Charlotte Ann Clevenger, 79, of Eagle Lake, FL passed away on Monday, August 25, 2025, at Bridgewalk on Harden Health and Rehab.
Born October 26, 1945, in Eagle Lake, Florida, she was a lifelong resident of the area.
She was a homemaker and graduated from Winter Haven High School. Charlotte grew up going to church at Eagle Lake Baptist had been attending the First Assembly of God of Eagle Lake.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Floyd E. Clevenger, Sr and Bertha Mae Sentells Clevenger; Siblings, Raymond Clevenger, Aileene Hester, Dorothy Stalvey and Floyd Clevenger, Jr.; and two nephews, Terry and David Clevenger.
She is survived by: her brother, Jack A. Clevenger of Eagle Lake; nieces, Marilyn Lee, Barbara Clevenger, Cherie Clevenger, Denise Jordon and Linda Tew; and nephews, Randy Clevenger, Steve Clevenger, Alan Clevenger, Ron Stalvey, Grady Chance and Jack DeWayne Clevenger.
A Graveside service will be held at 10:00am, Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at the Church of Christ Cemetery in Eagle Lake.
In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to the First Assembly of God in Eagle Lake.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ronnie Williford, who departed this life on August 23, 2025, at the age of 73 in Lake Wales, Florida. Born on May 1, 1952, in Eloise, Florida, Ronnie lived a life defined by kindness, consideration, and unwavering honesty.
Ronnie devoted many years of his career to serving the community as a groundskeeper for the City of Winter Haven, alongside his work in labor and construction. He was a man who valued hard work and integrity—principles he lived by and instilled in those around him.
A passionate supporter of the Florida State Seminoles and Miami Dolphins, Ronnie found joy in sports and cherished time spent with his beloved family. In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing, playing in adult softball leagues, and collecting guns and knives.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Hazel Williford. He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Alma (Jean) Williford; daughters, Rhonda Bryan and Racheal Hoffman (Jamie); his brother, Michael Williford; sisters, Laverne Bowman and Nancy Coffman (Jimmy); five grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren.
A visitation to honor Ronnie’s life will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 10:00 AM, followed by a funeral service immediately thereafter.
Ronnie Williford will be remembered not only for his dedication and accomplishments, but for the warmth, affection, and quiet strength he shared with everyone he met. May he rest in peace, forever cherished in the hearts of his family and friends.
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of Elias A. Diaz, age 33, who left us suddenly on August 23, 2025.
Elias was a beloved son, grandson, brother, caring uncle, loving nephew, devoted father, and husband whose vibrant spirit touched the lives of all who knew him.
Born and raised in New York City, Elias was known for his warm heart, infectious laughter, and unwavering kindness. He had a passion for life and a deep artistic spirit that inspired those around him. Elias expressed his creativity through sketches, sharing his unique vision and affecting many lives with his talent.
Elias is survived by his loving mother Ana, his siblings Karlett, Carlene, Joel, Masiel, Vivaldi, and Elian, his son Christopher, wife Tara, extended family and wide circle of friends who will cherish his memory forever.
A celebration of Elias’s life was held on August 28th.
Funeral Services will be at 3:00pm, Friday, August 29, 2025 in the Funeral Home Chapel. The family is asking that those attending please white or light colors to the service.
Though his time with us was far too short, Elias’s legacy of love and joy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
57-year old William Lee Walters of Winter Haven has accumulated quite the criminal history over the years. He has been sent to Florida prison six times for a total of 13 years. He’s been arrested for crimes such as: Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Battery on LEO, Motor Vehicle Theft, Grand Theft, Burglaries, and Criminal Mischief to name a few.
On Wednesday afternoon, August 27th, William added to his list.
At around 5:32 pm, Deputy Ford spotted William’s white Cadillac SUV crossing over the double yellow traffic lines.
A traffic stop was initiated at a gas station on Socrum Loop Road in Lakeland, and contact was made with William, the driver.
William was asked to present his driver’s license, but he handed the deputy a debit card instead.
A check of William’s driving privileges revealed that his license was suspended on August 25th. And William was aware of the suspension because his work supervisor informed him of such and instructed William to get a ride home.
Despite his supervisor’s suggestion, William drove anyway.
Deputies suspected William was driving impaired, and he even admitted to drinking two beers and said that he recently smoked marijuana as well.
He participated in a Field Sobriety Test and displayed numerous indicators of impairment.
William Walters was arrested by PCSO for DUI, DWLSR, and Failure to Carry Motor Vehicle Insurance.
A few clarifying details provided by the City of Winter Haven:
“This phase of the project is mostly stormwater and wetland infrastructure. It also includes some recreational elements including trails, boardwalks, shade structures, and disk golf.
$450,000 of the funding is covered by a Heartland Headwaters Grant. $1,159,569 is coming from the stormwater fund. Dollars from the stormwater fund can only be used for stormwater improvements, therefore they are being invested in much needed stormwater improvements in this area. Another $200,000 is funding donated by CSX to the project. The remaining funding is coming from impact fees – meaning fees paid by developers when building something new in Winter Haven, not taxes paid by local residents living here.
The road around this area is a known concern. Our Public Works team has been working with geoengineers to determine the best way to repair the road so that the divots don’t simply reappear. There is also a sidewalk project planned that will continue the City’s efforts to connect continuous sidewalk access around Lake Howard.”
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City of Winter Haven Approves Spending $3.9 Million on South Lake Howard Nature Park Expansion
by James Coulter
New trails, boardwalks, stormwater and wetland infrastructure, and even a disc golf course are some of the new recreational elements and stormwater features planned for Phase II of the South Lake Howard Nature Park Expansion.
Photo source Google Maps
At their regular meeting on Mon. Aug. 26, Winter Haven city commissioners voted unanimously to approve their consent agenda. One agenda item pertained to the guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for the Phase II construction of the South Lake Howard Nature Park Expansion.
On February 26, 2024, the City of Winter Haven entered into an agreement with Whitehead Construction for design-build services for the then-proposed expansion to South Lake Howard Nature Park.
The expansion, as explained by Public Works Director Brittany Hart, would “update and expand the stormwater treatment within the area and develop complementary recreational elements in and around the new stormwater features.”
The project was divided into three separate phases. Phase I would install recreation elements, including a nature trail, exercise trail, playground, picnic area, frisbee golf hole, kayak launch, and fishing pier. Phase I was completed in Apr. 2025.
Photo source Google Maps
Phase II would construct stormwater and wetland infrastructure, as well as remaining recreational elements, including trails, boardwalks, island and shade sails, and disc golf. Phase II is in preparation of beginning construction.
Whitehead Construction has since presented an amendment for the project’s GMP, which includes Phase II construction. The total project costs, including the GMP, are $3,991,020, while the total cost of construction for Phase II is $2,970,474.
The lion’s share of the funding will come from the city’s Stormwater Quality Operating Budget at $1,350,000. The remaining funds will come from various grants, city funds, and fees.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a Firearms Safety Course/Concealed Weapons Class on Saturday, September 13th, from 8:00 am – Noon. If registration for the class fills up, a second afternoon class will be added for 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW for SEPTEMBER 13th – CALL 863-298-6242.
Cost of the class is $70; with a portion of the proceeds to go to Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc., and the cost is non-refundable. An additional $12.50 will be charged to those who don’t bring their own ammunition.
This class fulfills the requirements by the FL Department of Agriculture need to obtain a concealed weapons permit. Even though permitless-carry in Florida went into effect in 2023, there are still benefits to having a permit (reciprocity in states which don’t allow for concealed carry without a permit, and permit holders are exempt from the 3-day waiting period when purchasing new firearms).
Any questions about the CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION, please call Sergeant Bennett or Sergeant Caratsole at the PCSO Training Section at 863-534-7200, during normal office hours.
YOU MUST CALL 863-298-6242, during normal business hours (Mon-Fri, 8-5) to reserve your seat. When you call, you will be given further instruction about where to go for the training.
*we will have handguns available for the hands-on portion of the course, but we prefer you bring your own if possible.
Thomas George Connell was born in Orlando on September 24, 1950. He was a true Floridian and spent his entire life in the “Sunshine State”. He was a graduate of Tavares High School, Class of 1968; Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting; the University of Central Florida with a master’s degree, and Phoenix University with an MBA. While in Tallahassee at FSU, he married his first wife, Maria, with whom he had two children, Christopher T. (Marie) of Cape Canaveral, and Janine C. (Wilbur) Hyatt of Lake Wales and Columbia, Kentucky.
Tom has been blessed with four grandchildren: Kathleen Hyatt of Lakeland, Athena Connell of Melbourne, Liam (14) and Garrett (11) Connell of Cape Canaveral.
Tom worked as a Financial Analyst and had a 33-year career at Walt Disney World, a 15-year career at Houghton, Mifflin, Harcourt schoolbook publishers, in Orlando, followed by a seven-year career at Hyatt Farms in Lake Wales.
Tom was the husband of Jane (Palumbo) Connell of Winter Haven, whom he married on July 28, 2021.
Among Tom’s hobbies and interests included Bible Study, watching his FSU Noles play football, canoeing, biking, and reading, especially history. He was a member of the Lake Buena Vista Rotary and a past president.
Tom leaves his beloved wife, Jane, his children and grandchildren, his sister, Cindy (Richard) Eichelberger of Leesburg, a niece, Jennie (Eustis) and a nephew, Joey (Eustis), as well as his two dogs, Moose and Squirrel.
A gathering of family and friends for Tom will be held Sunday, August 31, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at CenterPoint Church, Winter Haven, Florida, followed by a service at 4:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P. O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, PA 21741, [email protected]; or to CenterPoint Church Winter Haven, FL 33884, centerpointchurch.org.
Join Polk County Parks & Rec for Free Storytime Fun! Neighborhood Storytime is a free, family-friendly program that invites parents and young children to connect through the magic of storytelling. Each session highlights a new book, paired with a themed craft and engaging activity designed to spark imagination and creativity.
When: 10–11 a.m., every first and third Thursday, from August through December
Where: Medulla Resource Center – 1049 Parker Road, Lakeland
Who: For children ages 6 and under and their parents or caregivers
September Book Selections: • Anything for You by John Wallace • The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming and Nicola Slater
To register or for more information, call (863) 647-4035.
Welcome, World Travelers! The Magic of Disney Animation Returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
by James Coulter
When Disney’s Hollywood Studios originally opened as Disney’s MGM Studios on May 1, 1989, it was more than a theme park. It served as a real working movie studio where Disney filmed many of its shows and movies, includinganimated films.
From opening day until July 12, 2015, The Magic of Disney Animation was a walking tour that allowed guests to learn about animation and even watch as real animators worked on upcoming Disney animated films.
Some of its productions included work for movies such as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, Mulan, Lilo & Stitch, and Brother Bear.
Aside from the animation studio walking tour, the attraction also included “Back to Neverland”, a pre-show that discussed the various stages of animation for feature-length films.
The pre-show was hosted by veteran newscaster Walter Cronkite and starred actor Robin Williams, who was transformed into an animated character in the form of one of the Lost Boys from Peter Pan.
(Fun fact: Two years later, Williams would play the lead role of Peter Pan in the 1991 live-action movie Hook, directed by Steven Spielberg.)
The Magic of Disney Animation closed its doors on July 12, 2015, to be replaced by the Star Wars Launch Bay, which served as the meet-and-greet area for Star Wars characters.
However, the area will soon return to its roots, as it was announced last month that the Star Wars Launch Bay will close and be replaced with a new version of The Magic of Disney Animation.
The attraction’s facade will be redesigned to resemble Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California, which will include Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer Hat topping the building.
Disney Parks Blog gives the details of the new take on an old attraction:
“Our story in this newly reimagined space begins as the animators have temporarily stepped away… but the building is still buzzing with activity as the characters have come to life and they’re ready to play!
Inside, you will interact with and explore silly takes on the iconic Disney Animation headquarters, including the many different studio departments. Only this time, some of our favorite pals have taken over to create the fun adventures.
The playful and interactive moments will be around every corner. You’ll see portraits come to life before your eyes just like they did in “Once Upon A Studio;” you’ll find inspiration with a short film (with a twist, of course); and you’ll even pencil in some time to learn how to draw your very own character sketch.”
To help promote the new attraction, a poster was created featuring several of Disney’s iconic animated characters from movies like Snow White, Frozen, and Moana.
Also included are some obscure characters like Koda from Brother Bear (the last film to be animated at the old Magic of Disney Animation attraction) and even the animated Lost Boy version of Robin Williams from the old attraction’s pre-show.
Star Wars Launch Bay, along with the surrounding Animation Courtyard area, will close on Sept. 25, 2025, with The Magic of Disney Animation planning to open sometime next year in 2026.
When Disney’s Hollywood Studios originally opened as Disney’s MGM Studios on May 1, 1989, it was more than a theme park. It served as a real working movie studio where Disney filmed many of its shows and movies, including animated films.
From opening day until July 12, 2015, The Magic of Disney Animation was a walking tour that allowed guests to learn about animation and even watch as real animators worked on upcoming Disney animated films.
Some of its productions included work for movies such as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, Mulan, Lilo & Stitch, and Brother Bear.
Aside from the animation studio walking tour, the attraction also included “Back to Neverland”, a pre-show that discussed the various stages of animation for feature-length films.
The pre-show was hosted by veteran newscaster Walter Cronkite and starred actor Robin Williams, who was transformed into an animated character in the form of one of the Lost Boys from Peter Pan.
(Fun fact: Two years later, Williams would play the lead role of Peter Pan in the 1991 live-action movie Hook, directed by Steven Spielberg.)
The Magic of Disney Animation closed its doors on July 12, 2015, to be replaced by the Star Wars Launch Bay, which served as the meet-and-greet area for Star Wars characters.
However, the area will soon return to its roots, as it was announced last month that the Star Wars Launch Bay will close and be replaced with a new version of The Magic of Disney Animation.
The attraction’s facade will be redesigned to resemble Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California, which will include Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer Hat topping the building.
Disney Parks Blog gives the details of the new take on an old attraction:
“Our story in this newly reimagined space begins as the animators have temporarily stepped away… but the building is still buzzing with activity as the characters have come to life and they’re ready to play!
Inside, you will interact with and explore silly takes on the iconic Disney Animation headquarters, including the many different studio departments. Only this time, some of our favorite pals have taken over to create the fun adventures.
The playful and interactive moments will be around every corner. You’ll see portraits come to life before your eyes just like they did in “Once Upon A Studio;” you’ll find inspiration with a short film (with a twist, of course); and you’ll even pencil in some time to learn how to draw your very own character sketch.”
To help promote the new attraction, a poster was created featuring several of Disney’s iconic animated characters from movies like Snow White, Frozen, and Moana.
Also included are some obscure characters like Koda from Brother Bear (the last film to be animated at the old Magic of Disney Animation attraction) and even the animated Lost Boy version of Robin Williams from the old attraction’s pre-show.
Star Wars Launch Bay, along with the surrounding Animation Courtyard area, will close on Sept. 25, 2025, with The Magic of Disney Animation planning to open sometime next year in 2026.
