(FWC) – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is holding a series of virtual public meetings to collect feedback directly from Florida residents on proposals for highly regulated black bear hunting in Florida.
Comments will be presented to Commissioners at their May meeting.
The FWC met with stakeholder groups and the public in March to collect comments on potential options for highly regulated bear hunting seasons, and those comments were used to inform the hunting proposals.
The content covered in all meetings is identical, and it is not necessary to attend more than one virtual public meeting.
At the Dec. 2024 Commission Meeting, the FWC’s Bear Management Program gave Commissioners a 5-year update on implementing the 2019 Florida Black Bear Management Plan, highlighting recent bear management and research efforts. Following the presentation, the Commissioners directed staff to return to a future Commission meeting to propose options for implementing a potential bear hunt.
For more information, visit MyFWC.com/Hunting and click on “Florida black bear.”
Earl Dennis Goetz, 85, Lakes Wales, FL, formally of Minot, ND, passed away Friday, March 14, 2025, at AdventHealth Lake Wales.
Earl was born on April 23, 1939, in Algona, Iowa to Philip and Lorrine (Garman) Goetz. He graduated from Wesley (IA) High School in 1957 before attending Austin (MN) Community College. While attending college, he joined Hormel Foods, which launched a decades-long career in Sales. He married Carol Ann Kime on Sept. 10, 1960, in Austin, MN. To this union were born Greg, Troy, Susan, and Jeffrey.
In 2015, Carol and Earl relocated to Saddlebag Lake Resort in Lake Wales, FL. After 57 years of marriage, Carol passed away in 2017.
Surviving Earl are his children: Greg (Lori) of Oxford, NC; Troy (Cathy) of Woodbury, MN; Susan Matzeder of Wichita, KS; and Jeffrey of Greenville, SC; 10 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; siblings: Sister Mary Janet Goetz of Dubuque, IA; Mary Ann Meister of Algona, IA; Mark (Mary) Goetz of Mesa, AZ; Jean (Jeff) Bergo of Mason City, IA; sister-in-law Lana (Wes) Johnson, Austin, MN; and several nieces and nephews.
Earl was preceded in death by his wife Carol; parents Philip and Lorrine Goetz; his in-laws, Lester and Vera Kime; brother-in-law Eugene Meister; nephew and godson Bradley Meister; grandson Logan Matzeder; sister-in-law Sharon Eaker; and brother-in-law Verlin Eaker.
Lakeland, Florida, is about to get a little sweeter as Bright Ice, a popular handcrafted ice cream shop, is set to open a new location, 1200 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33803. Known for its small-batch, high-quality ice cream flavors, Bright Ice has been expanding across Florida, with locations in St. Petersburg, Tampa, Venice, and Pinellas Park. Now, they’re bringing their unique flavors to Lakeland—and they’re looking for enthusiastic team members to join them. The location is currently doing pre-hiring now with the anticipation of opening in the very near future. It was projected for January, but delays have it opening either late March or early April.
Expresso Milkshake
Bright Ice is currently hiring for several positions at its Lakeland shop, including Team Leads, Assistant Team Leads, and Team Members. These roles reportedly offer competitive pay, with Team Leads earning between $20 to $22 per hour, while Team Members earn between $15 to $18 per hour. The company website says they pride themselves on fostering a fun, welcoming environment for both employees and customers, making it an exciting opportunity for those passionate about customer service and high-quality food.
Drinks & Ice Cream
As part of the job, team members will be responsible for scooping and serving delicious ice cream, ensuring customers have a memorable experience, and maintaining the shop’s friendly atmosphere. Bright Ice is known for its innovative flavors, and employees will have the chance to introduce Lakeland locals to some of their signature creations.
For those interested in joining the Bright Ice team, applications can be submitted through the company’s website: JOIN THE TEAM. This is a fantastic chance to be part of an expanding business that values creativity, teamwork, and, of course, amazing ice cream.
Pairing: Carmel Banana Ice Cream with Peanut Butter and Honey Ice Cream
A traffic stop turned violent for detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
At around 6:02 pm, the detectives performed a routine traffic stop on a white Ford Ranger pickup truck on Power Line Road, near Snell Creek Road, in Haines City.
The driver and the occupant of the passenger seat were cooperative during the stop, but the middle seat passenger was not.
Detectives noticed the man had pulled a white baggie from his pocket, and attempted to hide it behind him.
As the detectives reached in to remove him from the vehicle, he attempted to bite one of the detectives, elbowed a detective in the face, and kicked another detective multiple times on her legs.
During the struggle, the suspect put the white baggie into his mouth.
Detectives were able to secure the suspect in handcuffs, and found him to be in possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia.
The suspect was identified as 60-year old Esteban Fernandez Uriostegui from Mexico.
Prior to going to the Polk County Jail, detectives took Fernandez Uriostegui to a local hospital to be checked-out as a precaution due to the baggie of cocaine that he appeared to have swallowed.
Once Fernandez Uriostegui was cleared, he was taken to the Polk County Jail and charged with: Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer (F3, 3-counts), Resisting and Officer with Violence (F3), Tampering with Evidence (F3), Possession of Cocaine (F3), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1).
“This violent suspect is in the United States illegally from Mexico. Because of that, each of his crimes was enhanced by one degree because of his unlawful entry into the U.S.—as a result of a new state law that went into effect last month. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been notified, which means we should be seeing no more criminal behavior (in the U.S., at least) from this particular individual.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
None of the PCSO detectives were injured during the arrest of Esteban Fernandez Uriostegui.
St. Patrick’s Day was this month. So, what would be more fitting for the Irish holiday than cooking…British food?
Originally, I was going to prepare corned beef and cabbage, but I decided not to since no one else in my family likes corned beef.
So, I decided to forget Irish cuisine and hop on over to the island across from it by cooking a British dish.
I’ve been quite curious about British cuisine because of all the curious names their dishes have. Bubbles and Squeak. Bangers and Mash. Spotted dick. And the dish I’ve decided to make: Toad in the Hole.
Essentially, Toad in the Hole are sausages cooked in a puffy pastry, often served with mashed potatoes and onion gravy.
My attempt at this was certainly a matter of trial and error that leaned more toward error. The pastry was supposed to be fluffy while the one I prepared…eh, not so much.
Maybe next time I’ll test my skills with a simpler dish like Bangers and Mash (sausages with mashed potatoes and peas). For now, this was a good first attempt at British cooking.
***
Toad in the Hole
Ingredients
Batter:
4 large eggs
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 pinches cayenne pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
¾ cup whole milk
¼ cup cold water
Sausages:
¼ cup vegetable oil
4 links pork sausage
Onion gravy:
2 tablespoons butter
1 large red onion, minced
kosher salt to taste
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons onions, spring or scallions (includes tops and bulb), raw
1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives, or to taste
Directions
1) Prepare batter: Combine eggs, salt, pepper, cayenne, 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon flour, and milk in a large bowl; whisk thoroughly until batter is very smooth and no lumps remain. Whisk in water. Cover and let rest at room temperature for 1 hour.
2) Prepare sausages: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausages and cook until browned, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove from the heat and transfer to a buttered 9×12- or 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour oil from the skillet over the sausages; brush oil with a pastry brush all over the bottom and up the sides of the dish.
3) Start onion gravy: Melt butter in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and salt; sauté until soft and starting to brown, 5 to 6 minutes.
4) While onion is cooking, pour batter in and around the sausages. Place in the center of a cold oven and turn temperature to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C). Set oven timer for 30 minutes.
5) While toad in the hole cooks, finish onion gravy: Stir in flour and cook for about 2 minutes. Whisk in chicken broth and return to a simmer. Add Worcestershire sauce and balsamic vinegar and simmer until gravy thickens up and reduces, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6) When timer goes off, remove toad in the hole from the oven; it should be browned and puffed. Spoon gravy over the sausages and garnish with green onions and chives.
Warner Bros. has been doing the Looney Tunes dirty lately. Last year, they shelved the movie Coyote Vs Acme as a tax write-off, even though the movie had been completed. And as of this month, Max has removed all the classic Looney Tunes cartoons from its streaming service.
The Day The Earth Blew Up nearly suffered a similar fate as Coyote vs Acme. Originally, this animated Looney Tunes movie was going to be released on Max and Cartoon Network. However, in 2022, the movie was shelved.
The film, now picked up and distributed through Ketchup Entertainment, has since premiered at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival last year, and had received a limited theatrical release before expanding wide as of this month.
But was this animated Looney Tunes movie worth retrieving from the ACME vault? Or does it deserve to be thrown into the Warner Water Tower along with the Animaniacs?
The Day The Earth Blew Up stars Porky Pig and Daffy Duck. After a meteor crashes through their roof, the cartoon duo need to get jobs to pay for the repairs or else risk losing their home. However, the meteor contains a mysterious green goop that’s being infused in chewing gum and turning people into mindless zombies. Can the duck and pig work together to stop this bad sci-fi movie premise?
Do you love the Looney Tunes? Do you love retro sci-fi B-movies like The Day the Earth Stood Still or The Blob? Do you just love animated movies in general and wish not every single one was computer animated? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you will love this movie.
The Day The Earth Blew Up is pure Looney Tunes goodness. The movie was animated by the same team that created the New Looney Tunes shorts for Max. The art style and animation perfectly emulates the classic Bob Clampett-style Looney Tunes shorts with all of their squash-and-stretch goodness.
Though, to be honest, sometimes the near-perfect emulation of classic Looney Tunes animation can be a bit of a fault to a tee. It’s rather uncanny to watch a movie with 1940s-style cel animation with references to Starbucks, smart phones, and influencer culture.
The plot is a loving (and biting) homage to sci-fi B movies from the 50s and 60s like Invasion of the Body Snatchers and The Thing. It’s your typical alien invasion/zombie storyline with a very unique and hilarious plot twist at the very end.
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the movie is how surprisingly heartwarming it can be. For a movie filled with squash-and-stretch slapstick, there’s plenty of moments that are truly touching. No spoilers, but the movie is about Porky and Daffy learning to support each other in the absence of a father figure. And those moments can tug at your heart.
Honestly, there’s not much else I can say about this movie that isn’t, “if you love classic Looney Tunes, you’ll love this movie.” In a time when 2D animation is sidelined in favor of 3D animation, when the Looney Tunes are threatened with being give the dip by Warner Bros. over tax breaks, we need to support movies like The Day The Earth Blew Up now more than ever.
George Foreman, the iconic two-time heavyweight boxing champion, Olympic gold medalist, and beloved entrepreneur, has reportedly passed away today, March 21, 2025, at the age of 76. The news has sent shockwaves through the sports world and beyond, as fans and admirers mourn the loss of a true legend.
Born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, Foreman rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most formidable figures in boxing history. Known for his devastating punching power, he claimed the heavyweight title first in 1973 by defeating Joe Frazier and again in 1994 against Michael Moorer, making him the oldest heavyweight champion at age 45. His career highlights include unforgettable bouts like the “Rumble in the Jungle” against Muhammad Ali in 1974, cementing his place in boxing lore.
Beyond the ring, Foreman’s life was marked by resilience and reinvention. After a near-death experience in 1977, he retired from boxing to become a Christian minister, only to return a decade later for a remarkable second act in the sport. Outside of boxing, he became a household name with the George Foreman Grill, a lean, mean fat-reducing machine that sold millions worldwide, showcasing his charisma and business acumen.
Tributes have poured in from across the globe, with many remembering “Big George” not just for his athletic prowess but for his warmth, faith, and larger-than-life personality. While the cause of death has not been officially confirmed, the legacy of George Foreman—both in and out of the ring—will endure as an inspiration to generations. Rest in peace, champ.
The Lakeland location of the Polk County Tax Collector’s Office is currently undergoing repairs to its flooring, which will significantly reduce the number of customers seen daily until the project is completed in May. Tax Collector Joe Tedder highly recommends customers take advantage of online, phone, kiosk, mail service, or visiting other service center locations.
Customers can expect increased wait times at all service center locations during this important maintenance project. To better serve customers during this time, there will be increased service hours with the addition of Saturday hours twice a month at select Polk County Tax Collector locations. There is also increased staffing in the Call Center and through the live online chat service.
If you’re looking for a day filled with live music we have a fantastic lineup of bands and performers across several venues in Central Florida. From lakeside vibes to cozy coffee shops, here’s your guide to the bands playing this Saturday, March 22, 2025.
Tanners Lakeside (Winter Haven, FL)
Kick off your afternoon and evening at Tanners Lakeside with two talented acts:
Saturday
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Josh Blevins Wind down the night with Josh Blevins’ captivating performance.
Sunday
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Got UR 6 Band Get ready for an energetic set to start your day by the lake.
Old Man Franks (Winter Haven, FL)
Over at Old Man Franks, enjoy a full day of music with these acts:
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Geri & the Sidekicks A perfect afternoon treat with Geri and her crew.
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Blake Free Stick around for Blake Free’s evening set to keep the good vibes going.
Cherry Pocket (Lake Wales, FL)
Head to Cherry Pocket for a laid-back day of tunes:
6:00 PM: Ryan Joyce Cap off the day with Ryan Joyce’s evening performance.
Mister Chris’ Coffee Depot (Frostproof, FL)
For a mix of morning and evening melodies, Mister Chris’ Coffee Depot has you covered:
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10:00 AM: Dot Reiser Start your day with coffee and Dot Reiser’s morning set.
6:00 PM: Memphis Beat Return later for Memphis Beat to close out your Saturday in style.
Whether you’re in Lake Wales, Frostproof, or stopping by a coffee depot, tomorrow promises a variety of musical experiences for every taste. Grab your friends, pick a spot, and enjoy the live music scene!
If you’ve ever wondered if anything is possible, ask Jennifer Leeks tomorrow morning at the ribbon cutting of her new restaurant in Downtown Lake Wales tomorrow, Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. sharp.
Smokin’ DJ’s, a new barbecue restaurant with an extensive menu and owners driven to succeed, opens for business right after the ribbon is cut.
Demetrius (Dee) and Jennifer Leeks have been married for 25 years. Dee is originally from Babson Park but has lived in Lake Wales for the majority of his adult life. A Lake Wales High School graduate, he was a high school football star, and would mature into a man who loved his Lake Wales community. Dee has been a barber here for over 25 years.
Jennifer has worked with Polk County Schools for over 25 years and counting. The couple have four children.
DJ’s BBQ
“Cooking and grilling became a second job for D, which has become a passion of his,” Jennifer says. “It’s lead us to a full trailer food truck, and now to opening the first barbecue burgers and wings restaurant downtown.”
For those that recognize the name, the couple have had a food truck established in our community for many years, and most recently of Mardi Gras in downtown Lake Wales. Other than events and catering, and due to work schedules, Sunday will be a regular food truck day.
‘Through a food incentive program offered through the City of Lake Wales,” Jennifer says, they were able to secure the location for Smokin’ DJ’s at 122 N. 1st St.
According to the City of Lake Wales website, “The Food-Related Services Incentive Program offers up to $50,000 in dollar-for-dollar matching funds to assist in establishing food-related businesses in Downtown Main Street District and the NW Redevelopment Area.”
“We are from (Lake Wales) we love our community, Jennifer says. “We love our city. We are excited to grow with and in our community, provide jobs and help others along the way as others have helped us thus far. We have a dedicated and true customer base from our food truck that have also helped us in creating Smokin DJ’s with ideas, reviews, and critiques.
“It has a taken a lot of dedication, downhill and uphills; however, with prayer, faith and hard work, we have made it here.
Their menu offers a variety of lunch specials with a wide range of proteins. Other items include BBQ salad, Smokin’ DJ’s Stackers, as well as several for meals and homemade sides.
Stackers can be made from brisket, bacon, ground turkey, pulled pork, chicken; the list goes on and on. Are you a fan of ribs by the slab? Need to cater for a backyard party or formal event? What about a barbecue charcuterie board? Maybe a handcrafted lemonade, or some banana pudding? This menu is worth looking at, and ordering from. There’s even a kids menu.
The ribbon-cutting will be held at the restaurant at 10 AM on Saturday, March 22, 2025. The restaurant will open for business at 11 AM. Smokin’ DJ’s is across 1st St. from the post office.
Regular hours will be Thursdays from 11 AM to 9 PM, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 AM to 10 PM, and Sunday from 11 AM to 6 PM. To place a phone order, please call 863–799–2551.
