Marilyn Meyer
Cocoa, Lakeland
Health and medical writer at The Ledger in Lakeland, FL.
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Articles by Marilyn Meyer
Pool safety measures for parents with young children
In Florida, a record 119 children died due to drowning in 2025. The youngest kids are at highest risk, as 75% of pediatric drownings involve children under 5. Ensuring that proper safety measures have been taken is key to preventing this. “Eighty-eight percent of children drown with at least one adult present, as drownings happen quickly and silently,” said Kristen Formet, director of drowning prevention at the YMCA of Central Florida.
OIC helps formerly incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives (includes video story)
The journey to finding stability after incarceration is not easy, and many formerly incarcerated individuals struggle to find employment and housing because of their criminal records. Arthur Morgan, who was formerly incarcerated, participated in Opportunities Industrialization Center South Florida, or OIC, an organization that helped him rebuild his life after his release. “Criminality was my lifestyle; that’s what I did,” Morgan said.
Polk health officials address racial disparity in infant deaths
From 2015-2017, the three-year death rates broke down to 19.4 deaths among black babies and 4.8 deaths among white babies per 1,000 babies. Black babies born in Polk County are four times more likely to die before their first birthday than white babies, a devastating gap that health officials and advocates are struggling to close. The disparity “is very significant and very disturbing,” said Dr. Joy Jackson, director of the Florida Department of Health in Polk.
Mother relives heartache of miscarriages, stillbirth
Kelly Calderon: “I did not speak about it for a while, even to my own husband. I journaled about it.” It took 25 years and the growth of two babies into healthy children for Kelly Calderon to speak out about the heartache of four miscarriages and the stillborn birth of a daughter. Calderon, 44, was a healthy 19-year-old when she gave birth to a stillborn daughter, whom she had named Mercedes.
Local nurse's license suspended
TALLAHASSEE — After Victoria Denice Westbrook, 34, of Lakeland, pleaded guilty in court to possession of hydrocodone, the Florida Department of Health issued an emergency order suspending her license as a registered nurse. Westbrook had earned her registered nurse license in 2013, but following her arrest on drug charges, she voluntarily withdrew her license. Still, the state plans to proceed with disciplinary action, according to the emergency suspension order filed Aug. 10.
Local nurse's license suspended
TALLAHASSEE — After Victoria Denice Westbrook, 34, of Lakeland, pleaded guilty in court to possession of hydrocodone, the Florida Department of Health issued an emergency order suspending her license as a registered nurse. Westbrook had earned her registered nurse license in 2013, but following her arrest on drug charges, she voluntarily withdrew her license. Still, the state plans to proceed with disciplinary action, according to the emergency suspension order filed Aug. 10.
Auburndale swears in new police chief
AUBURNDALE — Andy Ray was sworn in as Auburndale’s new police chief Thursday evening, minutes before the City Commission opened a public hearing on the proposed tax rate and budget. Ray had been serving as interim chief since the resignation last month of former chief Chris Nelson, who left to become executive director of the local State Attorney's Office. Ray was hired as Auburndale’s deputy chief in 2012 after retiring from a 25-year career with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Florida Southern College planning early-childhood lab, off-campus athletic complex in Lakeland
College asks city for zoning changes to accommodate what will eventually be practice fields and a track and field complex, plus on-campus early-childhood lab. LAKELAND — Florida Southern College is planning two expansions that require the city's OK: developing an athletic complex on 23.2 acres off Lakeland Hills Road and building an early-childhood learning lab just west of Roberts Academy, the college's school for elementary students with dyslexia.
Auburndale swears in new police chief
AUBURNDALE — Andy Ray was sworn in as Auburndale’s new police chief Thursday evening, minutes before the City Commission opened a public hearing on the proposed tax rate and budget. Ray had been serving as interim chief since the resignation last month of former chief Chris Nelson, who left to become executive director of the local State Attorney's Office. Ray was hired as Auburndale’s deputy chief in 2012 after retiring from a 25-year career with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Auburndale swears in Andy Ray as new police chief
AUBURNDALE — Andy Ray was sworn in as Auburndale’s new police chief Thursday evening, minutes before the City Commission opened a public hearing on the proposed tax rate and budget. Ray had been serving as interim chief since the resignation last month of former chief Chris Nelson, who left to become executive director of the local State Attorney's Office. Ray was hired as Auburndale’s deputy chief in 2012 after retiring from a 25-year career with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Lakeland to spend $55,000 for recycling trash campaign
LAKELAND — To try to clear up residents' confusion about what to recycle and what to throw in the trash bin, the city of Lakeland is going to spend $55,000 developing an outreach and education campaign. City commissioners decided Tuesday afternoon to go with the second-lowest bidder, Resource Recycling Systems of Ann Arbor, Michigan, to develop the marketing campaign, which city staff will execute.
Florida Southern planning off-campus athletic complex
College asks city for zoning changes to accommodate what will eventually be practice fields and a track and field complex, plus on-campus early-childhood lab. LAKELAND — Florida Southern College is planning two expansions that require the city's OK: developing an athletic complex on 23.2 acres off Lakeland Hills Road and building an early-childhood learning lab just west of Roberts Academy, the college's school for elementary students with dyslexia.
Lakeland to spend $55,000 for recycling trash campaign
LAKELAND — To try to clear up residents' confusion about what to recycle and what to throw in the trash bin, the city of Lakeland is going to spend $55,000 developing an outreach and education campaign. City commissioners decided Tuesday afternoon to go with the second-lowest bidder, Resource Recycling Systems of Ann Arbor, Michigan, to develop the marketing campaign, which city staff will execute.
Florida Southern planning off-campus athletic complex
College asks city for zoning changes to accommodate what will eventually be practice fields and a track and field complex, plus on-campus early-childhood lab. LAKELAND — Florida Southern College is planning two expansions that require the city's OK: developing an athletic complex on 23.2 acres off Lakeland Hills Road and building an early-childhood learning lab just west of Roberts Academy, the college's school for elementary students with dyslexia.
New procedure offered to frail heart patients
LAKELAND — A procedure new to Polk County may be a life-saving alternative for frail heart patients with leaky mitral valve. According to a news release from Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, two local physicians, Drs. Douglas Ebersole and Andres Medina, became the first specialists in the county to implant the MitraClip device in a procedure at the hospital. Dr. Konstantinos Marmagkiolis, Premier Heart & Vascular Center, is also specially trained to perform the procedure, the release said.
Growth brings more tax dollars to Auburndale
AUBURNDALE — In a confluence of good timing, new industries, businesses and homes are coming onto the city's tax rolls just as Auburndale is wrapping up paying for several expensive projects. The result: the city's proposed budget for 2018-19 is a 7.8 percent drop from this year while the proposed tax rate will drop 0.3 percent. At 7 p.m. Thursday, the City Commission holds the first of two public hearings on the proposed budget and proposed tax rate.
Growth brings more tax dollars to Auburndale
AUBURNDALE — In a confluence of good timing, new industries, businesses and homes are coming onto the city's tax rolls just as Auburndale is wrapping up paying for several expensive projects. The result: the city's proposed budget for 2018-19 is a 7.8 percent drop from this year while the proposed tax rate will drop 0.3 percent. At 7 p.m. Thursday, the City Commission holds the first of two public hearings on the proposed budget and proposed tax rate.
Good News: Tropical Storm Gordon to stay south of Polk County
Rodney Wynn, National Weather Service: "There may be some isolated street flooding but nothing we don’t typically see in the summertime." LAKELAND – While Polk County will get some outer bands of rain and showers, Tropical Storm Gordon is not going to hit Polk County, according to Rodney Wynn, forecaster with the National Weather Service in Tampa. The center of the storm was southeast of Naples at noon Monday “and that is as close as it is going to get to Polk County.
Tropical Storm Gordon brought breezes, some rain but kept south of Polk County
Rodney Wynn, National Weather Service: "There may be some isolated street flooding but nothing we don’t typically see in the summertime." LAKELAND – While Polk County will get some outer bands of rain and showers, Tropical Storm Gordon is not going to hit Polk County, according to Rodney Wynn, forecaster with the National Weather Service in Tampa. The center of the storm was southeast of Naples at noon Monday “and that is as close as it is going to get to Polk County.
Hillsborough's Spano bests Polk's Combee
LAKELAND — State Rep. Ross Spano beat former Rep. Neil Combee of Polk County for the Republican nomination to replace Congressman Dennis Ross of Lakeland in U.S. House District 15. Spano will face Democratic nominee Kristen Carlson of Lakeland in the November general election for the seat representing parts of northwestern Polk, eastern Hillsborough and southern Lake counties.
Hillsborough's Spano bests Polk's Combee
LAKELAND — State Rep. Ross Spano beat former Rep. Neil Combee of Polk County for the Republican nomination to replace Congressman Dennis Ross of Lakeland in U.S. House District 15. Spano will face Democratic nominee Kristen Carlson of Lakeland in the November general election for the seat representing parts of northwestern Polk, eastern Hillsborough and southern Lake counties.
Auburndale grapples with recycler's request to double household fees
AUBURNDALE — As the international market for recyclables has tanked, Auburndale and other cities are looking for ways to keep their residents recycling. During a Monday evening City Commission meeting, City Manager Bobby Green suggested commissioners consider amending the city’s contract with Advanced Disposal, which picks up residents’ recyclables.
Auburndale grapples with recycler's request to double household fees
AUBURNDALE — As the international market for recyclables has tanked, Auburndale and other cities are looking for ways to keep their residents recycling. During a Monday evening City Commission meeting, City Manager Bobby Green suggested commissioners consider amending the city’s contract with Advanced Disposal, which picks up residents’ recyclables.
2 subdivisions would add 300 homes in north Auburndale
AUBURNDALE — Plans are in the works for two subdivisions that together could add 300 new homes to the growing area of north Auburndale. • Annexed into the city 90 acres so the owner, Walkers Grove Land Partners, can tap into city utilities for a planned single-family subdivision, Juliana Village, at the intersection of Cone Road and State Road 559.
2 subdivisions would add 300 homes in north Auburndale
AUBURNDALE — Plans are in the works for two subdivisions that together could add 300 new homes to the growing area of north Auburndale. • Annexed into the city 90 acres so the owner, Walkers Grove Land Partners, can tap into city utilities for a planned single-family subdivision, Juliana Village, at the intersection of Cone Road and State Road 559.
Polk's Best Places to Work named
LAKELAND – Thirteen local businesses were named Best Places to work Thursday morning when nearly 700 people gathered at the RP Funding Center for CareerSource Polk’s annual breakfast and awards ceremony. Six small businesses with up to 50 employees, three medium businesses with 51 to 250 employees and four large businesses with more than 251 employees won Best Places to Work honors for the benefits, programs and initiatives they offer their workers.
Polk's Best Places to Work named
LAKELAND – Thirteen local businesses were named Best Places to work Thursday morning when nearly 700 people gathered at the RP Funding Center for CareerSource Polk’s annual breakfast and awards ceremony. Six small businesses with up to 50 employees, three medium businesses with 51 to 250 employees and four large businesses with more than 251 employees won Best Places to Work honors for the benefits, programs and initiatives they offer their workers.
Auburndale plans 7.8% drop in city budget, small drop in tax rate
AUBURNDALE — With several major projects wrapping up, the city's proposed budget and its proposed tax rate is dropping for fiscal year 2018-2019. The total budget is a 7.8 percent decrease from the current year's adopted budget, he said, mostly because several major projects are completed including the PK Avenue/Lake Lena stormwater project, the exterior renovation of City Hall and the water meter upgrade and replacement program.
Auburndale plans 7.8% drop in city budget, small drop in tax trate
AUBURNDALE — With several major projects wrapping up, the city's proposed budget and its proposed tax rate is dropping for fiscal year 2018-2019. The total budget is a 7.8 percent decrease from the current year's adopted budget, he said, mostly because several major projects are completed including the PK Avenue/Lake Lena stormwater project, the exterior renovation of City Hall and the water meter upgrade and replacement program.
Bartow hospital wins patient safety award
BARTOW – Bartow Regional Medical Center has received an Across the Board Award for excellence in patient safety. The award was presented by Premier, one of 16 Hospital Improvement Innovation Networks that contracts with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to help hospitals and health systems improve their safety scores through training, technical assistance and various activities.
Auburndale plans 7.8% drop in city budget, small drop in tax rate
AUBURNDALE — With several major projects wrapping up, the city's proposed budget and its proposed tax rate is dropping for fiscal year 2018-2019. The total budget is a 7.8 percent decrease from the current year's adopted budget, he said, mostly because several major projects are completed including the PK Avenue/Lake Lena stormwater project, the exterior renovation of City Hall and the water meter upgrade and replacement program.
Auburndale plans 7.8% drop in city budget, small drop in tax trate
AUBURNDALE — With several major projects wrapping up, the city's proposed budget and its proposed tax rate is dropping for fiscal year 2018-2019. The total budget is a 7.8 percent decrease from the current year's adopted budget, he said, mostly because several major projects are completed including the PK Avenue/Lake Lena stormwater project, the exterior renovation of City Hall and the water meter upgrade and replacement program.
Lakeland City Commission OKs hike to electric fees
In a close 4-3 vote, commissioners also agreed to let Rodda Construction step in and complete the 21-home Lincoln Square project. LAKELAND — The average Lakeland Electric customer will see their bill go up starting in October after city commissioners voted 5 to 2 on Monday to update an 83-page ordinance covering a range of fee changes. The biggest change for most customers will be a 3 percent to 3.25 percent increase in the base rate they pay to have electrical power.
Lakeland City Commission OKs hike to electric fees
In a close 4-3 vote, commissioners also agreed to let Rodda Construction step in and complete the 21-home Lincoln Square project. LAKELAND — The average Lakeland Electric customer will see their bill go up starting in October after city commissioners voted 5 to 2 on Monday to update an 83-page ordinance covering a range of fee changes. The biggest change for most customers will be a 3 percent to 3.25 percent increase in the base rate they pay to have electrical power.
Lakeland Electric rate hikes on the agenda
If city commissioners give the OK on Monday, most residents and businesses served by Lakeland Electric will see their utility bills increase by 3 percent to 3.25 percent. LAKELAND — If city commissioners give the OK on Monday, most residents and businesses served by Lakeland Electric will see their utility bills increase by 3 percent to 3.25 percent.
Families gather for annual back-to-school Summer Palooza
LAKELAND — Hundreds of families spent the last Saturday of school break at Summer Palooza, a day of fun, hot meals, back-to-school haircuts and more at Simpson Park. For the third year, New Beginnings High School, a charter school for students ages 15 through 24 who are at risk of dropping out or have dropped out, organized the event free to the community.
Lakeland Electric rate hikes on the agenda
If city commissioners give the OK on Monday, most residents and businesses served by Lakeland Electric will see their utility bills increase by 3 percent to 3.25 percent. LAKELAND — If city commissioners give the OK on Monday, most residents and businesses served by Lakeland Electric will see their utility bills increase by 3 percent to 3.25 percent.
Families gather for annual back-to-school Summer Palooza
LAKELAND — Hundreds of families spent the last Saturday of school break at Summer Palooza, a day of fun, hot meals, back-to-school haircuts and more at Simpson Park. For the third year, New Beginnings High School, a charter school for students ages 15 through 24 who are at risk of dropping out or have dropped out, organized the event free to the community.
Soldier trying to help woman in accident hit by 2nd car; woman killed
Kelli Marie Black, 40, of Polk City, died about 2:20 a.m. Thursday after being struck by two hit-and-run vehicles. Pfc. Kalen Lawson, who was rendering aid, was seriously injured after being hit by the second vehicle.
PCSO: Fatal motorcycle crash shuts down US 92, motorists advised to avoid area
WINTER HAVEN – The intersection of U.S. 92 and Jersey Road in Northwest Winter Haven is closed and will be most of the afternoon because of the investigation of a fatal motorcycle versus car accident. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is diverting traffic is being diverted in both directions on both U.S. 92 and Jersey Road, according to a news release. Few details are available about the crash, other than the motorcycle operator was transported to Winter Haven Hospital and was declared dead.
Haven motorists advised to avoid intersection of fatal motorcycle crash
WINTER HAVEN – The intersection of U.S. 92 and Jersey Road in Northwest Winter Haven is closed and will be most of the afternoon because of the investigation of a fatal motorcycle versus car accident. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is diverting traffic is being diverted in both directions on both U.S. 92 and Jersey Road, according to a news release. Few details are available about the crash, other than the motorcycle operator was transported to Winter Haven Hospital and was declared dead.
Double hit-and-run kills woman, injures US soldier in Lakeland
Unidentified woman on scooter was killed and active-duty Army member initially rendering aid was seriously injured as two separate vehicles and their drivers are sought. Traffic homicide investigators with the Polk County Sheriff's Office are seeking information about two vehicles and drivers who left the scene of a traffic crash early Thursday morning.
Firefighters dodge exploding ammo, save kittens from Winter Haven blaze
WINTER HAVEN — A disabled veteran suffered smoke inhalation while escaping from a mobile home fire early Wednesday afternoon. Although arriving firefighters were hampered by exploding ammunition that had been in the house, the fire was brought under control in about 20 minutes, said Jamie Brown, public information officer for the Winter Haven Police Department. Edwin Stensel, 69, was taken to a local hospital for treatment where he is listed in stable condition.
Woman dies after being struck by 2 hit-and-run vehicles in Lakeland, US soldier who stopped to help hospitalized
Unidentified woman on scooter was killed and active-duty Army member initially rendering aid was seriously injured as two separate vehicles and their drivers are sought. LAKELAND — Kelly Marie Black, 40, of Polk City, died about 2:20 a.m. Thursday after being struck by two hit-and-run vehicles — the first one as she drove a scooter on Galloway Road and the second one within a minute as she lay in the road while two Good Samaritans were trying to tend to her.
Lake Alfred motorcyclist dies in collision with car on U.S. 92
Preliminary report says Winter Haven woman violated motorcyclist's right of way as she made turn onto U.S. 92. WINTER HAVEN — A 32-year-old motorcyclist died following a collision with a car about 12:27 p.m. Thursday at the intersection of U.S. 92 and Jersey Road in the Winter Haven/Auburndale area.
PCSO: Fatal motorcycle crash shuts down US 92, motorists advised to avoid area
WINTER HAVEN — The intersection of U.S. 92 and Jersey Road in Northwest Winter Haven is closed and will be most of the afternoon because of the investigation of a fatal crash involving a motorcycle and a car. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is diverting traffic is being diverted in both directions on both U.S. 92 and Jersey Road, according to a news release.
Exploding ammo hampers firefighters' efforts to douse blaze
Although arriving firefighters were hampered by exploding ammunition that had been in the house, the fire was brought under control in about 20 minutes, said Jamie Brown, public information officer for the Winter Haven Police Department. The man, whose age and name were not available, was taken to a local hospital for treatment, she said. A firefighter was also treated for heat exhaustion at the scene.
Crash critically injures 1, shuts down part of US 27 near Frostproof
FROSTPROOF — Three people were injured, one critically, in a crash that shut down part of busy U.S. 27 near the intersection with U.S. 98 for about four hours, starting shortly before midnight Tuesday. Stacy Lee, 35, of 10 Murray Lane, Frostproof, suffered critical injuries and was airlifted to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, according to a news release from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Her passenger, Jason Williams, 46, 2801 E.
Mulberry teen killed, 2 critical in violent head-on crash
19-year-old female was pronounced dead at the scene after her car suddenly crossed the median on County Line Road into the oncoming lane of traffic. LAKELAND — A 19-year-old Mulberry woman died and two other people suffered critical injuries in a head-on, two-vehicle crash just before noon Tuesday on County Line Road near Pipkin Road. Ashley Salcedo of 555 Dean St., Mulberry, died at the scene.
Crash critically injures 1, shuts down part of US 27 near Frostproof
FROSTPROOF — Three people were injured, one critically, in a crash that shut down part of busy U.S. 27 near the intersection with U.S. 98 for about four hours, starting shortly before midnight Tuesday. Stacy Lee, 35, of 10 Murray Lane, Frostproof, suffered critical injuries and was airlifted to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, according to a news release from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Her passenger, Jason Williams, 46, 2801 E.
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