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Project Eagle Cleans Up Chain Of Lakes After Yearlong Hiatus

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Project Eagle Cleans Up Chain Of Lakes After Yearlong Hiatus

Project Eagle Cleans Up Chain Of Lakes After Yearlong Hiatus

by James Coulter

Bike wheels, plastic baby toys, and even a dog bed were all pulled out of the Chain of Lakes in Winter Haven during this year’s Project Eagle. Hosted by Keep Winter Haven Clean and Beautiful, the annual lakeside cleanup is held every Earth Day to remove trash from the waters of the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes.

Volunteers gather at the shore of Lake Shipp Park early in the morning and either go out into the water by boat or walk along the lake shores to collect litter. By noon, they return to the park to celebrate their work with free food, music, and other activities.

The Earth Day event was started in 1989 through a partnership with the Wildlife Commission. Since then, the annual cleanup has cleared tons of debris from the local lakes. Previous years have seen as much as nearly one ton of garbage removed, said Event Chair Tracey Mercer.

Though she does not know the exact amount that was retrieved this year, Mercer has heard stories from volunteers who have removed nearly everything and anything from out of the water during this year’s event on Saturday. Many have filled 60-gallon construction bags to the brim, she said.

“They found a lot of things floating around in the water,” she said. “One of them said they found a dog bed, but they have not found the dog yet.”

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, last year’s event was unable to be hosted as scheduled. This year’s event received a small yet serviceable turnout after a year-long hiatus, Mercer said.

Most previous events, on average, have drawn 300 to 500 attendees. While 200 attendees were expected this year, only 100 people attended, Mercer said. Nevertheless, no matter how big or small the turnout, even one person doing the most that they can on their own can make a big difference.

“We did not have as many people, but we had a lot of trash, especially because of last year with all of the rain and things that carries all the things from the road and land into the lake,” she said. “And a lot more people come out and help…to make sure we get this before it becomes a problem in our lakes.”

Rhonda Todd, Executive Director of Keep Winter Haven Clean and Beautiful, has been with the non-profit organization for seven months. This was her first year participating in the cleanup. However, she has been involved with the Winter Haven community for nearly 25 years.

With this year being her first, she was impressed by the beautiful “Chamber of Commerce” weather, which helped to draw in volunteers that day. Overall, she loved the sense of community. Everyone was enthusiastic and excited to help do their part in keeping their local community and lakes clean.

“If we don’t take care of it, no one will,” she said. “Our lakes are such a precious resource and a gem within our community and we have to treat them better and keep them clean for many years.”

Melanie Brown, a local organizer who has supervised many community events, offered her own hand in organizing this year’s event. She toured many of the lakeside eateries like Tanner’s, Twisted Prop, and Old Man Franks offering t-shirts to volunteers and participants. She also brought in local musician Rob Dennis to perform live music.

Brown appreciates how Project Eagle has been going strong for the past 30 years. Such dedication inspired her to participate for the past seven years. Recently, she helped raise proceeds for the event during their Crawlin on the Chain fundraiser last month at Tanner’s Lakeside.

“Basically, [I love] all of the community keeping this together to support and keep our chain clean,” she said. “We live in such a beautiful community to keep it all free and looking good and for everybody to enjoy themselves on our beautiful chain.”

Lake Wales Family Restaurant Owner Retires After 20 Years

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Lake Wales Family Restaurant Owner Retires After 20 Years

Lake Wales Family Restaurant Owner Retires After 20 Years

by James Coulter

For more than 20 years, Frank Fotios Papadopoulos has served as the owner of Lake Wales Family Restaurant. His eatery served excellent food for breakfast and lunch, and it also served the local community through various endeavors.

He has coached and sponsored many local sports teams, served free Thanksgiving meals to the poor and homeless, provided special parking spaces to veterans, and even helped raise money for a young boy and his dog in need.

Now, after 20 long years, Frank will be stepping down from his position and passing ownership to his son Iraklis. Following his retirement, he and his wife, Popi, will be taking things easy, settling down, and even spending quality time with relatives in his home country of Greece.

However, while he plans to relish his retirement, Frank will miss many of the familiar faces who regularly passed through his eatery. True to their motto, his eatery was a place “where friends are family.”

“Our goal always was to be a family restaurant and make people welcome with their kids and their families,” he said. “We are family here. It was fun to come in and greet the customers and see that they are happy because we have so many regulars with so many stories every day.”

Frank moved to America from Greece at the young age of 14. His family moved to Pennsylvania, where he worked in the restaurant business. He attended college, graduated with his math degree, and went on to open three eateries.

However, he soon realized that he could not raise a family and make a decent living running three separate businesses. So he sold everything, went to live in Greece for a few years, then moved to Florida.

He considered possibly working in sales or as a teacher. However, upon discovering an abandoned diner, he decided to once again attempt opening and running his own restaurant.

The business proved to be most ideal for him. He could work from morning to afternoon, serving breakfast and lunch. Then he would leave at 3 pm to return to his wife and kids to spend quality family time with them.

For the past 20 years, he and his staff have served the community, not only with great food, but also with volunteer work and fundraising. He sponsored many local school sports teams like cheerleading and football, coached soccer, and he even served breakfast to the local high school football.

As an immigrant, Frank appreciates his liberties as an American citizen, especially the freedom protected by the brave men and women of the military. As such, he provides special parking to local veterans.

“We want to thank all those veterans who gave us our safety and our freedom in this country to live,” he said. “We are proud to be Americans and Greeks at the same time.”

His restaurant also serves Thanksgiving meals to local homeless and struggling families. He even helped raise money for a young boy and his dog in need.

Now that he has retired, Frank will be passing on ownership of his restaurant to his son. Iraklis has considered his family’s business a second home ever since he was four years old. He and his sister would often stay in the office watching television when his parents worked weekends. Now, 20 years later, Iraklis is proudly taking the reigns of the family business.

“I just want to continue what they have going,” he said. ” It is astonishing what they were able to accomplish coming over from Greece at 14 years old. They did not have much. They did not know much. What they accomplished here is major, and to be able to take it over and run it the way that they have and continue the tradition, it is a privilege and an honor.”

His father exceeded initial expectations, both in the quality of their food and their relationships with their customers and the local community. Iraklis hopes to continue and further the success of what his father started.

“I appreciate the way things have been,” he said. “Serving the community on here on end, it [all] really grows on you with the people and community here and the people involved…and I want to continue the best that I can.”

Frank has remained married to his wife, Popi, even long before they started their business together. Popi appreciates the time she and her husband spent together, helping to start and grow a business together for them and their family.

“It has been really emotional right now,” she said. “We made a lot of friends, met a lot of people, and it is really emotional that we are leaving this business because this is like home, and we have been here for so long. This is our home. We grew up in here. Our kids grew up in here. And everyone is like family to us. This town has been a family to us, and we will miss everybody.”

For Frank and his family, their business’s success has been maintained through their relationship with their customers. True to their motto, it has been a place “where friends are family.”

Many of their regular customers have become close, personal friends, almost to being an extended family. Frank has known many people who first entered his eatery as children and who have now grown up and had children of their own. Such personable service is what Frank strived for over the past 20 years, and by far, it will be the one thing he will miss now that he has retired.

“We welcome the customer,” he said. “They are your family, every day, you can’t just can’t give up, so every day, it is the same rule, welcome everyone like it is their first time. They have been good to us throughout the good and bad times…It has been overall a good city with all of the people in town…[and] we worked together to make it a better city for everyone else.”

Woman Steals Another Persons Laundry at Laundromat

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Woman Steals Another Persons Laundry at Laundromat

Winter Haven Police Department

Taking someone else’s laundry? Microfiber rags?
That’s what this woman did. Our victim had a dryer full of microfiber rags (about 300 of them) and a jacket in a dryer at Dexter Coin Laundry. The victim had an emergency that he needed to leave to take care of. The woman pictured came in, had her items in another dryer. When her items were done, she gets hers, then looks around and takes our victim’s items. (Actually, the jacket was taken by someone else earlier and he’s already been arrested)
Does anyone recognize her? She was wearing the black shirt, blue camouflage leggings and black shoes.
Call Det. Lazado at 863-595-1721.

Winter Haven Public Safety Community Advisory Committee

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Winter Haven Public Safety Community Advisory Committee

Winter Haven Public Safety Community Advisory Committee

The Winter Haven Public Safety Department has been meeting with community leaders on a regular basis over the past few months with a specific goal of looking at additional ways to enhance open lines of communication. From those meetings, the groundwork for the Winter Haven Public Safety Community Advisory Committee was laid out.  Resolution R-21-10 was approved unanimously at the February 22, 2021 regular City Commission meeting establishing the Committee.

We are seeking Winter Haven residents who are interested in serving on the newly-formed Community Advisory Committee. Nine selected members from our community will discuss agency programs, provide insight on community needs, review past citizen interactions and ensure the open lines of communication between residents and the Department are enhanced.

Public Safety Director Charlie Bird and his staff have been meeting with community leaders to help develop the program. “We have maintained a positive relationship with our community leaders and welcomed the opportunity to sit down and hear their ideas for this Committee,” Bird said. “I am confident this increased line of communication will further enhance our relationships and develop more opportunities for positive interactions we currently enjoy with our citizens.” 

City Manager Mike Herr is encouraged by the development Committee saying, “This Community Advisory Committee will strengthen our continued connection with the community, specifically involving public safety. We strive on a consistent basis to improve services to our citizens and this Committee will afford valuable feedback through continued positive interactions and open communication.”

Seven Committee members will be selected and appointed, through an application process, by each City Commissioner, the City Manager and the Public Safety Director. The remaining two will be selected by the initial seven members chosen for a total of nine members. Two alternates will also be chosen. Each applicant will be fingerprinted with a background check conducted as part of the vetting process. 

Applicants must be a citizen of the City of Winter Haven and be in good standing with no criminal history. (For a list of the committee criteria and selection process, visit www.winterhavenpd.com and select the “Community” tab or one can be obtained at the Winter Haven Police Department, 125 N Lake silver Dr., NW, Winter Haven.)

Starting April 26, 2021, applications will be made available until May 31, 2021. Applications can be downloaded from www.winterhavenpd.com (Community Tab), can be picked up in person between 8 am – 5 pm Monday through Friday at the Police Department, located at 125 N. Lake Silver Dr., NW or at City Hall, located at 451 3rd St NW in Winter Haven. Applications may also be mailed to citizens by contacting Jamie Brown at 863-295-5905 or by email at [email protected].  

20 Yr Old Mom & 4 Month Old Son Killed In Horrific Train vs Car Crash In Frostproof

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20 Yr Old Mom & 4 Month Old Son Killed In Horrific Train vs Car Crash In Frostproof

Car struck by train near Frostproof; injures one and kills two others, including a baby

A 20-year-old woman and her 4-month-old son died Thursday, April 22, 2021, shortly after the car they were riding in was struck by an Amtrak train; the driver of the vehicle, who is the boy’s aunt and the sister to the other victim, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. All three are from Avon Park.

The crash occurred at about 3:17 PM on South Scenic Highway, between Livingston Lake Road and US 98.

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene and found Shala Cobb deceased. The little boy, Kingston Scott, suffered significant injuries and was transported to Florida Hospital Heartland in Sebring, but died upon arrival.

The driver was identified as 26-year-old Kayla Cobb. She suffered an injury to her leg and was transported to Lakeland Regional Health.

There were no injuries to anyone on the Amtrak train.

The family members were travelling in a white Kia sedan.

According to the preliminary investigation, the Kia was going south on South Scenic Highway, and the Amtrak train was also southbound. Evidence and witness statements revealed that as the train approached the road, the warning lights were operational and the crossing arms were in the down position.

The driver of the Kia drove the car around the crossing arms, and before it was able to clear the tracks, the train struck the car on the passenger side, behind the rear door. The impact split the car in half, propelling the backseat area about 50 feet. The child and his mother had been seated in that portion of the car, and were ejected.

Despite a child safety seat being found, the initial investigation indicates that none of the occupants were properly restrained in their seats.

The Florida Department of Transportation assisted with traffic control while Scenic Highway was closed for approximately four hours.

The crash remains under investigation.

Parents & Conservative Groups Reaction To Email Sent Out By Polk County School Official Regarding The GLSEN Day of Silence Requires PCSB Clarification

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Parents & Conservative Groups Reaction To Email Sent Out By Polk County School Official Regarding The GLSEN Day of Silence Requires PCSB Clarification

Polk County, Florida- On Tuesday, April 20th an email was sent by the Dr. Joshua Lutz, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Support, for the Polk County School Board. The email consisted of a directive from the GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) regarding how schools should observe the National Day of Silence. The “Day of Silence” in 2021 will be this Friday, April 23. Here is the email which was sent out:

“The National Day of Silence is Friday, April 23rd, 2021. This a day when LGBTQ staff, students and their allies may take a valve silence to protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination LGBTQ individuals face specifically in schools. When observing the national Day of Silence students and staff may go through the school day without speaking unless an emergency arises. Some teachers have planned lessons and activities in advance so that they may continue to teach while also honoring the Day of Silence. Some students May respectfully choose not to answer a question allowed if called upon. Staff and students may also come together after school at the end of the day to break the silence, sharing stories and suggestions for how schools can be more inclusive. Please be aware that this is not an act of insubordination; but an act of civil protest by a community often subjected to persistent bullying and harassment and discrimination. To learn more about the National Day of Silence, please visit https:www.gslen.org/day of silence“

This had some parents questioning what was being considered or condoned by the Polk County School Board. One parent on social media commented “Is this county wide and in every school? Please tell me this will not be happening at my 1st grade son’s school!!! If it will be he will be absent that day! I am all for love who you love! But this should not be allowed at any school!!! ” And another wrote “Just gonna say it….. this is stupid!”

Parents and a new local group called County Citizens Defending Freedom of Polk County (ccdfusa.com) reached out to the school board. This appears to have made it clear to the Polk County School Board officials a clarification was needed.

At approximately 2:45pm the Deputy Superintendent John M. Hill put out the following email:

“Good afternoon Principals,



I wanted to provide some clarification regarding Friday’s National Day of Silence.



Regional assistant superintendents recently provided you some guidance regarding this event.



Polk County Public Schools celebrates the rich diversity of our community and encourages everyone to be tolerate and compassionate. Our highest priority is to create a safe learning environment for all.



To be clear, the National Day of Silence is not a part of curriculum, but we do anticipate some level of participation at our schools.



School will be in session on Friday, and during instructional time, teaching and learning should take place. Teachers and staff should be mindful of students who wish to participate and accommodate them to the extent consistent with teaching and learning.



If they choose, students are permitted to participate at school in such freedoms of expression during non-instructional time, such as the breaks between classes, before and after the school day, lunchtime, and any other free times during the day.

Organizers of the National Day of Silence have included guidance to participants advising them that students who are able to speak do not have the right to remain silent during class time if a teacher asks them to speak as part of class participation. However, we are confident that our teachers will be thoughtful and considerate of those who choose to participate. Ultimately, teaching and learning will be our focus.

Likewise, school district employees, if they choose, are permitted to participate at school in such freedoms of expression during any duty-free time, such as breaks, before and after the school day, lunchtime, etc.

I hope this provides the clarity necessary to provide a wonderful school environment. If you have any questions, please contact your regional assistant superintendent or myself for clarification or assistance.



Thank you for your leadership.



John“

Editors note: We have not been able to reach out to parents or others regarding this latest update by Polk County School’s.

Winter Haven Kidney Care Center Celebrates Grand Opening

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Winter Haven Kidney Care Center Celebrates Grand Opening

Winter Haven Kidney Care Center Celebrates Grand Opening

by James Coulter

The new Winter Haven Kidney Care Center offers cutting-edge healthcare through state-of-the-technology and quality personable care that treats patients as individuals rather than numbers.

Located at 1007 3rd Street SW, right next door to Firehouse Subs, the new clinic provides patients in-center hemodialysis utilizing top-of-the-line technology, ensuring that patients receive safe, personable care and high-quality treatment.

“Our team prides itself on providing a calm and family atmosphere for our patients,” their website states. “Our patients are our number one priority. Kidney Care Center is proud to provide the best dialysis treatment in the area. Kidney Care Center’s vision is for our patients to have safe and high-quality care.”

The Kidney Care Center celebrated its grand opening on Tuesday afternoon with a ribbon-cutting hosted by the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce. Attendees were able to tour the new facility and enjoy refreshments provided by Firehouse Subs and Chick-Fil-A.

Dr. Hal Dane Porteous serves as the medical director of the new facility. Since moving to Winter Haven in 2017, he dreamed of opening a dialysis center for the local community.

“Our center is one that is small but personable,” Dr. Porteous said. “The whole focus was not to have a big unit, but to have a unit where everybody knows everybody by name, one where we can focus on high-quality care.”

Dr. Porteous assures that his dedicated staff remains committed to providing only the best quality care for their patients. Their team works hard and strives to go above and beyond in their service through the center.

“I want everyone to know that this could not have been done by myself,” he said. “This is a team effort. We will all keep working together to give Winter Haven a place to offer the best care for patients with their dialysis.”

Katie Worthington-Decker, Winter Haven Chamber CEO and President, spoke on behalf of the city mayor, commending the new center and its staff for providing a valuable service to the local community.

“He called me and told me to express our gratitude for this investment that you all are making in this community today,” Worthington said. “This is a great investment. Access to healthcare is one of the most important things we need in the Winter Haven community.”

Robert Loftin, Chamber Chair, likewise commended the center for joining the Chamber and providing a much-needed investment in local healthcare: “On behalf of the over 700 members of the WH Chamber and Board of Directors, we welcome you and wish you success. You know you have a good CEO when a rainy day opens up for the ribbon-cutting.”

Pastor Clifton Dollison of First Missionary Baptist in Winter Haven attended to offer the benediction. He has married Dr. Porteous and his wife, so he knows from personal experience how a good doctor will serve the community.

Through his benediction, he expressed gratitude for the kidney care center. He prayed that it and its staff would provide only the utmost care for the community.

“We thank you [God] for the golden opportunity that you have placed before us,” he said. “This center will open and we see those who are already receiving such wonderful care. Thank you, dear God, for the wonderful touch. We thank you for the person-ableness of which they offer themselves. Thank you for this vision that has now come to be reality.”

The Winter Haven Kidney Care Center is located at 1107 3rd St. SW Suite 9, Winter Haven, FL, 33880. For more information, visit their website at: https://arcdialysis.com/winterhavenkidneycare

Auburndale Police Investigating Fatal Hit and Run Traffic Crash

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Auburndale Police Investigating Fatal Hit and Run Traffic Crash

Auburndale Police Investigating Fatal Hit and Run Traffic Crash


On Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at approximately 9:19PM, officers with the Auburndale Police Department were dispatched to a traffic crash with injuries involving a bicyclist and a 2012 Nissan Rogue on 42nd Street near the entrance of Havendale Square / Publix in Auburndale.

The preliminary investigation indicates the Nissan Rogue, operated by Jessica Lowery, 59, from Winter Haven, was traveling north on 42nd Street approaching the entrance to Havendale Square / Publix. The bicyclist, Ronald Campbell, 57, from Auburndale, was traveling east from the Havendale Square across 42nd Street and travelled into the path of the 2012 Nissan Rogue.

The driver of the Nissan Rogue attempted to swerve out of the path of the bicyclist but was unsuccessful. Upon collision the bicyclist was thrown into the northbound lane of 42nd Street. Another vehicle, possibly a 2009-2013 Hyuandi Sonata, also travelling northbound then struck the bicyclist lying in the roadway and fled the scene.

Campbell was transported to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The investigation is continuing at this time. Anyone with information on the driver and vehicle who fled the scene or witnessed the crash, is asked to contact the Traffic Homicide Investigator, Officer Adam Havranek at 863-965-5555 or the on-duty supervisor.

Avon Park Rotary Club Hosting 10th Annual Bluegrass and Blueberry Festival

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Avon Park Rotary Club Hosting 10th Annual Bluegrass and Blueberry Festival

Avon Park Rotary Club Hosting 10th Annual Bluegrass and Blueberry Festival

by James Coulter

The past year may have left people feeling blue, but they can have their spirits lifted this Saturday at the 10th Annual Bluegrass and Blueberry Festival at Donaldson Park in Avon Park.

Hosted by the Avon Park Rotary Club, the festival will include 60 vendors showcasing homemade arts and crafts. Many highly anticipate this year’s event after last year’s event was canceled, explained Alice Oldham, Festival Co-Chair.

Performing again this year will be the bluegrass group, Highway 41 South. This will be the third year the band has performed at the bluegrass event.

When not listening to hot tunes, attendees can also enjoy a hot meal with all of the fixings. The Avon Park High School Champions Club will be serving their traditional barbecue chicken dinner, and the signature blueberry lemonade will also be served.

This year, the lemonade will be prepared by Hands for the Homeless, who will also be serving their blueberry coffee cake. Proceeds from their food sales will go towards funding their community projects.

The Avon Park Rotary Club has organized the Blueberry & Bluegrass Festival for the past ten years. It would have celebrated its eleventh year last year, but it was canceled due to the COVID-19 crisis.

In 2011, the event was started for two reasons. First, to raise funds for the Rotary Club and its many community projects. And second, to promote blueberries, which were then a relatively new produce crop for Florida.

“We are trying to promote a good healthy Florida produce in a local industry,” Oldham explained. “At the time, we did not have an influx of imported blueberries from Chile and South America, and they were just getting underway with a new blueberry crop.”

During its inaugural year, the festival initially started at the Rotary Club building across the street from the post office. The inaugural event drew in such a large crowd that the festival was moved to Donaldson Park, where it has been hosted ever since.

The event initially started with two bluegrass groups, but soon expanded with many more. The Highway 41 South was one such group that has been coming back time and again for the past three years, mostly due to the warm audience reception and the overall good cause, Oldham explained.

“They support the work of Rotary, and they were popular with the local people, and so we brought them back,” she said. “They are delighted to be able to play in front of a real audience again, so it will be fun for them and fun for us.”

Proceeds from the event go towards the Rotary Club’s many community projects. One such project, Freedom Festival, provides a two-day trip to Washington D.C. for local veterans. Another project donates dictionaries to fourth graders at Avon Park schools, private and public.

Previous years have drawn in crowds of 3,000 to 4,000 people. At least 3,000 attendees are expected this year. To maintain public safety and health, special precautions will be taken. Bleachers will not be provided as with previous years. Instead, attendees will be advised to bring their own chairs. Also, the children’s zone will not be provided this year.

Despite these uncertain times, hopes remain high that a good turnout will unfold this year, especially in light of the absence of last year’s event, Oldham said.

“We will have some happy vendors,” she said. “They are all excited that they have the chance to be out in the open and sell their products again because most of them are home arts and crafts people who have had no real outlet in the public directly during last year.”

The Avon Park Rotary Bluegrass and Blueberry Festival will be hosted on Sat., Apr. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Donaldson Park, located at E Main St Avon Park, FL 33825. Admission and parking is free. For more information, visit their website at: http://www.avonparkrotaryblueberryfestival.com/

Bruce Edwards And The Groovediggers Dig Some Real Grooves

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Bruce Edwards And The Groovediggers Dig Some Real Grooves

Bruce Edwards And The Groovediggers Dig Some Real Grooves

by James Coulter

When listening to the radio, have you ever heard a song that you remembered loving the first time you heard it but haven’t heardfor the longest time? If you enjoy revisiting classic gems buried deep within the recesses of your nostalgia, then you’ll enjoy The Groovediggers.

While most bands play the recent popular hits, Bruce Edwards and his band delve deep into the classic tunes that were once popular between the late-50s to mid-80s. Their song roster consists of underrated gems many people forgot that they lovedbut instantly remember why they loved them upon hearing them again.

“When you hear a song on the radio, you love that song, but you don’t hear it every day, that is the music that the Groovediggerstry to do,” Edwards said. “We want you to have that moment when we are performing that you go, ‘I love this song, and I don’t hear bands play it, but it is a part of my life, and it takes me back.’ That is in a nutshell what the Groovediggers are about.”

Their music proves to be a genuine grab bag of hits from the 50s to 80s. From county to disco, any song that any Baby Boomer or Gen Xer would have remembered playing on the radio is played by them. No matter your musical tastes, their performance is sure to offer something you either like or once liked.

“So no matter who you are, in that hour’s worth of music, you will hear at least a few songs that are right in your sweet spot,” Edwards said. “[That’s] what makes the Groovediggers very special. We really try to make everything that we do accessible for as many people as possible. We don’t try to be everything for everybody, but we do try to be the best with what we do and reach as many people as we can through that.”

Such an enigmatic song roster makes The Groovediggers a perfect fit for the upcoming Central Florida Cannabis Fest, to be hosted in Plant City on Sat. Apr. 24 and Sun. Apr. 25. The Groovediggers will be one of ten local bands playing that weekend during the free outdoor music festival.

Edwards’ own eclectic musical tastes stem back to his childhood. He started playing music at the ripe age of 12. Before then, he was introduced to a diverse array of musical selections, from 50s doo-wop to 60s British Invasion hits.

Young Edwards lived next door to an owner of a jukebox warehouse. When the neighbor passed away, his wife gifted the young boy, who was around ten years old, with nearly a thousand 45-inch records, all with classic songs dating as far back as the early 50s.

Though his new record collection, Edwards developed a love for such illustrious bands and musicians, including Buddy Holly, Frankie Lane, The Beatles, and The Beach Boys. He combined his appreciation for the old with his love for the then-new, including Queen, Styx, and Pink Floyd.

Edwards was also inspired by the music in his own church. He grew up during the early years of Contemporary Christian Rock, so he fell in love with many of the big names within that movement such as Larry Norman, Terry Taylor, and the Resurrection Band.

All musical influences, both old and new, mainstream and counter-culture, secular and religious, significantly affected his musical tastes. With such an enigmatic musical upbringing, it’s no wonder that his musical performances tend to be a real mixed bag.

Edwards currently serves as the pastor of Resurrection House Mission, an ELCA Lutheran Congregation in Dade City. His side gig is performing in his band, The Groovediggers. The band initially started several years ago as The Tonebenders. The name was later changed to its current iteration after two of their members retired, but the others wanted to remain.

“A couple of us decided that we were old, but not quite that old,” Edwards said. “We weren’t ready to throw in the towel and we decided to keep on going. Got some new guys and have been blessed with some pretty good success these couple of years.”

They found a new bass player and a new keyboard player (the latter replacing Tater Hayes from Boss Hog Radio, who dropped out of the band to continue his position at the station) and renamed themselves The Groovediggers.

While many current bands play modern hits, or stick to a single genre like Top 40 or country, The Groovediggers refuse to compartmentalize themselves. In fact, they owe their success to mixing and matching their songs.

“In the old days, when we got started in music, live music was very compartmentalized,” Edwards explained. “Then the internet happened a few years back, and suddenly people were not stuck with whatever music they bought on records or tapes.”

With this new development, very few people felt the desire to sit in one place for three to four hours and listen to the same music. And while many bars survived with 100 to 200 people showing up one weekend and listening to their band, those numbers quickly started to dwindle.

To keep up with new tastes and trends, Edwards and his band decided to mix and match music and genres, exposing listeners to music they had never heard before, or may have heard before but had long forgotten about, he said.

Edwards and his bandmates come from all over Central Florida, and their band plays everywhere from Winter Haven, Crystal River, and Palm Harbor. They especially love playing their gig at The Caribbean Bay in Winter Haven.

They are excited to play at the upcoming Central Florida Cannabis Fest. They are incredibly honored to play alongside the nine other bands performing that weekend.

“I have done many festivals, and I have to tell you, the quality of the bands across the board, all of the bands there, us included, these are all headliner quality bands,” Edwards said. “So we are hoping that people will hop at the opportunity to have a really good time, to get out, to breathe a little, to stretch their legs, people have been locked out for a while, and felt cooped up and have not been able to attend events like this very much. So we are hoping that people will come out and have a good time.”

Central Florida Cannabis Fest will be hosted on Apr. 24 and 25 at the Plant City Farm & Flea Market, located at 906 West Sam Allen Rd in Plant City. Admission is free with $2 parking. For more information, visit their website at: https://centralflcannabisfest.com/

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