A 17-year-old has been charged in connection with extensive damage to the Venetian Bay Golf Course in New Smyrna Beach.
According to authorities, Keller Adkins is facing a felony charge of criminal mischief after reportedly driving a truck onto the course in the early morning hours of October 19. Around 2:46 a.m., the vehicle entered the second hole area, tearing up approximately 7,000 square feet of area and causing an estimated $161,000 in damage.
Investigators say Adkins admitted to causing the destruction, telling officers he did it out of boredom. The Volusia Sheriff’s Office assisted the New Smyrna Beach Police Department in the investigation.
Officials added that Adkins’ mother cooperated throughout the process. A passenger who filmed the incident from inside the vehicle is also under review, and authorities are determining whether that individual will face charges.
LAKELAND, FL (November 10, 2025) – Lakeland Police have announced an arrest in the 2018 murder of 14-year-old Rex Honors IV, bringing closure to a case that has remained unsolved for more than seven years. The suspect is the victim’s older brother, Rex Honors III.
According to Lakeland Police, the homicide happened on July 3, 2018. At 4:22 a.m., officers were called to 845 West Crawford Street after Honors III, then 21 years old, reported that he had arrived home and could not find his younger brother. Officers checked the residence and located 14-year-old Rex Honors IV — known to family as “Stuffy” — deceased in the backyard. At that time, detectives lacked the evidence needed to make an arrest.
Cold Case Investigators recently reopened the case. The renewed investigation was led by civilian detective Gary Gross, a former Lakeland Police Officer who returned to the department in June 2023. Gross said that as technology advanced, detectives were able to conduct a more thorough analysis of evidence that wasn’t accessible in 2018. A total of five cell phones were examined, and data recovered from the devices revealed new information that allowed detectives to connect the timeline of events and communication activity the night of the murder.
Detectives say the two brothers and a witness had been at the residence that night “just hanging out,” watching TV and scrolling on social media. An argument between the brothers escalated into a physical fight inside the home. The witness, who was 16 at the time, left the house as the fight intensified. While walking down the driveway, the witness heard a gunshot but never reported it to police.
Investigators now believe Rex Honors IV was shot inside a bedroom, then dragged outside and left in the backyard. Honors III allegedly attempted to clean up the scene, disposed of evidence, and threw two firearms and bloody towels in a neighbor’s trash can. Detectives also say Honors III called multiple family members and two girlfriends during the hours following the shooting. According to Gross, detectives believe those calls were made in an attempt to create an alibi.
The case turned when cell phone forensic advancements allowed detectives to revisit the digital data, reconstruct communication logs, and determine the sequence of events. Based on that information, detectives traveled to Albany, Georgia, where Honors III had recently been arrested for an unrelated stabbing incident. During an interview, detectives say he gave a full confession and provided details that only the person responsible for the shooting would know.
Honors III may have to resolve his charges in Georgia before he is extradited back to Polk County to face charges in the murder of his younger brother.
At the press briefing, the victim’s mother, Antionette, spoke briefly about her son and the years of pain caused by the unanswered case. Fighting tears, she said, “Stuffy was only 14. He was a good kid. He didn’t deserve it. He wasn’t in any gangs.”
Lakeland Police will release additional information during a scheduled press conference on November 12, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room on the second floor of the police department.
Local Law Firm Holding Annual Event for 50 Families in Need
TAMPA, FL, November 10, 2025 —Brooks Law Group invites you to their 13th annual Turkey Giveaway on Saturday, November 15th, at 10:30 AM, where they will be donating 50 Thanksgiving turkeys and dinner items to families who cannot afford one. Turkeys will be available at the firm’s office at 3812 Gunn Hwy Tampa, FL. The firm recommends arriving at 9:30 AM to secure a spot in line, as the turkeys are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
“As the event draws nearer, you can feel the excitement growing. Not just with our staff, but with the community and those who look forward to this every year,” says Brooks Law Group’s managing partner Steve Brooks. It’s their goal to serve as many families and make as big of a local impact as possible.
Brooks Law Group requests that if you can afford a turkey to leave the donated meals to those who cannot. Turkeys will be limited to one per household. During the giveaway, Brooks Law Group staff will be available to speak with guests.
Brooks Law Group is a truck accident, car crash, bike accident, motorcycle accident and wrongful death law firm, serving individuals across the state of Florida with offices in Winter Haven, Tampa, Auburndale, and Lakeland. The firm has been practicing law and serving people for nearly 30 years, and the attorneys are well known for helping victims obtain favorable settlements and verdicts for their claims. For more information visit www.brookslawgroup.com or call 1-800-LAW-3030.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office – On Tuesday, November 11th at around 9:15 pm, an attempted car burglary was reported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to the crime scene at the Atlantica Town Center neighborhood off of Old Lake Wilson Road in Davenport.
The suspects fled on foot and jumped a fence, but the Aviation Unit and K-9 led deputies to the pair who were attempting to hide.
The suspects were identified as 19-year old Warren Accoo III and 18-year old Brian Cruz, both from the Davenport area.
They were arrested and taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center and both were charged with: Attempted Burglary of Conveyance (F3), Trespassing on a Construction Site (F3), and Resisting without Violence (M1).
A.B. “Pete” Richards is a proud World War II veteran
By Anita Todd
WINTER HAVEN – A.B. “Pete” Richards is a proud World War II veteran. Only 17 when he volunteered for the U.S. Navy, his father had to give written permission for him to enlist. The war ended in 1946, two years after he signed up, meaning Richards will soon celebrate his 99th birthday.
Originally from Tampa, Richards said he joined because that’s simply what young men did at the time. His two older brothers were already serving, so following them into military service felt natural.
“We thought we were doing a good job,” he said. “We did whatever we had to do.”
Richards spent 18 months as a medical corpsman stationed in Virginia. Although he was not deployed overseas, he fully expected to be.
“I worked in a hospital and when the ships would come into Newport News (Virginia), we’d go down and get the wounded,” he said.
The Corpsman First Class was later transferred to Washington, D.C., where he worked in the Office of the Bureau of Records for six months.
After the war, Richards was honorably discharged and soon met the love of his life, Evelyn. They were married for 71 years before she passed away eight years ago. Richards went on to graduate from the University of Georgia with a degree in accounting and spent 40 years working in that field to support his family.
At age 50, he and Evelyn made a bold decision—both quit their jobs and moved to Fort Myers to start a seashell business. For 35 years, the couple created artwork and décor from seashells, selling their pieces at arts and crafts fairs across the region.
“We had a good life,” he said.
Together they raised two children, and today Richards enjoys being a grandfather to five and a great-grandfather to nine.
Richards attends Church on the Hill in Dundee, where he met Owen Allen, the person who invited him to the Veterans Day celebration at Winter Haven Christian School.
If he could offer advice to a high school senior with no plans for college, Richards knows exactly what he would say.
“Join the Navy and spend 20 years,” he said. “You get to serve your country, have a good retirement and when you retire, you are still young.”
Richards said he remains proud of his time in the U.S. Navy. During World War II, more than 16 million Americans were members of the Armed Forces – with 40 percent of those being volunteers. The rest were drafted. Currently, only 66,000 are still with us.
“I love my country,” he said. “I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Jeanette Venable, center, is surrounded by veterans and their family members.
By Anita Todd
WINTER HAVEN – Veterans of every age, branch, rank, and era of service were honored Friday, Nov. 7, during the annual “Warriors Salute to You” celebration at Winter Haven Christian School (WHCS). The two-hour tribute, now in its 12th year, welcomed more than 70 veterans for a morning of fellowship, patriotic performances, and recognition.
The Colors were presented by the Winter Haven Police Department.
Guests were served breakfast and enjoyed connecting with one another before taking their seats for the ceremony. The Winter Haven Police Department presented the Colors, and students sang patriotic songs including “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless the USA.” In addition to musical performances, students recited poems and writings that reflected patriotism and gratitude.
Winter Haven Christian School Students singingBud Porter, a U.S. Navy vet, spoke about his and his father’s experiences in the military.
Bud Porter, U.S. Navy veteran and now chaplain, served as the guest speaker. Veterans Coy Bope and Justin Brennan also spoke, sharing information about their outreach program, Veterans Outdoor Ministries.
The celebration began 12 years ago when Jeanette Venable — then Development Director and now Principal of the Elementary School — felt called to honor Pastor Dan Wade.
“I have always had an appreciation for the men and women who served our country to protect our freedoms,” Venable said. “Back then, Pastor Dan Wade was a member of our board of directors and a frogman in the Korean War. It was in his honor that I wanted to start this program to recognize as many as we can who have served our great nation.”
An Air Force veteran smiles for the camera.
Since that first gathering, the event has grown while remaining centered on its mission: gratitude. “We publicize on social media and give our students invitations to invite any veterans to the school they know,” Venable said. “We want to include any and everyone who has served.”
Venable says the school’s commitment to honoring veterans is unwavering.
Students lined the halls to say “thank you” to the veterans as they left after the event
“The reason it is important to me to hold this event every year is to show appreciation and honor to our servicemen and women. Also to show our students how much we appreciate our veterans and teach them to love our country,” she said.
And as long as Venable is at WHCS, the tradition will continue, she said.
City of Winter Haven- Wednesday, December 3 | 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM Chain of Lakes Park | Ceremony at the Main Building Entrance
Join the City of Winter Haven and Polk County for the official Grand Opening of the newly revitalized Chain of Lakes Park! This long-anticipated celebration marks a major milestone in the continued enhancement of one of Winter Haven’s most iconic recreation destinations.
The ceremony will begin at 3:30 PM with remarks from city and county officials, community leaders, and members of the project team who brought this vision to life. Guests will hear reflections on the rich baseball history of Winter Haven, the transformative impact of the entire Chain of Lakes site, and the continued collaboration between city and county partners to create an accessible, world-class destination for residents and visitors alike.
Following brief remarks, dignitaries and project partners will participate in an official ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the reopening.
Afterward, guests are invited to enjoy an open house of the park from 3:50–4:30 PM, featuring guided walkthroughs, refreshments, and an opportunity to explore the new amenities firsthand.
This event celebrates not just the opening of a park—but the next chapter in Winter Haven’s commitment to recreation, community, and connection.
Dr. Frank John Fischer, Jr., 90 years young, of Winter Haven, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Dr. Fischer lived a life defined by love, compassion, and loyalty. He dedicated his 90 remarkable years to caring for others, cherishing his family, and finding joy in the beauty of music and life itself. A well-known and respected ophthalmologist, he earned the admiration of colleagues and patients alike for his skill, dedication, and compassionate care.
Dr. Fischer was born on October 6, 1935, in Cleveland, Ohio. Following his father’s tragic death in 1944, he moved with his mother, Martha Forbes Fischer, and his three sisters to Babson Park, Florida. Martha later married Robert H. Wetzel, who lovingly embraced Dr. Fischer and his sisters as his own. The family grew further, blessing him with four more sisters and two brothers, one of whom sadly passed shortly after birth.
He attended Lake Wales High School where he excelled as a student and fulfilled his love for music by playing the trumpet in the band. He graduated as Valedictorian of his class in 1953 and decided to pursue the medical profession because of his passion for science and helping people.
Dr. Fischer went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medicine from the University of Notre Dame in 1957 and continued his education at the University of Florida College of Medicine. He opted for an internship at Case Western Reserve, University Hospitals of Cleveland, where he proudly discovered that some at the hospital still remembered working with his father, Dr. Frank John Fischer.
He was drafted during the Vietnam conflict and received an assignment to the flight surgeon school in Pensacola, Florida, where he received extensive flight instruction. He was a Navy Flight Surgeon attached to the Marines in Da Nang, Vietnam. With the Helicopter Search and Rescue Division, he was awarded two Air Medals for 58 missions under fire.
Upon his return home, Dr. Fischer completed his residency in ophthalmology at the University of Florida, during which time he met the love of his life, Katherine “Kathy” Fulenwider Fischer. In 1968, he joined the ophthalmology practice of Dr. Richard Copenhaver and Dr. Howard Lucas in Winter Haven, Florida. Six years later, he started his own practice and was joined by Dr. Gary Schemmer in 1986, Dr. Jonathan Silbiger in 1993, his son Dr. Frank J. Fischer, III in 2000 and Dr. Alexei Moraczewski in 2007. He continued to practice up until his passing and planned to retire this month. His patients and employees remember him not only for his skill and steady hands, but for his kindness, patience and genuine interest in every single person who walked through his door.
Dr. Fischer was deeply committed to serving his community. He held numerous leadership roles, including president of the medical staff, chief of surgery, and chairman of several committees at Winter Haven Hospital, as well as serving on its board. He also served as president of the Polk County Medical Association, the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club of Winter Haven, St. Joseph’s Catholic School Board, and the Florida Society of Ophthalmology. In addition, he was a council member for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a board member of United Way of Central Florida, and an active supporter and sponsor of Theatre Winter Haven. He generously offered free ophthalmology care to uninsured residents of Polk County through WeCare of Central Florida.
In recognition of his many contributions, Dr. Fischer received the Bankers Cup Award for Outstanding Man of the Year in 2000 from the Winter Haven Area Chamber of Commerce and was named Winter Haven’s Citizen of the Year.
When not serving others, Dr. Fischer found joy in life’s simple pleasures—cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events, attending performances at Theatre Winter Haven with Kathy, golfing with friends, kayaking on Lake Otis, savoring fine wine and good meals in the company of loved ones, and listening to his favorite jazz tunes.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Fischer’s heart belonged to his family and to music. Simply put, his life was a symphony—rich in love, service, and joy—and his melody will continue to play in the hearts of all who knew him.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Katherine “Kathy” Fulenwider Fischer, and their children: Katherine “Kaki” Lucas (David Lucas, MD) of Clermont, Florida; Frank J. Fischer III, MD, of Winter Haven, Florida; and Martha “Mardy” Fischer (Colin Lacroix, MD) of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. He was a devoted grandfather to seven grandchildren—Katherine Lucas, Michael Lucas, Caroline Fischer, Elizabeth Fischer, Colin Lacroix, John Lacroix, and Lauren Lacroix.
He is also survived by his sisters Elizabeth (Lloyd) Sutter of Greenville, North Carolina; Cordelia (Jerry) Fedele of Madison, Ohio; Carol (Carroll) Ferguson of Stockbridge, Georgia; Cova (Ralph) Jacobs of Babson Park, Florida; Eleanor Wetzel of Babson Park, Florida; Mary Margaret (Greg) Hoecker of Winter Haven, Florida; and Jennifer Parrish of Winter Haven, Florida; and by his brother, Dr. Robert (Bina) Wetzel of Poland, Ohio. He is additionally survived by 36 nieces and nephews, all of whom cherished him deeply.
He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Frank John Fischer, mother, Martha Fischer Wetzel, stepfather, Robert Harvey Wetzel, brother, William Forbes Wetzel and brother-in-law, Henry Lane Fulenwider.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or the Winter Haven Rotary Foundation, PO Box 484, Winter Haven, Florida 33882.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Winter Haven, Florida on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. with Fr. Richard Sutter officiating. Family and friends are invited to join in remembrance of a man who saw the best in everyone and made the world a better place with his presence.
Each year on Nov. 11, communities across the country come together to honor the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. This Veterans Day, many local restaurants and businesses are showing their gratitude by offering free meals and special discounts to veterans and active-duty service members.
Veterans Day has deep historical roots. It began as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I when the fighting stopped on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. The holiday became official in 1938, and in 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation to rename it Veterans Day — a tribute not just to those who fought in World War I, but to all who have served our nation.
Today, Veterans Day is both a time of remembrance and a moment of appreciation. Along with ceremonies and social media acknowledgement, many businesses are offering veterans a well-deserved “thank you” through free meals and special offers. Most businesses ask for a form of military ID, such as a Veteran ID Card or DD214, and some deals are limited to dine-in guests. Be sure to check with your local restaurants and businesses to confirm participation before you go.
Chipotle
Members of the military community – both veterans and active-duty military personnel with a valid military ID – who order any entrée can get a second entrée free from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Veterans Day.
Starbucks
For Veterans Day, Starbucks will give veterans, service members, and military spouses a free tall 12-ounce brewed coffee (hot or iced) at participating stores in the U.S. (Restrictions may apply.)
Bob Evans
Bob Evans restaurants will offer a free meal from a select Veterans Day menu Tuesday for both veterans and active-duty military.
Beef O’Brady’s
All veterans and active-duty military can get a free burger and fries on Veterans Day. (Not valid with any other offer, discount, or promotion)
Chili’s
The restaurant is giving all veterans and active military personnel a free entrée from a limited list when dining at any location on Veterans Day.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers
Veterans and current military members who visit participating locations on Veterans Day can get a free Freddy’s Combo meal card, which is redeemable through the end of the year.
Panera Bread
On Veterans Day, all veterans and active-duty military service members can get a free pastry or bakery item and a cup of coffee at a participating location. Proof of military service is required.
Wendy’s
On Veterans Day, all veterans and active-duty military service members can get a free Breakfast Combo at any participating restaurant. Proof of military service is required.
IHOP
On Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty military personnel can get a free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo, dine in only; proof of military service required.
Outback Steakhouse
Those who visit the restaurant with valid veterans and active-duty military IDs can get a free Aussie 3-Course Meal.
Dunkin’Donuts
The eatery is offering all active and retired military a free doughnut when they show their military ID at participating restaurants.
LongHorn Steakhouse
This chain is giving veterans and active-duty military 10% off their meal and a free appetizer or dessert for their table Tuesday.
Olive Garden
OG is offering a free meal from a special menu on Tuesday that includes an entrée and comes with unlimited breadsticks and soup or salad.
Scooter’s Coffee
Show a valid military ID on Veterans Day and get a free medium drink.
Arby’s
Today, all veterans and active-duty military service members can get a free Classic Roast Beef Sandwich at participating locations. Offer good in store; proof of service required.
Sonic
In honor of Veterans Day, Sonic has a Buy One, Get One Free deal when you buy a Sonic Cheeseburger, SuperSonic Double Cheeseburger or Footlong Quarter Pound Coney; offer good for all Sonic app users.
Cracker Barrel
Veterans and active-duty military dining in on 11/11 at participating locations get a free Sunrise Pancake Special. Proof of military service required.
Sonny’s BBQ
Veterans and active-duty military get a free Pork Big Deal, with a valid ID.
Golden Corral
All veterans, active-duty military personnel, reservists and guardsman included, may receive a free buffet meal with beverage from 4 p.m. to close on Veterans Day.
Walgreens
The retailer is offering veterans and active-duty military 20% off regularly priced products on Nov. 11. A valid military ID or proof of service and a myWalgreens account are required.
As concerns about childhood obesity and chronic disease reach crisis levels, public health experts are urging Americans to eat more fresh produce.
For the first time in history, more children worldwide are obese than underweight – a reversal driven largely by diets dominated by ultra-processed foods and a shortage of fresh fruits and vegetables, according to UNICEF. It’s not just an issue impacting children. In the United States, adult obesity rates have hovered at approximately 40% from 2021-2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Fresh produce in the United States has never been safer with extensive federal requirements for leafy greens. Farmers and produce companies have also taken food safety concerns seriously, investing heavily in prevention, testing and traceability systems. Many farmers and food companies voluntarily comply with industry-wide standards.
For example, in California, the Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA) sets measurable and verifiable standards for the produce industry, further enhancing food safety.
The numbers tell a compelling story about both safety and benefits. Americans consume 130 million servings of leafy greens every day, according to the Western Growers Association.
Meanwhile, the evidence linking leafy green consumption to better health outcomes continues to mount.
Research published in the journal “Neurology” found eating approximately one serving per day of leafy greens was associated with slower cognitive decline – equivalent to being 11 years younger in age. A study by the “Institute for Functional Medicine” discovered diets rich in leafy greens sparked DNA changes that reversed biological aging by up to 3.23 years. The cardiovascular benefits extend beyond mortality reduction. A study published in the “European Journal of Nutrition” found consuming 1.5 cups of leafy greens daily could help prevent heart disease in older adults. As has long been documented in medical literature, consuming more truits and vegetables is associated with lower mortality rates.
“This isn’t just about adding years to your life; it’s about maintaining quality of life and independence as we age. It’s also important to remember that,” said Dr. David Acheson, a medically trained food safety expert who previously served in leadership at both the FDA and USDA. Access to fresh produce has also never been more convenient or varied. From bagged salads and pre-cut vegetables to ready-to-eat fresh cut fruit bowls or vegetable trays, there are countless ways to incorporate healthy foods into diets. These options reduce barriers to healthy eating by eliminating prep time and providing portion-controlled servings that help minimize food waste while making nutritious choices more accessible. This means the real challenge is translating this abundance of fresh produce into better dietary habits and improved public health.
In a nation grappling with obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cognitive decline, doubling down or fresh produce isn’t just good advice. It’s a public health imperative.
