The PCSO got a phone call on Wednesday, February 26th, from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in Ohio.
The WCSO requested that PCSO deputies visit a residence on Lake Myrtle Drive in Winter Haven to arrest 37-year old Brittanie Brunelle.
Brittanie was wanted on multiple felony warrants for things such as: possession of a firearm on school property, possession of a firearm during a felony, endangering children, battery, and possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.
We don’t know specifically what Brittanie is accused of doing in Washington County, but those are some pretty serious charges.
At about 3:00pm, Brittanie was located and arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office without incident, and she was taken to the Polk County Jail.
J.C. Reviews: Gabriel and the Guardians Show Real Potential as a Christian Anime
by James Coulter
Angel Studios has proven to be one of the most surprising indie media companies to break into the mainstream. This Utah-based company achieved public acclaim through The Chosen, a live-action television chronicling the life of Jesus Christ. It has also dipped its toes into animation, producing animated shows including The Tuttle Twins, The Wingfeather Saga, and its latest project, the anime-inspired Gabriel and the Guardians.
Created by Jason Moody, Gabriel and the Guardians is an animated series that aspires to be an action-adventure fantasy inspired by equal parts Biblical mythology and Japanese anime—and with a staff of animators from throughout the animation industry working on it, the show certainly captures the look and feel of anime.
Gabriel and the Guardians recently released its pilot episode on the Angel Studios app, and the remainder of the series is currently in production. But will this anime-inspired show ascend to the same power level as shows like Dragonball Z or One Piece? Or will it be fated to fall from its lofty heights like the mythical Icarus?
Gabriel and the Guardians is set within the mythical realm of Ara, a world that once basked in light before falling into darkness and chaos. When an ancient artifact, the Celestial Seed, is stolen from the heavenly realm of Parahdem, a celestial guardian named Gabriel must descend to Ara to retrieve it. There, he is joined by an adventurer named Nok and a princess named Namay’ah. Can the trio work together to save the ancient artifact before it can fall into evil hands and potentially undo all of creation?
I’ve been following the production of this series for quite some time. As both a believer and an anime fan, the prospect of a Christian-inspired anime certainly sounds intriguing. And with it being an American production inspired by Japanese anime, the show certainly looks and feels like other American anime-inspired shows like Avatar: The Last Airbender, of which I’m a huge fan.
So far, only a pilot episode has been released. And while the episode is far from perfect, it certainly has the potential to be a real diamond in the rough.
The show has employed many animators who have worked on other hit animated shows including X-Men ’97, Invincible, and Castlevania—and it really shows! Undoubtedly, the best part about the show is its animation, with a vivid art style and fast-paced action scenes that truly live up to its anime influence.
Moreover, the fantastical fantasy setting is likewise, well, fantastic, with landscapes that truly look and feel otherworldly. I especially love the scenes in the heaven-inspired celestial realm of Parahdem with its floating gardens and larger-than-life colorful flora.
However, it appears the animation is mostly what the show has going for it. Because while the pilot episode was certainly intriguing, it was far from perfect. But before I touch upon my own criticisms, I want to dispel other criticisms that have been made against the show.
First, while the show is inspired by the Bible, most notably the first few chapters of Genesis, many believers have criticized it for drawing from apocryphal extra-Biblical sources like the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Book of Enoch. Personally, I have no problem with this. It’s quite evident the show is inspired by the Bible and not an adaptation of it, so taking some creative liberties is fine for this purely fictional fantasy setting.
Another common criticism has been the show’s use of magic, something which many believers considered forbidden by the Bible. Again, personally, as someone who can tell the obvious difference between fantasy-style magic and real-life witchcraft and occult practices, I don’t have a problem with this, and thus I don’t consider it a legit criticism.
However, that doesn’t mean this pilot is without criticism, and I have a few. For one, the series’ backstory is told through a rather bland block of text at the beginning of the episode. In contrast, many popular shows like Avatar: The Last Avatar have very vivid and memorable opening sequences that recount the show’s premise at the start of every episode.
Granted the show may have a proper prologue once it officially releases, but still, there’s no reason for the backstory to be conveyed so lazily. In fact, many teasers for the show have told the backstory through more vivid animatics. So, honestly, there’s no excuse to have cut corners here.
As for the characters, while the main character of Gabriel is introduced and developed quite well, the other two characters,Nok and Namay’ah, aren’t as much. While we clearly understand Gabriel to be a plucky underdog who has the potential to achieve great things, the most we know about the other two is that Nok is a cleric (whatever that means in the context of the show, as it’s not explained) and Namay’ah is a princess.
Understandably, some elements of the story and setting would be left ambiguous to draw intrigue for the show. However, in contrast, many other pilots for indie animated projects like Hazbin Hotel and Lackadaisy manage to flesh out their stories’ plot and premise in a way the audience can fully understand, while this pilot doesn’t explain much of anything at all. In the end, it comes across more as an elaborate tech demo that emphasizes style over substance.
If I come across as harsh, it’s only because I’m rooting for this show to succeed. It has real potential to be the next big animated series, and while the pilot has a few rough edges, given enough time before the series’ release, those edges can easily be sanded off to reveal a real hidden gem.
EōS Fitness is set to make a significant impact in Davenport, Florida, with the announcement of a new 40,500-square-foot gym in Posner Village. Set to open in 2026, this highly anticipated fitness center will offer state-of-the-art strength and cardio equipment with memberships starting as low as $9.99/ month.
Meeting Community Demand
Residents of Davenport have expressed the need for a nearby gym. Intram Investments, the developers behind Posner Village, have acknowledged this demand since the project’s inception. Randy Hodge, Executive Vice President of Intram Investments, emphasized the importance of catering to local needs while ensuring the success of commercial tenants. The introduction of EōS Fitness is a direct response to these community requests, aiming to provide a convenient and comprehensive fitness solution for Davenport residents. Currently Anytime Fitness is the only available gym to Davenport residents.
Posner Village, Davenport, Florida
State-of-the-Art Amenities
EōS Fitness is renowned for offering premium amenities at accessible prices, and the Posner Village location is no exception. Members can look forward to:
• MOVEōS Cinema: A unique workout space where members can engage in their fitness routines while enjoying full-length feature films, making workouts both entertaining and effective.
• The Backyard: A 2,500-square-foot outdoor training zone designed for functional fitness and strength training, allowing members to diversify their workouts in an open-air environment.
• Recovery Room: Equipped with massage chairs, this area provides a space for members to relax and rejuvenate post-workout, emphasizing the importance of recovery in overall fitness.
• Kids’ Club: Understanding the challenges parents face, this dedicated space offers a safe and engaging environment for children, enabling parents to focus on their fitness goals with peace of mind.
• Refresh Zone: Featuring amenities such as a cold plunge, hot tub, and infrared sauna, this zone is designed to enhance recovery and overall well-being.
Additionally, the gym will operate 24/7, providing members with the flexibility to work out at their convenience, regardless of their schedules.
Economic and Community Impact
The establishment of EōS Fitness in Posner Village is poised to bring substantial economic benefits to Davenport. Each EōS Fitness location represents a $10 million investment and is expected to create between 40 to 60 new jobs, contributing to local employment opportunities. This development not only enhances the community’s access to health and wellness resources but also stimulates economic growth and vitality in the region.
EōS Fitness’s Expansion Strategy
EōS has 175 locations currently open or on the way. As of today, the company currently has 114 open locations across AZ, CA, FL, TX, NV and UT. The company currently has 14 gyms open in the state.
The Davenport facility is a key component of this strategic growth, reflecting EōS Fitness’s commitment to making high-quality fitness centers accessible to a broader population.
This Saturday, March 1, 2025, there will be a free MOVIE NIGHT at the Downtown Park band stage starting at 7:00 P.M. The movie will be “The Super Mario Bros. Movie”. This will be a fun event for the whole family.
For more information, please contact Parks & Rec. by calling (863) 965-5545.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested and charged an illegal alien from Guatemala for capital sexual battery on a minor and child abuse, and those felonies are enhanced and upgraded one degree per FSS 775.0848 due to the fact that the suspect is here illegally in the country. Alvaro Alfaro Jimenez, DOB 09/17/1992, was taken into custody on February 24, 2025 – he was living in Mulberry.
“This is the first case so far in our county, and maybe even the state, where we are able to increase the severity and penalty of felonies committed by a suspect who is in our country illegally. Not only is he here illegally, his crimes are the worst of the worst – he has been sexually abusing a girl for several years, since she was just 12 years old. This brave young victim reached out for help, and we will make sure she receives all the resources available to be able to recover from this terrible abuse.” -Grady Judd, Sheriff
The victim contacted the Sheriff’s Office for help, and with the aid of a Spanish speaking deputy and detective, she reported that she was brought to the United States illegally by the suspect in 2019, where they first went to Michigan and South Carolina. Her mother remained in Guatemala.
Since 2023 the suspect has not enrolled the victim in school, and has kept her enslaved inside the home in Mulberry, where he repeatedly sexually abused her for approximately three years, since she was 12 years old. The victim was immediately taken to a local hospital to be examined and treated for abdominal pain. The Florida Department of Children and Families has taken custody of and is caring for the victim.
The suspect, Alvaro Alfaro Jimenez, was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with four felonies, including capital sexual battery by a custodial figure. He is being held in the Polk County Jail on no bond.
Pursuant to Florida State Statute 775.0848the criminal charges are upgraded one degree due to the suspect’s specific illegal entry into the United States and the state of Florida. According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Jimenez unlawfully entered the United States in 2019.
HAINES CITY, FL– On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, Haines City Police Officers received a report of a juvenile who had been molested.
During the investigation, members of the Haines City Police Department Criminal Investigations Division obtained several electronic devices belonging to the suspect, 52-year-old Martin Jose Rojas Collazo. A search warrant executed on the first device revealed over 100 explicit images of children. Rojas Collazo admitted to officers that he was attracted to young girls and had a problem with often seeking child pornography. Rojas Collazo advised he did not think his actions were harmful as he believed the young girls in the photos were from other countries. Rojas Collazo was taken into custody and charged with one count of lewd or lascivious molestation and 100 counts of possession of child pornography.
“The subject may not think his actions were harmful, but we take this type of crime seriously,” said Deputy Police Chief Jay Hopwood.
“Every image represents a victim, and we are dedicated to ensuring this individual is held accountable for every count and his actions.”
Due to devices still requiring forensic review, the estimated count of possession of child pornography charges is anticipated to increase.
When it comes to health, men often take more risks than women. Studies show that men are more likely to smoke, drink too much alcohol, skip regular checkups, and make risky lifestyle choices. But the good news? Small changes can make a big difference in living a longer, healthier life.
Take Charge of Your Health
Consult with your Doctor
Even if you feel fine, visiting a doctor regularly is key. Many serious health conditions don’t show symptoms early on, so regular checkups can catch problems before they become serious.
Healthy Habits for a Stronger You
Exercise
Want to improve your health today? Start with these simple steps: ✅ Eat well and stay active – A balanced diet and regular exercise keep your body strong. ✅ Drink responsibly – If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation. ✅ Quit smoking – It’s never too late to stop and improve your lung and heart health. ✅ Know your family history – Some health conditions run in families, so awareness can help with early detection. ✅ Get health screenings – Regular tests can catch issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer early. ✅ Stay up to date on vaccines – Immunizations protect you from serious diseases like the flu and pneumonia.
Taking charge of your health doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, smart choices today can lead to a healthier future. Don’t wait—start now!
Katelyn Hoverkamp has assumed the role of Public and Media Relations Officer for Polk County Government. Hoverkamp will assist in the county’s public information efforts, engage with the media and ensure effective messaging for county residents and stakeholders.
Having previously served as Polk County Fire Rescue’s Public Safety Information Officer and in the City of Winter Haven’s Public Safety Department, Hoverkamp brings more than a decade of public service to her new role.
“We are thrilled to welcome Katelyn into her new role as Public and Media Relations Officer,” said Amber Smith, Polk County Communications Director. “Her experience within the public safety field, paired with her strong understanding of public relations and communications, will be a tremendous asset as we continue to engage with our community and ensure that our messages are clear, timely and impactful.”
Hoverkamp holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from the University of Florida. Her education, combined with hands-on experience in crisis communications makes her a valuable addition to the county’s communications division.
“The appointment comes at an exciting time for Polk County Communications,” said Smith. “The division continues working to enhance communication efforts across various platforms and channels. We are excited to have Katelyn serve our team in this capacity.”
The Auburndale Police Department is proud to announce its achievement of Excelsior Recognition, the highest level of accreditation awarded by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc. (CFA). This prestigious honor was presented to the department on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the Commission’s meeting in St. Augustine, Florida.
Excelsior Recognition is reserved for criminal justice agencies that have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence by maintaining accredited status for five consecutive cycles over 15 years. This achievement reflects the Auburndale Police Department’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and service to the community.
The department’s journey to this honorable recognition began with its initial accreditation on February 3, 2010, in Hutchinson Island. Since then, the Auburndale Police Department has successfully achieved reaccreditation in 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2022, all in St. Augustine. Accreditation through the CFA involves a comprehensive evaluation of the department’s policies, procedures, and operations against nationally recognized standards. This process ensures that the Auburndale Police Department consistently delivers high-quality, ethical, and transparent services to the community.
The benefits of accreditation include:
Enhanced community trust and confidence in the police department
Reduced risk and exposure to civil litigation
Increased accountability and transparency
Improved operational effectiveness and efficiency
Present to receive the award were City Manager Jeff Tillman, Chief of Police Terry Storie, Deputy Chief Carin Ketcham, Lieutenant Thomas Lokietek, Lieutenant Austin Leal, Lieutenant Cody Skinner, and Accreditation Manager Kassie Mooneyham, representing both the Auburndale Police Department and the City of Auburndale, Florida.
The Auburndale Police Department extends its gratitude to the community for its continued support and looks forward to maintaining these high standards of excellence in the years to come.
2025 is shaping up to be a big year for Central Florida theme parks, from a whole new immersive park celebrating its grand opening to several newer attractions being created for other parks. Here’s a breakdown of everything new coming this year.
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#1: Epic Universe (Universal Orlando Resort)
Undoubtedly, the biggest development in theme parks will be the grand opening of Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, Epic Universe.
Located 12 miles from the main Universal Orlando Resort, this innovative 750-acre park will be home to five immersive lands themed to Nintendo, Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon, and the Universal Monsters. The park is scheduled to open to make its grand debut on May 22, 2025.
Perhaps the most awaited of these lands will be Super Nintendo World, which will feature attractions based on the Super Mario Bros. video game franchise, including the state-of-the-art Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, as well as interactive features throughout the game-themed land.
Another highly-anticipated land will be Dark Universe, themed after the classic Universal Monsters franchise. The main attraction will be Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, a state-of-the-art attraction utilizing Kuka robocoaster technology like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Islands of Adventure.
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#2: Magic Kingdom (Walt Disney World)
The Magic Kingdom is set to make its evenings more magical as millions of glimmering shimmering lights will cast a spell of light and color with the park’s new nighttime attraction, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away.
Set to premiere this summer, this will be the first nighttime parade to perform at the park since the Main Street Electrical Parade ended nearly a decade ago. The new parade will utilize a blend of innovative lighting techniques and whimsical custom fabrics to bring to life scenes from popular Disney films like Moana, Encanto, Peter Pan, and so much more.
Opening later this year will be the Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern. The new themed bar and eatery will open in Adventureland right next door to the namesake attraction. Guests of all ages can expect to enjoy a diverse menu of grogs and grub that will allow them to eat like pirates.
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#3: EPCOT (Walt Disney World)
A new take on an old favorite will be set to open later this summer with the newly refurbished Test Track. The refurbished attraction will feature a new storyline and queue inspired by the former World of Motion attraction, with an emphasis on the past, present, and future of transportation. The attraction’s exterior and ride vehicles will also receive a cutting-edge facelift to better reflect the future of Future World.
Meanwhile, a new lounge will be opening over at Spaceship Earth later this spring. Located at the former Siemens corporate lounge, the new Spaceship Earth Lounge will offer guests a panoramic view of the World Celebration, especially at night during the evening’s fireworks and light show. Moreover, its overall theme and aesthetics will celebrate the history of Spaceship Earth and EPCOT.
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#4: Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Walt Disney World)
While guests will have to wait years for Disney to open its new Villain-themed land in Magic Kingdom, they can celebrate the bad guys they love to hate with a new live show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Opening later this summer, and replacing Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy at Sunset Showcase Theater, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After will be a musical celebration of Disney’s most notorious villains. The show will be hosted by the Magic Mirror from Snow White and feature dozens of villain characters, with special performances by Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent.
Another show opening this summer will be The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure. The replacement for the Voyage of the Little Mermaid, the newly-reimagined stage show will feature innovative effects to help bring the music and scenes from the animated classic to life.
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#5: Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Walt Disney World)
The bad news is that Animal Kingdom has officially called the exterminator with the closing of its opening day attraction It’s Tough To Be a Bug in the Tree of Life. The good news is that the location will be home to a new show inspired by the hit animated film Zootopia.
Set to debut later this winter, Zootopia: Better Together will be a new 4D show set in the fictional furry world of Zootopia. Join Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as they give guests a tour of the animal metropolis, which will feature 4D effects and even an animatronic figure of the chubby cop Clawhauser.
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#6: SeaWorld Orlando
Set out on an expedition to the frosty tundra of the Arctic with SeaWorld’s newest immersive Arctic Theater Experience. Set to open this spring, this attraction will be a fully immersive flying theater experience with cutting-edge visuals and dynamic special effects. Soar over icy
landscapes and dive deep beneath the frozen waters as you explore the Arctic’s icy environment and wildlife.
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#7: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Little explorers will have an entirely new interactive realm to explore and play in when Busch Gardens opens Wild Oasis later this spring. In this immersive, kid-friendly land, small guests can climb through a four-level climbing structure, splash around a splash pad, take a dive down a 35-foot drop tower, and be able to see and interact inside a multispecies habitat filled with capybaras, giant anteaters, squirrel monkeys, and tropical birds.
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#8: LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Don’t worry, Polk County residents. New and exciting things are coming to your own backyard at LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven.
The biggest new attraction will be Sea Life Florida. Opening on May 23, this underwater-themed attraction will allow guests to see more than 3,000 animals in approximately 150,000 gallons of water. This aquarium-style attraction will include 25 interactive exhibits including a freshwater gallery, a stingray bay, and an invertebrate touch pool. LEGOLAND will celebrate the attraction’s opening with a park-wide scavenger hunt of LEGO sea creatures.
For guests staying overnight, the LEGOLAND Resort Hotel will feature new rooms and suites themed to LEGO DUPLO, LEGO NINJAGO, and LEGO Friends. These rooms will be available to book later this year.
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Question: What new attraction are you looking forward to the most this year? Which one are you most excited for? Leave your answer in the comments on Facebook.
