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Welcome, World Travelers! Take A Look At Disney’s Newest Cruise Ship: The Disney Destiny

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Welcome, World Travelers! Take A Look At Disney’s Newest Cruise Ship: The Disney Destiny

Welcome, World Travelers! Take A Look At Disney’s Newest Cruise Ship: The Disney Destiny

by James Coulter

The Disney Destiny set sail on its maiden voyage on Nov. 20., 2025, after being christened on Nov. 10. The ship is the seventh ship built by the Disney Cruise Line and the third ship in its Wish class, following the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure.

At approximately 1,119 feet long and weighing 144,000 gross tons, the Disney Destiny is designed to accommodate 4,000 passengers with approximately 1,256 cabins.

The ship will port at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fl., with trips in the Western Caribbean at ports in The Bahamas, Mexico, and Disney’s private islands like Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the exclusive offerings this new cruise ship has to offer:

Disney Heroes and Villains Theme

The Disney Destiny has a heavy emphasis on heroes and villains from both Disney and Marvel. That theme is displayed with the ship’s name, along with a sculpture of Spider-Man with his Spider bots, located near the ship’s stern.

The ship’s theme is also showcased within the ship’s grand hall, which, as the Disney Parks Blog states, “transports you into a world of heroes and villains from the moment you step on board.”

The Grand Hall takes heavy inspiration from Marvel’s Black Panther with “thoughtful design details crafted by Walt Disney Imagineers.” This striking three-story venue will serve as a gathering space and entertainment hub for guests, with opportunities to meet many hero and villain characters alike.

Themed Adult Bars

Adult passengers will be able to let loose their heroic or villainous sides with the ship’s many themed bars and lounges.

For those feeling rather villainous, De Vil’s provides a “perfectly wretched” lavish lounge and piano bar styled after the iconic villain from 101 Dalmatians.

Those feeling a little bit more heroic can visit The Sanctum, themed after Marvel’s Doctor Strange. The bar and lounge will feature many unique themed drinks, including a cocktail served in “a special glass that reacts to touch.”

Dinner Entertainment and Stage Shows

One of the biggest productions to be hosted onboard will be a Broadway-style stage show based on Disney’s Hercules. The show will feature larger-than-life performances with larger-than-life props, including a large puppet version of the many-headed monster Hydra.

Those seeking dinner and a show can visit Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King, which Disney Parks Blogs describes as “a first-of-its-kind family dining experience” featuring a colorful ensemble bringing to life the beloved story and music of the animated classic.

Villain Mountain Water Ride

Guests seeking thrilling adventure can hop on board the AquaMouse, a two-seater water slide with 760 feet of twisting tubes and water fun.

This ship’s attraction will be themed as “Villain Mountain”, with the launch hill showing whimsical animated scenes with Mickey and Minnie turning many scenes with iconic Disney villains on their head.

Learn more about the Disney Destiny and book a cruise on their website: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ships/destiny/

This Day in History in 1877 – “Scientific American” Announces Thomas Edison’s “Wonderful Invention”—the Phonograph

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This Day in History in 1877 – “Scientific American” Announces Thomas Edison’s “Wonderful Invention”—the Phonograph

The following is an article from history.com:

“November of 1877, the publication Scientific American enthuses about Thomas Edison‘s new invention: the phonograph, a way to record and play back sound.

Calling it a “wonderful invention,” the article describes the machine’s capability: “…whoever has spoken or whoever may speak into the mouthpiece of the phonograph, and whose words are recorded by it, has the assurance that his speech may be reproduced audibly in his own tones long after he himself has turned to dust. The possibility is simply startling.”

“Speech,” the publication continued, “has become, as it were, immortal.”

Photo source Bettmann Archive Getty Images

Edison stumbled on the phonograph—one of his great inventions—while working on a way to record telephone communication at his laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey. His work led him to experiment with a stylus on a tinfoil cylinder, which, to his surprise, played back the short song he had recorded, “MARY HAD A LITTLE LAMB.” Public demonstrations of the phonograph made the Yankee inventor world famous, and he was dubbed the “Wizard of Menlo Park.”

Edison set aside this invention in 1878 to work on the incandescent light bulb, and other inventors moved forward to improve on the phonograph. In 1887, Edison resumed work on the device, using the wax-cylinder technique developed by Charles Tainter. Although initially used as a dictating machine, the phonograph proved to be a popular tool for entertainment, and in 1906 Edison unveiled a series of musical and theatrical selections to the public through his National Phonograph Company. Continuing to improve on models and cylinders over the years, the Edison Disc Phonograph debuted in 1912 with the aim of competing in the popular record market. Edison’s discs offered superior sound quality but were not compatible with other popular disc players.

During the 1920s, the early record business suffered with the growth of radio, and in 1929 recording production at Edison ceased forever. Edison, who acquired an astounding 1,093 patents in his 84 years, died in 1931.”

Public Notice: Western Trunk Gravity Sewer Line – Next Phase of Construction

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Public Notice: Western Trunk Gravity Sewer Line – Next Phase of Construction

LAKELAND, FL | The City of Lakeland Water Utilities will begin the next phase of the Western Trunk Gravity Sewer Line upgrade next week, affecting Highland Street. This critical infrastructure project is part of our commitment to enhance wastewater capacity, bolster public safety, and deliver long-term service reliability.

Construction Area & Traffic Impacts
Beginning Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, Highland Street will be closed to all traffic for approximately three (3) weeks. During this time:

  • Traffic will be detoured to Josephine Street via Southern Avenue and Pinewood Avenue, with clearly marked digital message boards and traffic signage.
  • The nearby park will remain open during its regular hours, and all scheduled activities will continue as planned. Park access will remain via West Highland Street only; residents will not be able to access the park from the east side.

Construction activities will include increased equipment presence and daytime noise as crews work in the right-of-way adjacent to the park. 

Scope of Work

This phase will include:

  • Installation of a new 42-inch gravity trunk sewer line
  • Construction of a modern wastewater pump station
  • New force mains and collector lines
    These upgrades will replace aging infrastructure that dates to the 1980s and will significantly improve system performance and emergency response capabilities.

Why This Work Matters

  • Increased Capacity: Replaces undersized, deteriorating pipe to meet current and future demands
  • Improved Public Safety: Mitigates system vulnerabilities and supports efficient emergency response
  • Enhanced Reliability: Upgrades to modern standards that reduce the risk of service disruptions

Stay Informed

The City is committed to keeping the public informed. Updates will be shared through:

  • Website: www.LakelandGov.net
  • Social Media: Follow @LakelandGov
  • Direct Outreach: Mailed notices, door-to-door communications
  • Alert System: Text alerts, voice calls and emails via the Everbridge system

For questions or additional information, please contact Guy Taylor at guy.taylor@lakelandgov.

Bartow Mourns the Loss of Community Icon Clifton P. Lewis

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Bartow Mourns the Loss of Community Icon Clifton P. Lewis

Bartow is remembering the life and legacy of Clifton P. Lewis, a beloved community leader and champion of Black history, who passed away Sunday at the age of 82 after a long battle with cancer. For more than 20 years, Lewis served as the director of the L.B. Brown Heritage Festival, a role that allowed him to preserve and share an important piece of Bartow’s history.

Photo source Clifton P. Lewis Facebook page

In the late 1990s, Lewis stepped in to save the L.B. Brown House from demolition. He not only secured its restoration but helped transform the home—built by former slave Lawrence B. Brown—into a museum and gathering place that celebrated the rich heritage of Black Americans. Thanks to his tireless work, the L.B. Brown House is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized in the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture.

This past summer, the City honored Lewis by proclaiming August 5 as Clifton Paul Lewis Day, celebrating his decades of service and his unwavering dedication to Bartow.

Bartow has truly lost a visionary—one whose work will continue to inspire for generations.

Glamorous All Stars to Perform at Daytona 500, Team Gears Up for Big Season

Staff Reporter
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Glamorous All Stars to Perform at Daytona 500, Team Gears Up for Big Season
Glamorous All Stars Cheer

By Anita Todd

HAINES CITY – Cheering at NASCAR races is usually left to the fans in the stands, but this year, the Glamorous All Stars Cheer and Dance team will take center stage at the 2025 Daytona 500, highlighting how an award-winning group of young athletes brings the energy.

The invitation is just one highlight in what promises to be an action-packed season. The team’s calendar is filling fast: a visit from a NASCAR representative, a successful showcase event, and a long lineup of competitions across the South.

Last week, a representative from the Daytona 500 visited the team’s training facility.

Glamorous All Star Cheer and NASCAR Representative

“Our visit from the NASCAR representative was truly inspirational. He educated our athletes and parents about the rich history of the NASCAR race, reminding us that thousands of people will be watching them perform on one of the biggest stages comparable to a Super Bowl,” said Tamika O’Hara, Director and Owner.

Former Haines City Mayor and City Commissioner Horace West joined the visit to welcome the NASCAR spokesperson and address the athletes.

“He poured out greatness into our athletes, encouraging them to believe they can achieve anything in life,” O’Hara said.

The following day, on Nov. 14, the group held its first showcase at Ridge Community High School.

“It was a huge success, with amazing teams coming together to perform. We were blessed to have Markeisha Smith, Markeisha West with State Farm Insurance, and my former athlete Justice Smith, now a cheerleader at Bethune Cookman University, empower our athletes and all the cheer programs who attended,” O’Hara said.

Participating teams included the Haines City Vipers, Haines City High School, Davenport High School, Winter Haven Wolverines, Lakeland Storm, and the Davenport Broncos Pop Warner.

On Nov. 15, the Glamorous All Stars Elite Team Sassy Rubies and Hip Hop Team Bossy Charmz performed at a charity basketball tournament hosted by the Haines City Police and Fire Departments.

“It was an incredible weekend, and Glamourous All Stars Cheer and Dance is fired up to kick off Season 2, proudly representing our city and community,” O’Hara said.

While competition season begins in December, O’Hara said the program’s goals go far beyond trophies.

“We want them to know this is just a platform. They can be a lawyer, a doctor, whatever,” she said. “We don’t want them to let this limit them if cheering is not their end goal.”

The team’s first competition will be held in Gainesville on Dec. 6. Several more events will follow over the coming months before the regular season concludes on March 21 in Fort Lauderdale. According to O’Hara, the April competition is determined by bids won during the season. The goal of Season 2 is to win bids for the Allstars Worlds Championship, and Prep and Rec Grand Nationals Championships.

To help fund the Daytona 500 performance, the teams are selling sponsorships and Daytona 500 tickets.

Glamorous All Star Cheer and Dance selling NASCAR Daytona 500 Tickets

“We are still working hard to get our athletes to the Daytona 500 to perform on the biggest stage ever,” O’Hara said. (Order form is included.)

For information on donations or sponsorships, call O’Hara at 863-419-5151.

2024-25 Competition Results

Spirit Champion, Nov. 2024

1st Place – Rubies

1st Place and Grand Champion – Diamonds

All Out Champion, Dec. 2024

Superior – Gems

3rd Place – Emerald Barbies

1st Place – Sassy Rubies

1st Place – Flossy Diamonds

All Star Cheerleading Championships, Jan. 2025

Superior – Gems

3rd Place – Emerald Barbies

2nd Place – Sassy Rubies

1st Place and Bid Prep and Rec Grand Nationals – Flossy Diamonds

Deep South Spirit, Feb. 2025

Superior – Gems

2nd Place – Emerald Barbies

2nd Place – Sassy Rubies

2nd Place – Glitter Pearls

1st Place and Paid Bid to the All-Star World Championship – Flossy Diamonds

VIP Championship, March 2025

Superior – Gems

1st Place – Emerald Barbies

1st Place – Glitter Pearls

1st Place – Sassy Rubies

Every team won bids to The One Finals

The One Finals, April 2025

2nd Place – Emerald Barbies

3rd Place – Glitter Pearls

2nd Place – Flossy Diamonds

Allstar World Championship, April 2025

4th in the World – Flossy Diamonds

Prep and Rec Grand Nationals, April 2025

1st Place – Flossy Diamonds

Next Level Championship, April 2025

Superior – Gems

1st Place – Emerald Barbies

1st Place – Sassy Rubies

1st Place – Glitter Pearls

1st Place – Flossy Diamonds

Glammy Awards Banquet was held May 17, 2025.

Milk & Cookies with Santa Coming to Bartow Public Library

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Milk & Cookies with Santa Coming to Bartow Public Library

Get ready to kick off the holiday season with a little extra cheer! The Bartow Public Library is hosting Milk and Cookies with Santa on Saturday, December 6 at 10 AM, and families are invited to join the fun. Children will enjoy a festive story read by Santa himself, followed by time for photos, hands-on crafts, and of course—cookies.

Every family who attends will also receive a free book to take home and enjoy during the holiday season.

This event is open to all ages, and no registration is needed. Join the fun at 2150 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL—just bring your holiday spirit!

Lakeland Man Driving Commercial Vehicle Overturns on SR-618 After Near-Miss With Pickup Truck

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Lakeland Man Driving Commercial Vehicle Overturns on SR-618 After Near-Miss With Pickup Truck

A crash on SR-618 in Tampa caused major disruption early Wednesday afternoon after a commercial vehicle overturned near the Channelside exit ramp.

The incident happened on November 19, 2025, at approximately 12:12 p.m. A 48-year-old Lakeland man was driving a commercial vehicle eastbound when a pickup truck abruptly changed lanes in front of him. To avoid a collision, he took evasive action and lost control.

The truck struck a concrete barrier and a light pole before overturning and coming to rest near the exit ramp. Despite the severity of the crash, the driver was not injured.

FHP is reviewing the lane-change maneuver that led to the incident. Traffic delays were reported as crews worked to clear the scene.

In Loving Memory of Norman Lee Borror of Babson Park

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In Loving Memory of Norman Lee Borror of Babson Park

Norman Lee Borror, 88, of Babson Park, FL, passed away November 13, 2025. He was born on June 17, 1937, at the family home in Delaware County, Indiana, to Claude E. and Dessie M. (Lett) Borror. 

Norman served four years in the U.S. Army. He was a carpenter and painter by trade and he loved gardening, canning and playing card games. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Dessie; siblings, Lillian, Geraldine, Raymond, Ralph, and Harold; grandson Derrick Borror. 

Norman is survived by his wife of 39 years, Penny Borror; children, Leanna (Wade) Hite, Tina Honn, Ken Borror, Luci (Alan) Warren, Mark Borror, step-daughters, Lisa Ellis, Tracey Leneave, Laurie (Mark) MacBeath; sixteen grandchildren, twenty five great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren

Traffic Stop in Orange County Leads to Seizure of 46 Pounds of Marijuana

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Traffic Stop in Orange County Leads to Seizure of 46 Pounds of Marijuana

A routine traffic stop in Orange County turned into a major drug bust after troopers discovered 46 pounds of marijuana inside an SUV earlier this week.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the vehicle was first noticed at the intersection of Conroy Road and Vineland Road on Monday afternoon. Troopers said the driver made an improper left turn, crossed multiple lanes, and disrupted traffic, prompting the stop.

The driver, identified as 40-year-old Shuoliang Zhen, told troopers he didn’t have any identification and stated he was renting the SUV. Investigators noted that Zhen appeared visibly nervous, shaking and stuttering when answering questions. The passenger, 35-year-old Yi Wen Chen, sat rigidly and avoided eye contact.

A K-9 unit was brought in, and the dog alerted to the presence of narcotics. A search of the SUV uncovered three large boxes packed with vacuum-sealed bags, each holding about a pound of marijuana.

Both men were arrested on charges of cannabis possession and trafficking. Zhen is being held on a $30,500 bond, and Chen faces the same charges.

Bonded Out… and Back in Trouble: Winter Haven Man Arrested Shortly After Being Bonded Out of Jail

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Bonded Out… and Back in Trouble: Winter Haven Man Arrested Shortly After Being Bonded Out of Jail

A Winter Haven man found himself back in custody after an incident that began shortly after he was bonded out of jail in Hillsborough County.

Deputies say 56-year-old Kevin Cole contacted his ex-girlfriend to bail him out, and she drove to Hillsborough County to secure his release. During the drive back toward Polk County, Cole’s behavior reportedly became erratic.

By the time they reached Davenport, his ex-girlfriend asked him to get out of the vehicle. When he refused, she pulled into a Circle K and called 911 for assistance.

Deputies responding to the scene say Cole began yelling profanities at them and refused to cooperate. His behavior led to him being taken into custody in Polk County.

Authorities noted the situation as an example of how quickly a second chance can be squandered when someone refuses to calm down or follow instructions.

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