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.