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One Person Killed & Multiple People Injured In I-4 Crash In Polk County

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One Person Killed & Multiple People Injured In I-4 Crash In Polk County

Lakeland, Florida – The Florida Highway Patrol is currently working a crash involving a fatality. According to reports, the accident occurred at 5:03 pm near MM 26, near the Hillsborough County line on I-4. The crash involved a red 2004 minivan which reportedly rear-ended a 2018 Chevy FDOT Road Ranger pick-up truck. According to FHP, the Road Ranger had cones deployed and was stopped on the inside shoulder behind a white, 2016 Lexus, which had a flat tire. The mini-van did not move over as required by Florida law, but for unknown reasons veered into the inside shoulder striking the Road Ranger truck, which propelled into the Lexus.

The male driver of the minivan, Joseph Schoenbauer, 72, of Apopka, died at the scene. A female passenger in the minivan, Winifred Schoenbauer, 66, is in critical condition at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center. The driver of the Road Ranger vehicle suffered minor injuries & was transported to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center. The Lexus driver was uninjured.

Some news organizations had reported that a female had died during the crash. That information was inaccurate. As of the last briefing by the Florida Highway Patrol only Mr. Schoenbauer has been identified as a fatality victim.

We will update as more information is released.

Innovative Vein Care Program Offered At Lake Wales Healing Wound Center

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Innovative Vein Care Program Offered At Lake Wales Healing Wound Center

Innovative Vein Care Program Offered At Lake Wales Healing Wound Center

by James Coulter

Do your legs swell due to chronic venous insufficiency, diabetes, or any other condition of the lower extremity? The Lake Wales Wound Healing Center has a new innovative treatment that can not only treat your condition, but potentially cure it as well.

The Lake Wales Wound Healing Center, located near the Lake Wales Medical Center, now offers a new state-of-the-art procedure that targets the veins that lead to edema of the legs and other similar conditions. The new procedure was announced and unveiled to the public during an open house hosted on Tuesday afternoon, with the very first patient receiving treatment that same day at 1 p.m.

Previously, patients who suffered from lower extremity problems due to venous insufficiency and other similar conditions had to undergo continuous treatment through the reulcuration of their faulty veins in their legs. However, such treatment was only temporary, requiring the patient to revisit the clinic and undergo the procedure again, explained Amanda Williams, Program Director.

Now through this new invasive procedure, the patient undergoes laser therapy that burns away the faulty veins that lead to ulceration and swelling, thereby not only treating the problem but also potentially curing it, she further explained.

“This is a treatment to help them prevent that recurring cycle, because not only do we want to heal the wound, we want to heal the disease process that causes the wounds,” she said. “This is an invasive procedure. The patient leaves with a compression wrap and a little needle poke. Now they have a cure for their ongoing needs.”

Dr. Fred Howard, a general surgeon by trade who has been working at the center for the past eight years, explained that such conditions are caused through venous insufficiency, wherein the valves within the veins break down, causing blood to pool and the legs to swell with ulcerations.

Previously, these conditions were treated through vein stripping, in which the veins were surgically removed. Now, thanks to breakthroughs in technology, lasers can burn away the offending veins through minimal surgery, he said.

“[It’s] a way to destroy the vein without getting really invasive,” he said. “That is what we are able to do it here, and we are excited to offer it here…this is another way that we will be able to keep these legs in good shape, to keep patients from coming back time and again, to help them stay in shape for an extended period of time.”

The Lake Wales Healing Wound Center has been operating for the past nine years and has resided within its new location near the hospital since last December. The Center treats ulcers, radiation injuries, and other wounds through the latest cutting-edge technology and procedures such as laser oxygen therapy, skin substitutes, and vascular testing.

Due to high-quality treatment and standards, the center has been recognized with awards such as Center of Excellence Award, which it has received for the seventh consecutive year this year.

“Our patients can speak for it, we are a family here, and we make our patients part of our family,” Williams said. “So it is patients coming to a facility they are comfortable with.”

As for the new procedure, expectations remain high that it will help heal patients of their ailments in a safe and timely manner, and in doing so, improve the center’s overall healing rate, which is already at a high 90 percent rate, explained Maryemma Bachelder, Community Relations Director.

“This is yet another technology that we are bringing new to the community that has not been available before, that is going to be able to help us help patients potentially save limbs that they may have otherwise have lost, and just help us heal wounds that don’t heal, she said. “Patients that will come see us, we will be able to heal them, and we anticipate this improving our percentages even more, and it will make a big difference in their lives.”

The Lake Wales Wound Healing Center is located at 451 S 11th St, Lake Wales, FL 33853. For more information, call 863-679-1986, or visit: https://www.lakewalesmedicalcenter.com/wound-care-service

Winning Boat Broke All-Time Record At Frostproof Lake Day Cardboard Boat Race

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Winning Boat Broke All-Time Record At Frostproof Lake Day Cardboard Boat Race

Winning Boat Broke All-Time Record At Frostproof Lake Day Cardboard Boat Race

by James Coulter

Just sit right back and we’ll tell a tale, a tale of a fateful trip, that started from Lake Clinch’s shore aboard this tiny ship.

While the boat was painted in the colors of the S.S. Minnow, with the two boaters dressed as the Skipper and Gilligan, it did not depart on a three-hour tour that ended with them deserted on a tropical isle.

Instead, this cardboard boat not only won first place at the 2nd Annual Cardboard Boat Race during the Frostproof Lake Day, but also broke an all-time record, paddling to the marker and back in less than two minutes.

The winning team were realtors from Lake Placid participating in the annual cardboard boat race for the very first time. Eve Brock, her boat mate, Tyler Fay, and her team spent several days designing and building the boat.

They had some help from a friend, who had prior experience building and racing cardboard boats. As such, the boat had a sleek, aerodynamic design with planks on either side to help keep it afloat.

Such an expert design allowed the boat to exceed the time of not only the other boats at the event, but also boats from last year’s event, crossing the finish line in one minute and 58 seconds.

“It is amazing,” said Brock. “It feels awesome, we are really excited.

“We are here to win,” Fay said. “It was a competition, and we came to win. We went way above expectations.”

Their team won first place, receiving a plaque sponsored by Johnny Egg Works and a prize of $100. Winning second place was the Silver Bullet at 3 minutes and 42 seconds. Third place went to the S.S. Princess Boat at six minutes and 42 seconds.

Prizes were also conferred to boats in two additional categories: Most Spirited and Most Dramatic Sinking. Both prizes were conferred through audience choice. Most Dramatic Sinking went to the Blood Vessel, while Most Spirited went to the Rocket Fishing Rod.

Greg Cope and his grandson, Willie Underwood, made up the team for the Rocket Fishing Rod. This was the first year for Underwood, while his grandfather attended last year’s race.

Last year drew in a much larger crowd, what with the race being hosted on Labor Day weekend in conjunction with the Frostproof Centennial Celebration. While this year’s event did not have as large of a turnout, it proved to be just as spirited, Cope said.

Cope had won second place during the race last year. He had hoped to win first place this year. Winning Most Spirited proved just as well, he said.

“I love it,” he said. “Give me a chance to spend some time with my grandson.”

The Cardboard Boat Race was hosted as part of Frostproof Lake Day on Saturday. The event saw other activities along the shores of Lake Clinch, including a performance by the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team.

“This year, I think we all did well,” said Sarah McElliot, Frostproof Library Assistant, who helped supervise the race. “All the ones who participated. They go in strong. It was a really good success, and we want to continue this on for the kids.”

While this year’s race did not have as large of a turnout as last year’s event, the people attending and participating seemed to really enjoy the event nevertheless, and they hope to see more people attend next year, she said.

“The most I loved was seeing the smiling faces and the determination of those coming on the field and giving their all, even when the paddling got tough, they did not give up, even when their arms got sore, they kept going,” she said. “It was really great.”

2nd place winner

3rd place winner

Winner of Most Spirit

Most Dramatic

Thunder And Lightning Stays Away From Thunder On The Ridge

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Thunder And Lightning Stays Away From Thunder On The Ridge

Thunder And Lightning Stays Away From Thunder On The Ridge

by James Coulter

Despite thunder booming on the horizon, Haines City managed to light up the night sky with the booming of fireworks during its 21st Annual Thunder on the Ridge on Thursday evening.

The forecast that evening called for rain, yet the thunderstorm managed to stay away from the event long enough for the fireworks display, one of the largest within Polk County, to go off as scheduled.

Prior to the fireworks, hundreds of local residents and visitors flooded the open fields of Lake Eva Community Park for an afternoon of food, festivities, and fun.

When not purchasing something to eat from one of a dozen food trucks, they could listen to live music as performed by artists such as Almost There, C’Nergy Band, Parker Brothers, and Bailey Callahan.

Emily Marshall, visitor information specialist, attended that afternoon with Visit Central Florida to offer information on local attractions such as LEGOLAND Florida and Bok Tower Gardens.

Her organization often attends such events to help promote other attractions and amenities that Polk County has to offer. Such events help draw in many interested tourists into the county, she said.

“For the city itself, this is a beautiful venue to have this kind of event,” she said. “It brings about 10,000 people. So it gives everyone a chance to meet new friends and have the time of their lives.”

While many visitors used the event to celebrate their country’s independence, Grace Community Church set up a booth to help promote their program, Celebrate Recovery, which offers independence from bad habits and addictions.

Sarah Burton, ministry leader at Grace Community Church, has been attending this event for many years. While this year’s event started off slow, it quickly picked up momentum. All the more to share the good news with others, she said.

“[We want to help them become] independent of their baggage,” she said. “We are a whole family church, we offer services for children, adults, middle school and teens, and we want to see families become healthy and whole.”

Other attendees used the event to celebrate the freedom their country provides them, especially the freedom to live their lives and celebrate their own traditions.

Marysol Jaimes was born in Miami to parents who moved there from Mexico. As a second generation immigrant, she appreciates the new life that her country provides her and her family.

She also appreciates the freedom her country provides her to follow her native traditions, which she shares with others by creating crafts such as wooden flowers and sugar skulls.

She has been in business for more than a year, and already this budding entrepreneur has experienced great success, and she attributes it all to her country being a land of opportunity.

“I like to show everyone our traditions, and we feel like passing those traditions in our family and to everyone who is interested,” she said.

First Annual GCTE Fashion Show Sets Example For Students

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First Annual GCTE Fashion Show Sets Example For Students

First Annual GCTE Fashion Show Sets Example For Students

by James Coulter

With fabrics that are royal purple, golden brown, and jungle green, the African-inspired clothing created by fashion designer Patricia Sholtz appears fine enough to be worn by African royalty.

As a woman proud of her African-American heritage, Patricia gleans inspiration from African prints and fabrics. What she creates is a fashion line of garments fit for any African prince—even T’Challa of Wakanda himself!

“I love the African prints,” she said. “They are styles that I like, and I like what I see. I am inspired by the prints. When I see a print, I get an idea of what I am going to do with [it].”

Patricia has been designing her own clothes ever since she finished school in Miami-Dade in 1977. Since then, she has been creating her own fashion line, both through her own designs and those custom made for clients, out of her self-run business, PatriciAnn, in Sebring.

She showcased some of her African-inspired items, along with her bridal line, during a fashion show on Saturday evening, hosted by the Grant Career & Technical Education (GCTE) Center at the Winter Haven Cultural and Recreational Center.

Patricia was invited to attend the event by the educational director, Tanzania Grant, after attending a job fair at the recreational center. Through the event, she had learned about GCTE and what they do for the community, and quickly became interested in working with them through their show.

“My expectations are to get my name out there, to just build a clientele from this area,” she said. “I am very grateful for them for this opportunity to be able to present some of my clothing.”

Patricia was one of nearly a dozen local fashion designers who had the opportunity to have their clothing modeled along the runway at the fashion show on Saturday.

This was the very first show to be hosted by the GCTE Center, a local non-profit organization whose mission, according to its website, is to “prepare and support high school students with academic excellence, spiritual and character development which supersedes high school graduation requirement and standards.”

The fashion show served as a fundraiser for the GCTE Center, with the proceeds being raised to fund student scholarships and free education for its students, explained Anthony Grant, Senior Chair and CEO.

“The key thing is, if we can raise enough money that the kids who don’t meet the scholarships out there…we can personally give a scholarship so they can attend their school,” he said.

Helping out with the show that evening were many of the GCTE students, who helped with every aspect of the show from the lighting and stage construction, to the hair and makeup. Many even modeled the clothes showcased at the show, said Tanzania Grant, Educational Director.

“I want to thank all the supporters and sponsors, all the students who volunteered their time and the designers who volunteered their material,” she said. “We have several here who tailored the clothes to fit the students, and the students can keep the clothes.”

The GCTE Center, a non-profit funded primarily through private donors and sponsors, and accredited through the National Association for Private Schools, offers more than 108 different career and vocational courses, as well as training for OSHA, CPR, and first aid, to help prepare students for their future careers.

The school plans on hosting another fashion show later in December at the Lakeland Magic arena and facilitated primarily by the students. As such, last week’s show offered them the opportunity to see firsthand how to put on such as show, Tanzania Grant said.

“So this gives students opportunity to see what the professionals do,” she said. “This gives them that introduction to what is in the real world, to let them be introduced to different careers, and to know what to look forward to after they graduate from high school. If they want to be in the industry for hair or makeup, it gives them that introduction to see whether they like it or not and if they can take advantage of any other careers that the school offers.”

For more information about the GCTE Center, call 863-875-2785, or visit their website at: https://gctecenter.com/

Polk County Sheriff Confirms One Person Killed In Cypress Gardens Blvd Crash

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Polk County Sheriff Confirms One Person Killed In Cypress Gardens Blvd Crash

UPDATE on traffic crash fatality that occurred yesterday on Cypress Gardens Blvd in Winter Haven:

This crash is still under investigation. Any charges, if applicable, are pending the completion of the investigation. Deputies also still have to interview all parties and process evidence to determine why Garcia crossed over into the other lane.

Nannette Garcia is in critical but stable condition in the hospital, and is expected to recover.

Nick Beri is stable in the hospital and is expected to recover.

Sophia Beri was treated and is expected to be released from the hospital.

An autopsy will be conducted on the deceased victim, Sandeep Beri.

 

Original PCSO Press Release:

Polk County Sheriff’s Office traffic homicide deputies are investigating a two-vehicle crash that occurred today at approximately 11:58 a.m. on Cypress Gardens Boulevard just west of U.S. Highway 27. According to witnesses and evidence gathered at the scene, the preliminary investigation suggests that 22-year-old Nannette Cruz Garcia of Orlando was driving east bound on Cypress Gardens Boulevard in a 2003 Toyota Corolla. For unknown reasons she crossed over the raised median on Cypress Gardens Boulevard and struck a 2007 PT Cruiser being driven by 15-year-old Nick Beri of Winter Haven head-on. At the time of the crash, Nick Beri was traveling westbound on Cypress Gardens Boulevard in the outside lane of travel. Both vehicles left the roadway and came to final rest in the culvert on the north side of the roadway.

There were two other occupants of the PT Cruiser: 57-year-old Sandeep Kumar Beri (front passenger seat, father of Nick) and 7-year-old Sophia Beri (rear passenger seat, sister of Nick), both also of Winter Haven. Nick Beri has a learner’s permit driver’s license and was operating the car legally.

It has been determined that Garcia was not wearing her seatbelt at the time of the crash. All the occupants of the PT cruiser were properly seat belted in and airbags deployed in both vehicles.

Sandeep Kumar Beri was transported to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center where he was declared deceased as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. Nick Beri was transported to LRHMC and is being treated for injuries; he is in stable condition. Sophia Beri was airlifted to Arnold Palmer Hospital in Orlando because of her age; she is listed in stable condition with minor injuries and overall body pain. Nannette Cruz Garcia was transported to LRHMC and is being treated for serious injuries and is in critical condition.

Cypress Gardens Boulevard was closed during the investigation for several hours. The roadway was re-opened at approximately 4:10 p.m.

“We don’t know why Ms. Garcia crossed over the median and into the path of the Beri family we will determine that during our investigation. I was at the scene this after noonthis was just a devastating crash. It is a reminder for all of us to drive safely and remain aware of our surroundings while driving. Our sympathies and prayers go out to the Beri family for their loss.”  –Grady Judd, Sheriff

Lakeland Skies Go Red, White, & Kaboom For 16th Year

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Lakeland Skies Go Red, White, & Kaboom For 16th Year

Lakeland Skies Go Red, White, & Kaboom For 16th Year

by James Coulter

The skies over Lakeland may have been booming with thunder and lightning on Wednesday evening, but rain clouds kept their distance long enough for the sky to boom with red, white, and blue fireworks.

For the 16th consecutive year, Downtown Lakeland celebrated Independence Day with fireworks, festivities, and fine music during its annual Red, White, And Kaboom event at the Frances Langford Promenade.

Hundreds of local residents crowded around Lake Mirror for an evening of live entertainment, great food provided by local food trucks, and other fun activities all capped off with the fireworks show shortly after sundown.

Even though the weather forecast that evening called for showers and thunderstorms, the rain managed to stay away long enough for the sky to light up with fireworks of all colors.

Elizabeth Hollida, Digital Content Specialist for City of Lakeland, surveyed social media to comb feedback on the event. While she received several concerns about potential rain and doubts about the fireworks display that evening, most of the remaining feedback proved much more optimistic.

“I think it is really good,” she said. “Usually, if there are issues, we start hearing about it on social media. We haven’t heard anything about any event-related [problems]. That is always the first place you hear those things.”

Christina Camp, an administrative assistant helping with the event, also concurred that most feedback about the event was positive. Of course, one only had to look up from their phones and around at the crowd to see that, she said.

“Look around, look at the people, they are happy, families are dancing, food is being eaten, no issues that we have heard of,” she said.

Taking advantage of the large crowds that evening were Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE), a local non-profit organization that assists local senior citizens, which had several volunteers scout the event for donations of canned goods and money. The event even allowed visitors to make a donation through their phones by texting “Feed Lakeland” to the number “50155.”

Steve Bissonnette, VISTE President, mentioned how his organization has visited the event in the past seeking similar donations. Last year, they managed to raise $500 and received 1,000 pounds in canned goods, and they expected to surpass that this year, he said.

“This is a great night for our country,” he said. “[We are] celebrating our independence. And we are here helping celebrate as a reminder to people that, as seniors age in our community, their independence is dependent upon us and our willingness to help them out.”

Many residents visited the event and enjoyed it in their own unique ways. Some people simply set up chairs and picnic blankets on the lawn to enjoy the camaraderie. Others played lawn games with corn holes and flying discs.

One local resident, Shani Lynn, decided to capture the artistic essence of the event by painting a scene of the Frances Langford Promenade. A painter for 15 years, she has always tested her skills by trying her hands at new subjects, she said.

She and her fiancée have been living in the city since February. She loves the city, and finds it very beautiful, making it the perfect subject for her art, she said.

“People get excited when they see a painting in action, so that is great,” she said. “The lake and this place [are] beautiful. I am hoping to get a good painting out of it.”

Fort Meade Man Arrested For Manslaughter After Allegedly Punching Man In Head Killing Him

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Fort Meade Man Arrested For Manslaughter After Allegedly Punching Man In Head Killing Him

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

Fort Meade man arrested for manslaughter in death of William Forrester

On Tuesday night, July 2, 2019, PCSO deputies arrested 35-year-old Shane Barrington of Fort Meade and charged him with one count manslaughter (F-2) in the death of 54-year-old William Forrester of Bowling Green.

According to the affidavit, on Saturday, June 22, 2019, deputies responded to the Bowling Green Bar on US Hwy 17 South in Bowling Green in reference to a battery that occurred. According to interviews with several witnesses, Forrester went to the bar to deliver some food to a friend there. For an unknown reason, Barrington walked over to Forrester and punched him in the face with a closed fist, causing Forrester to fall to the ground and strike his head on the hard floor. Forrester immediately became unconscious, and was transported to LRHMC. All of the witnesses reported to deputies that the attack was unprovoked.

Barrington was arrested and charged with aggravated battery causing serious bodily harm that evening. He was released from the Polk County Jail on June 25, 2019, after posting $15,000 bond. The only statement he made to law enforcement was, “I knocked him the f**k out; you don’t know the whole story.” Friends and family of the victim do not know Barrington, and do not believe Forrester knew him.

On Thursday, June 27, 2019, Forrester succumbed to his head injury. An autopsy was conducted the following day, and his cause of death was determined to be blunt impact to the head due to a fall after being struck by the suspect. His manner of death was ruled homicide.

“This was a senseless act of violence that resulted in the death of Mr. Forrester. Our sympathies, thoughts, and prayers are with his family and friends. We are holding Shane Barrington accountable for his actions.” -Grady Judd, Sheriff

Barrington was booked into the Polk County Jail, held on no bond, and will have a first appearance hearing at 1:00 p.m. this afternoon. His criminal history includes prior arrests for battery domestic violence, battery, criminal mischief, possession of marijuana, DWLSR, and failure to appear.

Heart of Florida Physician Group Celebrates Ribbon Cutting

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Heart of Florida Physician Group Celebrates Ribbon Cutting

Heart of Florida Physician Group Celebrates Ribbon Cutting

by James Coulter

Need to see the doctor in Lake Wales but don’t want to drive all the way to the main offices at the Lake Wales Medical Center? Then drop by the Heart of Florida Physician Group office, conveniently located in the Publix Shopping Center along U.S. Highway 27.

This new office offers a wide range of medical care services through same-day and even walk-in appointments. Best of all, it’s location within the shopping center provides quick, quality, and convenient service to residents living within the area.

“Most of our physician offices tend to be more centrally located in and around the hospital, and we are actively looking to change that and expand our outreach to make our care more convenient for the community to get to, and this is the first step in that,” said Maryemma Bachelder, Community Relations Director.

Through its new location, the office will be able to better serve the healthcare needs of local residents, not only by offering quick and expedient service through walk-in and same-day appointments, but through its accessible location near a major highway where most residents work and live.

“It give us a new more convenient access point, it helps us to serve our community better because it is closer to where people tend to live and work,” Bachelder said. “It is right by US Highway 27, a major highway that so many people are on every day, so it is an easy in and out, we are located in a shopping center and it is easy for the community to come and get care at their convenience.”

The physician office celebrated its grand opening on Thursday morning through a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce, which included participants from local city officials as well as members from other chamber of commerce organizations.

Lisa Peto, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), will be the main nurse practitioner overseeing operations within the new office. She is thankful for the opportunity to provide better care for the needs of local residents through her new position, she said.

“I just want to say that it is truly an honor and a privilege to be a part of serving this community,” she said. “We are striving to provide quality timely healthcare in a convenient and caring environment. We are blessed by your presence today, and I am personally so thankful for these wonderful women who have believed in me and carried out our vision with a smile every day. I ask God to continue to bless us and all who come through our door.”

Through their new location, they expect to provide a wider range of care to local residents of all ages, especially those living nearby in Winter Haven, Dundee, and Lake Ashton, said Tiffany Rodriguez, Registered Nurse.

The office has been open since March, and the reception they have received them has more than exceeded initial expectations, and will hopefully continue to exceed expectations into the near future, Bachelder said.

“We look forward to this office becoming even busier with more patients, and as time goes on, we look to establish a location in the community a little further away from the hospital to make it more convenient for our patients,” she said.

Heart of Florida Physician Group is located within the Publix Shopping Plaza at 24165 US-27, Lake Wales, FL 33859. For more information, call 844-634-3627, or visit their website at: https://www.heartoffloridaphysiciangroup.com/

Country Star Bailey Callahan Performing Newest Single At Thunder On The Ridge

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Country Star Bailey Callahan Performing Newest Single At Thunder On The Ridge

Country Star Bailey Callahan Performing Newest Single At Thunder On The Ridge

by James Coulter

Born and raised in Orlando, Bailey Callahan moved to Nashville to pursue her dreams of becoming a country music star. For the past nine years, she has been working hard to pursue her heart’s dream, yet there are many times when her heart dreams of Florida.

Feeling homesick, Bailey decided to write her newest song as a tribute to her home state and the community she left behind to pursue her dreams. That song is featured in her newest single, “Home Made”, which will be released on July 11.

“I wanted to write a song about where I am from, about my community and everything,” she said. “I just love that. It feels real homey to me. So I wrote a song saying that you take the girl out of the state, but you cannot take the state out of the girl. That is what Home Made is about.”

Bailey will be performing the titular song of her new single, along with many other cover and original songs, during her performance at Haines City’s Fourth of July celebration, Thunder on the Ridge.

Aside from performing the song, “Home Made”, she will also be filming video footage for the song’s music video at the concert. So not only will attendees be able to listen to her music, but also potentially have a chance to be featured in the music video through the crowd footage.

Bailey was invited to perform at this year’s event almost by total surprise. She considered herself lucky when she received the e-mail, and she did not hesitate to accept the offer. Needless to say, she is excited to attend and perform, and her expectations are as high as they can be.

“I hope that it goes [well],” she said. “As far as expectation goes, I want to play all the songs, interact with fans, let people have a good time, and give America the performance that it deserves on July 4th.”

Bailey’s love of music started with a bet. Her grandmother offered $50 to the first grandchild to learn how to play a musical instrument. Motivated by the prospect of being able to buy ten new Littlest Pet Shop figures, Bailey took to learning to play the guitar.

At first, Bailey was not in love with music. That all changed when her parents gave her Taylor Swift’s “Fearless” album as a birthday gift. Upon listening to it overnight, she went from wanting to play music to wanting to immerse herself in it, she said.

“I started writing songs,” she explained. “It is all I wanted to do, all that I wanted to be. From there, it transformed into…becoming my own artist, but still having at the end of the day the roots where I come from, which is my sound. I have to give a shout out to my grandma and Taylor Swift, I would not be here without them.”

Since then, she has grown up and has been performing music professionally for the past nine years. She moved to Nashville and began touring across the country. Currently, she performs 150 dates per year.

Bailey describes her musical style as the female version of Eric Church, as a performer with a lot of heart and sass. She performs everything from original songs to covers. No matter what she performs, she loves being able to please her fans and have a fun time doing so, she said.

“I just have so much of a love for traveling to different states and meeting different people for the first time and building relationships,” she said. “I love connecting with my fans. It is my favorite thing. I owe everything to them.”

When not performing her music in concert, she loves giving her fans and other people a behind-the-scenes look through her YouTube vlog series, “Nashville or Bust.” Her vlog gives her the opportunity to pull back the curtain and show people what it is like to be an up and coming star in Nashville, she said.

More than simply being yet another star making music for the fame and fortune, Bailey sees her role as a songwriter as a big responsibility, an opportunity to spread an important message to the people.

“I realize as a songwriter that what you have to say is so important, and that is when you really start becoming unique in yourself when you are portrayed as an artist,” she said. “So I learned that through Home Made when I made it, and I feel it is connected with so many people. And at that moment, I realized that what I have to say is so important.”

Interestingly enough, her single releases on the same date as 7-Eleven Day on July 11. Living in Nashville, there are no 7-Eleven gas stations, but there are plenty in Florida. So she hopes people can purchase her single and enjoy a free Slurpee on her behalf, she said.

“Not only can you listen to Home Made when it comes out, but you can also celebrate, to a certain extent, and go get a free Slurpee on 7-Eleven day,” she said. “So you can listen to my single and have a free Slurpee at the same time. So it is a big celebration.”

Thunder on the Ridge will be hosted on July 4, 2019, from 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Lake Eva Park, located at 555 Ledwith Ave, Haines City, FL 33844. For more information, visit: http://www.thunderontheridge.com/

To learn more about Bailey Callahan, visit her website at: http://baileycallahan.com/

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