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Canadian Man Killed In Davenport Florida Crash

Carl Fish
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Canadian Man Killed In Davenport Florida Crash

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

A Canadian man was killed Friday night, January 23, 2026, in a two-vehicle crash in northeast Polk County.

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched at around 8:49 pm, to the crash scene on Ronald Reagan Parkway at Loma Del Sol in the Davenport area.

The two drivers were the lone occupants of the vehicles. Both were transported by Polk County Fire Rescue to a local hospital.

One of the drivers, a 71-year old man from Ontario, Canada, died from his injuries upon arrival at the hospital.

The other driver, a 22-year old Clermont woman, was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

According to the preliminary investigation by the PCSO’s Traffic Homicide unit, the Canadian man had been driving a 2025 Chrysler Pacifica east on Ronald Reagan Parkway, while the Clermont woman was travelling west in a 2019 BMW sedan.

It was determined that the Chrysler made a left turn to enter the subdivision on Loma Del Sol Drive. While doing so, it crossed in front of the oncoming BMW, and the two vehicles collided.

Ronald Reagan Parkway was shut down in this area for approximately three hours. 

Detectives are still trying to notify the next of kin for the deceased victim.

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

“Talk to Me, Goose!” — Wings & Things Takes Flight in Haines City

Allison
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“Talk to Me, Goose!” — Wings & Things Takes Flight in Haines City

Haines City is ready for takeoff as the Aerospace Center for Excellence brings its popular Wings & Things event to town for a day of high-flying fun, learning, and family entertainment.

“Talk to me, Goose!” says Deputy City Manager Loyd Stewart, who is inviting the community to experience the excitement firsthand at Wings & Things: Haines City Edition.

The FREE, family-friendly event will take place on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lake Eva Community Center.

Designed to bring aviation and science to life, Wings & Things will feature hands-on STEM activities, flight simulators, bounce houses, and interactive experiences for all ages. One of the highlights of the day will be the Big Bang Theory Costume Contest, adding a fun and nerdy twist for science fans and pop-culture lovers alike.

“Whether you’re a Top Gun fan, a future aviator, or just looking for a great day out with the family, this event is sure to be a hit,” Stewart said. “Come explore, learn, and have fun as Haines City takes flight.”

Residents and visitors are encouraged to mark their calendars and join in for a day of discovery, creativity, and sky-high excitement.

Flyer source City of Haines City Government

This Day in History January 23, 1957: Toy Company Wham-O Produces First Frisbees

Allison
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This Day in History January 23, 1957: Toy Company Wham-O Produces First Frisbees

On January 23, 1957, machines at the Wham-O toy company roll out the first batch of their aerodynamic plastic discs—now known to millions of fans all over the world as Frisbees.

The story of the Frisbee began in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where William Frisbie opened the Frisbie Pie Company in 1871. Students from nearby universities would throw the empty pie tins to each other, yelling “Frisbie!” as they let go. In 1948, Walter Frederick Morrison and his partner Warren Franscioni invented a plastic version of the disc called the “Flying Saucer” that could fly further and more accurately than the tin pie plates. After splitting with Franscioni, Morrison made an improved model in 1955 and sold it to the new toy company Wham-O as the “Pluto Platter”–an attempt to cash in on the public craze over space and Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs).

Photo source Gamma- Keystone via Getty Images

In 1958, a year after the toy’s first release, Wham-O—the company behind such top-sellers as the Hula-Hoop, the Super Ball and the Water Wiggle—changed its name to the Frisbee disc, misspelling the name of the historic pie company. A company designer, Ed Headrick, patented the design for the modern Frisbee in December 1967, adding a band of raised ridges on the disc’s surface–called the Rings–to stabilize flight. By aggressively marketing Frisbee-playing as a new sport, Wham-O sold over 100 million units of its famous toy by 1977.

High school students in Maplewood, New Jersey, invented Ultimate Frisbee, a cross between football, soccer and basketball, in 1967. In the 1970s, Headrick himself invented Frisbee Golf, in which discs are tossed into metal baskets; there are now hundreds of courses in the U.S., with millions of devotees. There is also Freestyle Frisbee, with choreographed routines set to music and multiple discs in play, and various Frisbee competitions for both humans and dogs–the best natural Frisbee players.

Today, at least 60 manufacturers produce the flying discs—generally made out of plastic and measuring roughly 20-25 centimeters (8-10 inches) in diameter with a curved lip. The official Frisbee is owned by Mattel Toy Manufacturers, who bought the toy from Wham-O in 1994.

FSU Baseball Opening Press Conference

Ethan Jones
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FSU Baseball Opening Press Conference

By Ethan Jones

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — On Monday, January 12, Florida State Baseball opened its doors to the media as preparations continued for the upcoming 2026 season. Head Coach Link Jarrett addressed a wide range of topics, including the team’s academic success, facility upgrades, roster concerns, and adjustments to new NCAA regulations.

FSU PRESS CONFERENCE

Jarrett began the press conference by praising his team’s academic performance during the fall semester, highlighting the players’ dedication in the classroom alongside their commitment on the field. He emphasized that the semester stood out not only within the program, but across the athletic department as a whole.
“I’ve had some really good academic teams,” Jarrett said. “I have never seen a semester that was that strong, and it was one of the stronger ones in the department overall.”

FSU PITCHING MACHINE

Following his remarks on academics, Jarrett shifted focus to recent upgrades made to the program’s training facilities. Most notably, Florida State added the Driveline Launchpad pitching lab inside the team’s batting cage. The state-of-the-art technology, used by only a select number of collegiate baseball programs nationwide, provides advanced performance data that enhances player development and strengthens recruiting efforts.
“That modification was the best upgrade to an existing footprint I have ever seen,” Jarrett said.

FSU BASEBALL

Turning his attention to the team’s on-field preparation, Jarrett addressed recent NCAA calendar changes and rule modifications that limited coaching involvement during offseason workouts. Under the new rules, coaches were not permitted to instruct or coach players during workout sessions until January 12. During that time, student managers were responsible for setting up equipment while players conducted open-field training on their own.

Despite the restrictions, Jarrett emphasized that he and his staff adapted as best as possible. He implemented his established “ramp-up template” to gradually prepare players for live action, allowing them to build up before transitioning into full scrimmages. Jarrett noted that this approach has been effective in ensuring players are physically and mentally ready once formal coaching resumes.

When discussing challenges facing the team, Jarrett pointed to concerns at catcher and in the middle infield, stressing the urgency to solidify those positions. He expressed confidence that the roster contains the necessary pieces, but acknowledged that wear and tear at the catcher position has impacted the team over the past year and continues to present challenges. To address this, Jarrett mentioned players such as Nathan Cmeyla and Hunter Carns, noting the importance of getting them up to speed as key contributors.

Jarrett also spoke about the middle infield and the task of replacing players lost to the MLB Draft. Rather than seeking outside solutions, he emphasized developing talent already on the roster and maintaining the consistency that defined last season’s group.
“We have capable bodies,” Jarrett said. “The consistency, playing clean, playing smart, understanding the team fundamentals, not taking the defense to the plate or the plate to the field—those are things that Alex Lodise and Drew Faurot did a nice job of last year. The consistency of those guys in the middle were the benchmark of the team, so we’re going to have to figure that one out as we move forward.”

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As the press conference concluded, members of the media were given the opportunity to ask questions. When asked how he keeps the team focused amid national attention and preseason rankings, Jarrett acknowledged the challenge while reinforcing internal expectations.
“It’s not easy,” Jarrett said. “The expectation is that each individual in here reaches or surpasses their potential.”

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Florida State Baseball enters the 2026 season ranked inside the top 15 nationally, bringing high expectations from both within the program and across the fanbase. The Seminoles are looking to bounce back after a disappointing super regional loss to Oregon State last season. Florida State will open its season at home on February 13 against James Madison, and anticipation is high among the Seminole faithful for what lies ahead.

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Cooking on the Ridge: Slow Cooker Beef Curry

Allison
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Cooking on the Ridge: Slow Cooker Beef Curry

Cooking on the Ridge: Slow Cooker Beef Curry

by James Coulter

Brr! The temperatures have been dropping in Florida these past few weeks, haven’t they? Down to the 20s? And I thought it was cold up here in Virginia. When Florida starts shivering, you know winter means business.

Regardless, whenever the weather gets cold, I like to warm up with a nice hot meal prepared in the slow cooker. There’s something comforting about knowing dinner is quietly bubbling away while you go about your day. Some folks like to warm up with beef stew, and don’t get me wrong—there’s nothing wrong with a good stew. But I love something even better: beef curry.

This Japanese-style curry is easy to make, pairs well with cooked rice, and warms you up with both its heat and blend of spices. And if you’re someone like me who likes a little extra kick, a few splashes of your favorite hot sauce will certainly warm you up even more.

What I love most is how unfussy it is. A bit of chopping, a quick sauté, and then everything goes into the slow cooker to work its magic. By the time evening rolls around, you’ve got a rich, hearty curry that tastes like you spent hours hovering over the stove, even though you barely lifted a finger.

It’s the perfect antidote to chilly weather, busy days, or those evenings when you just want something cozy without the effort.

Slow Cooker Beef Curry

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground or stew beef

• 1 large onion, diced

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups carrots, sliced

• 1 cup peas (frozen or canned)

• 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 can (14–15 oz.) crushed or diced tomatoes

• 2 cups beef broth

• 3–4 blocks Japanese curry roux (Golden Curry, Vermont Curry, or similar)

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional but lovely)

• Cooked rice for serving

Directions

1. In a saucepan, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until translucent and fragrant.

2. Add ground or brown beef and cook until brown.

3. Dump into slow cooker and add carrots, peas, potatoes, tomatoes, and beef broth.

4. Cook on low for eight hours or high for four hours.

5. During the last hour of cooking, add curry roux and stir until well blended. Let it cook for half an hour.

6. Serve over cooked rice.

Welcome, World Travelers! Star Wars: Galaxy Edge’s Expands Timeline

Allison
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Welcome, World Travelers! Star Wars: Galaxy Edge’s Expands Timeline

Welcome, World Travelers! Star Wars: Galaxy Edge’s Expands Timeline
by James Coulter
 
Visitors to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge have been able to meet characters like Rey and Kylo Ren from the new Star Wars movies. They’ll soon be able to meet familiar faces like Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader from the older movies.
 
Starting on April 29, 2026, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park in California will expand its timeline to represent more eras from the Star Wars films, including the Original and Prequel trilogies.
 
“These exciting updates…will enable visitors to experience even more of the eras of Star Wars,” wrote Kelsey Lynch, Senior Manager of Public Relations, on Disney Parks Blog.
 
“Each era will be brought to life with the same care and attention to detail that the land was originally designed with, masterfully weaving together stories from across time and space in one location,” he continued.
 
Black Spire Outpost will roll back in time several decades to include characters, props, and even musical scores from the original Star Wars films. Soon, visitors will be able to meet Darth Vader, Leia Organa, Han Solo, and Luke Skywalker within the Outer Rim outpost. Accentuating that area’s atmosphere will be the beloved scores of the legendary composer John Williams from the first six Star Wars films.
 
Meanwhile, the forested area outside the marketplace will remain in the era of the prequel films, with characters like Rey and the rest of the Resistance continuing their fight against the First Order.
 
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge first opened in Disneyland Park in California on May 31, 2019, and at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida on August 29, 2019. Originally, the themed area was set on the fictional planet of Batuu, existing within the timeline of the Star Wars sequel trilogy: The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker.
 
At Disney World, the land’s theming was consistent with the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel, which opened on Mar. 1, 2022. However, since that hotel closed on Sep. 30, 2023, the land has since been undergoing retooling in Disney World and Disneyland.
 
The first of many changes began when both the Mandalorian and Grogu (affectionately referred to by fans as Baby Yoda) started appearing at Disneyland on Nov. 18, 2022, and at Hollywood Studios in Mar. 2023. Both Mando and Grogu will be appearing in the attraction, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, on May 22, 2026, in both Disneyland and Disney World.
 
While many of the big changes to the land’s timeline will be coming to Disneyland later this year, only time will tell when these changes will appear at Hollywood Studios.
 
Regardless of when Galaxy’s Edge will be set in the Star Wars timeline, both lands in Disneyland and Disney World will continue to allow guests to experience fun in a galaxy far, far away.

ADVERTISEMENT OF SALE

Staff Reporter
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ADVERTISEMENT OF SALE

Notice is hereby given that Lake Wales Storage intends to sell the property described below to enforce a lien under the Florida Self Storage Facility Act, Statutes (section 83.80-83.809). The owner will sell at public auction on or after February 11,2026 at 10:00 am at storageauctions.com

Units belonging to the following:

Robert Mitchell/Unit 406

This sale will be continued on such succeeding sale days thereafter as may be necessary to be completed. Unless otherwise noted units contain household items.

Brushes and Bites Offers Creative Valentine’s Celebration in Haines City

Allison
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Brushes and Bites Offers Creative Valentine’s Celebration in Haines City

Those looking for a fun and creative way to celebrate Valentine’s Day are invited to attend the Brushes and Bites – Valentine’s Day Edition, hosted by Haines City Parks and Recreation.

The event will take place on February 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Lake Eva Community Center. Participants will have the opportunity to unleash their inner artist while enjoying delicious snacks in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Whether attending solo or with a date, Brushes and Bites is designed to be a memorable evening focused on creativity, connection, and fun. No prior art experience is required, making it a great option for anyone looking to try something new this Valentine’s season.

The cost to attend is $10 per person or $15 per couple, with payment accepted at the door. The event is open to ages 18 and older.

For more information, contact Haines City Parks and Recreation at 863-421-3700.

Graphic courtesy of Haines City Parks and Rec

Understanding Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: Numbers to Know in 2026

Allison
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Understanding Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: Numbers to Know in 2026

Taking care of your heart with healthy behaviors may be at the top of your wellness priority list already, and there may be good news about the effects of adhering to expert recommendations.

New information from the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease & Stroke Statistics Update shows deaths from heart disease and stroke are on the decline. However, rates continue to climb for high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity – all of which are health risk factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease.

Following expert guidance can be your prescription for better health as 80% of heart disease and stroke is preventable.

To help maintain and improve your cardiovascular health, consider following the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8, which is a set of four health behaviors (eat better, be more active, quit tobacco and get healthy sleep) and four health factors (manage weight, control cholesterol, manage blood sugar and manage blood pressure.)

In the United States, optimal Life’s Essential 8 scores could prevent up to 40% of annual all-cause and cardiovascular disease deaths among adults.

Consider these highlights from the statistics update:

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. and stroke is the No. 4 leading cause of death.

Together, heart disease and stroke accounted for more than a quarter of all deaths in the U.S. in 2023.

Cardiovascular diseases, including all types of heart disease and stroke, claim more lives in the U.S. each year than all forms of cancer and accidental deaths — the Nos. 2 and 3 causes of death – combined.

On average, every 34 seconds, someone died of cardiovascular disease in 2023.

On average, about two people died of heart disease every 3 minutes in the U.S. in 2023.

On average in 2023, someone died of stroke every 3 minutes, 14 seconds in the U.S.

Nearly half of U.S. adults now have high blood pressure.

Nearly 29.5 million U.S. adults have diagnosed diabetes.

About 50% of U.S. adults have obesity or severe obesity, and 28.1% of youth ages 2-19 have obesity.

Only 1 in 4 U.S. adults meets national physical activity guidelines. Only 1 in 5 U.S. youths ages 6-17 are physically active for 60 minutes or more every day of the week.

To learn more about how to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, visit heart.org.

Driver Hospitalized After Distracted Driving Crash on SR-570 in Polk County

Allison
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Driver Hospitalized After Distracted Driving Crash on SR-570 in Polk County

A Palm Harbor man was injured following a single-vehicle crash Sunday morning on State Road 570 in Polk County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The crash occurred on January 19, 2026, at approximately 11:05 a.m. near milepost 5. Troopers say a Lexus SUV, driven by a 52-year-old man, was traveling eastbound when the driver removed his seatbelt to reach for an item on the passenger side of the vehicle.

The distraction caused the SUV to leave the roadway and strike the center median guardrail.

The driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

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