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Here’s a Sneak Peek at Universal’s New Epic Universe Theme Park

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Here’s a Sneak Peek at Universal’s New Epic Universe Theme Park

Here’s a Sneak Peek at Universal’s New Epic Universe Theme Park

by James Coulter

 Universal Florida is set to open its newest park, Epic Universe, a 750-acre theme park with five immersive themed lands.

Take to the stars in Celestial Park and soar through the cosmos on the Stardust Racers coaster.

 Enter a warp pipe into Super Nintendo World and race against Mario and his friends in Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.

 Take up a wand with Harry Potter and defend against the dark arts in the Battle For the Ministry.

 Visit the Isle of Berk from How to Train Your Dragon and take wing as you fly among dragons with Hiccup’s Wing Gliders. 

 And test your courage in Dark Universe as you come face to fearsome face against classic Universal monsters in Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.

 All of these exciting experiences and more await you at Universal’s Epic Universe, set to open on Thur. May 22.

 Recently, on the Chattin on the Ridge podcast, we were joined by local resident Kevin Keift, who had the opportunity to catch a sneak peek of the new park during a preview event.

 Listen to the full podcast here: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/episodes/ep-60-universal-epic-universe-w-kevin-kieft

Winter Haven High Student Wins Tennis State Championship

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Winter Haven High Student Wins Tennis State Championship

Another Winter Haven High School Blue Devil brings home a state title!

High school tennis athletes from all over the state have gathered in Central Florida to compete in the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Tennis State Championships, held at Sanlando Park, Red Bug Lake Park, and Sylvan Lake Park.

Congratulations to Ben Saltman, a junior at WHHS, who recently captured the boys tennis state championship in both singles and doubles. He’s the first Polk County athlete to win the boys singles title since 1998. Way to go, Ben!

Missing Endangered Adult Out of Auburndale

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Missing Endangered Adult Out of Auburndale

MISSING ENDANGER (ADULT)

On May 13, 2025, at approximately 12:30 a.m., Nicholis Lee Goguen (DOB: 02/22/2002), made a post on Facebook, which raised concerns to his friends and family. Goguen left on foot in an unknown direction and had mentioned via Facebook Messenger audio that he had taken a large number of unknown pills. Goguen was last seen wearing a gray tank top, black shorts, gray socks, black sandals, and was carrying an unknown-colored bag.

If you have any information, please contact Detective DiGennaro at 863-965-5555 or by email at [email protected]

Bicyclist Fatally Hit by Car Near Auburndale Monday evening

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Bicyclist Fatally Hit by Car Near Auburndale Monday evening

An adult male on a bicycle was fatally hit by a black 2014 Dodge Charger northeast of Auburndale Monday night, May 12, 2025.

 Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched at about 10:13 pm to the crash on Old Lake Alfred Road, in the vicinity of Keystone Road.

 First responders arrived on scene and determined the bicyclist was deceased.

 The driver of the Charger and his passenger were uninjured and cooperated with the investigation.

 According to the preliminary investigation, the bicyclist was traveling on the edge of Old Lake Alfred Road on a black Hover electric bicycle. It is unknown at this time if the bike’s lights were working at the time of the crash; the bicyclist was wearing dark clothing, but no helmet.

 The Charger was traveling in the same direction as the bicycle, and struck the bike from behind.

 Traffic Homicide detectives do not believe at this time that impairment, speed, or distraction factored in as a cause of the crash, but the investigation is ongoing.

 The identity of the victim has not yet been determined.

 Old Lake Alfred Road was closed for approximately three hours overnight.

Bicyclist in Dark Clothing Fatally Hit By Car Late Monday Night

Carl Fish
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Bicyclist in Dark Clothing Fatally Hit By Car Late Monday Night

A 20-year old man on a bicycle was fatally hit by a black 2014 Dodge Charger northeast of Auburndale Monday night, May 12, 2025.

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched at about 10:13 pm to the crash on Old Lake Alfred Road, in the vicinity of Keystone Road.

First responders arrived on scene and determined the bicyclist was deceased. 

The driver of the Charger and his passenger were uninjured and cooperated with the investigation.

According to the preliminary investigation, the bicyclist was traveling on the edge of Old Lake Alfred Road on a black Hover electric bicycle. It is unknown at this time if the bike’s lights were working at the time of the crash; the bicyclist was wearing dark clothing, but no helmet.

The Charger was traveling in the same direction as the bicycle, and struck the bike from behind.

Traffic Homicide detectives do not believe at this time that impairment, speed, or distraction factored in as a cause of the crash, but the investigation is ongoing. 

The identity of the victim has not yet been determined.

Old Lake Alfred Road was closed for approximately three hours overnight.

United Way of Central Florida to Host Annual Celebration Luncheon on May 13 

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United Way of Central Florida to Host Annual Celebration Luncheon on May 13 

United Way of Central Florida will host its Annual Celebration Luncheon to highlight the organization’s impact over the past year, share updates on its work with ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families, and honor outstanding community volunteers with annual awards. 

Tuesday, May 13, 2025 

11:15 a.m. — 1:00 p.m. 

Bonnet Springs Park Event Center 

900 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland, FL 

Event Highlights: 

  • A recap of United Way’s 2024 accomplishments presented by Board Chair and State Attorney Brian Haas 
  • An update on support for ALICE families 
  • Award presentations recognizing key volunteers and community champions 
  • A look ahead from incoming Board Chair Jonathan Crain  

Award Recipients (to be announced after 1:00 p.m. on May 13): 

Citizen of the Year: Greg Littleton

Celebrated for over a decade of leadership and passionate support for the mission of United Way of Central Florida. 

George W. Jenkins Outstanding Volunteer: Michael Tamney 

Honored for over 20 years of service, leadership on the board of directors, and ongoing commitment to the Community Investment process. 

Carol Jenkins Barnett Child Advocacy Award: Cheryl Kelly 

Recognized for a legacy of championing early childhood education through her work with the Early Learning Coalition and key educational initiatives. 

Difference-Maker Award: Kaleigh Avian 

Acknowledged for her dynamic leadership and unwavering volunteer spirit through roles in EMERGE, Junior League of Greater Lakeland, and United Way’s Young Leaders Society.

Philanthropist of the Year: Em & Dr. Glen Barden 

Recognized for their lifelong dedication to service, generosity, and global humanitarian aid. From providing critical medical care in disaster-stricken regions to serving locally through United Way of Central Florida, Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine, and generous financial contributions. Their reach is deeply meaningful and demonstrates a lifelong commitment to philanthropy.  

Man Arrested After Violent Struggle With Deputies and Emergency Personnel in Poinciana

Carl Fish
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Man Arrested After Violent Struggle With Deputies and Emergency Personnel in Poinciana

POINCIANA, Fla. — A man was arrested on multiple charges following a violent altercation with deputies and emergency responders on May 6, 2025, in the area of Bell Tower Crossing West and Sienna Drive, authorities said.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, arrest affidavit, Deputy Sheriff Black responded to a report of a male experiencing a possible seizure on the roadside. Upon arrival, the deputy encountered Elijah Harrison Howard lying on the ground, holding a syringe. When asked to drop the syringe, Howard initially refused but eventually complied after repeated commands.

Deputy Black instructed Howard to place his hands behind his back. While Howard initially appeared to comply, he suddenly turned and charged at the deputy. In response, the deputy deployed his agency-issued Taser, striking Howard in the lower abdomen, but it was ineffective. Howard then allegedly tore the Taser from his body and wrestled it away from the deputy.

Howard reportedly punched Deputy Black in the face, causing a nosebleed, and continued to resist arrest. Additional emergency personnel arrived to assist, during which Howard allegedly attempted to attack them by kicking, scratching, spitting, and trying to bite.

Deputy Sheriff Matos and another deputy arrived shortly after and found Howard still resisting violently. Despite multiple attempts to subdue him, Howard allegedly continued to kick and swing at responders. Due to his aggressive behavior, an emergency sedative was administered. Authorities were eventually able to place him in handcuffs and transport him to Poinciana Medical Center for treatment.

Howard now faces multiple charges, including three counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, five counts of battery on a firefighter, three counts of resisting with violence, and three counts of resisting without violence.

Lakeland Tragedy: Driver Shot, Crashes Into Home — Innocent Bystander on Scooter Killed

Carl Fish
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Lakeland Tragedy: Driver Shot, Crashes Into Home — Innocent Bystander on Scooter Killed

A violent and tragic chain of events in Lakeland on Monday, May 12, 2025, claimed two lives — including that of an innocent bystander — after a shooting led to a high-speed crash into a home. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd shared details during a 5 PM press conference streamed live from the scene.

Around 1:30 PM, 19-year-old Davin Boutwell of Mulberry was driving a white Mercedes through the Secret Cove subdivision off Reynolds Road. Witnesses reported that Boutwell briefly interacted with individuals on Pirates Way before suddenly accelerating at high speed and crashing into a residential home.

When deputies arrived, they found the Mercedes embedded in the structure. Boutwell was pulled from the vehicle with a gunshot wound to the chest. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Tragically, a second victim was found underneath the car. Authorities identified him as 38-year-old Nathaniel Jones of Lakeland, who had been riding a scooter when he was struck by the Mercedes and thrown into the home. He died instantly.

According to Sheriff Judd, Boutwell had distinctive tattoos, including “The world is yours” on his chest and “Life is a gamble” on his hand. Inside the vehicle, deputies discovered two gallon-sized bags of marijuana and a large sum of cash.

Detectives believe one of the individuals who approached Boutwell’s car shortly before the crash is responsible for the shooting. The incident is being investigated as a double homicide.

Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Auburndale Library Sponsoring Special Guest Performances This Summer

Staff Reporter
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Auburndale Library Sponsoring Special Guest Performances This Summer

Auburndale Public Library:

Mark your calendars! The Auburndale Library is sponsoring special guests this summer! Join us at the Auburndale Civic Center to enjoy the performances.

Thursday, June 19, 2:00PM – MENESTRELLI CIRCUS DOG SHOW

Thursday, July 10, 2:00PM – MR. TOMMY’S & GIGI’S MUSICAL SHOW

Thursday, July 17, 2:00PM – BIG IDEA ENTERTAINMENT MAGIC SHOW

For more information, please call the Auburndale Library at (863) 965-5548.

In Loving Memory of Carmen “Macky” J Valle Hieber

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In Loving Memory of Carmen “Macky” J Valle Hieber

Carmen “Macky” J Valle Hieber

April 30th, 1938 – May 1st, 2025

Carmen Hieber, a kind and generous soul whose love and compassion touched everyone she met, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025, surrounded by the deep love of her family. She was 87 years and one day old.

Born on April 30, 1938, in San Sebastián, Puerto Rico, Carmen was the cherished daughter of Justo Valle and Juana Lassus. She lived a life defined by quiet strength, grace, and a heart full of unconditional love. A gifted hairdresser, a talented cook, a patient Spanish tutor, and a devoted wife and mother — Carmen gave freely of herself to everyone around her. Her empathy was boundless. “Siéntate aquí y cuéntame qué te pasó,” she would often say — “Sit here and tell me what happened.” She listened without judgment, cared without condition, and prayed daily for the well-being of others, often going through a long list of names one by one.

Carmen’s greatest joy was her family. She raised her sons, Walter and David, with boundless love, quiet faith, and an unwavering belief in their potential. To them, she was their biggest fan — “¡Campeón!” she’d cheer — their guiding light, and their constant comfort. She was funny, patient, and giving — always more concerned with others’ happiness than her own.

Her courage was immense. In the early years of her marriage, she left her home in Puerto Rico and moved to the deserts of Arizona to raise her family — her husband and two babies, and a lot of rattlesnakes. With just one year of college, a beautician’s certificate, and deep faith in God, Carmen built a life rooted in resilience, love, and quiet heroism. In the early 1980s, the family moved to Florida, where she lived the remainder of her life.

Carmen is survived by her devoted husband, Paul Hieber, and her sons, Walter C. Hieber and David C. Hieber. Her memory will live on in the countless lives she touched, the meals she lovingly prepared, the prayers she whispered for others, and the joy she so freely gave.

A celebration of her life will be held at Cypress Ridge Presbyterian Church on Saturday May 17th, 2025 at 2PM EST, with Pastor Rodney Barton officiating. All who knew Carmen — friends, family, clients, and neighbors — are invited to join in remembering a truly beautiful soul.

Cypress Ridge Presbyterian Church Address is : 6230 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33884

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