Residents in Lakeland continue to praise Christina Park as a go-to destination for outdoor fun, relaxation, and community activities.
Operated by Polk County Parks and Recreation, the park is especially popular for its well-designed playground area. Families highlight the kid-friendly climbing features and ample shade, making it a comfortable and engaging space for children to play. Nearby benches allow parents and guardians to relax while keeping a close eye on their kids.
Photo courtesy of Polk County Parks and Rec
Beyond the playground, Christina Park offers a variety of amenities for visitors of all ages. ADA-accessible trails provide inclusive opportunities to explore the outdoors, while picnic tables and pavilions make it easy to enjoy a meal in the park. Several picnic shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and a large screened-in pavilion can be reserved for gatherings and special events.
For sports enthusiasts, the park also features a five-field softball complex, making it a hub for local leagues and recreational play.
Conveniently located at 625 County Road 540-A in Lakeland, Christina Park continues to be a valued community space where residents can stay active, connect with nature, and spend quality time with family and friends.
Polk County families are invited to “giddy up and get rollin’” as the popular Bicycle Rodeo returns this weekend, offering a fun and educational morning for young riders.
Hosted by Polk County Parks and Recreation, the free event will feature a variety of hands-on activities designed to help kids build confidence and improve their biking skills. Participants can take part in an obstacle course, receive bicycle inspections, get minor bike repairs, and test their abilities at interactive skills stations. Prizes will be awarded, and each child will receive a completion certificate.
The Bicycle Rodeo is geared toward children ages 6 to 12. All participants must bring their own bicycle and helmet, and they should already know how to ride or have training wheels installed. For safety, a parent or guardian is required to accompany each child.
The event will take place Saturday, April 25, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Loyce E. Harpe Park (500 W Carter Rd in Mulberry).
For more information, residents can contact Polk County Parks and Recreation at (863) 534-6911.
The No. 8 Florida State Seminoles (27-11, 11-6 ACC) were able to successfully close out the series against Notre Dame (17-17, 7-13 ACC) and get the Sweep. The Seminoles heading into game were able to build off their momentum from Saturdays 9-7 win and improve their record in conference play heading into the end of the season. For Sunday’s matchup Cooper Whited will get the start on the rubber in his junior season; he has a 2-2 record with a 3.04 ERA.
Florida State threatened early in the second inning when John Stuetzer belted a double down the left field line. However, the opportunity slipped away when he was thrown out attempting to steal third, followed by a pop-up from Cal Fisher to end the inning.
The Fighting Irish were able to strike first in the top of the third inning as Mark Quatrani hit a double to center field bringing in Drew Berkland for the score making it a 1-0 game for the Fighting Irish.
In the bottom of the Fourth inning, life was brought back into stadium as the Seminoles were able to respond and even up the ball game when Brody DeLamielleure crushed a home run to right field bringing in himself and Chase Williams for score making it a 2-2 ball game.
The Fighting Irish were able reclaim the lead in the top of the fifth inning when Jaime Zee hit a single to left center field bringing in Bino Watters and Brandon Logan for the score making it a 4-2 game.
The Seminoles defining moment came in the seventh inning during a decisive offensive surge. Chase Williams started the rally with an RBI double, scoring Brayden Dowd to cut the deficit to 4–3. Moments later, Nathan Cmeyla delivered the go-ahead blow with a triple to left-center field, bringing in Williams and Hunter Carns. DeLamielleure followed with an RBI double, scoring Cmeyla and extending the lead to 6–4.
In the following inning in the bottom of the eighth the Seminoles were able to make a quick stop on defense as it was a 1-2-3 inning where Dylan Passo struck out swinging, Jaime Zee grounded out to short stop and Drew Berkland flied out to left center field.
The Seminoles followed suit as the also had a 1-2-3 inning in the top of the eighth where Gabe Fraiser struck out, Eli Putnam grounded out to third base, and Will Bavaro struck out swinging.
The lead proved to be enough for the Seminoles as they were able to get the win 6-4. Brodie Purcell was given the win and Chris Knier and was recorded with the save.
Florida State now heads on the road, beginning with a matchup against North Florida Ospreys on April 21 before continuing west for a series at Stanford Cardinal starting April 26.
Top performers for the Seminoles included Nathan Cmeyla, who notched the go-ahead hit with two RBIs, Chase Williams, who went 2-for-3 with two runs scored, and Brody DeLamielleure, who finished 2-for-3 with a game-tying home run and an RBI double.
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After the game me and other members of the media had the opportunity to ask players and coaches about the game. When I asked coach Link Jarret about having a rough start to the game and the resilience that his team showed by coming back late in the game and getting the win and what that says about his team, this is what he had to say. “My concern was can we climb back and get a lead and make this thing something that needs to be closed and finished and we did so the resilience, the toughness of the group especially in that last hour late in the game is a great trait and really displays your toughness and your ability to focus over the long haul of these weekends.”
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After asking questions to Link Jarret I ended my questions by asking Nathan Cmeyla what his approach was heading to the plate before hitting the go ahead triple that ultimately won the Seminoles the game. This was his response. “Just staying on the heater and adjusting from there and just be on time I think that’s when I am best, I don’t like to think too much about secondaries if I am on time for the heater I can adjust and buy myself time.”
The victory underscores Florida State’s capacity for late-game execution and adaptability. Overcoming an early deficit, the team demonstrated resilience and effective situational hitting. As the Seminoles transition into an extended road stretch, maintaining these performance characteristics will be essential for continued success as the season is coming to end and eyes become set on the ultimate prize a trip to Omaha.
Gardeners and plant lovers alike are invited to dig into one of the community’s favorite spring traditions—the Annual Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale—happening, April 25, 2026.
Hosted at the City of Lakeland Nursery (4532 US 98 S, Lakeland), this in-person event runs from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and is completely free to attend. No tickets are required, making it an easy and accessible outing for anyone looking to spruce up their yard or home.
Attendees can browse a wide selection of plants, including Florida-friendly and native varieties well-suited for the local climate. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, the sale offers a chance to find the perfect additions for your landscape while supporting local horticulture efforts.
Not sure what to plant or where? Master Gardener Volunteers will be on-site to help. Visitors are encouraged to stop by the information booth for expert advice on plant selection, landscaping ideas, and maintaining a healthy, thriving garden.
With a focus on sustainable and regionally appropriate gardening, the event is a great opportunity to learn, shop, and connect with others in the community who share a love for plants.
New Basketball Court and Sidewalk Approved for Wabash Park in Lakeland
by James Coulter
Get ready to make a slam dunk at Wabash Park in Lakeland, because a new basketball court and sidewalk have been approved for construction.
At their regular meeting on Tues. Apr. 7, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted unanimously to approve a construction contract for a proposed basketball court and sidewalk project.
The new sidewalk and court will be constructed at Wabash Park, located at 1230 Southern Ave. in Lakeland. The park consists of two acres of outdoor space, including a playground for younger children, and the Wabash Resource Center.
“The addition of a basketball court and new sidewalks will expand the outdoor recreational experiences,” wrote Brad Howard, Senior Procurement Analyst. “New sidewalks will enhance safety and provide a short walking trail for additional exercise opportunities.”
Five contractors submitted bids for the proposed construction. Of those five, Central Concrete Products, Inc. of Bartow, FL, was approved for its bid of $459,030. For allowance work, $22,951 was added to the contract for a total of $481,981.
The project is expected to be completed within 150 days, with 23 days provided for allowance time. Funding for the project has been budgeted and is available in the 5-year Parks and Natural Resources CIP within the Special Revenue Community Development Block Grant Fund.
This construction is part of a consolidated effort by Lakeland and Polk County to expand and upgrade local public parks. These expansions and upgrades are being pushed forward to keep pace with rapid population growth and rising demand for recreational space.
Currently, Polk County is the fastest-growing county in Florida, with more than 10,000 residents residing in Lakeland alone. As such, there is an increased demand for youth sports fields, playgrounds, and green spaces.
This ongoing effort includes Lakeland’s 10‑Year Park Development Plan, which plans to develop local parks in 10-year increments to keep up with growth, and with an emphasis on youth recreation, access, and keeping kids engaged in constructive activities.
Commissioner Michael Scott commented on how the proposed project will help provide recreational facilities for older children, as Wabash Park currently only has amenities that cater more toward younger children.
“I appreciate the county putting this together, and I think it will serve the community well,” he said.
When asked about the material the new court will be constructed from, County Manager Bill Beasley replied that the material will offer a better aesthetic and overall safer playing environment.
“We think that’s the new future, and it is well-received by the young people who play on it,” he said.
Bartow, Fla. (April 20, 2026) — Retired Polk County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Mark Trexler received Polk County Fire Rescue’s (PCFR) first-ever Community Hero Award for his quick actions in getting help for an ambulance crew injured in a crash. Firefighter/Paramedic John Parris and Firefighter/EMT Eryn Orduna were transporting a patient when they were involved in a two-vehicle crash on Dec. 8, 2025.
Parris and Orduna were injured in the crash and Parris was taken to a local hospital. The patient and the other vehicle’s driver were also taken to the hospital.
Trexler, who drove up on the scene, grabbed the ambulance’s radio and described the scene to dispatchers who immediately got help on the way. Polk County Fire Chief Shawn Smith said Trexler’s quick, calm and professional actions were vital in getting everyone involved in the crash the care they needed quickly.
“Retired Master Deputy Trexler exemplifies the best of Polk County especially in a situation as difficult as the accident he came across on Dec. 8. His training and years of experience with PCSO was a key factor in providing the best possible response in getting the injured parties help,” Chief Smith said. “I am forever grateful for his quick response and proud to award him the first ever PCFR Community Hero Award.”
Smith said the Community Hero Award was established to honor community members who go above and beyond in an emergency situation. Individuals are eligible for the award for demonstrating exceptional courage, initiative and selfless action that significantly impacts the safety, well-being or lives of others within Polk County.
Shingles isn’t just a painful rash and nerve pain. It’s also linked with a higher risk of serious cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, especially in the weeks to months after infection. However, shingles is largely preventable with vaccination.
The world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on changing the future of health for all, the American Heart Association, reminds eligible adults to protect themselves by getting vaccinated and staying on top of their heart health.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. will get shingles in their lifetime. If you’ve had chickenpox, the virus that causes shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is already inside you. It can “wake up” years later, causing painful blisters and nerve pain that can last for months or longer.
After a shingles episode, one large study published in the “Journal of the American Heart Association” found the risk of heart attack and stroke was nearly 30% higher in the short term and may persist over time.
“Shingles can be very painful and knock you down for weeks,” said Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., FAHA, the American Heart Association’s chief medical officer for prevention. “It’s also associated with a higher chance of heart and stroke problems afterward. If you’re 50 or older, or have a weakened immune system, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the shingles vaccine. It’s a simple step that can keep you healthier.”
Knowing your risk is the first step toward prevention. Age is the most important risk factor for developing shingles. As people age, their immune systems naturally weaken, making it easier for the virus to reactivate. People over 50, and especially those living with heart disease, diabetes or other chronic illnesses, are more likely to develop shingles.
The risk of serious complications from shingles increases: • As you get older • If you take drugs that keep your immune system from working properly, like steroids and drugs given after an organ transplant • If you have medical conditions that keep your immune system from working properly such as certain cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, or HIV infection
Heart Health Made Simpler
In addition to ensuring you’re up to date on your vaccines, talk to your health care professional about ways you can improve your overall heart health. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease remains the leading cause of death, taking more lives in the United States than any other cause.
Following healthy lifestyle guidance like Life’s Essential 8 can make inroads toward preventing heart disease and stroke, and improving brain health. The set of four health behaviors (eat better, be more active, quit tobacco and get healthy sleep) and four health factors (manage weight, control cholesterol, manage blood sugar and manage blood pressure) are key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health.
How to Get the Shingles Vaccine
-Check eligibility: Recommended by the CDC for adults 50-plus and adults 19 and older with weakened immune systems.
-Find a location: Most national pharmacies, many primary care and specialty clinics and local health departments offer it. Search your pharmacy’s app or website, or call your clinician’s office.
-Book it: Make an appointment online or by phone. Same-day or walk-in options may be available at pharmacies.
-Bring what you need: Photo ID, insurance card and a list of medicines and allergies. Wear a short-sleeve shirt, it you can.
-Plan for two doses, 2-6 months apart: When you schedule dose one, set a reminder or book dose two before you leave.
-Cost and coverage: Many health plans, including Medicare Part D, cover shingles vaccination at low or no cost. Check your benefits or ask the pharmacy to verify coverage.
-After your shot: A sore arm, fatigue, headache or mild fever are common and usually go away in 2-3 days. Call your clinician about severe or persistent symptoms.
-If you’ve had shingles before: You can still get vaccinated after you recover. Ask your health care provider about timing.
Learn more at heart.org/shingles.
Signs and Symptoms of Shingles
Symptoms to watch for: tingling, itching or burning on one side of the body or face; a stripe-like rash that turns into fluid-filled blisters; headache; fever; or chills.
Act fast: If you think you have shingles, contact your health care protessional right away. Treatment works best within 72 hours of the rash appearing. If the rash is near your eye or you have eye pain or changes in vision, seek urgent care.
Lasting impact: The rash typically scabs over and clears within 2-4 weeks, but the pain in the rash area can last about a month. The duration of pain seems to increase with age.
Protect Yourself (and Others) from Shingles
If you have shingles, you can stop the spread by covering the rash and avoiding touching or scratching it. You should also wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds, and avoid contact with people who may be at heightened risk until your rash scabs over, including:
-Pregnant women who never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine
Music lovers in Lakeland are in for a treat as the Lakeland Public Library prepares to host a lively evening of entertainment blending jazz and musical theater.
The special event, titled “Broadway & Jazz!”, will take place on Thursday, April 23, at 5:30 p.m. in the library’s Meeting Room, located at 100 Lake Morton Drive.
The performance will feature a talented trio of musicians—Victoria de Lissovoy, Rebecca Renfroe-Borneman, and Martin Rimoldi—who have performed across the country and bring a mix of local talent and professional experience to the stage. Attendees can expect a unique showcase that blends the energy of Broadway hits with the smooth sounds of jazz.
The event is free and open to the public, with no registration required. Guests of all ages are encouraged to attend and enjoy an evening filled with music and community connection.
For those looking for a fun and relaxing way to spend the evening, this performance offers the perfect opportunity to experience live music in an inviting, family-friendly setting.
A Lakeland woman has died following a two-vehicle crash that occurred Saturday morning in Lakeland.
According to the Lakeland Police Department, officers responded at approximately 9:33 a.m. on April 18, 2026, to a crash at the intersection of Providence Road and West 14th Street.
Investigators say a brown Chevrolet Malibu, driven by 65-year-old Tina Swakcerd of Lakeland, was traveling south on Providence Road at the time of the crash. A white Lexus SUV, driven by 34-year-old Lattessia Lankin of Tampa, was traveling east on West 14th Street and entered the intersection, striking the passenger side of the Chevrolet.
The impact redirected the Chevrolet southeast, where it then struck an utility pole. During the sequence of events, the Lexus also collided with the Chevrolet a second time.
Emergency crews, including the Polk County Fire Rescue and the Lakeland Fire Department, responded to the scene and provided life-saving measures. Both drivers were transported to Lakeland Regional Health for treatment.
Due to the severity of the crash, members of the department’s Traffic Homicide Unit responded and assumed the investigation. The roadway remained closed for approximately four hours while the scene was processed.
Swakcerd sustained critical injuries and, despite medical efforts, died during the morning hours of April 20, 2026.
The crash remains under active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Travis Payne at the Lakeland Police Department.
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 NDKF HEALTH SOLUTIONS PROFESSIONAL LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY the fictitious names are Primeaux Clinique, Primeaux Medical and Denisthetics in Polk County, Florida that parties interested in said business enterprises are as follows Names or officers Nigel K Denis, MD, MHA
