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City of Lakeland Presents Holly Jolly Jingle Bell Jog

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LAKELAND, FL (December 2, 2024) — The City of Lakeland is excited to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Holly Jolly Jingle Bell Jog on Saturday, December 14, 2024. This beloved holiday 5K race, now a decade-old tradition, will take place along the Three Parks Trail, with a 7:30 a.m. start. Runners and spectators alike are encouraged to don their most festive holiday attire as they participate in this chip-timed event.

The race will begin and end at Cleveland Heights Golf Course (2900 Buckingham Avenue), where participants will “jingle all the way” along the course. Registration is $35, with proceeds benefiting the perpetual care fund for Three Parks Trail, administered through the Givewell Community Foundation.

Bob Donahay, Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts, shared, “This race is a wonderful way to celebrate our community’s public spaces while spreading holiday cheer. Over the years, we’ve seen some truly creative costumes — one year, a team of runners came dressed as Christmas parade floats! We can’t wait to see what fun and festive outfits everyone brings this year!”

Participants will receive a custom race shirt and a commemorative finisher ornament. After crossing the finish line, runners can head to Santa’s Village for a festive post-race celebration, featuring treats, awards, and photos with Santa himself. Little ones (under 9 years old) can also join the fun with a special 200-yard Reindeer Dash for just $10.

Packet Pickup:  

– Friday, December 13, 2024, 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at Cleveland Heights Golf Course 

– Race Day Pickup: 6:30 a.m. at the Cleveland Heights Golf Course pro shop 

Awards will be presented to:  

– Overall Male and Female 

– Overall Masters (40+) Male and Female

– Top 3 Male and Female in each age group category.

Registration is open through December 12, 2024. Be sure to follow @LakelandGov on social media for special discount codes and more event updates. For additional details and to register, visit JBjog.com.

Join us for this Lakeland holiday tradition and help make the 10th Annual Holly Jolly Jingle Bell Jog the jolliest one yet!

Auburndale Police Asking for Public’s Help in Identifying Identity Theft Suspect

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Auburndale Police Department ATTEMPT TO IDENTIFY:

“On 11/23/2024 an identity theft and petit theft occurred at Walmart located at 2120 Highway 92 West, Auburndale FL. The unknown black female suspect was seen talking with the victim in the parking lot and then following the victim to her car to help her put the groceries into her vehicle. At some point the suspect took the victims cigarette case which contained all her credit/debit cards and personal information. The unknown suspect was seen on three different occasions making purchases in Walmart using the victims credit card.

SUSPECT – Black female, black do rag, red shirt, tan jacket, gray shorts with a black stripe on the sides, black Reebok slides, with a black puff backpack/purse. May have a visual impairment

If you have any information, please contact Officer Rieger at 863-965-5555 or by email at [email protected]”

City of Winter Haven Hosting Disposal Event

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City of Winter Haven, FL:

Safely dispose of hazardous waste, electronics, and tires at our free Disposal Event on Saturday, December 7, from 8 a.m. to noon, at the Chain of Lakes Complex (210 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven).

For more information, contact Polk County Solid Waste at (863) 284-4319.

In Loving Memory of Ray Ernest Bower, 83, of Lake Wales

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Ray Ernest Bower, 83 of Lake Wales, Florida passed Monday, November 25, 2024, in Dayton, Ohio.

He was born on June 30, 1941, in Auburn, New York to the late Tillman Grant and Jane Margaret Young Bower. He retired from the US Navy, Greenleaf in Public Safety, and the Lake Wales YMCA. Ray was a member of the American Legion and was of the Catholic Faith.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Bower, April 29, 2021.

Survivors include his daughter, Mary Linzmeier and husband Bob of Ohio; son, Stephen Bower of Arizona; brothers, William Bower, John Bower and Grant Bower all of New York; one grandchild Casey of Ohio. And special friends Marty Buckley and the Myers family.

After retirement Ray volunteered his time with the Lake Wales Little Theater.  He also enjoyed his time running Bingo at Holy Spirit Church.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 4, 2024, from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the Marion Nelson Funeral Home of Lake Wales. Funeral Mass will be held 2:00 PM Thursday, December 5, 2024, at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church of Lake Wales, Interment will be held 12:30 PM, Friday, December 6, 2024, at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.

Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton or the Lake Wales Little Theatre.

City of Winter Haven’s Christmas Boat Parade December 7

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City of Winter Haven, FL:

We’re thrilled to announce that the annual Boat Parade will be taking place on Saturday, December 7th, starting at 6:30 PM!


Join us for an evening of festive floats, twinkling lights, and holiday cheer as boats glide along the lake in dazzling displays. Stay tuned for more details.

Don’t miss out on this holiday tradition – mark your calendars, bundle up, and come enjoy the magic on the water!

Location: Lake May in Winter Haven is the starting point. Next is Lake Howard, then to Lake Shipp.

Welcome, World Travelers! Goodbye MuppetVision! Hello, Muppets Rock n’ Roller Coaster!

Welcome, World Travelers! Goodbye MuppetVision! Hello, Muppets Rock n’ Roller Coaster!

by James Coulter

 

It’s time to raise the curtain. It’s time to light the lights. It’s time to meet the Muppets one last time at MuppetVision 3D.

 

The classic Muppet show will be closing at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the Muppets are set to make their new home on the other side of the park at another classic attraction.

 

Earlier this year at D23, Disney Parks announced a new Monsters, Inc.-themed land, which will include the tentatively named Monsters, Inc. Door Coaster, the first suspended roller coaster in a Disney park.

 

The new ride and land were announced to be built at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, yet where the land would be placed had yet to be determined–until now.

 

Recently, Disney has confirmed that the new land and ride will be replacing Muppet Courtyard, where MuppetVision 3D currently resides, along with the Muppet-themed eatery Pizzarizzo’s.

 

Over the years, that area has slowly been remodeled to remove most of its original Muppet theming. In 2017, both the Muppet balloon and fountain were removed. And as of this year, the Stage 1 Company Store was demolished.

 

As for the Muppets themselves, they will not be leaving the park entirely. Instead, they will be making their new home on the other side of the park at another classic attraction, Rock n’ Roller Coaster.

 

The nearly 25-year-old launch coaster will be receiving a Muppet makeover. Disney Parks Blog states that the Muppet characters will be taking over the ride, as well as “teaming up with some of music’s biggest stars for a rockin’ music festival!”

 

This planned retheme has been announced the same year the rock band Aerosmith, to which the attraction is currently themed, has announced their retirement from touring. Meanwhile, the other Rock n Roller Coaster attraction in Disney Studios Paris is planned to be rethemed to Marvel’s The Avengers.

 

As for MuppetVision 3D, Disney Parks has assured fans that the classic film attraction will be preserved in one way or another. They wrote: “As we move forward with these changes, we are having creative conversations and exploring ways to preserve the film and other parts of the experience for fans to enjoy in the future.”

 

MuppetVision 3D is significant, not only for being a unique show that blends puppetry with 3D visual and practical effects, but also being the very last project Muppet creator Jim Henson worked on before his death in 1990.

 

The attraction was supposed to be part of a larger Muppet-themed land, which would have also included The Muppet Movie Ride, a dark ride parody of the park’s then iconic attraction, the Great Movie Ride. However, plans were scrapped following Jim’s passing.

 

How and where MuppetVision 3D will be preserved remainsunknown. Many fans speculate the attraction may move next door to Rock n Roller Coaster, replacing Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy. Other fans speculate the film could be released either on Blu-Ray/DVD or on streaming on Disney Plus.

 

Either way, where one door closes (to open for a door coaster), another door opens. And the Muppets will no doubt be making their way triumphantly through that opened door with their upcoming new venture.

The 43rd Annual Lakeland Christmas Parade “Christmas At Swan Lake”

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The Junior League of Greater Lakeland and the City of Lakeland are proud to host the 43rd annual Lakeland Christmas Parade! The parade will take place in Downtown Lakeland Thursday, December 5, 2024. A fireworks display over Lake Mirror will kick off the festivities at 7 pm.

Map of 2024 Parade Route

At the same time, the parade will leave the RP Funding Center, making its way down Lemon Street, twisting and turning through Downtown Lakeland. 

Be sure to keep an eye out for our very special guests…Santa & Mrs. Claus!

The Christmas Parade is enjoyed by the whole community.  Please remember to keep sidewalks clear for individuals with wheelchairs, walkers and scooter

 No Chairs Until the Day of the Event

The City asks that no chairs be placed on the parade route until the day of the parade.  Each year, many of those attending the parade start staking their claim earlier and earlier.  Fire Chief Doug Riley says, “We understand people want a good vantage point to watch the parade.  Unfortunately, we have chairs blocking sidewalks and crosswalks days before the parade.”  Police Chief Sammy Taylor adds, “This causes a major hazard, especially for those in our community that use wheelchairs and walkers to get around.”

The City will remove/relocate chairs that are totally blocking sidewalks, in the way of crosswalks and hindering the use of disabled parking spaces.  We understand the excitement of this yearly event, but we also want to keep in mind the safety of all our citizens.  Riley and Taylor say, “Please, no chairs on the parade route before Thursday, December 5.”  Chairs, tape, blankets and other materials used to save viewing spaces will be removed if placed in public right-of-way before the day of the parade.

Photo Provided By City Of Lakeland

Street Closures

Incremental road closures will begin as early as 3:30 pm due to enhanced safety measures. You should plan on all parade route affiliated roads being closed by 6 pm (see parade route). Officers will be staged at locations along the route to assist with traffic. Closures will be clearly marked and directional signage will be in place.

Take alternate routes such as Bartow Highway (US 98) and Harden Boulevard if you are simply trying to get from one side of town to the other.


Public Parking

Public Parking is available in Downtown Lakeland on open, non-parade-route streets, in public lots and parking garages.

Interactive Downtown Lakeland Parking Map


ADA/Accessible Parking

Accessible parking will be available in Lot V (161 E. Lime St.) for vehicles with a disabled parking permit. See the ADA Accessibilitytab below for more info on the accessible parade experience.

Photo Provided By City of Lakeland

Crash on Hwy. 27 Sends Three to Hospital

At approximately 11:45 am on December 2, 2024, a traffic collision was reported at 25464 US Hwy. 27, just north of Waverly Rd., in Lake Wales.

Brian Bruchey, Public Information Officer for Polk County Sheriff Office, advises that the crash occurred at about 11:38 am.

The vehicles are reported to be a black 2013 Mazda sedan and a black 2014 Dodge pickup.

Polk County Fire Rescue reports that three individuals were transported with what we are advised are non-life threatening injuries.

Polk County Emergency Responders At Very Bad Crash On Hwy 540 In Eagle Lake

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The Polk County Fire Rescue and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a very serious accident on Hwy 540 in Eagle Lake. The cross intersection is reported as Cooley Rd. This is a very bad crash involving multiple injuries. At this point in time we believe pediatric patients are involved and an adult trauma alert. A helicopter medical evacuation is currently underway.

At this point in time we can report that the roadway is completely blocked. We are assuming that traffic will be back up in that area for an extended period of time.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office, PIO Brian Bruchey, has confirmed that atleast one individual has been killed in the crash.

The accident just took place at 1:04pm. As more information is released we will update this article!

City of Winter Haven Now Hiring Code Compliance Trainee

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City of Winter Haven –

The Code Compliance Trainee will be responsible for administrative responsibilities and learning and assisting in the compliance of building codes, zoning regulations, and other applicable laws and regulations.  This position is designed to provide hands-on training and practical experience in code compliance procedures and practices. The ideal candidate should have a strong interest in building codes and regulations, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with a team.

  • Job Title: Code Compliance Trainee
  • Category: Full-Time
  • Application Closing Date: December 15, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
  • Application: Click Here

Salary and Benefits:

  • $17.48 Per Hour Minimum
  • Annual Step for Performance Pay Adjustments  
  • 12 Paid Holidays Per Year
  • 12 Vacation Days Minimum, Earned Per Year
  • 12 Sick Days Earned Per Year
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Benefits
  • 401(a) Retirement Plan and Social Security Coverage
  • Education/Tuition Assistance Program; and Training and Development Opportunities
  • Employee Assistance Program – to Include Mental  Health Assistance/Services

APPLY NOW

Essential Job Functions:

This is a cross-training position which facilitates progression into the position of Administrative Support Specialist or Code Officer.  Time is shared between administrative responsibilities and field inspections.  Performs responsible legal in nature administrative and staff support work involving Code Compliance operations. Enforces City ordinances by conducting self-initiated and citizen requested field inspections of properties and citing violations as necessary.  Performs clerical work to support the Safe Neighborhoods staff and accomplish department objectives.  Receives and directs calls; greets the public; responds to general inquiries and concerns; explains code regulations, policies, and procedures; and furnishes general information on departmental functions. Independently prepares forms, letters, and reports.  Handles administrative processing of cases; receives and documents code concerns; assigns cases for inspection; researches public records to identify property ownership.  Reviews and deciphers legal documents including deeds.  Prepares required written notices for mailing and posting in accordance with Florida Statute 162 and Department procedures.  Accurately handles records management. Processes and maintains case records and lien files. Receives and processes fine and lien payments.  Self-initiates code compliance activities and responds to citizen concerns of possible code violations, inspects properties, locates property owners, and interacts personally with them to expediently resolve code concerns and/or violations detected.  Performs follow-up inspections to verify code violations have been corrected and to determine if additional compliance action is required. Operates a City vehicle to perform work and uses a computer to maintain accurate, detailed, and case-specific records. Participates in community meetings and neighborhood initiatives.  Attends various seminars and workshops to remain current on code compliance related laws and procedures.  This is not intended to be an all-inclusive listing of essential job functions; the performance of other essential functions may be required.  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Knowledge of general office practices and procedures; use and operation of standard office equipment and software, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint; and business English, spelling, punctuation, and arithmetic. 
  • Knowledge and familiarity with the code compliance process, ordinances, and general regulatory codes.
  • Knowledge and understanding of Florida Statutes relating to code compliance, public records, and the Sunshine Law.
  • Skilled and proficient in operating a computer and performing accurate data entry; and organization, time-management, and multi-tasking.
  • Ability to prioritize work, meet multiple deadlines, and work under pressure; read, interpret, and explain city ordinances; compose professional letters, reports, and email correspondence; make independent decisions in accordance with departmental rules, regulations, and policy; understand and follow oral and written instructions; speak clearly and distinctly; and type at a proficient rate of speed.
  • Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interact with others in a positive, courteous, and professional manner at all times.
  • Knowledge of and the ability to read, interpret, and explain city ordinances.  
  • Must be or have the ability to become familiar with city streets.
  • Ability to identify code violations and perform compliance related inspections; write clear and concise reports and make effective presentations; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, public and private agencies, officials, and members of the general public. 

Minimum Education & Experience:

  • Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma.   
  • One year of office/clerical experience required.  

Special Requirements:

  • Must have a valid Florida driver’s license and a good driving record as determined by the City of Winter Haven.  
  • Absence of non-prescribed controlled substances in the applicant’s system as verified through a screening process administered by a laboratory approved by the City of Winter Haven.

Physical / Environmental Factors:

  • Must have the physical ability, strength, and flexibility to perform the job functions in the work environment. 
  • Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability. 

APPLY NOW

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