The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a string of retail thefts that occurred at the same Publix store in Lakeland between April 1, 2025 and November 5, 2025.
The suspect, pictured here, stole approximately 278 items in fifty different incidents.
If you recognize this suspect, please contact Detective Blackman at (863) 292-3325 or email [email protected].
If you wish to remain anonymous AND be eligible for a reward, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:
Detectives locate over 300 files depicting child sexual abuse and a video depicting bestiality with a dog in the home.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit arrested two roommates, 25-year-old Jefferey Johnston and 24-year-old Ryan Braley, after an extensive investigation regarding the possession and distribution of child pornography taking place inside the home.
Click here for Sheriff Judd’s comments on the investigation and arrests.
The investigation began after the receipt of a cybertip indicating several files were uploaded and being shared by a user at an address on Castlemain Circle in Davenport.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for the Google account belonging to Johnston, and located over 300 files containing images and videos of male and female children between the ages of 12 months old to 12 years old being sexually abused. Detectives also located a video depicting an adult male sexually abusing a brown brindle colored medium-sized dog, by a male subject who was positively identified as Braley.
On February 10, 2026, detectives responded to the home and interviewed Johnston, who confessed to owning the Google account, possessing all of the child pornography, and that Braley sent him the video of Braley sexually abusing the dog in the home. The dog belongs to other residents who live there, and he was taken to a local veterinarian for a medical examination.
Johnston has been charged with 51 counts possession of child pornography, enhanced (F2), and possession of pornographic video depicting sexual activity involving animals (F3).
Braley has been charged with animal cruelty (M1), engaging in sexual contact with animal (F3) and filming sexual contact with animal (F3).
Johnny Bernard Neal, Jr. is honored for his lasting impact as an educator, mentor, and band director whose dedication shaped generations of students in Winter Haven. Mr. Neal served as band director at Jewett High School from 1953 to 1968 and continued his work as a music educator and band director following the integration of Polk County Public Schools, later serving at what is now known as Jewett Academy.
Born and raised in Tampa, Mr. Neal retired from the U.S. Army before pursuing higher education at Bethune-Cookman College, where he majored in music and performed as a member of the Marching Wildcats. He dedicated more than 35 years to educating and mentoring students in Polk County Public Schools, retiring in 1988 after a distinguished career. Known for his exceptional musical talent and unique style, Mr. Neal led the Jewett High School band to statewide recognition for excellence and showmanship. He was also a member of the Bandmasters Association of Florida.
Beyond the classroom, Mr. Neal was deeply committed to his students’ futures. He touched countless lives throughout the Florence Villa, Pughsville, and Winter Haven communities—often going above and beyond to help students pursue higher education, ensuring no one was left behind.
Mr. Neal shared his lifelong commitment to education with his wife, Olga (Olgita) Williams Neal, who was also a dedicated educator in Polk County Public Schools. Mrs. Neal taught Spanish for more than 30 years at Denison Junior High School and was remembered for her sparkling personality and the many lives she touched in and beyond the classroom.
Mr. Neal passed away on May 13, 1999, in Winter Haven. Together, the Neals’ commitment to education and service left a lasting imprint on the community, and their legacy continues to live on through the many lives they inspired.
Welcome, World Travelers! New Fast and Furious Coaster Coming to Universal Studios Florida
by James Coulter
Get ready to go on a fast and furious ride on a new roller coaster based on the Fast and Furious movies!
Universal Orlando Resort (UO) recently announced Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, a high-octane roller coaster coming to Universal Studios Florida in 2027.
“Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will put guests in the driver’sseat of the high-speed thrills of Universal Pictures’ Fast & Furious universe like never before,” a press release stated.
“Riders will experience the exhilarating sensation of 360-degree drifting as they speed through jaw-dropping maneuvers – including a 170-foot vertical “spike” that will send riders nearly 17 stories in the air over the outskirts of Universal CityWalk,” it continued.
The new attraction will be similar to the roller coaster of the same name set to open on the West Coast at Universal Studios Hollywood later this year.
The ride will be constructed on the former location of the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster, which closed on Aug. 12, 2025, after nearly 16 years in operation.
Also closing to make way for the new attraction will be Fast & Furious: Supercharged, which first opened at the park in 2018, and will be set to close after nine years in operation.
Based on a similar segment of the Universal Hollywood Tram Tour, the screen-based attraction allowed guests to experience a ride based on the first Fast and Furious film.
The new attraction is being built following a surge of guests to Universal Orlando resorts following the opening of Epic Universe, a 750-acre park with five themed lands, including Super Nintendo World.
Since opening in May 2025, the new park has drawn in 15,000 to 20,000 visitors during its initial summer, setting it on pace for roughly 5.8 to 7.3 million annual visitors.
Welcome, World Travelers! New Fast and Furious Coaster Coming to Universal Studios Florida
by James Coulter
Get ready to go on a fast and furious ride on a new roller coaster based on the Fast and Furious movies!
Universal Orlando Resort (UO) recently announced Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, a high-octane roller coaster coming to Universal Studios Florida in 2027.
“Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will put guests in the driver’sseat of the high-speed thrills of Universal Pictures’ Fast & Furious universe like never before,” a press release stated.
“Riders will experience the exhilarating sensation of 360-degree drifting as they speed through jaw-dropping maneuvers – including a 170-foot vertical “spike” that will send riders nearly 17 stories in the air over the outskirts of Universal CityWalk,” it continued.
The new attraction will be similar to the roller coaster of the same name set to open on the West Coast at Universal Studios Hollywood later this year.
The ride will be constructed on the former location of the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster, which closed on Aug. 12, 2025, after nearly 16 years in operation.
Also closing to make way for the new attraction will be Fast & Furious: Supercharged, which first opened at the park in 2018, and will be set to close after nine years in operation.
Based on a similar segment of the Universal Hollywood Tram Tour, the screen-based attraction allowed guests to experience a ride based on the first Fast and Furious film.
The new attraction is being built following a surge of guests to Universal Orlando resorts following the opening of Epic Universe, a 750-acre park with five themed lands, including Super Nintendo World.
Since opening in May 2025, the new park has drawn in 15,000 to 20,000 visitors during its initial summer, setting it on pace for roughly 5.8 to 7.3 million annual visitors.
36 Years of Healing Hands: How Massage and Spinal Therapy of Winter Haven Became a Pillar of the Community
Written by Zee Zamora
In a world where healthcare can feel rushed and impersonal, there’s a place in Winter Haven that has stayed true to real, hands-on care for more than three decades. Massage and Spinal Therapy of Winter Haven has been serving our community since 1990, and I’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference they make in people’s lives.
Angie: The Heart and Builder of the Business
Massage and Spinal Therapy of Winter Haven exists because of one person’s drive and passion: Angie. She is the one who built this business from the ground up and has dedicated her life to helping people through injury, pain, and stress. It’s basically a family operation, but Angie is the engine behind it all.
She’s always studying, learning more about the body, and sharpening her skills so she can better serve her clients. Her commitment isn’t just professional; it’s personal. When you’re on her table, you can tell she truly cares about your health and your future.
Mike’s Role: Serving the Community in Uniform
Angie’s husband, Mike, doesn’t run the business, but he plays a big part in serving our community in his own way. He works full time for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and does a fantastic job there. Over the years he has worked in the Ag department, as a detective, and in many other roles within the sheriff’s office.
So while Angie is healing people inside her clinic, Mike is out serving and protecting the community. Together, they represent two powerful sides of what makes Winter Haven special: care, service, and dedication.
More Than Just a Massage
This is not just a “spa day” type of place. Angie and her team offer real, results-focused care for people dealing with pain, injuries, and long-term physical issues, as well as those who just want to relax and reset.
From therapeutic and medical massage to more advanced work focused on the neck, back, and spine, she’s built a place where you can go for genuine personal health care. Whether your issue comes from work, sports, an accident, or just life catching up with you, this is the kind of place you want on your side.
My Story: Why I Trust Angie
I’m not just writing this as a business owner from Winter Haven — I’m writing this as a patient whose life was changed here.
Several years ago, I suffered a serious neck injury. My C4 to C6 area was in rough shape, and the doctors wanted to perform surgery. I respectfully declined, because something in me wasn’t ready to go under the knife. That’s when Angie stepped in.
She took over my care and started treating me with her techniques and experience. Little by little, she got me to a point where I could live my life again. Today, my neck is still holding up, and this was at least five-plus years ago. I went from facing surgery to being functional and active again, and I credit that to Angie and the work she does.
When I say this is the first place I recommend, it’s because I’ve lived it.
A True Blessing to Winter Haven
Angie built this business with her own hands, her own heart, and her own determination. Mike serves the community every day through his work with the sheriff’s office. Together, they are a blessing to Winter Haven in two different but powerful ways.
If you’re dealing with any kind of injury, chronic pain, or you just want to relax and enjoy a professional, high-quality massage, I strongly encourage you to visit Massage and Spinal Therapy of Winter Haven. From my own experience, this is the place you should go first.
546 Avenue A NE, Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone (863) 294-2000
www.massageandspinaltherapy.com
This article is sponsored by Accounting & Tax Edge locally owned by Christina Hansen CPA
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition, mainly affecting the face, that causes redness, swelling, pain and changes in appearance. It is estimated that more than 16 million people in the United States have rosacea, according to the National Rosacea Society (NRS), but only about 1 million are under active treatment.
Physical impacts include prominent redness, acne-like bumps and pimples, highly visible enlarged blood vessels, pronounced dryness and unpleasant sensations like stinging, burning, itching and tingling. As many as half of sufferers also experience eye symptoms. Rosacea also affects emotional and social well-being. From lower confidence and self-esteem to avoidance of public contact and social engagements and missed work, the impacts are far-reaching. However, rosacea can be treated and managed.
What causes rosacea?
The exact cause of rosacea is not fully understood.
However, research suggests facial redness is often the first step in a chain of skin inflammation. This process may begin when the nerves, blood vessels and immune system don’t work together as they should.
Researchers have also found a microscopic skin mite called Demodex may play a role. These tiny arachnids normally live within hair follicles and oil glands on everyone’s skin, but people with rosacea tend to have higher numbers on the face, which may contribute to irritation and inflammation.
Some studies have found links between rosacea and other health conditions, such as heart disease, digestive disorders, neurological or autoimmune conditions and certain cancers. These findings suggest rosacea may be related to inflammation throughout the body.
What are the most common symptoms?
The most common symptoms of rosacea include:
Easy or severe blushing or flushing
Persistent redness
Bumps and pimples on the skin without blackheads
Burning or itching sensation
Swelling
Symptoms are different for each person and can change over time. There may be times when symptoms are worse and instances when they become milder.
What triggers a flare up?
Rosacea patients can improve their chances of maintaining remission by identifying and avoiding lifestyle and environmental factors that trigger flare-ups or aggravate the condition.
Common triggers include sun exposure, stress, extreme temperatures, heavy exercise, alcohol consumption, spicy foods and some skin, hair and makeup products.
What causes a flare-up in one person may have no effect on another, making this a highly individualized process. Knowing what triggers your flare-ups can help reduce discomfort, improve treatment results and prevent the condition from getting worse.
How do you treat rosacea?
Because the signs and symptoms of rosacea vary trom one patient to another, treatment is tailored by a physician for each individual case. It typically involves three key elements:
Skin care: Committing to a gentle routine using mild, non-irritating products.
Litestyle management: Identitying and reducing exposure to triggers.
Medication and other therapies: Combining topical and oral treatments along with laser therapy to target various symptoms.
Talk with your dermatologist about your treatment routine today.
Polk County Parks and Recreation is inviting families and friends to celebrate the season of love with a free Pal-entine’s Day Party.
The family-friendly event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, at the Eloise Resource Center, located at 710 Snively Ave. in Eloise.
Attendees can expect an evening filled with music, dancing, crafts, themed activities and light refreshments, making it a fun night out for all ages. The event is designed to celebrate friendships and community in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
Those interested in attending or looking for additional details can contact Polk County Parks and Recreation at (863) 298-4485.
Polk County Parks and Rec encourages the community to come out and enjoy an evening of fun, connection and Pal-entine’s Day spirit.
Valparisa J. Baker is recognized for her contributions to strengthening the Winter Haven community through service and leadership.
Valparisa Jacob Baker
Valparisa J. Baker, a native Floridian and retired administrator, has dedicated her life to advancing equity, education, and service.
Her professional and personal journey reflects a deep commitment to leadership, faith, and creating inclusive environments where individuals can grow and thrive.
Ms. Baker earned an Associate’s degree from Polk State College, a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida, and a master’s degree in Higher Education from National-Louis University.
Her educational path laid the foundation for a lifelong career centered on advocacy, mentorship, and leadership.
Ms. Baker began her employment with Polk State College in 1988, where she held multiple positions of advancement over more than three decades. Prior to retiring, she served as the College’s Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) and Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (OEDI). In this role, she worked tirelessly to ensure employees and students received guidance, support, and equitable access to services. Her advocacy extended beyond administration, as she developed and led two professional development leadership programs—Exceptional Leaders with Innovation Talents and Excellence (ELITE) and the Emerging Leaders Professional Series (ELPS)—which helped participants strengthen leadership skills and advance professionally.
Faith and service are central to Ms. Baker’s life. She serves as an active First Lady of The New Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, where she supports the ministry of her husband, Rev. Derrick L. Baker, and holds several leadership and advisory roles. She is also deeply engaged in civic life throughout Winter Haven, serving on boards and committees that focus on community development, cultural history, and initiatives that honor heritage and unity.
Ms. Baker’s leadership and service have been recognized by numerous organizations throughout the region, including honors received during Black History Month, Juneteenth commemorations, and civic leadership programs. She is also a graduate of several leadership initiatives, including Leadership Winter Haven and Leadership Polk, reflecting her continued commitment to growth and service.
She and her husband of 38 years have two adult children and three grandchildren. Guided by her belief that “people will never forget how you made them feel,” Valparisa J. Baker continues to lead with humility, faith, and purpose—leaving a lasting impact on education, equity, and the Winter Haven community.
Neurodivergent Diversions: Entrapta: Smart with Robots, Not with People
by James Coulter
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power will be leaving Netflix on Feb. 21, 2026. Since its 2018 debut, the animated show has been praised for its diverse representation with characters of different skin colors, body shapes and sizes, and especially sexual orientations and gender identities.
However, while the cartoon has been celebrated for its colorful cast of characters across the LGBTQ spectrum, it’s also been lauded for having a character on the spectrum—the Autism Spectrum, that is!
An Autistic Princess
Entrapta is the eccentric princess of Dryl, one of the many kingdoms in the magical realm of Etheria. A technical super genius, she uses her skills to build robots and weapons that help the Rebellion fight the evil forces of The Horde.
She’s also an autistic‑coded character, meaning she displays Autistic traits and behavior even though she’s never explicitly stated to have Autism. In a 2020 tweet, series creator ND Stevenson confirmed this fact: “Yes, we wrote her that way. One of our crewmembers was on the spectrum and related to her specifically, and had a huge part in shaping her story and character!”
Entrapta’s hyperfixation on machines often leads her to spend hours working alone in her lab, away from other people. And when she does interact with others, her lack of interpersonal skills often results in her speaking in a direct, matter-of-fact tone, disregarding personal space, and frequently makinginappropriate comments and questions.
She’s smart about machines, but not so much other people, and this gap between her technical and social skills often causes tension with others.
Good with Tech…
(DISCLAIMER: The following contains SPOILERS for She-Ra and the Princesses of Power.)
During a rescue mission with the Rebellion, Entrapta was accidentally left behind and captured by the Horde. Its leader, Hordak, impressed by her abilities, invites her to design machines for him. Entrapta, thrilled by the chance to experiment with new technology, accepts. When her friends discover she’s alive and attempt to bring her home, she refuses, choosing to stay with the Horde because it allows her to pursue her love of technology.
Later in the series, Entrapta rejoins the Rebellion, but her friends understandably struggle to trust her. In one episode, they confront her for seeming indifferent to their feelings and for how her impulsive, reckless behavior puts others at risk.
“You don’t consider how your actions affect other people,” Perfuma scolds, “even people who are supposed to be your friends.”
“Like us,” Frosta adds, “the ones who were getting beat up by your dumb bots, and whose kingdoms you almost destroyed.”
Saddened by the realization of the harm her actions have caused, Entrapta tearfully responds: “I’m not good at people, but I am good at tech. I thought, maybe, if I could use tech to help you, you’d like me, but I messed that up, too.”
…Not Good with People
People with Autism (like Entrapta) are often accused of lacking empathy. But they do have empathy. They simply experience and express it differently than people without Autism. They struggle with social cues, communication, and theory of mind, which can make it harder for them to interpret others’ emotions or predict their thoughts. These challenges can be mistaken for a lack of empathy, even though the underlying feelings are very much present.
As a person with Autism, I’ve unintentionally hurt others many times through my words or actions. It usually wasn’t because I meant to be rude or mean, but because I wasn’t thinking about what I was saying or doing. My Autism simply made it harderfor me to realize how what I said or did came across to the people around me.
Of course, none of this is an excuse. People with Autism are still responsible for how they treat others and should acknowledge when they’ve made a mistake. At the same time, others can be more patient and recognize that these missteps are often unintentional, rooted in misunderstanding rather than malice.
Entrapta’s friends assumed she betrayed them. But the reason she sided with the Horde wasn’t that she agreed with its cause or hated her friends, but because she loves creating machines, and the Horde gave her the freedom and resources to explore that passion more fully. She simply didn’t realize the harm her machines caused other people and their kingdoms. In the end, she apologized and pledged to do better.
