Come celebrate with us! The city is proud to host its annual Hispanic Heritage Festival on October 4th, 2025 from 10-1:00 at Spence Park. It will be a day of food, music, and fun!
1100 NE 1st St
This year’s event includes:
-a free heart-pounding Zumba class from 10am – 11:00am led by Ana Karen! -Bi-lingual story time with Mirabel at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. -Lotería game with prizes throughout the event -Free mechanical bull rides -Delicious food -Children’s crafts -Vendors
and more!
We want to thank our presenting sponsor, Lopez and Humphries, LLC. A portion of vendor proceeds will benefit Mulberry’s RCMA!
Vendor applications are available here https://www.cityofmulberryfl.org/city-programs/page/hispanic-heritage-festival-vendor-form
¡Ven a celebrar con nosotros! La ciudad se enorgullece de ser la sede anual de su Festival de la Herencia Hispana el 4 de octubre de 2025 en el Parque Spence. ¡Será un día de comida, música y diversión! El evento de este año incluye:
¡Una emocionante clase de Zumba gratuita de 10:00 a. m. a 11:00 a. m. dirigida por Ana Karen!
Cuentos bilingües con Mirabel a las 11:30 a. m. y a las 12:30 p. m.
Juego de lotería con premios durante todo el evento
Paseos gratis en toro mecánico
Comida deliciosa
Manualidades infantiles
Vendedores
¡Y mucho más! Queremos agradecer a nuestro patrocinador principal, Lopez and Humphries, LLC. Una parte de las ganancias de los vendedores se destinará a la RCMA de Mulberry.
In honor of National Teddy Bear Day, the Lake Alfred Public Library is inviting children and their beloved stuffed animals to a heartwarming event — the Teddy Bear Sleepover!
Join the fun on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, from 4:00 to 4:30 pm for a special craft time where kids can create with their favorite teddy bear or stuffed friend. After craft time, the stuffed animals will stay overnight at the library for a whimsical adventure all their own!
Kids can return the next day to pick up their furry friends and discover what fun they had while the library was closed — expect plenty of surprises and smiles!
Event Location: Lake Alfred Public Library 245 N. Seminole Ave, Lake Alfred, FL
Craft Time: Tuesday, September 9, 2025 4:00 – 4:30 PM
Can’t make it at 4 PM? No problem! Stuffed animals can still join the sleepover! Simply drop them off with the library staff anytime during the day on September 9 to be part of the overnight fun.
Don’t miss this cozy, creative celebration perfect for children of all ages and their cuddly companions. It’s a delightful way to foster imagination, encourage reading, and make cherished memories — all in the spirit of National Teddy Bear Day!
Polk County Sheriff’s undercover detectives conducted an investigation into those who possess and operate illegal gambling machines in stores throughout the county during “Operation Bad Odds,” resulting in 28 arrests and the confiscating of 48 illegal gambling machines. We were assisted in our efforts by State of Florida Gaming Control Commission and the Auburndale Police Department due to two of the establishments being within their city (the others were in the unincorporated areas of the county).
The investigation began with a tip regarding gambling machines at A-1 Discount Beverage and Discount & Deli, both on Pilaklakaha Avenue in Auburndale. Undercover detectives went to both places and found the machines concealed in back rooms. Detectives placed bets and won money – the winnings were given to them by the store clerks, and the money was handed over concealed in bankers’ bags.
During the investigation, 11 stores were identified, and on September 3, 2025, search warrants were served at all 11 stores; a 12th location was identified during the serving of a search warrant. From the 12 locations, 28 total people were arrested, 48 gambling machines and two drink coolers were confiscated, and two firearms and $100,971 in U.S. currency were seized. Five suspects are in the country illegally.
“People who gamble on machines like the ones we confiscated are being ripped off. These machines are not programmed for fair play. And the odds are, stores who engage in illegal gambling are at a higher risk of being robbed due to the cash they have on hand. It’s a safe bet that you’re going to jail if you illegally gamble or provide the machines to enable those to illegally gamble.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Explanation of charges:
FSS 849.01 Keeping a gambling house (M1)
FSS 849.231 Possessing slot machine (M2)
FSS 849.09 (1) (B) Disposing of money by lottery (F3)
Here are the stores and suspects, in no particular order:
A-1 Discount Beverage, 219 Piliaklakaha Avenue, Auburndale: Store clerk Mayurkumar Jani (DOB 6/9/1981) was arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house (F3). He is in the country illegally, and his charge is enhanced. He is on an ICE hold in the Polk County Jail. Patel Kaushikkumar (DOB 5/30/1982) was arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house (M1).
Discount & Deli – 602 Pilaklakaha Avenue, Auburndale: Sunil Thachukunnel John (DOB 5/20/1978) and Narayana Sarojini (DOB 8/19/1982) were arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house (M1), 4 counts possessing slot machine (M2), and disposing money by lottery (F3).
Chevron gas station – 123 Magnolia Avenue, Auburndale: Co-manager Mohammed Tanin Hossin (DOB 6/15/1994) was arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house, 3 counts keeping slot machine, 2 counts disposing money by lottery, and an out-of-county warrant. He is in the country illegally, and his charges are enhanced. He has an active warrant from Hillsborough County for failure to appear (no valid DL). He is on an ICE hold in the Polk County Jail. Nasrin Chowdhury (DOB 1/1/1985) was arrested and charged with 3 counts possessing slot machine, keeping gambling house, and 2 counts disposing money by lottery.
Citgo – 2101 K-Ville Avenue, Auburndale: Suman Sarker (DOB 3/9/1983) and Joan Kameka (DOB 3/4/1957) were arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house, 3 counts possessing slot machine, and 2 counts disposing money by lottery. Marie Foster (DOB 11/28/1969) was arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house, 3 counts possessing slot machine, 2 counts disposing money by lottery, possession of cocaine, and possession of paraphernalia.
Holy Land – 329 26th Street SW, Winter Haven: Mohammed Solaiman (DOB 5/18/1984) and MD Abu Musa (DOB 8/10/1966) were arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house, 5 counts possessing slot machine, and disposing money by lottery. Solaiman was additionally charged with possession of cannabis resin.
7 Star Deli and Lotto – 6940 Old Highway 37, Bradley Junction: MD Jahangir Alam (DOB 8/5/1980) was arrested and charged with possessing slot machine and keeping a gambling house, and Connie Albright (DOB 10/11/1957) was arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house.
This store had the largest amount of cash associated with the gambling machines seized, $36,994.
Placita Mexico – 1003 S. Rifle Range Rd, Wahneta: Jose Alberto Peralta (DOB 12/30/1964) was arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house, possessing slot machine, and disposing money by lottery.
Tienda Guatemala – 3172 Rifle Range Rd, Wahneta: Store owner Maria Pedro (DOB 10/10/1982), and Jaquelyne Sanchez-Ramirez (DOB 6/30/1989) were arrested. Maria was charged with 9 counts keeping slot machine and one count keeping a gambling house, and Jaquelyne was charged with keeping a gambling house.
While detectives were at this locating, the gambling machine supplier Kenneth Halstead (DOB 6/19/1962), showed up. He was taken into custody and charged with 9 counts possessing slot machine.
Detectives interviewed Maria and learned gambling machines were also at their other store located in north Lakeland. They responded there:
Tienda Guatemala – 450 N. Wabash Ave, Lakeland: Maria’s husband Mario Vargas Garcia (DOB 11/17/1986) was arrested and charged with keeping slot machine, possessing slot machine, and tampering with evidence due to the fact that he had removed the machines before detectives arrived. He is in the country illegally from Guatemala, and his charges are enhanced. He is on an ICE hold in the Polk County Jail.
Love’s Truck Stop – 17309 US Hwy 27, Lake Wales: Three machines were seized, and the investigation is ongoing.
Fonda Rodriguez – 1100 US Hwy 17-92, Haines City: Jesus Abraham-Martinez (DOB 4/15/1998) and Ricardo Valencia-Pacheco (DOB 10/2/1984) were actively gambling when detectives arrived, and both were found to be in the country illegally. They were taken into custody and charged with engaging in gambling (M1), and are on ICE holds in the Polk County Jail. Jose Rodriguez (DOB 10/1/1958) and Araceli Hernandez (DOB 8/14/1981) were charged with keeping a gambling house, possessing slot machine, and disposing of money by lottery. Maribel Hernandez (DOB 10/6/2000) and Lisbeth Guerrero (DOB 2/6/1999) were charged with keeping a gambling house, and possessing slot machine. Sheila Willingham(DOB 10/17/1964) was arrested and charged with engaging in gambling.
El Video Latino – 1719 E. Hinson Avenue, Haines City: Salvador Calderon-Gamez (DOB 6/2/1971) and Aaron Calderon (DOB 12/8/2000) were arrested and charged withkeeping a gambling house, possessing slot machine, and disposing of money by lottery. Elbin Objio-Ramirez (DOB 3/24/1958) was arrested and charged with engaging in gambling.
Mark your calendars for October 4th and head to the Tom Fellows Community Center from 3–9 PM for an evening filled with global flavors, lively entertainment, and family-friendly fun!
Enjoy a dynamic lineup of live performances featuring Tropical Latin Group, Pleneros de la Central, Mariachi Nuevo Guadalajara, and The Salsumba Orchestra — all in one exciting night.
Explore cultural vendors, savor delicious food, and let the kids play in the dedicated kids zone — there’s something for everyone!
Location: Tom Fellows Community Center 207 North Blvd. W, Davenport, FL 33837
Free Admission! Come experience the music, tastes, and traditions from cultures around the world — all right here in Davenport!
When hurricanes strike, preparation can save lives. The American Red Cross is hosting a free hurricane preparedness program at Studio 37 on Friday, September 5th from 1:00-2:00 p.m.
This informative event will cover understanding risks, building a disaster supply kit, staying informed, and recovering after a natural disaster.
This free event is open to all and no registration is required. The event aims to empower the community with life-saving knowledge.
Event location: 400 N Church Ave, Mulberry, FL 33860. Presented by the City of Mulberry, FL Government and Studio 37, this event is an important step in staying safe this hurricane season.
Source City of Mulberry, FL Government and Studio 37
Speed Humps Approved for Roads in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Mulberry
by James Coulter
Fifteen traffic-calming devices have been approved for installation on three county roads in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Mulberry.
At their regular meeting on Tues. Sept. 2, Polk County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve three ordinances on the installation of traffic-calming devices, or speed humps.
The first ordinance approves two humps to be installed on Wheeler Road near Lakeland, which will cost an estimated cost of $10,000.
The second ordinance approves four humps to be installed on Avenue U Northwest near Winter Haven, which will cost an estimated $20,000.
The third ordinance approves the installation of nine humps on Dean Street near Mulberry for an estimated cost of $45,000.
In all three instances, an area resident had requested the County for the installation of these traffic-calming devices, and traffic studies conducted by county staff had determined that these roads met the required criteria based on traffic and speed volume.
David Gilvers, the resident who approached the County with the request for Dean Street, had lived along that street for 35 years. He mentioned how many vehicles, especially semi-trucks, used that road as a shortcut.
“The traffic is horrendous there,” he said. “I have called the highway patrol, but they say they cannot do anything.”
Jonathan Bass has lived on the street for eight years. He and his wife purchased their first house there. Sitting on the porch, he appreciates everything that drew him to that community, both the neighborhood children and the local wildlife.
“But as you sit there, you will be interrupted by large trucks flying down that road,” he said. “It is a nice way to get around intersections, but once it starts putting folks in danger is where I have an issue with it.”
Another resident, James Collins, has lived in the community with his wife for 30 years and at the same address for nine years. He noted how many vehicles would speed along the road early in the morning and later in the afternoon to get onto a nearby highway.
Yet another resident, Ashley Prevatail, supported the installation of the traffic calming devices but asked why similar devices could not also be installed on a nearby road, Kids School Road, which experienced similar traffic and speeding problems. She also mentioned how a nearby bridge developed cracks in its infrastructure.
“The traffic is ridiculous,” she said. “It has been an ongoing problem all my life.”
Commissioner Bill Braswell requested that county staff investigate installing calming devices on Kids School Road and inspecting the nearby bridge for deficiencies.
The Florida State community had been eagerly awaiting the season opener against #8 Alabama, a chance to turn the page on a painful chapter in the university’s history.
After a 2-10 football season, a devastating hurricane that destroyed a campus landmark, and the trauma of a school shooting, students and fans alike were desperate for a reason to believe again.
On August 30th, they got exactly that, as the Seminoles shocked the college football world with a 31-17 upset over the Crimson Tide at Doak Campbell Stadium.
Final Score 31 to 17
The buildup to the game was electric. On Friday night, College Town hosted the beloved Friday Night Block Party, the official Florida State tailgate event featuring live music, local vendors, and a lively atmosphere. It’s a tradition before every home game, and this time, the energy was off the charts.
Adding to the excitement was the annual Campus Crawl, a cherished tradition held the night before the first home game. The Marching Chiefs, Florida State’s renowned band, marched across campus playing iconic FSU fight songs, rallying the student body and reigniting school spirit.
FSU Marching Band
The day of the game was special, as there were tailgates going on all around the stadium. College football was in the air, and you could feel that it was going to be a special day in Tallahassee.
tailgating
The time had finally come. The stadium was packed, and the energy was buzzing in Doak Campbell Stadium as the wait was finally over — football had made its way back into Doak.
The ball was kicked off, and the tone was set early by Alabama as they got the first score of the game on a touchdown pass from quarterback Ty Simpson to Josh Cuevas.
The celebration was short-lived, though, as Florida State drove down the field to even the score 7-7 on a 9-yard run by quarterback Tommy Castellanos.
After the end of the first quarter, the game was controlled by Florida State. The Seminoles went on to score three more touchdowns and handed Alabama their first season-opening loss since 2001, when they lost to UCLA 20-17.
The Seminoles didn’t just win — they lit up the stat sheet with:
20 first downs
382 total yards
230 rushing yards
Coming into the game with just an 8.9% chance to win, the Seminoles shocked analysts, fans, and even themselves delivering one of the most memorable victories in program history.
When the final whistle blew and the scoreboard read 31-17, pure chaos erupted. Students leapt over walls, fans stormed the field, and Doak Campbell transformed into a sea of jubilation.
For many students, this wasn’t just a football game it was a long-overdue moment of joy.
After everything the Florida State community endured over the past year, the victory over Alabama was more than a win. It was a statement of resilience, unity, and hope for the future.
Haines City, Fla. (September 3, 2025) – A pedestrian was struck by a dump truck in Haines City Wednesday afternoon.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:56 PM near the intersection of E. Hinson Avenue and N. 10th Street. Haines City Fire Rescue along with Polk County Fire Rescue units quickly responded to the scene. They are currently trying to extricate the injured person. It’s listed as an adult trauma alert and medical helicopter has been launched.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area as emergency crews remain on scene. Traffic delays are expected along Hinson Avenue while the crash is being investigated.
No further details about the condition of the pedestrian have been released at this time.
Get ready for a “crisp,”’colorful day of family fun at the Bartow Fall Festival — a beloved tradition packed with seasonal charm and activities for all ages!
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025 Time: 10 AM – 3 PM Location: Main Street, Bartow (180 S Central Ave)
Enjoy: • Delicious food & treats • Classic carnival games • A charming pumpkin patch • Local artisan vendors • Face painting & kids’ activities • Tractor displays & more!
Come wander through downtown Bartow, savor tasty bites, discover unique handmade goods, and make memories with friends and family. Fall is here — and we’re celebrating big!
On Friday August 29th, 2025, Robert H. Gumtow of Davenport, FL passed away in the comforts of his home at the age of 73 years. Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Bob H. Gumtow and Melvina L. Doak, by his beloved son Charlie Gumtow and his brother David Gumtow. He is survived by his loving wife J. Rossana Gumtow and by his children Stephanie, Steve,Samantha and Sierra. Born in Rockford, IL and raised in Toledo, OH. Robert was a dedicated member of Solid Rock Church under Pastor Keith Crampton where he lent his services to being an usher. Robert was proud of his country and also had many passions including cooking, movies, photography and most recently he took on woodworking and gardening. All of these were what made him happy, however, Robert’s proudest achievement was becoming a truck driver. He was able to visit almost all 50 states, take multiple photographs and make many memories in doing so. After leading a blessed life, Robert will be laid to rest on September 3rd in Haines City, FL.
