The City of Winter Haven is inviting residents to attend a special milestone event as officials break ground on the new Fire Station 5.
The groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Lake Hartridge Nature Park, 1775 Havendale Blvd NW. Community members are encouraged to come out and celebrate the beginning of this important project that will strengthen public safety services in the area.
Fire Station 5 represents a continued investment in the city’s growing infrastructure and its commitment to protecting residents and businesses throughout the community. The ceremony will provide an opportunity to gather with city leaders, firefighters, and neighbors as the project officially gets underway.
City officials say they look forward to seeing everyone there as Winter Haven takes this exciting next step forward.
On February 9, 2026, James (Andy) Andrew Santilli Sr, 71. was reunited with his parents, Donato & Lorraine Santilli; biological father, Louis Capizzi; brother, John Patrick Santilli; great grandson, Braylon Patterson, great grandson, JR and his grandparents.
Andy passed peacefully while be surrounded by his children James A. Santilli Jr. & wife Shalina Santilli, son Johnathan C. Santilli. He is survived by his son and daughter in law, James & Shalina Santilli; and son, Jonathan C. Santilli; sister, Tamala & husband Mark Couture; his grandchildren, Ivy & husband Cody Patterson, Gabrielle Santilli, Eric & wife Ari Le Cory, Isaiah Santilli, AM3 Dylan Santilli, Jay Santilli, Hailey Santilli, and Skylar Santilli; his great grandsons, Veron Patterson, Harland Patterson and Juhla Le Cory; great granddaughter, Catherine Le Cory; niece, Lyn & husband John Thomas, and Hope & husband Peter Santilli; nephews, Michael & wife Vie Hall, Robert Hall, Tysen & wife Brittany Couture and Nicholas Santilli; great nieces, Mia and Marisa; great nephews, Kyle, Christian Hall, Dean and Layne.
Andy was simple man. He loved fishing, camping, motorcycles, drag races, and classic cars. He also loved anything outdoors. He always seemed to know a little about everything. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him. Services will be held in at a later date
Notice is hereby given that Lake Wales Storage intends to sell the property described below to enforce a lien under the Florida Self Storage Facility Act, Statutes (section 83.80-83.809). The owner will sell at public auction on or after March 11,2026 at 10:00 am at storageauctions.com
Units belonging to the following:
Janice Leise/ Unit 234
This sale will be continued on such succeeding sale days thereafter as may be necessary to be completed. Unless otherwise noted units contain household items.
Live music is heating up across Winter Haven over the next week, with local venues offering everything from acoustic sets to high-energy festival vibes. Here’s a look at who’s playing and where you can catch them:
Local favorite Joey Foley is also hitting the stage this weekend:
Saturday, Feb. 21: Tipsey Hen with David Brown, 7–10 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 22: Ole Red (Trio), 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Want Your Music Featured?
Are you a musician with upcoming shows in Winter Haven? Winter Haven Daily wants to help spread the word. Email your schedule to [email protected] and put LIVE MUSIC in the subject line to be featured in an upcoming roundup.
Whether you’re into acoustic evenings, waterfront performances, or lively festival crowds, Winter Haven’s music scene has something for everyone this week.
A four-vehicle crash involving two Polk County residents caused significant traffic disruptions Wednesday evening along Interstate 4 in Hillsborough County.
The crash occurred around 7:00 p.m. on February 18, 2026, just west of mile marker 21 near the exit to Alexander Street.
According to reports, a Chevy Silverado driven by a 30-year-old Lakeland man was traveling eastbound in the outside lane. A Jeep Wrangler operated by a 34-year-old Plant City man was in the exit-only lane for Alexander Street. A Dodge Charger driven by a 26-year-old Tampa man was also traveling east in the outside lane. An Amazon tractor-trailer operated by a 44-year-old Kissimmee man was traveling eastbound in the outside lane.
Near the Alexander Street exit, the Silverado changed lanes and collided with the Jeep. The impact redirected the Silverado into the Dodge Charger, while the Jeep collided with the Amazon tractor-trailer.
Although none of the drivers reported injuries, the crash led to extended lane closures after the tractor-trailer suffered a significant fuel leak. Crews remained on scene for an extended period to contain the spill and clear the roadway, causing major delays for eastbound motorists Wednesday night.
Get ready to power up! The Winter Haven Public Library is inviting the community to a fun-filled Game Zone event on Friday, February 27, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
This exciting afternoon is all about bringing friends and family together through interactive play, friendly competition, and immersive gaming experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just looking to try something new, there’s something for everyone.
Participants can step into new worlds using virtual reality goggles, test their skills on a high-speed racing simulator, and challenge others in popular favorites like Mario Kart and more. It’s the perfect opportunity to level up your gaming skills while connecting with others in a welcoming, energetic environment.
Best of all, the event is open to all ages and abilities, making it a great after-school activity for kids, teens, adults, and families alike.
Stop by, grab a controller, and enjoy an afternoon of play at your local library!
HOMELAND, Fla. — Get ready for an afternoon of live Southern rock, family-friendly activities, and old-fashioned outdoor fun at Pickin’ in the Park on Saturday, Feb. 21.
The free event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Homeland Heritage Park, located at 249 Church Ave., Homeland.
Guests can enjoy live music throughout the afternoon while exploring a variety of food trucks and local vendors. Families are invited to take part in yard and lawn games, and visitors will also have the opportunity to experience guided tours of the park’s historic buildings.
Organizers encourage attendees to bring lawn chairs or blankets to relax and enjoy the music in the park’s scenic setting.
For more information about the event, call 863-534-6911.
At around 9 pm on Wednesday, February 18th, PCSO deputies were dispatched to a residence near Lyle Parkway in Bartow after a battery was reported.
Deputies arrived and learned that the suspect, 41-year old Melissa Rae-Ann Crockett had fled from the scene on foot.
The deputies were determined to find Crockett as soon as possible given her three prior convictions for aggravated battery with a weapon for which she spent a year in state prison.
Crockett was found hiding behind a residence in the nearby neighborhood of Magnolia Walk, but she took off running before deputies could get to her.
K9 Kane then caught up to Crockett and she grabbed our adorable pooch, but not to cuddle with him. Deputies apprehended Crockett and she was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Melissa Rae-Ann Crockett was booked-in at the Sheriff’s Processing Center and charged with: Resisting an Officer with Violence (F3), Battery with Prior Convictions (F3), Touch/Strike a Police Dog (M1), and Resisting without Violence (M1).
Davenport residents are invited to witness an exciting night of hoops, hometown pride, and friendly rivalry as the Davenport Police Department hosts the highly anticipated Battle of the Badges basketball showdown.
The action takes place Friday, March 6 at 6 p.m. at the Tom Fellows Community Center, located at 207 North Blvd W in Davenport.
This isn’t just a game — it’s Fire vs. Police in a high-energy matchup that brings together two of the city’s public safety teams for an evening filled with competition and community spirit. Both sides will hit the court battling for bragging rights, all while strengthening the bond they share with the community they serve.
Expect fast breaks, big plays, and plenty of crowd excitement as friends, families, and neighbors cheer on their favorite team. Whether you’re backing Fire or Police, there’s no doubt the atmosphere will be electric.
The event is free and open to the public, making it the perfect family-friendly night out. Bring the kids, invite your friends, and pick a side as Davenport’s finest face off in a game you won’t want to miss.
Flyer courtesy of Davenport, Florida Police Department
Have you ever sat through a city commission meeting and thought, I could do that?
Or maybe you have watched decisions being made in your community and wondered what it would actually take to step into public service yourself.
The reality is most people who care about their community never run for office. Not because they do not want to serve, but because they do not feel prepared.
No training.
No roadmap.
No real understanding of how the system works.
That is exactly where Polk Vision’s Public Service Leadership Course comes in.
With a February 27 deadline approaching, Polk Vision is seeking applicants for two of its signature leadership initiatives, including a free five day Public Service Leadership Course designed for individuals interested in civic engagement, government service, or possibly running for office.
This is not a lecture series. It is an inside look at how leadership in Polk County actually works.
Participants spend five class days in different municipalities across the county, gaining firsthand exposure to the size, diversity, and complexity of Polk. The focus is on helping participants discover where they can make the greatest impact, whether that means serving on a board, leading a nonprofit, or one day putting their name on a ballot.
Guiding the course is former United States Congressman Dennis A. Ross.
Ross represented Florida in Congress and previously served in the Florida House of Representatives. Today, he serves as Director of the American Center for Public Leadership at Southeastern University, where he focuses on leadership development and ethics in public service.
Participants are not simply hearing theory. They are learning from someone who has navigated state government, federal government, and now higher education leadership. That perspective brings practical insight into what public service actually demands.
And in a county like Polk, leadership matters.
Polk County continues to experience significant growth. With that growth comes pressure on infrastructure, housing, water systems, schools, transportation, economic development, and public safety.
The decisions shaping the future of this region are made locally. They are made in city halls, commission chambers, and board rooms throughout the county.
Programs like this are designed to ensure the people making those decisions are informed, prepared, and grounded in service.
In addition to the Public Service Leadership Course, Polk Vision also offers Leadership Polk, a ten month program that brings together established leaders from across industries to explore regional challenges and strengthen collaboration countywide.
But for the person sitting at home wondering if they could make a difference, the Public Service Leadership Course may be the first step.
The course meets March 24, April 1, April 7, April 14, and April 23, 2026.
It is free.
Applications close February 27.
If you have ever considered serving but felt unsure where to begin, this may be the opportunity to find that starting point.
Apply here:
Polk County’s future will be shaped by those willing to step forward.
