BARTOW In-person jury trials expected to take two days or fewer will resume Wednesday, according to Circuit Court Judge Jalal Harb.
“Since November 2020 and because of the deterioration of the health situation in the community on the ground, the operational plans had to be modified and we had to resort back to more restrictions – jury trials as of late were paused,” Harb said. “Starting Wednesday of this week, jury trials will resume.the ones that would take a day or two days.”
Those include felonies and misdemeanors, according to the State Attorney’s Office.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, courthouses have been closed for business and hearings for cases have been heard via teleconference, Zoom or Microsoft Teams. The Florida Supreme Court also lifted the requirement for a speedy trial.
LAKELAND A certified public accountant firm founded by late former city commissioner Edie Yates Henderson recently merged with another locally owned company.
Baylis & Company PA CPAs, located on Lake Morton Drive, merged with CPS Group CPAs, PA on Dec. 1. The latter company was formerly known as Chas P. Smith & Associates, PA, CPA s. A CPS news release stated Baylis & Company employees will join the CPS office on East Orange Street in May.
The two companies have a combined 85 years of experience in professional consulting, tax, accounting and auditing services and prioritize high-level personal service, according to the news release.
Yates Henderson, the former owner of Baylis & Company, was killed in November in a double homicide that also claimed the life of her husband, David Henderson. She served as a commissioner from 2006 until the beginning of 2018. Yates Henderson started the CPA company with her first husband, Steve Baylis, in 1981.
LAKELAND A cool breeze blew across Lake Mirror on Monday evening as about 100 people gathered to mourn David Henderson and Edie Yates Henderson, writing messages of love to the couple and to their children on lighted balls, then placing the balls along the lake’s steps to the shoreline.
“We wanted to give the broader community a COVID-safe way to honor and remember Edie and David,” said Todd Baylis, Yates Henderson’s son from her first marriage to the late Steve Baylis. “Our sincerest wish is that we all continue to remember them both for their accomplishments and contributions to all of us individually and to the community.”