Bartow Turns into ToonTown with This Year’s Syfy Bartow—Animation Invasion—on Sat. Feb. 21
by James Coulter
Attention all Toonsters, Loonatics, and Animaniacs! The City of Bartow will be transforming into ToonTown with this year’s Syfy Bartow, happening on Sat. Feb. 21.
Whether you prefer your cartoons hand-drawn or computer-animated, in Technicolor or black-and-white, from America or Japan, this year’s Syfy Bartow is sure to squash and stretch your expectations.
Come to Mosaic Park for a fun-filled day with local vendors, food trucks, human and pet costume contests, a car show, and so much more.
Sean Serdynski started Syfy Bartow nearly 12 years ago. Since then, Central Florida’s premier outdoor comic convention has drawn in thousands of guests to Downtown Bartow.
“Syfy Bartow started as a way to get people to visit Downtown Bartow,” Serdynski said. “We invented it to help the businesses downtown and all throughout Bartow. It’s not just about Downtown, it is the entire city that gets involved.”
Since then, the event has expanded from one city block to 15 blocks. Now that their footprint has outgrown the Downtown Bartow area, their event will be moving to its new location at Mosaic Park.
Serdynski had originally planned to host the inaugural Syfy Bartow at that location. However, he was convinced by city officials to host the event in the downtown area to promote local businesses.
Previous events struggled with traffic cutting through the festivities and restrictions on amenities like bounce houses and petting zoos. The new location will provide more room for more fun activities and provide better comfort to guests.
“One thing that keeps Syfy Bartow unique from the other type of convention-style events is that it is free to attend,” he said. “You can spend the day with your family and see what Bartow is allabout.”
Syfy Bartow will be hosted on Sat. Feb. 21 from 10 AM to 6 PM at Mosaic Park, located at 2250 S Floral Ave in Bartow. For more information, visit bartowcon.com.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office reported that a 37-year-old man was arrested February 13 after allegedly breaking into and damaging an SUV in a Publix parking lot in Ormond-by-the-Sea.
According to deputies, Justin Allen broke into the vehicle and began smashing it with a hammer while it was parked outside the store. When confronted by a deputy, Allen reportedly claimed he was targeting the SUV as an act of revenge against his ex.
However, authorities say the vehicle did not belong to his ex — it was owned by an innocent Publix employee.
Allen was arrested and charged with burglary, possession of burglary tools, criminal mischief causing more than $1,000 in damage, possession of cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He later posted a $10,500 bond and was released from custody the same night, according to the sheriff’s office.
Photo source Volusia County Sheriff’s Office Body CamPhoto source Volusia County Sheriff’s Office Body Can
Despite the best of intentions, it’s common for plans to build healthier habits to fall flat. Often, the culprit isn’t a lack of motivation or discipline; rather, it’s unrealistic expectations.
Overhauling your lifestyle requires a level of commitment that isn’t always practical.
Understanding your personal health needs and the challenges you need to overcome can help give you a more realistic roadmap toward better health.
Tools to Guide You
Every plan needs a starting point and there are many reputable sources that can help guide you toward a plan that addresses your personal health needs.
For example, the American Heart Association introduced My Life Check, a simple, free tool to help individuals understand their heart health and what’s driving it. Users answer simple questions about their daily habits and health factors to get a personalized Heart Health Score in minutes.
The results are private and downloadable, giving you full control of your information. The tool turns big goals into small, specific actions you can start right away. Knowing your numbers relative to your heart health (and where you are in comparison to target ranges for optimal health) can help you decide how to build a better map to get you where you want to be.
While the report is customized to each individual, no personal data is stored and answers are only used to calculate health scores and provide personalized recommendations and practical steps to improve your health, so you can use your results to focus on what matters most to you. Every small step you take, such as moving more, eating smarter, sleeping better or managing stress, can add up over time.
Finding Your Path
Once you’re armed with data and know where you stand on your heart health numbers, small steps become clearer and more manageable. That knowledge makes it easier to choose one area to focus on, such as getting more sleep, taking daily walks or adding more color to your meals.
Healthy changes don’t need to be expensive or complicated. The best habits are ones that fit real life when every action you take moves you closer to your goals.
Eat Smart
Choose foods that help you feel your best, one meal at a time. Add more color to your plate and focus on balance, not restriction. Simple, affordable swaps can make a real difference.
Move More
Find movement that fits your life, such as a walk, a stretch or dancing while you cook. Every bit of activity counts and it all supports your heart and mind. Move for joy, not just for results.
Sleep Well
Rest is a foundation of good health, not a reward. Protect your bedtime routine and give your body the recovery it deserves. Notice how good sleep makes everything else easier.
Manage Stress
Check in with yourself regularly, both mentally and emotionally. Create simple moments to pause, breathe, laugh or step outside. Connection, kindness and calm all support a healthy heart.
Staying motivated and on track is also easier when you can check back in, see your progress and realize the steps you’re taking are making an impact. Checking in every few months to see how you can grow gives you the chance to celebrate your progress, learn from challenges and keep building lasting habits that feel good.
On February 6, 2026, at around 11:30 pm, a lime green Yamaha ATV was stolen from a carport on Wall Street West in Frostproof.
The two unknown suspects loaded the ATV into the back of a light colored, older model Chevy or GMC pickup truck with very dark tinted windows. The truck was driven by a third unknown suspect.
We would like to change those unknown suspects to known suspects, so we can charge them with felonies, and get the ATV back to its owner.
If you have any information that could be helpful to this investigation, please contact Detective Learmonth at 863-678-4115 or email [email protected].
If you wish to remain anonymous AND be eligible for a reward, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:
Growing your own produce is an all-around smart practice, from the money you’ll save at the grocery store to the contributions you can make toward a cleaner planet.
Maintaining a garden takes some effort, but it’s a project even a beginner can tackle with ease.
Consider these tips to start growing your at-home garden:
1. Select a perfect spot. You’ll want to place your garden in an area where you see it often so you’re reminded to weed and care for it regularly. Find a flat area you can access easily, where erosion and other pitfalls (including hungry wildlife) won’t be a problem.
2. Choose between ground and containers. There are pros and cons to gardening in containers vs. the ground, and there’s no universal right choice. Rather, the best garden depends on your goals and preferences. A ground garden usually offers more space and may provide a better growth environment for roots. However, a container garden is often easier to maintain and may be all you need if you wish to grow just a few plants.
3. Understand the importance of quality soil. You may think any dirt will do, but keep in mind the soil you plant in will be the primary source of nutrients for your produce. Not only that, but quality soil provides stability so plants can root firmly and grow healthy and sturdy to support their bounty. Quality soil also allows for ample drainage. Organic matter like compost, leaf mold or aged manure all help improve soil quality.
4. Keep water close. Lugging water can quickly eliminate the pleasure of tending your garden, so be sure you’re situated near a hose. You’ll know it’s time to water when the soil is dry about an inch below the surface.
5. Plan for plenty of sun. A bright, sunny spot is a must, since most vegetables, herbs and fruits depend on six or more hours of sun every day. Remember the sun’s path changes throughout the year, and as trees and foliage grow, they may produce more shade with each growing season.
6. Consider what you’ll grow. Starting with veggies you know you like is a smart starting point since you’ll be pouring sweat equity into making them grow. Over time, you might add new varieties, but early on, keep your focus on foods you know you like so you can see a meaningful return and avoid waste. You’ll also need to consider what you can grow to maturity within your area’s growing season. If necessary, you might want to start transplants you can nurture indoors before moving them outside when the temperatures allow. In Florida, we don’t have to worry quite as much about the freezing temperatures (though we’ve seen several cold mornings this Winter!)
Plant according to a calendar. Knowing how long it takes different foods to mature will help you create a planting calendar. You don’t want to harvest everything at once, and if you stagger planting and replant what you can, you’ll have a garden that produces food for your family for a longer period of time.
“A suspect who is in the country illegally from Guatemala fled from a hit-and-run crash in Mulberry but was quickly apprehended by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. He did not have a driver’s license, and he was driving while impaired.
On Sunday, February 15, 2026, around 7:40 p.m., dispatchers advised deputies in Mulberry that a motorcyclist was hit by a dark-colored two-door sedan in the area of Church Avenue North and Carter Road West, and that the fleeing vehicle would have front-end damage.
Shortly thereafter, a deputy sheriff spotted a black Scion at the traffic signal on Carter Road missing its front bumper, with front-end damage and smoke actively rising from it. The vehicle was attempting to turn south onto Church Avenue North when the deputy turned on her emergency equipment and pulled the car over. The driver, identified as Gudiel Miguel-Vasquez, DOB 11/22/2001, advised that he only spoke Spanish, so a Spanish-speaking deputy responded to translate.
Vasquez had two passengers in the car, and several open cans of Modelo beer. All three men appeared to be intoxicated, and all three were confirmed to be in the country illegally. Vasquez admitted to not having a license, driving impaired, and leaving the scene of a crash.
The motorcyclist who was struck by Vasquez was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for a broken arm and concussion. According to an independent witness, the motorcycle was traveling through the Walmart parking lot when the Scion turned into the lot from Church Avenue North, failing to stop at a stop sign and entering into the motorcycle’s path, hitting the bike and driver. The Scion continued north through the lot, without stopping to check on the victim.
Vasquez is charged with:
Leaving the scene of a crash with injury (F2)
DUI with property damage (F3)
DUI (M1)
No valid driver’s license (M1)
Each of these charges is enhanced by one degree due to the suspect’s illegal status and an ICE detainer has been placed on him in the Polk County Jail.
The two occupants of his vehicle were cited for having open containers of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Due to their illegal status, ICE was notified, and they were taken into custody on civil ICE detainers.
“Here’s another example of someone who is here illegally and with no regard for our laws – driving without a license, driving while impaired, and hitting someone then fleeing. We’d like to see him deported back to Guatemala where he can’t victimize anyone else here.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff”
As fall fades into spring and a hint of warmer air settles over Tallahassee, one thing becomes clear: baseball season has arrived. The smell of hot dogs fills the air, and the sound of fans chanting “K-time” echoes through the stands. The familiar pop of gloves and crack of bats signals a new beginning as the Florida State Seminoles baseball open their 2026 campaign against the James Madison Dukes baseball.
This season opener was more than just another game. It marked a fresh start, an opportunity for new names to emerge and for returning stars to strengthen their legacies. For No. 16 Florida State, the matchup provided an early test of depth, discipline, and determination under the bright lights of Dick Howser Stadium. Meanwhile, James Madison arrived eager to build momentum against one of college baseball’s perennial powerhouses. Led by head coach Link Jarrett, the Seminoles are aiming not just to win games this season, but to go the distance.
Florida State wasted little time igniting the home crowd. In the bottom of the first inning, sophomore Myles Bailey delivered the first big swing of the season, crushing a 425 foot home run to deep right field to give the Seminoles a 1 to 0 lead. Although Florida State threatened to add more after putting two runners on base, Cal Fisher and Chase Williams were left stranded to end the inning.
The offensive surge continued in the second inning when sophomore Brody DeLamielleure turned on a pitch and launched a 392 foot shot to right field, extending the lead and drawing an energetic celebration outside the dugout. Through five innings, Bailey continued to shine, recording two hits, an RBI, and his opening night home run as Florida State’s lineup consistently applied pressure.
On the mound, sophomore Wes Mendes set the tone in his first start of the season. Looking to build on his 2025 campaign, in which he posted a 5.18 ERA with a 7 and 3 record and 83 strikeouts, Mendes worked efficiently through five innings. He struck out seven, allowed just four hits, and faced 21 batters in a composed outing that kept James Madison off balance.
The Dukes broke through in the top of the sixth inning when Clay Thompson scored on a wild pitch, trimming the deficit to 2 to 1. Florida State had already turned to the bullpen, bringing in John Abraham to relieve Mendes. Abraham worked 1.2 innings, allowing two hits and one run while striking out three before giving way to Brodie Purcell in the seventh. Although James Madison showed flashes of resilience, Florida State’s combination of early power hitting and timely pitching changes kept the momentum in garnet and gold hands.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, with the Seminoles clinging to a 2 to 1 lead, Cal Fisher broke the tension by scoring on a balk from JMU pitcher Adam Horvath. The miscue opened the floodgates, as Hunter Carns and Chase Williams also crossed the plate later in the inning. The late surge lifted Florida State to a 5 to 1 victory on opening day.
By the numbers, Florida State finished with eight hits, one error, and eight runners left on base. James Madison recorded seven hits, one error, and left ten runners on base. Seminole pitchers combined for 14 strikeouts while allowing seven hits. JMU’s pitchers tallied eight strikeouts and allowed eight hits. Mendes earned the win, while Griffin Polley was charged with the loss.
After the game, members of the media had the opportunity to speak with Jarrett and the players. When asked about John Abraham’s performance, Jarrett said, “I thought it was good. He’s got a good, heavy sinking fastball. The velocity was up. He can run a four seamer. I thought he threw some good curveballs, and I thought he threw some good changeups.”
When asked about Bailey’s home run and whether it set the tone for the game, Jarrett responded, “Absolutely. I mean, first pitch of the season for the guy, and he hits it 425 feet.” He added, “Yeah, it’s a great tone setter for his season and the team.”
Florida State will look to secure the series as the teams meet again at home at 2:00 p.m. Opening night may be just one game in a long season, but it offered a promising preview of what could lie ahead. With emerging sophomores stepping into starring roles and pitching depth already on display, the Seminoles began their 2026 campaign with confidence and ambitions that stretch far beyond February.
A Lakeland woman who posed as an employee of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) during an attempt to “remove” a 9-year old boy from a residence was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, February 13, 2026.
56-year old Nicole Terry Thomas was booked-in at the Sheriff’s Processing Center and charged with: Attempted Kidnapping (F2, 4-counts), Unarmed Burglary of an Occupied Dwelling (F2), Criminal Action under the Color of Law (F3, 2-counts), Trespassing (M1), and Misuse of 911 (M1).
Deputies were dispatched at about 3:22 pm to a residence in Lakeland after Thomas called the PCSO’s Emergency Communications Center to request a deputy to respond to assist her with the removal of children from a home. The caller identified herself as Thomas, and she claimed to be an employee of DCF.
According to witness statements, Thomas arrived with the victim’s biological mother and approached the home where 28-year old Nyasia Brooks was babysitting four children.
The following is an excerpt from Nicole Thomas’ arrest affidavit:
I conducted a sworn recorded interview with Nyasia Brooks, who was babysitting (VICTIM), when (VICTIM) came into the residence and advised DCF was outside with his mom and was trying to take him from the residence. Nyasia advised someone then knocked on the front door and front window passing the curtilage of the residence advising she was a DCF case manager and was at the residence to pick up (VICTIM) and take him to his mother. Nyasia advised once she told Ms. Thomas she was not taking (VICTIM) anywhere, she then threatened Nyasia stating she was going to remove all of the children from the home. Ms. Thomas proceeded to the end of the drive way and made a phone call to which she advised she would be working late due finding homes for all of the children she was going to be removing from the residence at (REDACTED). At no point did Ms. Thomas present a DCF business card or proof or employment when requested. Nyasia also instructed Ms. Thomas several time to leave the property, however she refused to do so and called 911. The following children were inside the residence: (VICTIM 2), (VICTIM 3), and (VICTIM 4).
The boy’s biological mother has been diagnosed with mental disabilities, and does not have custody of her son. During an interview with detectives, she said that she knew Nicole Thomas through her church where Thomas told her that she worked for DCF, and she would be able to help get the mother’s life back on track, to include getting custody of her son.
“In what was probably the only smart thing she said or did that afternoon, Nicole Thomas admitted to detectives that she should have known better. She impersonated a government employee, threatened to take four children, and even called 911 to try to get a deputy to help her pull it all off. I’d say she didn’t clearly think that one through.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
Nicole Thomas has a prior criminal history that includes: kidnapping, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, battery, child abuse, numerous frauds, thefts, dealing in stolen property.
During her first appearance hearing on February 15th, a judge issued “No Bond” on her attempted kidnapping charges. Her pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Thursday, February 19, 2026.
A backyard fire that grew out of control in Bartow on Sunday, February 15, 2026, led to the arrest of the Bartow school teacher who started the fire.
The fire was intentionally set in a backyard to burn debris, but it spread to cover approximately five acres, and was one of more than thirty brush fires across Polk County on Sunday, despite a county burn ban that went into effect on November 25, 2025 due to dry conditions.
A PCSO deputy responded Sunday afternoon, to a residence on Cox Road in Bartow, at the request of Polk County Fire Rescue, who was actively fighting a fire near there.
The deputy made contact with the resident, 57-year old Brian Webster.
Mr. Webster said that he was taking precautions while burning cardboard boxes and other materials inside of an old refrigerator, and he continued to monitor the fire until he believed the fire was no longer a threat. A short time later, he noticed that the fire spread, and he unsuccessfully attempted to extinguish it.
“There is good reason why Polk County officials issued the burn ban, and Sunday’s numerous brush fires are a perfect example of that. Additionally, Governor Ron DeSantis declared a State of Emergency recently due to extreme drought. Property and lives are at risk, and we will charge people appropriately.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Brian Webster, who is a teacher at Bartow High School, was arrested and booked-in at the Sheriff’s Processing Center. He was charged with: Reckless Land Burning (M2), Burning during a State of Emergency (M2), Reckless/Careless Pollution (M2), and Violating the County Burn Ban (M2).
Any inquiries regarding Mr. Webster’s employment status should be directed to the Polk County Public Schools.
Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) crews responded to more than 30 brush fires throughout Polk County on Sunday.
The largest fire burned more than 400 acres near State Road 60 in the River Ranch area. An unknown number of camps were burned, but no homes or structures at or around the Westgate River Ranch area were affected as of 9 p.m. Sunday.
Polk County Fire Rescue Chief Shawn Smith said no evacuations were being ordered in the River Ranch area at this time, but also added that brush fires can be unpredictable and high winds can be a factor.
The Florida Forestry Service monitored the fire throughout the night.
State Road 60 was reopened around 9 p.m. Sunday.
Chief Smith reiterated the need for people to take the burn ban seriously.
He pointed to the extreme drought conditions, lack of any significant rainfall, recent high winds and number of people not adhering to the burn ban as reasons for the recent uptick in brush fires.
“It seems that brush fires have been a constant issue throughout the day today. I just want to remind everybody that there are serious drought conditions in Polk County,” Smith said. “These illegal recreational fires need to cease.”
PCFR crews also battled a two-alarm brush fire off the Osceola Polk Line Road in the Davenport area Sunday afternoon. Roughly 68 acres were burned in that fire as well as four non-dwelling structures.
Fire departments from Davenport, Haines City, Dundee and Orange County helped battle the fire.
No injuries were reported in yesterday’s brush fires.
