73.9 F
Winter Haven
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Home Blog Page 321

Mayfaire by-the-Lake Tradition Continues for 2021 Mother’s Day Weekend

Staff Reporter
-
0
Mayfaire by-the-Lake Tradition Continues for 2021 Mother’s Day Weekend

Mayfaire by-the-Lake Tradition Continues for 2021 Mother’s Day Weekend

Lakeland, FL (April 15, 2021) – The Polk Museum of Art’s Mayfaire by-the-Lake will return to the shores of Lake Morton on May 8 and 9, 2021, from 9 am to 4 pm daily. Mayfaire by-the-Lake, a Polk Museum of Art fine art festival, started as a small craft show on the Lakeland Library lawn in 1971 and has grown to be one of the most prestigious juried outdoor festivals in Florida. Held each year on Mother’s Day weekend, Mayfaire is a free two-day fair that was ranked 36th by Sunshine Artist Magazine in 2019. 

During Mayfaire weekend, the Museum, staff, and volunteers will be taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of visitors and art enthusiasts as they enjoy the festival. Visitors can expect hand sanitizing and washing stations to be available, and all visitors, artists, and staff will be strongly recommended to wear masks within the boundaries of Mayfaire, including around Lake Morton, and required to wear masks when visiting the Museum. In addition, artists’ tents will each be placed six feet apart, spreading farther around the perimeter of Lake Morton to encourage social distancing. Additional signage with social distancing recommendations, mask mandates, and visitor safety precautions will be displayed throughout the festival to highlight and reinforce these guidelines. In addition, the Polk County Health Department will have a presence at the festival, promoting safe and healthy practices and COVID prevention awareness. 

“As annual a tradition as Mother’s Day itself, Mayfaire by-the-Lake is a beloved event like no other in our region,” said Dr. Alex Rich, executive director and chief curator of the Polk Museum of Art. “We were so disappointed that the pandemic necessitated our skipping the festival in 2020, so, for 2021, it felt ever more important that we return better than ever. With COVID policies and guidelines in place, we want Mayfaire 2021 to be a true celebration, offering much-needed respite in art for our whole community and shoring up everyone’s spirits with a weekend of family-friendly fun.” 

This year, more than 150 artists will be showcasing their work across 13 different media, from ceramics, painting, and woodwork to photography, sculpture, glass, and more. Art can be purchased in-person and online through the festival’s Eventeny virtual event site, which can be accessed throughMayfairebytheLake.org. 

“Despite the pandemic, we had so many great artists from across the country apply for Mayfaire 2021, making it very competitive to be invited to exhibit,” states Leslie Norman, Mayfairecoordinator. “We are excited to see returning artists and welcome a number of new artists as well!”

While admiring artists’ work, festival visitors can also stop by the Library lawn to take in live musical performances and dine at specialty food trucks, which will provide a wide range of delectable options for everyone to enjoy. In addition, Mayfaire will offer free art activities for children of all abilities, and the Polk Museum of Art will be open to all guests to tour the Museum’s newest and largest-ever exhibition, “Toulouse-Lautrec and the Belle Époque.” Capacity will be monitored throughout the galleries; to guarantee admission, make your reservation online at PolkMuseumofArt.org/SignUp. 

For the health and safety of all festival visitors and the community, Mayfaire Saturday Night has been canceled for 2021; the Museum is excited to bring the evening celebration back to the Frances Langford Promenade at Lake Mirror Park in 2022. Still scheduled, however, the Lakeland Runners club will be celebrating 42 years of the Mayfaire 5k Road Rack and Walk through the Lake Morton historic district. Following COVID safety protocols, runners will be placed in corrals based on the bib numbers to allow for social distancing. For more information and registration, visit LakelandRunnersClub.org. 

Mayfaire by-the-Lake is a free community event that benefits the Polk Museum of Art’s education and exhibition programming, including its ability to offer year-round free admission to the Museum, student scholarships and programs, and exhibitions for visitors of all ages and interests. Mayfaire by-the-Lake will take place on Lake Morton’s shores in downtown Lakeland on May 8 and 9, 2021, from 9 am to 4 pm. For more information, visit MayfairebytheLake.org or contact Taylor Holycross at 863.688.7743 ex. 249 or [email protected]. 

About the Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College

The Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College is a not-for-profit, teaching museum that seeks to enhance lives through inspirational and engaging art experiences for all. It is the largest and only nationally accredited visual arts organization in Polk County and the only Smithsonian Affiliate art museum in Central Florida. The Museum’s COVID hours are Tuesdays–Saturdays 10 am to 3 pm and closed Sunday, Monday, and major holidays. The facility is handicapped accessible and special needs assistance is available. Admission is free, thanks to our strategic partner, The Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Foundation.

G.W. Souther Wins Battle Of The Bands At Balmoral Resort

Staff Reporter
-
0
G.W. Souther Wins Battle Of The Bands At Balmoral Resort

G.W. Souther Wins Battle Of The Bands At Balmoral Resort

by James Coulter

Many bands claim to be for the music. G.W. Souther certainly felt that way during their winning performance at the Battle of the Bands, presented by Feltrim Sports at Florida Balmoral Resort.

The Orlando-based band was one of ten local bands that performed at the outdoor music festival. The band had performed at various musical events throughout Central Florida, from the Florida Strawberry Festival to The Great Outdoors Jam and even Lollapalooza.

The band considers itself a “modern-day representation” of classic bands such as The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and Earth Wind and Fire. Their melting pot approach towards their music has allowed them to attain musical acclaim, according to their website.

“Yes, they play and sing their instruments the entire show,” their website states. “That means multiple leaders, sweet harmonies, and an instrumental blend that’s guaranteed to keep you engaged and wanting more.”

The band won first place at the Battle of the Bands. They were selected by a panel of three judges from the music industry. The band received a check for $1,250.

While most musicians would be ecstatic to win such a grand cash prize, G.W. Souther appreciated the opportunity to perform at the event, explained band member John Weaver.

“This is what we do,” Weaver said. “We just love music. That is all there is. The event was also awesome. We wish we could do this every month. Not even for the money prize. I feel it is good for the community.”

As for their success, they owe their big win to God, their hard work, and their community, which they plan to invest and donate their prize money towards. Receiving first place overall gave them a much-needed morale boost, especially since they are currently going through significant changes, Weaver explained.

“This competition win will give us a boost in our confidence and decision making,” he said. “We like the money prize, too.”

Third place went to No Strings Attached, an acoustic band from Miami/Ft. Lauderdale. Second place went to Cold Subject, an Orlando-based band.

Anthony Martinez, Lead Vocalist, considered the venue to be new territory. It was the first time the band had played at Balmoral Resort. Playing at such a new venue, especially an outdoor event, was an exciting experience for them.

“The stage is beautiful. The set up was awesome. It was a great feeling,” he said. “We just love being able to perform here. It is great playing outside.”

As someone who plays smaller shows, playing a larger event in an outdoor festival setting was a great relief following a yearlong pandemic. Martinez and his crew loved the opportunity to perform, and would love to play there sometime again.

“It is passion for the craft,” he said. “All of us can have our own energy and bring it all together to make a statement on stage.”

The Battle of the Bands was the first outdoor musical event to be hosted at the Feltrim Sports Village in Balmoral Resort in Haines City. From the start at 12:30 p.m. to their end around 9 p.m., the event averaged a turnout of 300 to 400 people on the hour, said Garrett Kenny, Owner of Balmoral Resort and Feltrim Sports.

Ten bands performed throughout the day. Each band was eligible to win either judge’s choice or people’s choice. Nearly 1,300 votes were cast for the many bands within one hour alone, Garrett said.

“As the organizer, I got a lot of satisfaction. The bands were very good,” he said. “What did amaze me and surprised me is that each band thanked us for setting up the event and bringing live music back to an outdoor event.”

The overall success was partly due to the weather. While windy weather may have initially deterred potential visitors, Garrett said the overall turnout managed to taper down near the end.

Overall, the main key to its success proved to be the word-of-mouth spread by the bands. Many of the musicians let their followers know about their performance that afternoon. The news was especially big, what with the event being the first time many of the bands had performed since the COVID-19 crisis started.

“The bands got the word out there that they were playing live music again,” he said. “This was our first event. We were testing the water. We are pretty impressed by the results of today.”

Balmoral Resort plans on hosting other outdoor events at their sports village. They plan on hosting music events based on different genres and potentially even a festival for the local Hispanic population.

For more information about future events, visit their website at: https://www.feltrimsports.com/

Skip Scanner at Walmart Threatens Employee

Staff Reporter
-
0
Skip Scanner at Walmart Threatens Employee

Winter Haven Police Department

Skip scanning and then threatening the associate – not cool.
The guy pictured below skip scanned a bunch of items at Walmart (7450 Cypress Gardens Blvd) on March 25.
When approached, he got verbally aggressive with the associate and threatened to harm them with a weapon (though no weapon was seen).
He likes Nike! He had a black t-shirt, Nike cross-body bag, gray Nike shirts, black leggings, black socks and, you guessed it, Nike slides!
He has multiple tattoos covering his arms. He was seen getting into a white sedan.
Recognize him? Call Det. AJ at 863-292-7921.

Haines City Man Struck & Killed On Hwy 27 In Lake Wales

Staff Reporter
-
0
Haines City Man Struck & Killed On Hwy 27 In Lake Wales

Haines City man fatally struck by tractor trailer on Highway 27


On Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 3:08am, Lake Wales Police responded to the report of a vehicle crash involving a pedestrian on Highway 27 south of Thompson Nursery Rd. The victim, identified as 34 year old Arturo Hernandez of Haines City, was found deceased at the scene after being struck by a 2004 Kenworth driven by Collis Moore of Lake Placid. Mr. Moore stated he was traveling north on Highway 27 approaching Thompson Nursey Rd. He stated he looked briefly down to return a drink to a cup holder and when he looked back up the victim was standing in the middle of his lane of travel.


Moore was not injured. Northbound traffic on Highway 27 was blocked for several hours. The investigation is ongoing and no charges are expected. If you have information please contact Lake Wales Police Department, Traffic Homicide Investigator, Sean Robertson at (863)678-4223 Ext 548.

48 Yr Old Lakeland Woman Struck & Killed On US 98

Staff Reporter
-
0
48 Yr Old Lakeland Woman Struck & Killed On US 98

PEDESTRIAN KILLED IN TRAFFIC CRASH

LAKELAND, FL (April 18, 2021) – On Saturday, April 17, 2021, at approximately 10:35 p.m., a Chevrolet Malibu was traveling southbound on US 98 North in the outside lane of travel, approaching the traffic light at the Interstate 4 overpass. The driver, 23-year-old Oppheus Williams, had begun slowing down for the red light. As he approached the intersection, the traffic light turned green, and Williams then began to accelerate. At the same time, a pedestrian attempting to cross the roadway crossed in front of Williams’ vehicle and was struck. Williams stopped and remained at the scene. This area of US 98 North does not have a marked crosswalk for pedestrian traffic.

Emergency medical professionals from the Lakeland Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue arrived on the scene to begin life-saving measures. The pedestrian, later identified as 48-year-old Blanca Amaya, was transported to Lakeland Regional Health, where she was pronounced deceased by medical staff.

Members of the Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The roadway was shut down for approximately 3 1/2 hours while the scene was processed for any follow-up investigation. At this time, the investigation is ongoing.

Pedestrian
Blanca Amaya
Female
Age: 48
Lakeland, Florida

Operator of the Chevrolet:
Oppheus Williams
Male
Age: 23
Lakeland, Florida

Armed Suspect Shot & Killed By Police In Winter Haven

Staff Reporter
-
0
Armed Suspect Shot & Killed By Police In Winter Haven

Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigates Winter Haven Police Department officer involved shooting

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an officer involved shooting involving a Winter Haven Police Department Sergeant that occurred in the Orchid Springs area near Winter Haven Saturday night, April 17th, at approximately 10:10 p.m.

According to information and evidence gathered at the scene, and interviews with witnesses and officers by PCSO detectives, Winter Haven police officers responded to a domestic disturbance call where a gun had been fired by 52-year-old Larry Jenkins of 841 Orchid Springs Dr., Winter Haven. When officers arrived at an apartment complex on Orchid Springs drive, contact was attempted at the front door of a first floor end unit apartment, but no response was received. Sgt. Joshua Dentel of the Winter Haven Police Department then responded to the rear of the residence, at which time he made contact with Jenkins, who was standing inside the screened-in porch, smoking a cigarette with his left hand, while keeping his right hand concealed in his pocket. Sgt. Dentel gave Jenkins verbal commands to show him his hands, which Jenkins ignored. Jenkins stated “I have a gun in my pocket.” Two other WHPD officers who were at the front of the residence heard Sgt. Dentel’s verbal commands, at which time they moved to the side of the building to assist Sgt. Dentel.

Jenkins then exited the screened-in porch and stopped just outside the door, while still concealing his right hand in his pocket. Additional verbal commands were given to Jenkins, which he ignored. Jenkins then made several statements, to include “I’m going to die tonight” and “You’re going to have to shoot me.” Additional WHPD officers began to arrive. Sgt. Dentel instructed one of the other officers to transition to a less-lethal weapon, at which time Officer Doyle transitioned to his Taser. After Jenkins continued to refuse to remove his right hand from his pocket, Officer Doyle fired his Taser at Jenkins, which appeared to have no effect on him. Officer Doyle then observed Jenkins begin to bring his right hand out of his pocket, which revealed the butt of a black gun. Officer Doyle immediately identified Jenkins to have a gun in his hand, at which time he deployed his Taser a second time, which appeared to have a small effect, causing him to slightly flinch.

As Officer Doyle deployed his Taser the second time, Sgt. Dentel observed Jenkins bring his right hand out of his pocket, at which time Sgt. Dentel observed the slide of a black handgun. As Jenkins pulled the handgun out of his pocket, Sgt. Dentel fired his rifle at Jenkins, striking him several times. After being shot, Jenkins fell to the ground and dropped a black handgun (Taurus 9mm handgun). WHPD officers began administering life saving measures and summoned EMS to the scene. Jenkins was subsequently transported to Winter Haven Hospital, where he was declared deceased on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 11:28 p.m.

Six members of WHPD were on scene at the time of the officer-involved shooting; Sgt. Dentel, Officer Doyle, a Lieutenant, and 4 other officers. Two of the officers arrived on scene just seconds before the two Taser shots and gunshots.

According to witnesses and the person(s) who reported the domestic violence shooting, Jenkins had been drinking all day. According to family, Jenkins has a history of alcohol abuse. The person who called 911 said that she was called to the apartment to pick up a 14 year old relative who said that she (the 14-year-old) was being sexually harassed by Jenkins and that Jenkins was behaving inappropriately towards her. The girl told her relative that Jenkins was making sexual advances towards her, including sexually charged conversation, an offer to receive and give oral sex with the 14-year-old girl, and that Jenkins exposed his penis to the girl. The relative came with her husband to the Orchid Springs address, where a confrontation started. Jenkins pulled out a semi-automatic pistol, racked it, displayed it, offered the gun to the husband for him to shoot Jenkins, aimed it at his own head, said that “I’m fixin’ to get ready to die,” and then fired the handgun.

The victims, the two adults who came to pick up the 14 year old and the 14 year old, fled the apartment out of fear of Jenkins, and called the Sheriff’s Office. During the call, they said that Jenkins had a loaded hand gun and fired it. They also said that Jenkins said that “he was fixin’ to die.” They reported that he was drunk or that he was “on something.”

The officer-involved shooting investigation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is ongoing. The Winter Haven Police Department will be conducting an internal, administrative investigation. The Medical Examiner’s office will be conducting an autopsy examination. The State Attorney’s Office responded to the scene Saturday night, and they will conduct a separate review and investigation of the shooting / use of force. Per Winter Haven Police Department protocol, the Sergeant involved will be on administrative leave with pay during the initial phase of the investigation.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Conducting Death Investigation In Davenport

Staff Reporter
-
0
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Conducting Death Investigation In Davenport

Davenport, Florida – According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office they are currently conducting an investigation into a work-related fatality. At this point no details are available regarding the exact cause or who has died.

The incident took place near Hwy 27 & Interstate 4 and is believed to have occurred before 9:30am. The initial call was for a motor vehicle accident, but that was not the case. The construction site is the new Panda Express being built.

We will update this article as more information becomes available.

Davenport Pair Facing Multiple Charges Including Felony Attempted Murder & Aggravated Battery In Alleged Assault

Staff Reporter
-
0

Davenport, Florida b- The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a shooting which occurred in the unincorporated area of Davenport, Florida. According to reports Mikayla West & Tyree Scott both of Davenport were in a physical altercation with the victim on April 10, 2021.

High School Weightlifter Wins Regional Competition with a Clean and Jerk of 290 Pounds

Staff Reporter
-
0
High School Weightlifter Wins Regional Competition with a Clean and Jerk of 290 Pounds

High School Weightlifter Wins Regional Competition with a Clean and Jerk of 290 Pounds

by James Coulter

A high school weight lifter from Frostproof pushed himself to his limits by bench pressing 10 pounds shy of 300 pounds, allowing him to win first place at a regional weightlifting competition over the weekend.

Harper Henson, a sophomore from Frostproof High School, needed to clean and jerk 290 pounds to win first place at the 238-pound platform, during the final stage of the regional weightlifting meet in Islamorada on Saturday.

The weightlifter who competed before him cleaned and jerked 260 pounds. Harper’s own personal record going into Saturday was 265 pounds. He successfully completed his second lift of 275 pounds.

While some other athletes would have happily walked away after such an accomplishment, Harper decided to beat his competitor and his own personal record. During his third lift, he successfully cleaned and jerked 290 pounds, 30 pounds more than his competitor, allowing him to win first place at the competition.

Harper was one of six weightlifters from Frostproof High School who attended the meet at the regional weightlifting meet at Coral Shores High School in Islamorada on Saturday. His team placed third in the overall competition. Two other lifers placed second, and another placed fourth.

“Harper Henson is the hardest working person to come through this program in a generation,” said Rod McDowell, head football coach at Frostproof High. “He pushes himself every day. He has a great attitude. He has good grades. He is respectful. He is an overall good example for everyone else and how they should act and how hard they should work.”

This is the first year McDowell is serving as the head football coach at Frostproof High. His position also requires him to manage the weight room, and in turn manage the school weightlifting team.

McDowell oversees the team’s training regimen, which involves very strenuous three to four times a week. Many of the football players also serve as weightlifting team members, he said.

“The idea is that they will have a reward at the end, which is what happens when you work hard,” Coach McDowell said. “You get out of it what you put into it.”

16-year-old Harper has been participating in football and weightlifting for several years. He loves weightlifting, as it helps him become stronger and better in other sports. He especially loves being able to inspire his other team members as a leader.

He owes his recent success to God and his family. His family especially have inspired him to do his best. Such determination allowed him to excel in his competitions, and he hopes to one day become a state champion.

“My family worked way too hard for me, and I am really trying to make them proud because they are amazing,” he said. “they work hard and show me that you can get a lot of things done when you put your heart into it. When you have the will and willpower to get things done, you will get it done.”

Harper has especially proven himself to be a model athlete on his team. The sophomore goes above and beyond to test his limits and push his boundaries. Such tenacity allowed him to win his illustrious title at the recent weightlifting meet.

Harper’s win was especially motivating. A lot of athletes would have settled for second place. Yet Harper decided to outperform himself and his competitor in an effort to do better than his best. And the young man succeeded, McDowell said.

“It is his hard work and willingness to take a risk and try to go for the win when he could have settled for second place,” he said. “He went above and beyond his personal limit…It shows the example of how, if you work hard, and you have that will, and you want to win, that you can come out on top even when faced with big obstacles.”

Local Dog Owner Finds Her Dog After It Was Missing for Over 9 Months

Staff Reporter
-
0
Local Dog Owner Finds Her Dog After It Was Missing for Over 9 Months

Dog Owner, Sandra Sue Dent:


“I don’t even know how to say this-I am just in disbelief, but…VALDEZ IS HOME!!!!!!!!! I didn’t give up, and after more than 9 months I finally found him, thanks to 3 wonderful ladies that have been taking good care of him. He has lived in 3 places since he has been gone, and finally someone saw one of my posts on Facebook. I said I would not give up, and I didn’t. This is proof that there is hope for all those poor pets out there that I have been looking at every day that have been reported lost. Just don’t give up on your babies! This worked out PERFECTLY for us because the lady that has had him for the last 4 months needed to re-home him. When I saw the picture that was posted of him, I was sure it was him, but I texted a picture of a special marking on his chest and it was a match. The nightmare is over.”

1...320321322...827Page 321 of 827

Advertise

Links

Stay connected

© 2021 WinterHavenDaily.com | All rights reserved.