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Haines City Commissioner’s Wages Temporarily Garnishment Due To Bad Debt

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A sitting Haines City city commissioner had her city wages briefly subject to a court ordered garnishment tied to a civil judgment involving a vehicle related debt owed jointly by her and her husband, before a Polk County judge later granted an exemption that stopped the wage withholding.

Court records show the case involves Financial Portfolios II, Inc. and defendants Kimberly A. Downing and Darrick J. Downing. The matter stemmed from a vehicle account that went unpaid and later resulted in a civil judgment. After the judgment remained unresolved, the creditor sought to collect by filing a continuing writ of wage garnishment.

Because Commissioner Downing receives compensation from the City of Haines City, the city was named as the garnishee. In correspondence included in the court file, Omar DeJesus, Finance Director for the City of Haines City, confirmed the commissioner is paid $1,833.33 per month, which equates to approximately $22,000 per year.

Payroll records associated with the case show that $416.41 was withheld from Downing’s pay for September and another $416.41 was withheld for October, totaling $832.82. That amount was later returned on Nov. 5, after the court ruled on Downing’s exemption request.

Downing filed a Claim of Exemption under Florida law, asserting that her wages qualified for protection as head of family wages. In her sworn filing, she stated that she provides more than half of the financial support for a dependent child and that her net earnings of $750 or below per week, within the statutory limits that shield wages from garnishment. Florida law allows individuals who meet those criteria to seek relief from wage garnishment, even after a writ has been issued.

The creditor opposed the exemption and requested a hearing. Court records show a hearing was held, during which Downing provided sworn testimony. Following that hearing, the judge granted the exemption, dissolved the continuing writ of garnishment, and ordered that any wages withheld during the process be released back to her. The garnishment action was administratively closed.

Commissioner Downing was elected in a May 2024 runoff election and is serving a four year term on the Haines City Commission. Commissioners are responsible for adopting the city’s annual budget, approving ordinances, voting on land use and development matters, setting certain fees and policies, and appointing key city leadership positions. The Haines City Commission oversees decisions involving a municipal budget of approximately $151.5 million, with commissioners voting on how those public funds are allocated.

The Daily Ridge reached out to Commissioner Downing for comment prior to publication but did not receive a response.

Welcome, World Travelers! Mattel Plans New Indoor WaterPark in Orlando

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Welcome, World Travelers! Mattel Plans New Indoor WaterPark in Orlando
by James Coulter
 
Orlando is home to three major theme parks: Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld. However, a fourth theme park may soon be coming—an innovative indoor park built by an unlikely company: Mattel.
 
Recently, Mattel—the company famous for toy brands like Barbie and Hot Wheels—announced it will be opening “five unique destination waterparks” across America.
 
Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterparks, as these parks will be named, have been described by Mattel’s corporate website as “a series of experiential aquatic destinations to create a new form of entertainment featuring Mattel’s beloved brands.”
 
“Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterparks will encompass many iconic Mattel brands that span generations of play, offering innovative water-based attractions and amenities in a dynamic new format for Mattel,” said Julie Freeland, VP Global Location Based Entertainment at Mattel.
 
The first of these indoor water parks is expected to open in Orlando. This park will feature many innovations, including a retractable roof—the first of its kind in the country!
 
Mattel will be collaborating with Martin Aquatic, which has been involved with more than 2,500 projects with cruise ships and other water parks, including the award-winning Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay, and The Ritz-Carlton Naples.
 
“We are thrilled to collaborate with these exceptional industry leaders in waterpark development to create an experience where guests can connect with their favorite brands in an entirely new way,” Freeland said.
 
“Blending our innovative experiential design with Mattel’s family of brands is a dream come true,” said Josh Martin, President and Creative Director of Martin Aquatic. “We look forward to inspiring that same sense of wonder for kids and adults alike as they cross the threshold into each Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterpark.”
 
The exact location for the new park has yet to be determined, but the park is expected to open sometime in 2028.

Traffic Stop in Winter Haven Leads to Three Felony Drug Arrests

A traffic stop in Winter Haven resulted in three arrests on felony drug charges after officers discovered cocaine and other narcotics-related items inside a vehicle.

On Monday, December 15, 2025, at approximately 9:28 p.m., a Winter Haven patrol officer observed a black Jeep Gladiator make an improper left-hand turn onto First Street North near Avenue R Northeast.

When the officer approached the vehicle, the driver, 73-year-old Theodore Parker of Haines City, was found to have a clear glass pipe in plain view in the center console. All occupants were removed from the vehicle. As Parker exited, a white, rock-like substance fell from the driver’s seat area into the floorboard. The substance later tested positive for cocaine, giving officers probable cause to search the vehicle.

During the search, officers located a jacket on the rear passenger seat that 40-year-old Stephanie Lee Jackson of Winter Haven had briefly picked up and then placed back down. Inside the jacket pocket, officers found a disassembled pen that tested positive for cocaine. Also recovered was a sealed plastic bottle containing a pink liquid with a prescription label for Methadone HCL 200 mg prescribed to someone other than the occupants of the vehicle. The liquid yielded a raw weight of 22.7 grams.

As the front-seat passenger, 45-year-old Omar Rivera of Winter Haven exited the vehicle, officers requested and received consent to search his person. A white, rock-like substance was found in Rivera’s front pocket, along with a cell phone. Officers also located a ginseng bottle commonly used to conceal crack cocaine. After Rivera was transported to the booking facility, officers discovered he had moved a pipe previously concealed in his underwear to his front pocket.

Parker, Jackson, and Rivera were transported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Processing Center and charged as follows:

Stephanie Lee Jackson: Trafficking in Methadone (F1), Possession of Cocaine (F3), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Theodore Parker: Possession of Cocaine (F3), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Omar Rivera: Possession of Cocaine (F3), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Introduction of Contraband into a Detention Facility

Winter Haven Commission Approves Changes to Zoning and Future Land Use of +46 Acres along Thompson Nursery Road

Winter Haven Commission Approves Changes to Zoning and Future Land Use of +46 Acres along Thompson Nursery Road

by James Coulter

Despite concerns from residents, Winter Haven city commissioners approved changes to the zoning and future land use of property near Thompson Nursery Road.

At their regular meeting on Mon. Dec. 9, commissioners voted 4-1 to approve the second reading of two ordinances about property located at the northeast corner of the intersection of Thompson Nursery Road and Cunningham Road. Pro Tem Mayor Brian Yates made the only nay vote.

The first ordinance would change the property’s future land use to Neighborhood Support, while the second would change its zoning to Commercial Highway.

The 46-acre property is split into two sections: an open tract north of Thompson Nursery Road, slated for Villamar Phase 7, and a southern parcel with 219 single-family homes originally planned for Villamar Phase 8.

The property owners, VMAR DEV, LLC and Cunningham Investors, petitioned for the changes to allow commercial development on the site, as up to 503,118 square feet of commercial space could be built there.

Moreover, the site is well-positioned for commercial use with its location on Thompson Nursery Road (soon to be a key arterial route linking Highway 27 with Highways 17 and 540) and at the intersection of Cunningham Road (a collector road connecting to County Road 653).

John Bannon, Vice President of Woods & Associates Engineering, mentioned that now was the “only opportunity” to have commercial at that intersection. When asked if there were any current plans for the property, he claimed no specific plans had been made.

Several residents disputed the proposed changes. Ken Henry, representing the Regional Community Council, mentioned that the main concern was with “commercial development plopped down in the middle of the residential district”—a concern unheard at a previous planning commission.

“They felt ignored,” he said of residents who attended thatmeeting. “They were concerned that, despite the concerns raised, there was no concern for those folks’ concerns…They felt like it was more in the interest of the developer being taken care of more than the citizens.”

David Koszewki, Terranova HOA president, mentioned how many other residents had complaints about dust from water trucks traveling along the road. He claimed the proposed development would further exacerbate traffic conditions.

“I am not against what you are trying to do, but at this point and time, to say ‘yes’ and go ahead with this is a mistake because there is no way the infrastructure is ready for this,” he said.

Linda Groome Fife, Traditions HOA vice president, contested the alleged need for commercial development along the road, as currently there are 13 similar developments at the intersection of Ruby and Thompson.

 “The idea of the residents [traveling] a great deal for grocery stores is nonsense,” she said.

This Auburndale Resident Goes All Out Decorating for Halloween. He Does the Same for Christmas.

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by James Coulter

For nearly a decade, Matthew Reynolds has been decorating his Auburndale house with hundreds of animatronics every year for Halloween. He also goes over the top with decorating his house for Christmas.

Reynolds has been collecting animatronic figures for Halloween ever since he made his first purchase at a Spirit of Halloween store at a young age. He has since amassed a collection of hundreds of animatronics. He even learned how to repair them with high hopes of becoming a theme park technical engineer.

His house at 136 Patterson Drive in Auburndale is famous for its annual Haunted Yard event at Halloween. However, less famous has been his annual Christmas display, which he has been hosting for as long as his Halloween display.

“This year, I wanted to push it out to the public,” Reynolds said. “It has been a goal of mine to push the Christmas display out because I do have people who come out for Halloween and ask about Christmas…We have a thousand people come for Halloween. But not many people know about the Xmas display.”

While his Halloween display is a walk-through attraction, his Christmas display is more of a drive-by experience. Visitors are welcome this year to come, park their cars, and take a closer look.

Reynolds has collected more than 20 inflatables and other decorations. Many of them are nearly 20 years old, offering a vintage feel to his display. He also sets up a film projector screen to showcase various Christmas media clips.

“I think this year is a very worthwhile display to come see,” Reynolds said. “It’s very similar to Halloween, in all honesty, so I think people will come and enjoy it.”

Reynold’s Holiday House display will be set up from now until New Year’s every evening from 6 PM to 11 PM. The house is located at 136 Patterson Drive in Auburndale.

Reynold recently appeared on the Chattin on the Ridge podcast to discuss his holiday house display. Listen to the full episode on Acast, Spotify, and Amazon Music: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/episodes/ep-75-christmas-in-the-village-wmarley-warner-matthew-reynol

Alafia River Reserve: A Hidden Gem in Mulberry

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Nestled at 4872 Indian Oak Dr., Mulberry, FL 33860, the Alafia River Reserve is a peaceful 334-acre natural haven in west-central Polk County. Jointly purchased by Polk County and the Southwest Florida Water Management District, this protected area was established to preserve the vital wetlands and uplands along the upper corridor of the Alafia River.

Photo source Polk County Parks and Rec

The reserve provides critical habitat for wading birds and amphibians that depend on seasonally flooded areas free from predators to complete their life cycles. Visitors will find the landscape dominated by forested hardwood wetlands, featuring sweet gum, laurel oak, ironwood, hickory, sabal palms, and bay trees. Due to long periods of inundation, ground cover is limited, creating a unique and pristine wetland environment.

Open to the public for hiking and picnicking, the Alafia River Reserve offers a quiet retreat into nature and stands as one of Polk County’s important conservation sites—right in the heart of Mulberry.

Winter Haven Public Library Hosting Drive in at the Library Movie and Craft Event

Winter Haven Public Library:

We’re hosting a nostalgic holiday double feature for the whole family! Mark your calendars Saturday, December 20th and get ready to rev your engines!

For the full retro experience, stop by at 2:00 and craft your own drive-in car out of cardboard! Then, we’ll air two holiday classics straight from the 60s: How The Grinch Stole Christmas (G)(1966) will begin at 3:00, followed by the iconic stop-motion Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer (G)(1964) at 3:30.

We can’t wait to see you there! (No grinches allowed)

Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team to Host Final Shows of the Year on December 20

The Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team is closing out the year with a festive double feature on December 20 at Lake Silver in Winter Haven’s Martin Luther King Jr. Park. The free community event will kick off with a special preshow at 3:15 PM, where the team will present A Charlie Brown Christmas, bringing the beloved Peanuts characters to life on the water.

The excitement continues with the main show at 4:00 PM, featuring the team’s talented performers—including an impressive lineup of skiers dressed in holiday-themed costumes—showcasing the skill, precision, and Christmas spirit that Cypress Gardens is known for.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy an afternoon of family-friendly entertainment. Concessions will be available, and attendees can follow the team on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

These are the last shows of the year, making it the perfect chance to celebrate the season lakeside with one of Winter Haven’s most iconic performance teams.

Give Your Skin a Seasonal Glow with Winter Care Tips

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As your sun-kissed glow gives way to crisp winter air, your skin may start to feel the effects of cooler, drier weather. Yet, with the right care, it’s possible to maintain that healthy, luminous look all season long.

Winter skin care isn’t about adding complexity – it’s about preserving hydration, protecting the barrier and choosing products that nurture instead of strip. Rooted in the century-old European tradition of natural botanical skin care, the experts at Herbacin aim to show that radiant skin is achievable year-round with just a few mindful adjustments to your daily routine.

Skip Long, Hot Showers

A steaming shower may feel heavenly on a chilly morning, but the heat can actually pull moisture from your skin. To keep your complexion balanced, choose warm (not hot) water and limit shower time. Gentle cleansing helps maintain the skin’s natural oils, which are vital for keeping dryness and irritation at bay.

Immediately after showering, pat skin lightly with a towel and apply lotion while it’s still slightly damp. This simple step helps trap water before it evaporates.

Look for a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula enriched with natural emollients. A trusted choice like Herbacin Daily Moisturizing Lotion combines nourishing jojoba oil and shea butter to soften and hydrate. Aloe vera and chamomile calm irritation while leaving a light, refreshing scent. Suitable for all skin types, it delivers lasting softness without any greasy feel – perfect for daily use from head to toe.

Ease Up on Exfoliation

When your skin feels rough or flaky, it’s tempting to exfoliate frequently. However, over-exfoliating can remove the skin’s protective barrier and worsen dryness. Instead, use a gentle scrub or enzymatic exfoliant no more than once or twice a week and always follow with moisturizer to soothe and restore balance.

Layer for Maximum Hydration

Layering products allows each formula to do its job eftectively. Start with the thinnest, most water-based product – such as a hydrating serum or lightweight moisturizer – and finish with a richer cream to seal it all in. For a deep-moisture boost, try Herbacin Skin Solutions Daily Skin Moisturizer, formulated with a hydro-boosting complex featuring hyaluronic acid, myo-inositol and fucose biopolymer. This quick-absorbing, silky-sott lotion provides long-lasting hydration – up to 24 hours – and helps soothe even sensitive or irritated skin. Plus, its airless dispenser keeps the formula fresh and easy to use.

Choose a Thicker Moisturizer for Extra Protection

Winter’s cold winds (well not as cold as other areas but “Florida cold”) and low humidity can weaken your skin’s barrier. A richer, cream-based moisturizer creates a protective layer that locks in moisture and shields against environmental stressors. Even those with oily or combination skin can benefit as the right moisturizer helps balance oil production and prevents dehydration.

Don’t Ditch the Sunscreen

Sunscreen is essential living in Florida. Sun protection isn’t just for summer. Winter UV rays can still damage skin and contribute to premature aging. Apply sunscreen daily to exposed areas, such as your face, neck and hands, especially when spending time outdoors. Reapply as directed for continuous protection.

Add a Little Light

Emerging research supports the benefits of red light therapy, which helps stimulate collagen production and improve circulation. The result is firmer, more resilient skin that holds moisture better and appears more radiant.

Keep the Air Comfortable

Indoor heating can sap moisture from the air – and your skin. Maintaining an indoor humidity level between 30-50% supports not only skin health but also respiratory comfort. If your home’s air feels overly dry, consider adding a humidifier to your bedroom or main living space.

From a quick morning shower to evening self-care, small daily choices can have a big impact on your skin’s health – no matter how cold it gets outside.

Come Visit Christmas in the Village at Fort Meade on Dec. 19 & 20

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by James Coulter

What could be better than seeing more than 60 old-fashioned houses and farming equipment decorated with Christmas lights? How about doing so while helping make other people’s holidays merrier and brighter?

Then come visit Florida Flywheelers Christmas in the Village. Not only will you be able to see thousands of Christmas lights decorating dozens of antique tractors, trailers, and buildings, but also be able to donate canned goods, toys, and money for people in need in the local community.

Since 1972, Florida Flywheelers has been a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and exhibiting antique internal combustion engines, steam engines, antique tractors, and other vintage farming equipment.

Every December, they host their annual charity drive through Christmas in the Village. The elaborate Christmas display takes up to four weekends to prepare, with up to 20 volunteers working six to eight hours a day.

Marly Warner and her husband have been involved with Florida Flywheelers for 12 years. Both have served as caretakers for eight years, planning the different decorations and scenes for the annual Christmas event.

“If you have never seen Christmas in the Village, it is something you really need to come see,” she said. “You just need to come out and see the fabulous lights.”

Aside from being able to see their hard work for the event come into fruition, Warner enjoys being able to give back to her community through the donations they raise.

“The donations that we receive help change people’s lives locally here at Christmas time,” Warner said. “It melts my heart to hear the children’s voices saying, ‘thank you for doing this for us.’ It is for charity, and Christmas is for kids. That’s a big part of our lives: watching the kids grow up.”

Christmas in the Village will be hosted this weekend on Fri. Dec. 19 and Sat. Dec. 20 from 6 PM to 9 PM at the Florida Flywheelers’ Antique Engine Club, located at 7000 Avon Park Cut Off Rd. in Fort Meade. Admission is only a canned good, toy, or monetary donation—or all three!

Marly Warner recently appeared on the Chattin on the Ridge podcast to discuss her organization’s event. Listen to the full podcast on Acast, Spotify, or Amazon Music: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/episodes/ep-75-christmas-in-the-village-wmarley-warner-matthew-reynol