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Welcome, World Travelers! Walt Disney Animatronic Coming to Carousel of Progress

Allison
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Welcome, World Travelers! Walt Disney Animatronic Coming to Carousel of Progress

Welcome, World Travelers! Walt Disney Animatronic Coming to Carousel of Progress

by James Coulter

 

Walt Disney may have passed away five years before Walt Disney World opened, but the founder of the Disney company will soon be making an appearance at the Happiest Place on Earth–albeit through the magic of audio-animatronics.

 

Several big announcements about the Disney parks were made during Destination D23, hosted during the last weekend of August at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Walt Disney World.

 

One exciting announcement, made during the “Creating the Happiest Place on Earth” panel on Sat., Aug. 30, was about a Walt Disney animatronic to be created for the Carousel of Progress attraction in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom.

 

The Carousel of Progress is a unique audio-animatronic show set inside a rotating theater that showcases the technological progress experienced during the 20th century through the life of a single American family.

 

The attraction made its debut at the New York World’s Fair in 1964. It was later showcased at Disneyland from 1967 until 1973, when it moved to its new and current home at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.

 

Since its debut at the World’s Fair, the Carousel of Progress, according to the Disney Parks Blog, “has had more performances than any other stage show in the history of American theater.”

 

As the attraction showcases Walt Disney’s passion for progress and innovation, it’s only fitting that an audio-animatronic representation of the man himself will start the show through a new opening presentation set to debut sometime next year.

 

This will not be the first time Walt Disney has appeared as an audio-animatronic figure at a Disney park. Disneyland introduced its own figure earlier this year on July 17 as part of the attraction “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” to celebrate the park’s 70th anniversary.

 

To ensure historical accuracy, the audio-animatronic figure was created through a collaboration by Disney Imagineering with the Walt Disney Archives and the Walt Disney Family Museum.

 

“We are grateful to The Walt Disney Company and Walt Disney Imagineering for their continued collaboration and ongoing partnership with The Walt Disney Family Museum,” said Kirsten Komoroske, Executive Director of the Walt Disney Family Museum.

 

“The introduction of a new Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney in ‘Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress’ marks an exciting milestone in our shared mission to celebrate the story of the man behind the magic and inspire new generations with his innovations and vision for the future,” she continued. “We appreciate the continued efforts and meticulous care that Imagineering has taken to keep Walt’s legacy alive.”

In Loving Memory of Sally I Bush of Dundee

Allison
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In Loving Memory of Sally I Bush of Dundee

Sally I Bush

June 2nd, 1931 – August 30th, 2025

Sally I. Bush, 94, of Dundee, FL, went to be with the Lord on August 30, 2025. She was born on June 2, 1931, in Troy, NY, to Elmer and Winifred Conley Shupe. Sally moved to Dundee, Florida in 1982 from Syracuse, NY, and was a devoted member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Haines City, FL.

Sally volunteered at St. Ann Catholic Church with the bereavement ministry. She loved golfing, traveling, and boating with her husband Paul. A true dog lover, she especially cherished her dog “Precious.” Sally always made everyone feel at home when visiting and took care of their every need. It was said that her personality was fierce, kind, and sassy—she loved to have a good time and always spoke her mind. She was dearly loved by all her nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Winifred; husband, Paul Bush; siblings, Elmer B. Shupe Jr., James A. Shupe Sr., and Winifred Sabel. Sally leaves behind to cherish her memory her many nieces and nephews, as well as her dear friend, Scott Trombley.

A memorial mass will be held on September 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church in Haines City, FL. Her final resting place will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Haines City, FL.

In her memory, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or to Feeding America at www.feedingamerica.org or mail your donation to 161 N Clark St Suite 700 Chicago, IL 60601

In Loving Memory of Bobby Ray Griffin of Haines City

Allison
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In Loving Memory of Bobby Ray Griffin of Haines City

Bobby Ray Griffin

June 14th, 1950 – September 10th, 2025

Bobby Ray Griffin of Haines City, Florida passed away on September 10, 2025, at his residence. He was 75 years old. He was born on June 14, 1950, in Asheville, North Carolina to Floyd and Gertie May Griffin. 

Bobby is predeceased by his parents, Floyd and Gertie May; his wife, Glenda Faye Griffin as well as his grandsons, Clint and Bobby. He is survived by his sons, Kevin (Renee) Griffin, Bobby Ray (Sue) Griffin; daughters, Kerri Griffin, Crystal (Jason) Rusticus, Tammy Griffin, Tonya (Andrew) Ratliff; grandchildren, Blake (Justin), Maggie, Chace, Jaxen, Robbie, Dalton, Jake, Tanner, Ellis, Taylor, Heather, Haley, Melissa and Landen as well as great grandchildren, Loreli, Jade, Hailey, Ella, Millie, Grace, Aspen, Timbrah, Caleb, Peyton, Brionna, Malachi and Novaleigh. 

A visitation was held Monday, September 15, 2025 at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, Haines City. Final resting place is Evergreen Cemetery in Davenport, Florida.

This Day in History September 18, 1970- Jimi Hendrix Found Dead

Allison
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This Day in History September 18, 1970- Jimi Hendrix Found Dead

The following is an article from history.com:

“On September 18, 1970, 27-year-old rock superstar Jimi Hendrix is found unresponsive by a girlfriend inside London’s Samarkand Hotel in London, England. The guitarist is declared dead on arrival at a local hospital, and a post-mortem finds that he asphyxiated on his own vomit after overdosing on sleeping pills and alcohol.

Photo source history.com

Described by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as “the most gifted instrumentalist of all time,” the electric guitar legend was known for his flamboyant stage presence and ability to play guitar solos between his legs or behind his back. Born Johnny Allen Hendrix in Seattle, Washington, in 1942, the singer-songwriter had a troubled childhood but displayed a keen interest in music that ignited after his father purchased a $5 second-hand acoustic guitar for him. To avoid prison time for riding in stolen cars, Hendrix opted for a plea deal that involved his enlisting as a U.S. Army paratrooper While stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, he formed The King Kasuals with bassist Billy Cox and gigged around the region.

After being discharged, Hendrix performed as a session guitarist with marquee acts such as Sam Cooke, B.B. King and Little Richard. In 1965, he began fronting his own group, Jimmy James and the Blue Flames. Although unable to read or write music, Hendrix went on to develop a revolutionary sound that featured feedback, volume and controlled distortion.

In 1966, aspiring manager Chas Chandler, former bassist for the British rock group the Animals, signed Hendrix after seeing him perform at a small Greenwich Village club. At his urging, Hendrix moved to London, changed his stage name to “Jimi” and formed the Jimi Hendrix Experience with bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell.

The band’s first single, “Hey Joe,” spent 10 weeks on the British charts, and the North American release of their 1967 debut studio album, Are You Experienced, featured the hits “Foxy Lady,” “Purple Haze,” “The Wind Cries Mary” and “Are You Experienced?” Hendrix became an instant sensation in the United States after playing a guitar solo with his teeth at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival and closing his set by lighting his guitar on fire.

Following the 1969 breakup of the band, Hendrix closed the Woodstock Music Festival with an iconic, protest-inspired rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Hendrix reunited with Mitchell and Cox for the 1970 Cry of Love tour, but deepening substance abuse and a mounting legal docket that included a paternity case and recording contract dispute impacted performances. The tour was cut short in September 1970 after his bassist fell ill. Hendrix died 12 days later. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.”

Celebrate National Coffee with a Cop Day in Davenport

Allison
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Celebrate National Coffee with a Cop Day in Davenport


Connect Over Coffee with Local Officers – October 1st

Mark your calendars for a meaningful morning of community connection! On Wednesday, October 1st, from 8:00 to 10:00 AM, the Davenport Police Department invites residents to join them for National Coffee with a Cop Day at the Tom Fellows Community Center, located at 207 North Blvd W, Davenport, FL.

This special event offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere where community members can engage in open, friendly conversations with local police officers—all over a free cup of coffee, generously provided by Dunkin’.

It’s a great opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, or simply get to know the men and women who serve and protect Davenport every day.

Bring a friend, stop in for a chat, and help strengthen the bonds that make our community strong. No agenda—just coffee, conversation, and connection.

Marsh Rabbit Run Trail Reopens at Circle B Bar Reserve

Allison
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Marsh Rabbit Run Trail Reopens at Circle B Bar Reserve

Polk County Parks & Rec- Bartow, Fla. (Sept. 16, 2025) — The Marsh Rabbit Run trail at Circle B Bar Reserve is now open after being closed since July.

The Alligator Alley trail at Circle B Bar Reserve remains partially closed. Visitors can still access the open portion of Alligator Alley up to the dock on Lake Hancock by taking the Shady Oak trail.

Some trails at Circle B Bar Reserve typically close during alligator mating and nesting season in the summer months, a time when alligators become territorial and protective of their nests and young.

Map showing trail closure in a park with highlighted notice about Alligator Alley Trail closure.

For additional information on Circle B Bar Reserve, visit https://www.polk-county.net/park/circle-b-bar-reserve/. Those interested in obtaining additional information on trail closures should contact the Polk County Parks and Natural Resources Division at(863) 668-4673.

Man Nicknamed ‘Gator Gilmore’ After Hitting Gator While Riding Motorcycle on I4

Allison
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Man Nicknamed ‘Gator Gilmore’ After Hitting Gator While Riding Motorcycle on I4

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A motorcycle accident involving an alligator might seem like a scene from a movie, but it was a real and startling incident in Central Florida.

Cameron Gilmore, one of the riders involved, spoke to News 6 from his hospital bed about the frightening crash.

Footage shows the moment Gilmore and another motorcyclist struck an alligator while riding on Interstate 4 (I-4) in Volusia County. The accident happened Saturday near Orange City, as a group of motorcyclists rode together. Two of them ended up hitting the animal.

Screenshot from Crystal Perez video provided to News 6
Screenshot from Crystal Perez video provided to News 6

One rider has already been released from the hospital, but Gilmore remains in recovery and faces a longer road ahead.

“I’m blessed, I was protected,” Gilmore said.

He sustained painful road rash and broke several bones in his foot, but says things could have been much worse.

“I just remember one of my friends swerving, and I’m looking at him swerving, and the gator’s like 10 feet in front of me,” he said.

The video shows the alligator lying across the middle lanes of I-4 as the motorcyclists head toward Sanford. At first, Gilmore thought it was road debris—possibly a piece of a blown truck tire.

“One friend said he looked in his mirror, and when he passed the gator, he saw me hit it, go up in the air, and flip over the handlebars. I hit head first and rolled,” Gilmore recounted.

He also slammed into a tree during the crash.

“They wouldn’t let me up to look, and they wouldn’t let me see the young lady who had wrecked behind me,”Gilmore continued. “They said, ‘You hit an alligator,’ and I was like, ‘What!’”

The woman who also collided with the alligator suffered only minor injuries and has since returned home. Gilmore believes the gear he was wearing made all the difference.

“I had motorcycle pants, a jacket, a really good helmet, and gloves and boots,” he said.

The alligator did survive the impact but was injured. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission responded to the scene and safely captured the animal.

Image source News 6

*News derived from News 6 in June 2025

Saddle Up, Bartow—It’s Time for a Boot Scootin’ Good Time at Friday Fest! 

Allison
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Saddle Up, Bartow—It’s Time for a Boot Scootin’ Good Time at Friday Fest! 

Get ready for a night of Western-style fun as Friday Fest returns to downtown Bartow this Friday, September 19th, from 6–9 PM!

This month’s theme brings all the charm of the Wild West with something for everyone:

-Enjoy live music by George Morris & the Lariat Band
-Learn a few moves with line dancing lessons
-Meet horses, ponies, and donkeys
-Admire rides at the Car & Jeep Show
-Test your aim in cornhole games
-Enter the Best Dressed Cowboy & Cowgirl Contest
-Explore unique finds from local art & craft vendors

Bring the whole family for an evening of food, fun, and festivities under the stars.

Location: Downtown Bartow

Sponsored by Jazzercise Bartow & the Junior Service League of Bartow

It’s going to be a “Boot Scootin’ Good Time”—don’t miss it!

National Hurricane Center Monitoring Two Potential Systems in Atlantic

Allison
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National Hurricane Center Monitoring Two Potential Systems in Atlantic

Wednesday, September 17, 2025 UPDATE

TROPICAL STORM GABRIELLE FORMS OVER THE CENTRAL TROPICAL ATLANTIC… …FORECAST TO REMAIN OVER OPEN WATERS FOR SEVERAL DAYS

*currently no threat expected for Polk County

—————

Tuesday, September 16, 2025 Atlantic Tropical Weather Outlook :

Central Tropical Atlantic (AL92):
Showers and thunderstorms associated with a broad low pressure area located about midway between the Windward Islands and the coast of west Africa have become better organized since yesterday. Environmental conditions are conducive for additional development, and a tropical depression or storm is likely to form in the next day or two as the system moves west-northwestward or northwestward at 10 to 15 mph over the central tropical Atlantic. It has a high (90 percent) chance of formation in the next 48 hours and the next 7 days.

Models predict a turn close to Bermuda early next week.

Eastern Tropical Atlantic:
A tropical wave emerging off the west coast of Africa is producing an area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Some slow development of this system is possible towards the mid to latter part of this week as it moves westward at 15 to 20 mph, moving from the eastern to central portion of the tropical Atlantic. It has a near zero chance of development in the next 48 hours and a low (20 percent) chance in the next 7 days.

Information provided by the National Hurricane Center

65 Yr Old Lakeland Man Struck And Killed On US 98 In Bartow

Carl Fish
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65 Yr Old Lakeland Man Struck And Killed On US 98 In Bartow

A pedestrian was fatally hit by a vehicle in Bartow Monday evening, September 15, 2025, and the crash is being investigated by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

First responders were dispatched at around 7:55 pm to the intersection of US 98 and Lyle Parkway in Bartow. Upon their arrival, the victim was found with fatal injuries. 

The driver of the vehicle that was involved was not injured, and remained at the scene for the investigation.

The victim was a 65-year old male from Lakeland. Traffic Homicide detectives are still working to notify the victim’s next of kin who are out of state. 

According to the preliminary investigation, a 2022 BMW X6 was traveling north in the inside lane of US 98 at about the speed limit of 45 mph. The victim was struck while also occupying the inside lane.

There is no crosswalk at this intersection.

Northbound US 98 was closed for approximately four hours while detectives and forensic investigators remained on scene. 

No criminal charges are anticipated, but the investigation is ongoing.

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