73.9 F
Winter Haven
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Home Blog Page 151

United Way of Central Florida Alexis de Tocqueville Society Hosts Clay Shoot

0

by James Coulter

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s never too early to start hunting for a turkey to shoot and stuff for the big dinner.

While members of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society of United Way of Central Florida did not hunt or shoot actual turkeys, they did the next best thing by shooting clay targets during their “turkey shoot” on Fri. Nov. 4.

More than 80 Alexis de Tocqueville members and friends attended their annual clay shoot last Friday at Golotko Ranch in Fort Meade. At $25 an individual, more than 15 teams were able to compete “flurry style” for a chance to win a shotgun donated by CPS Investment Advisors.

“It was a great turnout,” said Jordan Weiland, Marketing Content Strategist for United Way of Central Florida. “United Way of Central Florida staff got to network and get to know some of the newer members and friends and the Tocqueville Chair, Wesley Barnett shared about his experience with the United Way and the impact we’ve had on our community.”

Proceeds from the event will go to United Way of Central Florida’s 2023-2024 campaign, which funds education, health, and financial stability services in the community.

Their next event will be Gents & Bourbon on Nov. 16 from 4:30 – 6:30 PM. The free event will include a tour of The Carol Jenkins Barnett United Way Children’s Resource Center and a meet and greet with former NFL Tight-End and Campaign Chair Desmond Clark.

After the tour, sample specialty cocktails will be served and mixed by Revival at the Bonnet Springs Park Rooftop Garden Bar. The event is free to attend but registration is strongly recommended.

For more information and to register for the event, visit: https://www.liveuwcf.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3233333832

City of Lake Wales Amends Lake Ashton Boundaries, Removes 16 Acres

0

by James Coulter

To better comply with its second Community Development District (CDD) in Winter Haven, Lak Ashton has petitioned the City of Lake Wales to amend its boundaries by removing 16.78 acres from its property.

During their regular meeting on Monday evening, Lake Wales City Commissioners voted unanimously to amend the boundaries of the Lake Ashton CDD (which is located in Lake Wales) by removing 16.78 acres from its property and transferring it to the Lake Ashton II CDD, which is located within the City of Winter Haven.

Currently, the Lake Ashton CDD covers approximately 472.15 acres of land. The 16.78-acre parcel being removed from this CDD and transferred to the CDD II, according to the city memo, “consists of golf courses that are owned and operated by the neighboring special district.”

According to the petition, as presented by Sarah R. Sandy, an authorized agent for the petitioner, both the Lake Ashton and Lake Ashton II CCDs, “acknowledged it to be in the best interests of both CDDs and the Community for the Boundary Amendment Parcels to be removed from the District and added into the boundaries of Lake Ashton II CDD.”

The proposed change of boundaries was reviewed by City Staff, which checked to ensure the proposal would remain consistent with the “Uniform Community Development Act of 1980”, Chapter 190, Florida Statutes, which dictates the standards and protocol for such changes within a CDD. Their review determined, according to the city memo, that the “proposed petition meets the requirements of Chapter 190.”

The City Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the ordinance 4-0 through a roll call vote. City Mayor Jack Hilligoss was absent that evening.

Fort Meade Celebrated Inagural Toy & Game Festival

0

by James Coulter

With the holiday season right around the corner, last Saturday was the most opportune time to host the inaugural Fort Meade Toy & Game Fair.

Downtown Fort Meade turned into a real Toyland with toys and games of all types, from dolls and action figures, to cars and playsets, to vintage to brand new.

Bartow Con LLC, which also hosts SyFy Bartow, hosted the brand-new event at the brand-new venue. The turnout more than exceeded expectations, to the point where the city begged them to host it again next year, explained event organizer Sean L. Serdynski.

“We were very happy with the turnout,” he said. “Everyone enjoyed it and the city of Fort Meade has already asked us to do it again next year.”

Due to his success with other events like SyFy Bartow and the recent Bartow Con, the City of Fort Meade approached Sean and asked him to host a similar convention-style event in their downtown area. More than willing to expand his reach with his events, Sean happily said yes.

With this year being their first time hosting this new event in a new city, the biggest challenge was getting the word out about it. Fortunately, through advertising, marketing, and word of mouth, their inaugural event was able to experience a tremendous turnout, with hundreds of attendees flocking the streets of Fort Meade.

So impressed were they by the event’s turnout that not only did the City of Fort Meade and Main Street Incorporated request the event be hosted again next year, but they have also requested an art show to be hosted next spring, Sean said.

“A lot of people visited the local brick-and-mortar businesses,” Sean said. “They [the city] already have access to return next year and we’re going to double the size of the event to include more of Broadway Avenue.”

For more information about upcoming events by Bartow Con, visit their website at: https://bartowcon.com/

Festival del Aguinaldo / A Latin Christmas Festival Coming To Bartow

0

CITY OF BARTOW , NOV 13,2023 – The Puerto Rican/Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Polk County and Lulac Council 7269 / Women 4 Lulac will be hosting a Latin Christmas tradition in Bartow’s Mosaic Park this holiday season.El Festival del Aguinaldo 

On Sunday / December 10 from 12pm to 6pm enjoy a variety of vendors showcasing items for gift giving from health, beauty , food , trinkets and much more.

The highlight says Ana Rivera/ president of the PR / Hispanic Chamber now celebrating 16 years in Polk County is the raffling of toys to some children who visit us this day. Every child will receive a ticket (no charge) and the number called will win a toy to take with them. We will also have toys for the big KIDS (adults ) as well. 

There will be entertainment by local singer Paloma Hernandez (Mexican) , a group called Plena Libre (Puerto Rico) and DJ Hernan Perez from Lakeland spinning some Holiday tunes both in English and Spanish.

The event is FREE to attend for the community , but you are interested in being a vendor there are still spots available. Hurry sales of booth space closes NOVEMBER 30/ 3pm

For more information contact Ana Rivera at The PR/Hispanic Chamber at 863-838-2084/ email at : [email protected]

Are You Ready To Leave The Rat Race In Polk County? Check Out This Tennessee Home On 5 Acres

0

A place in the country on five acres with a creek at the front of the property. Ready to move in.

Practically everything brand new. The following is all new: front & back doors, light fixtures, water heater, flooring throughout, HVAC w/duct work, windows, kitchen counter top, appliances (including microwave, single electric stove/oven, refrigerator, dishwasher & washer/dryer stacked), new roof.

Brand new deck to enjoy cookouts with family and friends. Bathroom completely updated. Kitchen cabinets (solid wood, new hardware & painted). One outbuilding with concrete floor & metal workbench.

Covered front porch with swing. **Fiber Internet Connection through MLEC has been requested**

Facts and features

Interior details

Bedrooms and bathrooms

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 1

Full bathrooms: 1

Main level bedrooms: 3

Basement

• Basement: Crawl Space

Flooring

• Flooring: Carpet, Laminate

Heating

• Heating features: Central

Cooling

• Cooling features: Electric

Appliances

• Appliances included: Dishwasher, Dryer, Microwave, Refrigerator, Washer

Interior features

• Interior features: Ceiling Fan(s)

Other interior features

Total structure area: 1,040

Total interior livable area: 1,040 sqft

• Finished area above ground: 1,040

Property details

Parking

Parking features: Driveway, Gravel

Has uncovered spaces: Yes

Property

Levels: One

Stories: 1

Exterior features: Storage

Patio and porch details: Covered Porch, Deck

Lot

• Lot size: 5 Acres

Other property information

Parcel number: 008 02201 000

Special conditions: Standard

Construction details

Type and style

Home type: SingleFamily

Architectural style: Ranch

Property subType: Single Family Residence, Residential

Material information

• Roof: Shingle

Condition

New construction: No

Year built: 1987

Notable dates

• Major remodel year: 1987

Price: $249,900

3 bedroom 1 bath

1,040 sqft

157 Henry Sharp Rd, Hohenwald, TN 38462

If your interested in selling your home and/or buying this one please contact:

Jody Kirchberg

Lake Wales Florida, 33898

863-605-7088

[email protected]

Contact Jody Kirchberg- Apple Tree Realty

Tennessee listing agent by Carole Willoughby 931-477-0611

Keller Williams Realty 931-324-2700

Lakeland Police Trying To Identify Hit & Run Driver Who Left Pedestrian Critically Injured

0

LAKELAND, FL (November 11, 2023) – On November 10, 2023, at approximately 10:25 p.m., officers responded to a crash near the 3400 block of US Highway 98 North. At the scene, officers located an unresponsive male in the roadway that had been struck by a vehicle. Members of the Lakeland Police Department, Lakeland Fire Department, and Polk County Fire Rescue responded to the scene to render aid to the pedestrian and secure the scene. The pedestrian, a 29-year-old male, was transported to Lakeland Regional Health Center with critical injuries.

Based on evidence gathered thus far, investigators believe prior to the crash, a dark-colored pick-up truck was traveling southbound in the center lane of US Highway 98 North in the 3400 block. As the vehicle continued southbound, the driver of the vehicle began to change lanes from the center lane into the inside lane of travel. At the same time, a pedestrian was in the inside southbound lane, attempting to cross the roadway. The driver of the vehicle attempted an evasive maneuver to avoid hitting the pedestrian but was unsuccessful and struck the pedestrian. The vehicle came to a controlled stop in the northbound lanes of the roadway but, shortly after, fled the scene in a southbound direction without making any attempts to render aid or provide any information. 

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

The driver of the vehicle has not been identified at this time. A witness on scene captured a digital photograph of the suspect vehicle, a dark-colored lifted pick-up truck. Investigators believe it may have damage on the passenger side. DOWNLOAD IMAGE

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact investigator Edgardo Cruz 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 1-800-226 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.

Very Bad Crash On Hwy 27 Blocking Some Lanes Of Traffic In Frostproof

0

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and The Polk County Fire Rescue are on scene of a crash that occurred on Hwy 27, near Hwy 98 in Frostproof.

The accident occurred at approximately 12:45pm. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office some lanes are partially blocked. We are still trying to get clarification as to specifically which lanes are blocked.

At this time injuries have occurred and victim(s) have been transported by ambulance. According to Scott Wilder, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Director of Communications, no fatalities have occurred.

Harrisison School for the Arts Host’s 8th Grade Invitational visual art exhibit

0

Harrison School for the Arts is honored to once again host our 8th Grade Invitational visual art exhibit on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the Harrison Art Gallery.

The exhibit will feature works by 8th grade students submitted by middle school art teachers from around Polk County. This event is free and open to the public. Harrison School for the Arts is located at 750 Hollingsworth Rd., Lakeland, FL 33801. Following the exhibit, 8th grade students and their parents are invited to stay and attend an informational meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the Harrison Theatre about the school and the application process.

Osceola Sheriff Searching For Sex Offender Who Cut Off His GPS Ankle Monitor

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office is attempting to locate registered Sex Offender, Ridge White (DOB.: 04/19/1988). On November 8, 2023, Mr. White cut off his GPS ankle monitor. He was last seen at approximately 7:00 pm at the transient residence in the wooded area of 5025 South Rail Avenue in Kissimmee.

Ridge White has gunshot scars on his abdomen, chest, and right and left leg. Ridge White also has the following tattoos: Woman’s devil face on the upper right arm, angels on the left wrist, skull on the right leg and upper left arm, “Hell boy” on his back, “Cariene” on his right hand, “Panne” & skull w/horn on the left hand, mortal combat sign on his neck, stitch on his right wrist, and scorpion, “R.J.,” and “11/13/14” on his lower right arm. 

 

A warrant has been obtained for his arrest in reference to Violation of Probation. Ridge White has an extensive violent criminal history; please do not attempt to contact him. If seen, please contact the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office immediately at (407) 348-2222.

###

 

 

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to serving our community and increasing public safety. To report a crime, please contact the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office at (407) 348-2222 or Crimeline at 800-423-8477 (**TIPS).

WHPD Release Video Stills Of Individuals iioInvolved In Publix Supermarket Fatal Stabbing

0

Winter Haven Investigators are asking for the public’s help to identify the subjects who were involved in an incident at Publix (Northgate Shopping Plaza) today that ultimately led to the stabbing death of a male victim.

WHPD Ask Public’s Help To Identify Individuals Involved In Fatal Stabbing


Today (Nov. 9, 2023) at approximately 1:35 p.m., a man entered Publix (Northgate Shopping Center, 1395 6th St. NW, Winter Haven) when a group of men followed him inside. Ultimately, a fight ensued between the man and the group of men. The group quickly ran from the store and left the scene. It appears the man at the counter cut one of the males during the fight.


A male stabbing victim was later dropped off at the Winter Haven Hospital Emergency Department entrance, with the driver of the vehicle not staying at the hospital. The male was ultimately pronounced deceased.

WHPD Ask Public’s Help To Identify Individuals Involved In Fatal Stabbing


Anyone with information on the identities of subjects seen in the photos is asked to contact Detective Maldonado at 863-837-0946 or 863-401-2256.


Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477) and could be eligible for a CASH reward of up to $5,000.