Auburndale Fire Department – Pre-order your 2024 Auburndale Fire Department Breast Cancer Awareness T-shirt now! All profits will be donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida. Pre-order by September 13, 2024. Shirts will be available to pick up in October!
Only accepting checks (made out to the City of Auburndale) or cash
Auburndale Fire Department 100 Ariana Ave. Auburndale, FL 33823
Mary “Jane” Guilmette, 88, of Winter Haven, FL passed away peacefully on August 3rd, 2024, when God called her to be by his side.
Jane was born on November 3rd, 1935, in Granville, VT to parents Alcide and Mary Rose Lizotte. She grew up in Rochester, VT and married the love of her life, Donald Guilmette whom she was married to for 69 years. She spent the last 29 years residing in Winter Haven where she was an active member of St. Matthew’s Church.
She was preceded in death by her father Alcide, mother Rose, siblings Lucienne “Lucy”, Maurice and Raymond and her Grandson Bryan.
She is survived by her husband Don, her children Jeffrey (Lisa), Shari, Steve (De), Michael (Cindy) and Dennis (Lynn). Her grandchildren Matthew (Ashley), Adam (Brittney), Cory (Callan), Nikki (Shannon), Nick (Brittany), Abbie, Jessie, Dylan, Eryn, Sara, Keli (Brad), Kevin and Ashley (Joey). Her great grandchildren Brynnley, Hayden, Alana, Cecilia, Holden, Nash, Caden, Gavin, Slade, Kieran, Wyatt, Logan and Theodore “Theo”.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, sibling and friend. She was a kind and gentle soul that will be missed by everyone that knew her. She is at peace with our savior.
A mass celebrating her life will take place September 12th at 9:00am at St. Matthew Catholic Church 1991 Overlook Drive, Winter Haven, FL 33884. Interment at St. Matthew Columbarium to follow. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Matthew Church.
This mass will celebrate the life’s of both Jane Guilmette and her sister Lucy Darrah.
The Lake Wales High School (LWHS) homecoming parade is set to make its way along First Street to Sessoms Avenue next month, now that the city has approved the special permit and road closing for the upcoming event.
At their regular meeting on Tues. Aug. 6, Lake Wales City Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a consent agenda item approving the special event permit application and the request for street closings.
Mr. Anuj Saran, Principal of the Lake Wales High School, submitted a special event permit application, requesting approval for the homecoming parade to be scheduled on Thurs., Sept. 26, 2024, from 4 PM to 5:30 PM.
Map of the parade route
LWHS also requested the following city roads and streets be closed during the parade:
First Street from SR 60 to Central Avenue.
Central Avenue from First Street to Lake Shore Boulevard.
Lake Shore Boulevard from Central Avenue to North Wales Drive at Legion Field.
Orange Avenue and N 5th Street to Sessoms Avenue.
“Parade line up begins at 3:30 PM in the parking lot of Polk Avenue Elementary School and on south First Street with the parade starting at 4:00 PM,” City Clerk Jennifer Nanek wrote in the agenda item memo.
The city is estimated to spend $2,108 for in-kind service, while Lake Wales High School, according to the memo, “is responsible for 25% of the total cost or approximately $527.”
The special event permit application and road closing requests had been reviewed and approved by all city departments, and Lake Wales Charter Schools have provided the required proof of liability insurance.
Corporal Belcher and Officer Reveron were seen this past week conducting traffic enforcement on Berkley Road, focusing on vehicles illegally passing stopped school buses. We’re proud to report that their efforts resulted in 12 citations being issued to drivers who disregarded the law.
While we commend our officers, this is also a reminder of the seriousness of this issue. Passing a stopped school bus is not only illegal – it’s extremely dangerous and puts our students at risk.
Please remember:
Always stop for school buses with flashing red lights
Be extra vigilant in school zones and near bus stops
Remind friends and family about bus safety laws
Your actions behind the wheel can save lives. Let’s make Auburndale a shining example of a community that prioritizes the safety of its youngest members.
The City of Winter Haven will hold the 16th Annual Honoring our Heroes – Remembering the Day on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024.
We must never forget that fateful day and this event is a tribute to the lives that were tragically lost.
The event will kick off with the Freedom Walk at 5:30 pm at South Central Park in Downtown Winter Haven followed by a service of remembrance for those who have passed in the line of duty and appreciation for those who continue to serve. Make your plans to come out and show support for those who protect and serve daily.
At 8:56 this morning, Polk County Fire Rescue received a call regarding a traffic collision at Scenic Highway S and Crooked Lake Wye in Lake Wales.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office PIO on call, the accident involves two vehicles, a Ford and a Kia. Scenic Highway South is shut down at this time in both directions at this intersection, as the accident scene is active at this time. Law enforcement in on scene and Lake Wales Daily does not have confirmation on injuries at this time.
Please avoid the area and find an alternate route.
August 26 happens to be National Dog Day, when dog ownership is celebrated regardless of breed. It’s a day to highlight our mutts, mixes, purebreds, and every sweet puppy in between.
Let’s face it; dogs do a lot for us. They are wonderful companions. They keep us safe and aid those in need. They play a role in keeping us healthy, both physically and mentally. They are in our homes, our farms, and our police departments. It’s rare to go a whole day without seeing one.
For our canine friends, we brace the opportunity for all dogs to live a happy, safe, and abuse-free life. While there are many ways to find the dog to bring into your home, please consider rescuing an animal who might otherwise not find a loving home. There are a number of rescues and shelters around Polk County that are brimming with dogs that are desperate to find their forever home. Consider adoption first.
For those of us already have canines in the family, take your dog for a long walk today. Take a few extra minutes and play catch and retrieve. Volunteer at a shelter. Go out for a PupCup. Consider making a donation to an organization that supports the adoption of animals in need of rescue.
And keep on loving those pups. Happy National Dog Day!
Mixed Berry whole wheat muffins; recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project
Getting kids up and out the door is a challenge all on its own, and on those busy school mornings when nothing seems to run smoothly, healthy breakfasts can go by the wayside. While it’s widely recognized as the most important meal of the day, that doesn’t always mean you have time to sit down and enjoy it.
Solving your morning rush with grab-and-go breakfasts you can make ahead of time accomplishes both goals at once: staying on schedule and fueling your kiddos (and yourself) for the day ahead.
These Mixed Berry Whole-Wheat Muflins are a perfect solution when you need to hustle out the door. As a healthy, delicious treat kids can take with them to school or eat during the commute, they’re quick and easy to make. Loaded with blueberries – a bona fide superfood that’s high in fiber, low in calories and high in vitamin C, potassium and vitamin K – you may even need to make a double batch so you have plenty for breakfasts and after-school snacks.
With a simple graham cracker crust and creamy Greek yogurt filling, Mandarin Orange No-Bake Tarts offer another refreshing, kid-friendly morning meal. They can help you start your day on the right foot whether you’re short on time or able to grab a quick bite together as a family.
Mixed berry whole wheat muffins; recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project
Mixed Berry Whole-Wheat Muffins
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups white whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup chopped strawberries
1/2 Blueberries
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease muffin pan and set aside.
Medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, mix egg, maple syrup, vanilla, yogurt, and applesauce.
Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
Poor batter into prepared muffin tin, filling cups about 3/4 full.
Bake 15 minutes, or until tops are golden brown, and toothpick inserted and center comes out clean.
Remove from oven and let cool in muffin tin five minutes before removing.
Mandarin Orange No-Bake Tarts; recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Projects
Mandarin Orange No-Bake Tarts
Prep time: 10 minutes
Freeze time: one hour
Ingredients:
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
4 mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented
Directions:
In bowl, mixed graham cracker crumbs with melted butter.
Press mixture into bottom of individual mini tarp pans or mini muffin tin. Refrigerate crust to set while preparing filling.
In bowl, combine Greek yogurt, vanilla, and honey or maple syrup. Mix well.
Spoon yogurt mixture into chilled crusts.
Freeze tarts at least one hour. Top with mandarin segments.
Lake Mary Little League from Florida claimed the 2024 Little League World
Series championship with a dramatic 2-1 win over Chinese Taipei. The game was an intense battle that extended into extra innings. Chinese Taipei initially took the lead with a run in the first inning, but Lake Mary managed to tie the game in the sixth inning.
The decisive moment came in the bottom of the eighth inning when Lake Mary’s Hunter Alexander laid down a bunt to advance a runner. A throwing error by Chinese Taipei allowed the winning run to score, giving Lake Mary its first-ever LLWS title. This victory marked a historic achievement for the team, as it was Florida’s first win after several previous attempts
Parents ready for some downtime can now start planning a fun date night!
“Parent’s Night Out” at the Lake Wales Family Recreation Center allows you to drop off your kids every 2nd & 4th Friday of the month, between 6pm to 9pm. Kids will have access to various activities, coloring, crafts, board games and food and beverages.
The program is facilitated by designated City staff members. Cost is $15 for the first child, and $8 for each additional sibling. Kids ages kindergarten to 5th grade are welcome.
Registration is required at the front desk on day prior to the event. For more information, call (863) 678-4192.