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Stars of Land of the Lost and Other Retro TV Shows Appearing at Bartow Con 2025

Allison
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Stars of Land of the Lost and Other Retro TV Shows Appearing at Bartow Con 2025

Stars of Land of the Lost and Other Retro TV Shows Appearing at Bartow Con 2025

by James Coulter

Sean L. Serdynski grew up watching the classic Saturday morning television show Land of the Lost. Now he and other visitors to Bartow Con will be able to meet the main stars of that show this Saturday.

Kathy Coleman and Wesley Eure, the former child actors who played Holly and Will Marshall on Land of the Lost, will be some of the guest stars appearing at this year’s Bartow Con on Sat. Nov. 15 at the Bartow Civic Center.

Other guest celebrities include Marc Price from “Family Ties”, Parker Stevenson from “Baywatch”, Kevin Kedgley and Joe Davis from “Stranger Things”, and Duncan Watson and Patricia Patts, the voice actors of Charlie Brown and Peppermint Patty from “Peanuts.”

Bartow Con will include other festivities, including booths and vendors, food trucks, and even an immersive Harry Potter-themed room. The event will be hosted from 10 AM to 5 PM with tickets at $25.

Sean L. Serdynski created Bartow Con as an indoor spin-off of Syfy Bartow, Florida’s largest outdoor sci-fi convention, which has been ongoing for nearly 12 years. Since its inception three years ago, the indoor event has grown exponentially in size and number.

Serdynski is especially excited for this year’s event, as it will feature two actors from one of his favorite childhood shows, “Land of the Lost.” He was especially surprised by how he was able to invite the stars to the convention.

“I was a huge fan of [the show],” he said. “I wanted to get these two guests to one of our shows for many years. This year, it worked out, and they are coming. I will be able to spend some quality time with my childhood heroes–and they’re older than me now!”

 Sean L Serdynski recently appeared on the Chattin on the Ridge podcast to discuss this year’s Bartow Con. Listen to the full podcast on Acast: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/episodes/ep-72-bartow-con-2025-wsean-l-serdynski

Things to Do This Weekend in Polk County

Allison
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Things to Do This Weekend in Polk County

There’s plenty happening across Polk County this weekend! From festive family events to live music and community celebrations, here are a few local highlights you won’t want to miss.

🎄 15th Annual Festival of Wreaths

When: Starts November 14 and runs through December 11

Where: Polk County History Center, Bartow

Kick off the holiday season at the Polk County History Center’s annual Festival of Wreaths. This festive display features beautifully decorated wreaths, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. It’s a great stop for families, friends, or anyone looking to enjoy a touch of Christmas cheer early in the season.

🎶 Lake Wales Live

When: Friday, November 14

Where: Downtown Lake Wales

Head downtown for an evening of live performances during Lake Wales Live! This popular event brings music, entertainment, and community together for a relaxing night under the stars — a perfect outing for music lovers.

🍂 Annual Fall Festival

When: Saturday, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Where: Lake Wales Family Recreation Center (1001 Burns Ave., Lake Wales)

Bring the whole family out for an afternoon of fall fun! Enjoy hay wagon rides, face painting, pumpkin decorating, games, and more. Admission is free, and guests who bring a canned-goods donation can enter a special prize drawing.

🍁 Break Your Fall – Family Fall Festival

When: Saturday, Nov. 15, 4–7 p.m.

Where: Garden Grove Church (3379 Cypress Gardens Rd., Winter Haven)

A fun, family-friendly festival featuring inflatables, free food, games, and more. Sponsored by Heartfelt Quilting & Sewing.

🌊 Kayak Ecotour & Chain Reaction Cleanup

When: Saturday, November 15, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Where: Lake Cannon Park, Winter Haven

Get outdoors and make a difference this weekend at the Kayak Ecotour on Lake Cannon! In partnership with the Chain Reaction cleanup initiative, participants will enjoy a guided kayak tour exploring the local ecosystem while helping remove litter from the water. It’s a fun and educational way to experience Polk County’s beautiful lakes and support environmental stewardship.

Sign up here: https://ow.ly/Wa8m50XqNUs

🌻 10th Annual Southern Hill Farms Fall Festival

When: Friday, November 14, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Where: Southern Hill Farms, Polk County

Spend the day at the farm and enjoy family-friendly activities like a corn maze, petting zoo, wagon rides, U-pick sunflowers, pumpkins, and face painting. This event is a fall favorite and a great way to enjoy the outdoors.

🏆 National Philanthropy Day Breakfast & Awards

When: Friday, November 14, 7:30 a.m. (breakfast); 8:00 a.m. (program)

Where: First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland (175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland)

Join community leaders and organizations for a morning celebrating philanthropy and community service. The event includes breakfast, networking, and awards recognizing those who make a difference in Polk County.

No matter what you’re in the mood for — music, family fun, or community connection — there’s something for everyone happening in Polk County this weekend!

Polk Sheriff’s Charities Giving Away Free Turkeys

Allison
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Polk Sheriff’s Charities Giving Away Free Turkeys

Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization, is sponsoring a free turkey giveaway Saturday, November 22, 2025, at three Polk County locations (see below). We are joined in this effort once again by The Freedom Tour volunteer organization based in Lake Wales whose mission it is to provide quality food and love to those in need. 

“For the 8th year in a row we are blessed to be able to provide turkeys to our citizens, thanks to the generous donations made year-round to Polk Sheriff’s Charities. We’re so grateful to the volunteers at the Freedom Tour for the use of their refrigerated trucks and for their food donations as well. It is so heartwarming to work with such a generous group of men and women and to be able to make a positive difference in others’ lives.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff 

The turkeys will be distributed one per family, one per vehicle on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. No identification or pre-qualification will be required to receive a turkey.

Deputies will be at each location to hand out the frozen birds, which are in the 15 to 17 pound range. Up to 1,200 turkeys will be given away.

The locations and times where the turkeys will be distributed are:

East Polk: 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Church on the Hill, 1111 Scenic Hwy, Dundee;

**Cars will be directed to enter the parking lot south of the church from Old Scenic Hwy, then will be directed around the back of the church to the distribution point. Cars will then be directed to exit north onto Old Scenic Hwy towards Dundee.**

Central Polk: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

Lake Region High School campus, 1995 Thunder Road, Eagle Lake;

**Cars will be directed to enter onto Cameron Road from US 17, which turns into Gilbert Street, then onto Thunder Road, through the school parking lot to the distribution point, and back out onto Gilbert Street.**

West Polk: 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Lakes Church (AKA Church at the Mall), 1010 East Memorial Blvd, Lakeland;

**Cars will be directed to enter the parking lot from the westbound lane of Memorial at the intersection with Ingraham Avenue, and then will be directed to the rear parking lot of the church to the distribution point. Cars will be directed to exit westbound onto Memorial, or straight onto Ingraham Avenue.**

Teenager Charged After Causing Over $160K in Damage to Golf Course

Allison
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Teenager Charged After Causing Over $160K in Damage to Golf Course

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.

Screenshot from The Club at Venetian Bay Facebook

Older Brother Arrested in 2018 Murder of Lakeland Teen Rex “Stuffy” Honors IV

Carl Fish
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Older Brother Arrested in 2018 Murder of Lakeland Teen Rex “Stuffy” Honors IV

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.

Brooks Law Group Donates Thanksgiving Meals

Staff Reporter
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Brooks Law Group Donates Thanksgiving Meals

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.

Davenport Teens Arrested After Alleged Attempted Car Burglary

Allison
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Davenport Teens Arrested After Alleged Attempted Car Burglary

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).

The Foundation of Healthy Living: Why Now is the Time to Double Down on Leafy Greens

Allison
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The Foundation of Healthy Living: Why Now is the Time to Double Down on Leafy Greens

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.

“Healing in the Outdoors”: Veterans Launch Ministry to Help Save Lives

Staff Reporter
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“Healing in the Outdoors”: Veterans Launch Ministry to Help Save Lives
Veterans Outdoor Ministries

By Anita Todd

HAINES CITY – Studies show that every day, 22 veterans take their own lives, more than 8,000 lives lost every year.

Veterans Justin Brennan and Coy Bope want to change that.

Veterans Justin Brennan and Coy Bope

Their nonprofit, Veterans Outdoor Ministries, was founded with one mission: to bring veterans and their families outside and surround them with healing, connection, and purpose.

Brennan, a U.S. Army veteran who served two deployments in Iraq, understands firsthand the challenges of returning home.

“When I returned from my second deployment, there were service organizations available that I reached out to, and they helped me,” Brennan said.

Now, he wants to pay it forward.

The organization focuses on taking veterans, their spouses or caregivers, and families into the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping, and participating in activities that help them reconnect with others and with themselves.

“Oftentimes, veterans feel trapped and alone indoors, shut off from the world,” Brennan explained. “We know that the outdoors has the healing power to help veterans who are struggling with mental health issues.”

The heart of the program is simple: healing through camaraderie, healing through nature, and, Brennan says, healing through faith.

“The idea behind it is healing through comradery with other veterans, healing through nature, and we like to add one more strand to the cord,” he said. “As good as those organizations were that helped me, there was one component missing.”

And that component, he said, was God.

“As veterans ourselves, my wife and I know that the healing power in this combination is amazing. We spend as much time in the outdoors as we possibly can, and we are trying to spread that enjoyment within the veteran community, one hero at a time.”

Brennan and Bope met when Bope attended one of the organization’s trips, in fact, the very first one.

That was in April 2024. Since then, Veterans Outdoor Ministries have taken veterans on more than 30 outdoor adventures, giving them something many haven’t felt in a long time: hope.

After the trip, the two vets became fast friends, and Bope became a member of the organization’s board of directors. Brennen’s wife, Aprie, and Bope’s wife, Brooke, are also an active part of the group.

Trips are posted on the group’s website. and vets sign up for the complimentary trips that way. Some of the trips have included hog hunting, a shark’s tooth search, gator hunting, and deep-sea fishing.

“I had the privilege and honor of getting to go with Veterans Outdoor Ministries on a hog hunt and the experience was nothing short of spectacular,” wrote James Herring on their website. “The camaraderie with other veterans was fantastic and the hospitality from the group was top notch.”

The organization is a 501c3 that is funded entirely by donations. “We need to do our part to give these great American heroes everything we can because they signed a blank check for everything they had,” Brennan said.

For more information, visit veteransoutdoorministries.org.

Veterans Day 2025: Celebrating Service with History, Honor, and Local Specials

Allison
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Veterans Day 2025: Celebrating Service with History, Honor, and Local Specials

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.

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