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Lake Wales High School Graduate Opens Her Own Boutique

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Lake Wales High School Graduate Opens Her Own Boutique

Lake Wales High School Graduate Opens Her Own Boutique

by James Coulter

Most fashionistas want to buy their clothes from a big brand name. Gucci. Louis Vuitton. Tiffany & Co. One local high school graduate hopes to make a big name for herself after opening her first storefront in Dundee. She’s started small, but she has big dreams of one day being a recognizable brand name.

“I have goals to make it big,” she said. “When someone looks at a piece of clothing, and they ask where you got it from, and they answer that they got it from Krae’s, I want to be a name [like that] someday.”

Kaylee Rae, 18, recently opened Krae Boutique, her first storefront for her boutique in Dundee. She previously operated her business through an online store, yet good fortune shone upon her when Davidson of Dundee approached her to set up her boutique in their venue.

Currently, Kaylee sells clothing and accessories like shoes, hats, and pants. Her boutique focuses on offering affordable clothing, with nothing over $50. She even sells many handmade products created by local businesses and even her friends.

Through her online store, she ships to 24 different states and two countries. While she has started small with her online and temporary venue, she has big dreams of owning her own permanent storefront.

“I did not expect to have a storefront,” she said. “And with everything that is happening, I found the time to open this, and that was really exciting.”

Kaylee always had a passion for shopping. She loved buying clothing, and she felt that she could even turn her love into a career. So with the support of her mother and using the money in her savings, Kaylee set up her business.

“I asked my mom one night about it,” Kaylee said. “I told her it was something I wanted to spend my savings on…She told me if this is what I want to do, then you can do it, I will support you.”

With her mother’s assistance, Kaylee bought a business name and tax identification number, obtained a business license, started her website, and ordered her first inventory. She initially started her boutique as an online store on November 2020.

“[It’s] a parent’s dream,” said Lora Donley, Kaylee’s mother. “She set a goal and put in the time until she reached it…I see Krae Boutique and any other project Kaylee creates reaching the next level. Hopefully, other young people will see her as an example. Most successful business owners started from the beginning. Kaylee is proof that the beginning can be created by a dreaming teenager.”

Earlier this year in August, she was approached by the owners of Davidson of Dundee. They were impressed by the pop-up she had set up there previously, and they wanted her to set up shop within their venue.

“They said they wanted to start something new there with their business where they can bring small local small businesses to other things,” she said.

Her biggest challenge thus far has been her age. As someone who started her first personal business in high school, Kaylee had to juggle many things to make her dream a reality, from applying to colleges to finishing her school work and participating in various high school clubs and the lacrosse team.

Moreover, other people remained skeptical of her endeavor. Starting a business so young seemed “foolish” when they assumed she should stick to focusing on her schoolwork. And yet, being able to run a business on her own in the past year turned many skeptics into supporters.

“They do not think it is such a good idea to start something so big at a young age,” she said. “Looking back at it, people now find me inspiring because I did it at such a young age, so it was an obstacle for me at the beginning, but it has not become something good for me.”

Currently, Kaylee is still juggling school and work with her boutique, as she is also attending college and working as a preschool teacher. Nevertheless, Kaylee has big expectations to turn her small boutique into something big.

“I have great goals of where this can possibly go,” she said. “Right now, we are going to take baby steps. We are going to do a lot of pop-ups. We are going to work with other small businesses, and we will work together with us.”

Krae Boutique is located inside Davidson of Dundee, located at 28421 US-27, Dundee, FL 33838. For more information, visit: https://shop-krae.com/

Hundreds Turn Out in Costume for Davenport Halloween Trunk Or Treat

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Hundreds Turn Out in Costume for Davenport Halloween Trunk Or Treat

Hundreds Turn Out in Costume for Davenport Halloween Trunk Or Treat

by James Coulter

Hundreds of children and their families lined up both inside and outside Lewis Mathews Sports Complex in Davenport for the annual Halloween Trunk or Treat on Sunday evening. Attendees waited in line patiently as the passed by 30 to 40 parked cars and vendors, each offering candy with lavish Halloween displays.

Participating this year were many local organizations, including the Haines City Moose Club Lodge, Nature’s Way, Rotary Club, Davenport Historical Society, the Davenport Merchants, and the Northeast Polk County Chamber of Commerce.

When not collecting candy, attendees were able to enjoy free food like cotton candy, shaved ice, and hot dogs. They could also participate in carnival games, costume contests, and live musical entertainment provided Studio C Dance Studio.

This year’s event experienced a phenomenal turnout, with lines stretched outside the sports complex and cars lining the road to get into the parking lots, only to discover that all of the spaces have been taken.

Josh Hick, Parks Superintendent at City of Davenport, owes this year’s success to the city manager, staff, and commisioners, all of whom take pride with these city events.

“It is a free event with a big community that has that local hometown feel,” he said. “Every year it has been growing. Last year was a good turnout like this. It has met every bit of expectations, if not exceeded. We hope that it will keep on growing.”

Rock’ N Brews BBQ Contest Donates to Cancer Patient Support

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Rock’ N Brews BBQ Contest Donates to Cancer Patient Support

Rock’ N Brews BBQ Contest Donates to Cancer Patient Support

by James Coulter

More than $4,500 was raised for cancer patient support by a Florida BBQ Association-sanctioned event hosted at Camp Mack, a Guy Harvey Lodge, Marina, and RV Resort on the weekend of Oct. 22 and 23.

The Rock’ N Brews BBQ Contest drew in a good crowd at the Lake Wales resort for a good old time with live music, camaraderie, and plenty of finger-licking homemade barbecue. More than 50 teams from across the state participated, including 34 in the professional division and 16 in the backyard division.

The Grand Champion titles were conferred to Smoke N Ash BBQ for the professional division and Done Right Smokin for the backyard division. Both titles were awarded by FBA judges.

Proceeds from the ticket and raffle sales and the financial support of the title sponsor, Lake Wales’ Weikert Ford, were donated to Charlene’s Dream Cancer Hope and Healing Program, an all-volunteer cancer patient support organization based in Daytona Beach, FL.

“Charlene’s Dream is a warm and welcoming haven for those with cancer, seeking to get information,” a Guy Harvey press release stated. “It is a resource center, wrapped up to look like a boutique! It’s a place to try on wigs, hats, mastectomy bras, lymphedema sleeves and breast prostheses. It is a place where ALL cancer patients can feel free to ask questions and get FREE help and assistance.”

Upon confirming the donation, Kevin DeNell of Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts commented how great the turnout was, especially for a great cause as cancer patient support.

“The BBQ tastes good, but all of our teams agree, it feels even better to bring folks together to help support those dealing with cancer,” he said. “In our book, everyone’s a winner. We’re looking forward to cooking more BBQ and raising more money in our future Rock’ N Brews events.”

Camp Mack has hosted many events within the past year. Its next event will be the Bonfire Series Shootout, to be hosted Fri. Nov. 19 to Sun. Nov. 21. The resort is located at 14900 Camp Mack Rd, Lake Wales, FL. For more information, visit: https://guyharveycampmack.com/

31 Yr Old Lakeland Woman Killed In Crash Near Bartow

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31 Yr Old Lakeland Woman Killed In Crash Near Bartow

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit continues to investigate a fatal crash that occurred late Monday evening, November 1, 2021 near Bartow.

PCSO deputies and members of Polk County Fire Rescue responded to the scene of the single-vehicle crash on US-17 South near Transport Road, at around 10:45 PM.

The first responders found 31-year old Brittany Reynolds of Lakeland dead at the scene.

Ms. Reynolds was the only person involved in the crash; she was driving a red 2011 Hyundai Sonata.

Based on evidence at the scene, Ms. Reynolds had been traveling south on US-17 when her car swerved off of the roadway and into the median. The Hyundai drove for approximately 400-feet before coming back onto the roadway, across both southbound lanes, and then off of the west side of the road where it struck a tree.

Ms. Reynolds was not wearing a seat belt.

The southbound lanes of US-17 South were closed for about three hours while emergency crews were on scene investigating.

Lake Wales 18 Yr Old Charged With Aggravated Assault After Allegedly Stabbing Man In The Head & Neck

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Lake Wales 18 Yr Old Charged With Aggravated Assault After Allegedly Stabbing Man In The Head & Neck

On Sunday, October 24, 2021, at approximately 8:50 p.m., officers responded to 321 Weaver Avenue in reference to a stabbing. Upon arrival, Lake Wales Police Officers found the victim covered in blood and bleeding profusely from the head and neck area. The victim told officers that an unknown white male stabbed him while he was walking down the road. The victim sustained life-threatening injuries because of the attack and was flown by helicopter to Lakeland Regional Medical Center where he was in critical condition.


Upon checking the reported crime scene, officers located a large pool of blood in the area of Miami Street and Bullard Avenue. They set up and perimeter and searched with canines along with aviation support from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office but did not locate a suspect. Detectives located and interviewed a witness who reportedly saw someone running from the area around the time of the stabbing.

      The next morning around 5:50 a.m., officers received a break in the case when a family member of the suspect called to report suspicious and concerning information about their nephew, Noahmyan Nathan Rivera-Valentin.  With this information, Officers located Noahmyan at 327 Weaver Avenue.  Noahmyan still had dried blood on his right hand.  A bloody knife and bloody clothing belonging to Noahmyan was also located at the residence.  Detectives were able to determine that 18-year-old Noahmyan of Lake Wales had attacked the victim in this case.  Noahmyan, was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery.


     We are thankful that the victim survived this unprovoked and random attack. If anyone has any further information regarding this investigation, police are asking you to contact Detective Ricky Hartwell at 678-4223.  If you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477) or from any cell phone, dial **TIPS.

42 Yr Old Lake Wales Man Killed In Halloween Night Crash

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42 Yr Old Lake Wales Man Killed In Halloween Night Crash
Lake Wales Man Killed In Halloween Night Crash

Last evening, October 31, 2021, the PCSO Traffic Unit was called to the scene of a three-vehicle crash with serious injuries and one fatality.

 

The crash occurred around 7:35 p.m. in the 19000 block of SR 60 East in Lake Wales near Grape Hammock Road. According to the witnesses and evidence, a 2015 silver Buick Lacrosse being driven eastbound on SR 60 by 42-year-old Michael Franks of Lake Wales for unknown reasons drifted over the center line and into the westbound lane. The Buick struck a 2015 black Honda four-door, propelling the Honda off the roadway and into a ditch. The Buick continued down the westbound lane and struck head-on a 2020 silver Chevrolet Silverado that was pulling a livestock trailer with pigs inside. The trailer became detached and was pushed into the rear of the truck. The pigs were not injured.

 

Franks was deceased on-scene.

 

The driver of the Honda, 34-year-old Diery Clavier of Tampa, suffered non-life threatening injuries and is at a local hospital. His passenger, 30-year-old Jude Dorelus, was airlifted to a local hospital with serious injuries and is expected to recover.

 

The driver of the Chevy truck, 33-year-old Jacob Wise of Punta Gorda, was taken via ambulance to a local hospital with serious injuries, but is expected to recover.  His front seat passenger (his wife), 32-year-old Alicia Wise was airlifted to a local hospital with serious injuries; her 12-year-old daughter Gracia Logan was not injured.  

 

All of the vehicles’ occupants were wearing seat belts. It is unknown at this time what caused Mr. Franks to cross the center line, and the investigation is ongoing. Neither of the other drivers was impaired or speeding.

 

SR 60 in that area was closed for approximately 6 hours during the investigation.

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way that we take every one of the requirements seriously, and failure to comply will result in an arrest.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
There are 1,255 Sexual Offenders and 142 sexual predators registered in Polk County. These offenders and predators are checked every quarter by Polk detectives to ensure they are in compliance with Florida’s sexual offender/predator registration laws. The state requirement is for a check to be completed at least once a year. During the initiative Polk County Sheriff’s Office SVRT detectives accomplished the following: 

  • Compliance checks conducted: 334
  • Compliance checks – in compliance: 316
  • Compliance checks – not in compliance: 18
  • Hours dedicated to this operation: 195
  • Arrests: 16
  • Warrants issued: 2

 During the third quarter of 2021 (July, August, September) preceding October, detectives arrested 29 Sex Offenders or Predators for various violations and confirmed compliance for 1,255 sex offenders and 142 sex predators.
The following is a list of those arrested (16) during this compliance initiative, and a summary of their offenses during the Month of October:
Kevin Melito, 57, of 433 Perch Place, Lakeland. Melito is a sexual predator based on a 1999 Polk County conviction for sexual battery on a child under 12-years-old. Melito was arrested in October for possessing and using unregistered social media accounts on YouTube and Instagram. Melito was charged with two counts Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.
Christopher Bretzlaff, 50, of 1138 McCampbell Road, Auburndale. Bretzlaff is a sexual offender based upon a 2011 Polk County conviction for promotion of child pornography. Bretzlaff violated the conditions of his felony sexual offender probation by possessing and using an unregistered social media account on YouTube and for viewing online pornography. Bretzlaff was arrested and charged with Violation of Probation. 
Tyler Knight, 31, of 1138 McCampbell Road, Auburndale. Knight is a sexual offender based upon a 2018 Polk County conviction for traveling to meet a minor for sex and lewd and lascivious battery on a victim between 12-15 Years of Age. Knight violated the conditions of his felony sexual offender probation by possessing an unregistered Play Station account which would allow him to communicate with minors online. Knight was arrested and charged with Violation of Probation. 
Nelson Vega Fantauzzi, 54, of 609 Fisher Court, Kissimmee. Fantauzzi is a sexual offender based upon a 1993 conviction out of the State of New Jersey for Sexual Assault. Fantauzzi failed to notify his change of address to either the Polk County Sheriff’s Office or the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle within 48 hours. Fantauzzi was arrested and charged with two counts of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws.
James Steele, 48, a transient. Steele is a sexual offender based upon a 1993 Osceola County conviction for lewd and lascivious conduct with a child under 16-years-old. Transients are required to register every 30 days. Steele failed to notify his change of address to either the Polk County Sheriff’s Office or the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle within 48 hours. Steele was arrested and charged with two counts of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws.
Lloyd Dewayne Vann, 39, of 5008 Quercus Loop, Winter Haven. Vann is a sexual offender based on a 2016 Polk County conviction for child abuse/engage in sexual performance. Vann failed to notify his change of address to either the Polk County Sheriff’s Office or the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle within 48 hours. Vann also provided false registration information on August 13, 2021 and September 13, 2021 by registering a transient address instead of an actual address. He also failed to register vehicles he owned. During an unrelated investigation, on October 1, 2021, Vann was arrested for Domestic Violence Battery by Strangulation, Tampering with a Witness, and False Imprisonment following an altercation with a female victim. On October 6, 2021, he was additionally charged with six counts of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws.
Anthony Michael Shaw, 28, of 3800 Highway 17-92 W # 13, Haines City. Shaw is a sexual offender based on a 2019 Polk County conviction for possession of child pornography. Shaw violated the conditions of his felony sexual offender probation by possessing and using an unregistered social media account on Instagram and viewing online pornography. Shaw was arrested and charged with Violation of

robation. 


Michael Steven Wade Strickland, 38, of 1833 Canal Road, Lake Wales. Strickland is a sexual offender based on a 2010 Holmes County conviction for lewd and lascivious battery on a victim between the ages of 12 and 15-years-old. Strickland failed to notify his change of address to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle within 48 hours. During an unrelated investigation, Strickland was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Knowingly Driving on a Suspended License. He was additionally charged with one count of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws.
Robert Edward Reese, 44, a transient near New Tampa Highway and County Line Road in Lakeland. Reese is a sexual offender based upon a 2007 Marion County conviction for lewd and lascivious molestation of a victim between the ages of 12 and 15-years-old. Transients are required to register every 30 days. Reese failed to register his address to either the Polk County Sheriff’s Office or the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle 48 hours. Reese was arrested in Hillsborough County for a Polk County warrant for two counts of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws.
Francisco Rodriguez, 52, of 131 Diamond Ridge Blvd, Auburndale. Rodriguez is a sexual offender based upon a 1999 conviction out of the State of New York for Rape-1st Degree. During an unrelated investigation, Rodriguez was arrested on October 8, 2021 for petit theft and trafficking in stolen property when he attempted to recycle stolen metal. He posted bond and left the jail before registering his change of address. Rodriguez was arrested two days later (10-11-21) for two counts of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws.
Jose Esparza, 44, of 5916 Woodale, Lakeland. Esparza is a sexual offender based on a 2000 Polk County conviction for lewd and lascivious molestation of a victim between the ages of 12 and 15-years-old. During his last registration on April, 22, 2021, Esparza failed to register vehicles owned. During an unrelated investigation, Esparza was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was additionally charged with two counts of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws.
Angel Nieves, 50, of 615 Wallaby Lane Kissimmee. Nieves is a sexual offender based on a 1989 conviction out of New York for Attempted Rape – 1st Degree. Nieves failed to report to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office during his required month of September 2021. Nieves was arrested for Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws.
Dennis Henslee, 57, of 4761 Carl Boozer Road, Haines City. Henslee is a sexual offender based on a 2015 Polk County conviction for sexual battery. Henslee failed to report to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office during his required month of August 2021. Henslee was arrested for Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws.
Charles Fred Howard, 63, of 1004 Indiana Street SE # 222, Fort Meade. Howard is a sexual offender based on a 2010 conviction out of the State of Kentucky for Rape – 3rd Degree. Howard failed to register two vehicles owned. Howard was arrested for two counts of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws.
Jerome Carter, 55, of 5322 Rock Dove Trail, Lakeland. Carter is a sexual offender based upon a 1986 Polk County conviction for lewd and lascivious conduct with a child under 16-years-old. Carter failed to notify his change of address to either the Polk County Sheriff’s Office or the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle within 48 hours. Carter was arrested and charged with two counts of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws.
Wilfredo Camacho, 34, of 442 Perch Place, Lakeland. Camacho is a sexual offender based upon a 2008 Polk County conviction for sexual battery on a child under 12-years-old. Camacho is on active sexual offender probation with the Florida Department of Corrections. During a probation check, Camacho possessed Butalbital, a controlled substance, and was arrested for Possession of Butalbital and Violation of Probation. *Convicted sex offenders and sex predators are required by Florida law to register and maintain updated information regarding the following identifying information: name; social security number; age; race; sex; date of birth; height; weight; tattoos or other identifying marks; hair and eye color; photograph; address of legal residence (or temporary residence); electronic mail addresses; Internet identifiers and each Internet identifier’s corresponding website homepage or application software name; home telephone numbers and cellular telephone numbers; employment information; driver’s license or Florida ID information; the make, model, color, vehicle identification number (VIN), and license tag number of all vehicles owned

Downtown Frostproof Gets Spoopy For 4th Annual Fall Street Dance

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Downtown Frostproof Gets Spoopy For 4th Annual Fall Street Dance

Downtown Frostproof Gets Spoopy For 4th Annual Fall Street Dance

by James Coulter

Downtown Frostproof celebrated Halloween with plenty of spoopy fun during its 4th annual fall street dance on Saturday evening. Several hundred attendees of all ages, many dressed in their Halloween best, congregated along East Wall Street to enjoy live music, food trucks, and other fun activities.

Several dozen food trucks and local vendors lined the street while the stage provided live music and entertainment for attendees to dance along to. The event started at 6:30 p.m., around the time city trick-or-treating was still in effect, so plenty of trick-or-treaters and their families attended. Many of them even participated in a costume contest later that evening.

The street dance coincided with many other Halloween events occurring at that time. Mister Chris’ Coffee Gallery & Depot hosted a trunk or treat and car show at Freedom Station Park, while the American Legion hosted a haunted house.

With so many other Halloween festivities occurring during that time, many people in costumes came to Downtown Frostpoofduring the street dance, which drew in more attendees than previous events, said Vice Mayor Austin Gravely.

“It is already a record-breaker, and it hasn’t even gotten started yet,” he said near the start of the event that evening when several hundred attendees crowded East Wall Street outside of the Ramon Theater.

Tristan Tritt, a famed musician, related to the county legend Travis Tritt, performed live musical entertainment. While his father plays country, Tristan prefers to play alternate rock, offering more lively and energetic music to dance to.

Tristan was invited personally by Gravely, who even traveled to the musician’s town of Traverses to watch him perform. Tristan did not disappoint, as his tunes helped liven up the already lively atmosphere of dancing, beer-drinking, and overall good time-having, he said.

“I really want to get the point across of the message of bringing people together and getting over this pandemic and just enjoy this moment,” he said. “They have taken real good care of us. We are super excited to play for these lovely folks here. It is a small town, similar to the town I was brought up in, so it is like being at home.”

For the past four years, the City of Frostproof has been hosting the bi-annual street dance during Valentine’s Day and in the fall. Even during the height of the pandemic last year, the city never canceled an event, allowing locals and visitors alike a safe, fun environment to come together and have a good time despite these uncertain times.

“I want to see all of the people having a good time,” Gravely said. “Everyone is happy. Especially after last year. Even though Frostproof never canceled anything, people are glad to be out and enjoy the evening.”

Many local organizations participated for the sake of fundraising. The Frostproof High Boosters Club sold hot dogs and boiled peanuts to raise money for the Frostproof High School Band.

Drew Pepkowski, Treasurer of FP Band Boosters, appropriately enough, dressed up as a hot dog. He has been attending such an event with the Boosters Club to raise funds for their cause, but also to enjoy the event with others.

“It has been nice and steady,” he said. “It feels good and great. Everyone is having a lot of fun and enjoying it…We are doing well for our first time being here, not knowing what we were walking into or expecting, but we seem to be doing well crowd-wise.”

The next Frostproof Street Dance will be hosted next year on Valentine’s Day. Their next and biggest event will be their upcoming Christmas Parade. For more information, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/cityoffrostproof

President of Home Solutions Wins Mr. Central Florida 2021

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President of Home Solutions Wins Mr. Central Florida 2021

President of Home Solutions Wins Mr. Central Florida 2021

by James Coulter

Ricky Peacock, President of Home Solution Lenders Inc. in Bartow, had a family member who requires speech therapy due to their apraxia. Fortunately, he and his family could afford it, but knowing that many other families could not, he wanted to do something to help them.

When he learned about Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center, a local organization dedicated to offering speech and hearing services to people of all ages and incomes, he decided to get on board with their annual fundraiser, Mr. Central Florida.

He, along with two dozen other men in the community, spent the last year raising money and awareness for Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center. He managed to raise the most money, raising more than $71,000. His efforts earned him the title of this year’s Mr. Central Florida.

This was the first year competing and participating in the Mr. Central Florida fundraiser. He owes his success to the hard work and effort of his dedicated campaign manager. More than simply winning the event, he appreciated participating with many other dedicated volunteers for a wonderful organization.

“It was awesome, a beautiful event [with] a lot of people and smiling faces, certainly a place I want to come back [to] and participate,” he said. “It feels great [winning], but it is more important to give back to the community. I am glad my friends and family are here. It has exceeded expectations. It really has.”

Mr. Central Florida is the major annual fundraiser for the Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center, a local treatment facility assisting patients with speech and hearing disorders within the Greater Lakeland area. For more than 60 years, the facility has remained true to its mission, according to its website, “to provide the highest quality speech, language and hearing services, always in a caring manner.”

Before their annual fundraiser, volunteers spend the previous year going out into the community to raise funds and awareness for the organization. The man who collects the most funds receives the glorious title of Mr. Central Florida.

This year’s ceremony was hosted at CMX Cinemas Lakeside 18 & IMAX in Lakeside Village. Originally, the event was to be hosted outdoors in tents before convening indoors within one of the theaters; however, due to the weather, the event was moved inside the theater lobby. Guests could bid in silent auctions and sample food from local caterers and eateries.

“Everything is going fantastic,” said Roxann K. Bonta, President and CEO. “I so appreciate the community who came out. People seem to have fun, and that is what we want to do. It is not just about making money, but making friends and allowing people to have an evening out with a fun time…We are so blessed and thankful that everyone has come out and all the people in the community that support us and allow us to provide the services we do.”

Lt. Jim Ostjic was last year’s Mr. Central Florida. Last year, he earned his title by helping the organization raise more than $260,000. This year, he attended the event as a board member and as one of the emcees for the evening.

“It feels really good to attend Mr. Central Florida again,” he said. “I really am glad to see the community come out tonight. It raises money for a great organization of the speech and hearing center…All of the work they do for the children, including the hearing aids they provide for them, all the hearing assistance they provide the community, it is really important. We are able to be blessed with all the money they provided last year, I hope they beat our record this year.”

Auburndale High School Student Decorates Haunted Yard with More Than 40 Animatronics for Halloween Night

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Auburndale High School Student Decorates Haunted Yard with More Than 40 Animatronics for Halloween Night

Auburndale High School Student Decorates Haunted Yard with More Than 40 Animatronics for Halloween Night

by James Coulter

Werewolves and zombies and killer clowns, oh my! These are just some of the frightful sights you can see on Halloween night when you pass by the yard of one Auburndale high school student.

Matthew Reynolds, 15, has collected more than 40 animatronic figures over the past five years he has been decorating his family’s yard. Every year, he sets up the animatronics, decorations, and other special effects, including lighting and a fog machine.

The end result are 40 animatronic figures, all packed in a single front yard, and activated with lights and fog and other spooky sounds culminating in a haunted yard display that needs to be seen to be believed.

Many animated props were purchased over the years from Halloween stores. However, a few were custom-made by Matthew himself. While they are not as advanced or complicated as the store-bought variety, his animatronics prove to be just as impressive once they come to life.

“A lot of jump scares and surprises await you,” Matthew said. “Most every year, it gets more advanced, and it grows every single year. There is something new to see when you drive by.”

Matthew’s father always decorated their house as a haunted house during Halloween. His parents soon allowed him to start his hobby of collecting Halloween decorations and animatronics. He soon started buying his own animated figures and creating his own Halloween yard hunts.

“So for the past five years, I have been going to their Halloween store every single year and buying out their whole stock of animatronic props,” he said. “It started simple enough with only one or two animatronic figures and some hanging decorations…Now there are about 40 of them in one yard, it is complete chaos, but it is seriously one hell of a night to see.”

Matthew loves animatronics. Ever since he was young, he has been fascinated by the technology and craftsmanship. So aside from simply buying animatronics from the Halloween store, he has also created his own custom figures, albeit not as complex or advanced as the store-bought variety.

“Animatronics are my passion,” he said. “I am very interested in how they work and how they are made…I love spending time outdoors and spending day after day just decorating and setting up the haunt to put a smile on their face….A lot of dedication goes into it, but there is so much reward in it to see people smile and scream on Halloween.”

This year, he has expanded some of the set pieces on his lawn. He spent half of his yearly savings on animatronics and decorations and the other half on overall theming. From Pennywise the Clown to Scream’s Ghostface, this year’s haunt has nearly every happy haunt from your favorite horror movies and franchises.

Matthew spends at least a week decorating his yard, setting up the decorations, and hooking up the lights, fog machine, and sound system. The hardest part, by far, is hauling out all of the animatronics from the family shed, with many figures being over eight feet tall. But the hard work more than pays off once the yard comes to life.

He expects to use his set design and animatronic skills to good use one day, as he dreams of working at either Universal Studios or Disney World. Until then, he will continue his yearly hobby of setting up the Halloween Haunt in his front yard.

“People should drop by because days and years’ worth of animatronic go into this yard haunt that I pull off,” he said. “Seeing 40 animatronics out there at a time, and they are all going off at once, it is noisy, it is chaotic, it is scary, and it is amazing.”

Matthew’s Haunted Yard will be hosted on Sun. Oct. 31 from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m, though he plans on hosting the Haunted Yard for several days after. His yard is located at 136 Patterson Dr., Auburndale, Fl.

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