Special weather statement issued by NWS: At 708 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7 miles southwest of Lake Kissimmee, moving east at 20 mph. HAZARD…Half inch hail. SOURCE…Radar indicated. IMPACT…Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible. Locations impacted include… Indian Lake Estates, River Ranch, Avon Park Air Force Range, Avon Park, Sebring Shores, Babson Park, Frostproof, and Sebring.
March 23rd, 1949 – March 28th, 2025
The Reverend Rick Van Clief, Pastor of Grace Baptist Church, Winter Haven, went to be with his Lord and Savior, March 28, 2025, at Good Shepherd Hospice, Auburndale.
Born March 23, 1949, John Richard Dirck Van Clief Junior was the eldest son of J.R. Dirck Van Clief Senior and Jane Lee Stanley. A third generation native, Rick was the grandson of business pioneers O.C. and Susie White Stanley, of Bartow and William Carroll and Margaret Van Clief of Bridgehampton Long Island.
The 1950s was an ideal place for Rick and his brothers David, Paul and Andrew to grow up. Society was a lot safer for little boys to ride bikes, swim, fish, hunt and explore from sunrise to dusk. Their escapades often went undetected by their mother but made lively dinner conversations decades later.
Rick graduated from Winter Haven High School where he participated in band under the direction of legendary Roy Wood. The 1960s and ‘70s were turbulent times for our country and Rick was ready to do his part. Lt. J.R.D. Van Clief was the Commanding Officer for the 47th Scout Dog Platoon, 101st Airborne Rangers, stationed at Phu Bai Vietnam, and remained so until the unit was given orders to stand down. He was the last man out, after reassigning all handlers and dogs. Army rules were different then and his only regret was that he could not bring his partner, “Rolfe” home with him.
Never one to ignore a need he could address, Rick stepped into the role of Youth Minister at Calvary Baptist Church Winter Haven with his typical “all-or-nothing” philosophy. Bible Studies, youth retreats and fund raisers were equally important as canoe trips, scavenger hunts and Underground Church. His most effective outreach took place in the kitchen as cinnamon rolls quickly became the main event every Friday night.
After graduation from [then] Polk Community College and the University of South Florida College of Engineering, Rick worked for several engineering firms, the most notably Jacobs International Engineering. He was part of the team contracted for work designing recovery docks for NASA at Kennedy Space Center. Work automatically came to a complete halt when curious alligators and manatees became a minor job hazard.
With a wide range of gifts and interests Rick’s activities were as varied as the weather. He raced bicycles, built and rode motorcycles, designed and flew radio controlled airplanes, fly fished, jumped out of real airplanes, water-skied, scuba dived, played softball, collected yoyos and fishing reels, built his own canoe paddles and tackled the earliest AutoCad programs as technology moved beyond the drafting board.
God’s Call upon his life was as much a surprise to Rick as to others. He packed up his wife and young son and went to Louisville KY. He graduated from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree. The greatest education in seminary does not come in the classroom. Those were good times and hard times. He pastored Cane Run General Baptist Church and also worked for a high-end architect whose work sometimes appeared in Southern Living. He studied and worked and sometimes slept and actually walked to school in the snow. Through it all Rick’s heart belonged to his Lord, Jesus Christ. But home always beckoned
In his 20 years as Pastor at Grace Baptist Church he considered a five block radius surrounding the Church “his neighborhood”. Most afternoons he was a familiar sight standing on the corner of 2nd Street SE and Avenue G SE watching the kids get off the school bus and waving at folks as they drove home. What neighborhood folks remember best are his evening walks talking to people working in their yards or sitting on their porches. As the church building aged he could often be spotted on the Sanctuary’s flat roof patching leaks.
In addition to his parents, and grandparents Rick was predeceased by his brother David Van Clief of Loudon County Virginia and a daughter Amanda K. Miller of Winter Haven. He is survived by his wife of forty one years, Judy and sons Dirck Van Clief III (Melissa) of Bartow and Shawn M. Smith (Tonya) of Winter Haven. He is survived by his brothers Paul Van Clief and Andrew Van Clief (Debbie) both of Winter Haven.
Rick is survived by 9 grandchildren: Gregory (Meredith) Manley; Benjamin (Laura Beth) Smith of Valdosta, GA; Ryan (Meelisa) Smith; Spencer (Mary) Miller; Maelee Smith; Specialist Noah (Chelsey) Smith, U.S Army; Aiden Miller all of Winter Haven; John Michael Van Clief and Lydia Rose Van Clief of Bartow. And he is blessed with four beautiful great-granddaughters, Madison Manley, Kallie Grace Smith, Emma Katherine Miller and Amelia James Smith.
A memorial service will be held Thursday April 3, 2025 at First Baptist Church, 410 Church Street Bartow. Visitation will be at 4:00 p.m., Service 5:00 p.m. with Pastor Matthew McCraw and Dirck Van Clief officiating.
Arrangements handled by Steele’s Family Funeral Services.
The family suggest donations may be made in Rick’s name online to Samaritan’s Purse at samaritanspurse.org/disaster/hurricane or to Forsythe Hospice, Auburndale online at [email protected]
Grace Pointe Church Hosts Community Egg Hunt on April 12th
Grace Pointe Church invites everyone to join in the fun on April 12th at 10 AM for a massive Easter egg hunt! The event will feature an impressive 10,000 eggs filled with candy, prizes, and special prize eggs. In addition, there will be raffles for bicycles for all ages, ensuring everyone has a chance to win.
This exciting community event will take place at 3900 Lake Blue Drive in Winter Haven.
Bring your family and friends for a day full of excitement and prizes—don’t miss out on the fun!
Introducing a New Monthly Adult Program: Story Time After Hours
For those who never truly grew up, the Winter Haven Public Library is introducing Story Time After Hours!
Join us as we bring back the magic of being read to—this time, for grown-ups. Relax, unwind, and let your inner child run wild as we share stories in a cozy, nostalgic setting.
The first event will take place on Friday, April 4th, at 5:30 PM. No registration is required, so just come as you are! We hope to see you there for an evening of fun and storytelling.
BY ANITA TODD
DAVENPORT – Becoming involved in Davenport politics wasn’t on Bobby Lynch’s radar screen until he was appointed to the City Commission 23 years ago. A Commissioner had a conflict and couldn’t serve, so then-councilman Lewis Mathews reached out to Lynch. Lynch’s love of the small town where he lived and raised his family made him stay year after year, winning every election when he was on the ballot.
The more than two decades of service have been sprinkled with countless interesting events and the comings and goings of other commissioners, city managers, and staff members. He’s helped facilitate new growth and protected the core of what Davenport is to him and others – home.
“Davenport will always be home for me,” Lynch said. “We (he and his wife) have lived inside the city limits for the past 40 years. It’s a good place to raise a family with a hometown feel.”
But, now, due to term limits, his last Commission meeting is April 7.
“I’m going to step back and take time off. I’ve been a part of the Commission for so many years, of course I’ll miss it,” he said. “I feel like we have a good board – we take care of City business and work well together.”
Lynch, the oldest of three sons to the late Leo and Carolyn Lynch, graduated from Landmark High School in Haines City. Not long after, he married his wife, Denise, and for years was the owner and general contractor of Ridge Construction. However, in 2018, he gave up the stress of being a business owner and took the job of Building Inspector 3 for the City of Haines City.
Not one to look to be the center of attention, he said being a part of the City Commission has been a learning experience in many ways. He said he’s learned the inner workings of the City; to somewhat enjoy public speaking; and how to accomplish things that he felt would benefit Davenport.
“I think the Commission has made some good decisions – how to stand out from other towns,” Lynch said. “We have good people on the Commission and on staff.”
The City of Davenport needs proficiency since its population has increased by 42 percent in the last four years. This averages out to about 100 new families every month and puts it on the list of one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.
“Our City is proactive. We think ‘what if’ and plan for the future,” he said. “It’s like we have rebuilt the city. We have seasoned staff members working together who just click. We’ve put good, talented people together.”
He said he is particularly proud of the Commission’s actions to bring Davenport Elementary School back to life. He is also humbled that last year his fellow Commissioners voted to name a City building after him: the Bobby Lynch Building and Planning Center.
Brynn Summerlin, current Mayor and City Commissioner, praised Lynch’s commitment and temperament.
“You know what you are going to get with Bobby – honesty, consistency and a steadfast resolve for being fair,” Summerlin said. “He has been the anchor of the Commission and will be missed.”
City Manager Kelly Callihan agreed. “Bobby has been a great advocate for the City of Davenport – always voting for what’s best for all residents. He will be missed on the City Commission,” he said.
After 12 months, Lynch can run again for a spot on the Commission.
“If there are good people in the positions, why run?” he asked.
But, no matter what, Lynch said he thinks the best is yet to come for the growing city.
“The next five years will be exciting – lots of continued growth with more subdivisions and new businesses like Home Depot and Sherwin-Williams Paint Store,” he said.
Bobby and Denise have two children and six grandchildren. Lynch is unsure when he will retire from the City of Haines City, but when he does, the Lynch’s plan to stay put.
“Davenport will always be home. That won’t change,” he said.
In addition to four Charter Amendments on the April 2 ballot, voters will be able to select their choice for City Commissioner Seat 3. The two candidates on the ballot to replace Lynch are Tom Fellows and Timothy Scott Woodlee.
by James Coulter
For nearly 40 years, the My Little Pony animated show and toy line has been beloved by young girls. However, when the fourth version of the show premiered in 2010, the franchise surprisingly gained the attention and admiration of many adult fans. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic has been praised for its clever writing and storytelling, which has allowed older fans to relate to its many characters. Notably, one character exhibits many personality traits relatable to people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In the episode “Maud Pie”, the party-loving pony Pinkie Pie introduces her friends to her older sister, Maud, who has come to Ponyville for a visit. However, while she wants them and her sister to be friends, her friends find Maud to be rather “different”, especially with her unique mannerisms and interests. However, the other ponies learn to like Maud despite her differences. While Maud Pie is never stated to have Autism, many of her personality traits and mannerisms
are similar to those found in people with Autism. As such, the character serves as a good example of how to identify and recognize similar traits in other people.
#1: Pragmatic Language Challenges
Maud Pie has a very dry demeanor. She rarely smiles. Her face maintains a blank neutral expression. She speaks in a monotonous tone of voice and often with short, simple, and direct sentences. She appears almost emotionless.
When the bookish pony Twilight Sparkle introduces herself and her friends and offers to shake Maud’s hand (er, hoof), Maud does not accept the handshake (hoofshake). Rather, she stares blankly back at Twilight. Later, at the clothing store, the fashion-loving pony Rarity offers to make a dress from any fabric
Maud likes. Maud takes a liking to a dirty dishcloth. Rarity laughs, assuming Maud is joking. But Maud asks why she’s laughing. Many of these traits are common with people with Autism, who often struggle with “pragmatic language”, or the ability to use language (both verbal and non-verbal) within social situations. Social situations that may come naturally to allistic (non-autistic) people may pose a challenge to people with autism, and things that are funny to other people may not be funny to them. People with Autism often struggle to express or communicate their emotions, interpret social cues, or even interpret sarcasm and humor. As such, other people may have a harder time understanding how autistic people think or feel.
#2: Hyperfixation
When Maud Pie first meets the other ponies, the first thing she does isn’t greet them. Instead, she notices a pebble on the ground and identifies it as a sedimentary rock. Maud Pie loves rocks. She studies rocks. She collects them. She keeps a rock as a pet. She eats rock candy. She even writes and recites poetry about rocks: “Rock. You are a rock. Gray. You are gray. Like a rock. Which you are.” Maud undoubtedly has a special interest in rocks. But her love of rocks is more than an interest. It’s essentially her entire personality. It’s similar to the hyperfixations many people with Autism have. According to the website Above and Beyond, a hyperfixation is defined as: “an intense and prolonged focus on a specific topic, activity, or interest, where an individual becomes completely
absorbed in that subject, often to the exclusion of other activities or social interactions, and can display a deep understanding and exceptional attention to detail regarding their fixation.” In other words, for people with Autism, a hyperfixation is more than a special interest. It’s an obsession. They immerse themselves in the things they love to the point where they may lose track of time or ignore other aspects of their environment. Sometimes, it can even interfere with
social interactions.
Maud’s first encounter with the other ponies is a good example. Maud doesn’t even greet them or acknowledge them when she meets them, choosing instead to pay more attention to a rock she randomly stumbled upon.
Another example is infodumping, which is when a person with Autism will (often randomly or even unprompted) share detailed information about a specific topic or interest, almost as if they’re reading aloud an encyclopedic entry.
No doubt if asked how she could tell the rock was sedimentary, Maud Pie would rattle off a long-winded explanation about the unique characteristics of sedimentary rocks, from their formation to their color and texture.
#3: Literal Thinking
Rarity attempts to bond with Maud over fashion, as Maud claims to express herself through her wardrobe. Rarity asks her what the frock she’s currently wearing is saying. “It doesn’t talk,” Maud replies. “It’s a dress.”
Later in the episode, the apple-growing pony Apple Jack has Maud taste some of her homemade apple cider. Applejack asks her what it tastes like.
“It tastes like apples,” Maud answers.
Both replies are an example of literal thinking, which is when people with Autism often interpret figurative words and phrases literally.
For example, while most neurotypical individuals would interpret the phrase “break a leg” as someone wishing them good luck, an autistic person may interpret the phrase as someone literally telling them to break their leg.
In Maud’s case, when Rarity asks her what her dress is saying, she apparently interprets the question as whether or not her dress is literally able to talk.
Or when Apple Jack asks her what the cider tastes like, she interprets the question, not as a request to give her personal opinion about it, but rather, as a straightforward question about what apple cider is made from.
This is not to say that people with Autism are incapable of understanding figures of speech like idioms or metaphors. However, sometimes autistic people can misinterpret what another person is saying, and thus have a hard time communicating with them.
The Maud Pie episode is available to watch on the My Little Pony YouTube channel:
https://youtu.be/xhV4F9xKoQM?si=S5jfqZkKeeLeq3bQ
by James Coulter
Open the door, get on the floor, and everybody walk the dinosaur for a very dino-tastic event happening in Downtown Mulberry on Sat. Apr. 5.
For the third consecutive year, PreHistoricon will be offering a full day of prehistoric fun, including several dozen vendors, an inflatable dinosaur race, and even a life-sized dinosaur you can ride.
This event will also showcase plenty of steampunk, with cosplayers dressed in Victorian garb, gears, and gadgets, and even a day-long showing of League of Extraordinary Gentleman at the local theater.
Jimmy Waldron, founder of the non-profit Dinosaurs Will Always Be Awesome (DWABA), will also be serving as a guest speaker, where he will share with guests why dinosaurs will always be awesome.
Waldron will be showcasing plenty of fossils, both real and replicas, as well as allowing guests to meet real-life dinosaurs. (Or as real as dinosaur puppets can look and feel!)
His non-profit, DWABA, was started to provide better access to science education to local children, allowing them the opportunity to see for themselves why, as the name suggests, dinosaurs will always be awesome.
“This has been something that has been a labor of love for the past few years,” he explained. “It started off as a podcast and has evolved as something to bring people directly to the fossils in a way that gets you much closer to what you see in a regular museum.”
Jimmy Waldron recently appeared on the recent episode of the Chattin on the Ridge podcast to discuss his upcoming appearance at PreHistoricon 3, as well as his non-profit DWABA. Listen to the full episode on Acast: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/episodes/ep-57-dinos-will-always-be-awesome-at-prehistoricon-3-wjimmy
Walter Clayton Jr., a native of Lake Wales, Florida, has emerged as a pivotal figure in the Florida Gators’ remarkable journey through the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. His exceptional performances have not only propelled the team to its first Final Four appearance since 2014 but have also highlighted his deep-rooted connections to the Central Florida region.
Clayton’s basketball journey began at Bartow High School, where he was a standout athlete. Despite receiving numerous football scholarship offers from top universities, Clayton made the bold decision in 2019 to focus solely on basketball—a choice that initially faced skepticism but ultimately showcased his unwavering determination and belief in his abilities.
After a successful stint at Iona College, where he earned the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Player of the Year honors, Clayton transferred to the University of Florida. His impact was immediate and profound. During the 2024-25 season, he led the Gators with an average of 17.6 points per game, the highest scoring average by a Florida player in two decades. His 633 points that season rank as the fifth-highest single-season total in the program’s history.
Clayton’s excellence extended beyond scoring. He was named the SEC Tournament MVP, guiding Florida to its first SEC Tournament championship since 2014. His leadership and clutch performances were instrumental in the Gators securing a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
In the NCAA Tournament, Clayton’s heroics were on full display. In the second-round matchup against UConn, he led all scorers with 23 points, including a pivotal late-game surge that secured a narrow 77-75 victory for Florida. His most remarkable performance came in the Elite Eight against Texas Tech. Trailing by nine points with less than three minutes remaining, Clayton orchestrated a stunning comeback, scoring 13 of his 30 points in the final minutes and sinking two crucial three-pointers in the last 60 seconds. This led the Gators to an 84-79 victory and a coveted spot in the Final Four.
Beyond his on-court achievements, Clayton has been a pillar in the community. Recognized on the 2024 SEC Men’s Basketball Community Service Team, he actively participated in reading programs, mentorship opportunities, and various events with local organizations. His commitment to service reflects his dedication to giving back to the community that shaped him.
Clayton’s journey from Bartow High School to leading the Florida Gators on college basketball’s biggest stage is a testament to his resilience, talent, and deep ties to his hometown region. As the Gators prepare for their Final Four matchup, the Lake Wales community and the entire state of Florida rally behind one of their own, celebrating a local hero’s ascent to national prominence.
LEE, JARIEL ANTONIO
Booking Number: 2025-007390
DOB: 1/7/1995
Booking Date: 3/20/2025
Charge Description:
CANNABIS POSSESS Not More Than 20 grams; Poss. Use Narcotic Paraphernalia; Drive While Lic Susp Revoke Equiv Stat 1st;
SHEPHERD, KEVIN D
Booking Number: 2025-007415
DOB: 3/2/1971
Booking Date: 3/20/2025
Charge Description:
Drive While Lic Suspended Revoke E
MADERA, GERARDO
Booking Number: 2025-007688
DOB: 1/10/1987
Booking Date: 3/23/2025
Charge Description:
DOM VIOL BATTERY BY STRANGULATION
TOMPKINS, TAMIKA SHANTA
Booking Number: 2025-007734
DOB: 12/9/1981
Booking Date: 3/23/2025
Charge Description:
DUI
AGUILAR-TORRES, RICARDO RAMSES
Booking Number: 2025-008170
DOB: 6/11/2005
Booking Date: 3/27/2025
Charge Description:
BATTERY TOUCH STRIKE; STALKING FOLLOW HARASS CYBERSTALK ANOTHER; UNARMED BURGLARY OCCUPIED DWELLING
BUA, PHYLLIS ANN
Booking Number: 2025-008176
DOB: 9/2/1958
Booking Date: 3/27/2025
Charge Description:
Petit Theft 1st Offence
This information is public record including mugshots that are included when available through the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The charges listed are at the time of arrest and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Here is a link to where can search mugshots on your own.
Jail booking logs are removed from the DailyRidge website after three months.
The Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo, scheduled for April 1-6, 2025, at Lakeland Linder International Airport, promises an exhilarating lineup of events and activities tailored for aviation enthusiasts and families alike. As the primary fundraiser for the Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE), this weeklong expo offers daily airshows, engaging STEM activities for youth, live music performances, and much more.
Daily Events and Activities
Throughout the week, attendees can immerse themselves in a variety of daily events:
• Florida Air Museum: Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering insights into aviation history and innovations.
• Piedmont Aerospace Experience: Boeing 727 tours available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., providing a unique glimpse into commercial aviation.
• Flight Line Tours: Conducted between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. in Warbird Country/Ramp; separate ticket purchase required.
• Career Fair: Hosted at the Future ’n Flight Plaza from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., connecting aspiring professionals with industry opportunities.
• STEM Activities for Youth: Held at the SkyLab Innovations Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., fostering a love for science and aviation among younger attendees.
• U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels Youth Outreach: Presentations from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. at The Hangar, inspiring the next generation of aviators.
• National STOL Daily Live Interviews: Conducted in Light Planes/Paradise City from noon to 1 p.m., delving into the nuances of short take-off and landing techniques.
• Daily Afternoon Airshow: From 1 to 5 p.m., featuring a mix of military and civilian aerobatic performances.
• Academic Drone Soccer World Cup Tournament: Held in the ACE Pavilion from 4 to 8 p.m., showcasing the intersection of sports and drone technology.
Special Highlights by Day
• Tuesday, April 1: The expo kicks off with a mass hot air balloon launch at 7:15 a.m., painting the morning sky with vibrant colors. In the evening, attendees can enjoy a movie at The Island featuring “Top Gun,” starting at 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 2: The night sky will be illuminated by the Polaris Ghost Squadron’s performance during the night air show, a visual spectacle not to be missed.
• Thursday, April 3: The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels arrive, with a practice session scheduled, offering a sneak peek into their precision flying routines.
• Friday, April 4: The Blue Angels make their official appearance in the afternoon airshow, showcasing their renowned aerobatic maneuvers.
• Saturday, April 5: A highlight for families, with powered parachutes and paragliders performing in Paradise City from 6:20 to 6:50 p.m.
• Sunday, April 6: The expo concludes with another movie night at The Island, featuring “Top Gun” at 8 p.m., providing a cinematic end to an action-packed week.
Admission and Ticketing
In an effort to make the expo more family-friendly, children 12 and younger will receive free admission. Single-day tickets for youths aged 13 to 17 are priced at $20, while adult general admission tickets are $50. Discounts are available for aviation association members and active or retired military personnel. Weekly admission ranges from $70 for youths to $180 for adults, with special weekend pricing packages also offered. Parking fees are set at $20 per day at the gate or $12 online, with weekly rates of $80 at the gate or $60 online. Tickets and parking passes can be purchased in advance at flysnf.org/tickets/buy-tickets.
Evening Entertainment and Concerts
This year, the expo has ramped up its evening entertainment offerings:
• Opening Night Concert: On Tuesday night, country music talents Tyler Hubbard and Uncle Kracker will perform, with the concert included in the general admission. Last year’s concert drew over 6,000 attendees, and an even larger crowd is anticipated this year.
• Additional Performances: Up-and-coming country artist Angie K will perform at The Island, blending hard-hitting country with her El Salvadoran roots. On Thursday night, rising country star Thomas Mac is set to entertain the crowd.
• Sunset Aerial Circus: Featuring smaller airplanes, gliders, parachutes, and drones, this event will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday nights. It runs concurrently with the Nighttime Airshow Spectacular on Wednesday and Saturday nights, which includes military jet demonstrations, fireworks, pyrotechnics, and a 25-minute choreographed drone show.
Military Demonstrations and Airshows
The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels will be a major highlight, arriving on April 4 and performing during the Friday and Saturday airshows. Their practice session on Thursday offers an additional opportunity for spectators to witness their precision flying. In total, five military demonstration teams will grace the skies during the expo:
• U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels: Showcasing their new Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets, these jets are approximately 33% larger than their predecessors, offering greater fuel capacity and upgraded avionics. Their performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday afternoons, with a practice run on Thursday.
• U.S. Navy’s F-35C Lightning II Demonstration Team: Making their debut at Sun ‘n Fun, this team will showcase the Navy’s carrier-based stealth fighter, known for its larger wings designed for carrier landings.
Click Here For Specific Schedule: 2025 Sun & Fun Schedule
© 2021 WinterHavenDaily.com | All rights reserved.
