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Moms and Sons Create Super Memories at Haines City’s Hero-Themed Dance Night

Carl Fish
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Moms and Sons Create Super Memories at Haines City’s Hero-Themed Dance Night

BY ANITA TODD

HAINES CITY – More than 50 mother-son pairs filled the dance floor at the Mother and Son Night Out Superhero Dance Party, a heartwarming celebration held in honor of the upcoming Mother’s Day. Hosted by Haines City Parks and Recreation, the event took place on Friday, May 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Lake Eva Event Center.

Among the many attendees was Nicci Tymms, who brought her newborn son, Grayson, to share in the special evening. Nicci learned about the dance from her friend Jessica Goyette, who also joined the festivities with her 6-year-old son, Jackson. Both families traveled from Winter Haven to attend.

“We love to dance and dance at home all the time,” Jessica said. “I thought this would be a great chance for us to spend some fun, quality time together.” Jessica is also a mother to a 10-year-old daughter.

Another mom enjoying the night was Tabitha Glenn from Lakeland, who attended with her 8-year-old son, Kameron.

“I found out about the dance and knew right away I wanted to go,” said Tabitha. “I’ve always wanted to attend a mother-and-son dance.” She’s also the proud mom of a 27-year-old son.

Kameron had such a great time that when asked if he was enjoying himself, he could only flash a big thumbs-up before heading back to the dance floor.

The evening featured food, drinks, and music from a DJ spinning classics like “Y.M.C.A.” as colored lights flashed across the dance floor. The venue was filled with laughter, dancing, and unforgettable memories.

Next up from Haines City Parks and Recreation is the Daddy Daughter Dance: Fairy Garden Party, set for Friday, June 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Lake Eva Event Center, in celebration of Father’s Day. To make reservations for the event, call the City of Haines City at 863-421-3600.

Strong Thunderstorms Moving Northeast Through Parts of Polk County

Staff Reporter
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Strong Thunderstorms Moving Northeast Through Parts of Polk County

At 340 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a few strong thunderstorms 10 miles southwest of Bartow, moving north at 30 mph. HAZARD…Wind gusts up to 50 mph and half inch hail. SOURCE…Radar indicated. IMPACT…Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible. Locations impacted include… Homeland, Alafia River State Park, Indian Lake Estates, Crooked Lake Park, Fort Lonesome, Plant City Airport, Wahneta, Winston, Fort Meade, Hillcrest Heights, Avon Park Air Force Range, Bradley Junction, Highland Park, Mulberry, Bartow, Bowling Green, Inwood, Plant City, Highland City, and Medulla.

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Update- The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe limits, and no longer poses an immediate threat to life or property. Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire. However, small hail is still possible with this thunderstorm.

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SVRTBW The National Weather Service in Ruskin has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for… Northern Hardee County in central Florida… Southwestern Polk County in central Florida… * Until 215 PM EDT. * At 146 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 12 miles southwest of Bartow, moving north at 25 mph. HAZARD…60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail. SOURCE…Radar indicated. IMPACT…Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include… Bradley Junction, Homeland, Alturas, Bartow Municipal Airport, Mulberry, Fort Meade, Bartow, Lakeland Highlands, Highland City, and Medulla.

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The National Weather Service Tampa Bay Ruskin has issued a Special Weather Statement for May 10, 2025:

At 138 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms 14 miles northwest of Wauchula, moving northeast at 25 mph. HAZARD…Wind gusts up to 50 mph and penny size hail. SOURCE…Radar indicated. IMPACT…Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible. Locations impacted include… Homeland, Alafia River State Park, Greater Sun Center, Fort Lonesome, Fish Hawk, Plant City Airport, Tampa Executive Airport, Boyette, Wahneta, Winston, Fort Meade, Palm River-Clair Mel, Wimauma, Orient Park, East Lake-Orient Park, Bradley Junction, Mulberry, Little Manatee River State Park, Bartow, and Bowling Green

Strong Storm Located Over Lakeland

Staff Reporter
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Strong Storm Located Over Lakeland

At 808 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Avon Park, moving north at 20 mph. HAZARD…Wind gusts up to 50 mph and penny size hail. SOURCE…Radar indicated. IMPACT…Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible. Locations impacted include… Sebring Regional Airport, Indian Lake Estates, River Ranch, Lorida, Avon Park Air Force Range, Sebring Shores, Sebring, and Avon Park.

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SVRTBW The National Weather Service in Ruskin has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for… Southern Sumter County in central Florida… Northwestern Polk County in central Florida… * Until 600 PM EDT. * At 545 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 11 miles east of Zephyrhills North, or 12 miles east of Zephyrhills, moving northeast at 15 mph. HAZARD…60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE…Radar indicated. IMPACT…Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include… Withla, The Green Swamp, and Rockridge.

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The National Weather Service Tampa Bay Ruskin Florida has issued a special weather statement for May 9, 2025.

At 519 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over Combee Settlement, or over Lakeland, moving northeast at 20 mph. HAZARD…Wind gusts up to 50 mph and penny size hail. SOURCE…Radar indicated. IMPACT…Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible. Locations impacted include… Fussels Corner, Auburndale, Winter Haven Airport, Polk City, Wahneta, Winston, Combee Settlement, Kathleen, Eagle Lake, Lakeland Linder Airport, Mulberry, Inwood, Highland City, Medulla, Dundee, Cypress Gardens, Jan Phyl Village, Gibsonia, Bartow Municipal Airport, and Winter Haven.

City of Winter Haven to Host Ribbon Cutting for Lake Conine Nature Park

Staff Reporter
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City of Winter Haven to Host Ribbon Cutting for Lake Conine Nature Park

Winter Haven, FL — The City of Winter Haven invites the community to celebrate the grand opening of Lake Conine Nature Park with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Lake Conine Nature Park is a scenic and engaging new community space that offers a variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors. The park was thoughtfully designed to support recreation, environmental learning, and community connection.

Parking & Shuttle Information:

Event parking will be available at St. Paul’s Church and the Wilfred Smith Resource Center. Shuttles will provide continuous transportation between these locations and the ribbon cutting site at the park. The shuttles begin at 4:45 p.m.

Below is a map with parking and shuttle details to assist you in planning your visit.

Event Details:

  • What: Lake Conine Nature Park Ribbon Cutting
  • When: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 | 5:30 p.m.
  • Where: Lake Conine Nature Park 
  • Parking: St. Paul’s Church and Wilfred Smith Resource Center (Shuttles provided)
  • Who: Open to the public

Veterinarians Unable to Save Starving Horse; Lakeland Man Faces Multiple Cruelty Charges

Carl Fish
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Veterinarians Unable to Save Starving Horse; Lakeland Man Faces Multiple Cruelty Charges

Agriculture Crimes Unit detectives arrested 63 year old Carl Edward Olinger of north Lakeland on May 6, 2025, after they responded to his property and discovered multiple malnourished horses. Olinger was the custodian of 6 horses located in his pasture. Upon inspection of the pasture all 6 horses were found to be malnourished with ribs and shoulder bones visibly protruding. No food or water was located anywhere in the pasture accessible to the horses. The pasture was primarily dirt with virtually no edible vegetation for the horses.

One of the 6 horses was laying in the pasture, malnourished, immobile, and visibly in pain and discomfort. A licensed veterinarian was immediately contacted and responded to the scene. The horse was determined to have been laying, and unable to stand, for at least a day. After approximately three hours of veterinary care and attempts at assisting the horse to stand, she succumbed to her neglect and abuse. This was determined to be a cruel act by Olinger causing unnecessary pain, suffering, and ultimately death to the horse.

Olinger told deputies that he had not fed the horses in 2 weeks. He was aware all the horses were malnourished and underweight but did nothing to fix the problem. He confirmed the horses were in his care and custody and their well-being was his responsibility.

Olinger was arrested and charged with Aggravated Animal Cruelty, 5 counts of Animal Cruelty, and Animal Abandonment.

The surviving adult horses were impounded and transported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office large animal facility for further evaluation and treatment. One foal was transported for custody and care to Hope Equine Rescue in Winter Haven.

Winter Haven Kiwanis Offering FREE Drowning Prevention program

Staff Reporter
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Winter Haven Kiwanis Offering FREE Drowning Prevention program

Kiwanis Club of Winter Haven –

Kids + Water = FUN… and SAFETY!
Winter Haven Kiwanis is making waves with our Drowning Prevention program! We’re partnering with City of Winter Haven, FL Parks and Recreation department to help local kids learn life-saving swim skills — because every child deserves to be safe in the water.
-FREE swim lessons
-Certified Lifeguards
-Rowdy Gaines Pool
We only have 25 slots available so message us and we will get you our program’s director, David, contact information.

Sheriff Judd: Beating of Mulberry Man by Teens “Sickening to Watch”

Carl Fish
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Sheriff Judd: Beating of Mulberry Man by Teens “Sickening to Watch”

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested four teens for their part in a brutal beating of a 35-year old Mulberry man on Monday, May 5, 2025.

The victim was hospitalized in an intensive care unit with serious injuries to his face, to include a broken nose, broken jaw, multiple lacerations, and swelling.

“The video of the beating is hard to watch. The victim was knocked down with the first punch and rendered defenseless. The suspects continued to attack the man—they pummeled him repeatedly with a sickening rage.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

The attack was initially reported at around 11:40 pm Monday night by the victim’s wife, but the victim was initially uncooperative with the investigation.

PCSO detectives continued to follow-up with the victim, and on May 8th, he discussed details with the investigating deputy. He said that he was talking to a male at a Mulberry car wash (3800 N. Church Avenue), and he was then confronted by four juveniles and beaten. He said that when he woke up, he walked back home.

As the investigation progressed, detectives were able to identify a witness and four suspects, and a cell phone video was obtained that showed the beating. 

The suspects were all arrested on Thursday, May 8th. 

·        Eathan Ryne Simmons, 18, from Mulberry: charged with attempted 2nddegree murder (F2), aggravated battery with bodily harm (F2), rioting (F3), and contributing to the delinquency of a minor (M1).

·        Westlee Austin Davis II, 18, from Mulberry: charged with attempted 2nddegree murder (F2), aggravated battery with bodily harm (F2), rioting (F3), and contributing to the delinquency of a minor (M1).

·        Robert Frerichs, 17, from Mulberry: charged with attempted 2nd degree murder (F2), aggravated battery with bodily harm (F2), and rioting (F3).

·        Dalton Ivory Creach, 19, from Lakeland: charged with rioting (F3) and contributing to the delinquency of a minor (M1).

While being interviewed by detectives, suspects said that they confronted the victim for bothering an autistic friend, and they were protective of him. 

The unknown autistic friend who was with another male were not participants in the attack, but detectives are still working to identify these two males. 

In Loving Memory of Judith A. Simmons

Staff Reporter
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In Loving Memory of Judith A. Simmons

Judith A. Simmons

January 24th, 1946 – May 2nd, 2025

Judith Ann Simmons, affectionately known as Judy or “Maws” to those who loved her most, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2025, in Auburndale, Florida, at the age of 79.  Born on January 24, 1946, in Gainesville, Florida, Judy lived a life rooted in love, family, and simple joys. 

She is survived by her son, Tony Roberts Jr. (Crystal).  Judy was a proud grandmother to Hunter Roberts and Dustin Roberts, and a devoted great-grandmother to Reed Roberts and Faye Roberts. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Linda Waldo, and her brother, Kevin Mann.

Judy was known for her feisty spirit and her honest, tell-it-like-it-is attitude.  She didn’t hold back – and that is what so many people loved about her. Whether offering advice or just speaking her mind, you always knew where you stood with Judy. 

Judy had a joyful spirit and a heart full of love.  She enjoyed playing cards, sharing laughs at Bingo, and surrounding herself with family. Her deep love for Jesus guided her life and was evident in the way she cared for others. Judy’s unwavering presence, loyalty, and deep love for her family will be dearly missed.  Her legacy lives on through those who knew her best and loved her most.

Judy’s Celebration of Life will be held May 10 at the Winter Haven Moose Lodge located at 2305 Havendale Blvd NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881 outside in the pavilion by the lake.  Casual dress.  Food and drinks will be provided. 

Strong Thunderstorm Located Near Bartow, Moving East

Staff Reporter
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Strong Thunderstorm Located Near Bartow, Moving East

UPDATE

At 508 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over Haines City, moving east at 15 mph. HAZARD…Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size hail. SOURCE…Radar indicated. IMPACT…Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible. Locations impacted include… Winter Haven, Haines City, Lake Hamilton, Poinciana, Loughman, Lake Alfred, Davenport, Dundee, Winter Haven Airport, Cypress Gardens, and Auburndale.

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The National Weather Service Tampa Bay Ruskin FL has issued a special weather statement for May 8, 2025:

At 428 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Jan Phyl Village, or near Bartow, moving east at 15 mph. HAZARD…Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size hail. SOURCE…Radar indicated. IMPACT…Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible. Locations impacted include… Alturas, Crooked Lake Park, Fussels Corner, Auburndale, Winter Haven Airport, Haines City, Wahneta, Combee Settlement, Hillcrest Heights, Eagle Lake, Highland Park, Bartow, Inwood, Poinciana, Highland City, Dundee, Cypress Gardens, Lake Wales Municipal Airport, Jan Phyl Village, and Babson Park

Main Street Winter Haven Hosting Bark in the Park Event

Staff Reporter
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Main Street Winter Haven Hosting Bark in the Park Event

Main Street Winter Haven –

Join us in Central & South-Central Park, Downtown Winter Haven, May 9, 2025 from 5:30-8:30 PM for a Pawsitively fun evening with our furry friends! Vendors, Food and lots of tail wagging.

This FREE dog-centric event promises a good tail-wagging time for dogs and their human companions. Explore a variety of dog vendors offering everything from tasty treats to stylish accessories. Always exciting MSWH’s Annual Wiener Dog Race, where these pint-sized pups dash to the finish line in a race for the title of “Fastest Wiener in Town.” And, of course, dogs of all kinds are welcome. We do ask that you keep them on a leash.

For more information or if you would like to be a Bark in the Park vendor please visit our website mainstreetwh.com

Please remember that you must be a “pet vendor” to apply. Please use the same link for food vendors.

If you are interested in being a sponsor with an added level of marketing, please email inquiries to [email protected] or call 863.295.9422.

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