The Lake Eva Aquatic Center will host the 3rd annual doggy pool party, Howl-O-Ween Spooktacular, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Admission is $3.00 per pup (human companions will be admitted for free).
This year’s event will include a doggy costume contest. Judging will take place between 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Your furry friends will have a fabulous time splashing around in the kiddie pool and splash pad at the Lake Eva Aquatic Center, while the main competition pool (the big pool) will be closed.
Doggie moms and dads will be able to walk in the water with their furry friends; however swimming will not be permitted for the humans.
A few fun freebies will be given away (while supplies last).
For more information, please contact the Lake Eva Aquatic Center at 863-421-3715.
Jacksonville man with Polk County warrant issued during “Operation Child Protector VII” taken into custody
One of the suspects charged via warrant during “Operation Fool Around and Find Out – Again / Operation Child Protector VII” 36-year-old Kyle Mullen of Jacksonville, was taken into custody at his home on October 8, 2025, and booked into the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office detention facility. He will be extradited to Polk County at a later date.
During the investigation, which ran from September 8 – 14th, Mullen chatted online with an undercover detective posing as a 12-year-old girl. During the conversation, Mullen made the following statements: “Grady f***ing Judd” and “F*** Polk County, I got arrested there like 2 months ago.”
Detectives confirmed he was arrested in Davenport on July 2nd after being found sitting in a truck behind a closed Auto Zone, and charged with possession of meth and paraphernalia. He was released the following day after posting bond. Click here for his booking information.
Mullen told the UC that he would drive 200 MPH to come see the girl in Polk County, and he also sent her a nude photo. Detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest for transmission of material harmful to a minor (F3) and use of a two-way communication device in commission of a felony (F3). The U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force successfully located Mullen and took him into custody without incident.
“Child predators like Kyle Mullen, who groom children online for the purpose of sexually abusing them, don’t stop until they are caught – which is why our investigations don’t stop until we catch them. If you prey on a child in our county, we will do everything in our power to identify you, charge you, and take you into custody.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
One Movie Later: Knights of Guinevere is a Loving yet Biting Satire of Disney
by James Coulter
Independent animation has skyrocketed in recent years with animated projects like Hazbin Hotel, Lackadaisy, and The Amazing Digital Circus. The latter proved to be a surprise hit for Glitch Productions. With more than 369 million views, the pilot episode became one of the most-viewed animation pilots on YouTube.
Glitch Productions has since sought to repeat its success with the pilot episode of its newest animated endeavor, Knights of Guinevere. Within 24 hours of its release, the pilot episode gained more than a million views. One week later, it surpassed more than 11 million views.
But did Glitch Productions’ newest animated project deserve to go viral? Will Knights of Guinevere prove to be just as Amazingas The Amazing Digital Circus? Or is the next big animated princess property in another castle?
Knights of Guinevere follows the story of Andi and Frankie, two friends who live and work in the industrial wasteland underneath Park Planet, a floating theme park whose mascot is the android princess Guinevere.
One day, Frankie discovers a discarded and damaged Guinevere unit. Her boss wants to sell the robot for scrap. However, Frankie and Andi not only think the android can be repaired, but they also believe it may be the same robot they once met as children at the park. What secrets does this mysterious android hold?
Knights of Guinevere has visually stunning, dynamic animation. There’s nothing I can say about the art and animation that simply watching the pilot episode won’t accomplish. Other critics have praised the animation for having “magic in every single frame” and “a distinctive art style and emotionally resonant storytelling.” Honestly, I couldn’t have said it better myself.
This is one of those shows where every scene brims with detail, many of it hidden. One scene even has a QR code, which, when scanned, provides a mini comic that delves deeper into the show’s lore. It’s a show where, every time you rewatch it, you notice something different you didn’t notice before—the type of show that’s ripe for rewatches and fan theories.
For example, a common motif in the show is blue. It’s the color of the android princess Guinevere, and thus it’s a color prominent in most of the Planet Park merchandise. It’s also the color of the smog and sewage polluting the town under the park. And it’s the same color as the mucus many townspeople cough up, which shows the extent of the park’s pollution. One news story even reports of newborn babies being born blue!
The show’s premise isn’t anything new. Its futuristic dystopian setting is highly stratified, with the lower classes literally living in the shadow and waste of the upper class. Other media, from Final Fantasy 7 to Alita: Battle Angel, have similar settings thatcomment on the excesses of corporatism. However, what makes Knights of Guinevere unique is that its not-so-subtle critique isn’t merely aimed at our current socio-political system, but targeted directly at one of its most egregious beneficiaries and perpetrators: The Walt Disney Company.
The show’s critique of Disney is anything but subtle. Park Planet is a futuristic sci-fi version of Disneyland. Its founder, Orville Park, is undoubtedly based on Walt Disney. And the park’s mascot, Guinevere, is literally every Disney princess ever. Not only is she the star of her own princess movie, but every princess movie, including a live-action remake like the recent trend of Disney live-action remakes.
The show’s creator, Dana Terrace, previously worked for the Disney company, having created the hit animated show The Owl House. However, The Owl House was infamously cut short due to Disney’s executive meddling, as the show reportedly did not fit the company’s brand. As such, Knights of Guinevere is undoubtedly a project born from Terrace’s frustrations with the Disney company, as the pilot episode’s biting take on Disney clearly shows.
Only time will tell if Knights of Guinevere will achieve the same level of success as Glitch Productions’ other animated series,like The Amazing Digital Circus or Murder Drones. However, the company is confident enough in this new show to have already released merchandise for it online. Either way, the pilot episode certainly shows promise.
Autumn is finally upon us. The days are getting shorter. The weather is getting cooler. And all of it can leave you feeling slower and more sluggish.
You can adjust your body and mind to this seasonal shift through an Autumn Reset. Here are some tips on how to grow accustomed to the cooler weather, shorter days, and longer nights:
Adjust Your Sleep Schedule. The shorter days and longer nights, especially after Daylight Saving Time, can disrupt your circadian rhythm. Adjust your sleep schedule accordingly. Gradually shift the time you wake up and go to bed by 15-minute increments over several days. To promote better sleep, limit evening alcohol and caffeine consumption, stop using screens like tablets and phones an hour before bed, and keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and comfortable.
Get Plenty of Sunlight and Movement. Shorter days mean less sunlight, and thus less Vitamin D, which can cause fatigue. Try to get 10–20 minutes of natural light after waking up. Sit by a window, sip coffee outside, or take a morning walk or jog. Keep yourself energized through the day by adding 10–30 minutes of movement, either through brisk walks, light exercise, or yoga. Moving around outdoors increases light exposure and boostsyour mood. And stand, stretch, or even simply step outside for 5–10 minutes every 60–90 minutes to prevent sluggishness.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthy. Cooler air is drier, which can leave you feeling thirstier and more tired. Stay hydrated with a water bottle or thermos, and warm up with hot drinks like tea or coffee. Choose vitamin-rich, nutrient-dense meals like soups, stews, and roasted meats and vegetables over sugary foods, which can sap your energy. Seasonal produce like root vegetables, apples, legumes, and whole grains helps sustain energy and warmth.
Take Vitamin Supplements. Shorter days and cooler autumn weather can sap your physical and mental energy. Vitamin supplements can help boost your energy and immune system during the fall season. Vitamin D fights fatigue as sunlight wanes, B vitamins support metabolism and energy production, and iron and magnesium aid red blood cell formation to improve oxygen delivery, reducing tiredness and fatigue.
Declutter Your House and Prepare for Winter. While springtime is often associated with cleaning, autumn is also a good season for tidying your house. Seasonal cleaning not only lifts your mood, but also prepares your home for winter. Rotate wardrobes from light summer clothes to heavier fall and winter clothing. Clean windows to let in waning natural sunlight. Layer bedding with warm blankets and comforters. And replace a few home textiles to signal a fresh start.
Practice Mindfulness. While most people set resolutions at the start of the year, autumn is also an ideal time to set simple, measurable goals before the year’s end. Choose achievable goals like reading more books, cooking seasonal meals, or taking regular walks. Schedule low-effort social contact activities like weekly walks or a monthly dinner. Keep a daily journal to track your progress and monitor your mental and emotional well-being by noting changes to mood, sleep, or interests. And keep your spirits high with seasonal activities such as apple picking or baking.
Peace River Center to Purchase Property and Renovate Buildings from the City of Lakeland
by James Coulter
Peace River Center will soon undergo expansion and renovations now that a contract has been approved to purchase property and renovate buildings from the City of Lakeland.
At their meeting on Tues. Oct 7, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted unanimously to approve a contract that enables Peace River Center to buy property and renovate an additional building owned by the City of Lakeland.
Peace River Center currently owns three buildings on Gilmore Avenue. They have proposed acquiring that city-owned property and a fourth building to consolidate and grow its operations.
The contract commits $1.28 million in funding for the property purchase. The remaining $320,000 will go toward converting the newly acquired building into a healthcare facility.
Peace River Center is a non-profit organization that provides behavioral health and primary care services to low-income residents.
“Peace River Center strives to treat our members and the individuals we serve with integrity and compassion,” its website states. “[It] is committed to being a center of excellence in our community.”
Larry Williams, Peace River Center CEO, explained that the purchase and renovations were necessary to allow Peace River Center to expand services to the community.
“We’re out of room…and, quite frankly, we need to expand,” Williams said. “Were sitting in the middle of prime property…[so] d to secure this investment for Peace River Center today and not wait 39 years to see what is going to happen.”
County commissioners voted unanimously to approve the contract, which will remain in effect through Sep. 30, 2027.
PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – A Tuesday evening crash in Pasco County left four people injured after a vehicle slammed into a home following a medical emergency, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Around 6:20 p.m. on October 7, a 46-year-old Holiday woman was driving a Hyundai Santa Fe westbound on Riverlawn Court when she experienced a medical episode and lost control of the vehicle. The SUV veered off the roadway, striking a chain-link fence, a wooden fence, and then a swimming pool at a home located at 3226 Bahia Drive.
The vehicle became airborne after hitting the edge of the pool and crashed into the east side of the residence, coming to rest inside the home. Two women, ages 40 and 42, who were inside at the time, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. They were taken to a nearby hospital along with the driver and her 9-year-old passenger, who both sustained minor injuries.
Ronald E. Hanson, 88, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 7, 1936, in Sharon, Pennsylvania, to Earnest and Isabelle (Pizer) Hanson.
Ronald was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, serving from 1956 to 1960, achieving the rank of IC3, and receiving an Honorable Discharge along with the Good Conduct Medal. Following his service, he dedicated more than 30 years to the construction industry as a builder. Later, he pursued his entrepreneurial spirit by owning and operating Kopper Popper, a gourmet popcorn shop where he created a wide variety of popcorn products. After years of hard work, he retired in 2000 and relocated to Haines City from Berlin Center, Ohio. Ronald was a faithful member of the First Church of God in Winter Haven, FL.
A man of many talents, Ronald loved music and enjoyed playing nearly any instrument, most often the violin, guitar, accordion, and organ. He cherished time spent with his family and friends and was known as a “jack of all trades,” always keeping himself busy with projects and repairs. Ronald also had a great passion for cars, especially attending the Kissimmee car shows. A true sports fan, he faithfully supported the Cleveland Browns and the Cleveland Indians.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Earnest and Isabelle Hanson; his son, Ronnie Hanson; and his siblings, Lois Maybray, Elaine Sherwood, Bob Hanson, and Don Hanson. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 62 years, Edith Hanson; daughter, Rhonda Hanson of Uhrichsville, OH; son, Rick Hanson of Medina, OH; brother, Paul Hanson of Tallmadge, OH; four grandchildren, Steven, Faith, Hannah, and Katie; two great-grandchildren, Jensen and Grace; along with many special friends.
There are no services scheduled in Florida. His final resting place will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Sandy Lake, Pennsylvania.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ronald’s honor to the First Church of God, 3025 US-92, Winter Haven, FL 33881, or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Central Florida Chapter, 3319 Maguire Blvd, Suite 110, Orlando, FL 32803
Bartow, Fla. — Polk County commissioners are looking for volunteers who would like to serve on the county’s Lakes Access Advisory Committee.
The Lakes Access Advisory Committee studies how to increase public access to Polk County’s lakes and reports findings and recommendations back to the commission. The Lakes Access Advisory Committee includes 10 members appointed by the commissioners. Each commissioner appoints two members to the committee, with staggered member terms. Members appointed to the committee serve a term of three years.
The meeting dates and location are determined by the membership, meeting as necessary to carry out its duties.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Polk County Lakes Access Advisory Committee, please submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected] by close of business on Oct. 27, 2025.
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A 28-year-old Orange County firefighter, identified as Gabrielle Franze, was arrested last week after allegedly scattering dozens of tampons across her ex-boyfriend’s yard, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to the man’s home last week after he and his new partner found the unusual mess. “There were approximately 75 opened tampons in their yard, which were stained red as if they were possibly used,” the arrest affidavit stated.
Security footage reportedly showed a truck approaching the home earlier in the week, and a person—believed to be Franze—throwing the tampons. “They felt it was Gabrielle due to her demonstrating that she was unhappy with the fact (they) were now together,” a detective wrote.
Franze initially denied knowing where her ex lived but later changed her story, claiming the plan was concocted by her visiting relatives. She was taken into custody Friday, October 3, 2025 on two counts of stalking and released on bail the same day.
Week 6 of college football had no shortage of great games—from rivalry matchups to shocking upsets, this week had it all.
We start in Pasadena, where UCLA pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the season by taking down #7 Penn State at the Rose Bowl. The Nittany Lions entered the game with a 92.6% chance to win and were 24.5-point favorites. But UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava had other plans.
Iamaleava delivered a breakout performance, going 17-for-24 with five total touchdowns—three on the ground and two through the air. His leadership helped UCLA not only earn their first win of the season but also end a 16-game losing streak against top-10 opponents. The Bruins shocked the college football world with a 42–37 victory, pulling off one of the most memorable upsets in recent history.
Another massive upset came in Gainesville, where 1–3 Florida took down #9 Texas in front of a raucous home crowd. Texas came into the game as heavy favorites with a 74.8% chance to win. However, Florida quarterback DJ Lagway rose to the occasion, going 21-for-28 with two touchdowns.
Texas QB Arch Manning struggled to carry on the family legacy, as the Manning clan now holds a 1–4 record in Gainesville (including uncles Peyton and Eli). This loss adds another chapter to the Manning family’s misfortunes in The Swamp.
The upset may have bought Florida head coach Billy Napier some time, as he was reportedly on the hot seat going into the weekend. However, things won’t get any easier for the Gators, who still face five more ranked opponents, including three currently in the top 10.
As a result of their losses, both #1 Texas and #2 Penn State fell completely out of the AP Top 25 rankings—something that hasn’t happened in nearly four decades. The last time two top-10 teams dropped out of the rankings in the same week was September 16, 1986, when #8 Tennessee and #10 Ohio State both lost. Penn State’s fall marks the second-biggest drop for a top-2 team in history, only behind the 1959 Oklahoma Sooners, who dropped out after losing their season opener to Northwestern.
As of now, here’s how the rankings stack up by conference:
SEC: 9 ranked teams
Big Ten: 5 ranked teams
Big 12: 4 ranked teams
Other conferences with ranked teams: ACC, American, and Independent programs.
Current Top 25 Rankings
Ohio State
Miami
Oregon
Ole Miss
Texas A&M
Oklahoma
Indiana
Alabama
Texas Tech
Georgia
LSU
Tennessee
Georgia Tech
Missouri
Michigan
Notre Dame
Illinois
BYU
Virginia
Vanderbilt
Arizona State
Iowa State
Memphis
South Florida
Florida State
As the season progresses, the rankings are bound to shift, and the intensity will only increase.
Looking Ahead to Week 7
The upcoming Week 7 slate also promises excitement, featuring three ranked matchups and several rivalry games. The headline rivalries include the Red River Rivalry between Oklahoma and Texas, and The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry between Auburn and Georgia.
As the season unfolds, the path toward the championship will continue to narrow, and the road ahead will grow tougher. Expect more chaos, drama, and shakeups as we move forward.
Week 6 reminded us all why college football remains one of the most unpredictable and thrilling sports in the country.
