Spring in for a Spring Plant Sale at Bok Tower Gardens on April 12, 2025, and get your home garden or landscape ready for the season. Enjoy live music on the Terrace, an afternoon performance with Matt Venuti, and more.
Event Date & Time
Saturday, April 12, 2025 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location
Visitor Center Picnic Area
Price
Free for Members / $20 for non-member adults, $10 for non-member child (includes admission) Children 5 and under receive free admission.
Vendors: A&J Foliage Bates Sons & Daughters Cody Cove Farms Cypress Gardens Nursery D.R. Bates Food Forest Finds Hartley Farm Jax’s Jungle Just Plumerias My Crazy Plant life Orchids and Tropical Plants The Habitat Springer Environmental The Natives Third Insight Design Willow Gardens
Music on the Terrace AcousticDose 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Concert in the Visitor Center Theater Matt Venuti AmeriCosmos Live 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
From the Muppets taking over a classic coaster in Hollywood Studios, to new Indiana Jones and Encanto rides coming to Animal Kingdom, to a whole villains-themed land being built in the Magic Kingdom, big changes are coming to Walt Disney World.
However, with these big changes also comes the closing of many old and beloved attractions Here’s what attractions will be closing this year and when they will close:
#1: Magic Kingdom
The good news is that the Magic Kingdom will see a massive expansion with the construction of both Cars and Villains-themed lands. The bad news is that these new lands will also see the removal of the iconic Rivers of America with the Tom Sawyer Island and Liberty Square Riverboat attractions.
When exactly the river will be closed and drained to make way for the new lands has yet to be officially announced. However, the Disney Parks Blog has stated that: “Ahead of work revving into high gear next year, guests will have plenty of time to experience the charm and nostalgia of Frontierland as it is today.”
As of December 2024, Disney has submitted updated plans to the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) following the district’s Request for Additional Information (RAI) and is currently awaiting its approval. For now, the Rivers of America can be expected to close sometime later this year.
But the Rivers will not be the only Frontierland attraction to close. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad recently closed temporarily for refurbishment, with an expected opening sometime next year in 2026.
Also, in Liberty Square, the Hall of Presidents show had likewise closed temporarily for refurbishment and is scheduled to re-open sometime later this year.
#2: Disney’s Animal Kingdom
A new Latin America-themed land has been proposed for the park with attractions based on Encanto and Indiana Jones. The new land will replace Dinoland USA along with its attractions including The Boneyard play area and the iconic Dinosaur thrill ride.
So far, TriceraTop Spin, along with smaller attractions like Fossil Fun Games and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, have already shut down as of this January. Several more attractions are slated for closure throughout the year, with the Dinosaur ride slated to close in 2026.
Meanwhile, the It’s Tough to Be A Bug 4-D show located in the Tree of Life will close its doors on Mar. 17 to make way for its replacement, Zootopia: Better Together. Kali River Rapids has also closed temporarily and is set to re-open sometime this spring.
#3: Disney’s Hollywood Studios
It’s finally time to stop the music. It’s time to dim the lights. And it’s almost time to meet the Muppets one last time before they close the doors to their iconic MuppetVision 3D show.
Both MuppetVision 3D and the adjoining themed restaurant PizzeRizzo are scheduled to close permanently on June 7. The area will be rethemed and renovated into the new Monster Inc.-themed land, which will include a suspended roller coaster.
As for the Muppets, they are set to make their new home at Rock n Roller Coaster, which will be rethemed to the Muppets’ band, The Electric Mayhem. While this means Rock n Roller Coaster featuring Aerosmith will be set to close, no official closure date has been announced.
Matthew Joel “Dittimus” Laffey, 79, of Winter Haven, Florida, passed away on March 8, 2025, at his home.
Born on November 28, 1945, in Orlando, Florida, to James and Jannette Laffey, Matt grew up with a love for travel, in both the physical and spiritual realms, that would define his life. He graduated from Ocala High School in 1963 before earning his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Jacksonville University in 1968, upon which he earned his CPA license on the first try.
After graduation, Matt attended Officer Candidate School at OTCN before proudly serving in the United States Navy from 1968-1970, including a tour in Vietnam where he served as an LTJG aboard the USS Leader. Upon returning home, he joined Pan American Airlines to kick off a 50 year career as a CPA and Financial Controller. From his time in Florida at Waverly Growers, to an overseas move to Saudi Arabia for General Dynamics Land Systems, to finally returning to Florida 14 years later for TRIM-PAK, he ended his career with the same passion and dedication to duty with which he began. Traits that earned him admiration and life-long friendships with colleagues.
Matt was a devoted husband to his wife of 48 years, Marjorie Gail (née Sloan), who survives him. Their partnership was a testament to the unbreakable bond that love, patience, and the thrill of a good thrift store find can forge. He is also survived by their children, Katrina Ambrose (Nicole) of Cool, CA and Sarah Pitt (Greg) of Tallahassee, FL; two grandchildren: Lucian and Jackson; his older sister, Donna Isler (Jack) of Sierra Vista, AZ; every single beloved Yager and Sloan niece, nephew, and cousin; and childhood friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, David (Cheryl) and Michael (Pat).
Matt’s family was the inspiration for all his endeavors and accomplishments. His legacy thrives in the lives he touched through kindness, humor, intelligence, and open-mindedness. The consummate gentleman, tirelessly putting others before himself, he taught his children to treat others with the same kindness with which they treated their mother. That said, Matt never shied away from a good-natured prank. He was notorious for his quick wit and unpredictable antics. A life-long learner, he explored the boundaries of the human experience through his love of reading, music, meditation, and travel. Travels which inspired a fondness for new and interesting foods and produced family favorites garlic spaghetti and lima bean salad, the cherished centerpieces of many family meals.
Through his deeds he set the standard for which all men should strive.
A Celebration of Life will follow in the coming months. If you would like to attend, please send your contact info to [email protected].
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to one of his favorite shows on WMNF.org—Acoustic Peace Club, Postmodern Hootenanny, The Sixties Show—in Matt’s name.
“The past is already gone, the future is not yet here. There’s only one moment for you to live, and that is the present moment”. – Buddha
If your kids enjoy crafts, creativity, and fun, get ready for summer at the Lake Wales Arts Council Summer Arts Camp 2025.
This year, camp will be held over three weeks; Monday, June 16 – Friday, June 20; Monday, June 23 – June 27; and Monday, July 7 – 11.
Students ages 6-13 are welcome for an immersive week or weeks of fine arts education and hands-on learning. Whether your child is interested in painting, drawing, pottery, music, drama, dance, graphic design, or photography, there is something for everyone.
Each week will offer a unique blend of artistic activities designed to nurture creativity and inspire imagination. With both half-day and full-day options available, students will have the chance to explore a variety of artistic disciplines in a supportive and fun environment. No prior experience is needed—just a love for the arts and a curiosity to learn.
This is the perfect opportunity for your child to discover their artistic potential while making new friends and creating lasting memories.
Full day camp per week is $300, but with advanced purchase, the rate is $270 per week, or $240 if you are a member of LWAC. A $100 deposit is required to hold your spot.
Half days, either mornings or afternoons, per week is $175, but with advanced purchase, the rate is $160 per week, or $140 if you are a member of LWAC. A $50 deposit is required to hold your spot.
A family of three was displaced from their mobile home in Cypress Shores on Friday after a fire broke out in the residence. The two adults and one child were assisted by the Red Cross following the incident. One individual was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.
Winter Haven fire crews quickly responded to the scene and were able to take control of the fire. While the mobile home was severely damaged, a neighboring residence experienced only minor heat damage to its siding. Thankfully, no firefighters were injured during the response.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
After receiving their own automated external defibrillator (AED) for their facility, the Wauchula Moose Lodge raised enough money to “pay it forward” and sponsor an AED donation for the Arcadia Moose Lodge.
On Mon. Mar. 10, Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation (CCF) placed its 61st AED at the Arcadia Moose Lodge #1327/#1597. The AED was donated in large part to Wauchula Moose Lodge #1487.
The Wauchula Moose Lodge received their own AED last month from CCF. Inspired by the donation, the Lodge decided to raise the proceeds to “pay it forward” by sponsoring an AED donation for the Arcadia Moose Lodge.
“It is an amazing feeling that the Wauchula Moose Lodge paid it forward,” said April White, a member of the Arcadia Moose Lodge. “I hope our lodge pays it forward.”
April White started working at the Lodge four years ago. She started working in the kitchen, then as a bartender, and now as the social quarters and kitchen manager.
She was especially impressed by the presentation by Eric Shimkus, who demonstrated how to use the AED and perform CPR in case of an emergency.
“The demonstration was amazing,” she said. “This learning experience was amazing for myself and my bartenders, as we have discussed the learning experience that we got and what we learned [from it].
That evening, CCF founder Melanie Brown Culpepper also highlighted the importance of keeping fire extinguishers in vehicles, noting an incident in Nov. where a young girl Jolynn lost her life in a car accident.
“All of these I added to our demonstration in the hope to share the importance of Saving Lives,” Melanie wrote on Facebook. “Thank you everyone and our community so very much as without our community support, we could not make this all happen.”
Melanie started CCF more than four years ago following the untimely passing of her late fiancée Michael Culpepper, who passed away from cardiac arrest.
Not wanting anyone else to suffer a similar fate, she started her non-profit to raise proceeds to donate AEDs across Polk County. Since its inception, it has donated more than 60 AEDs.
To learn more, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/honoringculpepper
HAINES CITY – Haines City Mayor Omar Arroyo kicked off his campaign for the County Commission District 4seat on Saturday (March 15) at City Hall.
More than 75 supporters gathered with Arroyo, the first Hispanic Mayor of Haines City and Polk County, for a group photo.
He said he loves the area and hopes his expertise will help with what he sees as the county’s biggest challenge – the enormous population growth.
“I’ve been preparing for the last four years (for the job) by being on different boards and learning about the challenges that the county is facing,” Arroyo said. “I have a passion for helping the community and want to continue the good works of Dr. (Martha) Santiago.”
If elected, he will replace Santiago, who personally asked Arroyo to run for the seat as she plans to retire.
Born in Mexico, Arroyo moved to Austin, Texas at 16where he began his career in residential framing. Two years later, in 2001, he moved to Haines City and is now a general contractor. He believes his constructionexperience will be an asset to the County Commission.
In 2022, Arroyo was elected to the Haines City Commission, making him the first Hispanic commissioner in the City’s history. Then, last year, he was unanimously elected by his fellow Commissioners to become Mayor, also the first Hispanic in the history of the City.
According to polkelections.com, currently, Arroyo is the only candidate registered to run for County Commission District 4 seat. The election will be held Nov. 3, 2026.
He and his wife of 20 years, Alejandra, have three children.
I love curry. I love how the blend of sweet and spicy makes Indian food so flavorful. And I love being able to make my food extra spicy by adding hot peppers to the mix.
The only thing I love more than curry is my slow cooker. All you have to do is dump all your ingredients in the pot, turn it on, and let it cook through the day for a delicious meal come dinner time. So, of course, I love being able to prepare my curry dishes with my slow cooker.
And making the entire experience more convenient are curry sauces sold premade in jars. It certainly saves me time measuring and adding all of the different spices. All I have to do is dump the sauce in with my meat and veggies, and I have a scrumptious curry dinner by the end of the day.
I recently purchased my first curry simmer sauce and used it to make chicken tikka masala. The sauce was extra spicy, just the way I love it! The recipe is easy enough: just add the sauce to a pound of chicken and cook.
However, like with all good recipes, it can always be improved with modifications. So, I also added diced onion, fire-roasted tomatoes, and green chilies for added spice. The result was a spicy helping of curry served with white rice and naan bread.
With how easy this recipe is, I certainly expect to prepare it for future meals. Maybe next time I’ll add jalapeno or even poblano and habanero peppers. The spicier, the better.
Slow-Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Ingredients
1 lb. chicken thigh or breast
1 tbsp. minced garlic
1 15. oz. jar curry sauce (like Patak’s Taste of India)
1 diced onion
1 10 oz. can diced tomatoes (fire roasted for added heat)
1 7 oz. can green chilies or jalapenos (optional for added heat)
Directions
1. Cut chicken into bite-sized portions.
2. In a large frying pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
3. Add the chicken and cook until the meat turns white.
4. Add contents to slow cooker along with sauce, diced tomatoes, and peppers.
5. Cook on high for six hours, or low for eight hours, or until chicken has been cooked thoroughly.
The Lake Wales Municipal Airport is expected to receive a new security gate and extended fencing if the Lake Wales City Commission approves a $61K contract agreement.
At their workshop session on Wed. Mar. 12, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed the consent agenda for their upcoming meeting on Monday evening.
One of the items is a contract agreement with Lake Wales Way for the Airfield Security Fencing and Access. The contract amount is $61,000, which will be fully funded by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
The contract will help cover the costs of a project to enhance the airport’s security fencing and access. This project will include replacing the airport’s manual security gate with an electronic gate, as well as extending the security fence from the fuel farm east to the end of runway 24.
In the city agenda item, Amanda Lomneck, City Airport Director, wrote that FDOT “has awarded a 100% grant in the amount of $80,000 to the Lake Wales Municipal Airport for security upgrades. This amount will be used to cover the $61,000 contract with Lake Wales Way.”
Lake Wales Way had placed a bid for $106,382.38, which, at the request of the city, was scaled down to $61,000. Two other bids were submitted by JCR Construction and Semco Construction for $128,909.74 and $138,084.94 respectively.
The agenda item, along with the rest of the consent agenda, will be reviewed and voted on at the next city commission meeting, scheduled for Mon. Mar. 17, 2025 at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall.
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 7:03 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025, and with it, hope to bring two overdue astronauts home to earth.
The spacecraft is carrying four astronauts to the International Space Station. Once they arrive, the craft is scheduled to bring home U.S. astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been stuck on the ISS for nine months and counting.
The craft is due to arrive at the space station on Saturday night after a journey of approximately 28 hours.
