Haines City Police Captain Arrested in Federal Veterans Affairs Fraud Scheme

Lakeland

Carl Fish

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May 22, 2025

Haines City Police Captain Arrested in Federal Veterans Affairs Fraud Scheme

Haines City, FL — Haines City Police Department Captain Gabriel “Gabe” Garcia, a long-serving law enforcement officer with the department since 2007, has been arrested by federal authorities in connection with a sweeping fraud investigation led by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA OIG) and the FBI. Garcia, who is also a U.S. military veteran, is among 10 individuals named in a 49-count federal indictment unsealed in Puerto Rico on May 21, 2025.

According to federal court documents, Garcia is accused of fraudulently securing a 100% disability rating from the VA as part of a coordinated scheme that spanned from 2020 to 2025. The operation allegedly involved VA employee Ángel Carrer-Rivera, who misused his access to the Veterans Benefits Management System to manipulate claims, and Richard Rivera-Maitin, a veteran and business owner, who acted as a facilitator and charged veterans fees for coaching them on how to fabricate medical conditions.

Garcia’s mother, Brenda García, served as a go-between for conspirators and played a key role in connecting veterans like her son with the scheme’s organizers. The indictment alleges that Garcia knowingly submitted false information to the VA in order to receive lifelong disability benefits he was not entitled to.

The arrest has sent shockwaves through the Haines City Police Department, where Garcia held a leadership role for nearly two decades. “The conduct that led to this arrest is a betrayal of the badge and everything this department stands for,” said Haines City Police Chief Jay Hopwood. “Leadership in law enforcement carries a greater burden of responsibility, and when that trust is broken, it damages the profession and the community.”

City officials emphasized that the department is cooperating fully with federal investigators and reviewing the indictment to determine internal next steps. They reiterated their commitment to transparency, accountability, and restoring public trust.

If convicted, Garcia faces up to five years for conspiracy to defraud the United States, and up to 20 years for each count of wire and mail fraud. The case is part of a broader federal initiative to root out abuse of programs meant to serve disabled veterans.

One Movie Later: Marvel Thunderbolts is Surprisingly Good

Entertainment

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May 22, 2025

0

One Movie Later: Marvel Thunderbolts is Surprisingly Good

by James Coulter

Once upon a time, I loved the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Back then, it was a fresh prospect to have a shared cinematic universe where characters from different movies interact with each other and come together in big epic crossovers. Sadly, ever since Endgame, the MCU has been as fresh as a pair of sweaty gym shorts that got lost in the back of your closet for weeks on end.

Every Marvel movie since Endgame has proven to be quite unremarkable and unmemorable. I even forgot Captain America: Brave New World was released this year, and I watched it a month ago. Marvel has since released its newest movie, Thunderbolts. But are the heroes in this movie worthy of becoming the New Avengers? Or are the Thunderbolts nothing more than a bunch of Thunder-dolts?

Several years have passed since the events of Endgame. And all of the Avengers are gone. Iron Man is dead. Black Widow is dead. Captain America went back in time to marry his sweetheart. The Hulk is now a sexy green professor. And Hawkeye is…retired? With no more Avengers, the Earth is left defenseless from an Avengers-level threat.

Fortunately, a CIA operative named Valentina Allegra de Fontaine has been working behind the scenes to assemble a new group of superheroes (or rather, anti-heroes) to become the New Avengers. And that team includes the Winter Soldier and several C-list characters that nobody knows about or care about, including blonde Black Widow, the communist Captain America, the replacement for Captain America (before the Falcon assumed that role), the villian from Ant Man 2 (Anyone remember that movie?), and the villian sidekick from Black Widow.

However, turns out these characters haven’t been assembled in this film to become the New Avengers, but rather disassembled. Turns out Valentina initially conscripted each of these characters to become the next Avengers, but because she had done so through shady means, she’s being investigated by the government and facing impeachment. And to cover up her crimes, Valentina has lured all the other characters into a trap to be eliminated. And now they must work together to escape her wicked machinations and thwart her evil scheme.

Valentina herself certainly works as an antagonist character. She exudes corrupt female politician vibes. A real Kristi Noem type. And Valentina would certainly be the type of person to pose in front of a jail cell crammed with shirtless inmates inside an El Salvadorian prison rife with human rights violations and proudly boast about how all of this is being done to “protect American freedom.”

I went into this movie expecting it to be as bad and forgettable as the previous Marvel movies post-Endgame. But this movie managed to pleasantly surprise me. What made it work so well was seeing these disparate characters come together to bounce their personalities off one another and quip at one another. There’s nothing more entertaining than seeing a group of misfits and anti-heroes form a ragtag group and accomplish something together. It’s why movies like Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad work so well.

Sure, the characters themselves, with the notable exception of Winter Soldier, aren’t the strongest or most memorable characters in the Marvel movies, but seeing their unique personalities work off of each other makes for quite the entertaining watch. When you get the audience to like and care about characters that most other people don’t usually like or care about, that’s a good movie.

Speaking of characters, Thunderbolts also introduces a new character named Bob. Initially, this character comes across as a joke character, but…well, no spoilers, but let’s just say this character plays a much bigger role. And the mystery behind this character and his big reveal is…well, quite revealing and intriguing. Chances are, if you’re familiar with the comics, you can see the big reveal of who he is coming a mile away. Nonetheless, he proves to be a real intriguing character.

Speaking of which, no spoilers, but this mystery character has a power where, when they get in close contact with the other characters, he makes them relive the dark, traumatic moments from their past. These scenes delve into themes of trauma and mental health, and as such, the movie has a bit of a message about how people can overcome their trauma through their bonds with other people. It’s certainly a commendable message. But my biggest nitpick is simply that Guardians of the Galaxy did a better job of tackling that same message.

Overall, is this movie great? Not really. But it’s certainly better and more entertaining than I expected it to be going in. It’s a good popcorn action flick worth watching in the theaters. I’m just expecting the Fantastic Four movie to be better.

Listen to an audio version of this review in the One Movie Later podcast on Chattin on the Ridge: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/episodes/one-movie-later-thunderbolts-yet-another-disney-live-action-

Commissioner Arroyo Receives Mexico’s Highest Honor for Citizens Abroad

Haines City

Staff Reporter

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May 22, 2025

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Commissioner Arroyo Receives Mexico’s Highest Honor for Citizens Abroad

BY ANITA TODD

HAINES CITY – Each year, the Government of Mexico—through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Institute for Mexicans Abroad—presents the “Mexicano Distinguido” award to a single Mexican national or descendant living abroad.

On May 15, Haines City Commissioner Omar Arroyo received this prestigious recognition, which honors an individual who has lived outside of Mexico for at least five consecutive years and has demonstrated an exceptional professional or personal trajectory. The award highlights excellence in fields such as business, science, technology, education, the arts, or social responsibility.

The award was presented by Juan Sabines, Consul of Mexico in Orlando and former Governor of Chiapas, during a Haines City Commission meeting.

Arroyo—Haines City’s first Hispanic elected official and the first Mexican mayor in Florida—spoke following the presentation.

“When I arrived in this country, I was given the opportunity to dream… to build and to grow and I chased those dreams with everything I had,” he said. “I was able to become the man I always hoped to be. I found my purpose, built my family in this incredible country.”

He continued, “Tonight being recognized by the country of my birth while serving the country that welcomed me with open arms is a blessing beyond words. I am so proud to represent two cultures: my heritage as a Mexican and my home as an American. You can love where you came from but still put America first.”

Arroyo expressed gratitude to God, his wife, family, and the residents of Haines City for entrusting him as their City Commissioner.

According to a press release from the City of Haines City, Commissioner Arroyo’s lifelong commitment to public service and leadership reflects the values celebrated by this distinction. His contributions continue to honor his heritage and play a vital role in strengthening the cultural and civic ties between the United States and Mexico.

Born in 1983, Arroyo immigrated to the United States with his parents in 1999. The family first settled in Austin, Texas, before moving to Haines City in 2001. At just 16, he began working in residential framing and has since become a certified contractor in Florida.

Arroyo’s political journey has been marked by historic achievements. In 2022, he became Haines City’s first Hispanic commissioner. In 2023, he was appointed vice mayor, and in 2024, he was elected as both the city’s first Hispanic mayor and the first Mexican mayor in the state of Florida, according to the Florida League of Cities.

On March 15, Arroyo announced his candidacy for Polk County Commission Seat 4. The next General Election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, and will determine the next representative for District 4.

“Commissioner Arroyo’s dedication to public service and his positive impact on our community make this recognition well-deserved,” said current Haines City Mayor Morris West. “We are honored to celebrate this milestone with Commissioner Arroyo and thank the Mexican Consulate for recognizing him.”

City Of Lakeland Provides Statement Regarding Incident Between Conservative Journalist & Police Officers

Lakeland

Carl Fish

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May 22, 2025

1

City Of Lakeland Provides Statement Regarding Incident Between Conservative Journalist & Police Officers

Press Release By City of Lakeland

“LAKELAND, FL (May 21, 2025) | On Saturday, May 17, 2025, Lakeland Police Officers responded to reports of one or more incidents at the Lakeland Downtown Farmer’s Market involving an individual conducting interviews and recording video of attendees. During the response, officers themselves were recorded, and a selectively edited version of the footage was later released publicly. Throughout the interaction, officers worked to de-escalate the situation and asked the individuals involved to remain on the sidewalk to avoid disrupting market vendors. No individuals were trespassed from the Market.

The Lakeland Downtown Farmer’s Market is operated by the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority (LDDA), an independent special district established under Chapter 2004-415, Laws of Florida. The LDDA is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors: six are elected by downtown property owners and registered voters within the designated district, and the seventh is a City Commissioner appointed by the Mayor. The LDDA’s Executive Director is appointed by the LDDA Board and is not a City of Lakeland employee. As such, the City does not exercise supervisory authority over the LDDA Executive Director.”

The press release was prompted by events that occurred last weekend at the local farmers market. A confrontation at the Lakeland Farmers Market on May 17 sparked debate over free speech and public space use. Conservative journalists Kaitlin Bennett conducted interviews that some vendors and attendees found disruptive. Market director Julie Townsend asked Bennett to relocate to the sidewalk, and police later issued a trespass warning. Tensions escalated when a vendor allegedly brandished a gun magazine at Bennett. The incident raised legal questions about the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority’s authority to restrict activity on public streets. No charges were filed.

That full article is here:

Tensions Flare Over Free Speech at Lakeland Farmers Market

Tragic Chain of Events Sparked By 9 Yr Old Playing Fortnite Without Permission Leads To Murder In Davenport

Davenport

Carl Fish

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May 21, 2025

0

Tragic Chain of Events Sparked By 9 Yr Old Playing Fortnite Without Permission Leads To Murder In Davenport

Davenport, FL – On Wednesday evening, May 21, at approximately 7:10 p.m., officers from the Davenport Police Department responded to a residence on Citrus Landing Blvd following a domestic-related incident that ended in tragedy. The incident involved the fatal shooting of a 26-year-old man by his step-father.

According to the Davenport Police Department, the incident began shortly before 7:00 p.m. inside the home of Kelly Agar Garcia, 43, and his wife Adriane Daza, 48. Also present in the home were Adriane’s two minor children, ages 9 and 11, and her adult son, Azareel J. Martinez. Martinez and the two minors are Adriane’s biological children and the step-children of Garcia.

The situation escalated when Adriane discovered her 9-year-old son playing the video game Fortnite in Azareel’s upstairs bedroom—a game that had previously been forbidden by the parents. In response, Adriane took the child’s cell phone as a form of discipline. Upset by the punishment, the 9-year-old walked into Adriane’s bedroom and retrieved a Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun from a nightstand drawer.

A struggle over the firearm ensued between the child and his parents. Garcia ultimately gained control of the weapon. At that moment, Azareel entered the bedroom and saw Garcia holding the gun and the 9-year-old visibly upset. A verbal altercation broke out between Azareel and Garcia, during which Garcia shot Azareel multiple times in the chest and abdomen.

As Azareel attempted to flee the room, Garcia followed him and fired two more shots into his back. Azareel collapsed and was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Following the investigation, Kelly Agar Garcia was arrested and charged with Second Degree Murder and Unlawful Storage of a Firearm (Accessible to Minor). He is currently being held at the Polk County Jail.

Forensic Investigators from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Davenport Police Department by processing the extensive homicide scene

Tensions Flare Over Free Speech at Lakeland Farmers Market

Lakeland

Carl Fish

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May 21, 2025

1

Tensions Flare Over Free Speech at Lakeland Farmers Market

By Carl Fish

Lakeland, FL – May 2025 — A recent incident at the Downtown Lakeland Farmers Market has reignited local discussion over the limits of political expression in shared public-private spaces. A video published online documents a confrontation between a conservative media personality and city-affiliated personnel, leading to a police-issued trespass warning and public scrutiny over how free speech is handled at community events.

A conservative media personality Kaitlin Bennett was asked to leave by local law enforcement after complaints from vendors and market staff.

Bennett, known for her interviews on controversial political topics, visited the market with a film crew to conduct “man-on-the-street” style interviews. Shortly after arriving, she was approached by Julie Townsend, Executive Director of the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority (LDDA), who asked her to move to the sidewalk to avoid blocking foot traffic and disrupting vendors.

According to video footage posted online, Bennett initially complied with the request and relocated to a side area. However, tensions escalated as further complaints were filed by vendors and attendees, some of whom claimed the nature of the discussions—on topics including deportation and conservative politics—made customers uncomfortable.

Lakeland Police officers responded to the scene and, after reviewing complaints and speaking with both parties, informed Bennett that she was being formally trespassed from the event space. Officers explained that the LDDA, while operating the event under a city permit, holds the right to remove individuals they believe may be disruptive, even if the event takes place on public streets.

Bennett questioned the reasoning behind the order, asserting that her political views were the true cause of the decision. She also cited past incidents with the same market staff, including a previous encounter two months earlier when she was asked to leave but allowed to remain by police at the time.

Free Speech or Disruption? Is Kaitlin Bennett A Journalist? Who Is A Journalist? The Lakeland Farmers Market Incident Sparks Community Debate

Additional interactions recorded on video included a heated exchange between Bennett and a local vendor who allegedly made inappropriate remarks. Bennett later stated that she filed a report with the police regarding that behavior. The individual at the market held up a magazine with gun on it. In possibly an attempt to threaten Bennett. That employee worked for Jay’s Market Place (a vendor from St. Petersburg, Florida). Jay’s Market has addressed the situation and reportedly fired the employee:

“On behalf of Jay’s marketplace, we would like to make a statement stating the comments made at the Lakeland Farmers market were not from us, but from a disgruntled employee, we do not approve of this kind of behavior. The only thing I can say, I apologize from the bottom of my heart that this did not come from Jay marketplace, but from a disgruntled employee, please forgive us, and as I said that employee has been terminated.”

City Of Lakeland Provides Statement Regarding Incident Between Conservative Journalist & Police Officers

In response, law enforcement emphasized that Bennett was not charged with a crime but would face potential legal consequences if she returned during market hours without permission. Officers encouraged her to follow up with the LDDA to clarify boundaries and any future access.

The LDDA has not issued a formal statement as of this report. The Lakeland Farmers Market continues to operate every Saturday morning in the downtown area and remains a fixture of community life.

*The Daily Ridge is reaching out to the Lakeland Police Department to find out what specific laws may have been broken by either party in the above article. Additionally exactly how does the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority have the ability to trespass someone from a public street. This incident will most likely result in the lap of city commissioners. We will have additional details in a future article with the comments from the Lakeland Police Department.

Here is the video that has over 250k views already on YouTube and thousands more on facebook:

Conservative Media Personality

Fatal Confrontation at Lakeland Convenience Store Leaves One Dead, One Injured

Lakeland

Carl Fish

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May 21, 2025

0

Fatal Confrontation at Lakeland Convenience Store Leaves One Dead, One Injured

LAKELAND, FL (May 21, 2025) – On May 20, 2025, at 6:08 p.m. Lakeland Police officers responded to the Fast Stop convenience store at 820 East Memorial Boulevard for a shooting which just occurred. Officers arrived to find 37-year-old Joshua Graham unresponsive in the parking lot with a gunshot wound to the head. He was pronounced deceased at that location. A second person, an 18-year-old female, had also been shot in the leg and had been taken to Lakeland Regional Health for treatment in a personal vehicle prior to officer’s arrival.

Detectives responded to investigate, and the preliminary information learned was that the female and known associate, 19-year-old Cornelius Gilmore Jr., arrived at the Fast Stop in separate vehicles. They went inside the store to make a purchase, then came back out and got back in their respective vehicles. As the woman was attempting to back out, Graham was pulling in and attempting to park in a space next to her. It appeared Graham became upset because the female nearly backed into his path. He then called her a derogatory name.

Instead of leaving, the female pulled back into her spot and both she and Gilmore got out of their vehicles to confront Graham. Graham tried to enter the store but was blocked by Gilmore. The two argued further; then the altercation turned physical. The physical altercation continued as the two moved between cars in the parking lot. Gilmore pulled out a handgun and shot in Graham’s direction but missed and struck the female in the leg. Graham had moved past Gilmore and Gilmore turned to fire one more time, striking Graham in the head.

It appears that Graham did not know the female or Gilmore prior to this event and the confrontation was precipitated from their initial contact with each other. Gilmore was arrested and charged with Second Degree Murder, Attempted Murder in the Second Degree and Carrying a Concealed Firearm.

The active investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Troy Smith at 863-834-8958 or [email protected].

A Tradition of Joy: How a Missed Field Trip Sparked Loughman Oaks’ Elementary Beloved Carnival

Loughman

Carl Fish

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May 20, 2025

0

A Tradition of Joy: How a Missed Field Trip Sparked Loughman Oaks’ Elementary Beloved Carnival

By Anita Todd

LOUGHMAN – Fifteen years ago, when a group of third graders at Loughman Oaks Elementary missed out on a field trip, one couple stepped in to lift their spirits — with games, carnival food, and a few small prizes. What began as a simple act of kindness has since grown into the cherished Loughman Oaks Carnival, an annual tradition filled with laughter, cotton candy, and dunk-tank splashes.

Shannon and Joel DeGraaf — the principal’s secretary and the school’s media specialist, respectively — are the driving force behind the Loughman Oaks Carnival, which returns tomorrow (May 21). The couple works nearly year-round to ensure the event’s success, and the setup takes place over the two days prior.

“We just decided to make this something the entire school could enjoy,” Shannon said.

From the first day of the school year, fundraising kicks off for the massive event — a feat, considering everything at the Carnival is free for the school’s 1,300-plus students. It’s a team effort: administrators, teachers, students, and community members all pitch in.

Past carnival events. Photo Credit Loughman Oaks Elementary School

Funding comes from cookie dough and chocolate bar sales, a student Christmas shop, a portion of Kona Ice truck proceeds, and dress-down days when students pay to wear “civilian” clothes instead of uniforms.

“The students look forward to it all year,” Shannon said.

Originally part of the school’s Positive Choices — or Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) — initiative, the Carnival has evolved alongside Loughman Oaks’ transition to a Renaissance School, a model that emphasizes relationships, trust, and communication.

“This year, we are including attendance and academics along with behavior,” said Principal Keila Pagan. “Now they can earn tickets for all those positive behaviors.”

Yes, tickets — students accumulate them throughout the year by demonstrating good behavior, strong attendance, and academic achievement. Some students earn so many tickets they can’t even use them all, Pagan noted.

Classes attend the Carnival in grade-level groups, rotating through two hours of games, food, and fun. Midway-style treats — cotton candy, nachos, funnel cakes, sno-cones, and hot dogs — are all purchased with one ticket each.

There are also hands-on activities like face painting, nail decorating, cake walks, raffles, bingo, and cookie decorating. Games include Bozo the Bucket, washer toss, volleyball, tic-tac-toe, duck pond, and ping pong pool — all costing one ticket per activity.

While students are busy having fun, the real heavy lifting happens behind the scenes. Teachers, administrators, and volunteers juggle their daily responsibilities while helping the Carnival run smoothly.

“The staff here still do their jobs, but when they have time, they help out with the Carnival,” Shannon said.

Joel, meanwhile, builds a new game every year.

“They really put a lot of time into this,” said Pagan. “I have never seen anyone so dedicated to a project.”

Tomorrow, passersby should expect to hear the sounds of laughter, smell the scent of funnel cakes in the air, and know that — for a few magical hours — Loughman Oaks has been transformed into a Carnival to remember.

A Tradition of Joy: How a Missed Field Trip Sparked Loughman Oaks’ Beloved Carnival

Davenport

Staff Reporter

-

May 20, 2025

0

A Tradition of Joy: How a Missed Field Trip Sparked Loughman Oaks’ Beloved Carnival

By Anita Todd

LOUGHMAN – Fifteen years ago, when a group of third graders at Loughman Oaks Elementary missed out on a field trip, one couple stepped in to lift their spirits – with games, carnival food, and a few small prizes. What began as a simple act of kindness has since grown into the cherished Loughman Oaks Carnival, an annual tradition, filled with laughter, cotton candy, and dunk-tank splashes.

Shannon and Joel DeGraaf — the principal’s secretary and the school’s media specialist, respectively — are the driving force behind the Loughman Oaks Carnival, which returns tomorrow May 21. The couple works nearly year-round to ensure the event’s success and the set up takes the two days prior.

“We just decided to make this something the entire school could enjoy,” Shannon said.

From the first day of the school year, fundraising kicks off for the massive event — a feat considering everything at the Carnival is free for the school’s 1,300-plus students. It’s a team effort: administrators, teachers, students, and community members pitch in.

Funding comes from cookie dough and chocolate bar sales, a student Christmas shop, a portion of Kona Ice truck proceeds, and dress-down days where students pay to wear “civilian” clothes instead of uniforms.

“The students look forward to it all year,” Shannon said.

Originally part of the school’s Positive Choices or Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) initiative, the Carnival has evolved alongside Loughman Oaks’ transition to a Renaissance School — a model that emphasizes relationships, trust, and communication.

“This year, we are including attendance and academics along with behavior,” said Principal Keila Pagan. “Now they can earn tickets for all those positive behaviors.”

Yes, tickets — students accumulate them throughout the year by demonstrating good behavior, strong attendance, and academic achievement. Some students earn so many tickets they can’t even use them all, Pagan noted.

Classes attend the Carnival in grade-level groups, rotating through two hours of games, food, and fun. Midway-style treats — cotton candy, nachos, funnel cakes, sno-cones, and hot dogs — are all purchased with one ticket each.

There are also hands-on activities like face painting, nail decorating, cake walks, raffles, Bingo, and cookie decorating. Games include Bozo the Bucket, washer toss, volleyball, tic-tac-toe, duck pond, and ping pong pool — all paid for with one ticket per activity.

While students are busy having fun, the real heavy lifting happens behind the scenes. Teachers, administrators, and volunteers juggle their daily responsibilities while helping the Carnival run smoothly.

“The staff here still do their jobs, but when they have time, they help out with the Carnival,” Shannon said.

Joel, meanwhile, builds a new game every year.

“They really put a lot of time into this,” said Pagan. “I have never seen anyone so dedicated to a project.”

Tomorrow, passersby should expect to hear the sounds of laughter, smell the scent of funnel cakes in the air, and know that — for a few magical hours — Loughman Oaks has been transformed into a Carnival to remember.

Welcome, World Travelers! JC’s Return Trip to Polk County, Day 5 (Disney World)

Florida News

Staff Reporter

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May 20, 2025

0

Welcome, World Travelers! JC’s Return Trip to Polk County, Day 5 (Disney World)

by James Coulter

One year passed since I moved out of Polk County. Recently, my editors were kind enough to finance a business trip allowing me to return to the county and visit for a week. These are some of the highlights of my trip.

Mon. Apr. 7, 2025 (Disney World)

What trip to Florida would be complete without visiting Disney World? I had been a passholder for nearly a decade when I lived down here. My parents and I even owned a camper we would take to the Fort Wilderness campgrounds when we stayed.

Sadly, I was unable to visit any of my parks during this trip. Park tickets are very expensive, nearly $200 a pop. And I’m planning on going on a cruise later this month. So, I had to save my money.

Honestly, I would have loved to have visited to the new Universal park Epic Universe. There was even a media preview day hosted on Saturday. And from what I’ve seen, the park looks really enticing.

No joke! If I were still living here in Florida, I would have saved up my money to purchase a ticket to Epic Universe. Would have even written an article all about it and all of the new rides. (That way, I would have written off park admission as a business expense on my taxes.)

But while I did not visit any of the Disney or Universal parks, I was nonetheless still able to enjoy Disney World. I drove over to Disney Springs for lunch and shopping, and then spent the rest of the day riding around the resort with all of its different modes of transportation.

First, lunch. I went to The Polite Pig. It was my favorite eatery whenever I visited the Springs. I ordered a Southern Pig, a pulled pork sandwich with apple slaw, and a side of baked beans. It certainly beats Sonny’s BBQ, especially with all of the different sauces.

Took a stroll through the shopping district. Went to the World of Disney Store. Only looked around. Didn’t buy anything. Saw a Hawaiian-style shirt I wanted to buy. But it cost $65. Again, don’t want to be spending all of my money when I have a cruise coming up.

The rest of the day was me riding on all the different modes of transportation to get to different parts of the resort. Can you believe you can take your choice of bus, boat, monorail, and even gondola? And all of it is free to guests? Even if you never set foot in the parks? Disney World has better public transit than most cities.

So, I took a boat to Saratoga Springs. Then a bus to Hollywood Studios. A gondola to Epcot. A boat to the Boardwalk. A bus to Magic Kingdom. The ferryboat to the transportation center. A monorail around Epcot and back to the transportation center, and then to the Polynesian and Contemporary resorts. A boat to the Fort Wilderness campgrounds. And finally a bus back to Disney Springs for my drive home.

At the Polynesian Resort, I had a Dole Whip float. I used to have the treat all the time when I visited the parks, both at the Polynesian resort and at Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom. I even had a chance to see Donald and Goofy. But they left before I had a chance to meet them and take pictures with them.

Fort Wilderness proved to be especially nostalgic. I used to stay over there all the time with my parents when they owned the camper. I loved being able to go to the parks and then come back to the camper for the night. Being in the middle of all of that wilderness, you almost forgot you were in Disney World.

I even used to drive over to Disney by myself when my parents were out of town. Nothing beats spending a day at Disney and driving back through Kissimmee (I am never taking I4) to go back home.

Those were the days. They were much better days! Too bad those days are long over.

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