Bartow, Fla. (October 14, 2024) — A majority of Polk County’s more than 100 parks and boat ramps are set to reopen Tuesday, Oct. 15. If a Polk County park or boat ramp is not listed below, it will reopen tomorrow, although there may be facilities within the parks that are closed for repairs.
The following locations will reopen Wednesday, Oct. 16:
Johnny and Freida Brooks Resource Center
Mary Norma Campbell Resource Center
Medulla Resource Center
Wabash Resource Center
Wilfred Smith Resource Center
The following locations will open on Friday, Oct. 18:
Coleman Landing Campground
Lake Arbuckle Campground
Lake Hatchineha Campground
Lake Rosalie Campground
Saddle Creek Campground
The following locations are closed indefinitely:
Alafia River Reserve
Bone Valley ATV Park
Circle B Bar Reserve
Gator Creek Reserve
Highland City Senior Field (Strickland Pit)
Homeland Heritage Park
Lake Hancock Boat Ramp
Lakeland Highland Scrub
Loyce E. Harpe Park
Panther Point Trail
Peace River Canoe Launch
Peace River Hammock
Rolling Hills Park
Sherwood L. Stokes Preserve
Walker Road Park
All Stormwater Sites
Additionally, access to Simmers-Young Park will be from American Spirit Boulevard only.
Polk County officials will be in contact with youth and adult leagues to discuss resuming league games and practices.
If you have questions about these closures, contact Polk County Parks and Natural Resources Division at (863) 534-7377.
October 15, 2024– Keep Polk County Beautiful, Inc. in partnership with Polk County Government is bringing their annual FREE Tire Collection and Recycling event to Bartow on Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.(noon) at C Wilson Equipment Co., 2301 US Hwy 17 S. in Bartow. Residents and agricultural land owners may dispose of up to 24 tires per vehicle. Standard vehicle sized tires only – No semi, tractor or off-road tires. Absolutely NO TIRE BUSINESSES, INDEPENDENT or COMMERCIAL TRUCKING COMPANIES or AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESSES of ANY kind will be permitted. Legal hauling limits will be strictly enforced. Tire hauling services have been graciously donated by the City of Bartow Solid Waste & Scrap-It Mulberry.
For additional information, contact Keep Polk County Beautiful, Inc. at (863) 875-8911 or email [email protected] .
It is a violation of Florida Administrative Code Rules to transport more than 24 Waste Tires over public highways without a permit. Violation of this rule would constitute a 1st degree criminal misdemeanor and be punishable by a fine of not more than $10,000 and/or by 6 months in jail for further information please regarding the handling of waste tires please visit the DEP website http://www.dep.state.fl.us/ .
Looking for the perfect pumpkin to carve into a jack-o’-lantern this Halloween? Not only is a local patch selling hundreds of pumpkins, and not only are they also offering apple cider and raffle prizes, but they are also raising proceeds for a good cause.
This weekend and next, Mothers of Veterans Suicide will be hosting a pumpkin patch fundraiser to raise proceeds for its cause at The Red Barn Farmer’s Market and The Gravely Red Barn in Frostproof.
Customers old and young will be able to peruse a plethora of pumpkins and pick the perfect one for their Halloween enjoyment. They will also be able to enjoy apple cider and participate in raffles for great prizes.
The fundraiser is being hosted by Mothers of Veterans Suicide, a non-profit organization dedicated to mothers, parents, and other relatives of veterans who have either died by suicide or who struggle with suicidal thoughts.
Executive Director Michele Ladd started the organization in 2019. As the mother of two sons who joined the military and a deceased military officer, Michele knows full well the struggles of handling a family member struggling with trauma and PTSD.
In 2017 she purchased a mobile home and traveled the country on an 8,000-mile tour, where she visited and met other relatives of veterans who struggled with trauma. Statistically, between 22 to 44 veterans die from suicide every day.
“Michele heard hundreds of stories of trauma, PTSD, divorces and sadly, many suicides,” their website states. “Michele says the sacrifices she made such as extreme loneliness, spending nights in Walmart parking lots and truck stops, multiple break downs, having to empty her tanks and with multiple injuries, she would do it all over again.”
Since its inception in 2019, Mothers of Veterans Suicide has, according to their website, “assisted 420 Veterans and their families with resources and healing retreats.”
100 percent of the proceeds will go toward Mothers of Veterans Suicide to assist with their retreats for families of veterans. The very next retreat is planned for January.
Judy serves as the president of the organization. As a combat veteran, she knows what it is like to deal with trauma. She became interested in the organization after meeting Michelle and he husband, who had arrived at her American Legion post for a speaking engagement. The two of them started talking about their experiences, and Judy eventually decided to join the cause.
“Mothers of Veterans Suicide is the only organization nationwide that helps with mothers of veterans who died from suicide,” she explained. “Why do I stay? Because I believe there is
nothing sadder than dealing with someone who lost a child to suicide. You can tell them it will be okay. But it is never okay. Ever.”
The pumpkin patch was started by a woman named Crystal, who lost her best friend, a veteran, to suicide. Later in November, Michelle will arrive at their American Legion post, along with several other organization leaders, to accept a check from the proceeds raised.
For Judy Casey, being able to see the mobile home Michelle drives will be the best part of the visit. On the side of the vehicle are countless butterfly decals with the names of veterans who had passed away from suicide. Being able to see her son’s name will make her day.
“When you see the motor home, it gives you a whole different feeling when you see a butterfly with a child’s name on it,” she said.
The Pumpkin Patch will be hosted from 10 am to 3 pm on Fri. Oct. 18 and Fri. Oct. 25. The fundraiser will be hosted at The Red Barn Farmers Market, located at 800 Ulmer Road, along SR 630 West in Frostproof.
The recreational and commercial stone crab harvest seasons start Oct. 15 and will remain open through May 1, closing May 2.
The minimum claw size limit is 2 7/8 inches.
As a reminder, an unobstructed escape ring measuring 2 3/16 inches in diameter must be located within a vertical exterior trap wall for all recreational and commercial plastic or wood stone crab traps.
Florida Stone Crab Season Opens October 15th. Stone Crab Must Be 2 7/8 inches
Recreational Trap Registration
Recreational harvesters who are age 16 and older (including those normally exempt from needing a license) are required to complete an online, no-cost recreational stone crab trap registration each year. To register, visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, sign in, click the “Click here to get a License!” tile, scroll down to the “Saltwater Fishing” section, and select “Recreational Stone Crab Trap Registration.”
Upon completion, each person will receive unique trap registration numbers that must be included on each trap along with the owner’s full name and address. This information must be legible and must be permanently attached to each trap.
Example of recreational stone crab trap
Other tips and regulations
Care should be taken when removing the claws so as to not permanently injure the crab.
Claws may not be taken from egg-bearing stone crabs. Stone crabs may not be harvested with any device that can puncture, crush or injure a crab’s body. Examples of devices that can cause this kind of damage include spears and hooks.
Recreational harvesters may take a daily bag limit of 1 gallon of claws per person or 2 gallons per vessel, whichever is less, and may use up to five stone crab traps per person.
Traps that are not being fished should be removed from the water to avoid ghost fishing, a process in which marine species get caught in the trap for extended periods of time and are not harvested.
Stone crab regulations are the same in state and federal waters.
Keep up to date with Florida fishing regulations on your phone by downloading the Fish Rules app in the App Store or Google Play. Learn more at FishRulesApp.com.
One Year After Devastating Fire, Winter Haven FFA Rebuilds and Grows Stronger
by James Coulter
Photos provided by Sara Garcia
One year after a fire devastated the school’s agricultural department, the Winter Haven Future Farmer’s of America (FFA) chapter has not only recovered, but flourished with double the number of animals they had last year.
Last year, for the first time in 15 years, Winter Haven High School (WHHS) was able to keep animals on campus for the Winter Haven FFA chapter. The campus kept 10 hogs and six goats. This year, the number of animals has nearly doubled with 24 hogs, 12 goats, five rabbits, and several chickens.
This flourishing of life proves especially miraculous one year after a fire devastated the campus and burnt down some of its facilities. The fire, which was allegedly caused by an electric issue, started in the welding area, burned down the entire workshop, and destroyed the electrical system in the agricultural building.
Due to the sheer damage, the agricultural department had to move their classes to a portable building, and all of their equipment, tools, and other materials were destroyed and needed to be replaced. Currently, a new building has been planned to be constructed at the school.
“We are excited about it,” said Sara Garcia, Ag. Teacher at WHHS. “We were told that the building is finally insured. We are anxiously waiting for contractors to start working on that…[Until then] we are looking for a home base while the county is rebuilding our building.”
Garcia has been teaching for 27 years. This year is her third teaching at WHHS and her second year serving as its ag. teacher. Previously, she had worked as a science teacher in elementary school.
Upon starting her new position, Garcia has helped revamp the Winter Haven FFA program. Previously, the school had a strong equestrian program. The school has since shifted focus toward raising farm animals, lab animals, and other animals that can be kept on the property.
“Not everyone can keep a hog in the backyard,” Garcia said. “So, this [the campus] has given many kids from many backgrounds to be able to do this [animal raising] project and give exposure to these experiences.”
Currently, 169 students have been registered for the Winter Haven FA chapter. Of these students, 35 have been registered to show hogs at the upcoming Polk County Youth Fair. Also being showcased from their chapter are 7 steers, 3 heifers, 14 goats, and numerous other animals.
This year, their chapter is applying for the national chapter awards, which require students to perform several community projects. One such project is a charity drive to collect cat litter, food, and other supplies for the Humane Society.
“We are so excited,” Garcia said. “In years past, we have not been able to represent our community as much in the program and now this year we are already 35 students registering. We are excited about that, about the numbers that are growing.”
As for their campus, many more repairs and renovations are required. Their greenhouse has since been repaired, but they are currently remodeling the inside with new tables, garden beds, sinks, and other items. Also, new structures to keep chickens and rabbits are planned to be built.
“Some raccoons were getting into our chickens and they attacked our chickens over the course of a few weeks,” Garcia said. “So we only have one chicken that survives that lives in the greenhouse. We have to build the structure before incubating and having more chickens and redoing our processes.”
The Winter Haven FFA is always open to accepting donations from the community. Garcia recommends providing them gift cards for local hardware and farm supply stores like Lowes to allow her class to buy new materials.
“We appreciate the community so much,” Garcia said. “It is a big help and support for us so we appreciate everything the community has done for us, and we are thankful for them.”
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Juliana Fanfan. A beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.
She departed on this earthly life on September 23rd, 2024 at the age of 86.
Juliana leaves behind a legacy that radiates hope, love, and unwavering faith in Jesus.
Juliana was born in Simon Cayes, Haiti on December 18 1937 to Marie cilia Cenat and Julien Jeudine.
She was part of a large and loving family, leaving behind 4 siblings Gilbert, Gerard, Violette, Anne Marie Leone , Jeudine Vireus, and Simone Jeudine. Reunited in heaven with her dear siblings, Juliana now rests in the eternal embrace of God’s love.
Juliana showed kindness and compassion throughout her life, and taking in women in need and providing a safe place in her home and a caring embrace. She was also known to bring the homeless meals and to encourage and pray for people while out and about while also commuting in her church in Haiti.
Her genuine faith touched the lives of those around her.
Juliana had always dreamed to one day became a US citizen. She found great joy in her last days speaking with and spending time with her grandchildren.
Juliana leaves behind a family knit together by love, strengthened by faith, and united in hope. She is survived by her 6 children, Pierre Rony Fanfan, Alain Wilfrid Fanfan, Marie Kettly Bernadette Fanfan Belance, Wilner Fils Fanfan, Madeline Fanfan Romella , and Onel Fanfan.
Along with her 15 cherished grandchildren: Lyne Gemma FanFan, Rikency FanFan, John K Romella, Kerdwin Belance, Kerney Joshua, Belance ,Fritz Rodriguez Fanfan,Frantz wilkens Fanfan,John Widlin Fanfan,France Rose Alidor, Pierre Ronaldo Fanfan,Pierre Wordens Fanfan, Saraphina Fanfan,Rose Eloissha Fanfan,Chris Bewon Nelson Fanfan.
As we say goodbye to Juliana let us celebrate the hope that anchored her soul knowing that this goodbye is temporary. May her journey into God’s eternal embrace inspire us to live with the same genuine love, and grace that defined her remarkable life. In our grief, let us find comfort in the knowledge that Juliana continues to shine brightly in the presence of her Creator, where she experiences the fullness of joy promised to all who believe.
51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”[a]
55
“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”[b]
56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Preparing your own income tax return can be a task that leaves you with more questions than answers. According to a study released by the US Government’s General Accounting Office, most taxpayers (77% of 71 million taxpayers) believe they benefited from using a professional tax preparer.
Whether we like it or not, today’s tax laws are so complicated that filing a relatively simple return can be confusing. It is just too easy to overlook deductions and credits to which you are entitled. Even if you use a computer software program there’s no substitute for the assistance of an experienced tax professional.
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On October 12, 2024 Polk County Fire Rescue was dispatched to Circle K on Cypress Gardens Blvd in Winter Haven.
Timeline of events:
Call came in at 2:12 p.m.
Polk County Fire Rescue was dispatched at 2:14 p.m.
Crews arrived on scene (Engine 18) at 2:16 p.m and had water on the fire at 2:19 p.m.
Thanks to the fast-acting efforts of the crews, they had the fire out less than a minute later at 2:20 p.m.
Polk County Fire Rescue Public Information Officer, (PIO) Nathaniel Gale confirmed that one vehicle caught fire. It was a pick up truck. Color unknown.
October 16th, 2024 open registration will be at Simpson Park Community Center from : – : : – : .
: ! The Lakeland Police Department will be accepting applications for the 2024 #CopsForKids Toy Donation program Parents or guardians needing assistance must register in person between the hours of : – : : – : .
The following locations and dates will be accepting applications: Monday, October 14: Lakeland Police Department Community Room, 219 North Massachusetts Avenue Tuesday, October 15: Lakeland Police Department Community Room, 219 North Massachusetts Avenue Wednesday, October 16: Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin Luther King JR Avenue
Requirements:
You MUST be a Lakeland resident
Families registering must bring the following:
Current Lakeland Electric Utility Bill (Must Have a Lakeland Address)
Photo ID
Original Birth Certificate for Each Child (Children 12 and under are eligible)
