Fatal Crash Shuts Down Portion of SR-60 Near Kenansville Road in Osceola County
OSCEOLA COUNTY, FL (June 21, 2025) – A fatal crash occurred Saturday afternoon on State Road 60 in Osceola County, leading to a road closure and ongoing investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
According to early reports from FHP, the accident happened at approximately 3:54 p.m. about 1.5 miles west of Kenansville Road, near the Okeechobee County line. At least one fatality has been confirmed.
As of now, SR-60 is blocked in the area as authorities investigate the scene and work to clear the roadway. The Florida Highway Patrol has not yet released the identity of the victim or the circumstances leading up to the crash.
Motorists are urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes if traveling Eastbound towards Vero or Florida Turnpike on SR-60.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
HAINES CITY, FL (June 20, 2025) — A federal whistleblower lawsuit filed by a former Haines City employee has reportedly ended in a $550,000 settlement, according to the plaintiff’s legal team. However, city officials indicate that the commission has not yet voted to approve any such agreement.
The lawsuit was brought by Erica Anderson, a former city employee, who alleged she faced retaliation after raising concerns about internal misconduct. Filed under Florida’s Whistleblower Act, the lawsuit claimed that Anderson’s rights were violated after she reported wrongdoing within city operations.
Earlier this month, the case proceeded to trial in Tampa. Just two days in, Anderson’s attorneys, Chanfrau & Chanfrau, publicly announced that a settlement had been reached. In a statement posted online, they praised Anderson’s courage and said the case “was resolved for $550,000,” describing the outcome as a win for those who stand up to unethical treatment.
In a brief comment during proceedings, Anderson reportedly said, “One of the reasons I came forward was so that others do not have to endure what I did.”
In an article by Fox 13 Newsin Spring 2022, Anderson claims Huffman targeted her for misusing city credit cards, which she was cleared by the city of any wrongdoing. Despite being cleared, she was mocked and taunted by Huffman in public meetings.
Anderson filed a whistleblower complaint with the city in May 2022 and claims Huffman retaliated against her immediately afterward and harassed her for reporting the alleged misconduct.
Although Anderson’s legal team has stated the case has concluded, Daily Ridge News has confirmed through conversations with multiple city officials that the Haines City Commission has not yet formally voted on the reported settlement. Under Florida law, such votes regarding ongoing or recently resolved litigation typically occur in a closed-door “shade meeting,” which had not yet taken place as of publication.
While the lawsuit initially named several city officials, including then-Mayor and current City Commissioner Anne Huffman, the claims specifically involving Huffman were dismissed with prejudice by the court on April 24, 2025. This was a judicial ruling, not a negotiated agreement between the parties. The court independently determined that the claims against Huffman should not proceed and issued a final dismissal that bars those allegations from being refiled. While the judge did not make specific findings on the merits of the claims, the decision indicates the court found insufficient grounds for the case to continue as it related to Huffman. The legal result is that Huffman is no longer subject to any part of this litigation — a procedural outcome that clearly favored her.
However, it is important to note that while the court ruled Huffman could not be held individually liable under the legal standards required, the allegations concerning her conduct may still have been central to the broader claims made against the city. Her actions, as described in the lawsuit, could have played a role in the events that ultimately led to the reported settlement. The dismissal does not negate those claims — it only limits the legal liability assigned to her personally.
Florida’s Whistleblower Act is intended to protect government employees from retaliation when they report legal violations or serious mismanagement. Although many of the case details remain confidential, the filing and trial have raised questions about how internal issues are addressed within municipal government.
Our understanding the commission will be meeting on June 24, 2025 and a separate “Shade” meeting will take place.
It is only when you look back that you remember the fond memories you made during summer road trips, especially those spent with someone close, like your dad. As the years go by, those memories become something you hold on to. This summer, I had the opportunity to relive that experience with my father, Eric Jones, as we traveled to Boston, Massachusetts, Queens, and New York City. Along the way, we explored parts of America’s rich history and enjoyed its favorite pastime—baseball—by attending games at Fenway Park and Citi Field.
Red Socks
Our first stop on our amazing trip was Boston, Massachusetts. And when you talk about a city having character, Boston has it, as well as a rich history. It’s one of the first major cities in our country and one of the oldest, being established in 1630—that’s well over a hundred years before we became a nation. Boston is packed with historical significance and charm.
There is no shortage of things to do in Boston, as the city is filled with exciting activities and historic sites. Here are just a few of the things that my dad and I did. If you are looking for some good food in the Boston area, I have a few suggestions.
The first thing we did when we got to Boston was go to a restaurant called The Union Oyster House. It has some history itself—being one of the oldest restaurants in the country—and it was the first restaurant to use toothpicks. If you’re looking for some classic Boston food, The Union Oyster House has it, from oysters to clam chowder. I would highly suggest getting the clam chowder, as it is one of their best dishes.
For something more casual, I’d recommend Max and Leo’s Pizza, located just outside Fenway Park. It’s a great spot to grab a bite before a game. Speaking of Fenway, catching a Red Sox game there is an experience like no other—especially if you’re a baseball fan.
Boston also has some great spots for nightlife. Two bars I recommend are The Green Dragon Tavern, which gives you the feeling of stepping back into the Revolutionary era, and Hennessy’s, which features fantastic live music and friendly service.
Boston
If you are looking for history in Boston, you should check out the Freedom Trail. The Freedom Trail is a guided tour that takes you around downtown Boston and shows you where important events happened during the start of our country. The trail is a 2.5-mile walking path that takes you to 16 different historical sites from the American Revolution.
Something that made it interesting for me and my dad was that we were standing at the site of the Boston Massacre on the 250th anniversary of our nation’s army. If you are looking to become more informed on how we started as a nation, I would highly suggest going on the Freedom Trail as it goes deeply into detail about our humble beginnings as a nation.
View of City
If you’re more into big city life, then Queens and New York City are the places to be. These areas have it all—sports, bars, restaurants, entertainment—you name it. There’s always something happening, and it’s impossible to see it all in just one visit.
The first stop my dad and I made was Queens, New York, where we visited Citi Field to watch the Mets play. What I really appreciate about Citi Field is how accessible it is. Unlike Fenway Park, where parking can be a challenge and public transit is usually the best option, Citi Field offers plenty of parking. The stadium itself is one of the nicer parks in Major League Baseball. It’s modern, easy to navigate, and filled with great amenities that enhance the fan experience.
Citi Field
After the game, we drove into New York City and made our way to the 9/11 Museum. Visiting the museum is something I believe everyone should do at least once in their life. It’s a powerful and emotional experience that helps you truly understand the magnitude of the tragedy and the lives that were changed forever.
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Walking through the exhibits, I felt the weight of that day and gained a deeper appreciation for the resilience of the people affected. When it came time to eat, we stopped at Jackson Hole, a great spot known for its wide variety of burgers. It’s a convenient and satisfying choice, especially with its close proximity to some of the city’s top attractions.
Jackson Hole BurgerEmpire State Building
After our meal, we ended our visit just a few blocks away at one of New York’s most iconic landmarks—the Empire State Building. Standing at the top and looking out over the city was the perfect way to end our time in the Big Apple.
New York City
This summer, I encourage everyone to get out and explore the incredible places our country has to offer. Whether it’s the historic charm of Boston or the fast-paced excitement of New York City, you’ll make memories that last a lifetime—especially when you’re sharing the journey with someone like your dad.
Haines City, FL – In the early morning hours of Wednesday, June 12, 2025, at approximately 1:53 a.m., officers with the Haines City Police Department were dispatched to the area in response to a report of shots fired involving a group of males.
While checking the area, officers came upon an unrelated situation involving Haines City Commissioner Kim Downing and her husband, who were found actively arguing in the front yard of a residence.
Upon making contact, officers separated the two individuals. Downing’s husband alleged that she had kicked him during an earlier argument in the home and took his cellphone. Darrick Downing uttered to a Haines City officer “they holding me down brother, they trying to fight me and everything damn thing”. “They” that Mr. Downing was referring to is the Downing’s juvenile son and the commissioner allegedly. He would go on to alleged he was awoken to “swinging on me”. Later he would allege to a person at the scene that “but then she sweet talked all the police to get them to go, but there’s only one right here”.
The officer, a corporal, on scene could be heard calling off other officers and saying “go ahead and clear it’s a commissioner” on the body cam.
Mr. Downing advised the officer he didn’t want EMS called, because he would press charges on both of them. He did utter that he had knots on his head. Although he walked away from the officer before his head was checked.
Commissioner Downing denied any physical violence, stating that while she did take her husband’s phone, there was no physical altercation. She told officers she took the phone after seeing messages from another woman and wanting to check them.
Downing’s husband was cooperative but declined to pursue any criminal complaint. No arrests were made, and the situation was documented by law enforcement as a domestic incident with no charges filed.
We have uploaded the majority of the Haines City Body Cam Video
Last month, 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.
James Coulter In Cozumel, Mexico
Day 7: Cozumel (Thur. May 8, 2025)
Our last port of call was Cozumel, Mexico. A lively port town where tourists hurry here and there to shop, dine, and, in my case, venture off onto a shore excursion.
My shore excursion was the Aqua Trio: Snorkel, Shark, Stingray, and BBQ. My sister and I boarded the catamaran and we ventured to a coal reef at a nearby nature sanctuary. I went snorkeling. She stayed on board.
James Coulter Swimming with Sting Rays
I brought along my underwater camera to take underwater pictures. The overall experience was fine. However, my mask would not seal because of my facial hair. And I forgot to apply Vaseline. The coral was not as colorful as I anticipated it would be, but I saw plenty of fish up close.
We then went to a beach to swim with sting rays and sharks. I had the opportunity to feed, touch, and even hold a stingray. During the feeding, several rays swam up really close begging for food. They acted almost like underwater dogs and cats.
We then swam in an enclosed area to see sharks. I saw one. It stayed at the bottom of the pool.
James Coulter in Cozumel at Three Amigos
Afterward, we were served street tacos: grilled chicken on corn tortillas and served with guacamole and nacho chips. They were all right for what they were.
The downside was that I forgot to apply sunscreen to my back and shoulders. So, my back became burnt really bad. So, I stayed in my cabin for the rest of the afternoon.
I didn’t even want to go to dinner. I was so sunburnt and not in the mood. I went out later to have some buffalo wings. They were decent, even though they cost extra.
WINGS
Then I went to a comedy show. The comedian performing that evening was Happy Cole. Interestingly enough, he lives in Tampa. So, he’s a Florida native. His performance was really animated. He also spoke to the frustrations I had with the cruise: how much the first few days suck, how difficult and cumbersome getting on the ship is, especially with all of the children who cannot shut up.
Carnival Jubilee
Day 8: The Last Day on the Cruise (Fri. May 9, 2025)
This was our last day on the ship. The bad news is that I was unable to get on the roller coaster. The good news is that I had sushi with my nephew. We went to Bonsai Sushi. I had miso soup with a Band Bang Bonsai Roll: salmon, cucumber, spicy tobiko, crab, shrimp, and wasabi mustard. I also had a bowl of ramen soup with mushrooms and an egg. Again, nothing compares to Sabu Ramen at the Joinery in Lakeland. That will always be my gold standard for ramen.
Sushi
I went to another singles mixer. I originally did not want to go, but Joey encouraged me to give it a try. Good thing I did. Because this mixer turned out better than the first. I managed to talk to three people. It was a friendly chat with two women and a guy. We talked about our trip and the movies that we watched. The one lady I talked with said she was initially shy about the experience, so it’s nice to know my being shy and introverted wasn’t just a me problem.
Frog Legs for Dinner
My family and I went to dinner at the Pacific Restaurant. I ordered frog legs. I normally would not have ordered them, but this meal offered me an opportunity to try something I otherwise would not have. At the risk of sounding cliché, they tasted like chicken. I also ate some enchiladas in sauce and chocolate melting cake. I had ordered baked Alaska, but somehow the order got mixed. No problem. The chocolate was good anyway.
So, that was my trip. Was it worth the price of admission? Personally? Not really. There were some fun moments here and there. And I had the opportunity to see more of the world than I had previously seen. But a lot of the trip didn’t really live up to expectations. Being crammed on a boat with a ton of strangers and being cramped inside narrow hallways and elevators proved to be especially overstimulating for me.
Would I recommend it? If you love cruises, you’d probably love the Jubilee. It’s a really big ship with plenty to do on it. Would I do another weeklong cruise? No! Trust me. Going on vacation for a whole week sounds dreamy, but the reality is that there are many days when you find yourself wondering what to do with your free time, especially when you’re stuck on a ship for days on end. A four or even five-day cruise will suffice.
Personally? While the trip wasn’t half bad—well, let’s just say I’m not looking forward to another cruise anytime soon. Give me five years and I may consider going on another. For now, let me enjoy dry land.
Rev up your engines! A new high-speed attraction is coming to the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.
Piston Peak National Park is the new Cars-themed land that will allow guests to venture off on a high-octane, off-road trek through the rugged wilderness of Frontierland.
Plans are underway to bring this new themed land and attraction to life. Here are a few facts that we know so far:
#1: Goodbye Rivers of America
Piston Peak National Park will be built in Frontierland in the space currently occupied by Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island. As such, both attractions are expected to close around July 7 to facilitate construction.
However, as shown in a detailed map recently unveiled by Disney Imagineers, some portions of the river and the Frontierland boardwalk alongside it are expected to remain intact, and new features such as waterfalls and geysers are expected to be added.
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#2: Continuing Frontierland’s Legacy
While replacing attractions like Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, which have existed within the park since its opening, the new themed area is expected to continue Frontierland’s “sweeping storytelling tradition.”
As Disney Parks Blog reported: “At the heart of all these stories are heroic characters with a belief in themselves that helped forge a path to their dreams. To continue this journey in great American storytelling, Piston Peak National Park will be part of the largest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom.”
#3: Inspired by America’s National Parks
Piston Peak National Park is named after a similar location within the Cars franchise (specifically, Planes: Fire & Rescue).
The landscape of the area will be designed after Rocky Mountain National Park, which Disney Imagineers have reportedly visited for inspiration.
#4: Parkitecture
The buildings constructed for the area will be designed to blend in with the natural setting of Frontierland using an architectural style called “Parkitecture.”
As Disney Parks Blog reported: “To make sure these buildings fit naturally within the surrounding majestic landscapes, Imagineers are using a style of architecture called ‘Parkitecture,’ which was developed by the National Park Service to create structures that harmonize with the natural environment.”
#5: Out of Sight and Ear Reach
Even though the new high-speed attraction will be built in the heart of Frontierland, sightlines and noise buffers have been taken into consideration so that guests won’t see or hear it unless they’re actually riding it.
As reported by WDW News Today, landscaping such as rock formations and waterfalls will block the sight of the attraction from the rest of Frontierland.
Likewise, noise-buffering techniques such as “rail pitch for the ride path, landscape buffers, [and] adjusting audio mixes” will be employed so that the noise of the attraction cannot be heard from anywhere else in the park.
#6: New Ride Vehicles
To emulate the off-road experience of all-terrain vehicles, Disney Imagineers have worked closely with a motocross company to design a track to design and test new ride vehicles for the attraction, as explained by Michael Hundgen, an Imagineer who discussed the attraction during a Disney panel at SXSW.
“Our primary goal is creating an emotional experience for our guests,” Hundgen was quoted on the Disney Parks Blog. “For this Cars attraction, we need to invent a new type of ride vehicle. No one builds these in a factory because it has to do so much more than just carrying you from one place to another. We have to create a car that conveys a feeling when you ride in it.”
#7: Part of a Bigger Expansion
The new Cars-themed land and attraction are only a smaller part of a bigger expansion planned for the Magic Kingdom Park.
As revealed at last year’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, another expansion is planned behind Big Thunder Mountain with the construction of a Villains-themed land.
The Facilities Management Division will soon be receiving a new roadway maintenance facility now that Polk County Commissioners have approved an agreement for architectural & engineering services.
At their recent meeting on Tues. June 17, The Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted unanimously to approve an agreement for architectural & engineering services to be provided by The Lunz Group, LLC.
These services will be for the design of a new roadway maintenance facility to be utilized by the Facilities Management Division. This new facility will include “administrative offices, equipment storage buildings, and work bays for the Fleet Division to expand their ability to service county vehicles.”
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The new facility will replace the current maintenance facility, located at 900 NE 5th Street, Mulberry, FL. The old facility is being replaced to facilitate expansion “as a result of population growth and associated roadway maintenance needs.”
“The relocation of the Mulberry facility was included in a feasibility study performed by CMHM Architects, which was completed in August of 2024,” wrote Tabatha Shirah, Procurement Analyst, in the agenda item memo.
“This study identified the County owned property located at 3000 Sheffield Road, Winter Haven as a suitable location due to its central location which aligns with future maintenance service areas,” she continued.
Per the agreement, The Lunz Group, LLC will provide architectural and engineering services. These services are expected to be completed within 686 days.
County commissioners motioned, seconded, and voted unanimously to approve the agreement.
Polk County commissioners have voiced their intent to help provide medical services to uninsured residents now that they have approved compensating six area hospitals through the adoption of an Assessment Resolution.
At a recent meeting on Tues. June 17, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt an Assessment Resolution setting the rate of collection and approval of the Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll for the 2025 Local Provider Participation Fund special assessment.
This special assessment will allow the county government “to provide matching funds on behalf of qualifying health care service providers,” wrote Joy Johnson, Administrator, Health and Human Services, in the agenda item memo.
“The County will invoice each of the six Hospitals for their mandatory payment amount, due upon receipt of invoice,” Johnson wrote. “Assessment funds collected by the County from the Hospitals will be submitted to AHCA through intergovernmental transfer upon the agency’s request.”
This special assessment will be imposed upon the following six area hospitals located in Polk County:
Winter Haven Hospital
Bartow Regional Medical Center
Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center
Lake Wales Hospital
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Lakeland
Lakeland Regional Health
“These hospitals provide medical care annually to indigent and uninsured residents and those who qualify for Medicaid,” wrote Johnson. “On average, Medicaid covers only 60% of the costs of the health care services actually provided by area hospitals.”
Once the Assessment Resolution is adopted by the Board, as Johnson wrote: “The State of Florida, through its Agency for Health Care Administration, will send Polk County a Letter of Agreement memorializing the County’s intent to participate in the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Hospital directed payment program in 2025 to offset the Hospitals’ uncompensated Medicaid costs.”
County commissioners motioned, seconded, and voted unanimously to approve the Special Assessment Resolution.
A tragic crash in Lakeland claimed the life of a local motorcyclist Wednesday evening.
According to the Lakeland Police Department, the crash occurred around 7:04 p.m. near the 2000 block of North Crystal Lake Drive. A black Ducati motorcycle, driven by 26-year-old Blake Odom of Lakeland, was heading eastbound on North Crystal Lake Drive when a black Chevrolet Equinox entered the roadway from Honeytree Drive.
The Chevrolet, operated by 32-year-old Mia Smith of Brooksville, had been stopped at a stop sign facing south on Honeytree Drive. As the vehicle began to cross North Crystal Lake Drive, the motorcycle struck the front passenger side of the Chevrolet. Odom attempted to brake but was unable to avoid the collision.
First responders from the Lakeland Police Department, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department arrived quickly and attempted life-saving measures. Odom was transported by ambulance to Lakeland Regional Health, but despite the efforts of medical staff, he was pronounced deceased.
The occupants of the Chevrolet were not injured in the crash.
Members of the Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The roadway remained closed for approximately three hours while investigators processed the scene.
The investigation remains open and active. Anyone with additional information about the crash is encouraged to contact Officer Travis Payne at [email protected].
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) will soon have a new joint warehouse and facility to store evidence, emergency supplies, and offices now that Polk County Commissioners have approved an agreement for architectural & engineering services with an architectural firm.
At their regular meeting on Tues, June 17, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) approved an agreement with The Lunz Group, LLC to provide for the design, permitting, bidding, and construction administration of a new facility and warehouse for the PCSO.
The proposed project will include the following three components:
An 80,000-square-foot warehouse for property and evidence storage that includes 15,000 square feet of office space for the Sheriff’s Office.
A 10,000-square-foot emergency supply storage to support shelters or any other storm-related need
A 10,000 square foot for the Facilities Management administration office.
“The new warehouse will allow the Sheriff’s Office to combine its three existing storage locations into one central location in Bartow, Florida,” wrote Tabatha Shirah, Procurement Analyst, in the agenda item memo.
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“Centralizing the storage operations of the Sheriff’s Office will provide for a more secure location while increasing the efficiency of tracking all items that are stored at the warehouse,” she continued.
The project will also include offices for Polk County Facilities Management “to replace 3 existing buildings which have reached the end of their useful life” and a warehouse to provide storage for emergency supplies “that might be needed during the declaration of an emergency.”
Per the agreement, The Lunz Group will provide design, permitting, bidding, and construction administration services, all of which are expected to be completed within 450 days.
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County commissioners motioned, seconded, and voted unanimously to approve the agreement.
