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Braddock and Berkley Road Growth Sparks Debate Over Noise, Light Pollution, and Local Control

Allison
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Braddock and Berkley Road Growth Sparks Debate Over Noise, Light Pollution, and Local Control

Braddock and Berkley Road Growth Sparks Debate Over Noise, Light Pollution, and Local Control
by James Coulter
 
Nearly eight acres are slated for development to support local urban growth and commercial needs, but residents have raised concerns about increased traffic, noise, and light pollution.
 
At their meeting on Tues. Dec. 16, Polk County commissioners voted 4–1 to approve two ordinances affecting 7.95 acres at the intersection of Braddock and Berkley roads near Auburndale. Commissioner Bill Braswell voted against both ordinances.
 
One ordinance redesignates the site as a Neighborhood Activity Center (NAC); the other amends the land development code to add a development block and strengthen buffering requirements for the property.
 
Bart Allen, an attorney for the applicant, said the project would meet growing local retail needs as the area expands following recent infrastructure investments.
 
He noted that Braddock Road was rebuilt and realigned in 2024 into a four‑lane divided urban collector road, and that businesses are showing interest in relocating to the intersection.
 
“I know there are businesses that want to relocate to the intersection, so you will see more folks moving here,” Allen said. “There is a lot of interest in this area, which is why you see the request before you.”
 
Commissioner Bill Braswell questioned whether the proposed buffering would be adequate for nearby homes, saying Polk County’s standards lag behind those in other states.
 
“When you leave this state and look at other states with more restrictive buffering, where you put a development next to Walmart and do not know the Walmart is there, we feel we fall short,” he said.
 
The applicant’s attorney countered that the plan exceeds minimum requirements by specifying tree plantings intended to grow tall enough to screen the development.
 
However, many Auburndale residents spoke during public comments to raise concerns about the proposed development, specifically with traffic, noise, light pollution, and city autonomy.
 
Dorothea Taylor Bogert, former Auburndale mayor, claimed the development was unnecessary, as the residents “do not want more gas stations.” She implored the commission to leave this type of decision-making to the City of Auburndale.
 
“Our citizens want to be able to make our decisions locally,” she said. “I respectfully ask you to decline this request and allow it to go to Auburndale for them to determine what will be done with the property. I respectfully request that the city make that decision.”
 
Another resident, Mark Harris, warned about potential light pollution from 24/7 businesses and called the proposal redundant given existing convenience stores and fast-food outlets nearby.
 
“I have no need for gas stations or drive-thrus,” he said. “There are options for me down the road. I know there will be change, but it should match the aesthetic of the area so that it flows more evenly and smoothly.”
 
The applicant’s attorney noted that many nearby businesses carry Auburndale addresses but sit on county‑jurisdiction land. He also said an opaque six‑foot fence would provide effective buffering; however, the applicants would agree to a brick wall if required.

One Movie Later: Take a Holly Jolly Blast from the Past with These Two 1987 Xmas Specials

Allison
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One Movie Later: Take a Holly Jolly Blast from the Past with These Two 1987 Xmas Specials

One Movie Later: Take a Holly Jolly Blast from the Past with These Two 1987 Xmas Specials

by James Coulter

Does anyone remember 1987? Boy, what a year. Baby Jessica. Iran-Contra. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Predator. Princess Bride. And the births of Kesha, Zac Effrom, and—well, me!

Yes! Yours truly was born on Jan. 26, 1987. The year holds a special place in my heart, not only because it was my birth year, but also because it saw the premiere of two of my favorite Christmas specials–the kind of specials I watch every Christmas because the holiday wouldn’t be complete without them.

The first is a Muppet Family Christmas, which premiered on ABC on Dec. 16. 1987. If you think Avengers: Endgame was the biggest crossover of all time, for millennials like myself, this special was our Avengers. Not only did it star the titular Muppets, but also other Muppet characters from other Muppet productions, including Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, and Muppet Babies.

The best part of the special was seeing all the Muppet characters bounce their personalities off of each other, from Animal considering Cookie Monster a kindred spirit after seeing the blue monster scarf down an entire platter of Christmas cookies, to the Swedish Chef attempting to cook Big Bird for Christmas. (Yes, that actually happened!)

My second favorite special from my birth year was A Garfield Christmas, which premiered on CBS on Dec. 21, 1987. While our favorite fat cat hates Mondays, he absolutely loves Christmas, even if he doesn’t always show his holiday spirit.

As usual, our beloved grumpy cat has a lot to be grumpy about during the holidays, from trudging through the snow to nearly killing himself setting the star on the Christmas tree, but he still manages to reveal his softer side during the warmer holiday.

Helping the literal grumpy puss come out of his shell is Grandma, a spunky, feisty granny with more vim and vigor than her own grandchildren. Despite her rough and tumble exterior, like Garfield, she too has a sentimental side that the cat manages to help her reveal during the special’s more touching moments.

While A Muppet Family Christmas is not available on streaming or home media, the special has been uploaded to YouTube. A Garfield Christmas is streaming for free on Tubi, PlutoTV, Plex, and The Roku Channel.

Both specials were recently discussed on the recent episode of the One Movie Later podcast. Listen to the full episode on Acast, Spotify, and Amazon Music: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/episodes/one-movie-later-1987-christmas-specials-muppet-family-xmas-g

Polk Sheriff Adds 46 New Child Pornography Charges, Auburndale Man Now Held Without Bond

Carl Fish
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Polk Sheriff Adds 46 New Child Pornography Charges, Auburndale Man Now Held Without Bond

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Cyber Crimes detectives arrested 39-year-old Andrew “Drew” McGaffigan of Auburndale on December 17, 2025, and charged him with 30 counts of child pornography, and on December 23rd added 46 more counts after further investigation of his electronic devices. He has been incarcerated since his original arrest and his original bond amount was set at $300,000 ($10,000 per charge). He is now being held on no bond.

The investigation began upon receipt of several NCMEC cybertips (National Center for Missing and Endangered Children) regarding child pornography files being uploaded by McGaffigan. 

The Auburndale Police Department also received NCMEC tips and collaborated with the PCSO to have our detectives take over the investigation.

The tips indicated that multiple files were being uploaded to McGaffigan’s cloud storage from his mobile device. Detectives served an electronic search warrant on the account and located 30 files of children between the ages of 9 months old and 12 years old being sexually abused. The babies and children were not identified as anyone McGaffigan has access to in his life.

An arrest warrant was issued, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office placed McGaffigan under arrest at his place of employment in Plant City. He was later transferred to the Polk County Jail. 

Upon his arrest, McGaffigan’s cell phone and electronic devices were seized and a forensic examination ensued. Detectives located an additional 46 images and videos depicting child sexual abuse material. The victims in the digital files ranged in age from 6 months old to approximately 9 years old. One video file was located that depicted a 5 year old female child being forced to engage in sexual bestiality with a dog – she is blindfolded with her hands tied above her head. Some of the files contained captions advocating for the legalization of pedophilia and encouraging others to engage in the sexual abuse of babies and children. 

McGaffigan is actively involved with the First Baptist Church of Auburndale.

“This suspect is the worst of the worst. Here is a married man with children of his own advocating for the sexual abuse of babies and children. He’s also active in his local church. We will continue our thorough investigation to determine whether or not he has abused any child to whom he has access.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Golf Cart Driver Dies After Being Struck by Vehicle on U.S. 92

Allison
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Golf Cart Driver Dies After Being Struck by Vehicle on U.S. 92

The PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a two‑vehicle crash involving a golf cart that resulted in the death of the elderly golf cart driver. The crash occurred at approximately 7:12 p.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, on U.S. 92 at the intersection with Schalamar Creek Drive in Lakeland.

According to evidence and witness statements, the driver of a black Club Car electric golf cart exited Schalamar Creek Drive and crossed to the south side of U.S. 92 to go to a nearby store. He lives in the Schalamar Creek subdivision. It appears he was attempting to return to Schalamar Creek and cross back to the north side when a 2008 Buick CXL struck the golf cart. The Buick was traveling westbound in the inside (left) lane of U.S. 92 when the golf cart entered its path. The Buick struck the golf cart on the passenger side, pushing it approximately 50 feet west before it became dislodged.

The impact ejected the golf cart driver, who came to rest in the inside westbound lane of U.S. 92. He was not wearing a seat belt, and the golf cart was not equipped with airbags. He was pronounced deceased by first responders.

The Buick came to a controlled stop on the north shoulder of U.S. 92. No airbags deployed in the vehicle, and both the driver and passenger were wearing seat belts. The passenger sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

Impairment and excessive speed are not suspected on the part of the Buick’s driver; however, several alcoholic beverage containers were found inside the golf cart.

Next of kin for the deceased driver have not yet been located, and efforts to identify and notify them are ongoing.

The investigation remains active.

One Movie Later: Wicked: For Good is Not as Good as the First Movie, But Still Good

Allison
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One Movie Later: Wicked: For Good is Not as Good as the First Movie, But Still Good

One Movie Later: Wicked: For Good is Not as Good as the First Movie, But Still Good

by James Coulter

One year has passed since Wicked became a bigger hit than a house falling on a witch, what with the film grossing over $758 million at the box office and winning two Academy Awards.

Then again, you didn’t need to be an all-knowing Wizard to predict that a film adaptation of one of the most successful, long-running Broadway musicals would become as popular as Ariana Grande’s pop-song rendition of “Popular.”

Now, one year later, the second half of the musical has been released with Wicked: For Good. But will the second movie be as “good” as the first? Or will it prove wicked enough to melt at the box office?

Wicked: For Good picks up after the first film: Elphaba is on the run as the Wicked Witch of the West, while Glinda has risen through Emerald City’s ranks as the Good Witch. A tornado reunites their paths and forces them to clash on both sides of a growing conflict, making both women confront what “good” and “wicked” really mean.

Fans of the original Broadway musical agree that the second act isn’t as good as the first. The opening half is celebrated for its standout songs and its fresh take on the Oz characters, whereas the latter part lacks memorable music and forces the story to fit the events from the classic Wizard of Oz film. As a result, any sequel film was bound to face challenges living up to the original.

The sequel preserves what worked in the first film: an excellent soundtrack based on an acclaimed Broadway musical, the flawless chemistry between the two main female leads, and vibrantly colorful visuals that reflect the colorful vibrancy of the fantasy world of Oz.

Wicked: For Good also does an excellent job of fleshing out its main characters. While the first movie focused on Elphaba and her journey for self-acceptance, this movie shifts some of the emotional focus to Glinda’s moral growth, making her decidewhether to appear good or actually be good.

The political subtext was also notable. The films were adapted from a Broadway musical created during the Bush presidency, making a lot of playful jabs at the political climate of that era. Although the theatrical adaptations were made two decades later, they remain politically relevant, highlighting either the enduring relevance of the original work or the cyclical nature of political discourse.

Ironically, the musical’s weakest point is its music. Fans are right to point out that the second act’s songs don’t match the quality of those in the first. Except for “No Good Deed,” none of the later tracks stand out or linger in the memory like “The Wizard and I,” “What is This Feeling,” or the iconic showstopper, “Defying Gravity.”

Additionally, the story is somewhat muddled. The plot struggles to blend its creative take on Oz with the need to align its narrative with the original Wizard of Oz. Though there are several intriguing twists featuring familiar elements and characters from the classic film, these lead to some contrivedstorytelling choices that don’t hold up if considered for more than two seconds.

Overall, Wicked: For Good isn’t as strong as its predecessor, but it delivers the core pleasures that made the first film a hit: great leads, striking visuals, stirring musical numbers, and emotional payoff. Fans of the original will find enough here to satisfy, even if the sequel lacks the first movie’s musical and narrative highs.

Murder-Suicide Spans Highland City and Lake Wales, Leaves One Woman Dead and Children Traumatized

Carl Fish
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Murder-Suicide Spans Highland City and Lake Wales, Leaves One Woman Dead and Children Traumatized

A deadly domestic violence incident that began inside a Highland City home late Monday night ended hours later in Lake Wales with the suspected shooter taking his own life, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Grady Judd identified the suspect as Jason Kenny, who authorities say shot and killed his wife, Cristal Kenny, before critically injuring her 13-year-old daughter and fleeing the scene. A one-year-old child was found unharmed in a crib inside the home.

Deputies were first called to the couple’s residence in Highland City after Cristal’s 12-year-old son ran to a neighbor’s home to call 911. Investigators said the child told deputies his mother instructed him to get help before she was shot.

According to the sheriff’s office, Jason Kenny had been drinking and watching football when an argument began. At some point during the confrontation, Kenny opened fire, killing Cristal Kenny and shooting her 13-year-old daughter twice. The girl survived and was later able to speak with detectives.

Investigators said the child told deputies she begged Kenny not to shoot her, pleading for her life before he shot her twice anyway.

The one-year-old child in the home was not injured.

After the shooting, Kenny fled the Highland City home in his truck and drove to his late father’s property in Lake Wales, where a friend was currently staying. During the drive, investigators said Kenny called his sister and admitted he had done “something very, very bad.” He told her she would never speak to him again and said she would likely see him on television.

Jason Kenny Murdered His Wife & Attempted To Murder His Step Daughter

Law enforcement tracked Kenny’s movements and converged on the Lake Wales property, surrounding a shed where Kenny had gone after arriving. Deputies attempted to hail him and ordered him to come out.

A short time later, deputies heard a single gunshot.

After making entry into the shed, deputies found Kenny deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Sheriff Judd said Kenny did not immediately take his own life upon arriving at the property. Instead, deputies were actively attempting to make contact with him when the gunshot was heard.

Investigators also located a letter written by Crystal Kenny, in which she referenced Jason’s struggles with alcohol, illicit drugs, and her belief that he was headed toward a dark place.

The 13-year-old girl who was shot survived and remains under medical care. The 12-year-old boy who escaped the home and called for help is physically unharmed. Both children, along with the one-year-old, are now receiving support services.

The investigation remains ongoing.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached 24 hours a day at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

Taste of Davenport Returns January 17

Allison
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Taste of Davenport Returns January 17

Taste of Davenport Returns January 17

The City of Davenport will host the return of Taste of Davenport on January 17, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to sample dishes from a variety of local restaurants in one evening. The event highlights the city’s growing culinary scene while bringing the community together.

Attendees will be able to enjoy signature food samples from participating restaurants with the purchase of a single ticket. The event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Tom Fellows Community Center.

Tickets are $30.

Event Details:

📅 January 17

⏰ 6:00–8:00 p.m.

📍 Tom Fellows Community Center

207 North Blvd W., Davenport, FL 33837

For ticket information, contact 863-588-1130.

Flyer courtesy of City of Davenport

The Holiday Spirit Matters But So Does What Happens After

Allison
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The Holiday Spirit Matters But So Does What Happens After

During the holiday season, many people feel a renewed sense of generosity. It’s a time when communities come alive with food drives, toy collections, volunteer events and donation campaigns – all fueled by the spirit of giving.

While this seasonal energy can be powerful, the need it responds to doesn’t fade when the decorations come down. Giving back is not only essential during the holidays; it’s also the foundation of stronger, more resilient communities year round.

People in nearly every community face challenges – whether it’s affording holiday presents or meeting basic needs like food, rent and utilities.

For many families, current economic strains are forcing them to make tough decisions like sacrificing necessities or depleting savings to create moments of holiday joy.

This is a time to rally support and help neighbors in need. Right now, many community members who didn’t previously need help are seeking support. Acts of generosity large and small help close gaps and strengthen communities. When individuals and businesses give their time, resources and talent, they can help ensure everyone has a fair chance to not only survive but thrive.

Communities rely on nonprofit organizations like United Way – one of the oldest and largest organizations committed to tackling local challenges and mobilizing communities to improve lives. With a presence in nearly 99% of communities across the U.S., the organization recognizes the power of giving and relies on seasonal and year-round generosity to deliver food and housing assistance, youth programs, mental health support, disaster recovery and more.

This holiday season and beyond, to assist your community consider taking actions such as:

Volunteering

Offering your time is one way to make a real change in your community while helping build a more resilient future for all. What’s more, research shows the personal benefits of volunteering, such as reduced feelings of isolation, loneliness and risk of depression. Whether it’s a community event, ongoing support or in-person activities, making a difference for others feels good.

Donating

Sharing your financial resources can play a vital role in helping communities thrive. Your donation can help put food on the table for families in need, support kids who are struggling or provide mental health services to the most vulnerable individuals.

Remember, your gift of any size combines with the gifts of others and builds stronger, more resilient communities.

Sharing Expertise or Talent

Generosity can take many forms. Making a difference isn’t just about time and money; it can also mean sharing skills or knowledge, and even social networks to bolster charitable efforts. Giving back builds a shared sense of responsibility. It reminds people that strong communities don’t happen by accident – they’re created through connection, compassion and collective action.

Supporting Causes You Believe In

Every community faces their own unique, pressing challenges and almost everyone has a cause that’s close to their hearts. Identify organizations working to advance those causes and make a plan to support them.

City of Haines City Announces New Communications & Marketing Specialist

Allison
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City of Haines City Announces New Communications & Marketing Specialist

City of Haines City Announces New Communications & Marketing Specialist

HAINES CITY- The City of Haines City is pleased to announce that Beyonca West has joined the City’s Communications and Marketing team as the Communications and Marketing Specialist, bringing with her, experience in municipal marketing, public communications and community outreach.

West previously served in the Marketing and Communications role with the City of Davenport, where she supported city departments and leadership through strategic communications, press releases, social media management, branding initiatives, event promotion, and internal and external communications. Her work focused on ensuring accurate, timely, and consistent messaging to residents and stakeholders.

“Clear, consistent communication is critical to serving our community,” said City Manager James Elensky. “We are excited to welcome Beyonca, whose skills and experience will strengthen how we share information, promote city initiatives, and connect with our residents.”

In addition to her municipal experience, West Served as the Marketing Manager for United Protective Security Services, where she supported branding, and communication strategies within the private sector.

A Haines City native, West brings a strong understanding of the community she now serves. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Bethune Cookman University, where she developed a foundation in public relations, media communications, and organizational messaging.

In her role with the City of Haines City, West will work alongside Merissa Green, Haines City’s Communication and Marketing Manager, by assisting with promoting city programs and initiatives, enhancing public information efforts, and supporting the City’s communication strategy across various platforms.

“I am honored to serve the City of Haines City in this role,” said West. “As a proud graduate of Bethune Cookman University, I carry the university’s mantra, “Enter to learn, Depart to Serve” and I look forward to applying that principal through service, professionalism, and effective communication for the city I call home.”

Auburndale’s SOCK HOP Daddy-Daughter Dance Tickets Now on Sale

Allison
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Auburndale’s SOCK HOP Daddy-Daughter Dance Tickets Now on Sale

City of Auburndale Government Fl-

The SOCK HOP Daddy-Daughter Dance tickets are on sale! There are two dance dates available: February 6th and February 7th from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Location is the new Lake Ariana Civic Center at 2220 Lake Ariana Boulevard, Auburndale, FL 33823.

Please beware of online scammers trying to sell you “tickets”! Tickets can ONLY be purchased in-person at the Parks & Rec. office.

To purchase tickets, please visit 119 West Park Street, Auburndale, FL 33823. Tickets can ONLY be purchased in-person. For more information, please call (863) 965-5545.

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