Frostproof - Lake Wales Daily News

Missing Frostproof Man William “Bill” Murphy Found Dead In Grove Close To Where He Went Missing

carl — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:21:04 +0000

FROSTPROOF, Fla. — The search for a missing Frostproof man has come to a tragic end after William “Bill” Murphy, 31, was found deceased Tuesday in a grove near Lost Grove Road in southern Polk County.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Murphy’s death does not appear to be suspicious at this time. An autopsy was scheduled for Wednesday to determine his exact cause of death.

Murphy had been reported missing after he was last seen around 1 p.m. on July 9 on Pfundstein Road in the Lake Wales area. Deputies said he was last seen wearing black Under Armour shorts, no shirt, and possibly no shoes. His vehicle was later located near Alat Road and Lost Grove Road in the Frostproof area.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office stated Murphy was known to abuse narcotics and appeared to be under the influence when he disappeared.

Family members, volunteers, and law enforcement spent several days searching the rural area where Murphy was last believed to have been. According to reports from those involved in the search, Murphy was ultimately located by family members in a grove near Lost Grove Road. The Sheriff’s Office has not officially identified who made the discovery.

Volunteer search organization We Are the Essentials joined the effort, deploying drones, ground search teams, and a K-9 unit to search hundreds of acres of orange groves and wooded property. During the search, the organization urged nearby residents to check game cameras, Ring doorbell footage, and outbuildings for any possible clues to Murphy’s whereabouts.

Daily Ridge observed a large law enforcement presence Tuesday morning near the intersection of Lost Grove Road and South Wardlaw Road, where deputies had established a perimeter in the area before the Sheriff’s Office later confirmed Murphy had been found deceased.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Marks Off Area Near William Murphy’s Found Vehicle – Photo Credit Daily Ridge Reader

The investigation remains active pending the results of the autopsy, but investigators say there are currently no indications of foul play.

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Frostproof Man Killed in Early Morning Rollover Crash on U.S. 27

carl — Sun, 31 May 2026 15:58:16 +0000

A 36-year-old Frostproof man was killed early Sunday morning after losing control of his vehicle on U.S. Highway 27 in southern Polk County.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 4:15 a.m. on May 31, 2026, on southbound U.S. 27 north of U.S. 98.

Troopers say the man was driving a Toyota Corolla southbound when, for reasons still under investigation, he lost control of the vehicle. The Corolla traveled onto the shoulder of the roadway before the driver overcorrected back across the highway.

The overcorrection caused the vehicle to overturn.

During the rollover, the driver was ejected from the vehicle and suffered fatal injuries. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

The crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.

Sergeant Steve Gaskins, Public Affairs Officer for the Florida Highway Patrol, provided the information. The FHP does not release the name not victims.

The post Frostproof Man Killed in Early Morning Rollover Crash on U.S. 27 first appeared on Lake Wales Daily News.

Frostproof and Winter Haven Communities Mourn After Two Killed in DUI Manslaughter Crash on State Road 33

carl — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 21:36:46 +0000

The Frostproof and Winter Haven communities are mourning the loss of two young lives after a deadly crash Friday night on State Road 33 in Lake County that investigators say was caused by a suspected impaired driver.

Florida Highway Patrol troopers arrested Seenarine Hardeo, 50, of Groveland, on two counts of DUI manslaughter following the crash, which occurred around 7 p.m. north of Swamp Drive.

According to FHP, Hardeo was driving a 2009 Mini Cooper northbound on SR-33 when his vehicle traveled into the southbound lane and collided with a semi-truck. The impact caused the semi-truck to veer back into the northbound lanes, directly into the path of a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck.

Troopers said the front of the semi-truck struck the front left side of the pickup, forcing both vehicles off the roadway. The semi-truck overturned as a result of the collision.

The driver of the pickup, Garrison Gravley, 22, of Frostproof, and his passenger, Miya Brannon, 18, of Winter Haven, were pronounced dead at the scene.

The semi-truck driver was transported to South Lake Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Hardeo was not injured in the crash.

Court records show Hardeo has a prior history involving impaired driving. In 2007, he pleaded no contest to felony DUI and driving with a suspended license. That case also referenced multiple DUI incidents in New York in the early 2000s that resulted in his driver license being revoked.

Hardeo was booked into the Lake County Jail Friday night and is being held without bond. The crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.

As news of the tragedy spread, messages of grief and remembrance began circulating throughout Frostproof and Winter Haven, where the sudden loss of two young lives has left families, friends, and neighbors reeling.

The post Frostproof and Winter Haven Communities Mourn After Two Killed in DUI Manslaughter Crash on State Road 33 first appeared on Lake Wales Daily News.

Frostproof Gears Up for a Festive “Christmas in the Country” Parade December 6

Allison — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 20:02:38 +0000

The City of Frostproof is preparing to welcome the holiday season with its beloved Christmas in the Country Parade, set for Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Families, neighbors, and friends are invited to gather along the parade route for an evening filled with lights, music, and holiday cheer.

From classic Christmas themes to unique country charm, parade entrants will help bring the magic of the season to life for the entire community.

Whether you’re joining the parade or cheering from the sidelines, this annual tradition promises a joyful kickoff to the holiday season. Bundle up, bring your loved ones, and get ready to enjoy a night of celebration in true Frostproof style.

Mark your calendars — we can’t wait to see you there!

Flyer courtesy of City of Frostproof

After the parade, head over to the Holly Jolly Christmas Party at Henderson field. For more details on the party, visit https://dailyridge.com/2025/12/01/frostproof-to-host-holly-jolly-christmas-party-after-annual-parade-dec-6/

The post Frostproof Gears Up for a Festive “Christmas in the Country” Parade December 6 first appeared on Lake Wales Daily News.

Fatal Crash Reported At Hwy 27 And Hwy 630A Near Frostproof

carl — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 23:59:11 +0000

FROSTPROOF, FL – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that a crash at Hwy 27 and Hwy 630A near Frostproof is a fatal traffic accident.

The call came in shortly after 6:12 PM. Multiple agencies responded, including Polk County Fire Rescue, the Frostproof Fire Department, and deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

As of this time, Hwy 27 northbound is shut down, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Drivers should expect significant delays and are urged to use alternate routes until the roadway is reopened.

The Sheriff’s Office has not yet released the identity of the individual involved, pending notification of next of kin.

This is an active and ongoing investigation. Additional details will be released by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office as they become available.

The post Fatal Crash Reported At Hwy 27 And Hwy 630A Near Frostproof first appeared on Lake Wales Daily News.

Frostproof Man Arrested After Violent Armed Robbery Near Lake Wales

carl — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 17:16:12 +0000

LAKE WALES — A Frostproof man is behind bars after deputies say he assaulted a victim, held them captive inside a vehicle, and stole personal items during a violent armed robbery Friday morning.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the area of County Road 640 and U.S. 27 south of Lake Wales on Friday, October 31, following a report of an armed robbery.

The victim told deputies they were struck with a blunt object and held against their will inside a vehicle. During the ordeal, the suspect allegedly threatened the victim with a wrench and stole personal property.

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The victim was able to escape by climbing out of the passenger window and contacting law enforcement. PCSO reported that the victim suffered visible injuries to the head, neck, arms, and legs.

Deputies located the suspect’s vehicle — a Chevy Equinox — and recovered the victim’s stolen belongings. The suspect was identified as 36-year-old Brock Tyler Sherrill of Frostproof.

Sherrill was arrested and transported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Processing Center, where he was charged with:

Armed Robbery Aggravated Battery False Imprisonment

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Sherrill has an extensive criminal history, including 8 prior felony convictions, 9 misdemeanor convictions, and two previous stays in Florida state prison.

The case remains under investigation.

The post Frostproof Man Arrested After Violent Armed Robbery Near Lake Wales first appeared on Lake Wales Daily News.

O’Reilly Auto Parts Hosting Halloween Trunk or Treat in Frostproof

Allison — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 15:52:33 +0000

O’Reilly Auto Parts Hosting Halloween Trunk or Treat in Frostproof

Get ready for a spooky good time at the O’Reilly Auto Parts Trunk or Treat event on Friday, October 31, from 6 to 8 p.m.! The fun will take place at 101 Hwy 630 W in Frostproof.

Families are invited to bring the kids for a safe and festive night of trick-or-treating, candy, and Halloween fun.

If you’d like to participate by decorating your vehicle and handing out candy, please call the store at 863-546-3000 to sign up and help make the event even more exciting for local families.

The post O’Reilly Auto Parts Hosting Halloween Trunk or Treat in Frostproof first appeared on Lake Wales Daily News.

Frostproof Woman Arrested After Two Dogs Die From Heatstroke and Neglect

carl — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 14:27:31 +0000

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

On June 17, 2025, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to an anonymous complaint regarding two deceased dogs in the backyard of a residence on West 6th Street in Frostproof. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with 20-year-old Nashali Santiago, who stated she was caring for the dogs while her brother is deployed overseas.

While searching the back yard of the residence, deputies discovered two deceased German Shepherds—identified by Santiago as “Ajax,” a 3-year-old male, and “Sugar,” a 2-year-old female – inside a makeshift pen with no roof or shade. The outdoor temperature at the time was 93 degrees Fahrenheit. The pen contained no food or water bowls, and both dogs appeared to be in the early stages of decomposition.

Santiago told deputies she had last seen the dogs the previous night and claimed they were fine. She stated she typically fed and watered them once daily in the evening.

The dogs were sent to the University of Florida Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, where Dr. Adam Stern, a Board-Certified Veterinary Pathologist and Founding Fellow in Veterinary Forensic Pathology, conducted forensic necropsies. The results confirmed both dogs died from heatstroke and dehydration.

Ajax was found to be malnourished and had not eaten recently. His poor body condition was attributed to inadequate feeding, not illness. Sugar was in normal body condition but had also not eaten recently. No signs of disease or injury were found.

Santiago was arrested and charged with two counts of felony animal cruelty (F3).

“This is a heartbreaking case of neglect. If you take responsibility for an animal, you are obligated to care for it properly. These dogs suffered and died needlessly, and now the woman responsible for their deaths is facing serious felony charges.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

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Sheriff Judd Confirms Drowning On Lake Clinch In Frostproof

carl — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 21:20:08 +0000

Polk Sheriff Grady Judd

Frostproof, Fla. – A tragic incident occurred Saturday afternoon on Lake Clinch in Frostproof when an adult male drowned.

The emergency call came in at approximately 2:28 p.m. to Clinch Lake Boulevard South and 7th Street West. Frostproof Fire Department, Polk County Fire Rescue, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission responded to the scene.

Sheriff Grady Judd of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office was present as deputies and first responders worked the incident. Despite the efforts of multiple agencies, the victim, an adult male, was pronounced deceased.

Sheriff Judd updated the media and advised the victim’s name is Pierre Richard Flourde, 52, of Frostproof. He apparently attempted to get his boat that drifted off from the shoreline and he went under. A friend tried to save him in vain.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no further details have been released at this time.

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City of Frostproof Responds to Concerns Over Bacteria in Lake Clinch

carl — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 14:37:31 +0000

Frostproof, Fla. – Concerns have been circulating on social media about possible bacterial contamination in Lake Clinch, raising questions from local residents and prompting a response from the City of Frostproof.

Several parents reported their children became sick after swimming in the lake. One widely shared post claimed multiple children had been diagnosed with bacteria-related illnesses and tagged the City of Frostproof, urging officials to take action and conduct testing.

Lake Clinch is a 1,207-acre natural freshwater lake located on the west side of Frostproof in Polk County. It’s a favorite local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake features a public boat ramp on the southwest side of the city and a public Florida state park along the eastern shore. The average depth is about 16 feet, with the deepest areas reaching up to 55 feet. The lake is also well known for its healthy populations of largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill, making it a go-to fishing destination for locals and visitors alike.

In response to the recent concerns, the City of Frostproof released a statement on July 10 confirming that water samples were collected on July 2 and tested at Pembroke Laboratory, a division of Florida-Spectrum Environmental Services.

The results showed fecal coliform levels of 25, 42, and 43 CFU/100mL at three locations around the dock area. According to the city, these results are well within the safe range and considered to be on the lower end, with no current cause for concern.

“We’re aware of recent concerns circulating regarding Clinch Lake and reports of E. coli-related illness,” the city stated. “Please know that the City of Frostproof takes water safety seriously and continues to monitor closely.”

City officials say they will continue routine testing and will share any new developments with the public. Residents with questions can contact Frostproof City Hall at 863-635-7855.

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