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Homeschool P.E. Program at Wilfred Smith Resource Center

Staff Reporter
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Homeschool P.E. Program at Wilfred Smith Resource Center

Polk County Parks & Recreation invites homeschool families to take part in the Homeschool P.E. Program, a fun and structured way for students ages 5 to 14 to stay active and build healthy habits. Each session focuses on physical fitness, teamwork, and discipline, offering age-appropriate activities that keep kids moving and engaged in a supportive environment.

Classes are held Tuesdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m., September 2 through December 16, at the Wilfred Smith Resource Center, 135 Ave. Y NE in Winter Haven.

The program is free, but space is limited to 20 participants, and parents are required to stay with their children.

To reserve a spot, email Virginia Lawrence at [email protected].

For more information, call (863) 298-7898.

Get Ready for Wingtoberfest 2025 in Winter Haven!

Staff Reporter
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Get Ready for Wingtoberfest 2025 in Winter Haven!

The countdown is on for Wingtoberfest 2025—Winter Haven’s ultimate celebration of wings, music, and fun! Head to 2400 Dundee Road for two days packed with flavor, contests, and live entertainment.

The festival runs Friday, October 24, from 6–10 PM, and Saturday, October 25, from 10 AM–6 PM.

Admission is just $10, and kids 14 and under get in free with a paid adult. Plus, bring a toy for the Rudolph Round-Up Toy Drive and receive a free canned drink!

Skip the line and grab your tickets now at centralfloridatix.com.

Flyer courtesy of Southern Charities Group Inc

In Loving Memory of Mary Elizabeth Pate of Eagle Lake

Staff Reporter
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In Loving Memory of Mary Elizabeth Pate of Eagle Lake

Mary Elizabeth Pate

September 21st, 1934 – September 20th, 2025

Mary Elizabeth Pate, our beloved mother and grandmother, aged 91, of Eagle Lake, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2025, at Winter Haven Hospital. 

Born on September 21, 1934, in Winter Haven, our dear mother was a lifelong resident of the area and a lifelong, cherished member of Inman Park Church of Christ in Winter Haven.

Mary devoted 25 years to Publix before retiring, then served 20 years as a Rural Letter Carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. She found joy in baking, cake decorating, and traveling, sharing her warmth and talents with all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her adored husband of 56 years, Don Pate; her precious sons, Dennis and Darryl Pate; her dear brothers, Randall and Clifford Dixon; and her beloved sister, Carolyn.

Mary leaves behind her loving son, Dr. Dwight Pate, and his wife, Becky, of Lake Alfred; her cherished daughter, Anita Kingsley and her husband, Morris, of Eagle Lake; 15 treasured grandchildren; and 20 adored great-grandchildren.

A memorial service to celebrate our beloved mother’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven.

Trailhead Park Playground Closed Until Further Notice

Staff Reporter
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Trailhead Park Playground Closed Until Further Notice

Park Closure Notice: The shade structure at the Trailhead Park Playground was damaged this weekend. Crews are working to repair the structure and reopen the playground. Please do not cross any safety tape or cones. The splashpad and other park amenities remain open.

The park is closed October 6, 2025 until further notice

Cops for Kids – Registration Dates Announced

Allison
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Cops for Kids – Registration Dates Announced

The Lakeland Police Department is now accepting applications for the 2025 Cops for Kids Toy Donation Program. Parents or guardians in need of holiday assistance must register in person between 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on the designated dates below.

Registration Locations & Dates:

Wednesday, October 15: Simpson Park Community Center – 1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue Monday, October 27: Lakeland Police Department Community Room – 219 North Massachusetts Avenue Tuesday, October 28: Lakeland Police Department Community Room – 219 North Massachusetts Avenue

To Qualify:

Must be a Lakeland resident Bring the following: Current Lakeland Electric utility bill (with Lakeland address) Photo ID Original birth certificate for each child (children 12 and under eligible)

Registration does not guarantee acceptance. Families who received assistance in 2023 or 2024 are not eligible this year.

For more information, call 863-834-6912.

Flyer courtesy of Lakeland PD

Lakeland PAL Hosting FREE PAL-oween Party

Allison
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Lakeland PAL Hosting FREE PAL-oween Party

Lakeland PAL:

“Mark Your Calendars!
𝗣𝗔𝗟-𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗡 – 𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗬, 𝗢𝗖𝗧𝗢𝗕𝗘𝗥 𝟮𝟲𝗧𝗛 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝟱𝗣𝗠-𝟴𝗣𝗠
Join us for a SPOOKY good time at our PAL-oween Party! Lakeland PAL will have Trunk-or-Treat Stations, a photo area, a Haunted House, and more. Food and fun for the whole family! This event is Free. See you there!

325 W 2nd St, Lakeland, FL 33805
Lakeland Pal Complex”

Winter Haven Youth Baseball Hosts Halloween Event

Staff Reporter
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Winter Haven Youth Baseball Hosts Halloween Event

Get ready for a spooktacular evening as Winter Haven Youth Baseball presents “Trick or Treat: Smell My Cleats” on October 24 at Sertoma Park, 1651 N Lake Shipp Dr, Winter Haven, FL.

The fun kicks off at 6 PM with candy, a haunted trail, games, and more for kids and families to enjoy.

Come dressed in costume and experience a night full of Halloween magic and community fun. From eerie decorations to sweet treats and playful scares, this event promises thrills for all ages.

Don’t miss out on this frightfully fun celebration—mark your calendars now!

“We Stand for Life” Local Haines City Church Gathered Along Hwy 27

Carl Fish
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“We Stand for Life” Local Haines City Church Gathered Along Hwy 27

By Anita Todd

HAINES CITY – As part of Life Chain 2025, a pro-life movement, leaders and members of Landmark Baptist Church lined the sides of U.S. Highway 27 near Walmart on Sunday, October 4, from 2 to 3 p.m.

Since 1987, believers across the world, primarily in the United States and Canada, have gathered on the first Sunday of every October for one hour to prayerfully stand for life and against abortion.

About 150 people, young and old, men and women, held signs in English and Spanish letting passersby know they are against abortion.

“We’ve been doing this for as long as I can remember, the first Sunday of every October,” said Senior Pastor Barry Parsons of Landmark Baptist Church. “We’ve gotten mostly positive responses… a few negative, but mostly positive.”

Trucks and cars honked their horns as they drove by the many folks holding signs and waving.

“We pray while we hold the signs that people will know there are other options besides abortion,” Parsons said. “We stand for life.”

Landmark Baptist Church was established in 1958 as the first missionary Baptist church. It is one of the largest churches in Haines City and also has a school serving kindergarten through 12th grade, as well as a Christian college.

Update: Two Seriously Injured in Motorcycle Crash at Lakeland Highlands Road and Polk Parkway

Carl Fish
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Update: Two Seriously Injured in Motorcycle Crash at Lakeland Highlands Road and Polk Parkway

Update To: Motorcycle Crash With Injuries In Lakeland

LAKELAND – Two people suffered serious injuries Saturday morning after a motorcycle crash at the intersection of Lakeland Highlands Road and the Polk Parkway in Lakeland.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 10:50 AM on October 4, 2025.

Investigators say a 44-year-old Riverview man was operating a Harley-Davidson motorcycle traveling westbound on State Road 570 along the exit ramp to Lakeland Highlands Road. The rider reportedly entered the intersection under a red traffic signal and struck a curb in the center median.

The impact caused both the rider and his passenger, a 49-year-old Riverview woman, to be ejected from the motorcycle. Both individuals sustained serious injuries and were transported to an area hospital by Polk County Fire Rescue.

Units from Lakeland Police Department, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and Polk County Fire Rescue all responded to the scene. Traffic in the area was temporarily blocked while emergency crews treated the victims and investigators examined the crash site.

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investi

Motorcycle Crash with Injuries in Lakeland

Carl Fish
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Motorcycle Crash with Injuries in Lakeland

LAKELAND – Multiple emergency crews responded late Saturday morning to a serious traffic crash involving a motorcycle at the intersection of Lakeland Highlands Road and the Polk Parkway.

The crash occurred around 10:55 AM, according to Polk County Fire Rescue dispatch. Two adult trauma alerts were reported from the scene. Both victims were transported for emergency medical care.

Units from Polk County Fire Rescue (BC003, EN035, MR028, MR035), along with Lakeland Police Department and Polk County Sheriff’s Office, were on scene assisting with rescue operations and traffic control.

The crash caused major lane closures in the area as first responders worked to treat the injured and investigate the cause of the crash. Motorists were advised to avoid the intersection of Lakeland Highlands Road and the Polk Parkway entrance and exit ramps until the scene cleared.

Further details, including the condition of those involved and the cause of the crash, have not yet been released.

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