The City of Davenport is inviting residents to come together for a day of connection, education, and community support at its upcoming Autism Awareness Expo. The free, family-friendly event is designed to bring awareness to autism while providing valuable resources for individuals and families.
The expo will take place on April 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Tom Fellows Community Center, located at 207 North Blvd W, Davenport, FL 33837.
Attendees can expect a variety of local resources, guest speakers, and support groups, all aimed at strengthening understanding and offering practical tools for navigating life with autism. The event creates a welcoming environment where families can connect with organizations and professionals dedicated to advocacy and care.
City officials say the expo reflects Davenport’s ongoing commitment to promoting awareness, inclusion, and unity within the community. By bringing people together and sharing knowledge, the event hopes to foster a more supportive and connected city for all residents.
The Autism Awareness Expo is open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend.
A tragic late-night crash in Hillsborough County left two people dead on Friday, April 17, 2026, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:25 p.m. along State Road 60, just west of Horton Road. Authorities say a 20-year-old man from Plant City was driving a GMC Yukon westbound when a 50-year-old Plant City woman walked into the vehicle’s path.
Despite the driver’s attempt to take evasive action, the SUV struck the pedestrian. Following the collision, the driver lost control of the vehicle, which veered off the roadway and overturned. During the rollover, the driver was ejected from the vehicle.
Both the driver and the pedestrian suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a woman was found deceased Sunday morning near a bridge in Plant City.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, a call came into the 911 Dispatch Center at approximately 9:26 a.m. on April 19, 2026, from a person who reported seeing an unresponsive woman near a bridge along Paul Buchman Highway close to Tollar Road.
When deputies arrived, they located an adult female who was deceased. Investigators noted the woman had sustained upper body trauma and was found within a known transient camp in the area.
The identity of the woman has not yet been released as authorities work to notify next of kin.
This remains an active investigation. No additional details have been released at this time.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
With the world anxiously watching, Apollo 13, a U.S. lunar spacecraft that suffered a severe malfunction on its journey to the moon, safely returns to Earth on April 17, 1970.
On April 11, the third manned lunar landing mission was launched from Florida, carrying astronauts James A. Lovell, John L. Swigert and Fred W. Haise. The mission was headed for a landing on the Fra Mauro highlands of the moon. However, two days into the mission, disaster struck 200,000 miles from Earth when oxygen tank No. 2 blew up in the spacecraft. Swigert reported to mission control on Earth, “Houston, we’ve had a problem here,” and it was discovered that the normal supply of oxygen, electricity, light and water had been disrupted.
Photo Source Getty Images
The landing mission was aborted, and the astronauts and controllers on Earth scrambled to come up with emergency procedures. The crippled spacecraft continued to the moon, looped around it, and began a long, cold journey back to Earth.
The astronauts and mission control were faced with enormous logistical problems in stabilizing the spacecraft and its oxygen supply, as well as running on batteries due to the loss of the fuel cells to allow successful reentry into Earth’s atmosphere. Navigation was another problem, and Apollo 13‘s course was repeatedly corrected with dramatic and untested maneuvers. On April 17, tragedy turned to triumph as the Apollo 13 astronauts touched down safely in the Pacific Ocean.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a two-vehicle crash that occurred early Friday, April 17, 2026, that resulted in the death of one of the drivers.
Deputies were dispatched along with Polk County Fire Rescue at around 12:29 am, to the crash scene on US 27 near B. Moore Road, near Haines City.
The crash involved a 2020 Hyundai Sonata and a 2019 Volvo semi-truck with trailer. After the collision between the vehicles, the Hyundai went off the road and crashed into a wall of the First Apostolic Pentecostal Church located at 600 B. Moore Rd.
Upon arrival of first responders, 24-year-old Jovanna Saily Reyes of Bowling Green was found deceased.
The driver of the truck, a 24-year-old female from Tampa, was uninjured and cooperated with the PCSO’s Traffic Homicide investigators.
Based on a witness statement and evidence thus far, the semi-truck had been traveling south on US 27 and completed a legal U-turn to travel north. The driver told detectives that she saw a northbound vehicle a significant distance away before she attempted her turn.
Reyes’ Hyundai struck the side of the trailer and passed under it, then continued across the median, went off the west side of the road, through a chain-link fence, and hit the church wall.
Detectives found no pre-impact skid marks.
Both directions of US 27 were closed for about five hours for the crash investigation, which remains ongoing.
The speed of the Hyundai appears to be a factor which led to the crash, and at this time, no civil or criminal charges are anticipated.
As someone who does it all in the sports world, from being a play-by-play broadcaster to a studio host, podcaster, and even a writer, Ariya Massoudi is remarkably well-rounded. However, it was not always this way. Massoudi’s journey began at Florida State University, where his humble beginnings laid the foundation for his career. Growing up as a diehard Florida State fan, returning to cover the very teams he once cheered for has been nothing short of surreal. For Massoudi, it is a full-circle moment. When asked about the experience of being back at Florida State, he said, “I think what has been more special to me is the fact that I grew up such a big fan, and now the opportunities that I have gotten to be a part of these broadcasts.”
Massoudi also reflected on one of his early inspirations, legendary broadcaster Gene Deckerhoff, whose voice helped shape his love for the craft. “The color that he applied to every game and the way that he could broadcast and make you feel like you were at the stadium no matter what, listening to his broadcasts from 20 years ago and now being in this position, it’s pretty special.”
Interestingly, Massoudi’s career path could have looked completely different. When he first arrived at Florida State, he intended to pursue medical school. However, a conversation with a friend changed everything. Looking back on how he got his start, Massoudi said, “It really kind of came by accident. I was talking to a buddy of mine who convinced me to go into broadcasting and thought I should be in journalism. I actually came to Florida State thinking I wanted to be in med school, so that changed after a year and a half, and the rest is history.”
Throughout his career, Massoudi has had no shortage of unique opportunities and experiences. One moment, however, stands out above the rest. It came when Florida State held its first sporting event after the tragic shooting at the student union. Massoudi received the call from ESPN to do play-by-play for the Florida State vs. Stetson baseball game alongside Eduardo Pérez, a Florida State graduate and former player. Reflecting on that experience, he said, “I think that’s a moment that I will never forget in my career, just knowing what it meant to this campus, this university, and the Florida State fanbase.”
At the core of Massoudi’s success is his preparation. His approach varies depending on the sport and assignment, but his dedication remains constant. This commitment to his craft has allowed him to thrive across multiple roles in the ever-evolving sports media landscape.
When it comes to preparation, Massoudi understands that no two assignments are the same. His approach shifts depending on the circumstances. Covering Florida State athletics, for example, becomes more intuitive over time. With consistent exposure, he develops a rhythm, becoming familiar with teams, storylines, and key players without needing to constantly relearn new information. However, that comfort changes when he is tasked with covering two unfamiliar teams. In those situations, preparation becomes more intensive and deliberate. In his own words, “I’ll start reading fan websites and people who cover those programs on a daily basis. I’ll try to find articles just so I am up to speed with where they are in their season.”
He emphasized that every aspect of his job requires a different kind of preparation, each with its own unique challenges. Another critical part of his craft is play-by-play broadcasting, which demands time, precision, and constant refinement. For Massoudi, mastering play-by-play is not just about describing the action but enhancing the moment for the audience. “You want to get excited, but you want to match the energy of the moment,” he explained. He added, “Being able to match the pace and cadence of your voice with what’s happening on the field is pretty important.”
That balance between excitement and control is what separates a good broadcaster from a great one. As Massoudi continues to grow in the sports media industry, one thing remains clear: he brings a level of energy, preparation, and passion that reflects both his professional experience and the strong foundation he built at Florida State University.
The Judd Jog is an annual 5k presented by Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc. with all proceeds benefiting the United Way and held at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office main office in Winter Haven. There will be additional activities available for your family and friends during the event, including: Polk County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations vehicles on display, K-9 meet and greet, and more!
The Judd Jog is a shining example of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of our community coming together to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Come run with us as we raise money to benefit the United Way.
Registration prices: – $35 – until March 7 – $40 – March 8- April 23 – $45 – April 24-25
Shirts and sizes are guaranteed if pre-registered before March 26, 2026. (After that, shirts are available while supplies last.)
Finishers will receive a medal when they cross the line!
AWARDS – Overall – Male and Female – Overall Masters (40+) – Male and Female – Age Group Awards 3 deep – Male And Female (0-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29 up to 70+) – Living Legend Award – Male and Female for the oldest finishers!
EARLY PACKET PICKUP: FRIDAY: APRIL 24 – 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm – at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office
DAY OF RACE SATURDAY: APRIL 25 – 7:00 am – 7:45 am – Packet Pickup – 8:00 am – Start of the 5k Event – 9:15 am – Approx Time of the Awards
Do you want to be part of the event but do not want to traverse the 5k? Volunteer! Our event could not happen without great community support! If you need community service hours or just want to come out and cheer participants, just click the Volunteer tab and join us! Thank you for volunteering!
Bartow, Fla. (April 16, 2026) — Polk County is extending the countywide burn ban suspension until 11:59 p.m. on April 24, 2026. The burn ban was suspended on April 9, 2026.
“After continuously monitoring the KBDI and speaking with stakeholders around the county. I decided to extend the burn ban suspension for another week,” said Polk County Fire Chief Shawn Smith. “We are looking at longer term solutions for either an extended suspension or complete repeal but that is something that will come at a later date.”
The KBDI is a continuous reference scale, ranging from 0 to 800. It assesses the soil’s moisture content from no moisture deficiency (0) to maximum drought conditions (800).
“We want you to continue enjoying your recreational fires but always burn responsibility and keep a water source nearby,” said Smith.
Despite the suspension of the burn ban — if you see a potentially dangerous burn — report it to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency Line at (863) 298-6200 or call 9-1-1 if life or property is in immediate danger.
Wrangle the trails and have some fun! (Free Event)
Join us at the Bicycle Rodeo for activities, bicycle inspections, minor bike repairs, skills stations and prizes. Participants will receive a completion certificate. Kids must bring their own bike and helmet. This event is intended for children 6 to 12 years old.
All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children must already know how to ride a bicycle or be equipped with training wheels.
Saturday, April 25 from 9 to 11 a.m. 📍Loyce E. Harpe Park 500 W. Carter Road, Mulberry
For more information, call Polk County Parks and Recreation at (863) 534-6911
HAINES CITY – The City Commission held a special meeting today (April 15) to appoint an interim City Manager, effective immediately.
Current City Manager Jim Elensky announced his retirement on April 2, making the selection of an interim necessary until a permanent replacement is chosen. Elensky’s final day is May 1.
Assistant City Manager Loyd Stewart was unanimously selected to serve as interim City Manager. While Stewart made it clear during the meeting that he is not interested in the position on a permanent basis, he agreed to step in temporarily.
Vice Mayor Vernell and the interim City Attorney Seth Cantor will write a contract for Stewart to be approved by the Commission.
Commissioners also discussed updating the qualifications for the City Manager position. A nationwide search will be conducted, though internal candidates will be eligible to apply.
Assistant City Manager James Keene is not currently eligible for the position due to the requirement of holding a bachelor’s degree. The Commission discussed the possibility of revising that requirement, noting that relevant experience can, in some cases, serve as a substitute for formal education.
Also a candidate for the interim position was Current Public Safety Director Joe Halman, Jr. who was hired two and a half months ago. Previously, he served as the Deputy County Manager for Polk County.
After Elensky’s last day and the Commission determines the qualifications for the position it will be advertised nationally.
