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Thunderstorms Expected Early Monday in Polk County

Staff Reporter
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Thunderstorms Expected Early Monday in Polk County

Special Weather Statement issued by NWS

…STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT

HIGHLANDS…SOUTHEASTERN

HARDEE…SOUTHEASTERN POLK AND EASTERN

DESOTO COUNTIES THROUGH 1215 PM EDT.

At 1128 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Sebring to 9 miles west of Lake Placid to 15 miles west of Venus. Movement was northeast at 40 mph. HAZARD…Wind gusts up to 50 mph. SOURCE…Radar indicated. IMPACT…Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Locations impacted include… Sebring Regional Airport, River Ranch, Cornwell, Sylvan Shores, Lake Istokpoga, Avon Park, Sebring Shores, Lake Josephine, Placid Lakes, Archbold, Lorida, Avon Park Executive Airport, Avon Park Air Force Range, Sebring, Crewsville, and Lake Placid.

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MONDAY UPDATE

The timing of the strongest thunderstorms remains this morning into early afternoon, and the SPC has updated the Severe Weather Outlook to include a Marginal Risk (1/5) for almost all of West Central and Southwest Florida. Damaging winds and an isolated tornado remains possible.

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Sunday Update

National Weather Service Tampa Bay- The Marginal Risk for severe storms (dark green area) has been extended slightly further south as severe weather remains possible overnight into Monday morning in Florida. Isolated strong wind gusts will be the main threat but some hail or a brief tornado also could occur.

Parts of Polk County, including Winter Haven, are in the light green area, meaning little to no risk of severe thunderstorms.

This graphic is for Sunday into Monday.

According to the National Weather Service, thunderstorms are however expected in Polk County early in the morning, then partly cloudy skies expected later in the day.

Winds at 15-25 mph with higher gusts possible.

National Weather Service graphic

Maria’s Meal Picks: A Weeknight Meal to Munch On

Staff Reporter
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Maria’s Meal Picks: A Weeknight Meal to Munch On

On weeknights, many families rush around trying to prepare for the next day. While these moments can be stressful, the silver lining of the evening is when everyone pauses to enjoy a perfectly cooked family dinner together.

From tough homework assignments and soccer practice to getting everyone tucked into bed, the days can seem long, but those special moments make cooking a memorable meal worthwhile. 

When life gets busy, you need a family recipe that is quick to make, easy to bake and mouthwatering to eat. Try this recipe for Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole next time you are in a pinch. 

It’s made with hearty ground turkey breast, delicious bell peppers, crushed tomatoes and brown rice then topped with gooey sharp cheddar cheese. This short ingredient list makes it easy to assemble. Brown the turkey and onions then combine all the ingredients, in a layered fashion, ina baking dish. It’s simple to prepare before baking to perfection. 

It’s just right for little ones who are hungry and ready for a wholesome and appetizing home-cooked meal. Adults enjoy the natural flavors and fresh ingredients that keep all ages happy and content. 

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Servings: 4

 

20 ounces ground turkey breast

1 yellow onion, chopped

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

3 ​large bell peppers, chopped (1 each red, yellow and green)

1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

1/2 cup long-grain brown rice

1 teaspoon oregano

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese

 

Heat oven to 350 F.

In large skillet over medium heat, add turkey, onions, salt and pepper. Break up turkey and cook until browned.

Add turkey mixture to 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Add bell peppers, crushed tomatoes, brown rice, oregano and garlic powder. Mix until combined. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake 80-90 minutes until rice is tender. 

Remove foil, add shredded cheese and bake 5 minutes until cheese is melted.

Source: Culinary.net

14th Annual Bartow Blarney Duathlon & 5K Is Next Weekend

Carl Fish
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14th Annual Bartow Blarney Duathlon & 5K Is Next Weekend

The 14th Annual Bartow Blarney Duathlon and 5K is set to take place on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Bartow Civic Center, located at 2250 S. Floral Ave., Bartow, Florida.  This eagerly anticipated event offers participants the choice between a duathlon and a 5K run, catering to a wide range of athletic abilities and interests.

The duathlon consists of a 1-mile run, followed by an 11-mile bike ride, and concludes with a 3-mile run. The 5K event is a straightforward 3.1-mile run. Both races will commence in the vicinity of the Bartow Civic Center, with the 5K starting at 7:30 AM and the duathlon at 7:45 AM. 

Registration fees for the 5K are structured as follows: $35 from January 20 to March 9, and $40 from March 10 to 15. For the duathlon, the fees are $55 from January 20 to March 9, and $60 from March 10 to 15. Participants who register early, specifically before February 19, 2025, are guaranteed an event shirt in their selected size. After this date, shirts will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with limited sizes as race day approaches. 

The event schedule includes packet pickup on March 14 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and on race day, March 15, from 6:00 AM to 7:10 AM. On race day, the bike transition area will be open from 6:00 AM to 7:20 AM. The 5K awards ceremony is slated for 8:45 AM, followed by the duathlon awards at 9:40 AM. 

Awards will be presented to the top overall male and female finishers in both the duathlon and 5K, as well as the top overall masters (40+) male and female participants. Additionally, the top three male and female finishers in each age group, categorized in standard 5-year increments (e.g., 9 & under, 10-14, 15-19, up to 70+), will receive recognition. 

Participants can look forward to a commemorative shirt and beverage stein as part of their registration. The event promises a festive atmosphere, encouraging both seasoned athletes and newcomers to join in the celebration of fitness and community spirit. 

For more information or to register, interested individuals can visit the official event page or contact the Bartow Parks and Recreation Department at (863) 534-0161. 

In Loving Memory of Mary Elizabeth Kelley, 81, of Lake Wales

Staff Reporter
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In Loving Memory of Mary Elizabeth Kelley, 81, of Lake Wales

Mary Elizabeth Kelley of Lake Wales passed away Thursday, March 6, 2025 at her residence.

She was born April 13, 1943 in Douglas, Georgia to the late Frank and Frances Saunders; she moved to Lake Wales from Melbourne 11 years ago. Mary was a homemaker and earned her Associates Degree. She loved to sew and was active in the community in New England. She lead church groups and youth groups.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, James Horton Kelley. She is survived by her son, Jim Kelley, Jr.; sisters, Nancy Rateau, Dawn Barkley, and Frances; and brother, Jim Saunders.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. 

Lakeland Man Fatally Struck by Vehicle While Walking on US-92

Carl Fish
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Lakeland Man Fatally Struck by Vehicle While Walking on US-92

March 8, 2025 – – A fatal crash occurred early Saturday morning on US-92, east of Charlie Taylor Road, when a pedestrian was struck by an oncoming vehicle.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, at approximately 2:20 a.m., a 38-year-old Lakeland man was walking southbound across the highway when he entered the path of an eastbound Nissan Rogue. The vehicle, driven by a 26-year-old Lakeland man, collided with the pedestrian, resulting in fatal injuries at the scene.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. No further details have been released at this time.

Sergeant Steve Gaskins, Public Affairs Officer for the Florida Highway Patrol, confirmed the crash and urges drivers and pedestrians to remain vigilant, especially during nighttime hours.

Two Lakeland Men Involved in Fatal Pedestrian Crash in Hillsborough County

Staff Reporter
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Two Lakeland Men Involved in Fatal Pedestrian Crash in Hillsborough County

On March 8, 2025 at 2:20 a.m. the Florida Highway Patrol responded to a vehicle crash in Hillsborough County on US-92.

Vehicle 1, a Nissan Rogue, driven by a 26-year-old Lakeland man, was traveling eastbound on US-92.  East of Charlie Taylor Road, a 38-year-old Lakeland man walked southbound across the highway.  The pedestrian entered the path of and was struck by the vehicle.  The pedestrian suffered fatal injuries at the scene of the crash. 

 

1-Year-Old in Critical Condition After Near Drowning Incident in Winter Haven

Staff Reporter
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1-Year-Old in Critical Condition After Near Drowning Incident in Winter Haven

Around 6:00 p.m. on March 7, 2025 several units responded to a possible drowning incident on Denali Drive in Winter Haven.

We reached out to Winter Haven Public Safety Department’s Public Information Officer Jamie Brown for information and she advised a 1-year-old child entered the pool area through a door that was locked, but he figured out how to unlock it, thus set the alarm off. Precautions were in place, but the child then proceeded to enter the fenced pool area through a small gap that was to be repaired.

The 1-year-old was taken to Arnold Palmer where he remains in critical but stable condition.

Tower Lakes Community Carport Sale Sat., March 8

Staff Reporter
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Tower Lakes Community Carport Sale Sat., March 8

The Tower Lakes Community Annual Carport sale is open to the public today, March 8, 2025, from 8 a.m. to noon.

A White Elephant sale will be in the Clubhouse on Tower Lakes Blvd. starting at 8 a.m.

In addition to the White Elephant sale, there will be over 75 individual carport sales . A map will be provided to highlight the homes participating in the event.

A pancake breakfast is available in the clubhouse from opening until 10 a.m.

Several exceptionally talented crafters will be offering their items for sale at the White Elephant sale.

Delicious treats will also be available at a bakery sale at the event.

Tower Lakes Retirement Community is located on Hwy. 27 in Lake Wales, two miles south of Eagle Ridge Mall.

Road Closure Notice for 5k Run in Winter Haven

Staff Reporter
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Road Closure Notice for 5k Run in Winter Haven

City of Winter Haven, Fl –

This Saturday, March 8, there will be a road closures for the 5k Special Olympics event:

5K for Special Olympics (6 AM – 10 AM) – Expect closures and traffic changes along 4th St. NW, 3rd St. NW, Unity Way NW, S Lake Silver Dr., and surrounding areas.

Please plan ahead and drive safely!

City of Auburndale Summer Camp Registration

Staff Reporter
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City of Auburndale Summer Camp Registration

City of Auburndale, Fl Government

SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION:
Saturday, March 8th, starting at 8am at the Parks & Recreation office (119 W Park St, Auburndale, FL 33823). Must be in-person with Summer Camp application.

Please visit this link for the Summer Camp application:
https://auburndalefl.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-Summer-Camp-Registration.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawI2h89leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHSxjDUf-Kc08GTMFPXCFWLLGGn9sQpntDLpuY1Xi1o4WauL95jLvC1MaNQ_aem_vp0TskKVqInjlABHkxf0_Q

Summer Camp Information:
Dates: June 9th to July 25th
Cost: $100/Week

Please contact Parks & Rec. if you have any questions or need more information by calling (863) 965-5545 or emailing [email protected]

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