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Budget-Friendly Ideas to Boost Curb Appeal

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Your home’s first big impression is its curb appeal, so if your place is in need of some sprucing up, you may wonder how you can make some updates without breaking the bank.

These 10 ideas are easy on budgets, but they can also make a big impact on your home’s exterior image.

Paint your front door. As long as your front door is in good condition, there’s no need to replace it completely. A fresh coat of paint can instantly update your home’s facade. Go bold or stick with a classic hue – it’s all up to you. Need professional help? Call Gator Pressure Cleaning & Custom Painting at 863-238-6030.

Dress up the windows. Add character and charm by enhancing your front windows. You might add wooden shutters, window box planters or both. Also look at the trim around the windows. If it’s chipped and peeling, adding a fresh coat of paint doesn’t just look nice, it can protect your windows from damage, too.

Clean up flower beds. An unkempt flower bed can drag down an otherwise stunning home.
Keep beds tidy and vegetation trimmed, even during the offseason. Watch for weeds and replenish mulch or rock ground cover as needed to keep the beds looking healthy and inviting.

Install new lighting. Replacing outdated light fixtures can give your exterior an instant upgrade. There’s no right or wrong style; just choose a color and look that matches the rest of your design.

Replace worn welcome mats. A cheerful mat at your front door can be an inviting sight for visitors, but those mats inevitably wear with time, and what was once bright and charming becomes dingy and dull. A new mat can help bring back that cheery entry you once cherished.

Pressure wash the drive and walk. Over time, driveways and sidewalks collect an incredible amount of grime. Pressure washing not only eliminates the filth, but the clean surfaces also add to your home’s visual appeal. No pressure washer? No problem! Call Gator Pressure Cleaning & Custom Painting at 863-238-6030.

Add new vegetation. Landscaping is a relatively inexpensive way to introduce more personality to a yard. Aim for a mix of pretty and practical, such as some low flowering bushes and some trees or bushes that offer privacy and shade.

Keep up with basic maintenance. When your home is in poor repair, it shows. Pay attention to bent or rusting gutters, imperfections in the roof and other maintenance matters that aren’t just aesthetic; left unrepaired, they can also result in major damage.

Pay attention to details. Functional items like the mailbox might not seem like much of a design element, but these small details can be a big distraction if they’re not in good condition. Update or replace as needed to keep your aesthetic in sync.

Add seasonal decor. Fall is right around the corner so this is a great time to turn your home into an Autumn feel- Fall wreaths, sunflowers, mums, pumpkins, etc. There’s no need to go all out for every occasion, but some timely decorations that celebrate the holiday or season can make your entry fun and festive.

In Loving Memory of Sandra Sue Everett

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Sandra Sue Everett

August 6, 1941 — September 7, 2025

Upcoming Services

Funeral Service
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
11:00am – 12:00pm

United Methodist Temple
2700 Florida Avenue South, Lakeland, FL 33803

In Loving Memory of Herbert A. Hattaway of Haines City

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Herbert A. Hattaway

October 20th, 1931 – September 9th, 2025

Herbert A. Hattaway, 93, of Haines City, FL went home to be with the Lord and our mother on September 9, 2025. 

Herbert was born in Alamo, GA and moved to Waverly, FL with his family as a young boy. He went to Lake Wales schools. In his high school years Herbert played Orange Belt League Semi-Pro baseball and was scouted by the NY Yankees and St. Louis Cardinals as a left-handed pitcher and catcher. 

Herbert joined the US Army in 1951 and served in the Korean War. He was also sent to college by the US Army. Herbert retired after 29 ½ yrs with a medical discharge in 1980. He was a member of DAV, VFW, American Legion and Military Officers Association. Herbert was a past member of Baptist Training Union and a Deacon of Eastside Baptist Church. He was a member of NorthRidge Church in Haines City. 

Herbert is preceded in death by his wife, of 65 years, Evelyn; parents, Charles A. and Mattie Lou Hattaway; brothers, Jim Hattaway, Thomas Hattaway and Charles Hattaway. He is survived by his sister, Lucille Miller; daughter, Brenda Ryan (Dennis); son, Phillip Hattaway (Kelly); grandchildren, Justin Ryan (Kristin), Dallas Ryan (Dana), Ashley Hattaway (Felisha), Brandon Hattaway (Autumn) & Brice, Camryn Hattaway, Connor Hattaway & great grandson, Riley Ryan. 

A visitation with the family will be Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 10 am until the funeral at 11 am, all at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Haines City. Burial will follow at Lakeside Memorial Park, Winter Haven, FL. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Florida Baptist Children’s Home or Cornerstone Hospice.

One Movie Later: Bad Guys 2 is Real Bad! (As In Good!)

One Movie Later: Bad Guys 2 is Real Bad! (As In Good!)

by James Coulter

 

I have a confession: I am a furry. No, I’m not someone who dresses up in animal costumes. I’m more of a casual furry, someone who likes art and media with anthropomorphic animal characters.

 

Case in point, there are two movies this year I’ve been looking forward to watching the most, and they’re both sequels to popular animated furry flicks: Zootopia 2, which releases later this year, and Bad Guys 2.

 

I love the original Bad Guys. It was my favorite animated movie of 2022. And the only thing preventing me from calling it the best animated film of the year was Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio.

 

I loved the movie’s blend of 2D and 3D animation. I loved itsover-the-top chase and heist scenes. I loved the wacky hijinks of its characters. And I especially love Diana Foxington. She’s a real foxy…fox.

 

So, will Bad Guys 2 give double the pleasure and double the fun of the original movie? Or is the second verse not as good as the first?

 

Set shortly after the events of the first movie, Bad Guys 2 has the titular bad guys attempting to turn over their criminal past. However, being former convicted felons doesn’t make their new lives as good guys easy, especially when it comes to applying for potential jobs.

 

Complicating matters even further is how the characters are suspected of pulling off a recent wave of robberies. And when they try to clear their names by hunting down the real culprits, they only get roped into a much bigger crime heist. Will the bad guys be able to pull off this heist and clear their names?

 

A common trend in Dreamworks Animation is that the second animated movie tends to be better than the first. Shrek 2? Better. Kung Fu Panda 2? Better. How to Train Your Dragon 2? Better. And Bad Guys 2, I’m glad to say, proudly continues that trend. Because Bad Guys 2? Better!

 

The original Bad Guys was one of the many animated movies, along with the Spiderverse films and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, which helped introduce a new style of animation that combines the best of 2D and 3D animation, creating a unique blend that feels like hand-drawn illustrations transformed flawlessly into three dimensions.

 

The movie’s unique 2D/3D animation style served as a refreshingly radical departure from the generic Pixar-style computer animation. And while the movie also helped popularize the art style derided by some people as “bean mouth” (so named because of the character’s bean-shaped mouths), theGhibli anime influences certainly gave the characters personality in their designs. 

 

The animation of the sequel shines the most in its actionsequences. Its heist scenes are much more cartoonier versions of Ocean’s Eleven heists, and its chase scenes combine the high-octane action of the Fast and Furious movies with the comedic hijinks of classic Keystone Cops capers, resulting in scenes that are equally exciting as they are hilarious. How else can you feel when one scene has the characters running away from a human crowd turned tidal wave?

 

Aside from ramping up the action and heist sequences, Bad Guys 2 also ramps up the tension. No spoilers, but this movie raises the stakes for the characters, as failing the mission will harm more than just them.

 

Adding to the tension is the characters’ overall arc. Mr. Wolf and the other former Bad Guys desperately want to prove they’veturned over a new leaf, even though life has thus far made doing so hard. And the new characters serve as a good foil for them, making them question whether trying to be “good guys” is even worth it.

 

Such tension is especially heightened during many of the heist and action sequences. Again, no spoilers, but there were many moments where it appears the characters messed up big time, only for the scene to end on a surprisingly pleasant twist. These are the type of scenes that make you simultaneously gasp in horror, only to cheer in victory a second later and exclaim, “I can’t believe they did that!”

 

And yes, this movie actually elicited a lot of exclamations from me, even to the point of nearly jumping out of my seat.

 

Bad Guys 2 is the most fun I’ve had watching an animated movie in forever. The movie had everything I loved about the original movie and more. I wasn’t kidding when I said this movie elicited the most reactions from me while watching it in the theater. It had me laughing out loud, cheering for joy, and even gasping in shock. It was that good.

 

How good is this movie? Let’s just say I still haven’t purchased the DVD of the original movie. Now, not only do I want the first Bad Guys movie on DVD, but Bad Guys 2 finally gets a home release. I’m even curious to read the books these movies were based on.

 

If you loved the original Bad Guys, not only will you love Bad Guys 2, but you’re certainly going to be hyped up for any potential sequels, which this movie may or may not be hinting at. (Again, no spoilers!)

Weekend Live Music & Entertainment Guide: September 11–14 in Winter Haven

Looking to add some rhythm to your weekend? From acoustic vibes and rocking bands to karaoke sessions where you take the mic, there’s something happening every day to keep your weekend fun and full of music. Check out the local talent and entertainment lined up from Thursday through Sunday at your favorite hometown spots!

 Thursday, September 11

  • Curt & Jade Live Acoustic Duo
    ⏰ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM |  Cypresswood Pub (1099 Clubhouse Rd, Winter Haven)
    Unwind with smooth acoustic sounds and a laid-back atmosphere. Perfect for a chill Thursday night.
  • Karaoke Night
    ⏰ 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM |  Out-n-About Bar and Music Lounge (28390 US-27, Dundee)
    Grab the mic and sing your heart out! Whether you’re a karaoke pro or just in it for fun, this is the place to be.

 Friday, September 12

  • Conspiracy Theory Band
    ⏰ 8:00 PM – Midnight |  Out-n-About Bar and Music Lounge
    Rock your Friday night with this high-energy band playing your favorite hits.
  • Hunter Mcneer (Acoustic Set)
    ⏰ 3:00 PM |  Kimber’s Bar & Grill
    Start your evening early with live acoustic music and good food.
  • Strictly Business (Full Band)
    ⏰ 8:00 PM |  Kimber’s Bar & Grill
    End the night with great vibes and an energetic performance by Strictly Business.

 Saturday, September 13

  • Karaoke (Daytime Edition)
    ⏰ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM |  Out-n-About Bar and Music Lounge
    Keep the weekend spirit going strong with another round of karaoke fun.
  • Sheldon Benjamin (Acoustic Set)
    ⏰ 3:00 PM |  Kimber’s Bar & Grill
    Enjoy smooth acoustic tunes during your afternoon hangout.
  • Bittersweet (Full Band)
    ⏰ 8:00 PM |  Kimber’s Bar & Grill
    Rock out with this crowd-pleasing band performing live Saturday night.
  • Twizted (Rock Band)
    ⏰ 7:00 PM |  Tanners Lakeside (1006 S Lake Howard Dr, Winter Haven)
    Lakeside views and live rock music? Yes, please! Twizted brings the heat on Saturday night.

 Sunday, September 14

  • Travelers of Time (Live Music by the Lake)
    ⏰ 2:00 PM |  Tanners Lakeside
    Spend your Sunday afternoon by the water with great tunes from Travelers of Time.
  • Karaoke Nightcap
    ⏰ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM |  Out-n-About Bar and Music Lounge
    Close out the weekend with one last karaoke session. Sing solo or bring your friends—either way, it’s a blast!

Want your live music event featured?
Send the details to [email protected]

Stay safe, support local artists, and have a fantastic weekend out and about in Winter Haven!

Weekend Events in Winter Haven

Looking to fill your weekend with fun, creativity, and community spirit? Winter Haven has a packed calendar of events from Thursday through Saturday that cater to a variety of interests—from heartfelt memorials and ladies’ night drinks to live wrestling and hands-on crafts. Here’s your guide to what’s happening this weekend in and around Winter Haven:

Thursday, September 11: A Day to Remember and Celebrate

  • Remember Our Heroes 9/11 Memorial
    4:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Downtown Winter Haven
    Join the community in honoring the heroes of September 11th at this meaningful memorial event.
  • Ladies Night at Out-n-About Bar and Music Lounge
    BOGO Well Liquor & Wine | Out-n-About Bar
    Kick back and relax with your crew during Ladies Night, featuring bogo on well liquors and wine.
  • Nitro Bingo at The Ritz
    Bingo Starts at 6:00 PM (Doors open at 4:30 PM) | The Ritz, Winter Haven
    Get ready for an energetic spin on a classic game—Nitro Bingo promises a night full of fun.

Friday, September 12: Craft & Competition

  • Florida Pro Lakeside Wrestling
    7:00 PM | Tanner’s Lakeside
    Witness high-energy wrestling action under the open sky by the lake. Perfect for fans of live sports and dramatic showdowns.
  • Craft Bar at AR Workshop Winter Haven
    5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | AR Workshop, Winter Haven
    Walk-ins are welcome at this DIY workshop space—create home décor, gifts, and more in a fun, relaxed setting.
  • Crafty Cruiser Arts & Crafts Night
    6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Residence Inn, Lakeland
    Roll up your sleeves for a creative evening full of arts, crafts, and good company.

Saturday, September 13: Markets & Makers

  • Winter Haven Saturday Market
    9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Central Park, Downtown Winter Haven
    Browse fresh produce, handmade goods, and local vendors at this vibrant outdoor market—perfect for families, foodies, and shoppers alike.
  • Beginner Watercolor Workshop
    3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | AR Workshop, Winter Haven
    Always wanted to try watercolor painting? This workshop is ideal for beginners looking to explore their artistic side.

Whether you’re commemorating, crafting, competing, or just chilling with friends, Winter Haven has something happening for everyone this weekend. Make your plans now and get ready to enjoy all that our vibrant community has to offer.

*If you’d like your weekend event or other special event(s) promoted, email [email protected]

The Lives Lost on 9/11 — And the Thousands Still Being Claimed by 9/11-Related Illnesses

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Twenty-four years after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, America continues to honor those killed that day and the many more who have since died from 9/11-related illnesses.

On September 11, 2001, 2,977 victims were killed in the attacks—not including the 19 hijackers. The toll includes 2,753 at the World Trade Center, 184 at the Pentagon, and 40 aboard Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. Among the fallen in New York were 343 FDNY firefighters and 23 members of the NYPD. 

The loss has continued long after the smoke cleared. The New York City Fire Department now lists more than 400 members who have died from World Trade Center–related illnesses—surpassing the 343 firefighters lost on 9/11. At an FDNY ceremony this week, 39 additional names were added to the department’s memorial wall in Brooklyn. 

The health impacts reach far beyond New York. The federal World Trade Center Health Program (administered by CDC/NIOSH) reports more than 134,000 currently enrolled members—responders and survivors—receiving monitoring or treatment for certified 9/11-related conditions. Florida ranks third among all states with 9,507 currently enrolled members. (Program data through March 31, 2025.) 

Joanne Capestro (left) with a colleague at Broadway and Park Row after the collapse of the South Tower. (COLLECTION 9/11 MEMORIAL & MUSEUM, GIFT OF PHIL PENMAN)

Independent reporting based on WTC Health Program data indicates a sharp rise in cancer diagnoses linked to 9/11 exposure—nearly 50,000 cancer cases to date—and notes that over 8,200 program enrollees have died, including more than 3,700 deaths involving cancer. (The Program itself cautions that “deceased members include all causes of death” and does not attribute each death to WTC exposure.) Even with that caveat, the count of post-9/11 deaths among those affected has surpassed the 2,977 lives lost on the day of the attacks. 

Identification efforts also continue. In August 2025, New York City officials announced three new identifications of World Trade Center victims, bringing the total identified to 1,653. Roughly 1,100 victims from the WTC site still have not been identified as forensic teams keep working with advancing DNA technology. 

Credit: 9/11 Memorial & Museum

The NYPD continues to honor the 23 officers killed that day and the growing number lost since to 9/11-related illnesses. Families of firefighters, police, construction workers, volunteers, office workers, and Lower Manhattan residents continue to navigate cancers, respiratory disease, and other long-term conditions tied to the toxic dust and debris from Ground Zero. 

For many, 9/11 is not just a date in history—it is an ongoing public-health chapter. The World Trade Center Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) remain in place to support responders and survivors. The VCF reports awarding $14.9 billion to more than 65,600 claimants since reopening in 2011. 

As communities across the country pause for moments of silence and name-readings each September, the numbers tell a difficult truth: the human toll of 9/11 did not end in 2001. It continues, silently and steadily, in hospitals, at memorial walls, and around family tables—here in Florida and nationwide. 

PHOTOGRAPH BY ANDREA BOOHER, FEMA

Editor’s Notes (sourcing and context for readers):

• Official 9/11 death toll and location breakdown per Encyclopaedia Britannica. 

• FDNY post-9/11 illness deaths now exceed 400 per NYC media coverage of FDNY memorial events. 

• WTC Health Program enrollment (including Florida’s 9,507 current members) from CDC/NIOSH quarterly program summary, March 31, 2025. 

• Aggregate counts of cancer diagnoses and deaths among program enrollees based on WTC Program data as reported in recent coverage; CDC notes deaths among enrollees are “all causes.” 

• Ongoing OCME identifications (three new in Aug. 2025; ~1,100 still unidentified). 

Cheryl Williams Found Guilty in Murder Trial of Deputy Sheriff Blane Lane

By Carl Fish

POLK COUNTY – A Polk County jury has found Cheryl Williams guilty on all charges, including second-degree murder, in connection with the death of 21-year-old Deputy Sheriff Blane Lane.

Sheriff Grady Judd released a statement following the verdict:

“This suspect’s outrageous criminal actions were the cause of my deputy being killed in the line of duty, and the jury appropriately found her guilty as charged. Her family can visit her in prison, but Blane’s family has to visit his grave in a cemetery and can only have a one-sided conversation with him. We will never forget Deputy Blane Lane, and his family remains in our prayers.”

Williams, 49, was also convicted of resisting an officer without violence, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of methamphetamine.

The incident that led to the case occurred on October 4, 2022, when deputies attempted to serve an arrest warrant at a residence in Polk City after receiving a tip through Heartland Crime Stoppers. Williams, who had an extensive criminal history, was inside the home when deputies arrived. Deputies reported that she stepped into view with what appeared to be a silver handgun and pointed it at them. Two deputies fired their weapons, striking her multiple times. During the exchange, Deputy Lane, who had taken a tactical position outside, was struck by one of the bullets fired from inside. He was rushed to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, where he later died. The weapon Williams carried was later determined to be a realistic-looking BB gun.

The courtroom was filled with emotion as testimony and evidence were presented. Audio of the chaotic moments was played, with deputies’ voices shouting “Shots fired, shots fired!”

Deputy Lane’s mother, Shellie Lane, spoke about the pain of losing her son to WTSP. “He was doing what he was supposed to be and what he was called to do, and he’s no longer able to do that because of her actions,” she said. Struggling to contain her emotions, she added, “I’m sitting in the courtroom with a monster that initially took my kid. She still gets to breathe, and he doesn’t.”

Deputy Lane had joined the Polk County Sheriff’s Office as a detention deputy in May 2021 before becoming a deputy sheriff in January 2022. He was assigned to the Northwest District Patrol and was honored with a line-of-duty funeral following his death.

Join Calvary Baptist Church Winter Haven for Their Annual Calvary Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat 2025

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Mark your calendars! Calvary Baptist Church in Winter Haven invites the entire community to their Annual Calvary Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. This family-friendly event promises an afternoon of fun, fellowship, and fall-themed activities for all ages.

Hosted at 2101 Overlook Dr, the festival will feature decorated trunks, games, treats, and more. It’s a safe, festive way for kids to enjoy the season.

Calvary family members are encouraged to support the event by donating candy. Candy donation boxes are conveniently located outside the Worship Center. Those interested in helping can also sign up using the volunteer sign-up sheet, available now.

Don’t miss this exciting community tradition—invite your neighbors and friends for an unforgettable afternoon!

Marks Your Calendars For This Month’s FREE Ski Show

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Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 10, 2025, and head to Winter Haven for a thrilling, FREE Cypress Gardens Water Ski Show! The event will take place at Lake Silver, located at 275 South Lake Silver Drive in Winter Haven, and promises fun for the whole family.

The preshow kicks off at 4:30 p.m., giving you a chance to settle in and get ready for the main event, which starts at 5:00 p.m. With talented skiers and an exciting atmosphere, it’s sure to be a memorable afternoon.

Concessions will be available, so you can grab a snack while enjoying the action. Be sure to bring your family, friends, and a blanket or chair to make the most of the experience. If you bring a tent for shade, no stakes in ground allowed per city.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic event – come out, relax, and enjoy the show!

Photo source Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team