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City of Winter Haven Amends Budget for Construction, Renovation, and Fire Alarms

Staff Reporter
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City of Winter Haven Amends Budget for Construction, Renovation, and Fire Alarms

City of Winter Haven Amends Budget for Construction, Renovation, and Fire Alarms

by James Coulter

Expanded rail infrastructure, city hall annex renovations, and a new fire alarm system for the police department–these are some of the projects that will be funded with amendments to the budget for the City of Winter Haven.

At their regular meeting on Mon. Feb. 23, Winter Haven city commissioners voted unanimously to approve the first reading of an ordinance authorizing amendments to the city’s budget.

The budget amendments will “allocate revenues and fully fund related expenditures” for “planned projects and an emergency purchase,” wrote CJ Scott, Chief Financial Officer.

The three items to be funded through these budget amendments are as follows:

 

Rail Spur Construction

The City is seeking to enhance access to its 1,000-acre industrial park near the Link: CSX Intermodal Facility.

The proposed rail spur project will install 1.25 miles of track running from the CSX Southern Wye track to a planned 41-acre Chick-fil-A food-grade, cold storage facility.

The Rail Spur Construction project has a total estimated cost of $3,300,202 and will be funded from a Job Growth Grant from the State’s Department of Commerce in the amount of $1,500,000, a transfer from the General Fund in the amount of $100,000.

Construction costs in excess of the City’s $100,000 contribution and the State’s grant of $1,500,000 are the collective responsibility of Tratt and Supply Properties II, LLC (CFA) per the Cooperation agreement.

 

City Hall Annex

The City Hall Annex building (formerly Old Fire Station Number 1) will be undergoing necessary renovations.

These renovations have a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $4,021,235.

The budget includes “$2,000,000 for this project requiring an amendment from Fund Balance in the amount of $2,021,235,” the city agenda stated.

 

Fire Alarm System

The Winter Haven Police Department will require a new fire alarm system, as its old system “is at the end of its serviceable life,” the city agenda stated.

 As such, the police department has issued an Emergency Purchase Justification for $57,872.47, with the expenditure expected to be funded from “anticipated excess General Fund revenue,” the agenda continued.

$420K Grant Agreement Approved for Winter Haven Regional Airport Construction Project

Staff Reporter
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$420K Grant Agreement Approved for Winter Haven Regional Airport Construction Project

$420K Grant Agreement Approved for Winter Haven Regional Airport Construction Project
by James Coulter
 
A new 38,000 square-foot facility is closer to being built at the Winter Haven Regional Airport now that the City of Winter Haven has approved a grant agreement.
 
At their regular meeting on Mon. Feb. 9, Winter Haven city commissioners voted unanimously to approve a Public Transportation Grant Agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
 
The grant agreement will help with the design and construction of the Airport Commerce Park Phase 1 project at the Winter Haven Regional Airport.
 
At an estimated cost of $840,000, the project will construct a 38,000 square-foot facility on approximately 4.9 acres of land leased to Blue Line Aviation.


 
The proposed facility will include two 12,000 square-foot aircraft hangars, classrooms for aviation education, and administrative offices to support school operations.
 
The grant covers the cost of constructing the entry road to the leasehold, the aircraft parking apron, and a taxi lane to provide access from the leasehold to the airfield. The building itself is being developed by Blue Line Aviation on land leased from the City airport.
 
These infrastructure improvements, as part of the original lease agreement approved on Sep. 12, 2023, will include “designing, permitting, and constructing the entry road to the leasehold, the aircraft parking apron, and a taxi lane to provide access from the leasehold to the airfield,” wrote Troy Heidel, Airport Director.
 
The grant agreement will provide up to 50 percent funding totaling $420,000 for the project, with the remaining half to be matched by the City.
 
“At the beginning of the current year, FDOT determined that the original design-build grant needed to be restructured into separate design-only and construction-only agreements,” Heidel wrote.
 
“This determination required the closeout of the original grant and the development of this new FDOT grant agreement to fund the construction portion of the Airport Commerce Park Phase 1 infrastructure improvement,” he continued.
 
Winter Haven Regional Airport is in the middle of a comprehensive 24‑month Master Plan update, designed to guide development and operations for the next 20 years.
 
The city is actively encouraging residents and airport users to participate in the planning process. Follow updates and submit input at: winterhaven-mp.com.

Temporary Road Closure Approved for Annual Winter Haven Police Department 5K

Staff Reporter
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Temporary Road Closure Approved for Annual Winter Haven Police Department 5K

Temporary Road Closure Approved for Annual Winter Haven Police Department 5K
by James Coulter
 
Winter Haven residents traveling through the Downtown area, specifically around Lake Silver, are advised to take a detour on Mar. 14—unless they’re jogging with running shoes!
 
At their regular meeting on Mon. Feb. 23, Winter Haven city commissioners voted unanimously to approve their consent agenda, which included a temporary road closure request for an upcoming event.
 
On Mar. 14, 2026, the city’s police department is hosting its annual 5K for Special Olympics Florida.
 
The start and finish line for the big race will be set at Virginia Miller Park at 325 Avenue A NW.


 
The race will have participants heading north along the park’s trail until S. Lake Silver Drive, then continuing along 1st Street NE to Avenue M NW.
 
Racers will then race around the TECO building and follow the trail south until they return to Virginia Miller Park.
 
To facilitate the race, a temporary road closure request is required by the Florida Department of Transportation.
 
The proper forms have been filled out and submitted with a map and documentation of the City Commission action approving the requested Closure.
 
“This is a routine request associated within normal operations of the City,” wrote Julie Adams, Parks, Recreation & Culture Director.
 
“Staff recommends City Commission authorize staff to take all necessary action to apply for and submit a Road Closure Permit Application for the Annual Winter Haven Police Department 5k,” she continued.
 
The Winter Haven Police Department 5K, organized by the Winter Haven Police Department, is a charitable running event benefiting Special Olympics Florida, a 501 c3 non-profit serving athletes with intellectual disabilities.
 
The annual 5K is coordinated through a long-running partnership with Law Enforcement Torch Run, which, according to its website, “is the largest public awareness vehicle and grass-roots fundraiser for Special Olympics.”
 
This year’s event will be hosted on Sat. Mar. 14, 2026, with the race starting at 8 AM. The event is rain or shine with no refunds.
 
Packets, which include a Special Olympics Torch Run t-shirt, will be distributed at the Winter Haven Library on Fri. Mar. 2026 from 4 PM to 6 PM, and on the day of the race, starting at 6:30 AM.
 
To register for the event, or to learn more, visit their website at: www.active.com/winter-haven-fl/running/distance-running-races/whpd-5k-for-special-olympics-florida-2026

Photo source WHPD’s events for Special Olympics Florida

A Parent’s Guide to Navigating Picky Eating with Confidence

Allison
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A Parent’s Guide to Navigating Picky Eating with Confidence

For families with young children, mealtimes can often feel like negotiations or even battles. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Picky eating is one of the most universal challenges families face.

With the right strategies, parents can reduce stress, build healthier habits and help children become more confident, curious eaters. Dr. Lauren Loquasto, senior vice president and chief academic officer at The Goddard School, and registered dietitian Ali Bandier, founder of Senta Health and member of the Expert Council at Little Spoon, share these insights and guidance to help parents navigate picky eating.

Why Young Children are Picky Eaters

Picky eating isn’t just common; it’s an expected part of early childhood development. In fact, it would be more surprising if children didn’t experience a picky eating phase.

Picky eating is a natural expression of independence. As children enter toddlerhood, they discover they can assert control, and food becomes a typical place to do it. They can’t decide whether to go to school or take a bath, but they can decide whether to take a bite of broccoli.

Avoid the Power Struggle

The key for parents: stay calm, consistent and neutral. Pressuring children only makes picky eating worse.

Telling your child they must try one bite, celebrating excessively when they do eat a vegetable or resorting to negotiation (“three more bites then dessert”) can actually reduce their desire to eat. It also creates a dynamic that only reinforces the power struggle.

Instead, recognize the division of responsibility when it comes to eating. Parents decide what food is served, when it’s served and where meals happen. Children decide whether to eat and how much to eat. As a parent, you can’t force your child to eat; recognizing this is critical to reducing the mealtime tug-of-war and creating a calmer, more predictable environment for the entire family.

Exposure, Not Pressure

Young children often need repeated, low-pressure exposure to a new food before trying it. Offering broccoli once likely isn’t enough. It’s important to offer it repeatedly, without commentary, bribing or coaxing.

Trying new foods is more than just ingesting them. Touching and smelling are steps toward tasting and acceptance. Involving children in food preparation – washing vegetables, stirring batter, mixing ingredients – lets them gain familiarity without the pressure of having to eat. Inclusion in this process increases curiosity and that curiosity is often followed by a willingness, or even desire, to try the food.

It’s also important for parents to model desired eating habits. If you want your child to try salmon but you’re eating pizza, they’re unlikely to want to eat the salmon. Daily family mealtimes – often dinner in busy households – where you’re modeling manners and eating the food you want your child to eat is key.

The Importance of Routines

For young children, routines provide structure, predictability and comfort. A consistent meal and snack schedule helps children learn what to expect and can reduce not only their anxiety around mealtimes, but parental anxiety, too.

Notably, there is no right or wrong schedule; every family needs to figure out what works best for their circumstances. What matters is setting a schedule and maintaining consistency. For example, if you provide a snack between breakfast and lunch, do it every day, not just a few days a week. This helps children know what to expect and feel comfortable.

Schedules also help parents resist “secondhand cooking.” When a child refuses the meal offered, parents often scramble to make alternatives, but this teaches the child if they hold out long enough, a preferred food will arrive. Instead, calmly remind your child when the next snack or meal will be:

“OK, you don’t want to have the yogurt and fruit. That’s fine, but I’m not going to make something else. Snack time is in two hours.” This builds trust and reduces anxiety for everyone.

With patience, low-pressure exposure and consistent routines, most picky eaters gradually broaden their palates and mealtimes become more enjoyable for the whole family.

In Loving Memory of Michael Goodwin of Lake Hamilton

Staff Reporter
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In Loving Memory of Michael Goodwin of Lake Hamilton

Michael Goodwin

December 29th, 1946 – March 2nd, 2026

Michael Lynn Goodwin, 79, of Lake Hamilton, FL, passed away peacefully at Good Shepherd Hospice on March 2, 2026.   

Mike was born in Concordia, Kansas, on December 29, 1946, to Lynn Eugene Goodwin and Marilyn (Campbell) Goodwin. He graduated from Concordia High School in 1965. Then, he attended Kansas University on an art scholarship. In 1966, Mike enlisted in the Air Force and was later stationed at Fair Child Air Force base in Spokane, Washington, where he served as an Air Policeman. Returning to his artistic roots, he cross-trained into Civil Engineering where he became a base sign painter. In 1968-69, he was stationed in Vietnam. Upon returning to the US, Mike attended Salina Area Vocational School where he took commercial art courses to further his artistic skills.   

Leaving chilly Kansas, Mike ventured southeast to sunny Florida in 1971. In 1973, Mike found work at Disney World, working as a pastel portrait artist in Magic Kingdom, where he met Sheba. After they married, they returned to Kansas for a short period continuing work as a pastel portrait artist. Mike and Sheba returned to Florida in 1979, where they built their life and legacy. Mike devoted himself to the electrical field for 29 years.

Dedicating his life to the Lord, Mike was a faithful member of Ridge Community Church of God. He faithfully served the church in many areas. Mike spent lots of time reading and studying God’s word and loved sharing the message of Jesus with others.   

Mike is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sheba; children, Christopher Lynn Goodwin(Danielle), Casey Gerald Goodwin (Melinda), and Ami Johnson Brewer (Anthony); grandchildren, Christina, Caleb, Sarah, Dalayna, Carissa, Jacob, Brianna, Xander, Hannah, Addison; brothers, John(Rita), Larry(Linda), and Jerry(Susan); and a host of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his granddaughter, Chloe Elizabeth Goodwin.   

We take comfort in knowing that he is in the presence of the Lord, and we will see him again! 


A memorial service will be held Tuesday March 10, 2026, at 11:00 am at Ridge Community Church of God.

623 Dundee Rd, Dundee, FL 33838

In Loving Memory of Bryson Chance Love

Staff Reporter
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In Loving Memory of Bryson Chance Love

Bryson Chance Love

December 28th, 2002 – March 4th, 2026

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Bryson Chance Love, who left this world on March 4, 2026, at the young age of 23.   

Bryson was born on December 28, 2002, in Winter Haven, Florida, and throughout his life, he brought joy and excitement to those around him.  

Bryson is survived by his loving mother, Heather Shearer; his father, Brandon Love; his step-father, Joshua Slagel; step-mother, Holly Strickland and his siblings, Drake Slagel and Emma Slagel.  He also leaves behind cherished memories with his grandmothers, Wilma Shearer and Karen Love; his great-grandmothers, Johnnie Rasnake and Joyce Fuchs; his great-grandfather, Borden Love; great grandparents Bob and Julie Fuchs; step-grandfather, Charles Freeman; as well as his step-grandparents, Donna and Steve Slagel.   

Bryson was preceded in death by several beloved family members, including his grandfather Maurice Love; great-grandmother Barbara Love; great-grandfathers Ray Rasnake and Stan Smith; as well as his great great-grandparents Madie Ruth and John Wilkerson.   

Bryson pursued a career as a Tower Technician for Polk Telecommunications, where he was known for his profound work ethic and dedication to his family’s business.  Beyond his professional pursuits, Bryson had a passion for going fast, enjoying the thrill of boats, mini sprint cars, as well as riding motorcycles. His love for adventure resonated with all who knew him.  

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by funeral services at 11:00AM at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, 2425 Havendale Blvd NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881.  These gatherings will provide an opportunity for friends and loved ones to share their memories and celebrate Bryson’s remarkable legacy.    

Bryson Chance Love will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, and his legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of his family and friends.  In this time of mourning, we extend our heartfelt condolences to all who were touched by his life.

7 Rivers Water Festival Returning to Winter Haven May 2

Staff Reporter
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7 Rivers Water Festival Returning to Winter Haven May 2

The annual 7 Rivers Water Festival will return to Winter Haven on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

Now celebrating more than a decade of promoting the protection of water resources in the Polk County region, the free community event is being held for the 11th consecutive year.

The festival is presented by the City of Winter Haven, Polk County Utilities, and the City of Lakeland.

This year’s event will feature a cardboard boat race, where participants design and race boats made entirely from cardboard, along with a performance from the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team. To register for the cardboard boat race, visit https://ow.ly/eycE50Yp5bk.

The festival aims to celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of protecting the region’s waterways while providing family-friendly activities for the community.

Participation in the cardboard boat race is open to the public, and attendees can also follow event updates on the festival’s official event page: https://ow.ly/kCjW50Yp5bi.

Flyer courtesy of City of Winter Haven

Lakeland Substitute Teacher Arrested for Lewd and Lascivious Conduct

Allison
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Lakeland Substitute Teacher Arrested for Lewd and Lascivious Conduct

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 32-year-old Emmanuel Sanchez of Lakeland after multiple students at two Polk County middle schools reported inappropriate conduct by him while he was working as a substitute teacher.

Sanchez was employed as a temporary substitute through Kelly Services. On February 25, 2026, a 13-year-old student at Kathleen Middle School reported to staff that the substitute teacher—who identified himself as “Mr. Jeremiah”— sat down next to her with his thigh touching hers. He then took his hand and rubbed it up her thigh while telling her she was beautiful, had nice eyes, and that he liked her body. Detectives interviewed seven additional students who were in the classroom at the time, and their statements supported the victim’s account. The substitute was later identified as Sanchez.

During the ongoing investigation, on March 3, 2026, detectives received two additional disclosures from Lake Gibson Middle School involving two 12 year old male students. The students reported inappropriate touching and inappropriate comments by Sanchez. Two other students told detectives they observed Sanchez being visibly erect around other students in the classroom.

On March 6, detectives made contact with Sanchez at his Lakeland residence. He described the middle school girl in detail and confirmed the incidents in her report did occur but denied touching her. He also confirmed that he prefers to be called “Jeremiah,” the name he used in the classroom. He denied the incidents with the boys.

Sanchez was arrested and charged with Lewd and Lascivious Conduct on a Minor (F2). The investigation remains active. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

“This is highly inappropriate and disgusting behavior by a substitute teacher. He was clearly using his position as a teacher to prey upon this student. We are reviewing other interactions he has had with other students. We encourage other students to come forward if they have been inappropriately approached by or touched by this man. We want to make sure he is held accountable and that he does not have this kind of access to other children.” —Grady Judd, Sheriff

According to Polk County Public Schools, Sanchez will no longer serve as a substitute or in any capacity in PCPS schools.

“This is disgusting behavior. We expect substitute teachers and all individuals who work with students to protect them and act appropriately. We will always cooperate with law enforcement to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students and keep individuals like this out of our schools. Thank you to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.” – Superintendent Fred Heid 

Deadly Four-Vehicle Crash in Northern Polk County Leaves Three Dead Sunday Night

Allison
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Deadly Four-Vehicle Crash in Northern Polk County Leaves Three Dead Sunday Night

Three people were killed Sunday evening, March 8, 2026 in a four-vehicle crash north of Polk City.

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched at around 8:26 pm, to the crash scene in the 15000 block of Commonwealth Avenue (State Road 33), about six miles north of Polk City.

Upon arrival of first responders, two motorcyclists were found deceased. Two occupants of a red 2013 Dodge Charger were transported to the hospital; the driver of that vehicle succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. One other driver involved was not injured in the crash, and remained at the scene for the investigation.

According to the PCSO’s Traffic Homicide detectives, the motorcycles (a black 2022 Harley Davidson and a red & black 2017 Harley Davidson) were being operated by a male adult and a female adult (names aren’t being released at this time until next of kin notification can be made), both from Florida’s Sun Coast area. The motorcycles were traveling side-by-side in the southbound lanes of Commonwealth Avenue.

The other vehicles involved were traveling north on Commonwealth Avenue, in a line of traffic.

According to witnesses, the Dodge Charger began an attempt to pass three vehicles in front of it, by moving into the southbound lane. As the Dodge got next to the vehicle at the front of the line, the Dodge hit the two southbound motorcyclists head-on.

A white 2011 Jeep Compass that was one of the northbound vehicles being passed was hit by the male motorcyclist who had been ejected from his bike. The driver of the Jeep was not injured. 

The deceased driver of the Dodge Charger was identified as 75-year old Richard Lee Logan of Clermont. His passenger was 75-year old Janice M. Logan. She reportedly suffered only minor injuries. 

Due to the scale of the crash scene and debris, Commonwealth Avenue was closed for approximately four-and-a-half hours.

No charges are anticipated, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Seminoles Defend Their Turf Against Northern Kentucky 

Ethan Jones
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Seminoles Defend Their Turf Against Northern Kentucky 

The No. 20 ranked Florida State Seminoles baseball team continued their strong start to the season, improving to 11–2 overall while remaining unbeaten at home after defeating the Northern Kentucky Norse. Florida State’s success this season has been fueled by a high-powered offense that ranks among the top 15 nationally, according to Baseball America. The Seminoles have remained consistent at the plate, posting a .295 batting average, a .441 slugging percentage, and a 48-run differential through their first 12 games.

Several players have led the offensive surge for Florida State this season. First baseman Myles Bailey has been one of the team’s most reliable hitters with a .378 batting average, while infielder Noah Sheffield entered the game with 15 RBIs. Outfielder Chase Williams has also been a key contributor, adding speed on the basepaths with five stolen bases.

Florida State ended their long nine game home stretch by facing the 7–4 Northern Kentucky Norse before preparing for a matchup with the No. 9 ranked Florida Gators in Gainesville. Wes Mendes got the start on the mound to kick off the series against Northern Kentucky. Mendes, who entered the game with a 3–0 record and a 0.55 ERA, was matched up against Northern Kentucky pitcher Logan Wilson, who held a 0–0 record and a 3.48 ERA.

As the game began, it was a strong outing in the top of the first inning for Florida State. Wes Mendes delivered an impressive performance on the mound, striking out the side and sending all three batters back to the dugout. In the bottom half of the inning, Noah Sheffield opened the scoring with a 388-foot home run to left field, putting the Seminoles up 1–0. Sheffield continued his momentum after recording his first collegiate home run earlier in the week.

The Seminoles added to their lead in the second inning when Will Bavaro doubled, bringing Kelvyn Paulino Jr. home to make it 2–0. Northern Kentucky responded in the third inning, capitalizing on a throwing error to first base that allowed Alex Brazer and Landon Spring Meyer to score and tie the game at 2–2.

Florida State quickly answered in the bottom half of the third inning as Sheffield delivered again, recording an RBI that brought Chase Williams home and gave the Seminoles a 3–2 lead. The Seminoles extended their advantage in the fourth inning when John Stuetzer drove in a run, pushing the lead to 4–2. Mendes continued to dominate on the mound before being pulled in the sixth inning after recording a career high 12 strikeouts. Chris Knier came in out of the bullpen to replace him.

Northern Kentucky cut into the lead in the sixth inning when Marcus Harrison recorded an RBI, scoring Mark Nowak and making it 4–3. However, Florida State responded quickly as Will Bavaro blasted a 347-foot home run, extending the Seminoles’ lead to 5–3.

The Seminoles added insurance in the seventh inning when Kelvyn Paulino Jr. singled through the left side, bringing Carter McCulley home and extending the lead to 6–3. Myles Bailey later capped off the scoring for the night as he grounded out to second base, allowing John Stuetzer to cross the plate for another run.

To close out the game for the Seminoles, pitcher Chris Knier secured the final outs and helped seal the 7–3 win, moving Florida State to 11–2 overall on the season. By the numbers, the Seminoles recorded 10 hits while allowing only one hit from Northern Kentucky. Each team committed one error. Florida State left 10 runners on base, while Northern Kentucky left only three. In terms of pitching decisions, Wes Mendes recorded the win, Logan Wilson was charged with the loss, and Chris Knier received the save.

After the game, members of the media were allowed to ask Florida State’s coach and players questions regarding the matchup. When asked about Wes Mendes’ performance despite an early error in the game, head coach Link Jarrett shared his thoughts.

“I thought it was the best display of stuff I’ve seen from him. We’ve seen flashes here and there, and I’ve probably seen that stuff throughout his time here. I don’t know if I’ve seen it put together in one outing where all of it was on display at an extremely high level.”

Following the interview with Jarrett, I had the opportunity to ask one of the top performers of the game, Wes Mendes, how he felt after recording a career high 12 strikeouts. This was his response.

“Yeah, you know it feels great. We got the win, and yeah it feels good to get out there whenever I can and set the tone for the team and set the tone for the weekend.”

The road ahead for the Seminoles will only get tougher. Florida State will travel to Gainesville on Tuesday to face their archrival, the No. 9 ranked Florida Gators. After that matchup, the Seminoles will open conference play against the No. 15 Wake Forest Demon Deacons.

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