Bowling Green Property Changed from Rural Cluster Center-Residential to Commercial
by James Coulter
Nearly 1.02 acres north of Bowling Green will soon be used for commercial rather than residential development now that a change to its sub-district map has been approved.
At their meeting on Tues. Oct. 7, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted unanimously to approve a proposed change to the Land Development Code Sub-District Map for a 10.2-acre parcel.
Located west of U.S. Highway 17 and north of the City of Bowling Green, the property is bordered by roadways on three sides with multiple access points.
An applicant-initiated request proposed changing that site’sdesignation from Rural Cluster Center-Residential (RCC-R) to Rural Cluster Center-Commercial (RCC), as it was determined the property would have more potential use for commercial rather than residential.
A similar request was approved for a property located in the south in 2021.
The site currently does not receive water or wastewater services, and the City of Bowling Green will not serve water and sewer in Polk County.
The Lake Eva Aquatic Center will host the 3rd annual doggy pool party, Howl-O-Ween Spooktacular, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Admission is $3.00 per pup (human companions will be admitted for free).
This year’s event will include a doggy costume contest. Judging will take place between 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Your furry friends will have a fabulous time splashing around in the kiddie pool and splash pad at the Lake Eva Aquatic Center, while the main competition pool (the big pool) will be closed.
Doggie moms and dads will be able to walk in the water with their furry friends; however swimming will not be permitted for the humans.
A few fun freebies will be given away (while supplies last).
For more information, please contact the Lake Eva Aquatic Center at 863-421-3715.
James “Jim” R. Gantt, 75, of Winter Haven, FL, passed away on October 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 18, 1950, in Bellevue, OH, to James Marion and Maxine Florence (Weeston) Gantt. Jim moved to Florida in October 2014 from Westerville, OH. He dedicated 28 years of his life to law enforcement, where his leadership and compassion earned him the rank of Lieutenant before retiring in 2001. Jim was a proud member of People’s Church in Winter Haven, FL.
Jim had a true love for Christmas — it was his favorite time of year. To many, he was Santa Claus, spreading joy and laughter wherever he went. He loved making phone calls to children as Santa, visiting daycares, and brightening the days of residents in extended care facilities. He loved fishing, hunting, camping, storytelling, his family, the Lord, and people in general. Jim was the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back — he never wanted anyone to suffer. He was a loving, big-hearted man who cared deeply for others, far beyond titles or jobs. He often said, “Make good memories. Do the right thing, simply because it’s the right thing to do.” In his later years, Jim’s wife became his devoted caregiver, lovingly standing by his side and showing through her actions the meaning of true love and commitment to their vows.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Maxine Gantt, and his brother, Michael Gantt. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 56 ½ years, Gail (Moore) Gantt; son, Joshua (Amy) Gantt of Columbus, OH; daughters, Paulette (Shannon) Badgett of Winter Haven, FL, and Heather (Brett) Rombach of Stuart, FL; brothers, John (Jeri) Gantt of Bellevue, NE, and Paul (Christine) Gantt of Woodville, WI; sisters, Judith (Ron) Bumgardner of Winter Haven, FL, Peggy (Clancy Hetchler) Gantt of Hammond, WI , and Jennifer (Lynn) Berning of Luck, WI; sister-in-law, Linda Gantt of Franklin, TN; eight grandchildren, Kelly, Thayne, Adam, Ashley, Cody, Emily, Anastasia, and Bailey; eight great-grandchildren; several extended family members and friends; his close friend, Richard Nielson; and his beloved fur babies, Taurie, DJ, and Savanna.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Convoy of Hope or your local animal shelter/humane society.
Get ready, Winter Haven — the weekend is bringing plenty of live tunes and good vibes your way! Whether you love the energy of a full band, the chill sounds of an acoustic duo, or the fun of karaoke, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at your favorite local spots.
Thursday, October 9
-Karaoke Night at Out-n-About Bar and Music Lounge from 7–11 p.m. 28390 US-27, Dundee -Curt Beasley Duo performing live at Cypresswood Pub from 6–9 p.m. 1099 Clubhouse Rd, Winter Haven
Friday, October 10
-Enjoy a night of soulful sounds with Motown performing at Cypresswood Pub from 6–9 p.m.
Saturday, October 11
-Rock out with Silverback performing live at Tanners Lakeside from 7–10 p.m. 1006 S Lake Howard Dr, Winter Haven
Sunday, October 12
-Enjoy your Sunday with live music at Tanners Lakeside from 2-6 p.m. Music featuring Kai7en Unplugged
Have a live music event coming up?
Email [email protected] to have it featured in our next weekend roundup!
Jacksonville man with Polk County warrant issued during “Operation Child Protector VII” taken into custody
One of the suspects charged via warrant during “Operation Fool Around and Find Out – Again / Operation Child Protector VII” 36-year-old Kyle Mullen of Jacksonville, was taken into custody at his home on October 8, 2025, and booked into the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office detention facility. He will be extradited to Polk County at a later date.
During the investigation, which ran from September 8 – 14th, Mullen chatted online with an undercover detective posing as a 12-year-old girl. During the conversation, Mullen made the following statements: “Grady f***ing Judd” and “F*** Polk County, I got arrested there like 2 months ago.”
Detectives confirmed he was arrested in Davenport on July 2nd after being found sitting in a truck behind a closed Auto Zone, and charged with possession of meth and paraphernalia. He was released the following day after posting bond. Click here for his booking information.
Mullen told the UC that he would drive 200 MPH to come see the girl in Polk County, and he also sent her a nude photo. Detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest for transmission of material harmful to a minor (F3) and use of a two-way communication device in commission of a felony (F3). The U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force successfully located Mullen and took him into custody without incident.
“Child predators like Kyle Mullen, who groom children online for the purpose of sexually abusing them, don’t stop until they are caught – which is why our investigations don’t stop until we catch them. If you prey on a child in our county, we will do everything in our power to identify you, charge you, and take you into custody.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
Looking for fun plans this weekend? Winter Haven is buzzing with events for every age and interest! From fall festivals to local markets and live entertainment, here’s what’s happening around town:
Friday, October 10
Oktoberfest Downtown Winter Haven – 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Enjoy an evening of festive fun, music, and local brews in the heart of downtown.
Cage Life Foundation Presents Wrestling at Tanner’s Lakeside – 8:00 p.m. Catch high-energy wrestling action while enjoying lakeside dining and drinks.
Pressed Floral Art Frame at AR Workshop Winter Haven, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Learn how to design your own floral art on glass in this hands-on workshop.
Saturday, October 11
Winter Haven Saturday Market – 9:00 a.m.
Winter Haven Farmers Market – 9:00 a.m. Shop local vendors, fresh produce, crafts, and treats.
Polk State Fall Fest – 9:00 a.m. Celebrate the season with games, food, and family fun.
Moonlit Legends at Homeland Heritage Park – 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Step into Polk County’s haunted history with this evening storytelling event.
Sunday, October 12
Meet Me at the Pumpkin Patch – 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Hosted by St. John UMC, this family event features fall activities, pumpkins, and seasonal fun.
Calling all goblins, ghouls, and ghosties — it’s time to dance the day away at the Winter Haven Public Library’s Monster Mash Dance Party! Join the fun on Saturday, October 18, and light up the dance floor at this festive black light celebration filled with spooky tunes, sweet treats, and plenty of fun for the whole family.
Little monsters ages 5 and under can show off their best moves from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m., while kids 6 and up take over the dance floor from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m. Costumes are highly encouraged, so come dressed in your Halloween best — witches, vampires, mummies, and all!
No registration is required, so just bring your energy and get ready for a frightfully fun morning at the library. Don’t miss this spooktacular celebration of music, movement, and magic!
One Movie Later: Knights of Guinevere is a Loving yet Biting Satire of Disney
by James Coulter
Independent animation has skyrocketed in recent years with animated projects like Hazbin Hotel, Lackadaisy, and The Amazing Digital Circus. The latter proved to be a surprise hit for Glitch Productions. With more than 369 million views, the pilot episode became one of the most-viewed animation pilots on YouTube.
Glitch Productions has since sought to repeat its success with the pilot episode of its newest animated endeavor, Knights of Guinevere. Within 24 hours of its release, the pilot episode gained more than a million views. One week later, it surpassed more than 11 million views.
But did Glitch Productions’ newest animated project deserve to go viral? Will Knights of Guinevere prove to be just as Amazingas The Amazing Digital Circus? Or is the next big animated princess property in another castle?
Knights of Guinevere follows the story of Andi and Frankie, two friends who live and work in the industrial wasteland underneath Park Planet, a floating theme park whose mascot is the android princess Guinevere.
One day, Frankie discovers a discarded and damaged Guinevere unit. Her boss wants to sell the robot for scrap. However, Frankie and Andi not only think the android can be repaired, but they also believe it may be the same robot they once met as children at the park. What secrets does this mysterious android hold?
Knights of Guinevere has visually stunning, dynamic animation. There’s nothing I can say about the art and animation that simply watching the pilot episode won’t accomplish. Other critics have praised the animation for having “magic in every single frame” and “a distinctive art style and emotionally resonant storytelling.” Honestly, I couldn’t have said it better myself.
This is one of those shows where every scene brims with detail, many of it hidden. One scene even has a QR code, which, when scanned, provides a mini comic that delves deeper into the show’s lore. It’s a show where, every time you rewatch it, you notice something different you didn’t notice before—the type of show that’s ripe for rewatches and fan theories.
For example, a common motif in the show is blue. It’s the color of the android princess Guinevere, and thus it’s a color prominent in most of the Planet Park merchandise. It’s also the color of the smog and sewage polluting the town under the park. And it’s the same color as the mucus many townspeople cough up, which shows the extent of the park’s pollution. One news story even reports of newborn babies being born blue!
The show’s premise isn’t anything new. Its futuristic dystopian setting is highly stratified, with the lower classes literally living in the shadow and waste of the upper class. Other media, from Final Fantasy 7 to Alita: Battle Angel, have similar settings thatcomment on the excesses of corporatism. However, what makes Knights of Guinevere unique is that its not-so-subtle critique isn’t merely aimed at our current socio-political system, but targeted directly at one of its most egregious beneficiaries and perpetrators: The Walt Disney Company.
The show’s critique of Disney is anything but subtle. Park Planet is a futuristic sci-fi version of Disneyland. Its founder, Orville Park, is undoubtedly based on Walt Disney. And the park’s mascot, Guinevere, is literally every Disney princess ever. Not only is she the star of her own princess movie, but every princess movie, including a live-action remake like the recent trend of Disney live-action remakes.
The show’s creator, Dana Terrace, previously worked for the Disney company, having created the hit animated show The Owl House. However, The Owl House was infamously cut short due to Disney’s executive meddling, as the show reportedly did not fit the company’s brand. As such, Knights of Guinevere is undoubtedly a project born from Terrace’s frustrations with the Disney company, as the pilot episode’s biting take on Disney clearly shows.
Only time will tell if Knights of Guinevere will achieve the same level of success as Glitch Productions’ other animated series,like The Amazing Digital Circus or Murder Drones. However, the company is confident enough in this new show to have already released merchandise for it online. Either way, the pilot episode certainly shows promise.
Pitchers, Polka, and Pretzels: The History and Traditions of Oktoberfest
by James Coulter
Get out your finest beer stein and strap on some lederhosen. Oktoberfest is right around the corner, right here in Polk County.
But have you ever wondered how this German holiday started? Why do Germans host this celebration every October? Why do they wear lederhosen and play Oompah music? And why do they drink so much beer?
Here’s a crash course on Oktoberfest and its many traditions:
Oktoberfest’s Origins
The first Oktoberfest began on October 12, 1810, in Munich as the wedding celebration of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The event included public feasts, music, dancing, and a horse race.
The celebration proved so “wunderbar” that it was hosted again the next year. It soon became an annual tradition that grew to include many other attractions. Oktoberfest is now one of the largest festivals in Germany that draws about six million visitors annually.
Beer
Beer has been brewed in Germany for centuries. German monasteries in the 10th century commercialized beer production with innovative techniques, and the 1516 Reinheitsgebot(German Beer Purity Law) cemented the country’s reputation for quality brewing.
While beer was a part of the original Oktoberfest celebration, large beer tents and halls backed by local breweries rose to prominence in 1896. The annual Oktoberfest celebration officially begins when Munich’s mayor taps the first barrel and cries “O’zapft is!” (“It’s tapped!”) Oktoberfest attendees consume roughly 6.9 to 7.4 million liters of beer each year.
Pretzels
The pretzel was invented by an Italian monk in 610 AD to teach and reward young children learning their prayers, as its twisted shape resembles arms crossed in prayer.
The salty treat became popular around the 12th Century in Germany, where it was adopted as a symbol by baking guildsand spread through the southern regions to become a German culinary staple.
Because their saltiness enhances the flavor of beer, they are commonly consumed with the beverage. Roughly 100,000 soft pretzels are consumed each year at Oktoberfest.
Lederhosen and Oompah
With its knee-high breeches and H-shaped suspenders, lederhosen is the traditional clothing of Oktoberfest. The outfit originated in the early 18th century as working-class workwear, but quickly became traditional clothing after the Bavarian nobility adopted it.
Lederhosen is now commonly worn by polka musicians and dancers who perform Oompah music, so named for the “oom-pah” rhythm of brass instruments like tubas. Traditional tunes include the “Beer Barrel Polka”, “Lichtensteiner Polka”, and “Ein Prosit”, which is a popular beer sing-along toast.
American Celebrations
Oktoberfest traditions arrived in America with German immigrants in the 19th century. Official celebrations were hosted in cities like Cincinnati and New Braunfels, Texas. However, the first version of the modern event began with Oktoberfest U.S.A. in La Crosse, Wisconsin, in 1960.
Today, more than 150 Oktoberfest events take place nationwide. The largest is Oktoberfest Zinzinnati in Cincinnati with over 800,000 attendees each year. Many events take place in Florida, with the biggest and longest-running celebration being Oktoberfest Miami, which draws over 15,000 visitors annually.
Polk County hosts many events in cities like Winter Haven, Lakeland, and Bartow. Here are a few upcoming events:
Oktoberfest Winter Haven
Fri. Oct. 10 @ 6pm – 9pm
Central Park Downtown, 41 5th St NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881
$10+ per person
Boktoberfest at Bok Tower Gardens
Fri. Oct. 17 @ 5pm
Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853
Autumn is finally upon us. The days are getting shorter. The weather is getting cooler. And all of it can leave you feeling slower and more sluggish.
You can adjust your body and mind to this seasonal shift through an Autumn Reset. Here are some tips on how to grow accustomed to the cooler weather, shorter days, and longer nights:
Adjust Your Sleep Schedule. The shorter days and longer nights, especially after Daylight Saving Time, can disrupt your circadian rhythm. Adjust your sleep schedule accordingly. Gradually shift the time you wake up and go to bed by 15-minute increments over several days. To promote better sleep, limit evening alcohol and caffeine consumption, stop using screens like tablets and phones an hour before bed, and keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and comfortable.
Get Plenty of Sunlight and Movement. Shorter days mean less sunlight, and thus less Vitamin D, which can cause fatigue. Try to get 10–20 minutes of natural light after waking up. Sit by a window, sip coffee outside, or take a morning walk or jog. Keep yourself energized through the day by adding 10–30 minutes of movement, either through brisk walks, light exercise, or yoga. Moving around outdoors increases light exposure and boostsyour mood. And stand, stretch, or even simply step outside for 5–10 minutes every 60–90 minutes to prevent sluggishness.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthy. Cooler air is drier, which can leave you feeling thirstier and more tired. Stay hydrated with a water bottle or thermos, and warm up with hot drinks like tea or coffee. Choose vitamin-rich, nutrient-dense meals like soups, stews, and roasted meats and vegetables over sugary foods, which can sap your energy. Seasonal produce like root vegetables, apples, legumes, and whole grains helps sustain energy and warmth.
Take Vitamin Supplements. Shorter days and cooler autumn weather can sap your physical and mental energy. Vitamin supplements can help boost your energy and immune system during the fall season. Vitamin D fights fatigue as sunlight wanes, B vitamins support metabolism and energy production, and iron and magnesium aid red blood cell formation to improve oxygen delivery, reducing tiredness and fatigue.
Declutter Your House and Prepare for Winter. While springtime is often associated with cleaning, autumn is also a good season for tidying your house. Seasonal cleaning not only lifts your mood, but also prepares your home for winter. Rotate wardrobes from light summer clothes to heavier fall and winter clothing. Clean windows to let in waning natural sunlight. Layer bedding with warm blankets and comforters. And replace a few home textiles to signal a fresh start.
Practice Mindfulness. While most people set resolutions at the start of the year, autumn is also an ideal time to set simple, measurable goals before the year’s end. Choose achievable goals like reading more books, cooking seasonal meals, or taking regular walks. Schedule low-effort social contact activities like weekly walks or a monthly dinner. Keep a daily journal to track your progress and monitor your mental and emotional well-being by noting changes to mood, sleep, or interests. And keep your spirits high with seasonal activities such as apple picking or baking.
