On October 22, 2024 at 5:40 PM, the Florida Highway Patrol responded to a fatal crash in Polk County on Thornhill Road in Auburndale.
Here is the report from FHP:
Vehicle 1, a Chevy SUV, driven by a 70-year-old Lakeland man, was traveling southbound on Thornhill Road. North of Fox Hollow Drive, the driver suffered a medical emergency and lost control of the vehicle which departed the roadway. Once on the shoulder, the vehicle collided with a tree and a fence. Transported to an area hospital, the driver later expired.
The Winter Haven Police Department will be participating in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, this Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 10 am – 2 pm. In addition, what will make this even better? The FREE shredding event held at the same location at the same time.
The ever-popular “Purge Your Pills & Shred Your Stuff” is a great way for citizens to safely dispose of unused, expired and unwanted medications (including pet medications) to keep them out of the wrong hands. Safely disposing of medications helps to curb the potential for abuse of medications.
At the same time, we encourage citizens to bring out all sensitive papers that need to be disposed of. Our shredding partner, Crown Business Solutions, will be on site. (They cannot accept wet paper – please do not bring anything wet)
There is no limit to the amount of prescription pills or shredding citizens can bring. And the best part – it’s all free! (This is only for citizens – no businesses please) The location is in the front parking area of the Winter Haven Police Department, 125 N Lake Silver Dr., NW, Winter Haven FL 33881. We will have staff ready to take the items straight from your car if you choose.
For more information on Purge Your Pills and Shred Your Stuff, contact the Winter Haven Police Crime Prevention Unit at 863-291-6178.
City of Winter Haven Hosts Hands on Haven: A Family-Friendly Day of Trucks, Planes, and Interactive Fun
TOUCH-A-TRUCK & MORE: HANDS ON HAVEN 2024 – OCTOBER 26, 9:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
The countdown is ON for the most exciting event of the season—Hands on Haven is landing at Winter Haven Airport on Saturday, October 26, and we’re bringing the BIG fun for ALL ages! Mark your calendars and get ready for an EPIC day filled with action, hands-on activities, music, food, and of course, the coolest trucks, planes, and demos you’ve ever seen!
• Date: Saturday, October 26
• Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Location: Winter Haven Airport
• Cost: FREE to attend!
Curious about what’s in store? Buckle up, because this year’s event is packed with jaw-dropping activities for the whole family! Check out some of the highlights below!
Touch-A-Truck: Explore the Biggest & Best!
Your favorite trucks, all in one place! Climb into the driver’s seat of fire trucks, police cruisers, ambulances, construction vehicles, and more. It’s the ultimate chance to see these mega-machines up close, honk the horns, and even talk to the pros who drive them!
Dunk Tank: Dunk a City Official!
Ready to make a splash? Challenge your friends and see who’s got the best aim! Step up to the dunk tank and take your shot at soaking one of our fearless City officials. Whether you’re good or lucky, it’s all about fun and bragging rights! Throws are free, but donations are accepted. All proceeds will go to the Aspiring Aviators Club!
Meet Our Ambassador Animals: From Turtles to Raptors!
Love animals? So do we! Meet and greet with some incredible ambassador animals with our Natural Resources Division. From adorable turtles to friendly snakes, these creatures are here to help us learn about nature and conservation. Bring your questions and your camera for a wild encounter!
Public Safety Showcase: Lights, Sirens, Action!
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a first responder? Now’s your chance! Explore fire trucks, police cars, crime scene vehicles, and all the high-tech gear that keeps us safe every day. Check out live demos, complete the fire obstacle course, learn safety tips, and meet the heroes who serve our community. Don’t forget to snap a pic in your favorite ride!
Public Works: Meet the Real-Life Superheroes Behind the Scenes!
Our Public Works crew is responsible for making Winter Haven run smoothly—24/7! From massive dump trucks to street sweepers, get hands-on with the heavy machinery that keeps our city moving. It’s time to explore the unsung heroes of our community!
Water Department: Dive into Clean Water Fun!
Water you waiting for? The Water Department is giving you an inside look at how we provide clean, safe water to all of Winter Haven! Check out interactive displays, try your hand at some water-themed challenges, and discover the importance of this precious resource. You’ll never look at a glass of water the same way again!
Aircraft Exhibit: Soar into Aviation Fun!
Who doesn’t love airplanes? At Hands on Haven, you’ll get up close and personal with a collection of awesome aircraft. From helicopters to seaplanes, take a look at how aviation has shaped our world. You might even catch a pilot or two to share some high-flying stories!
Parks, Recreation & Culture: Fun for the Whole Family!
It’s not just about sports and playgrounds (though we love those too)! Join our Parks, Recreation & Culture team for family-friendly games, activities, and crafts. Be sure to check out the equipment used to maintain hundreds of acres, too! You’ll get to see how they keep Winter Haven a beautiful, vibrant, active, and creative place for everyone!
But wait, there’s more!
• Technology Petty Zoo inside the Airport Terminal
• Hands-on experiences with cool tools and vehicles
• Live stage demonstrations you won’t want to miss
• Delicious food trucks and treats to fuel the fun
• Chief of Police Monroe acting as DJ and Emcee of the event
This is your chance to bring the whole family out for a day of interactive fun and unforgettable memories. Don’t miss out on Hands on Haven—the event that everyone’s talking about!
Mark your calendars, bring your friends, and join us at Winter Haven Airport on October 26! Share the excitement on social media using #HandsOnHaven and let’s make this the best event yet!
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is partnering with the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation again this year to collaborate on funding Florida youth fishing education through their Vamos A PescarTM(Let’s Go Fishing) initiative. Through this effort local partner organizations will be able to help Florida Hispanic youth and families learn about ethical angling, conservation, fishing gear and fishing basics to help create confident and responsible anglers.
“We are proud to support the Vamos a Pescar program, which opens the doors for more families in our community to experience the joys of fishing and the great outdoors,” said Tom Graef, FWC Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management Director. “By providing accessible opportunities for everyone, this initiative fosters a love for nature and strengthens our commitment to conservation and responsible fishing recreation. Together, we are ensuring that future generations can enjoy the rich traditions and natural resources of our waterways.”
The RBFF is a nonprofit organization, established in 1998, whose mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, thereby protecting and restoring the nation’s aquatic natural resources. FWC began partnering with RBFF in 2016 on their Vamos a PescarTMinitiative and has grown the program over the years, funding a total of 18 programs to date.
The application period for the 2025 grant program is now open. If you are interested in supporting youth fishing education and applying for the grant, visit MyFWC.com/VAP and submit an application by Nov. 29.
If I had a nickel for every time there was an animated movie about a robot taking care of a living creature in a post-apocalyptic setting, and that movie ended up being the best-animated movie of the year, I’d have two nickels—which isn’t much but it’s weird that it happened twice. (The movies I’m talking about are this movie and Wall-E.)
Yes, The Wild Robot is one of those rare films that dares to push boundaries and prove that animated movies can be more than “just for kids”–that they can be real cinema! Think Spirited Away or Loving Vincent or Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio.
And when I say this movie was the best movie of the year, I’m not just bragging. Not only has this movie grossed more than $197.3 million in the box office worldwide, but it became so successful that a sequel is now in development. But is The Wild Robot really that wild of a movie? Or was it simply a scrap of junk that was better left forgotten in the woods?
The Wild Robot is based on the novel of the same name by Peter Brown. It stars a robot who crash lands on an island inhabited only by animals. The robot, named Rozz, stumbles onto a freshly-hatched gosling, which immediately imprints on her.
Rozz accepts her “task” of raising the young goose, which she names Brightbill, with the help of a wily fox. Can the two raise the young gosling and teach it to fly before winter comes? And what of Rozz’s origins? Where did she come from? And can she ever go back?
Undoubtedly, the best aspect of this film is the animation. Like many other recent animated films like Into The Spiderverse and The Last Wish, The Wild Robot effortlessly combines 3D and 2D animation. This movie has a unique watercolor aesthetic, which makes it look almost like the illustrations of a children’s storybook come to life.
This watercolor aesthetic especially makes the natural setting look and feel rustic. The colors really “pop” from the foliage, especially during the changing seasons. I especially loved the autumnal color scheme when fall arrived, since it reminds me of the fall colors of my current rural Virginia setting. (Been a while since I’ve seen the seasons change like this.)
The story and characters are simple yet charming enough. Rozz the robot needs to help raise Brightbill the gosling into an adult goose with the help of Fink the Fox. Rozz is an innocent outsider who needs to learn to adapt to her new environment and to her new role as a parent. Fink is a reluctant companion who reluctantly decides to help, though not necessarily through the kindness of his own heart. And Brightbill, having been the runt of his litter, has to deal with being the odd one out of his species.
The movie was directed by Chris Sanders. As someone who previously directed other hit animated films like Lilo and Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon, Sanders is no stranger to helping tell this type of story, where an outsider has to team up with an average person to become something greater than themselves. The young girl Lilo has to train the alien stitch to be
“good” and teach him the importance of family. Hiccup the Viking has to train the dragon Toothless to fly again, and in doing so, learn that dragons can be friends, not enemies.
And in this movie, Rozz the robot has to raise the goose Brightbill and, through the process, learn to become more than just a service robot. The result is an animated masterpiece that, despite its simple, traditional story, manages to deliver a complex narrative that delves deep into the themes of nature, humanity, and purpose.
Perhaps the surprisingly charming aspect of the movie is the dark humor. Despite its pastoral setting with cute talking animals, this movie is not afraid to delve into the darker aspects of nature. One of the first scenes has a bird’s head chopped off and eaten by a predator. Another scene involves a joke about a mother opossum raising seven baby opossums. (When you see it, you’ll know!). Nature truly is “eat or be eaten.”
As of now, The Wild Robot is still playing in theaters, though now digital copies are being made available to rent or buy, with streaming no doubt around the corner. If you can watch it in theaters, by all means, do! It is a visually stunning film that deserves to be seen on the big screen. So catch it in theaters while you still can. It really is that good.
Public Notice: Lake Bonny Flood Mitigation Strategy – Pumping Additional Stormwater
LAKELAND, FL (October 22, 2024) | The City of Lakeland is working with several agencies in ongoing efforts to mitigate the sustained flooding on Lake Bonny. The City of Lakeland has been coordinating with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Polk County, US Army Corp of Engineers, and the State of Florida to develop a flood mitigation plan.
The US Army Corp of Engineers is providing two industrial water pumps that will be placed on the northwest corner of Lake Bonny on the recreational pathway and 6,000 feet of piping to remove water from Lake Bonny and transfer it to Lake Parker. SWFWMD and Polk County has agreed to allow Lake Bonny outflow to be discharged into the Peace River. The equipment is being delivered from Clewiston, Florida within the next 24-hours. City and SWFWMD staff will work around the clock to install the system and get it operational. Staff will man the system 24/7 to ensure it is operating and not causing unintended flooding in the vicinity of the operations.
The strategy will include the closing of Main Street to run above ground pipe from Lake Bonny to a stormwater outflow on North Gary Road, just north of the train trestle. The stormwater system discharges to Lake Parker and flows to Lake Hancock before being discharged to the Peace River. The SWFWMD oversees and manages water bodies that flow to the Peace River.
City Manager Shawn Sherrouse said, “The City of Lakeland team has continued to agonize alongside our flooded Lake Bonny residents. We have tirelessly sought every opportunity to reduce flooding levels without negatively impacting other residents or major commerce networks.” He added, “By stepping back from our current pump location, we were able to think outside the box and devise a unique plan to redirect floodwaters into Lake Parker. This project involves several agencies, and we truly value their efforts and support. I especially want to commend City staff for their unwavering dedication to helping those in our community most affected by Hurricane Milton.”
The overland piping once installed will impact pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic. The proposed layout of the piping will result in closed roads that will include: E. Main Street at Elgin Street, Elgin Street, N. Fern Road from Elgin Street to Alicia Road, N. Gary Road from Rose Street to E. Magnolia Street/E. Gary Road. Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area and follow the advance notice detours. The recreational path from Lake Bonny Drive to the boat ramp will be closed as well.
The system will operate for an undetermined timeframe, and if successful, will continue until Lake Bonny reaches an acceptable level and provides relief to those impacted.
The Lake Wales VFW Received an AED. They Returned the Favor by Donating an AED to Past Time Lounge.
by James Coulter
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post in Lake Wales had received an automated external defibrillator (AED). They have since returned the favor by donating an AED to another local establishment, and one that has assisted them many times before.
Last Tuesday, Past Time Lounge in Winter Haven received an AED donated by Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation (CCF), a local non-profit organization dedicated to promoting “heart health awareness.”
The AED was donated thanks in part to VFW Post 2420 Lake Wales, which decided to help “pay it forward” after having previously received an AED themselves several months ago from VFW Post 4289 Winter Haven.
Daniel Murphy, Auxiliary President of the Lake Wales VFW, chose the Past Time Lounge as the AED recipient because the bar has supported their post and other VFW posts.
“I was very happy that the Past Time Lounge was chosen,” Murphy said. “They have supported [the VFW] for years from helping with our golf outings (as a hole sponsor) to ordering Wednesday lunches for their customers from our kitchen and more.”
Cindy Shaw, the owner of the Past Time Lounge since 2016, was grateful for having the AED donated and installed at her establishment, especially since the Winter Haven VFW helped donate it.
“We are now equipped to respond to a medical emergency and possibly save someone’s life,” Shaw said. “I would like to thank everyone involved in providing this life-saving equipment and would encourage anyone who wishes to support a well-deserving cause [to] please consider CCF.”
Phil Lefstead, a friend of the VFW, helped set up the meeting to have the AED donated at Past Time Lounge. He was pleased with how CCF has dedicated itself to supporting such a good cause in the community.
“I think it’s a cool concept where they help the next organization get an AED,” Lefstead said. “[They are] great for giving her time and effort to help the community help save a life. And how everyone is on board with helping the effort.”
Melanie Brown Culpepper started CCF nearly four years ago following the untimely passing of her late fiancée, Michael Culpepper, who had suffered cardiac arrest.
Not wanting anyone to suffer a similar fate, Melanie started CCF to help raise proceeds to donate and install AEDs to local businesses and other establishments.
Since then, her organization has donated more than 50 AEDs across Polk County at places like Tanner’s Lakeside, Old Man Frank’s, and Caribbean Bay.
“We all may be the closest first responder,” she explained. “It could be your friend, your own family, or even YOU that you’re saving as Saving Lives Matter.”
CFF will be hosting its annual fundraiser, Saving Lives Matter, at Tanner’s Lakeside on Sat. Oct. 12. For more information, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/honoringculpepper
On 10/6/2024, a retail theft occurred at the WAWA located at 344 Havendale Blvd. in Auburndale, FL. Video surveillance shows that an unknown White male entered the store and grabbed two cases of beer (1 Corona, 1 Heineken) and then he proceeded to walk out of the store passing all points of sale without attempting to pay.
He was last seen entering a newer model black Toyota Camry and reversing out of the parking lot to avoid exterior cameras viewing the vehicle license plate.
SUSPECT – White male, age between 30-40 years old, army green t-shirt, gray shorts, white/black tennis shoes, white/black ball cap.
If you have any information, please contact Officer Persaud at 863-965-5555 or by email at [email protected]
Bok Tower Gardens still has space available to register for their Cocktails, Mocktails, and Mandalas” event being held this Friday, October 25 from 5 – 6 PM.
It’s an opportunity to wind down from your week in the Outdoor Kitchen while Garden Educators lead you through making a Nature Mandala. The process of creating mandalas with flowers, leaves, twigs, and other natural materials can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, allowing you to be present in the moment. Your evening includes two drink tickets for either mocktails or cocktails and your choice of Chef’s Cheese Board or Chef’s Charcuterie & Cheese Board. Enjoy the company of fellow Bok Tower Gardens supporters, let go of distractions, and head peacefully into your weekend. Leave your worries and mandalas behind, taking only memories and maybe a picture of your creation!
Please Note: Ticket price includes general admission to the Gardens. Tickets are available for purchase at boktower.org, in person at the Visitor Center or by phone at 863-734-1222. All programs and classes promptly begin at stated time and visitors are encouraged to arrive at least 10 minutes before class begins for check-in. Check-in begins 30 minutes prior to the class start time. Culinary events are demonstration based and late arrivals may not be accommodated. For classes held after 5 pm, the entrance gate will stay open for an additional 30 minutes after the start time. Once the gate closes, late arrivals will not be admitted. Due to the nature of culinary events held at the Outdoor Kitchen, Bok Tower Garden may attempt, but cannot guarantee, to accommodate food allergies. Dogs are not permitted at any educational program.
Portions of nine roadways are scheduled to be preserved the week of October 21st. Each roadway will receive either a cape seal or a double-micro slurry of liquid asphalt. These prescribed treatment methods are used to extend the life of roadways for several years. Please allow extra time during your commute. Use caution while traveling on or near roadways with crews performing the work.
List of roadways to be treated, starting October 21st. E Polk Street Carlton Avenue Circle Drive Marietta Street South 12th Street Sunset Drive Triangle Drive Westend Boulevard 11th Street
Additional streets will be treated by the end of the year. Various types of prescribed treatment methods may include cape seal, double-micro slurry or milling.
