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Haines City Officials Want to Clear Up City Limits Confusion Along Hwy. 27

Staff Reporter
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Haines City Officials Want to Clear Up City Limits Confusion Along Hwy. 27
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By Anita Todd

HAINES CITY – Haines City officials want folks to know when they are in the Heart of Florida – in fact, even more specifically, in the City Limits.

With all the growth, especially along U.S. Highway 27, there is some confusion about the actual location of many existing and newly constructed businesses. Since 2022, 58 new businesses have opened in the City Limits of Haines City – 29 of those are along Hwy. 27.

Polk State College? City Limits of Haines City. Advent Health Heart of Florida? City Limits of Haines City. Davenport Diner? City Limits of Haines City. Miller’s Ale House? City Limits of Haines City. Bojangles? City Limits of Haines City. Webb’s Candy Shop? City Limits of Haines City. The new Pizza Hut and Anytime Fitness located inside Forest Lake Plaza? City Limits of Haines City.

James Keene, Deputy City Manager, explained it easily, “Everything on Highway 27 from Balmoral Resort and the new Crossroads Village (on the corner of U.S. Hwy. 27 and State Road 17) to Posner Park (at U.S. Hwy. 27 and I-4) is either in the City Limits of Haines City or in Unincorporated Polk County,” Keene said.

“Except for the Race-Trac, the new Sherwin Williams, and the soon-to-be-built Home Depot on the corner of U.S. Highway 27 and County Road 547/Davenport Boulevard – everything else on Hwy. 27 is within the City Limits of Haines City or Unincorporated Polk County. Only those three businesses are in the city limits of Davenport.”

Many years ago, the U.S. Postal Service assigned Davenport mailing addresses to much of the unincorporated area along Hwy. 27. Back then, it was not an issue because most of the area was groves or unimproved land. However, now that there are homes, offices, restaurants and retail on these properties, it has gotten more complicated, and the U.S. Postal Service refuses to correct the addresses.

“It’s not your mailing address that counts, it’s where you physically live that matters with many important municipal services, such as what emergency service will respond when you need them, and where is my voting precinct” Keene said.

Back in 2004, the city began to annex businesses and property into the city limits, starting with Webb’s Candy, which at the time was listed as unincorporated Polk County, and continued North to the current city limits we know today.

Now, officials worry that they will contact the wrong entity for emergency services and go to the wrong location to vote.

“I understand it can be confusing, but this is an important topic that residents and business owners need to understand,” he said.

For clarification on your exact location, visit polkpa.org, find your property and open it, scroll down to “Taxing District”: You will be in one of three categories: (HAINES CITY /SWFWMD), (UNINCORP/SWFWMD), or (DAVENPORT/SWFWMD).

Calling All Creative Kiddos: The Lakeland Public Library’s Book Pumpkin Contest is Back!

Allison
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Calling All Creative Kiddos: The Lakeland Public Library’s Book Pumpkin Contest is Back!

Get ready to let your imagination shine in the Lakeland Public Library’s annual Book Pumpkin Contest! Open to participants age 17 and under, this fun, spooky, and literary-themed competition invites young artists to decorate plastic pumpkins inspired by their favorite books—no real pumpkins allowed.

Entries must be submitted to the Youth Services desk at the Main Library between October 1–24. Community members will then cast their votes for the most creative pumpkin from October 25–30, with winners announced on Halloween!

The library is located at 100 Lake Morton Dr in Lakeland

Remember to pick up your pumpkin by November 7 after the contest ends. Whether it’s a magical pumpkin modeled after Harry Potter or a silly one inspired by a picture book, the possibilities are endless!

So grab a plastic pumpkin, channel your inner artist, and bring your favorite story to life this October. We can’t wait to see your literary masterpieces!

Former Lakeland Cardiologist Tased and Baker Acted After Arrest at Bartow’s BayCare Hospital

Carl Fish
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Former Lakeland Cardiologist Tased and Baker Acted After Arrest at Bartow’s BayCare Hospital

Former Lakeland Cardiologist Tased and Baker Acted After Arrest at Bartow’s BayCare Hospital

BARTOW – A former Lakeland cardiologist was arrested on September 19 after an incident at BayCare’s Bartow Regional Medical Center escalated into a physical altercation with law enforcement.

According to an affidavit filed by the Bartow Police Department, officers were called to Bartow Regional Medical Center at 2200 Osprey Blvd. around 8:47 a.m. in reference to a trespassing complaint. Staff advised police that Dr. Rajesh Lall, 47, had been terminated from employment earlier this year and had been told not to return to the property. Employees reported that Dr. Lall had been sending text messages to a staff member and showed officers the messages.

When Dr. Lall arrived at the hospital, officers reported that he drove recklessly through the parking lot before exiting his vehicle and walking toward the facility. Officers informed him he was trespassing and gave him a written trespass warning, ordering him to leave. Dr. Lall allegedly refused, turned away, and attempted to get back into his vehicle.

As officers tried to take him into custody, Dr. Lall resisted and pulled away, pushing one officer into a car door, according to the affidavit. Police say he continued to resist while officers attempted to handcuff him. The struggle carried into the hospital lobby where additional officers intervened. At one point, officers say Dr. Lall pushed the hands of one officer behind his back while resisting arrest. Officers then deployed a taser to gain control.

Dr. Lall was eventually secured in handcuffs and medically cleared at Bartow Regional Medical Center before being transported to the Polk County Jail.

Court records show Dr. Lall was charged with three counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, three counts of resisting an officer with violence, one count of resisting without violence, and one count of trespass after warning. He was also formally trespassed from Bartow Regional Medical Center property. Dr. Lall was Baker Acted.

Dr. Lall is believed to have been affiliated with several local medical providers, including Bartow Regional Medical Center, Lakeland Regional Medical Center and Premier Heart and Vascular Center in Lakeland, specializing in cardiovascular disease. A graduate of medical school in 2002, he had more than 17 years of experience in cardiology prior to his termination.

Dr. Lall has bonded out of jail. The case remains pending in the Tenth Judicial Circuit Court of Polk County.

Main Street in Haines City To Be Closed October 1

Allison
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Main Street in Haines City To Be Closed October 1

Traffic Alert

There will be a complete closure of Main Street on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, beginning at 6:00 a.m.

The closure will affect the section of Main Street between 6th Street North and 7th Street North to accommodate HVAC maintenance work on the roof of City Hall, with a crane onsite.

A reference map showing all detour routes is provided below.

-City of Haines City – Government

Lane Closure on SR 33 (Lakeland Hills Boulevard) After Heavy Raines Cause Hole To Open In The Roadway

Carl Fish
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Lane Closure on SR 33 (Lakeland Hills Boulevard) After Heavy Raines Cause Hole To Open In The Roadway

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: 

Lane Closure on SR 33 (Lakeland Hills Boulevard) Underway 

BARTOW, Fla. – Crews have temporarily closed the southbound lane of SR 33 (Lakeland Hills Boulevard), just south of Swannanoa Street, to address a roadway hole caused by recent heavy rainfall. The damage occurred above an old drainage pipe, which is not part of the new drainage system being installed under the ongoing Lakeland Hills Boulevard improvement project. 

  • · Both northbound and southbound traffic is being managed by flaggers. 
  • · The southbound lane is expected to remain closed through this afternoon. 
  • · Drivers should proceed with caution, follow flagger instructions, and anticipate delays.

FHP: 24-Year-Old Motorcyclist Killed In South Florida Avenue Crash

Carl Fish
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FHP: 24-Year-Old Motorcyclist Killed In South Florida Avenue Crash

LAKELAND – A 24-year-old Lakeland man died Saturday after his motorcycle collided with an SUV on South Florida Avenue, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Sergeant Steve Gaskins, Public Affairs Officer for FHP, reported that a 71-year-old woman from Seffner was driving a Nissan Rogue southbound on South Florida Avenue. Just north of Shepherd Road, she attempted to turn left and entered the path of a Yamaha motorcycle traveling northbound. The motorcycle struck the passenger side of the SUV.

The motorcyclist was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.

Bradenton Man Arrested for Traveling to Polk to Engage in Sexual Activity With Minor

Allison
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Bradenton Man Arrested for Traveling to Polk to Engage in Sexual Activity With Minor

On September 24, 2025, PCSO detectives, with the assistance from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, arrested 25-year-old Jahaziel Mendez of Bradenton on charges related to unlawful sexual activity with a minor. 

The investigation began when a 15-year-old girl disclosed that she had engaged in sexual intercourse with Mendez, who she met through the social media app Tumblr. The suspect, known to her as “Jay,” traveled to pick her up from her residence and booked a hotel room in Davenport, where the sexual battery occurred. 

Surveillance footage from the Holiday Inn in Davenport confirmed Mendez checked in on September 20 and later entered the room with the victim. The victim stated that she and Mendez had FaceTimed prior to meeting and that they met on three separate occasions. She reported sneaking out of her home each time, a plan Mendez encouraged. Illegal sexual activity occurred during the second and third meetings, and after the third encounter, Mendez instructed her to take a Plan B pill.

During a phone call between the suspect and the victim, Mendez admitted to traveling to meet the minor for sex, described the experience as enjoyable, and made light of her age, joking that he might “end up in a documentary” but that he was not thinking of her age.

Mendez was charged with lewd battery (F2), traveling to meet a minor (F2), and interference with child custody (F3). He was booked into the Manatee County Jail on the Polk County warrant and is awaiting extradition into Polk County.

“This is a prime example of why parents need to be monitoring their kids online. Predators use social media to target vulnerable kids. Then they groom and convince them to sneak out of their homes, in order to sexually batter them. We will continue to pursue and arrest anyone who exploits children.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.

In Loving Memory of Betty (Thames) Murray of Haines City

Allison
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In Loving Memory of Betty (Thames) Murray of Haines City

Betty (Thames) Murray

November 17th, 1947 – September 22nd, 2025

Betty (Thames) Murray, 77, of Haines City, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on November 17, 1947, in Lumberton, North Carolina, to Eugene and Dolly (Edge) Thames, Betty lived a life rooted in faith, family, and love. She married Donald Layne, and together they raised two wonderful children who were her greatest joy.

Betty treasured simple moments—whether relaxing at the beach, enjoying family gatherings, or sharing movie nights with her grandchildren. She loved Jesus with her whole heart, and her faith was a guiding light for all who knew her.

She is survived by her children, Theron Layne (Kim Carter) and Kathy (Ryan) Herren; her siblings, Bobby Thames, Shirley (Danny) Wojciehowski, Danny Thames, and Dennis Thames; her cherished grandchildren, Matthew, Cory, Haley, Holly, and Hamilton; and her great-grandchildren, Cambron, Atlas, and Aspen. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Dolly, and her brothers, Alvin, Ronald, Wayne, and Kenny.

Visitation was held on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at Oak Ridge Funeral Home in Haines City, Florida. Betty was laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery at Central Church of Christ in Haines City.

Betty meant everything to her family. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and she is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. While our hearts grieve, we rejoice in knowing she is now in the arms of Jesus.

The family would also like to extend their deepest gratitude to Marivel Pabon, Betty’s devoted caretaker, whose kindness and faith truly reflected the hands and feet of Jesus.

In Loving Memory of Edith “Louise” Baker-Alborn of Haines City

Allison
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In Loving Memory of Edith “Louise” Baker-Alborn of Haines City

Edith “Louise” Baker-Alborn

June 14th, 1928 – September 18th, 2025

Edith “Louise” Baker-Alborn, 97, of Haines City, FL, passed away on September 18, 2025, at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center in Lakeland, FL.

She was born June 14, 1928, in Sayre, PA, to the late Harry Austin and Clarissa Edith (Hovey) Shafer. Affectionately known as “Weezie” to all her friends, Edith moved to Florida in 1989 from Waverly, NY. She served as the out-of-park activities director for Lake Region Village, was president of the social club, and was always ready to volunteer whenever there was a need. She was also widely recognized for her many years as a dedicated Avon representative. Louise loved to travel—there wasn’t a place she hadn’t been. Her smile was truly infectious, and she will forever be remembered as a kind and loving woman. She was of the Episcopal faith.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Clarissa Shafer; her first husband, Morris A. Baker; her second husband, Jack B. Alborn; her son, Richard Baker; and her siblings, Robert Shafer, Harry Shafer and Patricia “Patty” Shafer Steele. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her sons, Robert (Carole) Baker of Haines City, FL, and David (Deb) Baker of Easley, SC; her daughters, Susanne (Bill) Lantz of Athens, PA, and Lisa (Dale) Davidson of Morganton, WV; her brother, William (Judy) Shafer of Waverly, NY; eight grandchildren; and nineteen great-grandchildren.

A visitation was held on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Haines City, FL. Following services in Florida, her remains will return home to Waverly, NY, where she will be laid to rest at Glenwood Cemetery.

Fort Meade Gears Up for Festive “Merry Main Street” Celebration

Allison
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Fort Meade Gears Up for Festive “Merry Main Street” Celebration

Fort Meade is getting into the holiday spirit with its annual “Merry Main Street” celebration, happening Friday, December 5.

This festive event promises a night of live music, holiday shopping, delicious food, and family fun.

Hosted by Main Street Fort Meade, it’s the perfect way to kick off the season.

Full event details are coming soon, and vendor and sponsorship opportunities are currently available.

For more information, message the organizers directly or email [email protected].

Don’t miss this joyful evening that brings the community together to celebrate the magic of the holidays! Save the date now!

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