It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Roy Lamar Manley, who departed this world on April 13, 2026, at the age of 85. Born on June 2, 1940, in Lake Wales, Florida, Roy lived a life dedicated to his family, friends, and the pursuits that brought him joy. Roy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Catherine. Together, they created a family that he cherished deeply. He is survived by his loving children, Michelle and Clay Cables, and Kim and Jim Millen. A proud and devoted grandfather, he leaves behind grandchildren Heather and Tim Barnett, Keather Bennett, Kyle Swallows and Crystal Comfort, Misty and Ray Hahn, in addition to a wonderful legacy of great-grandchildren, including Alison, Braden, Ava, Colin, and Jonan.Roy devoted his professional life to serving others as an Electrician Instrument Man for US Steel, where he earned the respect and admiration of his peers. He also served in the US Navy. His commitment to his work exemplified his strong sense of responsibility and dedication. Those who knew Roy would describe him as kind, generous, funny, loyal, considerate, and honest. He had a unique ability to make those around him feel valued, and for his daughters and grandchildren, he was simply the best Dad and Poppy one could hope for. His love for his family was the cornerstone of his life, and his spirit will continue to inspire them.Outside of his family life, Roy found joy in fishing, camping, and building model airplanes. He was an avid ham radio enthusiast and cherished his vacations in the Smoky Mountains. A lover of Western movies, these simple pleasures brought him a sense of peace and fulfillment.
A service celebrating Roy’s life was held at Steeles Funeral Home, located at 207 Burns Lane, Winter Haven, Florida, on Monday, April 20, 2026. He was laid to rest at Auburndale Memorial Cemetery, 1889 W Derby Ave, Auburndale, FL 33823. In this time of sorrow, we invite those who knew Roy to honor his memory by embracing the kindness, humor, and loyalty he exemplified throughout his life. His legacy will forever remain in the hearts of those he touched.
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.
Former Winter Haven Commissioner and Mayor Honored with Official Proclamation by James Coulter
A former city commissioner, mayor, community organizer, and lover of hats was recognized for her life, career, and achievements with an official proclamation.
At their regular meeting on Mon. Mar. 23, Winter Haven city commissioners presented an official proclamation honoring the late Eleanor “Ellie” Threlkel, who had passed away earlier this year on Sat. Feb. 14.
Threlkel served eight years on the Winter Haven City Commission, having been elected as a commissioner in 1988, re-elected in 1992, and serving until 1996. She also served as Mayor Pro Tem in 1989.
Her proudest accomplishment, among many community projects, during her time in office, was securing the Cleveland Indians for Spring Training at the Chain O’Lakes Stadium in 1992.
She served as a member of the Ridge League of Cities Board, when she became “the first elected official to receive the Ridge League of Cities Nettie Draughon Award in 1996 for her 8 years of service to the League,” her proclamation read.
She also served as a member and president of the Garden Club of Winter Haven, a member of the Junior League of Greater Winter Haven, a committee chairperson and ruling Elder at First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven, and a board member of Good Shepherd Hospice, Florida Presbyterian Homes, and Heartland Crime Stoppers.
For her many accomplishments, she was awarded the Banker’s Cup Woman of the Year in 1984, the Girls Inc. of Winter Haven’s Julie Pope She Knows Where She’s Going Award in 1997, and the Community Service Award by the Junior League of Greater Winter Haven in 2007.
“Ellie will always be known for championing the City of Winter Haven and its employees; her ability to make people feel appreciated, her love of sports, and her HATS,” her proclamation read.
Born in Kohala, Hawaii, on June 30, 1937, Threlkel graduated from Annie Wright School in Tacoma, Washington, in 1955, and later from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1960, where she met her husband, Dr. Jim Threlkel.
Together, she and her husband moved to Winter Haven, where she became a full-time mother to three daughters, including Libby Threlkel Ray, who spoke on behalf of her mother at the commission meeting.
“My mom would be so humbled,” she told commissioners. “She loved the City of Winter Haven. She loved this community. She always wanted to make it a better place. So, while you can’t wear her hats, you can follow in her footsteps and continue to make this a better place.”
Two Parcels along Avenue H SE Receive Preliminary Approval for Rezoning by James Coulter
Two parcels containing a vacant lot and an 84-year-old house have been given preliminary approval for re-zoning to accommodate a proposed duplex.
At their recent meeting on Mon. Apr. 13, Winter Haven city commissioners voted unanimously to approve the first reading of an ordinance rezoning property along Avenue H SE.
The subject property, totaling +0.30 acres, consists of two 50-foot-wide parcels. One parcel exists as a lot that has remained vacant for 20 years. The other contains a single-family unit constructed in 1932.
Currently, this property has a C-3 zoning district, assigned to the parcels in 2000. Previously, they had been assigned commercial zoning in 1999, and before that, residential zoning through at least 1969, according to a review of historic zoning maps.
“Each lot contains approximately 6,543 square feet, exceeding the 5,000-square-foot minimum lot size requirement of the C-3 zoning district. However…it is highly unlikely these properties will redevelop with a use permitted in the C-3 zoning district,” the city agenda memo states.
The property has been petitioned as the site of a proposed duplex, which is planned to be constructed on the parcel existing as a vacant lot located at 120 Avenue H SE. The home, meanwhile, located at 124 Avenue H SE, currently operates as a legal nonconforming use.
“Rezoning the property from C-3 to MX would bring the existing single-family residence into compliance as a permitted use,” the memo states.
“The requested MX zoning district represents a more appropriate zoning designation for these two parcels. The current C-3 standards—including setbacks, parking requirements, stormwater regulations, and buffering—significantly limit the reasonable redevelopment potential of these small lots for a viable commercial use,” the memo continued.
“In contrast, the MX district better aligns with the historic residential pattern of the properties and supports reinvestment compatible with the surrounding area,” the memo further elaborated.
The second reading of the ordinance will be reviewed and voted upon at an upcoming Winter Haven City Commission meeting.
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.
The City of Winter Haven will officially open the newly rebuilt Winter Haven Recreation and Cultural Center on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 801 MLK Boulevard NE, with a public ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. and open house tours to follow.
This matters because the new center was built to reflect what the community asked for over several years of conversations, planning, public meetings, surveys, and feedback opportunities. Residents made it clear they wanted more than a replacement building. They wanted a center that better serves children, teens, adults, and seniors, creates more room for recreation and gathering, improves access, honors the surrounding community, and better supports everyday life in Florence Villa and Northeast Winter Haven.
Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. on April 30. The ribbon cutting ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by an open house and tours from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. The community is invited to attend, celebrate, and see the new facility firsthand.
The rebuilt center represents a $21 million investment in recreation, wellness, learning, and connection. Programming will be offered for preschoolers through senior citizens, helping make the center a true community hub across generations.
What the new center includes
The new Winter Haven Recreation and Cultural Center includes 37,616 square feet of indoor space, with 20,000 square feet dedicated to general use areas and 17,616 square feet for the gymnasium.
Inside, the double gymnasium creates room for youth basketball and volleyball, open gym time, camps, clinics, large events, and community gatherings. Recreation programming space and activity rooms will support everything from afterschool activities and enrichment programs to classes, meetings, and senior programming.
A fitness center gives residents a place closer to home to pursue healthier lifestyles. A library and technology area creates space for reading, homework, digital access, and learning. A business support area reflects long-standing community interest in mentorship, entrepreneurship, and opportunity-building resources. A kitchen and concession area will help support celebrations, events, and tournaments.
Outside, the new pool with zero-depth entry is designed to help introduce people of all swimming abilities to the water and provide a safer, more comfortable setting for lessons and recreation. The splashpad offers a fun option for younger children. A new playground, outdoor sport court, baseball field, picnic areas, open spaces, and expanded parking help round out a campus built for both organized programming and everyday community use.
Built around community requests
This project has been heavily shaped by community engagement from the beginning.
Early patron feedback identified expanded and improved fitness opportunities as a priority. Broader community planning in the Florence Villa CRA process also highlighted the need for stronger recreation services, programs for senior citizens, mentoring and youth opportunities, business support, gathering space, and a more centralized community hub. Later survey work showed strong support for rebuilding the center, while other community input identified expanded meeting space, outdoor amenities, and fitness opportunities among the top priorities.
That input helped shape not just the building, but the overall campus.
The project also included continued opportunities for public involvement along the way, including public meetings during design, a construction community open house, a groundbreaking ceremony, public input on naming recommendations, and even community voting on the inspirational quote that will greet people as they leave the building. Throughout the process, the message from the community was consistent: build a place that serves today’s needs, respects local history, and creates lasting value for the future.
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“The new Winter Haven Recreation and Cultural Center reflects years of community voices, ideas, and priorities,” said Mayor Brian Yates. “Residents asked for a place where people of all ages could gather, stay active, learn, connect, and build community. That is exactly what this facility was designed to do, and we are excited to open it together.”
Background
The previous Winter Haven Recreation and Cultural Center opened in 1974. As the City evaluated the future of the site, staff and the community looked not only at the building itself, but at the broader opportunity to better serve the campus, the neighborhood, and the people who use it. Earlier project materials noted aging systems, accessibility limitations tied to the age of the original facility, and constraints that made it difficult to efficiently expand the existing structure. Community feedback helped reinforce that a full redevelopment would better position the site to meet current and future needs.
What residents need to know
Ribbon cutting: Thursday, April 30, 2026
Location: Winter Haven Recreation and Cultural Center, 801 MLK Boulevard NE
Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
Ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m.
Open house and tours will take place from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
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.
