A 62-year-old Lakeland man was involved in a tractor-trailer crash Wednesday morning on Interstate 75 in Hillsborough County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash happened around 9:45 a.m. on May 20, 2026, near milepost 243 on northbound I-75.
Troopers say the Lakeland man was driving a tractor-trailer northbound on the interstate behind another tractor-trailer driven by a 54-year-old Kissimmee man. Traffic ahead of the second tractor-trailer reportedly slowed or stopped, causing that driver to stop as well.
According to investigators, the Lakeland driver failed to stop in time and collided with the rear of the other tractor-trailer.
Graduation marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, a significant milestone worth celebrating. However, planning a graduation party can be overwhelming.
To host a memorable celebration for your graduate, consider these tips to help take the stress out of planning.
Set a Budget and Make a Guest List
When planning a graduation party, it’s important to start by setting a budget and creating a guest list.
Determine how much you’re willing to spend and allocate funds for different aspects, such as food, decorations and entertainment, which can help you stay organized and ensure you don’t overspend.
Next, create a guest list of family members, friends and classmates you want to invite. Consider the size of the venue and your budget when finalizing the guest list.
Choose the Perfect Theme
The theme of a graduation party can help set the tone and create a memorable experience for guests. When selecting a theme, consider the graduate’s interests, hobbies and future plans. For example, if he or she is going to college, have a college-themed party with decorations and activities related to the chosen university.
Other ideas include having guests bring items that represent memories with the graduate and creating a time capsule to be opened in the future or a travel theme with wanderlust-inspired decorations, food from different countries and activities that celebrate adventure.
Determine Decor
Personalize the party by incorporating elements unique to your graduate’s achievements and personality. Display diplomas, awards and photos throughout the venue. You can also create a photo collage or slideshow showcasing his or her journey from kindergarten to graduation. Remember to match the color scheme to the overall theme of the party and use lighting, such as string lights, candles or lanterns, to help set the right ambiance.
Organize Food and Drink Options
Food and drinks are an important aspect of any party. Based on your budget and the style or party, decide whether you want to have a sit-down dinner, buffet or finger foods. You can hire a caterer, ask friends and family to contribute dishes or prepare the food yourself if you enjoy cooking.
Don’t forget to have a variety of beverages available, including non-alcoholic options, and consider any dietary restrictions or preferences of your guests when planning the menu.
Get creative with your food and drinks by incorporating graduation-themed treats. For example, you can serve cupcakes decorated as graduation caps or cookies shaped like diplomas and create a signature drink that represents the graduate or his or her future plans. You can give it a fun name and serve it in personalized glasses.
Plan Entertainment and Activities
To keep guests entertained throughout the party, plan fun activities and entertainment. Consider hiring a DJ or creating a playlist of your graduate’s favorite songs to keep the energy up. You can also set up a dance floor or karaoke station for guests to enjoy. Also consider activities like a photo booth with props, trivia game about the graduate or memory jar where guests can write down their favorite memories with the graduate.
If your graduate has any specific hobbies or interests, try to include them in the entertainment. For example, if he or she loves sports, organize a friendly pickup game or set up a mini sports area for guests to enjoy.
Welcome, World Travelers! Rock n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets Opens May 26
by James Coulter
It’s time to warm the speakers. It’s time to test the mics. And it’s time to take a wild ride with The Muppets to their big concert.
Nearly two months after the iconic ride dropped the curtain on a final performance by Aerosmith, Rock n’ Roller Coaster at Disney Hollywood Studios is set to raise the curtain on its new act: The Electric Mayhem.
“With high-speed thrills, a pulse-pounding soundtrack, and a VIP list like no other, this reimagined attraction hits all the right notes,” as reported by Disney Park Blogs.
With its new storyline, G-Force Records has been brought under new management by The Muppets, with some help from Scooter’s uncle, real estate tycoon and owner of the Muppet Theatre, J.P. Grosse.
Guests will notice the difference as they make their way through the queue, with plenty of Muppet posters plastered all over the walls.
“And while you’re taking it all in, keep your eyes open. Sharp-eyed guests will spot celebrity cameos woven throughout the experience, starting in the queue and continuing all the way through the merch shop,” Disney Parks Blog explained.
These celebrity cameos include such big-name stars as Awkwafina, Danny Trejo, Darren Criss, John Stamos, Neil Patrick Harris, Travis Barker, Yvette Nicole Brown, Wayne Brady, and
“Weird Al” Yankovic.
Guests will then be able to meet the Electric Mayhem band members—Dr. Teeth, Animal, Floyd, Janice, Zoot, and Lips—as they jam out in the recording booth, along with some animatronic penguin sound technicians and Scooter. Everyone’s getting ready for the big show!
However, in a video call, Kermit points out one problem: their show is about to start soon…and it’s on the other side of town!
Fortunately, Muppet Labs own Dr. Bunsen Honeydew has a state-of-the-art solution: a super-powered vehicle called the Lengthy Immediate Motion Object (L.I.M.O.)!
Of course, what’s a wild ride without some wild tunes to play with it? And thankfully, the Electric Mayhem have plenty of wild tunes for this wild ride.
“The Electric Mayhem teamed up with some of rock’s biggest names to deliver a lineup of tracks designed to crank the adrenaline from the loading zone to the final brake run,” Disney Parks Blog wrote.
Here’s the attraction’s full song list:
· Song 2 – The Electric Mayhem · Born To Be Wild – The Electric Mayhem ft. Camilla the Chicken · Love Rollercoaster – The Electric Mayhem ft. Jennifer Hudson & Questlove · Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop) – The Electric Mayhem ft. Def Leppard · Walking on Sunshine – The Electric Mayhem ft. Kelly Clarkson
As Disney Parks Blog explains: “Each song brings its own energy, tempo, and attitude, creating a concert-style experience where the soundtrack doesn’t just play – it goes from zero to sixty in three… two… one!”
The Muppets are set to bring their signature music and mayhem to this iconic attraction, and the fun all starts when the ride re-opens on Tues. May 26, 2026.
The following info was released by Highlands County Sheriff’s Office:
“A 34-year-old Avon Park man has been charged with attempted murder in connection with a stabbing that took place outside of an Avon Park bar on May 14, 2026.
David J. Lozano was arrested today (May 19, 2026) and booked into the Highlands County Jail.
Detectives received conflicting statements about what led up to the stabbing outside a bar called Room 111, which is located at 901 W. Main St., on the night of the incident. Further investigation revealed that Lozano and the 24-year-old victim had been in an ongoing dispute and that the stabbing was not in self-defense.
Note: Not all arrests result in convictions. Everyone is considered innocent until proven guilty in court.”
More than half of adults and about 60% of children in the United States have unhealthy diets, which can contribute to higher rates of health factors such as high blood pressure and obesity, and lead directly to poor health outcomes including death from chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease.
These findings come from the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all, which published its “2026 Dietary Guidance to Improve Cardiovascular Health” in its peer-reviewed, flagship journal “Circulation” recommending Americans follow a lifelong healthy eating pattern that may reduce cardiovascular disease risk and improve quality of life based on the latest in evidence-based science.
The statement outlines nine key features of a heart-healthy dietary pattern:
• Adjust energy intake and expenditure to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight: Try to balance how much you eat with how active you are to reach and maintain a healthy body weight.
• Eat a variety of vegetables and fruits: Include different colors, textures and types of produce. Remember, even canned and frozen can be nutritious and affordable.
• Choose foods made mostly with whole grains: Foods such as whole-wheat bread, brown rice and oatmeal are typically better choices than refined grains including white bread or rice.
• Choose healthy sources of protein: Shift from meat to plant-based sources such as legumes, including beans, peas and lentils, along with nuts and seeds; regularly consume fish and seafood; select low-fat or fat-free dairy products; and, if red meat is desired, choose lean cuts, avoid processed forms and limit portion size.
• Choose sources of unsaturated fats: Replace saturated fats with healthy unsaturated fats, including those from nuts, seeds, avocados and nontropical plant oils.
• Choose minimally processed foods: Go with foods close to their natural state, with minimal added commercial ingredients, rather than those that are highly processed with additives.
• Minimize intake of added sugars: Limit the sugar-sweetened beverages you drink and the foods with added sugar you eat.
• Choose foods low in sodium and prepare foods with minimal or no salt: Be aware of hidden sources of sodium in prepared and packaged foods, and season food with healthier options such as herbs, spices or lemon instead of salt.
• If alcohol is not consumed, do not start; if alcohol is consumed, limit intake: Alcohol can increase your risk for high blood pressure and other health conditions, so if you don’t drink, don’t start.
“For healthy eating to be more attainable and sustainable, we recommend people focus on their overall eating pattern rather than specific nutrients or foods,” said Alice H. Lichtenstein, D.Sc., FAHA, volunteer chair of the scientific statement writing committee and senior scientist and leader of the Diet and Chronic Disease Prevention Directive at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University. “Every time you choose to make a swap for a healthier alternative, you’re making a step toward a healthier life.”
While the updated guidance is specifically designed to improve cardiovascular health, it’s generally consistent with dietary recommendations for other conditions like Type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, some cancers and brain health as well due to shared risk factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, excess weight and reduced kidney function.
“A healthy dietary pattern can support lifelong health and well-being beyond cardiovascular health,” Lichtenstein said.
To learn more about eating for heart and brain health, visit heart.org/healthydiet and talk to your health care provider about what will work best for you.
The No. 11 Florida State Seminoles (36–15, 17–10 ACC) entered their final regular-season home series against their longtime rival, the Miami Hurricanes (35–15, 15–12 ACC), looking to build momentum before postseason play. With both teams coming off conference series victories, the matchup carried significant implications for conference standings, postseason positioning, and in-state bragging rights.
Florida State entered the series following a road series win against Clemson, while Miami traveled to Tallahassee after securing a series victory over Louisville. The rivalry matchup brought the intensity and passion expected whenever the two programs meet.
Starting on the mound for Florida State is Junior left-hander Wes Mendes (9-3, 2.42 ERA) and he will toe the rubber against Miami senior lefty Rob Evans (9-3, 3.41 ERA).
To get the game going in the bottom of the second inning, sophomore Hunter Carns hit a home run to deep right field to give them Seminoles the early lead, making it a 1-0 ball game. The Seminoles did not do much after as Nathan Cmeyla walked and was later thrown out at second base on a fielder’s choice which was followed by Ben Barrett grounding out to short which resulted in a double play to end the inning.
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In the top of the fourth inning, Miami was able to respond as freshman Alonzo Alvarez hit a home run to deep center field, bringing in himself as well as Derek Williams and Alex Sosa making it a 3-1 ball game and giving Miami the lead. In the same inning Dylan Dubovik reached home on and RBI from Gabriel Milano making it a 4-1 game for Miami.
The Hurricanes’ offensive surge shifted momentum in their favor as they continued to apply pressure against the Seminoles’ pitching staff.
In the top of the seventh inning, the offensive performance for Miami continued as Derek Williams grounded into a double play but was able to bring in Fabio Peralta. In the same inning Alex Sosa singled into shallow right field bringing in Jake Ogden for the score, making it a 6-1 ballgame for Miami.
In the bottom of the eighth inning the Seminoles were able to close the gap when freshman John Stuetzer hit a home run to deep left field only to be followed by another homerun to deep right field by junior Brayden Dowd cutting the lead in half making it a 6-3 ball game.
In the bottom of the ninth inning for the Seminoles picked up where they left off and it started with a sacrifice fly out to deep center field from senior Carter Mculley bringing in Gabe Fraser for the score. This was then followed by a homerun to deep left field from Eli Putnam which brought in him and Ben Barrett evening the score making it a 6-6 ball game and giving the Seminoles life again.
Florida State’s defense held strong in the top of the 10th inning as reliever Chris Neir entered the game and retired Miami in order with a 1-2-3 inning, preserving the tie.
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With Florida State back on offense and the crowd back in it Florida State looked to capitalize on Miami’s late game misfortunes. It looked like a promising start for Florida State as Brody DeLamielleure singled to shallow left field. Once reaching first base, Brody DeLamielleure was replaced by Chase Williams to pinch run for him. On the very next play Chase Williams pulled Florida State even closer to victory as he advanced to second base on a wild pitch. At last Florida State could not capitalize as Hunter Carns Struck out, Chase Williams was caught stealing third base, and Nathan Cmeyla was caught out stealing at second base.
In the top of the 11th inning, Chris Neir once again delivered a strong performance, recording another 1-2-3 inning and giving Florida State another opportunity to secure the victory.
The bottom of the 11th inning began with growing anticipation from the home crowd. However, the Seminoles struggled to generate offense early in the frame. Gabe Fraser popped up on a bunt attempt for the first out of the inning. Ben Barrett followed with a single to shortstop, but Carter McCulley then flew out, leaving Florida State with two outs and still searching for the game-winning run.
Florida State entered the bottom of the 11th inning needing just one run to secure the victory, and the Seminoles delivered in dramatic fashion. Eli Putnam singled to shallow left field, advancing Ben Barrett from first to third base and loading the bases with two outs after John Stuetzer was hit by a pitch. Moments later, Brayden Dowd drew a walk, bringing Barrett home for the game-winning run and completing Florida State’s comeback victory.
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After the game me and other members of the media interviewed the players and coaches about the game. When I asked head coach Link Jarrett about his history and his involvement with the Florida State Vs. Miami series both as a player and coach, this was his response. “This is up there in the top and I have had some good ones to go to Omaha, and I remember some of those moments too, in a regular season game with what was at stake in this sort of rivalry it’s as good as I can recall.” Later in the interview I asked him on his conservative approach when it comes to pitch count and how much he uses certain pitchers from the bullpen and this was his response “No, were going to be smart but I have tried to get to this point in the season and I think all three of our starters who’ve logged a significant amount of innings, I think there all right were you want them to be.”
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After interviewing Link Jarrett, me and other members of the media interviewed the star of the game Eli Putnam who hit the game tying home run that kept Florida States hopes alive. When I asked Eli Putnam what the mindset in the dugout was like before he hit the game tying homerun, this was his response. “We had full faith in those last really two innings that were going to string some hits together put some runs up and it felt like once we got one everything was going to go from there.”
With the victory, Florida State improved its position heading into postseason play and now looks to secure the series win against Miami in the next matchup.
Florida State looks to win the series tomorrow when they face the Miami Hurricanes at 6:00 PM on Friday, May 15th. For Fridays Game for Florida State junior lefty Trey Beard (5-1, 5.12 ERA) will toe the rubber against Miami sophomore right-hander Lazaro Collera (3-2, 4.68 ERA).
Neurodivergent Diversion: Calvin, Hobbes, and Special Interests (SpIns)
by James Coulter
For ten years, Calvin and Hobbes captured the imagination of newspaper readers with its mix of childhood wonder and sharp insight into the thought processes of young children.
One classic strip does an excellent job of revealing the inner workings of a child’s mind, explaining how someone like young Calvin can, in fact, enjoy learning—even when it appears they don’t!
In that strip, Calvin’s dad questions his poor report card and asks why he struggles in school. Calvin insists he simply doesn’t like it. His dad pushes back, pointing out how Calvin loves learning about dinosaurs, reading every dinosaur book, and absorbing every fact.
Calvin clearly loves to learn, his father asserts, so why doesn’t he like school? Calvin answers, quite bluntly: “We don’t read about dinosaurs.”
That moment reveals something deeper, not just about Calvin, but about how many children—
especially children with Autism—engage with the world through their special interests.
What are Special Interest (SpIns)?
Everyone has a special interest of some kind, whether it’s a favorite show or movie, a genre of music, a hobby that fills their free time, or even a niche topic they enjoy exploring.
For people with Autism, though, special interests (SpIns) are more than a pastime. It’s a focus so absorbing that everything else can fade into the background. It can feel like a calling, even a core part of their identity. A special interest isn’t just something they enjoy: it becomes a defining piece of who they are.
As Wikipedia explains: “Special interests [in Autistic people]…are more intense than typical interests, such as hobbies, and may take up much of a person’s free time. A person with a special interest will often hyperfocus on their special interest for hours, want to learn as much as possible on the topic, collect related items, and incorporate their special interest into play and art.”
Take trains. Plenty of people without Autism like trains. But an Autistic person with a special interest in trains doesn’t simply “like” them. They devour books about trains, memorize technical details, watch hours of YouTube videos, collect and catalog models, visit museums and stations, and wear train‑themed clothing.
Prosper Health explains: “While neurotypical (NT) hobbies are usually casual, social, and flexible, autistic interests are less socially oriented and more all-consuming, frequently consuming significant time and money.”
In other words, someone without Autism may like trains, but someone with Autism becomes a person who loves trains. Their special interest isn’t just a hobby: it’s a passion, a lens for understanding the world, and often a meaningful part of their identity.
Special Interests vs. Hyperfixation
Special interests are often mistaken for hyperfixations. Autistic people can experience both — and the two can overlap — but they’re distinct traits with different roles in how an Autistic mind focuses and engages with the world.
A special interest is something that a person with Autism is interested in, often becoming a lifelong obsession; whereas a hyperfixation is something they are interested in for a moment.
Healthline explains the difference more clearly: “A special interest is a very focused interest in a particular topic,” while “hyperfixation is absorption in a task.”
“Typically, hyperfixation is dedicated to something you already find interesting or enjoyable,” Healthline explains. “You might increase your knowledge of the subject or improve your performance during hyperfixation. This means that special interests and hyperfixation could happen at the same time, even though they are not the same thing.”
In other words, while hyperfixations can often grow into special interests, and people with Autism can often find themselves hyperfixated on their special interest, not every special interest is a hyperfixation and vice versa.
When Special Interests Become Problematic
Special interests are quite common in people with Autism. As Wikipedia explains, “Approximately 75% to 95% of autistic individuals develop intense, specialized interests.”
While these special interests may be as healthy as any other ordinary interest or hobby among people without Autism, as with many Autistic traits, special interests can often pose challenges with an Autistic person’s health, well-being, or relationships.
People with Autism can often hyperfocus on their special interests almost to the point of neglecting their personal care, school, or daily responsibilities. Such intense focus can prove disruptive, even resulting in meltdowns (especially among very young children) when transitioning between activities or being forced to stop.
How to Help Your Child Manage Special Interests
Fortunately, for parents and caregivers, special interests are easy to navigate when given proper care and attention. Arizona Autism United offers five practical strategies:
1. Recognizing and Acknowledging Your Child’s Special Interests. Begin by genuinely noticing what captivates your child. Instead of brushing off their enthusiasm as “just a phase,” show curiosity. Ask them what they like about it, let them teach you something, or spend a few minutes watching a related video together. This kind of engagement communicates acceptance and helps your child feel understood.
2. Incorporating Interests into Daily Routines and Activities. Special interests can be woven into everyday life. If your child loves trains, you might count toy train cars during a morning routine, read a train-themed book before bed, or use train stickers as part of a visual schedule. Integrating interests into daily routines helps maintain engagement and makes learning feel familiar and fun.
3. Balancing Indulgence with Setting Limits. Setting boundaries helps your child understand when it’s appropriate to dive in and when it’s time to shift gears. For example, you might allow 30 minutes of talking about or engaging with their interest after school, but explain that during dinner or homework time, the focus needs to be elsewhere. Clear, predictable limits help children enjoy their interests without becoming overwhelmed by them.
4. Supporting Social Skills Development While Respecting Interests. Special interests can be a powerful tool for social growth. If your child loves trains, consider enrolling them in a model train club. If they’re fascinated by animals, a local nature group or library program might offer opportunities. Overall, focus on helping them share their interests in ways that feel comfortable and respectful for everyone involved.
5. Seeking Professional Guidance When Necessary. If a special interest begins to interfere with daily functioning, consider consulting a therapist, educator, or autism specialist. Professionals can help identify whether the interest is serving as a coping mechanism, a communication tool, or a source of stress, and they can offer personalized strategies to restore balance.
Overall, special interests aren’t obstacles so much as natural expressions of how people with Autism think, learn, and make sense of the world. With the right support, those interests can become powerful tools for growth.
Helping a child with Autism build skills beyond their favorite topic is valuable, but their passions don’t have to limit them—far from it. Instead of becoming “Calvin,” boxed into learning only what fascinates them, their interests can become the doorway that helps them learn everything else.
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned pursuant to the fictitious name statutes 865.09 Florida statues will register with the division of corporations of the state of Florida upon receipt of proof of publication of this notice the fictitious name to Old Florida Revival Co. Located in Polk County, Florida that parties interested in said business enterprises are as follows Names or officers Laura Oak and Arne Oak.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit investigated a two-vehicle crash early this morning in Davenport that resulted in two deaths.
Preliminary investigation revealed that a Genesis G70 being driven by a 21-year-old Summerfield , FL man was heading southbound on U.S. Hwy 27 approaching a solid red light near California Blvd.
when it struck a Ford Explorer that was stopped at the light, causing fatal injures to the driver of the Genesis. He was not wearing a seat belt. His passenger, a 30-year-old Davenport woman, was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries; she succumbed to those injuries at the hospital.
The driver of the Explorer, a 31-year-old Davenport man, suffered serious injuries and was transported to a hospital; he is expected to recover.
The crash occurred around 3:50 a.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The investigation is ongoing, but no charges are anticipated.
A road rage incident along Lake Hatchineha Road between Haines City and Poinciana that investigators say ended with gunfire into another vehicle has now resulted in a prison sentence, with the suspect’s own 911 call and dash camera footage playing a major role in the case.
Court records show Joseph Martinez accepted a plea deal in connection to the June 2025 incident near the Lake Hatchineha Road and Smith Road area, in East Polk County.
Joseph Martinez
Martinez was originally charged with attempted second-degree murder with a firearm after deputies alleged he fired into another occupied vehicle during the confrontation.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrest affidavit, tensions escalated after another driver allegedly tailgated Martinez while both vehicles were traveling eastbound toward Poinciana.
Investigators said the victim eventually passed Martinez and brake-checked his vehicle before Martinez attempted to pass the other driver. During that maneuver, deputies say a firearm discharged from Martinez’s vehicle, striking the victim’s car and shattering a passenger-side window.
The victim later reported hearing another loud bang moments later before seeing the driver’s side window shatter as well.
But according to investigators, one of the biggest pieces of evidence in the case came directly from Martinez himself.
Deputies say Martinez immediately pulled over after the incident and called 911. During the investigation, Martinez also voluntarily handed over dash camera footage from inside his vehicle.
According to the affidavit, detectives later reviewed the video and identified audio that appeared consistent with a firearm discharging during the confrontation.
Investigators also located damage on the victim’s vehicle that they said was consistent with a projectile strike, including damage to the driver’s side door and what appeared to be a lodged projectile inside the seat. The affidavit stated the damage appeared consistent with a 9mm round.
Despite originally facing an attempted second-degree murder charge carrying a possible sentence of up to 15 years in prison, court records show Martinez ultimately entered a negotiated plea to a reduced charge of discharging a firearm from a vehicle.
As part of the plea agreement filed May 15, 2026, Martinez was adjudicated guilty and sentenced to 36 months in state prison followed by 60 months of probation.
Court records also prohibit Martinez from possessing firearms, weapons, or ammunition while on probation and require him to have no contact with the victim.
