The Auburndale City Fest is on Saturday, October 4, 2025! This exciting community celebration brings together Auburndale’s Market and Parks & Recreation for an evening filled with fun.
From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., enjoy live soul music, shop with over 40 local vendors, and let the kids take part in festive trick-or-treating.
The event is free to attend and offers a perfect opportunity to celebrate fall with friends and family.
Don’t miss this chance to support local businesses and enjoy a night of community spirit in downtown Auburndale.
“On October 3, 1863, expressing gratitude for a pivotal Union Army victory at Gettysburg, President Abraham Lincoln announces that the nation will celebrate an official Thanksgiving holiday on November 26, 1863.
The speech, which was actually written by Secretary of State William Seward, declared that the last Thursday of every November thereafter would be considered an official U.S. holiday of Thanksgiving. This announcement harkened back to when George Washington was in his first term as the first president in 1789 and the young American nation had only a few years earlier emerged from the American Revolution. At that time, George Washington called for an official celebratory “day of public thanksgiving and prayer.” While Congress overwhelmingly agreed to Washington’s suggestion, the holiday did not yet become an annual event.
Thomas Jefferson, the third president, felt that public demonstrations of piety to a higher power, like that celebrated at Thanksgiving, were inappropriate in a nation based in part on the separation of church and state. Subsequent presidents agreed with him. In fact, no official Thanksgiving proclamation was issued by any president between 1815 and the day Lincoln took the opportunity to thank the Union Army and God for a shift in the country’s fortunes on this day in 1863.
The last Thursday of November remained the annual day of Thanksgiving from 1863 until 1939. Then, at the tail-end of the Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, hoping to boost the economy by providing shoppers and merchants a few extra days to conduct business between the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, moved Thanksgiving to November’s second-to-last Thursday. In 1941, however, Roosevelt bowed to Congress’ insistence that the last Thursday of November be re-set permanently, without alteration, as the official Thanksgiving holiday.”
DETROIT — October has arrived, and for truck enthusiasts, that means one thing: Chevrolet Truck Month. The iconic American brand is rolling out a slate of limited-time incentives designed to make it the perfect time to snag a new Chevy pickup, from rugged workhorses to off-road adventurers. With deals kicking off today and running through the end of the month, Chevrolet is celebrating its legendary truck heritage while spotlighting innovations in capability, technology, and electrification.
Truck Month has long been a staple in the automotive calendar, offering buyers enhanced rebates, low-APR financing, and lease specials on Chevrolet’s full truck portfolio. This year, amid a competitive market for light- and heavy-duty pickups, Chevy is pulling out all the stops to maintain its edge against rivals like Ford and Ram.
Spotlight on the Chevrolet Truck Lineup
Chevrolet’s truck family is built for versatility, blending brute strength with modern smarts. Here’s a quick rundown of the key players available now:
Silverado 1500: The full-size flagship that’s been a sales juggernaut for decades, the 2025 Silverado 1500 starts at around $37,000 for the base WT trim and climbs to premium levels like the High Country at over $60,000. It boasts a max towing capacity of 13,300 pounds, innovative features like the Multi-Flex Tailgate for easier loading, and off-road-ready variants such as the ZR2 with Multimatic DSSV dampers. New for 2025: Fresh colors like Cypress Gray and Riptide Blue, plus 20-inch gloss black wheels on select models.
1500
Silverado HD (2500HD and 3500HD): For those needing serious hauling power, the heavy-duty duo delivers up to 36,000 pounds of towing capacity on the 3500HD with a gooseneck hitch. Starting around $45,000 for the 2500HD, these beasts feature Duramax Turbo-Diesel options pushing 470 horsepower and advanced trailering tech like Transparent Trailer View. They’re ideal for contractors, farmers, or anyone tackling heavy loads with ease.
3500
Colorado: Chevy’s midsize powerhouse offers nimble handling without sacrificing muscle, with a max tow rating of 7,700 pounds and payloads up to 1,710 pounds. Starting at about $30,000, the 2025 Colorado shines in Trail Boss and ZR2 trims for off-roading, complete with a Multi-Flex Tailgate and available 310-horsepower TurboMax engine. It’s the go-to for urban adventurers who want capability in a more maneuverable package.
Rounding out the electrified side, the Silverado EV brings zero-emissions torque with up to 664 horsepower and a 440-mile range, starting at $75,000 for the Work Truck edition. While not always the star of Truck Month deals, it’s gaining traction as Chevy pushes toward a greener fleet.
Sweet Deals to Sweeten the Ride
This Truck Month, Chevrolet is stacking incentives to move inventory. Highlights include:
Up to $4,500 in cash rebates on select 2025 Silverado 1500 models, plus $4,000 on the Silverado EV.
Low financing rates like 3.9% APR for 60 months or 4.9% for 72 months on Silverado 1500 purchases.
Lease specials starting at $399 per month for 36 months on the Colorado, with $4,679 due at signing.
Bonus cash allowances of up to $500 on new 2025 Silverados, valid through October 31.
These offers vary by region and trim, so shoppers should check with local dealers for the best fit. Military, educator, and first-responder discounts add extra savings on top.
As supply chains stabilize and consumer demand for trucks remains red-hot, Chevrolet’s Truck Month is more than a sales event—it’s a nod to the hardworking spirit that defines the brand. Whether you’re upgrading your daily driver or outfitting for the jobsite, now’s the time to hit the road with a Chevy. Head to your nearest dealership or chevrolet.com to explore inventory and lock in these deals before they truck away.
Kenneth A. “Nick” Nixon, 67, of Davenport, formerly of Miami, FL, passed away on September 29, 2025, at his residence. He was born on December 25, 1957, in Miami, FL, to Ernest and Clarissa (Sackey) Nixon. Nick was a proud veteran of the United States Army, where he served for seven years. Following his service to his country, he worked for the United States Postal Service as a City Letter Carrier for more than 40 years, retiring in 2016. He was of the Baptist faith.
Nick was the officer for his graduating class of 1975 at Miami Jackson General High School, where he remained active. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, cooking, and landscaping. He was known for his dependability and outgoing nature—never meeting a stranger. A hardworking man with a big personality, Nick brought laughter to many with his comedic spirit. He could be a little crazy at times, but he was a devoted friend, a good granddad, and someone who always stood by those he cared about.
He is preceded in death by his father, Ernest Nixon; and siblings, Ernest Alfonso Nixon, Antoinette Nixon, and Gloria Lee. Nick leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving partner, Sabrina Freeman; his mother, Clarissa Nixon; sons, Kendric (Lateefha) Nixon and Quintin Nixon; daughters, Adrienne Nixon and Eleanor Freeman; siblings, Naha Nixon, Nick (Christine) Agusta, Ernestine Mills, and Queen Nixon Anderson; along with five grandchildren, Laila Nixon (17), Elliott Ryals (7), Faith Nixon (6), Vamir Victor (4), and Emarie Adams (4); his beloved nieces and nephews, Trina, NaToya , Dorothea, Karen, Kelly, Pierre, Ernest, Keldrick, Terrell, Jerome, and Kelvin; as well as some special friends, Eric Floyd, Donald Elms and Rob Davis.
Maria J. Barrett, 71, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, in Haines City, FL surrounded by her family.
Maria is preceded in death by her parents Celestino and Emelia Quiroz, her 3 brothers, and husband Rodney Barrett. She is survived by her sister, Maria Lou (Ronnie) Story, her 3 brothers in the Philippines, daughter Cathy (Jeff) Baker, granddaughters Lindsaia (Anthony) Johansmeyer, Sommer (Jared) Mueller, and Caydee Baker, and great grandchildren Colt and Reagan Johansmeyer.
Maria was born in Bagac Bataan, Philippines and grew up there with her 6 brothers and sister. She met her husband at the U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay Philippines in the commissary where she worked and he served as a U.S. Marine. They married on June 22, 1974 and later brought their beautiful daughter into the world. The family moved to Camp Le June, North Carolina in December of 1975 where he was stationed and retired in 1976. From the years of 1976-1991 the family lived in Pennsylvania, and later moved to Florida.
She worked as a seamstress her entire career.Maria was known as “Lola” which is grandmother in Tagalog. She loved her family deeply and enjoyed preparing everyone’s favorite meal, pancit and lumpia. She loved to shop, and purchased anything that had her favorite color purple! She loved to listen to karaoke, and was always excited to tell you about an upcoming television episode or a new movie that you had to watch! Her favorite shows were the daily soap operas, cooking channels, and WWE Smackdown.
Though she was tiny, she sure was mighty! She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. They are at peace knowing that she is now reunited with her husband, and walking the streets with Jesus.
Polk County is packed with events this weekend, offering something for everyone—from family fun and fitness to food, festivals, and cultural celebrations.
October 2–4
World Wake Association Championship at Lake Silver in Winter Haven brings top athletes for an action-packed weekend on the water.
Friday, October 3
October First Friday Cookie Carnival in Downtown Lakeland’s Munn Park, 6–9 p.m., featuring sweet treats, vendors, and community fun.
Saturday, October 4
Mayor’s 5K in Haines City kicks off at 7:30 a.m.
Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art Fall Family Festival in Lakeland, 10 a.m.
Hispanic Heritage Festival at Spence Park in Mulberry, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Winter Haven Fire Station Open House, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
2025 Mayor’s 5K, presented by AdventHealth Heart of Florida Saturday, October 4, 2025 7:30 AM Lake Eva Park
Reminder: The Mayor’s 5K is this Saturday. Runners will be on the following course from 7:30AM to approximately 9:30AM. There will be minimal impacts to traffic during the race. HCPD will be controlling traffic along Peninsular Drive with a rolling road block.
5K Race Route:
3rd St – Wood Ave Wood Ave – S 1st St S 1St – Peninsular Ave Peninsular Ave – Peninsular Dr Peninsular Dr – Alta Vista Dr (Runners will be past this point by approx. 8:15 AM) Alta Vista Dr – S 10th St S 10th Street – Wood Ave Wood Ave – S 8th St S 8th St – Johns Ave Johns Ave – S 9th St S 9th St – Lake Eva Park Trail Finish on the Great Lawn
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned pursuant to the fictitious name statutes 865.09 Florida statues will register with the division of corporations of the state of Florida upon receipt of proof of publication of this notice the fictitious name to wit Dawg On The Run under which we are or intend to do business as in Polk County Florida that parties interested in said business enterprises are as follows Names or officers Thomas Hahn.
SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. – A fatal crash occurred Wednesday evening, October 1, 2025, on County Road 471, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash happened around 5:15 p.m. when a Jeep Wrangler, driven by a 55-year-old Plant City woman, was heading southbound. For reasons still under investigation, the Jeep entered the northbound lane north of Main Line Road and collided with a trailer being towed by a tractor-trailer. The tractor-trailer was driven by a 57-year-old man from Lakeland.
The impact caused the Jeep to overturn, ejecting the driver onto the roadway. The tractor-trailer veered off the road and struck a tree. The Plant City woman was transported to a nearby hospital but later died from her injuries.
New disposal rates have taken effect at the Polk County North Central Landfill and Transfer Station.
Under the new rate structure, garbage disposal fees will increase to $46 per ton. This will also apply to construction and demolition debris. Yard trash disposal will now be charged at $36.50 per ton. Additionally, all transactions will be subject to a minimum fee of $10.
These rate adjustments reflect the increasing operational costs and infrastructure maintenance requirements necessary to maintain high-quality waste management services for county residents and businesses.
The Polk County Solid Waste Division remains committed to providing efficient, environmentally responsible waste disposal services. These rate adjustments will support ongoing improvements to facilities and operations, ensuring that the county’s waste management needs continue to be met effectively.
