Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

More than 1,000 people gathered at Resurrection Parish in Lakeland for the annual Nehemiah Action organized by the Polk Ecumenical Action Council for Empowerment (PEACE). The event, inspired by Nehemiah Chapter 5, brings together various churches to address social justice issues in Polk County.

Father Jarek Sztybel, pastor of St. John Neumann Parish in Lakeland and PEACE vice-president, emphasized the aim to tackle two main issues: reducing unnecessary arrests for minor offenses in Winter Haven and Lakeland and improving services for seniors after the closure of several county senior assisted living facilities.

Winter Haven Chief of Police Vance Monroe and City Manager Charlie Bird committed to developing a plan to reduce arrests and provide police training. Chief Monroe, who assumed office in September 2024, pledged to work towards a September 1 target date for these changes.

Christine Goding from St. Joseph Parish in Lakeland stated that PEACE has been working for three years to lower arrest rates in Winter Haven and Lakeland. According to her, some progress has been made, particularly in Lakeland with the Adult Pre-Arrest Aversion (APAV) program, credited to Police Chief Sammy Taylor's efforts to train officers to offer diversions.

No significant progress was reported concerning the care of seniors. However, Polk County Administrator Bill Beasley has agreed to meet with PEACE leaders on April 8 to discuss a plan. The meeting will include a prayer gathering aimed at supporting dialogue. PEACE seeks a commitment to help the 1,000 seniors currently on the waitlist for essential in-home services.

Currently, 2,700 seniors are on this waitlist, and PEACE aims to develop a plan by July 1. Research shows that seniors tend to fare better when they can stay in their own homes, where in-home services are more cost-effective compared to nursing facilities. Nearly 26% of Polk County's population is over 60 years old. The recent closure of multiple senior living facilities has exacerbated the issue.