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.
Joan Miriam Whitehurst, 89, passed away on September 28, 2025. She was born to Martin and Christine Wheeler on January 5, 1936, in Bartow, FL. Joan is preceded in death by her loving husband Warren Whitehurst, and grandson David Quattlebaum. Joan is survived by her daughter, Deborah Lester (Mark), son, Joseph Whitehurst (Melissa), grandchildren, Brandy Whitehurst, Andrew Whitehurst, Joshua Whitehurst, and Ethan Whitehurst, and great grandchild, Kasey Whitehurst. She will be loved and missed by many.
Ernest “Hugh” Pemberton, a respected leader in the glass manufacturing industry and devoted family man, died peacefully on September 27, 2025, at the age of 81. Born in Marion, Indiana on November 28, 1943, he was the son of Ernest Hiram and Beatrice Ann Pemberton.
Mr. Pemberton earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University in 1966, later undertaking postgraduate studies at the University of Toledo in 1970-71, and completing an MBA from Bowling Green State University in 1982. His professional career spanned nearly three decades with Owens-Illinois, where he held roles including Finish Product Manager for the Glass Container Division in Toledo, and Manager of Applied Process Research. In 1984 he joined Emhart Glass Machinery Group, serving first as President of its Powers Manufacturing Division in Elmira, New York, and from 1989 as President of North America and South America operations. He also served on the board of Capabilities, Inc., in Elmira.
Hugh was known among his colleagues for his technical expertise, his steady leadership, and his commitment to innovation in production and process engineering. His teams advanced the industry and contributed to numerous patents in the field of glass manufacturing.
He was an active member of several professional and civic organizations, including the American Society of Mechanical Engineers; the Purdue University and Bowling Green State University Alumni Associations; the Masons; Tau Beta Pi; and Pi Tau Sigma. Outside of work, he enjoyed golf and water skiing.
Hugh married Judith Kay Cox on August 31, 1963. Though they later separated in 1990, their partnership produced two sons, Anthony Pemberton and Shawn Pemberton, who survive him. Judith preceded him in death in 2022.
On December 5, 1992, he married Joyce Elaine Siegel, who became Joyce Pemberton. They met on a local golf course. She survives him, along with her daughters from a previous marriage, Sarah Papetti and Susan Graves.
Shortly after their marriage, Hugh and Joyce left their respective industries Glass and Real-estate to found the company Tempo Staffing in Hartford Connecticut where they paired individuals seeking day or short term employment with local business; averaging 120 placements per day. Together, they built the business from the ground up, personally overseeing daily operations and supplying workforce solutions for major clients.
In retirement, they divided their time between homes in Annapolis, Maryland, and Winter Haven, Florida, where they built deep and lasting friendships in their communities and as members of the Cypresswood Golf & Country Club in Winter Haven and the Heritage Harbor Country Club in Annapolis. Hugh was committed to enhancing the communities where he lived and played; serving on the board of the Cypresswood’s HOA, as well as the Board of Directors for the Suffield Country Club. During their years in Suffield, CT Hugh was a member of the Suffield Country Club and played an instrumental role in a variety of renovation projects.
Hugh was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Haines City FL where he participated in church-groups and activities; and there he built enduring bonds within his church family.
Hugh will be dearly missed by his immediate family and the many friends he made throughout his life. He will be remembered for his stoic fight through years of serious health challenges, his steady presence, intellectual curiosity, love of family, sense of humor, and unwavering integrity.
A funeral service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Haines City, FL on Saturday, October 11th at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his honor to First Presbyterian Church of Haines, City FL or to a charity of your choosing.
Kenneth A. “Nick” Nixon, 67, of Davenport, formerly of Miami, FL, passed away on September 29, 2025, at his residence. He was born on December 25, 1957, in Miami, FL, to Ernest and Clarissa (Sackey) Nixon. Nick was a proud veteran of the United States Army, where he served for seven years. Following his service to his country, he worked for the United States Postal Service as a City Letter Carrier for more than 40 years, retiring in 2016. He was of the Baptist faith.
Nick was the officer for his graduating class of 1975 at Miami Jackson General High School, where he remained active. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, cooking, and landscaping. He was known for his dependability and outgoing nature—never meeting a stranger. A hardworking man with a big personality, Nick brought laughter to many with his comedic spirit. He could be a little crazy at times, but he was a devoted friend, a good granddad, and someone who always stood by those he cared about.
He is preceded in death by his father, Ernest Nixon; and siblings, Ernest Alfonso Nixon, Antoinette Nixon, and Gloria Lee. Nick leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving partner, Sabrina Freeman; his mother, Clarissa Nixon; sons, Kendric (Lateefha) Nixon and Quintin Nixon; daughters, Adrienne Nixon and Eleanor Freeman; siblings, Naha Nixon, Nick (Christine) Agusta, Ernestine Mills, and Queen Nixon Anderson; along with five grandchildren, Laila Nixon (17), Elliott Ryals (7), Faith Nixon (6), Vamir Victor (4), and Emarie Adams (4); his beloved nieces and nephews, Trina, NaToya , Dorothea, Karen, Kelly, Pierre, Ernest, Keldrick, Terrell, Jerome, and Kelvin; as well as some special friends, Eric Floyd, Donald Elms and Rob Davis.
Maria J. Barrett, 71, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, in Haines City, FL surrounded by her family.
Maria is preceded in death by her parents Celestino and Emelia Quiroz, her 3 brothers, and husband Rodney Barrett. She is survived by her sister, Maria Lou (Ronnie) Story, her 3 brothers in the Philippines, daughter Cathy (Jeff) Baker, granddaughters Lindsaia (Anthony) Johansmeyer, Sommer (Jared) Mueller, and Caydee Baker, and great grandchildren Colt and Reagan Johansmeyer.
Maria was born in Bagac Bataan, Philippines and grew up there with her 6 brothers and sister. She met her husband at the U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay Philippines in the commissary where she worked and he served as a U.S. Marine. They married on June 22, 1974 and later brought their beautiful daughter into the world. The family moved to Camp Le June, North Carolina in December of 1975 where he was stationed and retired in 1976. From the years of 1976-1991 the family lived in Pennsylvania, and later moved to Florida.
She worked as a seamstress her entire career.Maria was known as “Lola” which is grandmother in Tagalog. She loved her family deeply and enjoyed preparing everyone’s favorite meal, pancit and lumpia. She loved to shop, and purchased anything that had her favorite color purple! She loved to listen to karaoke, and was always excited to tell you about an upcoming television episode or a new movie that you had to watch! Her favorite shows were the daily soap operas, cooking channels, and WWE Smackdown.
Though she was tiny, she sure was mighty! She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. They are at peace knowing that she is now reunited with her husband, and walking the streets with Jesus.
Get ready to kick off the weekend in Winter Haven with a variety of live music and entertainment! Whether you’re in the mood for an acoustic set, a high-energy band, or karaoke fun, there’s something happening every day at your favorite local spots.
Thursday, October 2
Karaoke Night at Out-n-About Bar and Music Lounge | 7–11 PM
Tony Knight (Live Music) at Tanners Lakeside | 4:30–7:30 PM
Hunter McNeer (Live Music) at Cypresswood Pub | 6–9 PM
Friday, October 3
Hunter Smith (Live Music) at Cypresswood Pub | 6–9 PM
Saturday, October 4
Conspiracy Theory (Live Music) at Tanners Lakeside | 7–10 PM
Blind Ambition (Live Music) at Cypresswood Pub | 6–9 PM
Venue Information
Tanners Lakeside – 1006 S Lake Howard Dr, Winter Haven
Cypresswood Pub – 1099 Clubhouse Rd, Winter Haven
Out-n-About Bar and Music Lounge – 28390 US-27, Dundee
If you’d like your weekend live music promoted, email [email protected].
Polk County is packed with events this weekend, offering something for everyone—from family fun and fitness to food, festivals, and cultural celebrations.
October 2–4
World Wake Association Championship at Lake Silver in Winter Haven brings top athletes for an action-packed weekend on the water.
Friday, October 3
October First Friday Cookie Carnival in Downtown Lakeland’s Munn Park, 6–9 p.m., featuring sweet treats, vendors, and community fun.
Saturday, October 4
Mayor’s 5K in Haines City kicks off at 7:30 a.m.
Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art Fall Family Festival in Lakeland, 10 a.m.
Hispanic Heritage Festival at Spence Park in Mulberry, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Winter Haven Fire Station Open House, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
2025 Mayor’s 5K, presented by AdventHealth Heart of Florida Saturday, October 4, 2025 7:30 AM Lake Eva Park
Reminder: The Mayor’s 5K is this Saturday. Runners will be on the following course from 7:30AM to approximately 9:30AM. There will be minimal impacts to traffic during the race. HCPD will be controlling traffic along Peninsular Drive with a rolling road block.
5K Race Route:
3rd St – Wood Ave Wood Ave – S 1st St S 1St – Peninsular Ave Peninsular Ave – Peninsular Dr Peninsular Dr – Alta Vista Dr (Runners will be past this point by approx. 8:15 AM) Alta Vista Dr – S 10th St S 10th Street – Wood Ave Wood Ave – S 8th St S 8th St – Johns Ave Johns Ave – S 9th St S 9th St – Lake Eva Park Trail Finish on the Great Lawn
Discover the beauty of Central Florida’s outdoors with a trip along the Panther Point Trail. Stretching eight miles along the eastern shore of Lake Hancock, this multi-use path winds through wetlands and conservation lands managed by county and state agencies. The trail is perfect for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers seeking a peaceful escape.
Photo source Polk County Parks & Rec
Wildlife is abundant here, with opportunities to spot foxes, bobcats, deer, and Sherman’s fox squirrels. Birdwatchers will enjoy sightings of hawks, owls, wild turkeys, woodpeckers, warblers, spoonbills, and seasonal migratory species. Gopher tortoises and eastern indigo snakes also inhabit the area.
Rated as a moderate trail, Panther Point features uneven terrain and no mid-route exits, so visitors are encouraged to pace themselves and allow time for the return trip. Mile markers help track progress. The trail also connects to the Fort Fraser Trail and will extend to Circle B Bar Reserve—making for a 14-mile one-way adventure.
What it is (in one line): A city-branded, community-wide hub that brings everything local into one place—fun events, ways toengage with City government (meetings, workshops, sign-ups), and opportunities to support local nonprofits.
Why it matters
One destination: Reduces confusion and duplication; residents don’t have to hunt across sites and flyers.
Easy participation: Residents can register in a few clicks to get reminders and day-of change alerts.
Partner friendly: Community groups, schools, faith organizations, and nonprofits can post their events at no cost.
Civic touchpoint: Makes it simpler to discover City meetings, open houses, and programs.
How we’ll drive adoption
Regular “How to Post Events” Zooms for organizers (first two: Oct 9. and Oct 10.).
Ongoing social/media push and on-site QR signage at City facilities and events.
Direct outreach to partners.
How you can help
Share this short blurb anywhere you’re comfortable (email, meetings, social):
Winter Haven’s new Community Calendar is live—one hub for local events, City engagement, and opportunities to support nonprofits. Browse events and register for reminders at events.mywinterhaven.com.
Mention it in remarks this month as “the easiest way to plug into what’s happening and how to participate.”
Encourage boards/committees and partner organizations to list their public meetings and programs.
