured performances by The Get Down Band and Fat Boy Juice. The evening will wrap up with a fireworks show, lighting up the sky in honor of freedom.
The Haines City Juneteenth celebration is open to all and serves as a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and enduring spirit of a community that continues to honor its history and embrace its future.
LAKELAND, FL (May 28, 2025) – A Florida Purple Alert has been issued for 71-year-old Frederick Blackwelder of Lakeland. Mr. Blackwelder is believed to be traveling in a 2006 Toyota Scion tC Florida license plate 665-3VY. A family member reported Mr. Blackwelder missing after unsuccessful attempts to make contact with him over the weekend. He was last known to be in the area of the 1500 block of Ariana Street, Lakeland, Florida.
Mr. Blackwelder is 5’9″ and weighs approximately 211 lbs. He has grey hair and blue eyes.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Lakeland Police Department’s Emergency Communications Center at 863.834.6966.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested an Auburndale man Tuesday, May 27, 2025, and charged him with animal cruelty for neglecting to care for his two dogs.
37-year old Bradford Thomas was booked-in at the Polk County Jail and charged with Animal Cruelty (M1) and Aggravated Animal Cruelty (F3). Thomas is the Public Utilities Director for the City of Auburndale.
The PCSO was contacted by Auburndale Police Department after they were made aware of a dog that was starving and in poor condition.
A detective from the PCSO’s Animal Cruelty Investigations responded to the residence on Diamond Ridge Drive in Auburndale Tuesday afternoon, and made contact with Mr. Thomas and his two dogs.
The dogs were a female Great Dane named Stella (approximately 8.5-years old) and a female Terrier mix named Bella (approximately 18 to 20-years old).
The detective noted that Stella was severely emaciated, had multiple abrasions and scabs, was covered with fleas, and was suffering from severe pododermatitis (also known as bumblefoot) on all four paws. She also appeared to be in severe pain. Records show that Stella has not received any veterinary care since 2020, even though she was in horrible physical condition.
Bella was suffering from severe flea dermatitis on her back with hair loss.
The dogs were also examined by Dr. Kerry Jackson, DVM, who concluded that Stella weighed just 60.8 pounds, which is about half of what she should weigh. Her Body Condition Score (BCS) was 1/9.
Dr. Jackson concluded that Bella weighed 10.6 pounds and had a BCS of 2/9.
Both dogs were voluntarily surrendered to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and taken to the PCSO’s Animal Control facility for treatment.
“The dogs and their former owner will be getting the attention they need and deserve. For Bradford Thomas, this behavior is absolutely unacceptable. It is incomprehensible that someone in his capacity as a senior manager in a reputable and responsible local government would do something like this—starving and causing such pain for an innocent animal. We will do everything we can to hold him criminally responsible. We will also do everything we can to get these dogs healthy and thriving. They are off to a good start—we pray it’s not too late and they respond to medical treatment, nourishment, and love.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Since beginning treatment at Animal Control yesterday, Stella has increased her weight by 6.8 pounds with proper feeding and hydration.
Any inquiries regarding Mr. Thomas’ employment status should be directed to the City of Auburndale.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office conducted a Memorial Day Traffic Initiative from Saturday, May 24th through Monday, May 26th, resulting in 11 arrests, six of which were for DUI, and 4 of whom are in the country illegally.
Jose Cruz, a 32-year-old man from Lakeland, was arrested on May 24th after a blue Chevrolet was seen weaving and drifting on Reynolds Road in Lakeland at 1:38 a.m. A traffic stop was conducted, where Cruz was found to have slurred speech, watery eyes, and a strong odor of alcohol was detected. He admitted to drinking four to five beers and his breath alcohol level measured .180, over twice the legal limit. Cruz did not have a valid driver’s license or ID and admitted to being in the country illegally from Mexico, which led to upgraded charges. Cruz was charged with:
• DUI (M1)
• Driving without a valid driver’s license (M1)
Francisco Hernandez, 50, of Fort Meade, was arrested on May 24th at 9:19pm following a traffic stop on Broadway Street East at Hendry Ave after deputies observed a vehicle traveling with no headlights on. Hernandez advised he had no driver’s license, presenting only a Mexican passport. Deputies observed that he had watery eyes, detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage, and noted that he could not keep his balance. Hernandez admitted to drinking 12 beers. During a breathalyzer test, his breath alcohol content was measured at .260, more than three times the legal limit. He advised he was in the country illegally from Mexico and has remained in Polk County unlawfully since 2010, which upgraded his charges. He was charged with:
• DUI (M1)
• Driving without a valid driver’s license (M1)
Leobardo Armenta-Marcial, 40, of Lake Wales, was arrested on May 25th at 9:13pm on Alturas Babson Park Cutoff Road in Lake Wales after deputies responded to reports of a possible vehicle crash. Armenta-Marcial was located further down the road walking by himself and appearing to be dirty, disoriented, and intoxicated. His vehicle had struck a guardrail, causing heavy damage. In the front passenger floorboard, deputies found empty opened alcohol containers. Armenta-Marcial initially claimed he was not the one driving, but said that he recognized the car as being a family member’s, and then ultimately admitted to crashing the vehicle claiming that something went into the road in front of him. His boots were covered in dirt, matching footprints found near the scene of the crash, and he did not have a valid driver’s license. He refused to take the field sobriety test or breathalyzer test. He has 4 prior guilty convictions for DUIs and has been previously deported due to being in the country illegally.
He was charged with:
• Leaving the scene of a crash (M2)
• Driving without a valid driver’s license (M2)
• DUI 4th or subsequent (F2)
Guilherme Moreno, 32, of Orlando was arrested on May 26th following a routine traffic stop due to an expired registration. Moreno provided a paper from the DMV and a picture of his driver’s license, but upon further investigation, deputies learned his license had been cancelled in March due to his non-US citizen status. It was discovered that Moreno was in the country illegally from Brazil, which upgraded his charges. Moreno was given a citation for the expired registration but arrested and charged with having no valid driver’s license (M1).
All suspects were placed on an ICE hold in the Polk County Jail.
“If you drive drunk in Polk County, we will arrest you, and if you’re here illegally, we will turn you over to ICE. Our deputies worked hard this weekend to keep our roads safe—and we’ll keep doing it every day.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
There have been many questions raised since the events of Sunday, May 18th, surrounding the tragic murder of an 81 year-old man at 2226 Blue Bird Avenue in the Wind Meadows subdivision. Polk County Sheriff’s Office homicide detectives arrested the deceased’s roommate for the murder shortly after the discovery of the body. This communication is intended to provide factual information to the public, and additional contacts and resources for future inquiries.
It is important from the outset to draw the distinction between the terms “Group Home” and “Adult Family Care Home”, and how those terms are defined both by the State of Florida, and locally here in Bartow. Under Florida law, the term “Group Home” is used in a generic sense and can be used as a term to describe a variety of residential settings. Those could include homes for children (governed by DCF — Department of Children and Families), homes specifically for disabled persons (governed by ADP — Agency for Persons with Disabilities), and residences for the elderly (governed by AHCA — Agency for Health Care Administration). In the City of Bartow, the term “Group Home” is something of a catch-all term that is defined under the larger heading of “Special Needs Facilities”, and is further defined as, “…a residential facility which provides a family living environment including supervision and care necessary to meet the physical, emotional, and social needs of its residents.” Such facilities in Bartow can house as few as 4 residents, but no more than 15. In the City of Bartow, a “Group Home” must obtain a Special Exception Use Permit from the City in order to legally operate. This process includes a requirement for the conducting of a public hearing on the matter.
By contrast, the term “Adult Family Care Home” is a term that is defined by Florida Statute §429.65. As part of the Adult Family Care Home Act of 1985, this term is defined as, “…a full-time, family-type living arrangement, in a private home, under which a person who owns or rents the home provides room, board, and personal care, on a 24-hour basis, for no more than five disabled adults or frail elders who are not relatives.” These types of facilities are regulated by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), and that agency is ultimately responsible for the periodic review, licensing, and ultimately oversight of such facilities. In the City of Bartow, no Special Exception Use Permit is needed for an Adult Family Care Home, as these are considered permitted uses in all residential districts.
There are two properties in the Wind Meadows neighborhood that are relevant to this recent event. The first is 2233 Blue Bird Avenue. This home is owned by Eddrena L. Thornton, and has been since 2015. Ms. Thornton is the principal member of the ET Home Care, LLC, and she holds a proper license through AHCA to operate as an Adult Family Care Home. Both the LLC and the license date back to 2020. It appears that Ms. Thornton’s use of the home at 2233 Blue Bird Ave is a properly licensed Adult Family Care Home, a permitted use under the City’s Code, and was not required to receive a Special Exception Use Permit from the City.
The second property is the home at 2226 Blue Bird Avenue. This home is across the street and slightly south of Ms. Thornton’s home at 2233. This home is owned by a real estate investment company based in Texas, and has been since 2019. It was rented to Ms. Thornton and another person, with no disclosure to the landlord that the home would be used to house additional residents through Ms. Thornton’s business, etc. Based on the Sheriff’s investigation so far, this home was also being operated as a “Group Home” by Ms. Thornton through the ET Home Care, LLC entity. It is important to note that this home has not gone through any City approval process to be properly used as a “Group Home” and it is not properly licensed with the State at all. These appear to be clear violations of both local and state laws related to this use. This location is where the unfortunate murder occurred. The landlord has started eviction proceedings against Ms. Thornton on the basis of several violations of her lease for this location.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office continues to lead the investigation into the murder itself. The City has undertaken a code enforcement investigation to determine what, if any, local violations have occurred so they can be properly cited (particularly on 2226 Blue Bird). The City has had excellent communication with the Texas company that owns 2226 Blue Bird and is closely following the eviction process. The Bartow Chief of Police has been in touch with representatives of the Wind Meadows HOA to strengthen communication and a team approach to addressing safety concerns in the neighborhood. City staff and the police department will also cooperate as needed with any state-level investigations that might be occurring through AHCA or any other licensing organizations.
Citizens with other specific questions or concerns about the Adult Family Care Home should contact the AHCA. Additional information can be found on the AHCA website by following this link. Complaints or concerns can be directed to 888-419-3456.
For further information from the City of Bartow, please contact the following:
• Tray Towles, Director of Codes Compliance/Neighborhood Services – [email protected]
