Tomorrow, Davenport comes together to celebrate the cultures, music, food, and community spirit that make our city special.
Join us for the Multicultural Family Fest on Saturday, October 3, from 3–9 p.m. at the Tom Fellows Community Center, 207 North Blvd. W. in Davenport.
Enjoy live music, explore food and vendors, and bring the family for the Kids Zone. This is an opportunity to connect with neighbors, experience a variety of cultural traditions, and make lasting memories right here in Davenport. We look forward to celebrating with you!
After an exhaustive investigation in which detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office identified and interviewed more than 100 people, two men have been arrested and charged for the shooting of four people at the Lake Wales Mud Hole on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
PCSO deputies responded at around 12:18 am that day, after multiple people were reportedly shot at the property on Alturas Babson Park Cut-Off Road, west of US 27. Approximately 150 to 300 people had attended the party that had been advertised on social media as a gathering with, “Good vibes, good people, and no drama.”
An 18-year-old female from Lakeland who was still at the scene when deputies arrived had suffered a gunshot wound to her abdomen and was transported to a local hospital by ambulance where she remains in stable condition.
Three other victims were taken to hospitals by friends prior to deputies’ arrival. Those victims were:
A 20-year-old female from Lake Wales (gunshot wound on right thigh)
A 19-year-old male from Lakeland (gunshot wound to left arm)
A 21-year-old female from Eagle Lake (gunshot wound to left foot)
Detectives conducted many interviews of witnesses at the scene but also had to identify and locate additional witnesses over the following days as the investigation continued.
From the many interviews, two suspects were identified and on Thursday, October 1, 2026, both were arrested and taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center.
“This was an incredibly dangerous thing for young people to do and it’s a miracle nobody was killed. I can’t tell you just how proud I am of everyone who worked on this investigation. We tapped into a lot of resources to investigate this case thoroughly, and to get it solved quickly. Two people have been charged, but the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are possible.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
20-year-old Richard William Fante of Lakeland and 19-year-old Cordae DeShawn Hammonds of Avon Park were both charged with Attempted 2ndDegree Murder (4-counts, F1) and Culpable Negligence (62-counts, M2).
New Playground Planned for Kiwanis Park in Lake Wales by James Coulter
Big flowers to hop across like stepping stones. A rope net to climb like a spider. A spinning tire swing that whirls like a carousel. And beneath it all, a soft play surface made from recycled plastic.
These are just a few of the nature‑inspired features planned for the new playground coming to Kiwanis Park in Lake Wales.
During their work session on Wed., Sept. 17, 2026, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed two items tied to the project.
The first item authorizes the demolition of the existing playground and site preparation, and the other approves the purchase and installation of new equipment.
The demolition and prep work is estimated at $160,000, while the new equipment will cost $692,000, bringing the total project cost to roughly $852,000.
The current playground has reached the end of its useful life and will be removed to make way for a fully ADA‑accessible play area and additional park amenities, according to Parks and Recreation Director Stephanie‑Grace Lutton.
The new playground was designed in partnership with GameTime and Catalyst Design, with an aesthetic meant to complement both Kiwanis Park’s long‑term vision and the city’s “City in a Garden” identity.
Lutton said the design team focused on two priorities from the outset: accessibility for all abilities and a nature‑themed look and feel.
“We went into the first meeting with two things in mind: it needs to be for all abilities, and we wanted the ‘City in a Garden’ nature feel,” Lutton said. “I believe we have done well with that.”
Nature‑inspired elements include a spider‑web climbing net, a tree‑like climbing structure, flower‑petal stepping stools, three slides, and a unique spinning tire swing.
The playground is one component of a larger expansion and renovation of Kiwanis Park, which currently features a play area, restrooms, two picnic pavilions, a baseball field and a skate park.
The renovations were prompted by the activation of a grant‑funded loop trail that will encircle the park. Once complete, the park will include the new playground, a new restroom facility, and smaller picnic pavilions, reducing overall seating capacity but expanding open green space.
Although the sports fields will be removed, Lutton assured commissioners that the redesigned park and trail will offer flexible space for a wide range of activities.
Design plans also reserve space for a future splash pad, an amenity residents have frequently requested. Lutton said staff is actively exploring options to incorporate one into the park.
Looking for live music this weekend? There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy local musicians and live entertainment around the Winter Haven area, with performances Thursday through Sunday.
Thursday, October 1
Tanner’s Lakeside will have Tony Knight performing from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Cypresswood Pub will feature Micah Madore from 6 to 9 p.m.
Friday, October 2
Twizted October will perform at Out N About from 8 p.m. to midnight.
TMike & Duke Burr will provide music during Meals on Wheels’ 19th Annual Dinner and “Night of Pirates” Fundraiser at Nora Mayo Hall from 6 to 9 p.m.
At Tanner’s Lakeside, Van Haven will perform from 4 to 7 p.m.
Cypresswood Pub will feature Cory Greenway from 6 to 9 p.m.
Saturday, October 3
B.Haven will perform at the City of Davenport Multicultural Event from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
At Tanner’s Lakeside, music will be part of the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation fundraiser. See the event flyer for additional details.
Cypresswood Pub will have Casey Howell performing from 4 to 7 p.m.
Sunday, October 4
Twizted will close out the weekend at Caribbean Bay, performing from 3 to 7 p.m.
Whether you’re looking for an afternoon performance or somewhere to enjoy live music in the evening, there are several local options to choose from this weekend.
Want Your Music Featured?
Musicians performing in the Winter Haven area can email [email protected] to be included in a future live music roundup. Please include “LIVE MUSIC” in the subject line.
CRIME: THEFT & CREDIT CARD FRAUD CRIME SCENE: POSNER PARK, DAVENPORT POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE CASE 26-40392
On September 28, 2026, the victim’s wallet was stolen while it was not in his possession at a business on Posner Blvd. in Davenport.
Within the wallet was $470 in cash and six credit and debit cards.
A $3850 fraudulent transaction was attempted at the Best Buy store in Posner Park with one of the stolen credit cards. The unknown man in these photos is the suspect who attempted the transaction.
If anyone has any information regarding this case, please contact Deputy Roldan at 863-236-3900 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:
Come join us for the official ribbon cutting of the Carillon Bell Tower! Friday, October 16th, at 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm in South Central Park (400 Central Ave W, Winter Haven). We hope to see you there!
The Carillon was donated by Mr. Thomas Oldt as “a tangible means of expressing a lifetime’s worth of gratitude to a nurturing community and a way of honoring the memory” of the Oldt Family. It includes bronze bells which were cast in the Netherlands and is one note shy of a 2-octave chromatic scale. The Carillon is programmed to play music several times a day.
For 50 years, Bartow Christian Books & Gifts has been more than a bookstore. It has been a place where people have found books, gifts, encouragement, a listening ear and, most importantly to owners Bo and Sandy, a place where they could serve God by serving others.
On Thursday, October 1, the Bartow business will celebrate five decades at 326 East Main Street, marking 50 years of faith, family, friendship and service to the community.
For Sandy, the story of how it all began is one she believes was directly inspired by the Lord.
She remembers Bo coming home one day and saying, “I’m depressed.”
Her first thought?
“Who isn’t? It’s Monday.”
Their son was just 2 years old at the time.
Sandy said she told Bo, “OK, so make a change.” She initially thought perhaps he wanted to go into ministry. Bo left the room, then came back and told her:
“I want to open a Christian bookstore.”
Sandy said there was no elaborate business plan or years of experience behind the idea. The inspiration simply came to Bo.
“He got up, walked out, walked back in and knew what he wanted,” she recalled.
The couple knew virtually nothing about running a bookstore.
“We had no store, no money, no knowledge,” Sandy said.
But they believed God was opening the doors.
“I truly believe that God put this in Bo’s mind/heart on a Monday afternoon after work in July of 1976,” Sandy said.
And, according to Sandy, every door seemed to open.
They quickly learned how to order books and gifts, with sales representatives from various companies helping them along the way. One woman even taught Sandy how to think about displaying gifts.
Sandy also took a job teaching 2-year-olds at First Methodist Preschool, which helped provide for their personal finances rather than requiring them to take money from the new business.
“God had it all planned,” she said.
Service became their foundation
Before the store even opened, Bo established what would become the foundation of their business.
“The only thing we have to sell that is different is service and we will live by that.”
That philosophy has remained with them for five decades.
They also quickly learned another important rule during their first week:
“What is said in here, stays in Here!”
Over the years, that commitment has allowed Bartow Christian Books & Gifts to become a place where people could come not only to shop, but to talk.
Sandy said there are far too many memories to list, but some of the most meaningful have involved people who came through the doors simply needing someone to listen.
There have been opportunities to celebrate special occasions with customers, help people learn more about the Bible, share their faith and encourage people through difficult moments.
“Every day is truly a gift from God!” Sandy said.
That same spirit of service extends to customers traveling from other towns. If someone calls to say they are running late while driving to the store, Bo and Sandy will stay if they are able. If they have an obligation and must leave, Sandy said they are simply honest about it.
A love story of its own
The 50th anniversary isn’t only a celebration of the bookstore. It is also a celebration of Bo and Sandy’s life together.
The couple met and decided to get married within three hours.
They ultimately waited five months to marry because, as Sandy put it, “our folks were a mite shook.”
But after all these years, Sandy says being together has never been a problem.
In fact, she described their relationship in one particularly beautiful way:
“No matter what happened the day before, every morning I would wake up and fall toe curling in love again.”
Their love and partnership carried into their business as well. The two spent their days working together and serving others, and retirement simply never became a priority.
“We were having so much fun we just never thought about retirement,” Sandy said. “The joy of serving Him each day as we served others just kept us going!”
50 years of blessings
Sandy said the couple has been “greatly honored” by the upcoming celebration, which was started by their granddaughter in honor of their 60th wedding anniversary.
As they look back on the journey, Sandy said the gratitude is overwhelming.
“Look up in amazement and grateful to God that we are still able to serve Him each day as we serve others,” she said.
After 50 years, their approach hasn’t changed much.
“We’ll just keep on keeping on till God lets us know its time to quit.”
Come celebrate
Bartow Christian Books & Gifts will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Thursday, October 1, with store hours from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The celebration will include signature cupcakes provided by Cookie Jar Bakeshop while supplies last, a $50 gift certificate giveaway, and other surprises from close friends, family and the Bartow Chamber of Commerce.
The store is located at:
Bartow Christian Books & Gifts
326 East Main Street
Bartow, FL 33830
863-533-2991
Regular hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
For Bo and Sandy, 50 years in business is ultimately about much more than a milestone.
It is about the people they’ve met, the lives they’ve touched, the faith they’ve shared and the opportunity to wake up each day and continue serving.
And their message to those who have supported them throughout the years is simple:
“Thank you so very much. And we sincerely mean it when we say God Bless you, have a wonderful day!”
5th Annual Saving Lives Matter Fundraiser Being Hosted at Tanner’s Lakeside on Sat. Oct. 3 by James Coulter
Five years ago, her fiancé passed away suddenly from cardiac arrest. In the aftermath of that loss, she turned grief into action, launching a mission that has since placed over 100 AEDs across the county.
Now, Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation is gearing up for its fifth annual Saving Lives Matter fundraiser, a community event dedicated to expanding access to emergency equipment and preventing families from experiencing the same devastating loss.
Melanie Brown Culpepper has been a familiar presence in Winter Haven for nearly four decades, ever since she opened her hair salon, Melanie’s Cutting Edge, 37 years ago. Since 2014, she has deepened that connection by actively supporting the community, organizing and hosting fundraisers, charity drives, and other local events.
However, her life changed forever in July 2020. She walked into her Winter Haven home to find her fiancé, Michael Culpepper, lying face‑down and unresponsive on the floor. She called 911 immediately, and paramedics rushed him to the hospital but by the time she arrived, she was told Michael had passed away.
“They said he was gone; there was no life in him,” she said.
Melanie later obtained the 911 recording and played it on repeat. One question from the dispatcher haunted her: Did she have a defibrillator? She didn’t and that realization became the catalyst for everything she would do next.
“So that’s what triggered in my mind right then: to be able to raise money to put AEDs all over,” she said. “I wanted him to know that he did not die in vain. I wanted him to know that I was out to honor his name. I was hoping to save somebody because I couldn’t save him.”
Since Michael’s passing, Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation has installed over 100 AEDs across Polk County. Their 100th placement at Bok Tower Gardens stands out to Melanie as one of the organization’s most meaningful milestones.
Beyond donating AEDs, the foundation also awards three annual scholarships to students pursuing careers as firefighters or emergency medical technicians, helping equip the next generation of lifesavers.
Her upcoming fundraiser, Saving Lives Matter, is set for Saturday, Oct. 3, at 11 AM at Tanner’s Lakeside, where guests can enjoy live music from a variety of local bands and performers. Headlining the event is Tristian Tritt, a rising rock musician and the eldest son of country icon Travis Tritt.
“It’s my first time having somebody famous, basically,” she said. “I am so proud to have Tristian support us, because he’s always about helping the community, and I am honored that he’s coming down.”
Other festivities that day include live and silent auctions, 50/50 raffles, a photo booth, and a kid’s zone. Even the honorable Sheriff Grady Judd himself will attend to serve ice cream.
For Melanie, the fundraiser is about far more than music and celebration. She cherishes how it unites people from across the community, all rallying to protect one another and prevent anyone else from facing the loss she suffered.
“That’s what means so much to me,” she said. “I’ve never seen a town more than this town right here in Winter Haven that shows there’s support for each other. We have each other’s backs, and we are there for each other…I love our little town and Polk County because we all are there where we need them the most.”
Lake Wales History Museum Seeks $175K From City, Faces Questions from Commissioners by James Coulter
The Lake Wales History Museum is seeking $175,000 from the city to cover its lease and operating costs, but commissioners say they’re not convinced the museum is using its current funding effectively.
At their regular work session on Wed., Sept. 16, 2026, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed a request to approve the museum’s $175,000 lease and operating agreement for the coming year. The current agreements expire Sept. 30.
However, commissioners questioned the condition of the museum’s buildings, the quality of its services, and whether the museum can meet its commitments under the renewed agreement.
Commissioner Terri Miller said she frequently sees one of its buildings “crumbling” and “not taken care of,” raising doubts about approving another year of funding. She also said residents trying to rent museum facilities often receive no response from the board.
Miller argued the museum’s deteriorating buildings and limited hours make it difficult to justify more funding without a coherent plan for maintenance and improvement.
“It’s hard for me as a city commissioner to say, ‘Here is another $175,000,'” she said.
Brandon Alvarado, president of the Lake Wales History Museum Board of Directors, said the museum remains a preservation priority but an expensive one. The museum is working to tarp the roof and address damage, though capital projects over $5,000 must be handled by the city under the lease agreement.
Alvarado said he has been coordinating with the city manager on repairs across the museum’s facilities, including a new roof for the main depot building. The museum is also pursuing grants to make its freight room ADA-accessible; until then, it cannot advertise the space as compliant for rentals.
He acknowledged the museum fell short last year in preparing the rental space, attributing the delay to the former executive director. He said progress has improved under new leadership.
“That’s on us. I absolutely acknowledge that,” Alvarado said.
Commissioner Keith Thompson questioned whether the museum can deliver on its commitments, noting a speaker series and tours of the Historic Walesbilt Hotel that the museum had advertised but never held.
“That place is going to quickly become a construction zone,” Thompson said. “My problem is that you have this window of opportunity that is going to close really quickly on you. It’s not really one of those opportunities where you can wait around and see. You either do it or you don’t.”
Thompson also said he had not seen advertising for the upcoming 50th Annual Pioneer Days celebration. Alvarado responded that marketing is tied to a CDC grant that goes into effect Oct. 1, though the museum has started promoting the event on social media.
Alvarado said the museum intends to be transparent about how it uses city funding.
“At the end of the day, we are not just coming here to say we will take it and not report back,” he said. “The goal is to bring you real answers and the truth. … That is what we are here to do, to be transparent about the institution.”
City of Auburndale- The Havendale Christmas Parade is coming up on Friday, December 4, 2026, at 7:00 P.M. Whether you are planning to enter a unit or participate as a walker, please review the important information below!
📅 ENTRY DEADLINE: Thursday, November 5, 2026, or sooner if the parade reaches capacity. All applications must include a detailed unit description, and no changes will be accepted after the deadline.
📍 MANDATORY MEETING: Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 7:00 P.M. Lake Ariana Park, 2220 Lake Ariana Blvd., Auburndale, FL 33823 All parade units must attend. Staging information, walking wristbands, and parking information will be provided at this meeting.
💰 ENTRY FEE: $50 per unit, non-refundable, due with your application.
🎄 PARADE ROUTE: The parade is approximately 3.1 miles. The official start is at 14th Street and Havendale Boulevard, near the Social Security Office, and the parade will travel west along Havendale Boulevard, ending just before 42nd Street near Wells Fargo Bank. All units will continue to the Winn-Dixie/Harbor Freight parking lot for unloading and tear-down.
🚗 STAGING: Units will stage either behind Spring Lake or at Spring Haven Retirement Center. All units must be in their assigned staging location by 6:00 P.M. Final staging assignments will be provided at the mandatory meeting.
🎅 WHAT CAN YOU ENTER? Eligible units include professional floats, homemade floats, monster trucks, public official vehicles, decorated vehicle clubs, animals, marching bands, and walking units without floats. All applications and unit types are subject to approval by the Parade Committee.
🚶 WALKING UNITS: Walkers without floats must be 12 years or older. Monster truck walkers must be 18 years or older, with three walkers on each side. Walking units must maintain a slow, continuous pace throughout the parade.
✨ DECORATIONS: There is no set theme for this year’s parade. We encourage festive and creative Christmas decorations! All floats and wheeled units, including towing vehicles, must be decorated with lights and Christmas-themed, weatherproof materials. Your organization’s name must also be visible on your unit.
🚫 IMPORTANT RULES:
No candy, beads, trinkets, pamphlets, or other items may be thrown or handed to spectators.
No unit may stop along the parade route.
Santa and Mrs. Claus have their own official parade float and may not ride on participating units.
Music and costumes must be family-friendly and Christmas-appropriate.
Units may not exceed 15 feet tall or 12 feet wide.
Every unit must carry a fire extinguisher.
No open flames or spark-producing devices are permitted.
No alcohol or smoking is permitted on parade units or anywhere along the parade route.
Strollers, wagons, and motorized/battery-operated scooters or bikes are not permitted.
All motorized vehicle operators must have a valid driver’s license.
An adult spotter, age 18 or older, is required for each entry in addition to the driver.
🏆 AWARDS: Units will be eligible for four awards: Spectacular Sparkle, Silver Bell, Spirit of Havendale, and the Rodger McCoy Award.
📸 Units are encouraged to take a group photo before the parade. Photos may be used when award winners are announced publicly.
Please remember that all applications are subject to review and approval by the Parade Committee.
LINK TO FULL APPLICATION: https://tinyurl.com/2689v3v9 Link to Rules & Regulations: https://tinyurl.com/47n5xa4d
Questions?
Auburndale Chamber of Commerce: 863-967-3400 | [email protected] City of Auburndale Parks & Recreation: 863-965-5545 City of Winter Haven Parks & Recreation: 863-291-5656
🎄 We look forward to celebrating the holiday season with you at the 2026 Havendale Christmas Parade!
