Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025 Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Location: RP Funding Center, Lakeland, FL
A fun-filled afternoon for the whole family!
Here’s What’s in Store:
-Live music to keep the energy high -Interactive activities for kids of all ages -A variety of tasty food vendors to satisfy every craving -Games, surprises, and treats for the little ones -Local vendors, facility tours, and exciting giveaways for the grown-ups
Whether you’re discovering the RP Funding Center for the first time or just looking for a fun family outing, this event is the perfect way to experience everything we have to offer!
With shattered hearts and immeasurable sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved son, baby brother, grandson, great grandson, nephew, cousin, friend and so much more. Jaxon Blake Miller, who left this world on August 20, 2025, at just six months old. Though his time with us was far too brief, the love he brought into our lives will echo through our hearts forever.
Born on February 15, 2025, Jaxon entered the world with a quiet strength and a light that touched everyone around him. In just a few precious months, he taught us the true meaning of unconditional love, hope, and joy. His soft coos, gentle gaze, and sweet smile brought comfort and happiness beyond measure.
Jaxon was the cherished and adored son of Jaiden Lawson and Blake Miller, who will carry his memory in their hearts every single day. From the moment they laid eyes on him, their world changed forever. He was and will always be one of their greatest blessings.
He was most deeply loved by his big brother, Jase Miller, who welcomed him with pride and pure love. The bond they shared in their short time together was unbreakable and will remain a light in Jase’s heart forever.
Jaxon was also deeply loved by his grandparents, great grandparents, uncle, aunts, cousins, and many others — each of whom held a special place in his life and will forever hold him in theirs. His presence, though fleeting, brought unity, warmth, and a deeper sense of purpose to all who loved him.
Jaxon’s life, though short, was profoundly meaningful. He reminded us that every moment matters, that love knows no bounds, and that even the smallest soul can leave the deepest imprint.
A funeral service was held earlier this week at Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 328 S Ingraham Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801. Surrounded by those who love him.
Our sweet Jaxon — you were our miracle, our sunshine, our angel.
You will forever be missed, forever remembered, and forever loved.
> “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge.”
Frances Ballou McCreight Schroter Henry passed away August 22, 2025, at the age of 98.
Fran was born on September 5, 1926, in Tampa, Florida to John Shannon McCreight and Emily Marie McBride and grew up in Lakeland, Florida. After high school she signed up as a cadet nurse in the governmental WW II nursing program at Charlotte Memorial Hospital, earning her RN degree. Later, Fran achieved her AA from Polk Community College and her BS in education from Florida Southern College.
After the war, Fran married her high school sweetheart, Bill Schroter, and settled down in Lakeland. Soon their home was filled with the laughter and joy of four children: Linda, Donna, Shannon, and Francie. Then a godchild, Marcelle, joined the family.
Fran was a dedicated wife and mother but still found the time to be involved in her church. She was a charter member of St. David’s Episcopal Church, serving on the Alter Guild, in the Daughters of the King ministry, teaching Sunday School, and as a member of the Vestry.
Helping others was always a priority. She used her nursing skills working in hospitals and hospice, as well as caring for her daughters Donna and Marcelle in their long battles with cancer.
Fran had a heart for helping those in need: food and sleeping bags for the homeless, sewing for foster children and orphans, a loved one in prison, the lonely neighbor.
Fran was preceded in death by husbands, Bill Schroter and Bert Henry, as well as daughters, Donna Jablon and Marcelle Boudet.
She is survived by daughter, Linda Paris and her husband Don, son Shannon Schroter and his wife Mary, and daughter Francie Monroe and her husband, Steve.
Fran had seven grandchildren: Laura Vance and her husband Jamey; Christy Paris; Sage Schroter; Mathea McKinley and her husband Kelley; Marc Monroe and his wife Beth; Miles Monroe and his wife Claire; Megan Ross and her husband Chris.
Her great-grandchildren are Bradley and Abigail Vance, Brody and Leilani McKinley, Madison, Marc Jr, Mason, and Mary Monroe, Jade Ross, and Graham Monroe.
Her stepsons are Eric Henry and his wife Carol, Scott Henry and his wife Debbie, Kurt Henry and his wife Connie, and Craig Henry, as well as their children, and grandchildren.
Many people were enriched by knowing Fran. She was a joyful lady, full of gratitude and lovingkindness, always smiling! She loved her Savior and cherished being His servant. She began her day saying, “This is a day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!” She will be greatly missed.
Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Cypress Ridge Church in Winter Haven, Florida.
Come celebrate with us! The city is proud to host its annual Hispanic Heritage Festival on October 4th, 2025 from 10-1:00 at Spence Park. It will be a day of food, music, and fun!
1100 NE 1st St
This year’s event includes:
-a free heart-pounding Zumba class from 10am – 11:00am led by Ana Karen! -Bi-lingual story time with Mirabel at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. -Lotería game with prizes throughout the event -Free mechanical bull rides -Delicious food -Children’s crafts -Vendors
and more!
We want to thank our presenting sponsor, Lopez and Humphries, LLC. A portion of vendor proceeds will benefit Mulberry’s RCMA!
Vendor applications are available here https://www.cityofmulberryfl.org/city-programs/page/hispanic-heritage-festival-vendor-form
¡Ven a celebrar con nosotros! La ciudad se enorgullece de ser la sede anual de su Festival de la Herencia Hispana el 4 de octubre de 2025 en el Parque Spence. ¡Será un día de comida, música y diversión! El evento de este año incluye:
¡Una emocionante clase de Zumba gratuita de 10:00 a. m. a 11:00 a. m. dirigida por Ana Karen!
Cuentos bilingües con Mirabel a las 11:30 a. m. y a las 12:30 p. m.
Juego de lotería con premios durante todo el evento
Paseos gratis en toro mecánico
Comida deliciosa
Manualidades infantiles
Vendedores
¡Y mucho más! Queremos agradecer a nuestro patrocinador principal, Lopez and Humphries, LLC. Una parte de las ganancias de los vendedores se destinará a la RCMA de Mulberry.
In honor of National Teddy Bear Day, the Lake Alfred Public Library is inviting children and their beloved stuffed animals to a heartwarming event — the Teddy Bear Sleepover!
Join the fun on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, from 4:00 to 4:30 pm for a special craft time where kids can create with their favorite teddy bear or stuffed friend. After craft time, the stuffed animals will stay overnight at the library for a whimsical adventure all their own!
Kids can return the next day to pick up their furry friends and discover what fun they had while the library was closed — expect plenty of surprises and smiles!
Event Location: Lake Alfred Public Library 245 N. Seminole Ave, Lake Alfred, FL
Craft Time: Tuesday, September 9, 2025 4:00 – 4:30 PM
Can’t make it at 4 PM? No problem! Stuffed animals can still join the sleepover! Simply drop them off with the library staff anytime during the day on September 9 to be part of the overnight fun.
Don’t miss this cozy, creative celebration perfect for children of all ages and their cuddly companions. It’s a delightful way to foster imagination, encourage reading, and make cherished memories — all in the spirit of National Teddy Bear Day!
Polk County Sheriff’s undercover detectives conducted an investigation into those who possess and operate illegal gambling machines in stores throughout the county during “Operation Bad Odds,” resulting in 28 arrests and the confiscating of 48 illegal gambling machines. We were assisted in our efforts by State of Florida Gaming Control Commission and the Auburndale Police Department due to two of the establishments being within their city (the others were in the unincorporated areas of the county).
The investigation began with a tip regarding gambling machines at A-1 Discount Beverage and Discount & Deli, both on Pilaklakaha Avenue in Auburndale. Undercover detectives went to both places and found the machines concealed in back rooms. Detectives placed bets and won money – the winnings were given to them by the store clerks, and the money was handed over concealed in bankers’ bags.
During the investigation, 11 stores were identified, and on September 3, 2025, search warrants were served at all 11 stores; a 12th location was identified during the serving of a search warrant. From the 12 locations, 28 total people were arrested, 48 gambling machines and two drink coolers were confiscated, and two firearms and $100,971 in U.S. currency were seized. Five suspects are in the country illegally.
“People who gamble on machines like the ones we confiscated are being ripped off. These machines are not programmed for fair play. And the odds are, stores who engage in illegal gambling are at a higher risk of being robbed due to the cash they have on hand. It’s a safe bet that you’re going to jail if you illegally gamble or provide the machines to enable those to illegally gamble.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Explanation of charges:
FSS 849.01 Keeping a gambling house (M1)
FSS 849.231 Possessing slot machine (M2)
FSS 849.09 (1) (B) Disposing of money by lottery (F3)
Here are the stores and suspects, in no particular order:
A-1 Discount Beverage, 219 Piliaklakaha Avenue, Auburndale: Store clerk Mayurkumar Jani (DOB 6/9/1981) was arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house (F3). He is in the country illegally, and his charge is enhanced. He is on an ICE hold in the Polk County Jail. Patel Kaushikkumar (DOB 5/30/1982) was arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house (M1).
Discount & Deli – 602 Pilaklakaha Avenue, Auburndale: Sunil Thachukunnel John (DOB 5/20/1978) and Narayana Sarojini (DOB 8/19/1982) were arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house (M1), 4 counts possessing slot machine (M2), and disposing money by lottery (F3).
Chevron gas station – 123 Magnolia Avenue, Auburndale: Co-manager Mohammed Tanin Hossin (DOB 6/15/1994) was arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house, 3 counts keeping slot machine, 2 counts disposing money by lottery, and an out-of-county warrant. He is in the country illegally, and his charges are enhanced. He has an active warrant from Hillsborough County for failure to appear (no valid DL). He is on an ICE hold in the Polk County Jail. Nasrin Chowdhury (DOB 1/1/1985) was arrested and charged with 3 counts possessing slot machine, keeping gambling house, and 2 counts disposing money by lottery.
Citgo – 2101 K-Ville Avenue, Auburndale: Suman Sarker (DOB 3/9/1983) and Joan Kameka (DOB 3/4/1957) were arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house, 3 counts possessing slot machine, and 2 counts disposing money by lottery. Marie Foster (DOB 11/28/1969) was arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house, 3 counts possessing slot machine, 2 counts disposing money by lottery, possession of cocaine, and possession of paraphernalia.
Holy Land – 329 26th Street SW, Winter Haven: Mohammed Solaiman (DOB 5/18/1984) and MD Abu Musa (DOB 8/10/1966) were arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house, 5 counts possessing slot machine, and disposing money by lottery. Solaiman was additionally charged with possession of cannabis resin.
7 Star Deli and Lotto – 6940 Old Highway 37, Bradley Junction: MD Jahangir Alam (DOB 8/5/1980) was arrested and charged with possessing slot machine and keeping a gambling house, and Connie Albright (DOB 10/11/1957) was arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house.
This store had the largest amount of cash associated with the gambling machines seized, $36,994.
Placita Mexico – 1003 S. Rifle Range Rd, Wahneta: Jose Alberto Peralta (DOB 12/30/1964) was arrested and charged with keeping a gambling house, possessing slot machine, and disposing money by lottery.
Tienda Guatemala – 3172 Rifle Range Rd, Wahneta: Store owner Maria Pedro (DOB 10/10/1982), and Jaquelyne Sanchez-Ramirez (DOB 6/30/1989) were arrested. Maria was charged with 9 counts keeping slot machine and one count keeping a gambling house, and Jaquelyne was charged with keeping a gambling house.
While detectives were at this locating, the gambling machine supplier Kenneth Halstead (DOB 6/19/1962), showed up. He was taken into custody and charged with 9 counts possessing slot machine.
Detectives interviewed Maria and learned gambling machines were also at their other store located in north Lakeland. They responded there:
Tienda Guatemala – 450 N. Wabash Ave, Lakeland: Maria’s husband Mario Vargas Garcia (DOB 11/17/1986) was arrested and charged with keeping slot machine, possessing slot machine, and tampering with evidence due to the fact that he had removed the machines before detectives arrived. He is in the country illegally from Guatemala, and his charges are enhanced. He is on an ICE hold in the Polk County Jail.
Love’s Truck Stop – 17309 US Hwy 27, Lake Wales: Three machines were seized, and the investigation is ongoing.
Fonda Rodriguez – 1100 US Hwy 17-92, Haines City: Jesus Abraham-Martinez (DOB 4/15/1998) and Ricardo Valencia-Pacheco (DOB 10/2/1984) were actively gambling when detectives arrived, and both were found to be in the country illegally. They were taken into custody and charged with engaging in gambling (M1), and are on ICE holds in the Polk County Jail. Jose Rodriguez (DOB 10/1/1958) and Araceli Hernandez (DOB 8/14/1981) were charged with keeping a gambling house, possessing slot machine, and disposing of money by lottery. Maribel Hernandez (DOB 10/6/2000) and Lisbeth Guerrero (DOB 2/6/1999) were charged with keeping a gambling house, and possessing slot machine. Sheila Willingham(DOB 10/17/1964) was arrested and charged with engaging in gambling.
El Video Latino – 1719 E. Hinson Avenue, Haines City: Salvador Calderon-Gamez (DOB 6/2/1971) and Aaron Calderon (DOB 12/8/2000) were arrested and charged withkeeping a gambling house, possessing slot machine, and disposing of money by lottery. Elbin Objio-Ramirez (DOB 3/24/1958) was arrested and charged with engaging in gambling.
Mark your calendars for October 4th and head to the Tom Fellows Community Center from 3–9 PM for an evening filled with global flavors, lively entertainment, and family-friendly fun!
Enjoy a dynamic lineup of live performances featuring Tropical Latin Group, Pleneros de la Central, Mariachi Nuevo Guadalajara, and The Salsumba Orchestra — all in one exciting night.
Explore cultural vendors, savor delicious food, and let the kids play in the dedicated kids zone — there’s something for everyone!
Location: Tom Fellows Community Center 207 North Blvd. W, Davenport, FL 33837
Free Admission! Come experience the music, tastes, and traditions from cultures around the world — all right here in Davenport!
When hurricanes strike, preparation can save lives. The American Red Cross is hosting a free hurricane preparedness program at Studio 37 on Friday, September 5th from 1:00-2:00 p.m.
This informative event will cover understanding risks, building a disaster supply kit, staying informed, and recovering after a natural disaster.
This free event is open to all and no registration is required. The event aims to empower the community with life-saving knowledge.
Event location: 400 N Church Ave, Mulberry, FL 33860. Presented by the City of Mulberry, FL Government and Studio 37, this event is an important step in staying safe this hurricane season.
Source City of Mulberry, FL Government and Studio 37
Speed Humps Approved for Roads in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Mulberry
by James Coulter
Fifteen traffic-calming devices have been approved for installation on three county roads in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Mulberry.
At their regular meeting on Tues. Sept. 2, Polk County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve three ordinances on the installation of traffic-calming devices, or speed humps.
The first ordinance approves two humps to be installed on Wheeler Road near Lakeland, which will cost an estimated cost of $10,000.
The second ordinance approves four humps to be installed on Avenue U Northwest near Winter Haven, which will cost an estimated $20,000.
The third ordinance approves the installation of nine humps on Dean Street near Mulberry for an estimated cost of $45,000.
In all three instances, an area resident had requested the County for the installation of these traffic-calming devices, and traffic studies conducted by county staff had determined that these roads met the required criteria based on traffic and speed volume.
David Gilvers, the resident who approached the County with the request for Dean Street, had lived along that street for 35 years. He mentioned how many vehicles, especially semi-trucks, used that road as a shortcut.
“The traffic is horrendous there,” he said. “I have called the highway patrol, but they say they cannot do anything.”
Jonathan Bass has lived on the street for eight years. He and his wife purchased their first house there. Sitting on the porch, he appreciates everything that drew him to that community, both the neighborhood children and the local wildlife.
“But as you sit there, you will be interrupted by large trucks flying down that road,” he said. “It is a nice way to get around intersections, but once it starts putting folks in danger is where I have an issue with it.”
Another resident, James Collins, has lived in the community with his wife for 30 years and at the same address for nine years. He noted how many vehicles would speed along the road early in the morning and later in the afternoon to get onto a nearby highway.
Yet another resident, Ashley Prevatail, supported the installation of the traffic calming devices but asked why similar devices could not also be installed on a nearby road, Kids School Road, which experienced similar traffic and speeding problems. She also mentioned how a nearby bridge developed cracks in its infrastructure.
“The traffic is ridiculous,” she said. “It has been an ongoing problem all my life.”
Commissioner Bill Braswell requested that county staff investigate installing calming devices on Kids School Road and inspecting the nearby bridge for deficiencies.
The Florida State community had been eagerly awaiting the season opener against #8 Alabama, a chance to turn the page on a painful chapter in the university’s history.
After a 2-10 football season, a devastating hurricane that destroyed a campus landmark, and the trauma of a school shooting, students and fans alike were desperate for a reason to believe again.
On August 30th, they got exactly that, as the Seminoles shocked the college football world with a 31-17 upset over the Crimson Tide at Doak Campbell Stadium.
Final Score 31 to 17
The buildup to the game was electric. On Friday night, College Town hosted the beloved Friday Night Block Party, the official Florida State tailgate event featuring live music, local vendors, and a lively atmosphere. It’s a tradition before every home game, and this time, the energy was off the charts.
Adding to the excitement was the annual Campus Crawl, a cherished tradition held the night before the first home game. The Marching Chiefs, Florida State’s renowned band, marched across campus playing iconic FSU fight songs, rallying the student body and reigniting school spirit.
FSU Marching Band
The day of the game was special, as there were tailgates going on all around the stadium. College football was in the air, and you could feel that it was going to be a special day in Tallahassee.
tailgating
The time had finally come. The stadium was packed, and the energy was buzzing in Doak Campbell Stadium as the wait was finally over — football had made its way back into Doak.
The ball was kicked off, and the tone was set early by Alabama as they got the first score of the game on a touchdown pass from quarterback Ty Simpson to Josh Cuevas.
The celebration was short-lived, though, as Florida State drove down the field to even the score 7-7 on a 9-yard run by quarterback Tommy Castellanos.
After the end of the first quarter, the game was controlled by Florida State. The Seminoles went on to score three more touchdowns and handed Alabama their first season-opening loss since 2001, when they lost to UCLA 20-17.
The Seminoles didn’t just win — they lit up the stat sheet with:
20 first downs
382 total yards
230 rushing yards
Coming into the game with just an 8.9% chance to win, the Seminoles shocked analysts, fans, and even themselves delivering one of the most memorable victories in program history.
When the final whistle blew and the scoreboard read 31-17, pure chaos erupted. Students leapt over walls, fans stormed the field, and Doak Campbell transformed into a sea of jubilation.
For many students, this wasn’t just a football game it was a long-overdue moment of joy.
After everything the Florida State community endured over the past year, the victory over Alabama was more than a win. It was a statement of resilience, unity, and hope for the future.
