We’re proud to present this beloved tradition in partnership with the City of Auburndale and the City of Winter Haven. Yes, we know it’s early—good parades take time to plan!
If your school, business, dance team, club, or community group wants to join the lineup for Friday, December 5 at 7:00 PM, now’s the moment to review the application and apply.
What to turn in:
Completed application (https://ow.ly/QUAG50X6hfj)
Proof of insurance
$50 non-refundable entry fee (cash or check payable to Auburndale Chamber – Havendale Christmas Parade)
Where to turn it in:
Auburndale Chamber of Commerce — 2701 Lake Myrtle Park Rd, Auburndale
Auburndale Parks & Recreation — 119 W Park St, Auburndale
Deadline: Thursday, November 6, 2025 (or until capacity is reached)
Secure your spot early and help us make Havendale Blvd sparkle!
For a frighteningly fun time in the kitchen this Halloween, gather your family around the cauldron to create a sweet, spooky dessert.
Tricks and treats may provide thrills, but a homemade concoction can be the star of your hauntingly happy evening.
This Ghostly Graveyard Cake takes imagination and creativity from everyone with tombstones, skulls and spooky icing daring all to try a bite. With looks this chilling, it’s a perfect treat to enjoy while watching everyone’s favorite scary movie.
Ghostly Graveyard Cake Ingredients
1 box chocolate cake mix
10 chocolate creme cookies
1 cup black melting chips
1 cup red melting chips
1 cup heavy whipping cream
3 cans buttercream icing
1 purple food coloring
1 black food coloring
skull sprinkles
tombstones and bones candies
Photo source culinary.net
1. Prepare cake mix according to package instructions in three 6-inch baking pans. Once baked, allow to completely cool outside of pans.
2. In zip-top bag, using rolling pin, crush chocolate creme cookies; set aside.
3. In separate small bowls, add black melting chips and red melting chips.
4. In microwave, heat heavy whipping cream 1 1/2 minutes. Pour half the mixture into one bowl of chips and other half into other bowl of chips. Stir until chips are completely melted; set aside.
5. After cakes cool, on cake board, add small amount of buttercream icing so cake sticks. Using bread knife, level cakes.
6. Place one cake on cake board and add thin layer of icing on top. Place second layer of cake on top and add thin layer of icing on top. Place final layer of cake on top and add thin layer of icing on top.
Add thin layer of icing to entire cake. Freeze 15 minutes.
7. In small bowl, mix two parts purple food coloring to one part black food coloring. Ice cake with deep purple icing. Using grooved scraper, scrape along sides of cake. Using angled spatula, smooth top of cake.
8. Add skull sprinkles around edges of cake. Using piping bag with small opening at tip, drip black drip mixture around top edges of cake. Repeat using red drip mixture.
9. Add chocolate creme cookie crumbs to top of cake. Add tombstones and bone sprinkles to top of cake.
Mark Your Calendar! Purge Your Pills & Shred Your Stuff – Prescription Pill Take-Back and FREE Shredding Event!
The City of Winter Haven Public Safety Department is hosting a “Purge Your Pills & Shred Your Stuff” event on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Safely dispose of expired, unused, or unwanted medications—including pet medications—and take advantage of FREE document shredding.
This community event takes place in the front parking lot of the Winter Haven Police Department, located at 125 N Lake Silver Dr., NW.
Protect your privacy and the environment—mark your calendar and spread the word!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year, more than 310,000 women and 2,800 men are estimated to be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, according to the National Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation. However, advances in early detection and treatment in recent years have increased survival rates to the point where there are currently more than 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
When caught early, the 5-year survival rate is extremely high, which makes preventative measures like screenings and staying informed about risk factors – particularly those that impact you personally – critical elements in prevention and detection. Keep these risk factors in mind to make informed decisions about your health.
Genetic Factors and Family History
Mutations in specitic genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, greatly increase the likelihood of the disease. These mutations can be inherited, which means a family history of breast cancer can be a strong indicator of your own risk. If you have a family history of breast cancer, undergo genetic testing and counseling to better understand your risk and take appropriate preventive measures.
Lifestyle Choices
Factors such as diet, physical activity, alcohol consumption and smoking have all been linked to breast cancer risk. Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity and limiting alcohol intake can help reduce that risk.
Additionally, avoiding smoking and following a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables are key preventive measures.
Environmental Exposures
Prolonged exposure to certain chemicals and pollutants including endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as those found in some plastics and pesticides, have been studied for their potential link to increased risk of developing breast cancer. Being aware of – and minimizing – exposure to harmful environmental agents can be an essential step in reducing the risk. This includes using safer household products and advocating for cleaner environments.
Age & Gender
The risk for breast cancer increases with age, and women are at a significantly higher risk than men.
However, men can also develop breast cancer, though it’s much rarer.
By recognizing the risk factors and staying proactive with regular screenings, we can take meaningful steps toward early detection, prevention, and ultimately, saving lives.
The Auburndale City Fest is on Saturday, October 4, 2025! This exciting community celebration brings together Auburndale’s Market and Parks & Recreation for an evening filled with fun.
From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., enjoy live soul music, shop with over 40 local vendors, and let the kids take part in festive trick-or-treating.
The event is free to attend and offers a perfect opportunity to celebrate fall with friends and family.
Don’t miss this chance to support local businesses and enjoy a night of community spirit in downtown Auburndale.
“On October 3, 1863, expressing gratitude for a pivotal Union Army victory at Gettysburg, President Abraham Lincoln announces that the nation will celebrate an official Thanksgiving holiday on November 26, 1863.
The speech, which was actually written by Secretary of State William Seward, declared that the last Thursday of every November thereafter would be considered an official U.S. holiday of Thanksgiving. This announcement harkened back to when George Washington was in his first term as the first president in 1789 and the young American nation had only a few years earlier emerged from the American Revolution. At that time, George Washington called for an official celebratory “day of public thanksgiving and prayer.” While Congress overwhelmingly agreed to Washington’s suggestion, the holiday did not yet become an annual event.
Thomas Jefferson, the third president, felt that public demonstrations of piety to a higher power, like that celebrated at Thanksgiving, were inappropriate in a nation based in part on the separation of church and state. Subsequent presidents agreed with him. In fact, no official Thanksgiving proclamation was issued by any president between 1815 and the day Lincoln took the opportunity to thank the Union Army and God for a shift in the country’s fortunes on this day in 1863.
The last Thursday of November remained the annual day of Thanksgiving from 1863 until 1939. Then, at the tail-end of the Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, hoping to boost the economy by providing shoppers and merchants a few extra days to conduct business between the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, moved Thanksgiving to November’s second-to-last Thursday. In 1941, however, Roosevelt bowed to Congress’ insistence that the last Thursday of November be re-set permanently, without alteration, as the official Thanksgiving holiday.”
DETROIT — October has arrived, and for truck enthusiasts, that means one thing: Chevrolet Truck Month. The iconic American brand is rolling out a slate of limited-time incentives designed to make it the perfect time to snag a new Chevy pickup, from rugged workhorses to off-road adventurers. With deals kicking off today and running through the end of the month, Chevrolet is celebrating its legendary truck heritage while spotlighting innovations in capability, technology, and electrification.
Truck Month has long been a staple in the automotive calendar, offering buyers enhanced rebates, low-APR financing, and lease specials on Chevrolet’s full truck portfolio. This year, amid a competitive market for light- and heavy-duty pickups, Chevy is pulling out all the stops to maintain its edge against rivals like Ford and Ram.
Spotlight on the Chevrolet Truck Lineup
Chevrolet’s truck family is built for versatility, blending brute strength with modern smarts. Here’s a quick rundown of the key players available now:
Silverado 1500: The full-size flagship that’s been a sales juggernaut for decades, the 2025 Silverado 1500 starts at around $37,000 for the base WT trim and climbs to premium levels like the High Country at over $60,000. It boasts a max towing capacity of 13,300 pounds, innovative features like the Multi-Flex Tailgate for easier loading, and off-road-ready variants such as the ZR2 with Multimatic DSSV dampers. New for 2025: Fresh colors like Cypress Gray and Riptide Blue, plus 20-inch gloss black wheels on select models.
1500
Silverado HD (2500HD and 3500HD): For those needing serious hauling power, the heavy-duty duo delivers up to 36,000 pounds of towing capacity on the 3500HD with a gooseneck hitch. Starting around $45,000 for the 2500HD, these beasts feature Duramax Turbo-Diesel options pushing 470 horsepower and advanced trailering tech like Transparent Trailer View. They’re ideal for contractors, farmers, or anyone tackling heavy loads with ease.
3500
Colorado: Chevy’s midsize powerhouse offers nimble handling without sacrificing muscle, with a max tow rating of 7,700 pounds and payloads up to 1,710 pounds. Starting at about $30,000, the 2025 Colorado shines in Trail Boss and ZR2 trims for off-roading, complete with a Multi-Flex Tailgate and available 310-horsepower TurboMax engine. It’s the go-to for urban adventurers who want capability in a more maneuverable package.
Rounding out the electrified side, the Silverado EV brings zero-emissions torque with up to 664 horsepower and a 440-mile range, starting at $75,000 for the Work Truck edition. While not always the star of Truck Month deals, it’s gaining traction as Chevy pushes toward a greener fleet.
Sweet Deals to Sweeten the Ride
This Truck Month, Chevrolet is stacking incentives to move inventory. Highlights include:
Up to $4,500 in cash rebates on select 2025 Silverado 1500 models, plus $4,000 on the Silverado EV.
Low financing rates like 3.9% APR for 60 months or 4.9% for 72 months on Silverado 1500 purchases.
Lease specials starting at $399 per month for 36 months on the Colorado, with $4,679 due at signing.
Bonus cash allowances of up to $500 on new 2025 Silverados, valid through October 31.
These offers vary by region and trim, so shoppers should check with local dealers for the best fit. Military, educator, and first-responder discounts add extra savings on top.
As supply chains stabilize and consumer demand for trucks remains red-hot, Chevrolet’s Truck Month is more than a sales event—it’s a nod to the hardworking spirit that defines the brand. Whether you’re upgrading your daily driver or outfitting for the jobsite, now’s the time to hit the road with a Chevy. Head to your nearest dealership or chevrolet.com to explore inventory and lock in these deals before they truck away.
Sue “Dees” Guess of Haines City, Florida passed away on October 1, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was 87 years old.
She was born on March 10, 1938, in Polk City, Florida to James Edward and Mary Jane Rutledge and has been a lifelong resident of Polk County. Sue had worked for Davidson’s of Dundee Candy and Jelly factory for some 21 years as the manager of the packing room. She was a member of NorthRidge Church in Haines City and had an infatuation for flowers, wild animals, singing and camping, but what really lit up her face with a smile was family, especially her time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her parents, James and Mary; her first husband, who she married May 21, 1955, Chester Dees; her second husband, whom she married September 2, 2011, Art Guess; siblings, Bobbie Jean Deese Pollock, Mary Pollock Higdon, James “Tiny” Rutledge, John “Shorty” Rutledge, and Abraham Rutledge. Sue is survived by her daughter, Sharon Cate and her husband, Gary of Middleburg, Florida; son, Ronald Dees and his wife, Sandra of Marysville, Washington; daughter, Gail Stace and her husband, Mike of Haines City, Florida; siblings, Edward “Rusty” Rutledge and his wife, Hazel of Haines City, Florida, Lavond Stein of Haines City, Florida, Ila Green and her husband, Frank of Fortescue, New Jersey, Ethel Ralph and her husband, Steve of New Smyrna Beach, Florida and grandchildren, Billy Cate, Julie Hicks and her husband, Leander, Ronald Coleman Dees and his wife, Erin, Amber Sanchez and her husband, Alejandro; as well as great grandchildren, Savannah Hicks, Sophia Dees, Adeline Dees and Elias Sanchez.
A visitation will be Friday, October 3, 2025, from 10 am until the funeral at 11 am all at NorthRidge Church in Haines City, Florida.
Gladys W. Scott Thompson Faulkner of Wahneta, FL. departed this world and joined her Heavenly Father on September 29, 2025, at the age of 88.
Gladys was born to John Wesley Scott and Lula May (Kirby) Scott on August 20, 1937, in Scott’s Gulf, TN. as 1 of 13 children.
She relocated to Polk County, Florida as a 6-year-old girl where she later met and married her first husband, James W. Thompson. They shared a beautiful life with Gladys being mostly a homemaker and went on to have 4 children and several grandchildren before his passing in 1984.
She married her second husband, John (Jack) W. Faulkner in 1986 and they were married for 22 years before his passing in 2009.
Gladys was a member of the Wahneta Church of God for 82 years, first attending as a 6-year-old girl with her father.
She read her Bible from front to back more than 37 times. She was the matriarch of 5 generations of her immediate and extended family and loved being part of such a large, close-knit, loving family. Gladys was an angel on earth to anyone who had the privledge of knowing her. To know her is to love her and the loss of this precious life is felt so deeply by so many.
Gladys is survived by her 4 children: James E. Thompson of Eagle Lake, FL., William (Arlene) Thompson of Wahneta, FL., Kathy Grubbs of Lake Wales, FL. and Janice Weldon of Wahneta, FL. 17 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren, 12 great-great grandchildren and still growing, 4 sisters, 1 brother, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and extended family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Lula Scott, her 2 husbands James Thompson and Jack Faulkner, 2 sons in law, Buddy Grubbs and Sam Weldon, 1 daughter in law, Teresa Thompson, her grandson Buddy Grubbs, jr. great granddaughter, Hailey Thompson, 6 Sisters, 1 brother, 2 brothers in law and 3 nephews.
Visitation will be held on Friday October 3, 2025, at 10:00 am at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven immediately followed by a graveside service at 11:00 am at Lakeside Memorial Park in Winter Haven.
As she used to tell her children and grandchildren, We love you with all our hearts!
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Juan Garcia, who left this world peacefully on September 26, 2025, at the age of 74, in Wahneta, Florida. Born on May 20, 1951, in Los Indios, Texas.
Juan was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend whose legacy of kindness and generosity will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
As an auto mechanic, Juan dedicated his life to his passion for fixing cars, ever eager to lend a hand to those in need. His workshop was a second home, filled with laughter and camaraderie, as he welcomed everyone with an open heart and a tireless work ethic. He never turned anyone away, embodying the selfless spirit that defined his character. Juan’s warmth extended beyond his professional life; he found joy in simple pleasures, sharing food, family gatherings, and music with those he loved.
Juan was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Carlos and Eloisa Garcia; two siblings. He is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Enedina, sons, Juan Garcia Jr. and Robert Garcia; daughters, Janie Lopez, Elena Barron, Noemi Garcia, and Erica Garcia. Juan also leaves behind five brothers; three sisters; twenty-six grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren, each of whom carries forward the love and values he instilled in them.
His kindness, honesty, and generosity left a lasting impact on the community he served and loved. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the love and support during this difficult time. They invite all who knew Juan to celebrate his life and the many ways he touched their hearts. His memory will live on in the stories shared around family tables, the laughter of his grandchildren, and the countless lives he improved through his kindness. May Juan rest in peace, surrounded by the love and light he shared with the world.
