“On 10/23/2025, officers with Auburndale Police Department responded to Walmart, located at 2120 Hwy 92 W, in reference to hit and run with property damage. The suspect pictured below, was backing out of a parking space and struck the victim’s vehicle causing damage to the driver side taillight. The suspect left the scene prior to the arrival of law enforcement. The suspect is described as a white male approximately 60-70 years of age wearing a black hat, green or brown tank top, tan shorts and brown shoes.
If you have any information, please contact Officer M. Nesbit at 863-965-5555 or by e-mail at [email protected].”
“Emergency utility maintenance will take place on N. 6th Street between E. Main Street and Court Avenue beginning Saturday, November 7, 2025, at 7 p.m..
Work is scheduled to continue through Monday, November 10, 2025. Work will resume Tuesday, November 11 through Wednesday, November 12, 2025. During this time, a lane closure will be in effect on northbound travel from Court Avenue to E. Main Street. Court Avenue will serve as the designated detour route.
The estimated completion time is currently undetermined. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
Map of work zone and detour route
We ask all motorists to use caution when traveling through the area and follow posted signs and personnel directions for everyone’s safety.”
“On 10/04/2025, the victim lost his wallet. On 10/05/2025, the suspect, a black male between the ages of 30-40, wearing a white T-Shirt, dark colored shorts, black socks, and black sandals arrived to the 7Eleven, located at 420 Magnolia Avenue in Auburndale in a white utility van. While at the 7Eleven, the suspect used one of the victim’s credit cards without the victim’s permission.
If you have any information, please contact Detective A. Peralta at 863-837-5115 or by e-mail at [email protected].”
If there’s one food item that brings everyone together more than most during the holidays, it’s warm, delicious desserts. From classics like pumpkin pies and cookies to extravagant dishes like souffles, loved ones can savor the flavor of sweet treats at the dessert table all season long.
This much-loved version of Pumpkin Pie is a delicious take on a traditional dessert that’s perfect for any time of year. Even if you’ve never baked a pie, this easy rendition makes it a cinch to share with your nearest and dearest.
It’s made with Green Giant 100% Pure Pumpkin, which is more than just a seasonal product. You can enjoy it as a go-to for smooth, pure pumpkin in baked goods, chilis, savory dishes or morning smoothies as a wholesome boost full of earthy pumpkin flavor.
Or you can celebrate its deliciousness in these coffee house-style Brown Butter Pumpkin Spice Cookies. Featuring a rich, buttery flavor, these pumpkin cookies are rolled in cinnamon sugar, bake up soft and boast a sweet, crunchy exterior that’s perfect for those who love pumpkin spice.
Pumpkin Pie
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 50-55 minutes
Servings: 8
1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade), at room temperature
3 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1 can (15 ounces) Green Giant 100% Pure Pumpkin
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
Roll out dough to 2 inches larger than pie dish. Gently press dough into dish until it lines bottom and sides. Trim dough to within 1/2 inch of dish edge. Fold edges underneath themselves, creating thick 1/4-inch border. Crimp edges with fingers. Refrigerate. Preheat oven to 375 F.
In large bowl, whisk eggs and sugars until smooth. Add pumpkin, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt. Stir until well blended
Slowly pour filling into pie shell. Cover edges with thin strips of aluminum foil. Bake 25 minutes. Remove foil. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.
Brown Butter Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 70 minutes
Yield: 48-50 cookies
1 cup unsalted butter
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
2 cups brown sugar
1 can (15 ounces) Green Giant 100% Pure Pumpkin
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 egg yolks
For Rolling:
2 tablespoons cane sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
In small saute pan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir regularly until butter turns deep golden brown, 8-10 minutes. Pour browned butter into heat-safe bowl or measuring cup and refrigerate until cooled, but not solid, about 15 minutes.
In large mixing bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt and pumpkin pie spice. Set aside.
In separate medium mixing bowl, stir browned butter and brown sugar. Whisk in pumpkin ano vanilla extract followed by eggs and egg yolks.
Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry until evenly mixed. Refrigerate dough 30 minutes.Form dough into four separate logs 2-3 inches in diameter and about 7 inches long. Wrap each cookie dough log with plastic wrap. Freeze dough 30 minutes, or until ready to bake.
For rolling: Preheat oven to 350 F and line large baking sheet with parchment paper. Stir sugars and cinnamon on large plate. Unwrap desired amount of dough (thaw slightly at room temperature if dough is completely frozen) and roll each log in sugar mixture.
Slice into 1/2-inch slices. Place on baking sheet 3 inches apart.
Bake 14-15 minutes. Repeat with remaining cookie dough.
Cool cookies at room temperature on baking sheet 10 minutes before transferring to cooling rack and cooling 10 minutes.
Winter Haven Declares U.S. Marine Week to Honor Local Veterans
by James Coulter
The City of Winter Haven has officially proclaimed U.S. Marine Week from Mon. Nov. 10 to Fri. Nov. 14, recognizing the dedication and service of local Marine veterans.
At their regular meeting on Mon. Oct. 27, Winter Haven Mayor Nathanial J. Birdsong Jr. read an official proclamation designating the first week of November as U.S. Marine Week.
The proclamation recognized the 250 years of service the U.S. Marine Corps has provided since its inception on Nov. 10, 1775. Quoting the Marine Corps hymn, the proclamation praised Marines as the “first to fight for right and freedom” and those who have “fought in every clime and place.”
“The City of Winter Haven, Florida is committed to honoring its United States Marine Corps veterans and their roles as citizens of our community,” the proclamation read. “Marines have continued to serve and make our City strong through organizations like the Marine Corps League, the Young Marines and the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC).”
George Sidler, Commandant Marine Corps League, accepted the proclamation alongside fellow Marines. He had prepared a speech but shortened it, noting the proclamation had already captured his message.
“I have to put my speech away because you managed to cover everything I had in this,” he told the mayor.
Sidler mentioned how the League operates over 1,200 branches globally, with 70,000 active retirees and veterans. Other members spoke about their community involvement, including Eagle Scouts and the Toys for Tots program. One representative noted their branch contributed over 800 volunteer hours, while another reported receiving more than 185 donated bicycles.
“We have a very long reach out in the community. So if someone asks who the Marine Corps are, you have an idea of what it is all about,” Sidler said. “We consider this [proclamation] a great honor because we are all Marines, and this is very important to us, and we thank you.”
Heart health is about more than just the heart itself. It’s a two-way street between the heart and the rest of the body. However, many U.S. adults aren’t aware of the connection between organs.
According to a survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Heart Association, 42% of U.S. adults do not understand how the heart can be impacted by other organ systems.
Health issues in other organ systems, like the kidneys or metabolic system – which includes how the body manages weight and blood glucose – can lead to heart trouble.
The close relationship between heart health, kidney health and metabolic health is known as cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health, or CKM health, and it is the focus of an American Heart Association initiative to raise awareness of how the systems function together. When one system is affected, it can make the others worse – creating a condition called CKM syndrome.
Close to 9 in 10 U.S. adults have at least one component of CKM syndrome, according to a study in the “Journal of the American Medical Association.” Components include high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol or other lipids, high blood glucose (sugar), excess weight and reduced kidney function. The interplay of these risk factors increases the risk for heart attack, stroke and heart failure more than any one of them alone.
The survey also found that while only 12% of U.S. adults have heard of CKM health or CKM syndrome, 72% said they’re interested in learning more and 79% agreed that it is important that they understand more about CKM health.
“What we want people to know is it’s really common to have heart disease, diabetes or metabolic disease and reduced kidnev function at the same time,” said Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., FAHA, the American Heart Association’s chief medical officer for prevention. “It’s reassuring to hear that once the CKM connection was defined around three-quarters of respondents understood that it was important and wanted to learn more.”
Highlighting the two-way street of the heart-body connection, the “2 Truths and No Lie” video offers a simplified visual:
-The heart pumps blood to the body.
-The metabolic system turns glucose (sugar) in the blood into energy.
-The process of metabolism dumps waste back into the blood.
-The kidneys filter waste from the blood and balance fluids, which helps with blood pressure.
-Blood pressure affects how the heart pumps blood to the body.
While providing resources to help people understand how heart, kidney and metabolic health are connected, the American Heart Association’s CKM Health Initiative is also working with health care teams across the country to improve collaboration among health care professionals who care for patients living with multiple health conditions. Better awareness and improved screening can help people take action early to prevent a heart attack, heart failure or stroke.
The initiative is made possible by founding sponsors Novo Nordisk and Boehringer Ingelheim, supporting sponsors Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Bayer, and champion sponsor DaVita.
Get ready for a day full of fun and learning at the RideSafe Fall Fest, happening this Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 10 AM to 1 PM at Bonnet Springs Park.
Hosted by Lakeland Regional Health and Bonnet Springs Park, this free community event focuses on promoting bike safety for children while offering plenty of family-friendly entertainment. Kids can participate in hands-on activities that teach essential biking skills — including helmet fitting, bicycle inspection, and safe riding techniques — through interactive courses and demonstrations.
Along with the safety fun, guests can enjoy live music, a petting zoo from Hearts of Heaven Farm, games for kids and families, and a fall-themed photo opportunity.
The RideSafe Fall Fest builds on the success of previous Bike Rodeos, expanding the event into a larger fall celebration centered around family, fitness, and safety.
Bonnet Springs Park — 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland, FL
Saturday, November 8 | 10 AM – 1 PM
Free Admission
It’s festive, educational, and fun for the whole family — don’t miss
** MOLINA HAS BEEN CAPTURED AND ARRESTED IN PALM BEACH COUNTY **
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Original post
A warrant has been obtained for 27 year-old Jonas Junior Molina for Domestic Battery by Strangulation and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon after he threatened to stab and shoot the victim. He should be driving a Gray Ford Fusion with FLA tag 47D-AWS (image is actual vehicle). During a verbal altercation, Molina pushed the victim down and proceeded to choke the victim impeding the airway. As the violence occurred, the victim attempted to deescalate, but Molina brandished a knife threatening the victim and then left to retrieve a gun returning threatening to shoot the victim. He also smashed the victim’s cell phone before he left. Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Molina is asked to call Detective Crespo at 863-514-3317. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers:
Call 1-888-400-TIPS (8477)
From your cell phone, dial **TIPS
Or visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet. You will always remain anonymous when you send a tip through Crime Stoppers and you are eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Osvaldo Carbonell Ayala, who departed this life on October 25, 2025, at the age of 77, in Auburndale, Florida. Born on April 15, 1948, in San German, Puerto Rico, Osvaldo’s life was defined by his unwavering dedication to family and his passion for nature.
Throughout his life, Osvaldo embodied kindness, generosity, and loyalty. He was known not only as a loving husband and father but also as a handyman extraordinaire, renowned for his skills in building services. From a young age, he nurtured a love for nature, particularly through his beekeeping endeavors, which he began at the tender age of nine. His dedication to cultivating fruit trees, vegetables, and coffee from Puerto Rico reflected his deep appreciation for the land and its gifts. In search of a more temperate climate, Osvaldo moved from New York to Louisiana, and ultimately to Florida, where he aimed to create a tropical paradise and be closer to family.
Osvaldo is preceded in death by his parents, Florencio Carbonell and Julia Ayala. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Jeannette Carbonell; three devoted sons, Oswald (Cindy) Carbonell, Omar Carbonell, and Gabriel (Dayanara) Carbonell; granddaughter, Miranda Carbonell. He also leaves behind two brothers, Alex and Ruben, and five sisters, Sally, Maria, Capi, Patria, and Eugenia, who will miss him dearly.
As we remember Osvaldo, let us honor a man who was not only dedicated to his family but also sought to enrich the lives of those around him with his kindness and generosity.
The City of Winter Haven is inviting motivated and community-minded individuals to join its growing team! A variety of full-time and part-time positions are currently open across multiple departments, offering opportunities to make a difference while building a rewarding career in public service.
Available roles include Assistant City Engineer, Crew Leader in the Water Department, Activity Fields Maintenance Operator, and more. Whether you’re experienced in city operations or just beginning your professional journey, Winter Haven offers a supportive environment and the chance to contribute to the city’s continued growth and success.
Applications can be completed online at mywinterhaven.com/jobs or in person at the Human Resources Office, located at 500 Third Street NW, Winter Haven.
For more information, contact the Human Resources Team at (863) 291-5650 or [email protected]. Join the team that’s helping make Winter Haven a great place to live, work, and play!
