PASCO COUNTY, Fla. (October 27, 2025) – A deadly crash early Monday morning on US-98 claimed the life of a Spring Hill man, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The incident occurred around 6:08 a.m. when a Kia K5, driven by a 24-year-old Davenport man, was traveling northbound on US-98, just north of County Road 54. For reasons still under investigation, the Kia crossed into the southbound lane and collided nearly head-on with a Dodge Caliber driven by a 47-year-old man from Spring Hill.
A Toyota Corolla, driven by a 26-year-old Spring Hill man traveling behind the Dodge, was unable to stop and struck the rear of the Caliber.
The 47-year-old driver of the Dodge Caliber was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Kia suffered serious injuries, while the driver of the Toyota was uninjured. The crash remains under investigation by FHP.
Halloween is right around the corner, and you still haven’tdecorated your house. Even worse, you don’t have the spare change to go on a Spirit Halloween shopping spree.
What do you do?
Fear not. You can still get your house decorated for spooky season with some simple crafts. Best of all, they can be made with cheap dollar store items, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank.
From mummy-wrapped pumpkins to floating sheet ghosts, here are 8 affordable DIY Halloween crafts:
1. Floating Sheet Ghosts
Time: 5-10 minutes each
Cost: $0-$3 each
What’s a haunted house without ghosts? You don’t even need a seance to summon any. You can make your own with old sheets and string. Just drape an old white sheet or trash bag over a small ball or balled-up piece of plastic or paper. Tie the “neck” tight with twine, string, or yarn. Draw eyes and a mouth with a black marker. Then hang from a porch or tree using a fishing line.
2. Gauze-Wrapped Mummy Pumpkins
Time: 10–15 minutes each
Cost: $1–3 per pumpkin (pumpkin costs may vary)
Jack o-Lanterns are scary. Mummies are scary. So what can be scarier than mummy jack o-lanterns? All you need to do is wrap a small pumpkin with strips of gauze, attach the gauze with glue or tape, then draw faces using a black marker or even googly eyes. Voila! Place them on your front porch, and you have a spooky mummified jack o-lantern to delight any mommy or mummy.
3. Giant Spider and Egg Sacs
Time: 15–30 minutes
Cost: $1–$6
Spiders are scary. Giant spiders are scarier. But a giant spider that laid eggs? Now that’s the scariest. Fortunately, this spider is made from yarn. Make the spider from a ball painted black with black pipe cleaners for legs. Then make the egg sacs by wrapping cotton balls with yarn and adding small plastic spiders. Place them around your yard, especially among bushes, and you have a real fake spider infestation.
4. Ghostly mason jar luminarias
Time: 10–20 minutes for several
Cost: $0.50–$3 per jar
A glass jar might not be able to trap a real ghost, but it can certainly contain fake glowing ghosts. Either paint ghosts on jars with white paint and black marker or drape white tissues inside. Add some cheap tea lights (solar-powered are ideal). Then set them around your front porch and steps.
5. Spider Web Table Runner
Time: 20–40 minutes
Cost: $1–6
If you want to decorate the inside of your house with webs, you can choose not to dust and wait for a spider to weave real cobwebs. Or you can make your own from white yarn. Simply lay the yarn on black poster board in concentric circles and connect the spokes with glue or tape. Then glue on plastic spiders. Try lightly misting the yarn with diluted glue for a firmer web that stays put.
6. PVC Pipe Tombstones
Time: 20–40 minutes
Cost: $1–$8 total
If you want to make your front yard look like a graveyard, you could “borrow” some tombstones from the local cemetery. However, if you’re looking for a simpler (and more legal) decorating tip, try making your own tombstones. Cut some tombstones from poster board, foam, or cardboard. Paint them gray and draw some epithets with a black marker. Then use wooden stakes or PVC pipe to push into the ground. Weatherproof with a quick coat of clear spray or lean tombstones against heavier objects for wind resistance.
7. Monster-Covered Candy Jars
Time: 15–20 minutes each
Cost: $1–4 per jar
What do you do with all of the candy your little monsters collect trick-or-treating? Why not store them in monster-covered candy jars? Cut up monster shapes with colored felt or craft foam. Then draw or glue on shapes to make the faces. Don’t forget to add some googly eyes. Now you have a monster-covered jar to protect your Halloween candy.
8. Bleeding Candles
Time: 15 minutes for several candles
Cost: $1–5 for supplies
Candles can melt, but have you ever seen one bleed? You can when you make your own bleeding candles. Melt red wax (preferably from old crayons) and drizzle it over white candles to make bloody drips. For a gory effect, add a few nail heads pressed into the candle. Set them in candle holders, and be sure to use precaution when lighting them.
New Roundabout and Other Traffic Improvements Planned on North Galloway Road in Lakeland by James Coulter
A new roundabout is one of the many proposed traffic improvements planned for N. Galloway Road in Lakeland now that a construction contract has been approved by Polk County commissioners.
At their regular meeting on Tues. Oct. 21, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted unanimously to approve a construction contract with Jax Paving Industries of Florida.
The contract will be for several traffic improvements planned for N. Galloway Road in Lakeland. These improvements include a new roundabout, along with street lighting, drainage, and the overall maintenance of traffic.
“The project will increase the safety of the intersection and will improve traffic congestion in the area,” wrote Ken Brush,Procurement Contracts Manager.
The project will cost an estimated $3,063,097.56 (which includes $145,861.00 added to the contract for allowance work), and is expected to be completed within 210 days (with allowance time for 31 days).
To help cover the costs of this construction, $1,063,098.00 will be transferred from the county’s Transportation Trust Fund.
Commissioner Martha Santiago commended county staff for their hard work and effort in moving this construction project forward.
Two residents spoke during public comments to thank commissioners for the proposed traffic improvements and for planning to manage potential stormwater runoff from the project.
David Brown voiced his support of the proposed roundabout because it would reduce traffic problems and accidents on that road, and he praised commissioners for addressing runoff that could have affected his property.
“I am here to thank you for the foresight to do it and the heart to bring it to pass,” he said.
Shannon Tuberville, who owns the parcel at the southeast corner of the proposed roundabout, also praised the project for improving traffic safety and for addressing potential stormwater runoff.
He had reached out to commissioners Bill Braswell and Becky Troutman on the subject, and he commended them for their effort in addressing his concerns and those of his neighbors.
“In my opinion, you did what you were elected by the people to do,” he said. “You were accessible, you were sensitive to my concerns, and you were solution-oriented. I can’t think of any better representation from my elected officials, and I truly mean that.”
A transformer malfunction at the Coca-Cola facility in Auburndale led to the release of approximately 486 gallons of transformer oil on Thursday morning, according to a pollution notice filed with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).
The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. on October 23, 2025, when a TECO transformer experienced a mechanical failure. The oil spill was fully contained on-site, with no risk to nearby waterways or stormwater spillways, according to the report. The release was reported to the State Warning Point at 4:40 p.m. the same day.
Environmental remediation contractor ACT was hired by TECO to manage cleanup operations at the site, located at 705 Main Street, adjacent to Coca-Cola’s large bottling and distribution plant. The facility, one of Polk County’s major industrial employers, sits just south of Derby Avenue in Auburndale’s industrial corridor.
Officials confirmed that the release did not extend beyond the property and posed no public safety threat. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection classified the report as an initial notice under case number 20259116.
The Auburndale plant is operated by Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, which oversees beverage production and distribution across much of Central Florida.
Residents or environmental agencies seeking further information about the cleanup process can contact the Polk County TECO Environmental Response Line at (863) 219-1658.
HAINES CITY — The Haines City Police Department is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred early Sunday morning in the area of Avenue I and 12th Street North.
According to Public Information Officer Brooke Hart, no officers were injured during the incident, and there is currently no threat to the community.
Police have not yet released details about the circumstances leading up to the shooting or whether anyone else was injured.
Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available, the department said.
A man on a Segway electric scooter was killed in a crash Friday evening, October 24, 2025, east of Lakeland.
Units from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched at 8:08 pm, to the crash scene on US 92 at Fairway Avenue.
The crash occurred between the scooter and a 2000 Toyota Avalon XLS.
When first responders arrived on scene, the scooter operator, identified as 31-year old Joshua Caleb Carpenter of Lakeland, was deceased.
The driver of the Toyota was 60-year old Andrew Almaraz of Winter Haven. He was not injured, and fully cooperated with the investigation by the PCSO’s Traffic Homicide detectives.
The preliminary investigation showed that the Toyota was traveling west on US 92 at the proper speed.
The traffic light was green as the Toyota approached the intersection with Fairway Avenue.
At that time, the victim attempted to drive the scooter north across US 92, while in or near the crosswalk, and crossed in front of the oncoming Toyota, which had the right-of-way.
Mr. Carpenter was wearing dark clothing, and had no helmet.
Due to the investigation, the westbound lanes of US 92 were closed for approximately four hours.
No criminal or civil charges are anticipated at this time, but the investigation is ongoing.
A man on a Segway electric scooter was killed in a crash Friday evening, October 24, 2025, east of Lakeland.
Units from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched at 8:08 pm, to the crash scene on US 92 at Fairway Avenue.
The crash occurred between the scooter and a 2000 Toyota Avalon XLS.
When first responders arrived on scene, the scooter operator, identified as 31-year old Joshua Caleb Carpenter of Lakeland, was deceased.
The driver of the Toyota was 60-year old Andrew Almaraz of Winter Haven. He was not injured, and fully cooperated with the investigation by the PCSO’s Traffic Homicide detectives.
The preliminary investigation showed that the Toyota was traveling west on US 92 at the proper speed.
The traffic light was green as the Toyota approached the intersection with Fairway Avenue.
At that time, the victim attempted to drive the scooter north across US 92, while in or near the crosswalk, and crossed in front of the oncoming Toyota, which had the right-of-way.
Mr. Carpenter was wearing dark clothing, and had no helmet.
Due to the investigation, the westbound lanes of US 92 were closed for approximately four hours.
No criminal or civil charges are anticipated at this time, but the investigation is ongoing.
“Jenn,” “Jenny,” “Honey,” “Nee,” and “Sweetie Pie” June 12, 1933 – October 8, 2025
Jeanette H. Thompson, 92, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025, in Davenport, Florida. She was born on June 12, 1933, in Mobile, Alabama, to Joseph and Minnie Evelyn Haigler. Jeanette spent most of her life in Florida, first in Pensacola and later in Winter Haven, where she made lifelong friends and lasting memories.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Chaplain Colonel Tommy L. Thompson, with whom she shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and service. Together, they built a home rooted in faith, kindness, and steadfast family values.
As a military and chaplain’s wife, Jeanette’s strength and grace touched every part of her life. Her deep love of God and country guided her, and she found joy in creating a home where her family felt cherished and cared for.
Jeanette is survived by her beloved children Christina Beissinger (Stephen) and Jonathan Thompson-Wang (Charles); cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren Ryan Beissinger (Kendall), Tommy, Baron, Skylar, Megan B. Smith (Justin), Indie, Pearce Beissinger (Heather), Micah, Jonah, and Lauren Beissinger. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Faye Jernigan (Jerry); nephewDavid Haigler (Susan); nieces Debbie, Patricia, and Cathy; and her dear “sis” in Christ, Royce Bennett —all of whom carry forward her legacy of love, faith, and family.
Known for her impeccable style, gentle humor, and warm Southern grace, Jeanette was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. In her later years, she found joy in the simple pleasures —her passion for gardening reflected her generous spirit and her love for growth, beauty, and renewal. She especially delighted in watching the birds in her beautiful backyard, which brought her great peace and comfort.
Faith was the foundation of Jeanette’s life. She was active in the Baptist church for many years, where she formed lasting friendships and lived her beliefs through quiet acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion. A woman of deep faith, Jeanette left her family treasured notes and words of encouragement, including a special reminder from 1 Corinthians 13:13:
“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
Her elegance, strength, and unwavering heart for her family will remain an enduring inspiration to all who knew and loved her.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Matthew 25:23
Celebration of Life
October 27, 2025 – 10:30 a.m. Grace Lutheran Church 327 Avenue C SE Winter Haven, Florida 33880
Interment at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date
Winter Haven, FL — No Outage Electrical Testing, a trusted name in electrical diagnostics throughout Central Florida, announces a major expansion of its service portfolio to meet the region’s growing demand for comprehensive property inspection solutions. While best known for advanced electrical testing and infrared thermography, No Outage Electrical Testing now leverages the same state-of-the-art imaging and detection technology to provide non-invasive building envelope inspections, roof leak detection, HVAC diagnostics, and more.
“With Florida’s climate challenges, early detection of issues like air leaks, water intrusion, and inefficient HVAC can save property owners thousands of dollars in repairs and energy costs,” said the company’s owner. “Our technicians now inspect everything from windows and building exteriors to roofs, insulation, and mechanical systems—catching hidden trouble before it becomes a major problem.”
No Outage Electrical Testing’s new services include air and vacuum leak detection, moisture and mold intrusion assessment, comprehensive roof inspections, and full HVAC system imaging, providing property managers, homeowners, and contractors with actionable insights. Each inspection is backed by detailed digital reports featuring thermal and acoustic imagery, ensuring transparency and actionable recommendations.
The company’s multi-disciplinary approach allows Winter Haven clients to address not just electrical risks, but the full array of structural and comfort concerns associated with Florida real estate. These added capabilities make No Outage Electrical Testing a one-stop solution for property safety, efficiency, and peace of mind.
For more information or to schedule an inspection, visit the company’s website or contact their Winter Haven office.
