updated Wed. February 16, 2022
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News Chief
April 2, 2018
Today, arguably, marks the most important day in Florida's history. One might say without events on this day there would be no “Florida.” For it was on April 2, 1513, that the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon spotted land that he believed was just another island in the Atlantic Ocean, but which turned outÃÂ ...
Florida Today
April 2, 2018
LEGOLAND Florida Resort's newest attraction is a trifecta combining virtual reality, a roller coaster and competitive races. The Great LEGO Race is a virtual reality ... WINTER HAVEN, FL -- March 22, 2018 -- The Great LEGO Race at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. (PHOTO / LOCK + LAND, Chip Litherland forÃÂ ...
News Chief
April 2, 2018
FROSTPROOF — If the city of Frostproof were a musical instrument, it would be a fine fiddle. “The big takeaway is the general fund is in pretty good condition,” Mike Brynjulfson, an Auburndale C.P.A. and the city's consulting accountant, told the City Council on Monday. The general fund finances most cityÃÂ ...
News Chief
April 1, 2018
Florida's voucher initiatives receive three times more funding than Ohio, the state with the second-largest voucher program at roughly $266 million last year, according to rankings compiled by the .... Private school teachers aren't required to have state certification — or even a college degree — in Florida.
The Ledger
March 31, 2018
The City of Winter Haven held the 2018 Hoppin' Hunt celebration at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, along the southern shores of Lake Silver. ... Felicity Weisheyer, 3, looks over her bounty of eggs after the Easter Egg Hunt at Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Winter Haven, Florida March 31, 2018. The City ofÃÂ ...
News Chief
March 30, 2018
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WFLA
March 21, 2018
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (WFLA) - A 20-year-old Winter Haven man was shot and killed by Polk County Sheriff's Office deputies after he pointed a gun at them Tuesday night. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said Chance Haegele had experienced suicidal thoughts in the past. On Tuesday night, Haegele sent aÃÂ ...
Orlando Sentinel
March 6, 2018
Padgett Richard 'Dick', 84, of Orlando, FL, died Sunday, March 4, 2018. Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, East Orlando Chapel. Jaquez Jr. David L., 44, of Orlando, died Friday, March 2, 2018. Newcomer South Seminole Chapel, Longwood, Florida. 407-260-5400. Ethier Melisha Lynne, 55,ÃÂ ...
News Chief
February 21, 2018
Lydia Guzman, a spokeswoman with the university, said police confirmed this afternoon that Ronny Rosario, 23, had been found. She declined to release additional information about where Rosario was found or how he was located. Police used bloodhounds and helicopters to search for Rosario. RosarioÃÂ ...
News Chief
February 18, 2018
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News Chief
February 17, 2018
TALLAHASSEE — A bill that would restrict the most common type of second-trimester abortion is ready for a floor vote in the Florida House. In a 13-6 vote, the House Health & Human Services Committee on Thursday approved a bill (HB 1429) that would impose new restrictions on doctors performingÃÂ ...
News Chief
February 11, 2018
Copyright 2006-2018 GateHouse Media, LLC. All rights reserved • GateHouse News. Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. News Chief ~ 455 6th St NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service. Subscribe NowÃÂ ...
News Chief
February 11, 2018
In the past several years, legislators have considered several gambling proposals, including ones that would allow new casinos in South Florida, but those bills haven't made it to the finish line because each year there's been huge disagreements among the tribe, track owners and those who don't want anyÃÂ ...
News Chief
December 31, 1999
Jeb Bush waived KidCare premiums for Florida families during the tumultuous 2005 hurricane season, and Texas received federal approval to waive premiums for families ... U.S. Sen Bill Nelson, D-Fla., health-care advocates and the Florida Senate Democratic caucus also called for the governor to act.
Patch.com
December 31, 1999
WINTER HAVEN, FL – Three people have been arrested by the Polk County Sheriff's Office following a carjacking and law enforcement pursuit that spanned three counties. The carjacking began in Osceola County Friday, March 2, and involved several law enforcement agencies pursuing the accusedÃÂ ...
The Ledger
December 31, 1999
Neal and his front-seat passenger, Lisa Mastin, 26, of Margate, were treated and released at Heart of Florida Hospital. Both were wearing seat belts, the Sheriff's Office reported. Ayala and his passenger, Fernando Ayala, 15, of Winter Haven, also were treated and released at Heart of Florida. They wereÃÂ ...
News Chief
February 19, 2018
POINCIANA — The fourth time looks like it will be the charm for a trio of Poinciana homeowners. According to court documents, Judge Catherine L. Combee denied the request by the Association of Poinciana Villages and developer AV Homes, more commonly referred to as Avatar, to have a fourthÃÂ ...
News Chief
February 19, 2018
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News Chief
February 19, 2018
WINTER HAVEN — Legoland Florida Resort has set March 23 as the grand opening for its newest attraction, The Great Lego Race. As previously announced, the ride will be the first virtual reality roller coaster experience designed for kids. Riders wearing optional VR headsets will experience the simulatedÃÂ ...
The Ledger
February 19, 2018
WINTER HAVEN — A Winter Haven man has been charged with killing his live-in girlfriend Saturday night in the couple's home. Deandre Coffer, 22, faces one count of second-degree murder in the death of 32-year-old Kiara Butler, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. According to a sheriff's newsÃÂ ...
News Chief
February 19, 2018
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News Chief
February 18, 2018
LAKELAND — With zero gang-related shootings last year, 2017 provided a stark contrast to 2014, when Lakeland Police Department leaders counted 18 gang-related shootings in the city and feared a wave of street violence unseen for decades. LPD's preliminary 2017 crime statistics reveal that theÃÂ ...
News Chief
February 17, 2018
Snapchat threat of another Florida school shooting keeps some Polk students home .... In this frame grab from video provided by WPLG-TV, students from the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., evacuate the school following a shooting, Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018. (WPLG-TV via AP).
News Chief
February 17, 2018
By Austin L. Miller, GateHouse Media Florida. A south Marion County woman was surprised early Thursday morning by sinkholes opening up near her home. The house is at 17092 SE 79th McLawren Terrace in The Villages, Emergency Management Director Preston Bowlin said. That home and aÃÂ ...
News Chief
February 17, 2018
TALLAHASSEE — A bill that would restrict the most common type of second-trimester abortion is ready for a floor vote in the Florida House. In a 13-6 vote, the House Health & Human Services Committee on Thursday approved a bill (HB 1429) that would impose new restrictions on doctors performingÃÂ ...
The Ledger
February 15, 2018
WINTER HAVEN — A three-day tradition that spans more three decades returns this weekend. The St. Sophia Greek Festival takes place Friday, Saturday and Sunday at St. Sophia Orthodox Church, 1030 Bradbury Road. Katerina Ioannidis, the co-chair of the festival, thinks last year's attendance was closeÃÂ ...
News Chief
February 12, 2018
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News Chief
February 12, 2018
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Legislature is rolling into the sixth week of its annual session and there's a big question out there: can legislators cut a deal on gambling in the Sunshine State? Gambling is technically illegal in Florida, but it's allowed at casinos owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and it'sÃÂ ...
NBCNews.com
February 11, 2018
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — In the hours after Hurricane Irma raked up Florida's spine, warm sunshine revealed thousands upon thousands of pieces of citrus fruit bobbing in muddied, stagnant water. Millions of dollars worth of oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines were ripped from their branches by fierceÃÂ ...
The Ledger
February 10, 2018
WINTER HAVEN – Winter Haven Hospital and one of the state's most prestigious universities are working together to alleviate the shortage of physicians. Administrative staff from the hospital and BayCare, the parent not-for-profit health care system with which the hospital is affiliated, and Florida StateÃÂ ...
ABC Action News
February 10, 2018
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — A Winter Haven church pastor was arrested on Thursday for improper sexual conduct with two minors, deputies say. Pastor David Cooper, 43, of Moving Mountains Ministries in Winter Haven was arrested for the sexual battery of a girl under the age of twelve, and lewd exhibitionÃÂ ...
News Chief
January 29, 2018
GARLAND: We salute Alice Hunt, vice president of Hunt Construction of Central Florida, named last week as this year's recipient of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce's George Jenkins Award for community service. Hunt was honored for her involvement in American Heart Association, George JenkinsÃÂ ...
News Chief
January 28, 2018
These days, the rendezvous is sponsored by the Florida Frontiersmen, a black powder organization dedicated to preserving history. The group owns the parcel of land that has been home to the event since 2002. A goal is to get more children involved, said the club's president, Ron Clark, dressed SaturdayÃÂ ...
WKMG News 6 & ClickOrlando
January 27, 2018
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - The Legoland hotel in Winter Haven was evacuated Friday night after authorities received a call about a possible fire, officials said. It was discovered that a candle was left unattended in a room on the fourth floor, which caused smoke and an alarm. Authorities said this was allÃÂ ...
The Ledger
January 27, 2018
Winter Haven PD: 2 suspects sought after mom robbed in park while playing with toddler .... Winter Haven police are searching for two men they say attacked and robbed a woman who was playing with her toddler at Kiwanis Park early Thursday morning. WINTER HAVEN — Winter Haven police areÃÂ ...
News Chief
January 26, 2018
In response to the Trump administration's proposal to allow oil drilling anywhere along the U.S. coastline, including waters off of Florida, I urge Floridians to rally around my bipartisan Florida Coastal Protection Act, co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Francis Rooney, R-Naples, that would ban drilling off the FloridaÃÂ ...
News Chief
January 22, 2018
Pharmacists already are required to enter information about most controlled substances into the database, but only about 27 percent of Florida health care providers authorized to prescribe controlled substances are currently registered to use the PDMP, according to a November presentation by PDMPÃÂ ...
News Chief
January 20, 2018
WINTER HAVEN – James Hogan always thought it would be a cold day in Florida before he saw the Lake Maude Project come to fruition. On a 38-degree Thursday morning at Lake Maude Park, construction officially began with a groundbreaking ceremony. About 50 people attended, including staff fromÃÂ ...
News Chief
January 20, 2018
(L-R) Josie Tomkow and Jennifer Spath, candidates for Florida House of Representatives District 39, speak during the Republican Women of Greater Polk at the Harborside Restaurant in Winter Haven, Florida January 19, 2018. Jennifer Spath and Josie Tomkow will spoke at the Republican Women ofÃÂ ...
News Chief
January 19, 2018
The low temperature at Gilbert Field, the Winter Haven airport, was 27 degrees, but that was warmer than the 23-degree record also set in 1977. Temperatures stayed at or below freezing from about 1 a.m. to 9 a.m., Norman said. “It was a pretty long duration freeze event,” he said. At the Florida StrawberryÃÂ ...
The Ledger
January 18, 2018
“Florida and the Lakeland- Winter Haven statistical area will continue economic expansion at a rate above the national average, and the new federal tax policy will be a positive for Florida ... Payroll growth in Florida: Villamil forecast a 3 percent payroll growth in 2018, following growth of 2.8 percent in 2017.
News Chief
January 18, 2018
TALLAHASSEE — After receiving legislative approval last spring, a massive reservoir intended to help shift water south from Lake Okeechobee remains years away from reality, the head of the South Florida Water Management District said Wednesday. A big factor in the timeline for design and constructionÃÂ ...
News Chief
January 18, 2018
Hukill, who expressed concern about the attached timelines, said she will continue to work on the proposal, which has support from Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America and business-lobbying groups Associated Industries of Florida and theÃÂ ...
News Chief
January 17, 2018
This time, the TPO has support from the Florida Turnpike Enterprise and the Florida Department of Transportation. ... From there, Deardorff said, the Florida Turnpike Enterprise may build a toll road along State Road 60. ... Sierra Club leader Marian Ryan of Winter Haven remains opposed to the road.
Patch.com
January 17, 2018
WINTER HAVEN, FL -- Winter Haven Police are requesting the public's assistance in locating a 69-year-old Winter Haven man who walked away from his home Jan. 12 and hasn't been seen since. Paul Murphy left 1190 Lucerne Loop Road, N.W., at approximately 7 a.m. Jan. 12. According to a roommate,ÃÂ ...
News Chief
January 10, 2018
That statistic is attributed primarily to hurricanes that ravaged Florida, Puerto Rico and other Caribbean islands. School District officials have identified 2,718 students already this school year who are considered homeless, a population that includes children who are doubled up in homes with one or moreÃÂ ...
News Chief
January 10, 2018
28, 2017, in West Palm Beach, Fla. AP Photo ... NAPLES -- I ended last year in Naples, Florida, in the sun coterminous with a golf course. I, of course, will not ... So I shall continue to desist from golf here in sunny Florida and leave the pastime to my friends Rush Limbaugh, Donald Trump and Bill Clinton.
News Chief
January 10, 2018
Irma, which has been linked to 84 deaths in Florida, made landfalls Sept. 10 in Monroe and Collier counties before barreling up the state, creating evacuation problems and widespread damage in the agriculture industry. The insurance figures are expected to continue to increase over the next year asÃÂ ...
ABC Action News
January 9, 2018
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Polk County deputies received an unusual 911 call on New Year's Eve where a man reported himself drunk-driving. “Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious crime. Innocent people are too often injured or killed from impaired drivers. DUI is not a laughingÃÂ ...
WFTV Orlando
January 7, 2018
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - A 27-year-old Winter Haven man is behind bars after beating a man to death in the face with a pick hammer Saturday evening, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said. Deputies arrested Calvin Ross after witnesses said he'd gotten into a fight with Jonathon Miller, 38 of Winter Haven,ÃÂ ...
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