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Snakes, Lizards, and Other Creepy Crawlies at Lakeland Repticon FireExpo Going On Now

Carl Fish
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Snakes, Lizards, and Other Creepy Crawlies at Lakeland Repticon FireExpo Going On Now

Snakes, Lizards, and Other Creepy Crawlies at Repticon FireExpo Going On Now

by James Coulter

 

More than 60 vendors showcased scaley creatures of all sorts ranging from snakes and lizards to turtles and frogs at this year’s Repticon FireExpo (FIRExpo = the Florida International Reptile Expo) in Lakeland.

 

The annual reptile show is being hosted this weekend at the RP Funding Center. The event continues today from 9 am to 4pm. Admission is $15 for adults and children $6. Children under 4 are free. More details: click here

Attendees were able to peruse various reptile providers for both pets and supplies.

Check out the cool reptiles At Lakeland Repticon!

 

“This year we had about 60 vendors,” explained Lisa Parker.“You can come here, buy a pet, and everything that goes with it so you can bring them home with everything you need.”

 

For more than 20 years, this annual reptile show has been hosted in Central Florida. Attendees keep returning time and again for a diverse selection of reptiles provided by reputable providers.

 

“Everyone is having a great time,” Parker said. “The morale is high and everyone in there is very educated about their animals. It is a decent turnout. The passion of the guests and the vendors has allowed the event to be as successful as it has been.”

 

Scott Wisneski, owner of Family Reptiles in Lakeland, has served as the main provider and sponsor of the event. He enjoys being able to connect with new customers and other reptile enthusiasts.

 

“As always, wonderful to be back here at our hometown show,” he said. “We are excited to reconnect with a lot of our different customers and a lot of our reptile community. It has been steady and good, especially coming off of the holiday season. Usually,the shows are a little slower but we are seeing a lot of our regular customers, as you can see, there are a lot of people in the building, so things are great.”

Reptiles of all shapes and sizes at Lakeland Repticon!

 

For more than 20 years, the event has remained the premier reptile show in Central Florida. Wisneski owes its success to the overall reputation of the venue and the vendors who attend, ensuring that attendees have access to reputable providers.

 

“Repticon has been hosting this event for 20 years in Florida, so it has been establishing a lot of reptile enthusiasts and the ability to pack the show full of vendors with reptiles and supplies,” he explained. “They will know there is a good selection with a lot of great knowledge.”

Finger-Licking Good Barbecue & Finger-Picking Good Bluegrass At 24th Annual Lake Alfred Bluegrass Bash

Carl Fish
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Finger-Licking Good Barbecue & Finger-Picking Good Bluegrass At 24th Annual Lake Alfred Bluegrass Bash

by James Coulter

 

What’s better than eating finger-licking good barbecue? How about listening to finger-picking good bluegrass? The Annual Bluegrass Bash and BBQ offered all of this last Saturday at scenic Lions Park.

Great turnout for the 24th Annual Lake Alfred Bluegrass Bash

 

Several barbecue vendors and food trucks served good old-fashioned barbecue from ribs and brisket to southwestern eggrolls and mac and cheese sliders.

 

Steve Gillettee and his team at Kick Yo Butt BBQ served their world-famous barbecue eggrolls, including pulled pork and brisket and mac, along with mac and cheese and French fries.

Kick Yo Butt BBQ at 24th Annual Lake Alfred Bluegrass Bash

Steve and his team have been attending the annual barbecue event for several years. Both the people and the overall experience keep them coming back time and again.

 

“It is amazing,” he said. “It is a decent turnout. Everybody is doing pretty good it looks like. It is an awesome event with good music, good food, great crowd. Not good weather, but it could be worse.”

Melanie Brown Culpepper (L) & Brian Beilke (R) with Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation hanging out with Carl Fish (M) the co-founder of The DailyRidge at 24th Annual Lake Alfred Bluegrass Bash

 

For Jerry Burns, on the other hand, this was her first time at the event. She and her food truck Tantrums were invited to participate. She considered the invitation an honor, as the event is a local tradition. Her food truck served some of their specialties including bacon jam burger sliders and gator bites.

Tantrums Food Truck at 24th Annual Bluegrass Bash

 

“It is pretty good thus far,” she said. “It looks like more people are trickling in. This is our first time here. We were invited by the city. We love it. We love the bluegrass music. It is a great community event.”

 

Aside from barbecue, attendees could also enjoy live bluegrass music performed by various local bands including Flatland, Ramblin Roses, Beaumont, Southern Express, the Wilson Brothers, and even students from Union Academy.

Union Academy in the House! The local Polk County School has a Bluegrass class! They did a fantastic job playing for the 24th Annual Lake Alfred Bluegrass Bash

 

Despite the cool and windy weather, this year’s event experienced a decent turnout. Joey Foley, who has been hosting the event for 24 years, owes its success to the event being free and family-friendly.

 

“The turnout has been pretty good considering the wind we have out here blowing. Bluegrass folks are a little bit different than most. They are not scared of a little bit of wind or weather. Bluegrass is very popular up north, so these folks are used to a little coolness…I love the family atmosphere. PC has a big tradition of bluegrass, so this is almost like a family reunion.”

The Ramblin’ Rose playing some finger picking good bluegrass at the the 24th Annual Lake Alfred Bluegrass Bash

Woman Struck And Killed By Hit & Run Driver In Lakeland

Carl Fish
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Woman Struck And Killed By Hit & Run Driver In Lakeland

LAKELAND, FL (January 13, 2024) – On January 12, 2024, at approximately 11:31 p.m., officers responded to the area near the 1500 block of Kennedy Boulevard after receiving a call of an unresponsive female lying in the grassy area the roadway. Members of the Lakeland Police Department, Lakeland Fire Department, and Polk County Fire Rescue responded to the scene to render aid and secure the scene. The pedestrian, a 59-year-old female, was transported to Lakeland Regional Health, where she was later pronounced deceased.

Based on evidence gathered thus far at the scene, investigators believe the pedestrian was walking south on Kennedy Boulevard when she was struck by an unknown vehicle also traveling south on Kennedy Boulevard. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene. At this time, a vehicle description is not known. 

The roadway was shut down for approximately two hours while the scene was processed for the ongoing investigation.

Lakeland Police Department traffic investigators are looking for any information regarding the vehicle that was involved. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Officer Travis Payne at [email protected] or Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida. 

Tipsters will always remain anonymous when sending a tip through Crime Stoppers and could be eligible for a cash reward if the information leads to an arrest.

Submitting a tip is easy:

· Call 1-888-400-TIPS (8477)

· From your cell phone, dial **TIPS

· Or visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”

· Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.

SILVER ALERT – Everett Harris – Lakeland

Carl Fish
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SILVER ALERT – Everett Harris – Lakeland

LAKELAND, FL (January 12, 2023) – A Silver Alert has been issued for 80-year-old Everett Harris. Mr. Harris is believed to be traveling in a 2011 gold Toyota Avalon bearing Florida specialty tag QD269.

Mr. Harris was last seen today, Friday, January 12, 2023, at approximately 11:03 a.m., when he left an appointment in the 400 block of South Florida Avenue in Lakeland. His vehicle was last seen headed southbound in the 4600 block of South Florida Avenue.

Mr. Harris is 5’9″ tall and weighs 210 lbs. with a bald head and a full white beard. He was last seen wearing a red shirt and blue jean pants. Mr. Harris is familiar with the areas of Brandon, Plant City, and Faulkenburg Road. 

If you have any information on his whereabouts, please call 911 or the Lakeland Police Department at 863-834-6966.

In Loving Memory Of Allen (Keith) Teslow A Longtime Resident Of The Lake Wales Area Who Lost His Battle With Cancer

Carl Fish
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In Loving Memory Of Allen (Keith) Teslow A Longtime Resident Of The Lake Wales Area Who Lost His Battle With Cancer

Allen (Keith )Teslow age 56 passed away Friday January 5 2024 in Chuckey Tennessee after a short battle with cancer. He was born the first of twin boys to Joy Teslow Daily and Donald Teslow in Winter Park Florida on June 10,1967 and resided in Lake Wales Florida until he moved to Tennessee.
He was a Jack of all trades he was known for beautiful work in Painting,drywall and renovation. He was funny, a practical joker, loved to tease and aggravate. Where you saw him you also would see his twin Kevin. They were the life of the party when they walked in everyone knew they were there. He was a fierce protector of his family.He helped take care of his Mother in her later years until her death in June of this year. He helped raise multiple nieces and nephews making sure they were taken care of in times of need. Our Family wants to thank our Aunt Diane Jones for being his devoted caretaker in his cancer Journey. He passed away with his twin Kevin by his side. He is preceded in Death by his Grand parents Allen and Excil Jones Mother Joy Dailey and sister Rene Teslow Diaz-Albertini.He is survived by his wife Dawn Richey Teslow, Twin brother Carl ( Kevin) Teslow, Brother Curtiss Teslow and sister Debra Kimmel. Great Aunt Joyce Cobb,His Aunt Diane Jones, His Uncle George and Aunt Tresa Jones. 1 Daughter Cody-Lynn Lezcano. 6 Nieces Kayla, Brittany, Kristin,Hayley, Brandy and Cassidy 8 nephews Reno,Hunter,Christopher,Jamie,Ricky,Tristan,Cody and Ryan. 2 of his fur babies Maggie and Izzy Lots of cousins, who all have wonderful funny and fond memories with him.

Polk County Weekend Passport Application Event Coming Up

Carl Fish
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Polk County Weekend Passport Application Event Coming Up

Bartow, Fla. (Jan. 10, 2024) — Ready for a vacation? Get a jump-start on applying for a passport at this year’s Saturday passport event, hosted by Stacy M. Butterfield, Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller.


With hectic work and school schedules, applying for passports on weekdays can be challenging. To simplify the application process, Clerk Butterfield is organizing a Saturday passport application event on Feb. 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Clerk’s branch offices – Lakeland, 930 E. Parker St., and Northeast, 200 Government Center Blvd. Lake Alfred, FL 33850. Instant passport photos will be available on-site.


“We know that our weekday office hours may not always suit your schedule for a visit. Our Saturday event is designed to provide a more accessible option for passport applications, making it easier for you to apply for a passport,” Clerk Butterfield said.


To provide the quickest service possible, the Clerk’s office is unable to serve customers by telephone during this event. Please call ahead for questions and additional details.

Suggested Time Savers:

  1. Visit the Clerk’s website https://www.polkcountyclerk.net/https://www.polkcountyclerk.net/ to review passport application requirements, required documentation, and fees. The passports page is located under the Records menu.
  2. Complete the preparation checklist to make sure you have everything needed to successfully complete the application.
  3. Make sure to bring:
  • a check or money order for the correct amount AND cash or credit card
    (passport fees can be found on the Clerk’s website). A separate check or money order is required for each application. Both forms of payment are required as there are two separate fees for every application.
  • Proof of citizenship and identification.
  • Customers requesting overnight shipping must bring an overnight stamp with
    the application.
  1. Please note, this event is only for new passport applications. Renewals must be
    completed through the Department of State.
    Contact the Polk County Clerk’s office at 863-534-4000, visit www.polkcountyclerk.net, or like the Polk County Clerk’s Facebook and Instagram page for updates and announcements.

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JC Reviews: Wonka is a Movie That’s Hard to Hate

Staff Reporter
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JC Reviews: Wonka is a Movie That’s Hard to Hate

by James Coulter

I’m going to be perfectly honest: I had exceptionally low expectations going into this movie. When the first trailer was released last year, I rolled my eyes so hard watching it. Really? Who, in the Year of Our Lord 2023, was asking for a Willy Wonka origin story? Apparently, Warner Bros. seeing as they greenlit this concept for no other apparent reason than to bank on nostalgia for the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

To be fair, the original 1964 story by Roald Dahl certainly has room for adaptation outside of the 1971 classic. Tim Burton offered his darker, more twisted take on the tale with his 2005 remake. A stage musical created by David Greig has been performing since 2013. And, lest anyone forget, even Tom and Jerry had their own animated crossover in 2017. So, if anything, there’s a slim chance this prequel film starring Timothée Chalamet as the titular Wonka could very well offer a unique take on the classic chocolatier. But will it give us a world of pure imagination? Or is this movie oompa loompa doopity done on arrival?

This movie is the origin story of the amazing chocolatier Willy Wonka. Before he owned his imagination-defying factory, Wonka was a poor young lad with barely twelve silver coins in his pocket and a hatful of dreams. His biggest dream, of course, is to make and sell the best chocolate anyone has ever tasted. Of course, fulfilling that dream will require overcoming many obstacles including a conniving chocolate cartel, scheming landlords, and corrupt cops. Will Wonka succeed in opening his own chocolate factory, or—well, it’s a prequel, so that answer is obvious!

Wonka is a movie that’s hard to hate. The film essentially requires you to suspend your disbelief and leave your jaded adult cynicism at the theater doors. Because if you refuse to turn your brain off, you’re certainly going to nitpick every little thing on-screen and realize how trite and bland this film is, what with its melodramatic story, cardboard flat one-dimensional caricatures as characters, and a plot that’s both overly simple yet simultaneously overtly complicated.

Perhaps most egregious is the film’s trite premise of a young wide-eyed entrepreneur who goes from rags to riches by “pulling himself up by his bootstraps” through sheer brain power and elbow grease. This story may have been more believable during a more affluent age, but during these economically uncertain times, the overall message rings especially hollow.

In our current late-stage capitalist hellscape, where inflation has made the cost of everything from food to gas unaffordable, where the American Dream of owning your own home through only a single job and a high school education has become unattainable, where techbro grifters attempt to make easy money with stolen content through artificial intelligence and NFTs, where Jeff Bezos has become the richest man in the world while his workers require government assistance, where corporate profits continue to grow while the middle class shrinks, the idea that anyone can become ultra-wealthy through only hard work has become almost a bigger fantasy than that of a candy factory with a chocolate river run by little orange men.

Even then, Wonka still has an undeniable charm to it. To its credit, the film is directed by Paul King, who also created the surprisingly delightful Paddington films. So if anyone knows how to make a whimsical film, it’s him. Timothée Chalamet does an exceptional job performing the titular character, and Hugh Grant essentially steals the show through his performance of an Oompa Loompa—a role he’s evidently too good for, and yet he gives his all regardless.

The film’s biggest selling point, undoubtedly, is the music. While the songs are nowhere nearly as memorable as those in the 1971 classic, the musical numbers certainly prove captivating and entertaining. “A Hatful of Dreams” opens the film with a good start, and “For A Moment” certainly proves sufficently sentimental. And, of course, any rendition of “Pure Imagination” is going to be good.

If anything, Wonka requires the right mindset to watch. If you’re looking for a good film to turn your brain off and forget about the grind of daily life, this movie certainly offers a good distraction. The music and visuals are at least whimsically delightful enough, even if the story and characters are lacking. And it certainly makes for a good holiday film to put people in the holiday spirit even now that the holiday season is over. If you go into a film expecting to have a good time, you’ll certainly enjoy a good enough film.

In Loving Memory Of James R. (Jim) Bell Dedicated Family Man, Decorated Air Force Commander, & Longtime Polk County Public Servant

Carl Fish
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In Loving Memory Of James R. (Jim) Bell Dedicated Family Man, Decorated Air Force Commander, & Longtime Polk County Public Servant

Colonel James R. (Jim) Bell, 85, of Babson Park, Florida, died on December 12, 2023, after a brief struggle with lymphoma. He was a decorated Air Force fighter pilot and longtime public servant in multiple positions of civil government.

United States Air Force Colonel (ret.) James R. (Jim) Bell

Born to Tracy and Dorothy Bell and happily raised in Albany, Georgia, Jim began his flying career as a teenager, achieving his pilot’s license in high school. Participating in ROTC during high school and college, he graduated from Emory University with a degree in economics. In 1960, Jim married his highschool sweetheart Linda Hard (deceased) and they were blessed with two sons, Chris and Tony. Following his education, Jim was commissioned by the United States Air Force, serving as a fighter pilot and tactical commander for nearly thirty years. He displayed courage, honor, dedication to his country, and earned the respect of his comrades and superiors alike. In 1983, Jim and Susan Clausen (Susie) were married at Luke AFB in Arizona where they were both stationed. Katie and Christie were soon welcomed and the new family enjoyed Jim’s last assignment as Base Commander of Tyndall AFB.

Colonel (ret.) James R. (Jim) Bell

Upon retiring from the military in 1989, Jim transitioned to civilian life as the City Manager of Auburndale, Florida. He went on to serve in Polk County government for the next twenty years as director of multiple departments. Jim especially enjoyed flying for the Sheriff’s department, providing aerial photography for the county. Throughout his tenure, he demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a deep commitment to the betterment of the people of Polk County. After retiring from the county, Jim served as Interim Executive Director of the Central Florida Economic Development Council and as President of the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce.

Public Servant Colonel (ret.) James R. (Jim) Bell

After his second retirement, Jim remained active in church and community endeavors. He managed his twenty acre family homestead which included a citrus grove. He loved working with his tractor on the land, boating, and hosting gatherings withfamily and friends. Jim was always ready to share a joke or at thrilling story about his many adventures across the globe. Above all, Jim cherished the time he was able to spend with his children and grandchildren.

Dedicated Husband Colonel (ret.) James R. (Jim) Bell

Jim was a devoted husband to his beloved Susie and a loving father to his children Chris (Rita), Tony (deceased), Katie(Gerald) and Christie (David). He was a proud grandfather toCurtis (deceased), Gerald, James, Madeleine, Samuel, Esther,Charlotte, Eleanor, and Beatrice. He cherished his sister Anne Sheppard of Summerville, South Carolina.

Dedicated Family Man Colonel (ret.) James R. (Jim) Bell

A memorial service honoring Jim will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Lake Wales, Florida. Visitation with Jim’s family and friends will be at 2:00 p.m., prior to the service.  A private interment will be held at family cemetery following the memorial service.

In lieu of floral tributes, the family requests that donations be made to the Lake Wales Care Center. Contributions can be made online at https://lakewalescarecenter.com/donate/.

31 Yr Old Man Dies In Lakeland Crash

Carl Fish
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31 Yr Old Man Dies In Lakeland Crash

Around 11:20 a.m. the PCSO ECC received calls regarding a two-vehicle crash on Waring Road at Old Medulla Road in unincorporated Lakeland. When first responders arrived, they located 31-year-old Nick Calderon of Land O’ Lakes deceased inside a silver 2012 Mazda 6, which had been struck by a gray 2020 Jeep Gladiator driven by 21-year-old Karen Bautista of Lakeland.

 

Evidence and interviews indicated that the Jeep was heading south on Waring as the Mazda was heading east on Old Medulla. The Mazda went into the path of the Jeep, and the Mazda was hit on the driver’s door by the front of the Jeep. Calderon was not wearing a seatbelt and there was significant intrusion into his car. He was fatally injured.

 

Bautista and her passenger were treated and released from Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, with minor injuries. Neither impairment, speed, nor distracted driving on her part appear to be factors. Those are all being investigated further regarding Mr. Calderon.

Winter Haven Woman Killed & 21 Yr Old Semi Tractor-Trailer Driver Arrested For DUI Manslaughter

Carl Fish
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Winter Haven Woman Killed & 21 Yr Old Semi Tractor-Trailer Driver Arrested For DUI Manslaughter

Around 8:20 p.m., the PCSO ECC received calls regarding a two-vehicle crash involving a semi tractor-trailer and a blue 2015 Hyundai Sonata on Spirit Lake Road at Shadow Wood Way in unincorporated Winter Haven. The semi, being driven by 21-year-old Moyses Ramirez of Arcadia, was heading south on Spirit Lake Road as the Hyundai, driven by 27-year-old Chelsea Darwin of Winter Haven, was heading north. The semi crossed over the center line and struck the Hyundai head-on, killing Ms. Darwin. Witnesses reported seeing the driver of the semi throwing objects from the cab of the truck. Deputies found four empty Modelo beer cans in proximity to the crash scene.

 

Ramirez showed signs of impairment at the scene and was evaluated by deputies. After field sobriety testing, he was taken into custody and booked into the Polk County Jail for DUI Manslaughter (F2), Tampering with Evidence (F3), DUI with property damage (M1), and DUI (M2). His two breath samples measured 0.107 and 0.108.

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