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Welcome, World Travelers! More Muppet Experiences Coming to Disney Parks and Cruises

Welcome, World Travelers! More Muppet Experiences Coming to Disney Parks and Cruises

by James Coulter

With the closure of MuppetVision 3D, the Muppets’ place in Disney parks briefly appeared uncertain. That uncertainty has since eased as not only will the Muppet characters relocate to a refreshed attraction, but they might be making more appearances at Disney parks and cruise ships.

Leigh Slaughter, Vice President of The Muppets Studio and live characters strategy for Walt Disney Imagineering, told Time Magazine that Disney wants to give audiences “some laughs and a little bit of joy” in response to increased public demand for more Muppet content. In that article, Chris Nashawaty reported that fans should expect increased live appearances from Kermit and the gang “on both land and sea” next year.

Since acquiring the franchise in 2004, Disney’s results with the Muppets have proven mixed. 2011’s The Muppets was a critical and box-office success, but its 2014 sequel, Muppets Most Wanted, underperformed and shelved further theatrical plans. On TV and streaming, several recent series lasted only a single season, though the 2018 Muppet Babies reboot managed to run for three seasons on Disney Junior.

Muppet fans have expressed concerns about the Muppets’ future at the House of Mouse, especially with the recent closing of Muppetvision 3D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. However, Disney has since revealed newer, bigger plans for the Muppets.

A new Muppet Show special is planned for Disney+ with high hopes of launching a full reboot of the classic series. Sabrina Carpenter, who stars in and produces the special, has been promoting it publicly, even featuring Miss Piggy in a recent concert bit where she “arrested” her for being “too pretty.”

Meanwhile, though MuppetVision 3D has since closed its doors after a nearly 35-year run, the Muppet characters are set to make their new home across the park at Rock n’ Roller Coaster, replacing Aerosmith as the titular characters.

Reopening next summer, the rethemed coaster will follow the Electric Mayhem band as they prepare for a concert. The ride will not only feature ride vehicles with a new psychedelic paint job, but a pre-show starring animatronic Muppet characters. The old preshow recently closed for refurbishment.

After years of uncertainty from fans, the Muppet franchise looks set to grow and thrive under the House of Mouse. From roller coasters and cruise ships to a potential revival of the Muppet Show, the future for the Muppets at Disney is shining so bright it’s making a rainbow connection.

In Loving Memory of Eugene “Buck” Robert Bellflowers

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Eugene “Buck” Robert Bellflowers

September 28th, 1941 – December 5th, 2025

Eugene R. “Buck” Bellflowers, 84, of Inglis, Florida, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Haven Hospice in Chiefland, Florida.

Born September 28, 1941, in Sarasota, Florida, to Eugene and Evelyn (Scott) Bellflowers, Buck was a lifelong Floridian. Twenty-six years ago, he and his wife made their home in Inglis after living in Polk City. A man of deep Pentecostal faith, he proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

Buck enjoyed hunting and fishing, but nothing brought him greater joy than time spent with his family. He often said his priorities were clear and unchanging: God first, then Irene, then family. One of the proudest moments of his life was participating in an Honor Flight from Lakeland to Washington, D.C.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Tracy Peck, and his son, David Davis.

Buck is survived by his devoted wife of 27 years, Irene Bellflowers; his children, Christine Fields (Keith), Terri Humphrey (Chris), Deborah Tollar (Ray), Ed Arn (Michelle), and Roger Davis (Stacy); eleven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

Friends will be received from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven. The funeral service will follow at 10:00 a.m., with interment afterward at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Buck’s honor.

In Loving Memory of Sandra Moyer

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Sandra Moyer

August 24th, 1947 – December 2nd, 2025

Sandra Paulette Moyer, 78, went to be with the Lord on December 2, 2025. Sandy was a native of Atlanta and moved as a child to Florida with her family in 1960. She married and raised her family in Tampa. In 2004, she relocated to the Winter Haven area where she worked at Polk County Animal Control for close to twenty years. 

Besides her love for animals, Sandy had a passion for crocheting blankets to hand out to veterans at the George C. Forsythe Hospice House in Auburndale and to Life Choice Pregnancy Center in Winter Haven. For many years she was also a dedicated volunteer at the food bank at Auburndale Community Church, where she was a member. An avid fan of Elvis Presley, Sandy was listening to his music right up to her final moments. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl; her father, Charles Ray Rowe, Sr.; her mother, Martha Carolyn Rowe; and her brother, Charles Ray Rowe, Jr. She is survived by her son, Gary (Rhonda); daughter, Jacquelyn Toenes (Bryan); granddaughter, Savannah Williams (Nick); step-granddaughters, Jamie Brimblecombe (Michael) and Melanie Morgan (Daniel); and sister, Donna Gaddis (Bill). 

A memorial service to remember and celebrate her life was held at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven at 11:00 am on Monday, December 8 with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Polk County Animal Control (c/o Polk Sheriff’s Charities) or Good Shepherd/George C. Forsythe Hospice House in Auburndale (c/o Chapters Health).

Winter Haven Announces New Hiring Opportunities Across Multiple Departments

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The City of Winter Haven is expanding its team and inviting qualified, community-minded individuals to apply for several newly opened positions. Both full- and part-time roles are available, offering competitive benefits, steady growth opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community.

Current openings include a Utility Fiscal Manager, Part-Time Recreation Leader, Part-Time Building Service Worker and more. These roles support essential city operations—from financial oversight and community programming to maintaining safe, welcoming facilities for residents and visitors.

City officials encourage anyone seeking a rewarding career with opportunities to grow to explore the available positions.

Learn more and apply at MyWinterHaven.com/Jobs.

In Loving Memory of Basil A Hurd

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Basil A Hurd

September 2nd, 1958 – November 13th, 2025

Basil Anthony Hurd was born on September 2, 1958, in Kingston, Jamaica, to Gwendolyn and Herbert Hurd. The youngest of four boys, Basil—affectionately known as Junie—grew up under the watchful eyes of his older brothers Derrick, Delroy, and Lascelles. 

Like the rest of his immediate family, Junie later migrated to the United States, where he attended Springfield Gardens High School in Queens, New York. No matter where life took him, his easygoing spirit never changed. Basil was a fun-loving soul, always ready to greet you with a smile, a joke, or a story. He was always very fashionable and dressed to the nines, making sure he was fresh wherever he went. Anyone who had ever spoken with him knew how he liked to end every conversation with that signature phrase: “Alright, cool runnings”.  It wasn’t just a goodbye; it was his way of sending you off with good energy and love.

Over time, he found his spiritual home at Dundee Methodist Church, where he worshipped, built relationships, and deepened his faith.

Junie is survived by two of his older brothers, Derrick, aka Dwight (Joann) and Delroy; many nieces and nephews: Dwight, Lisa, Ileana, Jensen, Jem, Jamal, Leon, Antoinette, Tony, Lamar, and Linda—numerous cousins and other family, along with all those who loved him and were touched by his life. 

Though Junie has left this earthly home, the memory of his humor, and his signature “cool runnings” and “everything is copacetic” will remain with us always. His life reminds us to cherish each other, to laugh often, and to walk with love.

Fatal Crash After Hit-and-Run: Driver Killed, Passenger Critical on County Line Road

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Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

The PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a single vehicle crash following a hit-and-run that resulted in the death of the fleeing driver and leaving the passenger in critical condition. The crash occurred at approximately 9:01 pm on Sunday, December 7, 2025 on County Line Road at Swindell Road in Lakeland.

 

According to a witness, a black Mercedes Benz sedan rear ended their vehicle on County Line and Frontage Road. When the victim stepped out of his vehicle, the Mercedes fled at a high rate of speed going northbound on County Line. The victim then attempted to follow the Mercedes when he witnessed the Mercedes fail to stop at the stop sign on Swindell Road. The Mercedes then exited the north side of the roadway, struck a ditch, and went airborne. The vehicle continued through the air until finally hitting a large tree, approximately 120 feet north of the intersection. 

 

Excessive speed/reckless driving, the dark, and wet roads were all factors in the crash. An open beer bottle with beer still in it was also found inside the car. It is undetermined if either occupant was wearing a seatbelt. The driver was determined deceased on scene and the passenger was taken to a local hospital where she is in critical condition.

 

The investigation remains ongoing.

 

Deputies are still attempting to locate the next of kin for both parties inside the Mercedes.

33-Acre Parcel near Cypress Gardens Boulevard Being Considered for Land Development Code Amendment

33-Acre Parcel near Cypress Gardens Boulevard Being Considered for Land Development Code Amendment

by James Coulter

A 33-acre parcel in Winter Haven, currently being used as a preserve and wildlife refuge, is being considered for a land development code amendment to restrict certain uses from being developed on that property.

At their regular meeting on Tues. Dec. 2, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) reviewed a proposed amendment to the Polk County Land Development Code (Appendix E, Section E105) that would be specific to a parcel of land located in Winter Haven.

The subject property is a 33-acre parcel located south of State Road 540 (Cypress Gardens Boulevard) and west of US Highway 27. Currently, the property has been developed with a preserve and wildlife refuge.

The property owner requested a parcel‑specific restriction to prohibit certain uses so they can expand on‑site services without increasing intensity, according to Johnathan (JP) Sims, MPA, Planner II, Land Development Division.

The amendment would prohibit the following uses on the site: helistops, medical marijuana dispensaries, hotels and motels, intensive recreation and amusement facilities, multifamily housing, nightclubs and dance halls, outdoor concert venues, recreational vehicle parks, and vehicle-oriented recreation.

“This request will be compatible with the surrounding area as Leisure/Recreation is compatible with adjacent residential uses,” Sims wrote. “The developments surrounding the subject site are all residential in nature. It has City of Winter Haven completely surrounding the subject site on all sides.”

 The Planning Commission approved the amendment unanimously with a 7–0 vote on Wed. Nov. 5, 2025. The BoCC completed the first reading on Tues., Dec. 2, which did not require a motion. They will vote on the second reading scheduled for Tues. Dec. 16.

PCSO Arrests Eight Philadelphia Teens Accused of Stealing $2,296 From Dick’s in Posner Plaza

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested eight teenagers who were caught in the act of conspiring to steal more than $2,000 worth of merchandise from Dick’s Sporting Goods in Posner Plaza, Davenport.

On Saturday, December 6, 2025, at approximately 10:55 a.m., PCSO deputies responded to a report of retail theft in progress at the Dick’s Sporting Goods. The store manager contacted PCSO after observing multiple juveniles concealing merchandise. Deputies arrived within minutes and detained all eight suspects, then continued their investigation.

Deputies reviewed surveillance footage and observed the two groups of suspects enter the store separately and then act together to commit theft. The juveniles were identified as Daimon Johnson (15), Mark Bryan (15), Ibn Mahdee Abdul Haqq (14), Elijah Myers (14), Tymir Speller (15), Marcus Hudgens (15), Tymir Smith (14), and Jacob Scott (15). (Per Florida State Statute 119, information about juveniles charged with felonies is public record.)

The eight suspects were formed into two separate groups: Johnson, Bryan, and Abdul-Haqq were inside Dick’s walking around looking at merchandise. The second group – Hudgens, Myers, Speller, Smith, and Scott, then entered the store, and Hudgens made a purchase near the front of the store. He met up with the rest of the suspects in the middle of the store with his Dick’s Sporting Goods bag, and the other suspects proceeded to place merchandise inside of it. Johnson, Bryan, and Abdul-Haqq took the bag, passed all points of sale, and walked out of the store, where they were detained by law enforcement. Abdul-Haqq had stolen merchandise inside of a black backpack, and Bryan had the bag from the store with over $2,000 worth of stolen goods inside. The other five suspects were located and detained inside of the store. Speller had a beanie concealed inside his pants.

The total value of stolen merchandise was confirmed at $2,296.07.

The juvenile suspects were identified as members of a Philadelphia youth football team, the United Thoroughbreds, who were in Polk County participating in the Prolifix Nationals tournament. The team’s coach, Raekwon Bynes, 29, of Philadelphia, responded to the store and confirmed the teens were staying in Davenport for the championship game scheduled later that day. Parents of the juveniles were notified.

All eight suspects declined to provide statements. None have prior criminal arrest histories, according to the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center.

The juveniles were transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center and charged with Retail Theft over $750 (F3) and Conspiracy to Commit Retail Theft (F3). Due to their arrests, they were unable to participate in the scheduled championship game. 

“These juveniles were not from Polk County, they came here from out of state for a football tournament, and instead of representing their team with pride, they chose to commit a crime. Let this be clear: it doesn’t matter if you’re from here or visiting, if you break the law in Polk County, you will be arrested and held accountable.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.

Below are the detailed lists of the stolen merchandise:

Receipt #1:

– Nike Men’s Club Fleece Hoodie $49.98

– Carhartt Men’s Knit Rubber Patch Beanie $17.99

– (2) Carhartt Acrylic Watch Hat $19.99

– Under Armour Men’s Unstoppable Fleece Hoodie $110.00

– Nike Women’s Swift Repel Packable Running Jacket $125.00

– Nike Swoosh Classic Wristband $10.00

– Battle Chrome Skulls Oxygen Lip Guard $24.99

– Shock Doctor Adult Max Airflow Lip Guard $25.99

– (2) Nike Adult Vapor Jet 8.0 Football Gloves $50.00

– Battle Football Turf Tape $24.99

– Oakley Legacy Prizm Clear Football Shield $19.99

– Battle Sports Nightmare 2.0 Oxygen Football Lip Guard $19.99

– (2) Battle Slime Oxygen Football Lip Guard $19.99

– Battle Binky Diamond Oxygen Football Lip Guard $29.99

– Battle Adult Call Your Mom Chrome Football Back Plate $49.99

– Battle Sports Science Adult Chrome Oxygen Lip Guard $19.99

– Shock Doctor Warheads Flavored Max AirFlow Lip Guard $25.99

– Battle Binky Iridescent Oxygen Lip Guard $26.99

– Shock Doctor Max AirFlow Jolly Rancher Flavored Lip Guard $25.99

– Battle Sports Astro Oxygen Football Lip Guard $19.99

– (2) Nike Adult D-Tack 7.0 Football Gloves $70.00

– Jordan Fly Lock 2.0 Football Gloves $60.00

– Carhartt Knit Tonal Beanie $24.99

– Adidas Adult Scorch Destroy Full-Finger Football Gloves $45.00

– Nike Men’s Dri-Fit Essential Cotton Underwear $31.87

Total with tax $1,244.47

Receipt #2:

– Under Armour Men’s Unstoppable Fleece Hoodie $110.00

– Carhartt Acrylic Watch Hat $19.99

– (2) Nike Men’s Tech Fleece Jogger $115.00

– (2) Carhartt Knit Tonal Beanie $24.99

– Nike Men’s Dri-Fit Unlimited Tapered Joggers $80.00

– (2) Nike Men’s Tech Fleece Full-Zip Windrunner Hoodie $135.00

Total with tax $813.17

Receipt #3:

– Shock Doctor Max AirFlow Jolly Rancher Flavored Lip Guard $25.99

– Battle Sports Doom Speed Football Glove $49.99

– Jordan Men’s Flight Cotton Core Boxer Briefs $31.87

– (2) Nike Swoosh Classic Wristband $10.00

– Nike Swoosh Bicep Bands – 1” $10.00

– Battle Iridescent Oxygen Lip Guard $19.99

– Battle Binky Iridescent Oxygen Lip Guard $26.99

– Nike TF Pro Hyperwarm Handwarmer $38.00

Total with tax $238.43

Total of all three receipts $2,296.07

Several Road Closures Scheduled As Haines City Hosts IRONMAN 70.3 Florida

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City of Haines City Government Florida –

On Sunday, December 14, 2025, Haines City will proudly host IRONMAN 70.3 Florida, where athletes from across the region will take on a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and 13.1-mile run.

This all-day event will require several road closures throughout our community.

Please review the attached maps and scheduled closures so you can plan accordingly.
Thank you for your patience and support as we welcome these athletes to Haines City!

Waddle Into Storytime This Week in Lakeland

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Waddle into storytime this week in Lakeland

Lakeland Public Library (Main) Storytime — Wednesday December 10 @ 10am

Larry R. Jackson Branch Storytime — Thursday December 11th @ 10am

Lakeland Public Library (Main) Baby Storytime — Thursday December 11th @ 11am

Lakeland Public Library is located at :

100 Lake Morton Dr
Lakeland, FL 33801

Larry R. Jackson Branch is located at:

1700 N Florida Ave
Lakeland, FL 33805