Lake Wales, Fla. — Four people were killed and several others injured following a devastating multi vehicle crash on Highway 60 east of Lake Wales on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Grady Judd said the crash occurred shortly after 4 p.m. during a period of heavy traffic when vehicles were traveling both eastbound and westbound along the highway.
“For reasons unknown at this early stage of the investigation, one vehicle crossed over the median into the path of other vehicles,” Judd said during an on scene press conference. “When that occurred, there was a horrible crash.”
A total of eleven people were involved in the collision, which included five vehicles. Four of the eleven occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. All four fatalities were occupants of the same vehicle, Judd said.
Two additional individuals were airlifted to local trauma centers, while the remaining injured victims were transported by ground ambulance to area hospitals. The extent of their injuries was not immediately released.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office homicide unit responded to the scene and will remain throughout the evening as the investigation continues. Judd emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages and that the cause of the crash has not yet been determined.
Highway 60 east of Lake Wales was completely shut down for several hours as investigators processed the scene and cleared the roadway. Motorists were urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
“Our hearts break for all of those involved,” Judd said. “We ask for prayers for the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this tragic event.”
No additional details were released Tuesday evening. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Richard Layne Myers, 78, of Lakeland, Florida passed away at Lakeland Regional Medical Center on January 25, 2026 after a brief illness.
He was born on July 29,1947 in Alliance, Ohio to Richard F. Myers and Lois Everett Myers. He was born into a Beloit, Ohio farming family and was involved in all phases of farming from an early age. He was a 1965 Graduate of Alliance High School, an Air Force Veteran, and a graduate of Ohio State University with a B.S. Degree in Food Technology. He worked in the Food Processing Industry for many years at LaChoy Food Products and Miller Brewing Company. He was a Licensed Auctioneer and Real Estate Broker. He and his wife, Lenny, spent 23 years in the Transportation Industry specializing in transporting high security Hazardous Materials throughout the United States. Richard loved living in Florida. He enjoyed lakefront living and watching the local wildlife in the retirement home that he designed. He was an avid reader with many areas of interest. He had a wonderful, humorous personality and was known by many schoolmates as the “Class Clown”. Richard was an accomplished carpenter and was very mechanically oriented, thus he could could build or repair anything. His vast knowledge and willingness to help others won him the respect of coworkers and neighbors alike. His computer expertise was self-taught and earned him the title of “Techy” by friends and family.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lenny Ann Vaughters Myers of Lakeland, Florida; Mother in-law Ruth Vaughters of Winter Haven, Florida; sister, Candiss Fites; niece, Valerie Sturgeon (Eric); and nephew, Caleb Sturgeon, all of Beloit, Ohio.
He was preceded in death by his parents and father in-law Wells Vaughters.
There will be no formal services as per Richard’s request
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned pursuant to the fictitious name statutes 865.09 Florida statues will register with the division of corporations of the state of Florida upon receipt of proof of publication of this notice the fictitious name to The Vintage Gathering Company under which we are or intend to do business as in Polk County Florida that parties interested in said business enterprises are as follows Names or officers Laura Oak and Arne Oak.
$1 Million Agreement for Roosevelt Drive Street Improvements Approved by Winter Haven by James Coulter
Roosevelt Drive in Winter Haven will soon undergo street enhancements now that city commissioners have approved an agreement of more than $1 million.
At their recent meeting on Mon. Jan. 26, the Winter Haven City Commission voted unanimously to approve a Local Agency Program (LAP) Agreement for street enhancements along Roosevelt Drive.
The agreement involves a $1,211,102 grant awarded from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for enhancements along Roosevelt Drive from SR 540/Cypress Gardens Boulevardto Register Road.
The project would make the following significant upgrades:
Extend the roadway to connect with Register Road, improving connectivity
Addition of pedestrian facilities in areas where none currently exist
Improved drainage with a new curb, gutter, and rain gardens to manage stormwater
Resurface the roadway to enhance drivability
The City had previously approved the agreement through a resolution on July 28, 2025. However, an error was identified in the work program “that did not accurately reflect the full construction funding amount associated with this project,” wrote Brittany Hart, Public Works Director.
“FDOT has since revised the Work Program and corresponding Local Agency Program (LAP) Agreement to reflect the corrected construction funding total of $1,211,102. As a result of this revision, the LAP Agreement must be re-approved by the City Commission via resolution,” she continued.
While no local match funds were required for the grant, the City has expended $145,656 for the project’s design. Construction is required to be completed by June 30, 2029.
This construction project is part of a broader initiative by the City to improve city streets as part of the Cypress Gardens Boulevard Vision Plan. Currently, Roosevelt Drive does not fully connect between Cypress Gardens Boulevard (SR 540) and Register Road.
This project will reconstruct and complete a 950‑foot segment of unimproved right-of-way, creating a continuous corridor. The project will also provide enhancements, including a 5‑foot sidewalk, an 10‑foot multi‑use path, street trees, and rain gardens.
Clearwater Police Department officers responded to a traffic crash just before 5 p.m. on Monday, February 2, after a vehicle left the roadway and slammed into a local business, Robert’s Christmas Wonderland.
According to police, the driver, a 69-year-old man, was traveling westbound when he lost control of his vehicle. The car crossed three eastbound lanes before crashing into the building.
No one inside the store was injured at the time of the incident. The driver was transported to a local hospital as a precaution to be checked out.
Miss Auburndale Softball has received AED number 85 from the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation, providing a critical life-saving resource for athletes, families, and visitors at the league’s facility.
The organization hosts a wide range of softball activities throughout the year, including youth recreation leagues, tournaments, and events that attract players and spectators of all ages. League leadership identified the need for an automated external defibrillator to ensure a higher level of safety during practices, games, and community events.
Jason Callaway, Vice President of Miss Auburndale Softball and a coach within the league, said his background in emergency response played a major role in pursuing the donation.
“Through my background as a member of an Emergency Response Team with my employer, Mosaic, and my experience working in remote locations, I have learned firsthand that when an emergency occurs, time is never on our side.”
Callaway also noted that his personal connection to the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation motivated him to take action.
“After personally knowing Michael and Melanie, reaching out to the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation became a priority for me, with the goal of helping prevent another family from facing a similar situation.”
He said the AED donation brings reassurance to everyone who uses the facility.
“The opportunity to have an AED donated by the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation is truly a blessing and provides invaluable peace of mind should it ever be needed.”
Callaway added that the foundation’s training and preparation efforts left a strong impression.
“Witnessing the dedication of the CCF members and how well-prepared they were was truly impressive.”
The Culpepper Cardiac Foundation was founded by Melanie Brown Culpepper Beilke in memory of her late fiancé, Michael Culpepper, who died from heart failure in July 2020. What began as a deeply personal path toward healing has since grown into a far-reaching community effort focused on awareness, education, and life-saving impact.
Kelly Pietrodangelo, a board member and coach with Miss Auburndale Softball, also played a role in connecting the league with the foundation. With more than a decade of experience in Fire Rescue and Emergency Medical Services, she recognized the importance of having an AED readily available.
“Shortly after joining Miss Auburndale Softball, I reached out to the Foundation after realizing there was no AED on our premises.”
She expressed gratitude for the foundation’s generosity and the impact the donation will have on the community.
“I am truly honored that the Culpepper Foundation selected our organization as the recipient of an AED.”
Pietrodangelo said the AED will serve not only league families but also the many visitors who come to the complex for tournaments and adult leagues throughout the year.
“This generous and selfless donation will benefit not only our players and their families, but also the hundreds of visitors who utilize our complex each year through travel tournaments and adult leagues.”
Miss Auburndale Softball is led by President Terry Harris, who has served in that role for 30 years. League officials say the addition of AED number 85 reinforces their commitment to safety and preparedness while continuing to provide a positive environment for players, families, and the broader community.
Lakeland PD: The LPD Dive Team is hosting a BBQ Fundraiser on Friday, February 13, and you can reserve your dinner now! A donation of just $15 will get you a plate that includes pulled pork or chicken, along with two delicious sides.
Reserve your order today: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfGJCbMH1vYeDZS0EcAwM7ZHfBILojRx7YUc854hSbJG_D7xQ/viewform
The deadline to place orders is Sunday, February 8.
Meal pick-up will take place on Friday, February 13, between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM at the station.
Cash or check will be accepted at pick-up. Funds raised will go toward additional training and equipment for the team.
For questions about the fundraiser, please contact Sgt. Tyler Anderson at [email protected]
A Lakeland-founded dessert brand is reaching a milestone few bakery companies ever achieve. Mike & Mike’s Desserts is officially moving from the freezer within the bakery section to the bakery nesting tables in every Publix store. The transition is fully in place across all locations as of February 2nd. For bakery brands, the nesting tables represent the most visible and competitive placement in the store. Securing that space signals strong confidence from the retailer and puts a product directly in front of everyday shoppers making impulse and celebration purchases. “This moment is bigger than a placement change,” said the founders of Mike & Mike’s Desserts. “It represents how far the brand has come. We set out to prove that a bakery company could grow without losing the care, flavor, and intention that made it special in the first place.” Mike & Mike’s cupcakes are now sold fresh rather than frozen, while maintaining the same great ingredients, recipe, and taste our customers love. The result is a bakery-table-ready product built for scale without compromise. As part of this next chapter, consumers can also expect to see fresh new Mike & Mike’s brand packaging rolling out on shelves, reflecting the evolution of the brand while staying true to the quality, taste, and joy that fans know and love. To support the rollout, Publix will feature Mike & Mike’s Desserts in an in-store promotion from February 26 through March 4, offering $1.00 off during the ad cycle. Founded in Lakeland and supported through Catapult Lakeland, Mike & Mike’s Desserts is leading the charge of a growing wave of local food brands showing that nationally competitive companies can be built right here at home. What began in a family kitchen has evolved into a modern bakery brand serving everyday celebrations across hundreds of stores. “This is exactly the kind of growth we work to support,” said Christin Strawbridge, President of Catapult Lakeland. “It’s a powerful example of what happens when entrepreneurs combine craft, resilience, and community. This moment matters not just for Mike & Mike’s, but for every founder watching what’s possible.” Community support now plays a critical role. Increased awareness, trial purchases, and word-of-mouth during the trial window will help determine the brand’s long-term placement and continued growth. For Lakeland, it is another reminder that some of the most meaningful business success stories are still being built locally, one bold step at a time.
While the leading cause of kidney disease is diabetes, many other factors can lead to kidney disease and failure – including a collection of rare and genetic conditions.
According to the National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD), a disease is considered rare if it affects fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. Today, 30 million Americans are living with rare diseases.
This Rare Disease Day, observed on Feb. 28 worldwide, the American Kidney Fund is committed to improving the understanding of rare kidney diseases by providing educational resources.
IgA Nephropathy
An autoimmune disease, IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is related to improper function of the immune system. IgAN causes the immune system to produce abnormal antibodies, which build up in the kidneys, triggering inflammation and reducing the kidneys’ ability to filter waste and fluid, causing damage and potentially leading to kidney failure.
According to NORD, approximately 70% of rare diseases begin in childhood, which was the case for Malkia White. She had no symptoms – the only indication of her kidney problem was protein and blood in her urine detected through a routine test.
She was diagnosed with IgAN but continued living her life without any changes – the disease was so rare, little was known at the time about how to manage it.
“From 6 years old to the age of 42, I maintained my medical appointments and lived an active lifestyle,” White said. “I was an honor student. I was always in dance class. In high school, I was in a marching band and on the field hockey team. In that time period, I was being checked. It never occurred to me, or my family, to investigate or research [IgAN].”
APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease
Known as AMKD, this is a spectrum of kidney diseases associated with variants (mutations) in the apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) gene. Everyone has two copies of the APOL1 gene, but mutations of the gene can raise the chance of rapidly progressive kidney disease in people of western and central Atrican descent.
Polycystic Kidney Disease
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disease that causes cysts to grow inside the kidneys. There are two forms of PKD: autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). The former is more prevalent, accounting for about 9 of 10 cases of PKD.
Cystinosis
A rare, multisystem genetic disease, cystinosis accounts for nearly 5% of all childhood cases of kidney failure, although some people with cystinosis do not develop kidney disease until they’re teens or adults. Caused by mutations in the CTNS gene, cystinosis happens when cystine, a component of protein, builds up in your body’s cells. Too much cystine causes crystals to form and can damage organs including kidneys, eyes, pancreas, liver and brain.
Complement 3 Glomerulopathy
With complement 3 glomerulopathy (C3G), a part of the immune system called the complement system becomes overactive and doesn’t work properly, leading to damage and inflammation in the kidneys. Specifically, it damages the kidneys’ glomeruli, which help kidneys filter toxins out of the blood. It can cause kidney failure in about half of adults who are diagnosed with the disease.
Michelle Farley had a hard time getting her C3G diagnosis despite high blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat in her youth and suffering from daily vomiting and weekly headaches while in college. After a trip to her college medical center, she discovered her blood pressure was so high she was at risk for stroke or heart attack. Bloodwork determined she had markers for kidney disease, but she wouldn’t receive a full diagnosis until she was 25.
“I was left undiagnosed for almost 22 years due to preconceived notions of how disabilities and sicknesses should ‘look’ on the outside and how old you need to be to have a chronic disease, ” Farley said. “I think it’s important to spread awareness about rare kidney diseases so patients can be diagnosed faster and more accurately. I always wonder how long I could have maintained my native kidneys if I was diagnosed as a child.” Learn more about rare kidney diseases and the Rare Kidney Disease Action Network by visiting kidneyfund.org.
A suspect who is in the country illegally from Venezuela was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office after rear ending another vehicle in Davenport and fleeing the county.
Jose Valero-Colina, DOB 12/14/91, has been charged with leaving the scene of a crash (M1). Under Florida law, this charge has been upgraded one level due to his illegal status.
The crash occurred on Friday, January 30, 2026. The victim called 911 and reported that she had been struck from behind while stopped at a stop sign attempting to turn south onto Lake Wilson Road. She told deputies that a silver Kia hit her vehicle, and when she confronted the male driver, he fled southbound on Lake Wilson Road.
Through investigative resources, detectives determined that Valero-Colina lived in Orlando. PCSO requested assistance from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, whose deputies responded to his residence. They made contact with the suspect’s wife, who admitted that Valero-Colina had been involved in a crash and fled because he was nervous. While deputies were still on scene, Valero-Colina arrived in the silver Kia and told them he would return to Polk County to provide details on the crash.
The suspect later met with PCSO deputies and admitted that he struck the victims vehicle after failing to notice she had stopped at the intersection. He also admitted to fleeing the scene out of fear.
In addition to the criminal charge, Valero-Colina was issued two citations – failure to give information at a crash and careless driving. Deputies contacted ICE and confirmed he was in the country illegally. They placed a detainer on him in the jail.
“Our roads are safer when everyone follows the law. Leaving the scene of a crash puts others at risk, and we will always hold offenders accountable.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
