Haines City Fire Department Invites Families to “Santa at the Station”
The Christmas spirit is growing, and the Haines City Fire Department is excited to welcome families back for this year’s Santa at the Station celebration. Taking place on December 20, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM, the event will now be held at HCFD Fire Station 1, located at 138 N. 11th Street in Haines City.
This festive, family-friendly morning offers plenty of holiday fun. Guests can enjoy cookies, hot cocoa, coloring activities, and a special area where children can write and drop off their letters to Santa. It’s also a great opportunity for the community to stop by and visit the department’s newest station.
Please note: The event’s original location in Davenport has been changed to Haines City Fire Station 1.
The department looks forward to celebrating the season with families from across the community and spreading holiday cheer at the station.
The manuscript, written around 1508, was one of some 30 similar books da Vinci produced during his lifetime on a variety of subjects. It contained 72 loose pages featuring some 300 notes and detailed drawings, all relating to the common theme of water and how it moved. Experts have said that da Vinci drew on it to paint the background of his masterwork, the Mona Lisa. The text, written in brown ink and chalk, read from right to left, an example of da Vinci’s favored mirror-writing technique. The painter Giuseppi Ghezzi discovered the notebook in 1690 in a chest of papers belonging to Guglielmo della Porto, a 16th-century Milanese sculptor who had studied Leonardo’s work. In 1717, Thomas Coke, the first earl of Leicester, bought the manuscript and installed it among his impressive collection of art at his family estate in England.
More than two centuries later, the notebook—by now known as the Leicester Codex—showed up on the auction block at Christie’s in London when the current Lord Coke was forced to sell it to cover inheritance taxes on the estate and art collection. In the days before the sale, art experts and the press speculated that the notebook would go for $7 to $20 million. In fact, the bidding started at $1.4 million and lasted less than two minutes, as Hammer and at least two or three other bidders competed to raise the price $100,000 at a time. The $5.12 million price tag was the highest ever paid for a manuscript at that time; a copy of the legendary Gutenberg Bible had gone for only $2 million in 1978. “I’m very happy with the price. I expected to pay more,” Hammer said later. “There is no work of art in the world I wanted more than this.” Lord Coke, on the other hand, was only “reasonably happy” with the sale; he claimed the proceeds would not be sufficient to cover the taxes he owed.
Hammer, the president of Occidental Petroleum Corporation, renamed his prize the Hammer Codex and added it to his valuable collection of art. When Hammer died in 1990, he left the notebook and other works to the Armand Hammer Museum of Art and Cultural Center at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). Several years later, the museum offered the manuscript for sale, claiming it was forced to take this action to cover legal costs incurred when the niece and sole heir of Hammer’s late wife, Frances, sued the estate claiming Hammer had cheated Frances out of her rightful share of his fortune. On November 11, 1994, the Hammer Codex was sold to an anonymous bidder–soon identified as Bill Gates, the billionaire founder of Microsoft–at a New York auction for a new record high price of $30.8 million. Gates restored the title of Leicester Codex and has since loaned the manuscript to a number of museums for public display.”
HAINES CITY – Plan for traffic delays in both directions on Lake Hatchineha Road into 2026, according to Duke Energy. They are currently working near Sandhill Elementary School at Tyner Road.
Power crews are now replacing wooden poles with steel ones creating wait times going east and west. Law enforcement is in place to facilitate safe flow of traffic.
According to the Duke Energy website, “To help meet the growing energy needs of the communities we serve, we’re making targeted improvements to build a stronger, smarter and more resilient electric grid. One of those improvements includes upgrading wood poles along our transmission lines with steel poles. The new steel poles are 5 to 10 feet taller than the existing wood poles and will help increase reliability, including during severe weather.
General timelines for enhancements in the Haines City/Polk County area extend through 2026 and beyond, involving potential lane closures and local notifications for specific construction zones like areas near Lake Hatchineha. Expect taller poles, potential road disruptions, and crews working in the easement, all part of strengthening infrastructure against severe weather.
HAINES CITY – A group of about 20 young people allegedly caused so much disruption at a local sports field the last weekend of November that a youth football tournament was forced to relocate. Eyewitnesses reported that the group intimidated participants with obscene language and aggressive behavior.
The incident has prompted the Haines City Commission to reexamine how its sports venues are managed, especially with $1.3 million in new turf soon to be installed at the Haines City Soccer Complex and Myers Wiley Field.
At the Dec. 2 City Commission meeting, former mayor and commissioner Horace West urged the city to install clear, informational signage at all recreational fields. Horace West is affiliated with the Haines City Vipers, a youth football program he founded. Over the years, he has started around 20 other youth football teams in nearby communities and helped establish a conference involving dozens of programs.
Horace West said he had received prior approval from Parks and Recreation to use the Soccer Complex for the tournament. According to Parks and Recreation Director Terrell Griffin, bilingual signage was posted at both entrances notifying the public that the fields were reserved.
However, the night before the event, Horace West was informed that a large group had taken over the field and damaged property. When he and officers from the Haines City Police Department arrived, he said they found the group kicking sand over freshly painted field lines, destroying barricades and lighting, overturning tables, and expressing anger that a football event—not soccer—was scheduled there.
Horace West and four others arrived early Saturday to repair the damage before the tournament began. While they worked, the same group returned, attempted to play soccer on the field, vandalized the bathrooms, and tried to tear down goal posts.
“To educate the public, that this is more than just a soccer complex, just like Myers Wiley Field is more than football, and Larry Parrish is more than a baseball field. We use it for Easter egg hunting,” Horace West said. “Put some signs up so that everybody understands that there may be other events.”
The escalating hostility led referees and volunteers to refuse to return on Sunday, forcing the remainder of the tournament to relocate to Ridge Community High School.
Griffin said vandalism at the Soccer Complex has been an ongoing problem.
“Someone put firecrackers in the lights, tried to tear the paper towel and toilet paper dispensers off the walls. The bathrooms have had to be repainted three times because of graffiti,” he said. “Staff is now checking the facility bathrooms every morning.”
With $1.3 million in turf about to be installed at the Soccer Complex and Myers Wiley Field, Griffin said the city will likely have to adopt tighter protections.
“Once we do turf that field, we are going to have to look to do some things different to where we can lock that field down when we need to,” Griffin, said. “Obviously, investing $1.3 million into that turf, we need to be sure that when we need to lock it down, we are able to do that… There are certain things that will absolutely destroy that turf. There is definitely a need to protect that investment at both locations.”
For now, the Commission agreed to post extra-large signs in English and Spanish at venues prior to scheduled events, notifying the public when fields are reserved.
Mulberry is getting into the holiday spirit as the city prepares for its annual Christmas Parade, set to roll through town on Saturday, December 13th at 6:00 p.m. This year’s theme, “All Creatures Great and Small,” invites the community to celebrate the magic of the season with floats, costumes, and decorations inspired by animals of every kind—real or imaginary.
Residents are encouraged to round up their reindeer, gather their turtle doves, and even bring along a few elves as they enjoy one of Mulberry’s favorite holiday traditions. The parade promises a colorful display of creativity, lights, and music, offering a festive evening for families and spectators of all ages.
Mulberry’s Christmas Parade is a beloved event that brings neighbors together and sets the tone for a joyful holiday season. Don’t miss out on this heartwarming night of celebration and community pride.
The Volusia Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents to lock their vehicles after an unusual auto theft and crash at Bicentennial Park on December 8.
According to deputies, a man left his BMW convertible unlocked while walking his dog, with the keys stored inside a closed cupholder. Shortly after, the vehicle was stolen. The BMW was soon spotted driving at extremely high speeds before crashing at Old Dixie Highway and Plantation Oaks Boulevard.
Witnesses pulled the driver from the wreckage and reported that he had been traveling at more than 100 mph before losing control.
Photo source Body Cam footage shared by Volusia Sheriff’s Office
When questioned by deputies, the suspect — identified as 36-year-old Calvin Curtis Johnson — denied stealing the car and instead claimed he had “teleported” into it. Johnson was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and will later be taken to the Volusia County Branch Jail.
He faces charges of grand theft of a motor vehicle and driving with a suspended license.
Ring in the season with festive music and sweet treats at this year’s Jingle and Mingle event at the Polk County History Center. Guests can enjoy holiday cookies while listening to live Christmas performances from two talented local school choirs.
The Frostproof High School Chorus will take the stage at 11 a.m. and again at 1 p.m., and the Berkley Charter Elementary School Chorus will perform at noon, filling the historic halls with classic holiday favorites.
The event takes place at the Polk County History Center, located at 100 E. Main St. in Bartow.
Lakeland Public Library Hosts Final Children’s Theater of the Year With a Grinchy Twist
Lakeland families are invited to wrap up the year with a festive afternoon of storytelling and fun as the Lakeland Public Library presents its final Children’s Theater program of 2025. This month’s performance brings the beloved holiday mischief of The Grinch to life in an interactive format designed to let kids step into the story themselves.
Children’s Theater is a unique, hands-on storytime experience where young participants become part of the performance—acting out scenes, engaging with the narrative, and enjoying the magic of live storytelling.
The event takes place Saturday, December 13th at 2 PM at the Lakeland Public Library. It is open to children ages 4 and older, and no registration is required.
Don’t miss out on a grinchly good time as the library closes out the year with holiday cheer and playful imagination!
Welcome, World Travelers! Top 9 New Additions Coming to Disney World in 2026
by James Coulter
The current year is quickly drawing to a close, and a new year is coming right around the corner. And with this new year comes new and exciting additions to Walt Disney World, from Star Wars and Frozen, to Muppets and Bluey. Here’s a list of all the new sights to see next year at Disney World:
#1: Rock n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
It’s time to raise the curtains. It’s time to light the lights. It’s time to take a ride on the most muppetational ride coming to Hollywood Studios. Get ready to ride an old ride with a new Muppet facelift, including ride vehicles with a psychedelic paint job and even a new pre-show starring the Muppet characters. The attraction will be set to rock and roll once it opens in summer 2026.
#2: The Magic of Disney Animation
Get ready to go behind the scenes of your favorite Disney animated movies with The Magic of Disney Animation. Guests will be guided by Disney characters as they learn how Disney animated films are brought to life from conception to sketches to ink and paint. Best of all, many of these characters will be available for special photo opportunities. Little ones are invited to visit the “Drawn To Wonderland” playground inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair’s original Alice in Wonderland concept art. The new attraction is set to open in summer 2026.
#3: Soarin Over America
Next year marks the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. To help celebrate America’s birthday, Soarin’ at Epcot will be offering a new experience with Soarin’ Across America, which will take guests on a cross-country tour, from amber waves of grain to purple mountain majesties. Soarin’ to tower! Get ready for takeoff once this new ride takes flight around Memorial Day 2026.
#4: Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment
Get ready to go on the wildest ride in the wilderness with new twists and turns. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom will re-open after receiving a “crevasse-deep to mountain-top refurbishment.” Riders will be able to experience the lift hill through the Rainbow Caverns in a new light with new enhancements. Expect the wild mine train to resume its wild travels when it reopens in spring 2026.
#5: Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Refurbishment
Calling all space rangers! Buzz Lightyear is seeking recruits for new missions at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom. The refurbished ride will include updated ride vehicles, cool new handheld blasters, and interactive targets. The attraction is set to re-open in Spring 2026.
#6: New Animatronics at Frozen Ever After
For the first time in forever, guests will not only be able to ride Frozen Ever After at Epcot, but also see new faces–quite literally. Characters like Elsa, Anna, and Olaf will receive upgraded enhancements, replacing their rear-projected faces with state-of-the-art animatronics as seen in figures at World of Frozen in Hong Kong Disneyland. The upgraded attraction with the updated animatronic figures is set to reopen in February 2026.
#7: Meet Bluey and Bingo at Animal Kingdom
Crickey, mate! Everyone’s favorite blue heeler is heading from down under to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Bluey and her little sister, Bingo, will be appearing at the Conservation Station for meet-and-greets. Of course, the game-loving puppy will also play some of her favorite games with an animal twist, like “Butterfly Keepy Uppy.” Meet the heelers when they arrive in summer 2026.
#8: The Mandalorian and Grogu at Galaxy’s Edge
Just in time for their theatrical movie to be released that same year, The Mandalorian and Grogu will be making their appearance at Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios. Not only will the bounty hunter and his little green sidekick appear as meet-and-greet characters, but they will also be part of a new storyline for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Join them on their mission once it starts on May 22.
#9: Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!
Hot diggity dog! Come inside for fun inside at Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! at Hollywood Studios. Join Mickey, Minnie, and all of their clubhouse pals for a grand show featuring upbeat tunes, dancing, and plenty of interactive moments. Be sure to drop by the clubhouse when the show arrives in Summer 2026.
LAKELAND, FL (December 9, 2025) – GiveWell Community Foundation and United Way of Central Florida are pleased to announce that $117,000 in grants have been awarded to local nonprofit organizations that have been serving community members affected by recent disruptions in government-funded food programs.
After a survey of community nonprofits to determine the most pressing needs, 27 organizations in Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties were selected to receive funding. The grants, distributed through the United Community Relief Fund, allow the organizations to replenish food pantries, continue feeding operations, or provide additional assistance to clients.
“We are grateful for the generosity of fundholders and other individuals who donated to the United Community Relief Fund, allowing us to respond quickly to the urgent needs of families in our community,” said Callie Neslund, GiveWell Community Foundation President and CEO.
“The United Community Relief Fund demonstrates the strength of our community’s commitment to coming together during times of uncertainty to help neighbors facing hardship, providing critical relief when they need it most,” said United Way of Central Florida President & CEO Christina Criser Jackson.
Established in 2020 by GiveWell Community Foundation and United Way of Central Florida, the United Community Relief Fund is activated during times of crisis to support nonprofit organizations serving residents in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties.
About GiveWell Community Foundation
GiveWell Community Foundation (GWCF) works with individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits to build a stronger community throughout Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties and beyond through charitable funds and competitive grant cycles. Since its founding in 1997, GWCF has awarded more than $400 million in grants. Today, GWCF is home to more than 400 charitable funds and the Impact Polk and Empower grant cycles. To learn more, visit givecf.org or call 863-683-3131.
About United Way of Central Florida
United Way of Central Florida mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. We bring people, resources, and ideas together to identify service gaps and co-create solutions that strengthen Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties. Through partnerships with qualified organizations, we advance Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency.
We amplify donor dollars through local matches, convene partners to improve efficiencies, and broker services that deliver the greatest return on investment in areas of critical need. Because we believe no one can do their best if they are hungry, sick, or in pain. To learn more, visit uwcf.org or call 863.648.1500.
