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Cheryl Williams Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of Deputy Blane Lane

Carl Fish
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Cheryl Williams Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of Deputy Blane Lane

Nearly three years after Polk County Deputy Blane Lane was shot and killed in the line of duty, the woman convicted of his murder learned on Friday that she will spend the rest of her life behind bars.

On October 4, 2022, Deputy Lane was helping serve a felony warrant in Polk City when the suspect, Cheryl Williams, pulled what was later determined to be a very realistic-looking BB gun.

Deputies fired, striking Williams, but also striking Lane, who was outside watching a potential escape door.

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Lane, a Mulberry High School graduate who was only 21 years old, died at the hospital. He was the father of three children, including one he never had the chance to meet.

You can read our original report on his death here: Death of Deputy Blane Lane

Williams was charged with second-degree murder of a law enforcement officer under Florida law, which holds suspects responsible when their actions cause a death during the commission of certain crimes.

Last week, a jury found Williams guilty of murder, resisting an officer without violence, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of methamphetamine.

On Friday, a judge sentenced Williams to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

“Fool Around and Find Out – Again” – Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrests 246 suspects during seven-day human trafficking and sexual predator enforcement operation

Carl Fish
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“Fool Around and Find Out – Again” – Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrests 246 suspects during seven-day human trafficking and sexual predator enforcement operation

During a seven-day-long undercover human trafficking operation, which began on September 8, 2025, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 230 suspects involved in illegal acts related to soliciting prostitutes, offering to commit prostitution, or aiding/abetting or transporting prostitutes; at the same time, detectives worked with partnering agencies to arrest child sexual predators and charged an additional 16 suspects who traveled to an undercover location to have sex with who they thought were children or solicited children online. 

Human trafficking investigation:

PCSO detectives were joined by investigators from the Department of Homeland Security, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Division, Florida Department of Financial Services, Auburndale P.D., Bartow P.D., Davenport P.D., Haines City P.D., Lake Wales P.D., Winter Haven P.D., Zephyrhills P.D., and the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office; and supported by Attorney General James Uthmeier Office of Statewide Prosecution, and the State Attorney for the 10th Judicial Circuit Brian Haas.

Members from the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Florida Department of Health Child Protection, and social services organizations One More Child, My Name My Voice, and Heartland for Children were also embedded with detectives and investigators during the entirety of the investigation. 

The 111 suspects who travelled to commit prostitution were screened by detectives and the social services organizations to determine if they were being trafficked or exploited by others, and were offered services by the social services organizations at the operation. During this investigation, 10 possible human trafficking victims were identified.

There were 99 suspects arrested for soliciting a prostitute and traveling to the undercover location to negotiate having sex in exchange for money. Twenty (20) other suspects were arrested for aiding/abetting, transporting, or deriving proceeds from prostitutes, or other criminal charges.

Detectives charged a total of 89 felonies and 282 misdemeanors (371 total charges) during the investigation. The suspects’ prior criminal histories included a combined total of 317 felonies and 389 misdemeanors (706 total charges).

“The online prostitution industry enables and empowers human traffickers, allowing them to profit off the people they exploit. Our goal is to identify victims, offer them help, and arrest those who are fueling the exploitation of human beings (Johns) and those profiting from the exploitation of human beings. Prostitution is not a victimless crime – it results in human exploitation, misery, disease, dysfunction, drug and alcohol addiction, violence, and broken families.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

“Human traffickers are vile predators who exploit the vulnerable, and once again, a disproportionate number of those arrested in this sting were illegal aliens,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Here in Florida, we will not give these traffickers the opportunity to destroy more lives.”

Some interesting notes from the operation: 

  • 46 are in the United States illegally from the following countries: Bahamas, Brazil, China, Colombia, Cuba, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela
  • 182 are from outside Polk County, including visiting from 11 different states/Puerto Rico
  • 5 said they were receiving government assistance
  • 26 said they were married
  • The youngest suspect is 18; the oldest is67 years old.
  • 15 firearms were brought to the location by different suspects; one was stolen
  • 32 people were charged with possession of narcotics
  • 16 suspects had prior prostitution charges, from 7 prior PCSO undercover operations

Sexual predator investigation:

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office conducted a joint-agency investigation focusing on those who prey upon and travel to meet and sexually batter and rape children from September 8th through 14th, 2025, during which 15 men were arrested for multiple felonies; detectives obtained an arrest warrant for one other suspect. PCSO detectives were joined by detectives from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Bloomington (MN) Police, Auburndale Police, Davenport Police, Lake City Police, Pinellas Park Police, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and detectives assigned to a Homeland Security Investigations task force.

The suspects communicated with and solicited who they thought were children or guardians of children online. Fourteen suspects showed up to an undercover location in Polk County at separate times to sexually batter children.Three of the 14 suspects were charged with human trafficking, for offering to pay an adult to have sex with their child. 

Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for a Lake Placid man (the 15th suspect) who solicited who he thought was a child’s parent, offering to pay to commit sex acts with a child. That suspect, Robert Hill, was arrested in Highlands County on September 18, 2025.

 “It is extremely disturbing when we encounter nasty child predators like these who are very eager to have sex with children. This is why we conduct these types of undercover operations. Keeping children safe is our number one priority, and we appreciate our partnering agencies, without whom we would not be as successful in apprehending these dangerous offenders.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

SUSPECTS ARRESTED:

1. 48-year-old Alberto Gonzalez Torres, DOB 5/8/1977, of Saint Cloud, FL. Torres sent social media messages to an undercover detective who was posing as a 15-year-old boy. He told the UC that he was 40 years old and was explicit in describing the sex acts he wanted to perform on the child. He sent the UC nude photos. When he showed up to the undercover location he was placed under arrest. 

Torres was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

·        Traveling to meet a minor (F2)

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

·        Use of computer to seduce a child (F3)

·        Transmission of material harmful to a minor (F3)

·        Attempted lewd/lascivious battery on a minor (F3)

·        Knowingly driving with suspended license (M1)

2. 62-year-old Louie Macalinao, DOB 3/9/1963, of Davenport, FL. Macalinao sent social media messages to an undercover detective posing as a 15-year-old boy. Cooper’s online dating profile says he is a “daddy looking for a younger boy.” He sent explicit sexual messages describing what he wanted to do with the boy, and said that he would be patient. He drove to the undercover location and resisted arrest. He told detectives that he has been married for 30 years and has children and grandchildren. He said that he is the CEO of Heritage ALF, Inc. in Plant City, an assisted living facility for Alzheimer’s patients. 

Macalinao was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

·        Traveling to meet a minor (F2)

·        Attempted lewd/lascivious conduct by person over 18 (F2)

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

·        Use of computer to seduce a child (F3)

·        Resisting arrest (M1)

3. 33-year-old Anthony Ramos, Jr., DOB 8/9/1992, of Winter Haven, FL. Ramos sent social media messages to an undercover detective posing as a 15-year-old boy. He repeatedly asked the UC to send nude pictures to him. He sent explicit messages describing the sex acts he wanted to perform. When he arrived at the undercover location, he was taken into custody without incident.

Ramos was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

·        Use of computer to seduce a child (F3)

·        Allowing child to engage in sex (F3)

4. 30-year-old Cameron Francis, DOB 1/20/1995, of Clearwater, FL. Francis repeatedly asked an undercover detective who was posing as a 14-year-old girl to be in a relationship with him. He had a sexually charged conversation with the UC, and sent two nude photos, telling her, “age doesn’t matter.” When he arrived at the undercover location with a 24-pack of condoms, he was taken into custody.

Francis was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

·        Traveling to meet a minor (F2)

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

·        Use of computer to seduce a child (F3)

·        Two counts transmission of material harmful to minor (F3)

·        Attempted lewd/lascivious conduct by person over 18 (F2)

5. 39-year-old Hugo Dos Santos, DOB 2/6/1986, of Kissimmee, FL. Dos Santos sent social media messages to an undercover detective posing as a 15-year-old boy. He sent explicit messages describing the sex acts he wanted to perform. When he arrived at the undercover location, with condoms, he was taken into custody without incident.

Dos Santos was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

·        Traveling to meet a minor (F2)

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

·        Use of computer to seduce a child (F3)

·        Transmission of material harmful to minor (F3)

·        Attempted lewd/lascivious conduct by person over 18 (F2)

6. 30-year-old Jamal Jones, DOB 12/15/1994, of Osceola, FL. Jones sent social media messages to an undercover detective posing as a 15-year-old boy. He sent explicit messages describing the sex acts he wanted to perform. When he arrived at the undercover location, he was taken into custody without incident.

Jones was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

·        Traveling to meet a minor (F2)

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

·        Use of computer to seduce a child (F3)

·        Attempted lewd/lascivious conduct by person over 18 (F2)

7. 51-year-old Alier Aponte Rosa, DOB 1/5/1974, of Kissimmee, FL. Aponte Rosa sent social media messages to an undercover detective posing as a 15-year-old boy. He sent explicit messages describing the sex acts he wanted to perform. When he arrived at the undercover location, he fought detectives who were taking him into custody and continued to actively resist them.

Aponte Rosa was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

·        Traveling to meet a minor (F2)

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

·        Use of computer to seduce a child (F3)

·        Attempted lewd/lascivious conduct by person over 18 (F2)

·        Battery on LEO (F3)

·        Resisting arrest with violence (F3)

·        Resisting arrest without violence (M1)

8. 40-year-old Trey Taunton, DOB 8/30/1985, of Minneola, FL. Taunton sent social media messages to an undercover detective posing as a 15-year-old boy. He told the UC that he is 35 years old (not 40). He sent explicit messages describing the sex acts he wanted to perform. When he arrived at the undercover location, he was taken into custody without incident. He told detectives that he is a psychotherapist for Family Life Counseling and mainly works with young adults, and that prior to his current position, he was a swim coach and guidance counselor at Montverde Academy in Lake County.

Taunton was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

·        Traveling to meet a minor (F2)

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

·        Use of computer to seduce a child (F3)

·        Attempted lewd/lascivious conduct by person over 18 (F2)

·        Misrepresenting age (F2)

9. 33-year-old Bharat Baichan, DOB 7/22/1992, of Davenport, FL. Baichan sent social media messages to an undercover detective posing as a 14-year-old girl. He told the UC that he is 30 years old (not 33). He sent explicit messages describing the sex acts he wanted to perform. When he arrived at the undercover location, with condoms, he was taken into custody without incident.

Baichan was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

·        Traveling to meet a minor (F2)

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

·        Attempted lewd/lascivious conduct by person over 18 (F2)

·        Misrepresenting age (F2)

10.         42-year-old Daniel Napoline, DOB 1/26/1983, of Clermont, FL. Napoline sent social media messages to an undercover detective posing as a 15-year-old boy. He sent explicit messages describing the sex acts he wanted to perform. When he arrived at the undercover location, he was taken into custody without incident.

Napoline was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

·        Traveling to meet a minor (F2)

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

·        Attempted lewd/lascivious conduct by person over 18 (F2)

11.         26-year-old Spencer Englehardt, DOB 4/20/1999, of Minneola, FL. Englehardt sent social media messages to an undercover detective posing as a father of a 13-year-old girl. He told the UC that he would pay $100 for 90 minutes of sex with the child. He told the UC that he is 24 years old (not 26). He sent explicit messages describing the sex acts he wanted to perform. When he arrived at the undercover location, he was taken into custody without incident.

Englehardt was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

·        Human trafficking (F1)

·        Traveling to meet a minor (F2)

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

·        Attempted lewd/lascivious conduct by person over 18 (F2)

·        Misrepresenting age (F2)

12.         23-year-old Detraun Vaughan, DOB 3/16/2002, of Kissimmee, FL. Vaughan sent social media messages to an undercover detective posing as a 14-year-old girl. He sent explicit messages describing the sex acts he wanted to perform. When he arrived at the undercover location, with marijuana and cocaine, he was taken into custody without incident.

Vaughan was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

·        Traveling to meet a minor (F2)

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

·        Attempted lewd/lascivious conduct by person over 18 (F2)

·        Possession of cocaine (F3)

·        Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (F3)

·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

13.         31-year-old Christopher Williams,DOB 11/4/1993, of Orlando, FL. Williams sent social media messages to an undercover detective posing as a father of a 13-year-old girl. He told the UC that he would pay $70 to have sex with the child. He sent explicit messages describing the sex acts he wanted to perform. When he arrived at the undercover location, with condoms, he actively resisted detectives’ efforts to take him into custody.

Williams was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

·        Human trafficking (F1)

·        Traveling to meet a minor (F2)

·        Use of computer to solicit guardian (F3)

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

·        Attempted lewd/lascivious conduct by person over 18 (F2)

·        Escape (F3)

·        Resisting arrest (M1)

14.         50-year-old Jerry Siniard, DOB 1/1/1975, of Orlando, FL. Siniard sent social media messages to an undercover detective posing as a father of a 13-year-old girl. He told the UC that he would pay $70 plus some meth to have sex with the child. He sent explicit messages describing the sex acts he wanted to perform. When he arrived at the undercover location, he actively resisted detectives’ efforts to take him into custody.

Siniard was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

·        Human trafficking (F1)

·        Traveling to meet a minor (F2)

·        Use of computer to solicit guardian (F3)

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

·        Attempted lewd/lascivious conduct by person over 18 (F2)

·        Possession of meth with intent to sell (F2)

15.         56-year-old Robert Vincent Hill III,DOB 3/31/1969, of Lake Placid, FL. Hill sent social media messages to an undercover detective posing as a father of a 13-year-old girl. He told the UC that he would pay $200 to give erotic massages to the child and show her how to feel like a woman. Detectives learned that he is a Sergeant for the Florida Department of Corrections and lives in Highlands County. They obtained a warrant for his arrest, and he was taken into custody on the warrant on September 18th.

Hill was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

·        Use of computer to solicit guardian (F3)

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

WANTED:

Kyle Mullen, DOB 7/16/1989, of Jacksonville, FL. Mullen solicited an undercover detective posing as a 12-year-old girl online, and sent the UC a nude photo. Detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest, charging him with transmission of material harmful to a minor (F3) and use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3).

Haines City Named One of Polk’s Best Places to Work for Third Straight Year

Staff Reporter
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Haines City Named One of Polk’s Best Places to Work for Third Straight Year

By Anita Todd

HAINES CITY – The City of Haines City has once again been recognized as one of CareerSource Polk’s Best Places to Work in Polk County for 2024.

Although the honorees were announced in August, CareerSource Polk President and CEO Stacy Campbell-Domineck formally shared the news with City Commissioners during their Sept. 4 meeting.

“I commend you because that process requires a very extensive application, but the most important piece is the feedback from at least 25 percent of the individuals who work here,” Campbell-Domineck told commissioners.

Haines City was one of 20 businesses to earn the distinction. The application process evaluates three key areas: the application itself, employee survey results, and input from judges. Questions focus on an employer’s commitment to workplace diversity, work/life balance, workforce education, training and development, employee recruitment, and retention. Applicants may also highlight what sets them apart from other organizations.

As part of the process, employees complete a confidential survey about their workplace satisfaction, including how well their employer supports work-life balance.

“This isn’t about what charities a company donates to,” explained Kathy Suttles, Director of the Business Services Division for CareerSource Polk. “We are interested in how they treat their employees – things like work/home balance and good things they do for their employees.”

Chandra Hall, Director of Human Resources for Haines City, said city leaders are proud of the recognition but remain focused on continued growth.

“We do not present as being a perfect organization, but an organization in progress that is committed to listening to the concerns expressed by employees and working on a strategic plan to address where we are and where we want to be as an award-winning company.”

Hall added that the feedback collected during the process guides ongoing improvements.

“We are a fast-growing city with a small-town feel working to create innovative ways to attract, retain, and engage our employees as we serve the citizens of this community. Having an understanding that with this growth comes a huge responsibility for us to adapt, develop, improve, and reinforce our structures, processes, and strategies is critical. As a result of this understanding, the City strives to achieve greater success in all that we do year after year. It is certainly not a quick fix, but a strategy that requires hard work and time.”

This marks the third consecutive year Haines City has received the honor, making it eligible for Employer of Distinction designation.

Davenport’s Second Annual Senior Expo

Allison
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Davenport’s Second Annual Senior Expo

Did you know seniors in Polk County are one of the fastest-growing age groups in Florida?

As the senior population continues to grow, so does the need for community, resources, and support tailored to their unique needs. That’s why you won’t want to miss the 2nd Annual Davenport Senior Expo — a free event dedicated to celebrating and supporting our vibrant senior community.

Join the City of Davenport at the Senior Expo to discover resources, services, and connections designed to support you and your loved ones.

Enjoy a fun-filled day featuring:

  • Informational booths
  • Free snacks and giveaways
  • Music, sunshine, and prizes
  • Educational resources

Wednesday, September 24th
10 AM – 2 PM

Tom Fellows Community Center
207 North Blvd. West
Davenport, FL 33837

This is a free event, open to all seniors, caregivers, and families. Make plans to attend — and invite a neighbor or family member to join in the fun!

For more information, call: 863-588-1130

Daughters of the American Revolution Proclaim Constitution Week in Dundee

Staff Reporter
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Daughters of the American Revolution Proclaim Constitution Week in Dundee

by: Capers Gay

Last week, the Ponce de Leon chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) gave a proclamation for Constitution Week over in Dundee. The group is a nationwide non-profit volunteer organization comprised of women who can prove lineal ancestry to those who participated in the Revolutionary War. Their mission is to honor and preserve American history and educate others about it.

Constitution Week is just one initiative in that mission. Running from September 17th to the 23rd, the week is meant to honor the American Constitution. Laura Stokes, a member of the Ponce de Leon chapter had this to say, “Constitution Week should serve as a reminder that we are one Country United and our forefathers made sacrifices to ensure our rights as citizens.” The celebration dates back to 1955, when DAR lobbied Congress to declare the week-long observance, which eventually was signed into law the following year.

This initiative is nationwide as anyone can request their local communities to proclaim Constitution Week, just as Laura Stokes did in Dundee. The Ponce de Leon chapter celebrate Constitution Week annually with the Bells Across America and 2025 was no exception. At the First Baptist Church in Winter Haven, the chapter rang their bells triumphantly to commence Constitution Week.

PCSO Hosting Combo Active Assailant Preparation Program/Firearms Safety Class

Allison
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PCSO Hosting Combo Active Assailant Preparation Program/Firearms Safety Class

The PCSO will be hosting a combo Active Assailant Preparation Program/Firearms Safety Class which includes the Concealed Weapons Permit AND best practices on how to prepare for, prevent, or respond to an active assailant.

The class is scheduled for Saturday, October 4th from 8 am – 1 pm.

This program is taught by highly trained PCSO law enforcement professionals. It provides:

The requirements directed by the Florida Department of Agriculture as part of an application to obtain a concealed weapons permit; And an overview of active shooter incidents and best practices about how to prepare for, prevent and respond to an active assailant at your church, business, or another venue.

The “Run, Hide, Fight” training model will be covered, including tactics and strategies of what to do when law enforcement arrives. Instructors will also discuss the potential role of Florida concealed weapon license holders and the legal justification of “lethal engagement” with an active assailant.

**This class will include firearm use or training and is taught by instructors at the PCSO Burnham-McCall Training Center.

IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND this Active Assailant Preparation Program YOU MUST CALL 863-298-6242 during normal office hours (Mon-Fri, 8-5) to reserve your spot. There are only 40 spots per class so call now before they fill up.

Cost of the class is $70; proceeds go to Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc., and the cost is non-refundable.

Students must bring their own ammunition; if a student does not have ammo, it may be purchased from PCSO for $12.50.

The concealed weapon permit class is from 8:00 a.m. to noon, followed by a 1.5 hour active assailant preparation training.

Once the program is completed, the student will receive a certificate of completion, to include in their permit application. Each student will also receive an application packet with instructions on how to apply, through the Florida Department of Agriculture.

CLASS REQUIREMENTS:

Students shall not wear loose hanging clothing and shall wear close-toed shoes. Each student will be required to provide the following:

1- A modern manufacture firearm capable of using modern ammunition.

2- 50 rounds of clean modern manufacture ammunition for the firearm that is brought.

3- Modern manufacture protective eye-wear designed for a shooting environment.

4- Modern manufacture hearing protection designed for a shooting environment.

5- Adequate sun protection. (i.e. hat, long-sleeved shirt, sunscreen)

6- Adequate hydration for extended outdoor activity.

Any questions about this course? Please call 863-534-7200 during normal office hours and ask to speak with Sergeant Daniel Bennett or Sergeant Keith Caratsole.

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.”

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