Welcome, World Travelers! You Won’t Believe Who’s Making a Snow White Movie to Compete with Disney’s Live-Action Remake!

Polk County

Allison

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November 3, 2023

Welcome, World Travelers! You Won’t Believe Who’s Making a Snow White Movie to Compete with Disney’s Live-Action Remake!

by James Coulter

Image source: movie trailer and Ben Key announcement

Unless you’ve spent the past year toiling away in a mine (where a million diamonds shine), you’re most likely aware that Disney will be releasing its live-action remake of Snow White next year. But did you know another Snow White adaptation is set to release next year?

Recently, a trailer was released for Snow White and the Evil Queen, a movie also set to premiere next year. That movie will be released on Bent Key, a new children’s streaming service being provided by—of all things—the Daily Wire.

The Daily Wire is an online right-wing news outlet run by Ben Shapiro, a right-wing pundit “famous” for such political hot takes like how people can simply sell their homes if they’reflooded due to climate change, or that women with “wet a** p-words”, as described by Cardi B, are most likely suffering from a viral infection.

So, the question must be asked: what is a political pundit like Ben Shapiro doing producing a Snow White movie?

That explanation starts last year, when the Daily Wire announced its new children’s streaming service, Bent Key(originally D.W. Kids). Bent Key was planned and created to provide parents (mostly subscribers to Daily Wire+) “family-friendly” children’s programming without a “woke agenda.” (“Woke” is right-wing jargon for “diverse and inclusive.”)

Bent Key recently premiered last week with several children’s shows and cartoons, including four produced in-house like Chip Chilla, a cartoon about a family of chinchillas (which many have called a Bluey rip-off), and A Wonderful Day with Mabel Maclay, a live-action children’s show in a similar vein to Mr. Rogers Neighborhood.

But perhaps the biggest announcement about Bent Key was that it would be releasing a live-action Snow White movie next year, most likely around the same time as Disney’s Snow White. So, again, the question must be asked: why is the Daily Wireproducing a Snow White movie?

Like many people, Ben Shapiro and the other folks at the Daily Wire were not too happy about many of the “woke” changes that will be made in Disney’s live-action Snow White. The most blatant of these changes were the titular princess being played by Latino actress Rachel Zegler and the seven dwarves being replaced by “seven magical creatures.”

In a press release by Jeremy Boreing, co-founder and co-CEO (and self-proclaimed god-king) of the Daily Wire, he called out Disney’s remake for allegedly pushing a “woke agenda” onto children:

“While Disney still uses Walt’s name, they’ve all but abandoned his legacy. Instead of telling stories about timeless truth, what the ancient fairy tales were all about, Disney’s new Snow White is an apology for their past and will expose children to the popular but destructive lies of the current moment. Which is why, in addition to announcing the launch of our Kids Entertainment company, I also want to announce today the company’s first live action feature film.”

Little else is known about the film, other than it will premiere on the Bent Key streaming service next year (most likely to coincide with Disney’s movie), and that its titular princess character will be played by Brett Cooper, a conservative YouTube creator known for her series The Comments Section, as well as for “allegedly” being “passed over” by other movie studios for not getting a COVID vaccination.

So, will this movie be better than Disney’s Snow White? Only time will tell. However, it should be noted that the Daily Wire has produced and released other movies like Terror on the Prairie, a western starring “cancelled” Star Wars actress Gina Carano. Unfortunately, that movie only managed to gross $804 at the box office during its official theatrical run. (Yes, you read correctly: $804! Not 804 million. Not even 804 thousand. Only 804!)

If those numbers are any indicator, then chances are, even the mediocre Disney live-action cash grab will manage to look better in comparison. (Though admittedly not by much!)

What do you think? Which Snow White movie will be better? The Disney version? Or the Daily Wire version? Leave your comments on Facebook.

Empowered Master’s Commission Hosting Virtual Run

Polk County

Allison

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November 3, 2023

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Empowered Master’s Commission Hosting Virtual Run
EMC is hosting a virtual 5, 10, or 15 K to be completed from 8 AM – 12PM on Nov. 18th (anywhere your want) in your own way!
Ex: a treadmill, around a lake, around your street, up and down the sidewalkes, etc.

Register here: https://www.raceentry.com/emc-gobble-wobble/race-information

Because it is a “virtual” run, you simply submit your time on the website after you complete your distance. You will receive a tshirt for each participant and medal for category winners!

The purpose of this run is to raise funds for EMC and keep tuition as low as possible for our students. Please consider being a part of this event or making a donation towards these incredible ladies.

You Won’t Believe Who Painted This $250 Painting Auctioned Off to Help Special Needs Children

Bartow

Staff Reporter

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November 3, 2023

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You Won’t Believe Who Painted This $250 Painting Auctioned Off to Help Special Needs Children

by James Coulter

Several paintings were auctioned off during the inaugural Boots and Buckles Festival hosted in Bartow last Saturday. A new art piece was even painted at the event for everyone to see. So awe-struck was the crowd that the painting was auctioned off and sold for $250.

And the most surprising part? This painting was created by a horse!

Yes, that’s correct! This fundraiser for young people with special needs featured art pieces painted by horses. One horse, Hemingway, even helped create a new painting.

At the event, volunteers poured paint onto a canvas, then concealed it in plastic wrap and poured molasses on top of it.

Hemingway then hungrily licked the molasses off, pushing the paint across the canvas in various random patterns. His masterpiece, its paint still wet, was then auctioned off and sold for $250.

Hemingway, affectionately as Hemi, is a 24-year-old Belgian/Quarter horse that was formerly a fox hunter before arriving at his new home at Rockin W Ranch. As his bio states: “He is a gentle giant with an adorable mustache that gets real gooed up with molasses when he paints.”

Several other horse-made paintings, which were created by other horses and showcased as “Sweet Slobbers”, were sold at the fundraiser. Other activities that day included arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, live music, and photo ops with a “real” unicorn and fairy princess.

Proceeds went toward Heart for H.E.R.O.E.S. (Horses Empowering Riders and Others), which is a non-profit associated with Rocking W. Ranch. The organization teaches special needs children horseback riding and even supports them in the Special Olympics.

Currently, they have 30 young athletes in their Special Olympics team, along with 12 horses, with hopes to have up to 15. Proceeds from this year’s inaugural fundraiser will go toward scholarships for potential students who cannot afford lessons.

Originally, the event was going to be hosted at the Rockin W Ranch. However, the ranch was flooded ten days before the event, forcing its organizers to host it at the Bartow Horse Arena instead.

“It has been great,” said Sarah Frederick. “It managed to meet our expectations, even after we had to move, but I think in years coming we will expand and this place will be hopping every year. Our future expectations are to have a full-blown riding program and a facility. We are working to get a facility for Hearts for Heroes, and the skies are the limits for our future.”

To learn more about Hearts For H.E.R.O.E.S., visit their website at: https://www.aheartforheros.org/

Frostrpoof Celebrates Halloween Early with City Wide Trick or Treat and Street Dance

Frostproof

Staff Reporter

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November 3, 2023

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Frostrpoof Celebrates Halloween Early with City Wide Trick or Treat and Street Dance

by James Coulter

Halloween may have been on Tuesday this year, but the City of Frostproof celebrated the holiday early with its citywide trick or treat and Halloween street dance on Saturday.

Frostproof hosted trick or treating early on Saturday evening. Children and their families were able to dress up in costume and travel door to door to collect their candy. Several local churches even hosted trunk or treat events.

The big festivities arrived later that night with the annual street dance. Hundreds, if not thousands, of visitors congregated along East Wall Street outside the Ramon Theater in Downtown Frostproof for a night of live music, food trucks, and other entertainment.

Frostproof High School students raised money for Project Graduation with several fun activities, including a dunk tank, rock climbing wall, bounce houses, and even a haunted trail. They also served food like popcorn, peanuts, cotton candy, and soft drinks.

“It is going very well,” said Jennifer Thompson, one of the parents volunteering for Project Graduation. “It is very busy. It has a lot of people coming. They are having a great time…It is going great, amazing, lots of people here and we are doing great. They are all meeting our expectations. I am loving seeing all the people in all the costumes.”

The Annual Street Dance is held twice a year for Halloween and Valentine’s Day. The popular event is hosted by the City of Frostproof and the Chamber of Commerce.

Angel Ball, Executive Chamber Director, loves how the event has grown over the years, drawing hundreds upon thousands of guests to the city and downtown area. The city tradition has only grown in popularity, and she hopes it continues to grow into the future for years to come.

“We get thousands of people every year, especially on Halloween,” she said. “We are just very grateful that the City of Frostproof put this on and we are so grateful for them.”

Gandy Pool Celebrates Halloween with Great Pumpkin Splash

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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November 3, 2023

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Gandy Pool Celebrates Halloween with Great Pumpkin Splash

by James Coulter

Some children rummage around pumpkin patches for their pumpkins. However, several lucky children took a splash in the pool for the chance to play around with Halloween pumpkins.

Gandy Pool hosted its annual Great Pumpkin Splash event on Friday evening, allowing children to enjoy early, splish-splashy Halloween fun with various poolside activities, including cornhole, cup throw, pinatas, and several floating pumpkins in the pool.

Located next to the Kelly Recreation Center in Lakeland, Gandy Pool hosts various special family-friendly events throughout the year to help draw residents to the pool.

Even for late October, the evening’s splendidly warm and sunny weather drew in several dozen children and their families to the local pool.

“The turnout is better than last year,” said Brandon Frable, lead lifeguard at Gandy Pool. “We had a lot more kids than last year. They are slowly pouring in. I am just happy people turned up. I am just happy people turned up because I put in all this effort. But I feel relieved.”

Brandon has been serving as a lifeguard at the Lakeland pool for nearly four years. He enjoys being able to host events like this to help families take a dip in the pool and enjoy the city’s local public amenities.

“I just enjoy lifeguarding, working with kids, just working here,” he said. “What do I love most? I don’t know because this is my second time doing this. It is just something I do. I don’t know why. It is fun. I love planning things out and working with others. It is nice putting on something for the kids year-round and giving them a little bit of fun.”

Attendees Saw Glimpse of Heaven and Hell at Revive Church Lakeland Fall Festival

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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November 3, 2023

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Attendees Saw Glimpse of Heaven and Hell at Revive Church Lakeland Fall Festival

by James Coulter

A fog-laden graveyard. A twisting tunnel with chains and evil masks. Wailing and moaning echoed throughout. Every sin written on its walls. Then, the heat cools down and the light intensifies. The sky parts and a cloudy scene appears. A dazzling palace atop a cloud glimmering with crystal and gold.

These scenes were some of the glimpses of the afterlife attendees were able to see during the Heaven and Hell Tour hosted by Revive Church Lakeland at their annual fall festival on Wednesday evening.

Aside from the heaven and hell tour, which offered guests a glimpse of their potential afterlife, attendees could also play around on bounce houses, go trick or treating with trunk or treat in the parking lot, and enjoy free food like hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, and even chili.

Revive Church Lakeland has been hosting a fall event for the past 25 years, hosting it as a fall festival over the past six years. John Thomason, one of the church members, has been helping host it during that time.

The fall festival is held to serve as an outreach for the church, allowing it to connect with residents they otherwise would not get in contact with and to show them that the church cares about its community, he said.

Not only did this year’s event experience a significant turnout, but many attendees were even able to commit themselves to the Christian faith through it and even express interest in becoming church members, Thomason said.

“So far, it has been going very well,” he said. “We had some challenges, but we have been able to overcome them. We have a good amount of people out. Some people have accepted people as their Lord and Savior. So, the people I talk to are having fun.”

Pastor Jason Seager appreciates being able to reach out to members of the community and provide them with a fun fall time, all while showing them the love of God and sharing the Christian faith with eager participants.

“I am pleased. I feel this is going to be the highest turnout we had in a while,” he said. “We do this to just show God’s love to our community. We started this several years ago to build relationships with people we normally do not cross paths with. Since then, it has grown to what you have seen today. The opportunity to connect with our friends and neighbors and let them know we are here for them.”

Revive Church Lakeland also hosts an annual Easter event with an Easter egg hunt. The church also provides community outreach through its preschool and youth ministry.

For more information about the church and its upcoming events, visit its Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/revivechurchlakeland

Leo’s Live Receives AED from Culpepper Cardiac Foundation

Allison

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November 3, 2023

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Leo’s Live Receives AED from Culpepper Cardiac Foundation

by James Coulter

As the owner of The Caribbean Bay in Winter Haven, Nancy Cooley knows how busy an establishment like hers can be, especially during live musical performances. Most anything can happen, which is why business owners like herself need to be prepared for anything. For that reason, she donated an automated external defibrillator (AED) to the establishment of a close friend and fellow business owner.

Nancy has been close, long-time friends with Leo Goncalves, owner of Leo’s Live in Lakeland. She knows his establishment can be just as hectic as her own and that an emergency can easily arise. So, as she received an AED to install at her establishment, she donated an AED to Leo to install at his own.

“Leo is a good friend of mine,” she said. “He comes to my bar. He has the same bands that I do. I know he is busy. I figured it would be a great place if he had one here…It feels wonderful [to give back to an organization that gave to me]. I am 100 percent behind it.”

Nancy Cooley was a previous recipient of an AED donated by the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, a local non-profit organization that raises proceeds and awareness for heart health, which includes donating AEDs to local businesses. Cooley wanted to give back by becoming a sponsor herself, and she chose Leo’s Live to be another recipient.

Leo Goncalves, owner of Leo’s Live, was proud to receive the donation and have the AED installed at his establishment. He has not experienced an incident at his venue that would require such emergency equipment, but he remains grateful to be prepared in case of such an emergency.

“I am very happy to have it donated,” he said. “We have not had incidents, but you never know. It would be wonderful for her to try to save people’s lives. We recommend more people to have this.”

His daughter, Jackie, had previously taken medical classes in high school, so she knows how to use such a device in case of a cardiac arrest or a similar emergency. She appreciates Culpepper’s for donating it to her father’s business.

“I think it is great we have it here,” she said. “I think it is great that an AED is here. It should be everywhere. I think it is great that she [Melanie] goes around and has them put up because you never know what will happen. We appreciate it.”

Following the untimely passing of her fiancee, Michael Culpepper, from cardiac arrest, Melanie Brown Culpepper started her organization to raise proceeds and donate AEDs throughout the county. She has since donated more than 20 AEDs to local businesses including the Carribean Bay, Old Man Frank’s, and Tanner’s Lakeside.

Currently, she started a website, CulpepperAED.com, through which visitors can download a mobile app to locate nearby AEDs in their vicinity in case of a cardiac arrest or other such emergency.

“I am happy it [AEDs are] continuing to go out to the public and community,” she said. “I appreciate everyone for donating and sponsoring and coming out and helping because without them I cannot do all of this. We need everybody in the community to help us so we can keep putting them out.”

Lake Arbuckle Park and Campground In Frostproof is a Great Spot to Duck Away and Enjoy Local Florida Nature

Frostproof

Allison

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November 2, 2023

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Lake Arbuckle Park and Campground In Frostproof is a Great Spot to Duck Away and Enjoy Local Florida Nature

Polk County Parks & Rec:
Located down Lake Arbuckle Road in Frostproof, the Lake Arbuckle Park and Campground is a great spot to duck away and enjoy local Florida nature.

The park includes over 30 shaded camping areas for guests to enjoy stays while checking out boating, kayaking, and pier fishing.

If you’re in the Frostproof area, it’s a great place to explore rivers and inlets in the cooler autumn weather!

Lake Arbuckle Park & Campground
2600 Lake Arbuckle Road
Frostproof, FL 33843

For a full list of Polk County Campgrounds, visit https://www.polk-county.net/parks-and-recreation/campgrounds

Sheriff’s Office Searching For Suspicious Person Seen Resurrection Catholic Church & Private School

Lakeland

Carl Fish

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November 1, 2023

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Sheriff’s Office Searching For Suspicious Person Seen Resurrection Catholic Church & Private School

Thanks to an alert school employee who saw something and said something, and social media, an 18-year-old who was in possession of a realistic-looking fake gun on a private school campus was arrested within 2.5 hours of being spotted in Lakeland.

Adrian Araujo-Garcia of Lakeland went to the Resurrection Catholic Church and private school on Old Hwy 37 in Lakeland around 12:15 p.m. this afternoon, Wednesday, November 1, 2023, and was seen by a school employee who was on her lunch break in the school parking lot. The employee saw him at the front of the church, and then saw him walk to a silver Honda Civic in the parking lot. The employee saw Araujo-Garcia open the door and retrieve a silver handgun, appearing to insert a magazine into it. He got into the car and it left the parking lot.

The employee immediately called 911 and told another employee to put the school on lockdown. Descriptions of the suspect and vehicle, as well as video surveillance images of both, were sent out to the media and posted on PCSO social media accounts. Adrian himself saw the photos on social media, and called the Sheriff’s Office while deputies were en route to the home where the car was registered (one of his relatives).

Adrian told deputies that he went to the church to pray, and that when he got into the car, he saw the silver-colored toy gun in the backseat and retrieved it. He said that it appeared to be “jammed” so he picked it up and got into the front seat with it and began manipulating it to “clear the jam” and fired it into the front floorboard.

Deputies retrieved the gun, a realistic looking plastic replica of a Glock model 18 handgun, with a white slide and removable magazine, which from a distance is nearly indistinguishable from a real firearm.

“I thank the staff and leadership of the Resurrection Catholic Church school for making sure there is a school resource deputy on campus to help protect their students and faculty from harm. I also sincerely appreciate the person who let us know they saw who they believed was a man in the parking lot with a gun. Our deputy immediately responded and there was a quick and thorough response from Lakeland Police Department officers and Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies. There was a deputy there in seconds as opposed to a 911 call and response that can take minutes. We were able to identify the suspect within 90 minutes and we had him in custody within 2 ½ hours. We cannot emphasize enough to people how important it is that if they see something, or hear something, to say something to law enforcement so we can investigate and keep people safe.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.

Adrian Araujo-Garcia was arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct (M2) and Disturbing/Interrupting School Function (M2).

Brevard County-based Health First Health Plans Expands Three Decades of Experience and Service to Central Florida

Polk County

Allison

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November 1, 2023

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Brevard County-based Health First Health Plans Expands Three Decades of Experience and Service to Central Florida

A New Low-Cost, Locally Serviced Health Plan Option Now Available

When you need car repairs – you naturally want someone who understands your particular make and model. When you need a shoulder replacement – you look for an experienced surgeon who specializes in … well … shoulders.

When you’re looking for a health plan, doesn’t it make sense to seek a company that’s locally-owned and operated, backed by decades of experience, staffed with your neighbors – customer service agents who live near you (not out of state or country) who will provide the very best knowledge of local medical providers and available services?

Central Floridians have been asking for a better option, and now they have one.

With more than 60,000 members and nearly three decades of local customer-centric experience, Brevard County-based Health First Health Plans will expand its low-cost health insurance services to five new Central Florida counties.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, Health First Health Plans’ services, which will also include access to the AdventHealth network, will now be available in Lake, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, and Polk counties.

Enrollment officially opened on Wednesday, Nov. 1, during the federal Marketplace Open Enrollment period. Plans will provide more low-cost Individual and Family Plan options for Central Floridians to stay healthy. These plans are available to those who need health insurance and do not have coverage available through an employer or government programs such as Medicare or Medicaid. The Affordable Care Act makes income-based subsidies and reduced out-of-pocket expenses available to assist with the costs of comprehensive health coverage.

Officially launched in 1996, Health First Health Plans, one of the very few not-for-profit health plans in the state of Florida, has provided a variety of high-value, low-cost services, including a network of more than 4,000 providers and dozens of acute care and office-based medical services in Brevard, Volusia, Indian River, Flagler, and Seminole counties.

The expansion of services is geared toward meeting the needs of a rapidly growing region for families and individuals seeking high-quality, low-cost health plans and services … all provided by fellow Central Floridians.

“Health First Health Plans has proudly served more than 60,000 members – our friends, family members, neighbors, and associates across Central Florida and the Space Coast for more than 25 years. It’s no secret that the Central Florida region is one of the nation’s fastest-growing destinations and, as our state grows, we too want to help meet the needs of our communities with services to help keep Florida healthy and well,” said Matt Gerrell, Health First Health Plans president.

Health First Health Plans president Matt Gerrell

“We’re excited to offer a variety of plans and options for cost-conscious individuals and growing families in these new communities, all tailored to meet their needs with a personal, convenient, and connected level of care and service. Perhaps most importantly, our valued members will be served by local, Central Florida-based customer service representatives and agents. From a customer satisfaction standpoint, it just makes sense that our Central Florida-based members will always be speaking with fellow community members when asking questions about benefits or requiring assistance with upcoming appointments or procedures,” Gerrell continued.

Health First Health Plans are designed to manage healthcare needs with access, ease, and excellence with plans to fit every budget, wellness goal, and lifestyle. Depending on the chosen plan, physical and mental health benefits include fitness allowances, pediatric dental care, mental health treatment, and even virtual health and urgent care options.

Health First Health Plans is part of Health First, Florida’s only fully integrated delivery network system which consists of a medical group, four hospitals, and wellness services.

To learn more about Health First Health Plans visit: hf.org/healthplans

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