A Davenport man died Monday morning after suffering a medical emergency while driving on U.S. 27, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m. on December 29, 2025. Troopers said a 64-year-old man was driving a Nissan Altima northbound on U.S. 27 south of Bates Road when he experienced a medical emergency and lost control of the vehicle.
The Altima departed the roadway, struck several scrubs, and became partially submerged in a marsh area adjacent to the highway.
The driver was transported to an area hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The incident remains under investigation. Information was provided by FHP Public Affairs Officer Sgt. Steve Gaskins.
Families are invited to ring in the New Year a little early at a fun-filled Noon Year’s Eve Celebration happening next Wednesday at the Mulberry Civic Center.
The event will take place on December 31 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. and will feature a festive lineup of games, activities, and a special ball drop at noon, making it perfect for kids and families who want to celebrate without staying up late.
Adding to the excitement, the celebration welcomes Dog Man and Cat Kid, bringing a playful and energetic theme to help kick off 2026 in a memorable way.
Mark your calendars and join the community for a joyful midday countdown filled with fun, laughter, and New Year cheer.
Brr! Did anyone in Florida catch that cold front? Because we sure did here in Virginia. The thermometer dipped to 17 degrees—yes, that’s well below water’s freezing point of 32.
It’s been cold enough to snow twice already. And while snow might look magical to those who’ve never lived with it, trust me: it’s a lot less charming when you’re shivering through it.
To fight the chill, I’ve been preparing warm soups and stews. But with holiday shopping and bills emptying my wallet, I’ve had to get creative with budget‑friendly meals.
Enter: Hoover Stew. This Depression-era meal was created for tough times. It’s a simple, cheap recipe that uses simple, cheap ingredients—macaroni, beans, tomatoes, and hot dogs all simmered together.
I gave mine a little upgrade with spices easily found in any pantry—salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. The result? Think pasta fagioli, but swap the Italian sausage for hot dogs.
It’s humble, hearty, and exactly what you need when the weather’s biting and the budget’s tight. Give it a try on your next chilly night—though if you’re in Florida, that might just mean something similar to a fall day up here.
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Hoover Stew (from Recipes for Hard Times, Depression Era Recipes & Others on Facebook)
Ingredients
• 12 ounces elbow macaroni or other pasta
• 1 package sliced hot dogs (approx. 8 hot dogs)
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) stewed or diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15.5 oz each) pinto or other beans
• 1 can (15.5 oz each) corn or green beans (optional)
Optional Spices
• 2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. oregano
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
1. Cook the macaroni in boiling water until almost al dente.
2. Drain pasta and set aside in a strainer.
3. Cook the sliced hot dogs until brown.
4. Stir in stewed tomatoes and beans.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and other spices if desired.
6. Add drained pasta and simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all ingredients are heated through.
A Davenport man has been sentenced to five years in state prison in connection with a fatal traffic crash that occurred more than a year ago along U.S. 27.
Court records show Paul Castellano – Aponte was sentenced to 60 months in prison after entering a plea to felony vehicular homicide, a second-degree felony. The sentence was imposed on December 12, 2025, in Polk County Circuit Court. Castellano was remanded into custody following sentencing, with credit for time already served.
Castellano was arrested following a November 3, 2024 crash investigated by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The collision occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m. on U.S. Highway 27 near Potters Road in Davenport and resulted in the death of Donald Shelby Wright.
According to the arrest affidavit, investigators determined Castellano was driving a 2018 Mazda southbound on U.S. 27 when he struck a Ford Ecosport that was attempting to make a left turn across the highway. The crash occurred in a congested area with multiple lanes of travel, a traffic signal, and nearby commercial and recreational activity. Data recovered from the Mazda’s airbag control module showed the vehicle was traveling 101 miles per hour approximately 1.5 seconds before impact and 100 miles per hour at the time the brakes were applied, nearly double the posted 55 mph speed limit. Castellano’s vehicle hit Wrights car at 71 miles per hour.
Witnesses had reported Castellano weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating, and passing multiple vehicles in the moments leading up to the crash. Investigators concluded the excessive speed and reckless driving left the other driver with no reasonable opportunity to avoid the collision.
The affidavit states Wright suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to Osceola Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased. Wright was a Vietnam Veteran. Wright and his wife Patricia had lived in Davenport since 2005.
Castellano told investigators he had worked an overnight shift and was driving home at the time of the crash. He denied alcohol or drug use, and detectives noted no signs of impairment during their investigation. The case ultimately centered on speed, roadway conditions, and driving behavior rather than impairment.
The PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a crash involving a scooter that resulted in the death of a driver. The crash occurred at approximately 6:12 p.m. on Thursday, December 25, 2025, on U.S. 27 near Jacks Road in Davenport.
According to evidence and witness statements, a 2019 Tao Scooter was in the 7/11 parking lot located on the east side of U.S. 27. The driver, Ruben Perez (52), exited the parking lot and crossed the outside and middle lanes attempting to reach the inside lane of travel. As Perez entered the inside lane, he traveled into the path of a 2022 blue Subaru WRX, driven by Nathaniel Wooten (26). The Subaru impacted the scooter on the left side, at which time Perez was propelled onto the hood and into the windshield of the Subaru. The scooter was redirected northwest approximately 75 feet where it came to a final rest in the median.
Perez was carried north a short distance before rolling off in front of the Subaru as it braked in the travel lanes northbound U.S. 27 approximately 75 feet from the point of impact. He was not wearing a helmet. Wooten and his passenger were both wearing seatbelts and no airbags deployed in their car.
Upon arrival of first responders, Perez was found unresponsive and CPR was initiated. He was transported to a local hospital. After being transferred he succumbed to his injuries. Wooten and his passenger were not injured and remained on scene.
Braddock and Berkley Road Growth Sparks Debate Over Noise, Light Pollution, and Local Control by James Coulter
Nearly eight acres are slated for development to support local urban growth and commercial needs, but residents have raised concerns about increased traffic, noise, and light pollution.
At their meeting on Tues. Dec. 16, Polk County commissioners voted 4–1 to approve two ordinances affecting 7.95 acres at the intersection of Braddock and Berkley roads near Auburndale. Commissioner Bill Braswell voted against both ordinances.
One ordinance redesignates the site as a Neighborhood Activity Center (NAC); the other amends the land development code to add a development block and strengthen buffering requirements for the property.
Bart Allen, an attorney for the applicant, said the project would meet growing local retail needs as the area expands following recent infrastructure investments.
He noted that Braddock Road was rebuilt and realigned in 2024 into a four‑lane divided urban collector road, and that businesses are showing interest in relocating to the intersection.
“I know there are businesses that want to relocate to the intersection, so you will see more folks moving here,” Allen said. “There is a lot of interest in this area, which is why you see the request before you.”
Commissioner Bill Braswell questioned whether the proposed buffering would be adequate for nearby homes, saying Polk County’s standards lag behind those in other states.
“When you leave this state and look at other states with more restrictive buffering, where you put a development next to Walmart and do not know the Walmart is there, we feel we fall short,” he said.
The applicant’s attorney countered that the plan exceeds minimum requirements by specifying tree plantings intended to grow tall enough to screen the development.
However, many Auburndale residents spoke during public comments to raise concerns about the proposed development, specifically with traffic, noise, light pollution, and city autonomy.
Dorothea Taylor Bogert, former Auburndale mayor, claimed the development was unnecessary, as the residents “do not want more gas stations.” She implored the commission to leave this type of decision-making to the City of Auburndale.
“Our citizens want to be able to make our decisions locally,” she said. “I respectfully ask you to decline this request and allow it to go to Auburndale for them to determine what will be done with the property. I respectfully request that the city make that decision.”
Another resident, Mark Harris, warned about potential light pollution from 24/7 businesses and called the proposal redundant given existing convenience stores and fast-food outlets nearby.
“I have no need for gas stations or drive-thrus,” he said. “There are options for me down the road. I know there will be change, but it should match the aesthetic of the area so that it flows more evenly and smoothly.”
The applicant’s attorney noted that many nearby businesses carry Auburndale addresses but sit on county‑jurisdiction land. He also said an opaque six‑foot fence would provide effective buffering; however, the applicants would agree to a brick wall if required.
One Movie Later: Take a Holly Jolly Blast from the Past with These Two 1987 Xmas Specials
by James Coulter
Does anyone remember 1987? Boy, what a year. Baby Jessica. Iran-Contra. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Predator. Princess Bride. And the births of Kesha, Zac Effrom, and—well, me!
Yes! Yours truly was born on Jan. 26, 1987. The year holds a special place in my heart, not only because it was my birth year, but also because it saw the premiere of two of my favorite Christmas specials–the kind of specials I watch every Christmas because the holiday wouldn’t be complete without them.
The first is a Muppet Family Christmas, which premiered on ABC on Dec. 16. 1987. If you think Avengers: Endgame was the biggest crossover of all time, for millennials like myself, this special was our Avengers. Not only did it star the titular Muppets, but also other Muppet characters from other Muppet productions, including Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, and Muppet Babies.
The best part of the special was seeing all the Muppet characters bounce their personalities off of each other, from Animal considering Cookie Monster a kindred spirit after seeing the blue monster scarf down an entire platter of Christmas cookies, to the Swedish Chef attempting to cook Big Bird for Christmas. (Yes, that actually happened!)
My second favorite special from my birth year was A Garfield Christmas, which premiered on CBS on Dec. 21, 1987. While our favorite fat cat hates Mondays, he absolutely loves Christmas, even if he doesn’t always show his holiday spirit.
As usual, our beloved grumpy cat has a lot to be grumpy about during the holidays, from trudging through the snow to nearly killing himself setting the star on the Christmas tree, but he still manages to reveal his softer side during the warmer holiday.
Helping the literal grumpy puss come out of his shell is Grandma, a spunky, feisty granny with more vim and vigor than her own grandchildren. Despite her rough and tumble exterior, like Garfield, she too has a sentimental side that the cat manages to help her reveal during the special’s more touching moments.
While A Muppet Family Christmas is not available on streaming or home media, the special has been uploaded to YouTube. A Garfield Christmas is streaming for free on Tubi, PlutoTV, Plex, and The Roku Channel.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Cyber Crimes detectives arrested 39-year-old Andrew “Drew” McGaffigan of Auburndale on December 17, 2025, and charged him with 30 counts of child pornography, and on December 23rd added 46 more counts after further investigation of his electronic devices. He has been incarcerated since his original arrest and his original bond amount was set at $300,000 ($10,000 per charge). He is now being held on no bond.
The investigation began upon receipt of several NCMEC cybertips (National Center for Missing and Endangered Children) regarding child pornography files being uploaded by McGaffigan.
The Auburndale Police Department also received NCMEC tips and collaborated with the PCSO to have our detectives take over the investigation.
The tips indicated that multiple files were being uploaded to McGaffigan’s cloud storage from his mobile device. Detectives served an electronic search warrant on the account and located 30 files of children between the ages of 9 months old and 12 years old being sexually abused. The babies and children were not identified as anyone McGaffigan has access to in his life.
An arrest warrant was issued, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office placed McGaffigan under arrest at his place of employment in Plant City. He was later transferred to the Polk County Jail.
Upon his arrest, McGaffigan’s cell phone and electronic devices were seized and a forensic examination ensued. Detectives located an additional 46 images and videos depicting child sexual abuse material. The victims in the digital files ranged in age from 6 months old to approximately 9 years old. One video file was located that depicted a 5 year old female child being forced to engage in sexual bestiality with a dog – she is blindfolded with her hands tied above her head. Some of the files contained captions advocating for the legalization of pedophilia and encouraging others to engage in the sexual abuse of babies and children.
McGaffigan is actively involved with the First Baptist Church of Auburndale.
“This suspect is the worst of the worst. Here is a married man with children of his own advocating for the sexual abuse of babies and children. He’s also active in his local church. We will continue our thorough investigation to determine whether or not he has abused any child to whom he has access.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
The PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a two‑vehicle crash involving a golf cart that resulted in the death of the elderly golf cart driver. The crash occurred at approximately 7:12 p.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, on U.S. 92 at the intersection with Schalamar Creek Drive in Lakeland.
According to evidence and witness statements, the driver of a black Club Car electric golf cart exited Schalamar Creek Drive and crossed to the south side of U.S. 92 to go to a nearby store. He lives in the Schalamar Creek subdivision. It appears he was attempting to return to Schalamar Creek and cross back to the north side when a 2008 Buick CXL struck the golf cart. The Buick was traveling westbound in the inside (left) lane of U.S. 92 when the golf cart entered its path. The Buick struck the golf cart on the passenger side, pushing it approximately 50 feet west before it became dislodged.
The impact ejected the golf cart driver, who came to rest in the inside westbound lane of U.S. 92. He was not wearing a seat belt, and the golf cart was not equipped with airbags. He was pronounced deceased by first responders.
The Buick came to a controlled stop on the north shoulder of U.S. 92. No airbags deployed in the vehicle, and both the driver and passenger were wearing seat belts. The passenger sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
Impairment and excessive speed are not suspected on the part of the Buick’s driver; however, several alcoholic beverage containers were found inside the golf cart.
Next of kin for the deceased driver have not yet been located, and efforts to identify and notify them are ongoing.
One Movie Later: Wicked: For Good is Not as Good as the First Movie, But Still Good
by James Coulter
One year has passed since Wicked became a bigger hit than a house falling on a witch, what with the film grossing over $758 million at the box office and winning two Academy Awards.
Then again, you didn’t need to be an all-knowing Wizard to predict that a film adaptation of one of the most successful, long-running Broadway musicals would become as popular as Ariana Grande’s pop-song rendition of “Popular.”
Now, one year later, the second half of the musical has been released with Wicked: For Good. But will the second movie be as “good” as the first? Or will it prove wicked enough to melt at the box office?
Wicked: For Good picks up after the first film: Elphaba is on the run as the Wicked Witch of the West, while Glinda has risen through Emerald City’s ranks as the Good Witch. A tornado reunites their paths and forces them to clash on both sides of a growing conflict, making both women confront what “good” and “wicked” really mean.
Fans of the original Broadway musical agree that the second act isn’t as good as the first. The opening half is celebrated for its standout songs and its fresh take on the Oz characters, whereas the latter part lacks memorable music and forces the story to fit the events from the classic Wizard of Oz film. As a result, any sequel film was bound to face challenges living up to the original.
The sequel preserves what worked in the first film: an excellent soundtrack based on an acclaimed Broadway musical, the flawless chemistry between the two main female leads, and vibrantly colorful visuals that reflect the colorful vibrancy of the fantasy world of Oz.
Wicked: For Good also does an excellent job of fleshing out its main characters. While the first movie focused on Elphaba and her journey for self-acceptance, this movie shifts some of the emotional focus to Glinda’s moral growth, making her decidewhether to appear good or actually be good.
The political subtext was also notable. The films were adapted from a Broadway musical created during the Bush presidency, making a lot of playful jabs at the political climate of that era. Although the theatrical adaptations were made two decades later, they remain politically relevant, highlighting either the enduring relevance of the original work or the cyclical nature of political discourse.
Ironically, the musical’s weakest point is its music. Fans are right to point out that the second act’s songs don’t match the quality of those in the first. Except for “No Good Deed,” none of the later tracks stand out or linger in the memory like “The Wizard and I,” “What is This Feeling,” or the iconic showstopper, “Defying Gravity.”
Additionally, the story is somewhat muddled. The plot struggles to blend its creative take on Oz with the need to align its narrative with the original Wizard of Oz. Though there are several intriguing twists featuring familiar elements and characters from the classic film, these lead to some contrivedstorytelling choices that don’t hold up if considered for more than two seconds.
Overall, Wicked: For Good isn’t as strong as its predecessor, but it delivers the core pleasures that made the first film a hit: great leads, striking visuals, stirring musical numbers, and emotional payoff. Fans of the original will find enough here to satisfy, even if the sequel lacks the first movie’s musical and narrative highs.
