Cypresswood Golf and Country Club in Winter Haven

Winter Haven

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January 7, 2019

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Cypresswood Golf and Country Club in Winter Haven

By Allison Williams

Photos provided by Bob Schade

Cypresswood Golf and Country Club is and 18-hole parkland golf course located right in Winter Haven that has been operating since 1974. Bob Schade, Golf Professional, has been with Cypresswood for more than 32 years. He started working there when he was just a young boy as a cart attendant and has worked his way up over the years. He has been the Golf Professional since 1991.

Schade has always had an interest in golf. His family moved to Winter Haven when he was in 9^th grade and he continued his passion right here in Florida.

“I started playing when I was 12, turned pro at 19 and have been in the business for more than 30 years,” Schade said. He also has 28 years of teaching experience.

With his many years of teaching people about the sport of golf, he has learned a technique that works well with his students.

“As with most teachers, I had an idea what I wanted each student to do. Good grip, good setup, good posture and a good start to their back swing. I quickly found out that almost all golfers with any kind of experience interpret those instructions in different ways. The skill I had to learn is to figure out a way for the individual student to be successful. That sounds simple but it is a different challenge for each student. Each of them has different learning patterns. Some have to be told, some shown and others have to be moved through a particular drill or exercise in order for the student to understand. At the end of each lesson, I want each student to be better in some way. A better way to execute a shot, a simpler way to swing the golf club or just a practice plan outlining a route to success.”

After teaching over 15,000 lessons, Schade feels confident in his ability to successfully teach. He continues to teach and also learn from other teachers and coaches out there.

Cypresswood has a ton to offer the public.

“It is an 18 hole parkland golf course with a fully grassed driving range, putting

green and short game area,” Schade said. “The clubhouse has a fully stocked pro shop, thriving restaurant and banquet space for up to 250 people.”

With Cypresswood being around for so long, it has surely grown over the years. Back in 1974, it only had a few homes on its property. Today, there are 1,061 units on property.

The many years of success and growth come from the residents, customers and employees. With all of these people working together each and every day, Cypresswood can only become better.

Schade believes in providing customers with what he says is “a friendly, fair test of golf that provides hours and hours of enjoyment.”

Cypresswood offers plenty of entertainment as well on top of the golf.

“Cypresswood is always hosting great parties, golf tournaments and other events,” Schade said. “We are in that business. We have events in the clubhouse every day and book new events almost every day. If you haven’t yet, you must experience

Cypresswood!”

Schade added, “Cypresswood is located on State Road 542 (Dundee Road) in Winter Haven. We are about 1/4 mile west of US 27. You can reach us by telephone at

863-324-6174, by email at [email protected] or our website

www.cypresswoodcc.com. We are very active on Social Media, please check us out!”

Facebook:

cypresswoodcc

Instagram:

CypresswoodGolfCourse

Address:

1099 Clubhouse Road

Winter Haven, FL 33884

Dundee Man Facing Multiple Charges After Shooting His Cousin

Staff Reporter

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January 7, 2019

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Dundee Man Facing Multiple Charges After Shooting His Cousin

Dundee, Floria – A 34 year old Dundee man has been charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, discharging firearm in public, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, maintaining a structure for keeping a controlled substance, and unlicensed of concealed firearm. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Curtis Carter, DOB: 07/25/1984, allegedly shot his cousin Jason Blackwelder during a dispute.

According to reports deputies were called to a home on Ridgewood Ave. in Dundee around 7:46pm Sunday night after a shooting. It was determined that Jason Blackwelder had been shot in the bicep. Blackwelder received emergency medical attention and then was airlifted to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center.

According to the arrest affidavit, Carter was working on Blackwelder’s truck at this home on Ridgewood Ave., but had put it on the “back burner” and was working on other vehicles nat another location Sunday. Per reports this made Blackwelder upset and he began calling Carter about it.

Here is an excerpt of two separate versions of what Carter says happened next:

“Curtis responded to his residence at Ridgewood Avenue, Dundee. Upon his arrival, he observed Jason was already at his residence, standing outside.

Curtis had a handgun in his truck that he arrived to his residence in. Curtis placed his handgun in his pocket, not for the confrontation, but to put it inside his residence. Jason began following Curtis into his backyard. Jason was being verbal aggressive towards Curtis. Curtis repeatedly asked Jason to leave, but Jason continued to follow him. Jason took an aggressive posture towards Curtis, therefore Curtis believed Jason was going to physically attack him.

Curtis discharged one round into the ground as a “warning shot”. Jason became upset after the warning shot and pushed Curtis. Curtis pushed Jason back, while still holding the handgun. The handgun discharged one round. Jason yell,”You shot me” and Jason began to exit the back yard. Curtis chased after Jason, in an attempt to get him to stop running and wait for help. Curtis dialed 911, to get Jason medical help.”

“During a neighborhood canvass, contact was made with a witness, Jaime Fierro-Martinez. Jaime advised he was inside of his residence on 6th street N, Dundee. Jaime’s residence is located behind Curtis’s. Jaime heard yelling and cursing. Jaime could only understand, “No, no, no fuck you, Fuck you”. Jaime believed the voice was “Bo Carter”. Jaime heard three gunshots “back to back”. Jaime was positive there was no pause between the gunshots. Approximately five seconds after the third gun shot, Jaime heard a subject begin to scream for help, at which time Jaime called 911. Jaime never heard anyone say “leave”. Jaime did not hear any gunshots prior to the three gunshots.

During a review of the property with crime scene, two casing were found in close proximity to one another at the rear of the residence, where there was also blood splatter. A third shell casing was found in another location in the backyard at the east side of the residence.

Upon a search warrant being completed, entry was made into the residence at Ridgewood Avenue. A green ammunition container was located in a front left room. Inside the green ammunition container was a clear glass pipe, which tested positive for methamphetamine, via narcotics kit #15. There were six additional firearms and ammunition found in the residence. There was also a .40 caliber ammunition box that is consistent with the casings found at the crime scene.

An interview was not conducted with Jason, due to him being in surgery at Lakeland Regional hospital.

Post Miranda, Curtis advised the following;

He agreed to fix his cousin’s, Jason Blackwelder, truck, but “put it on the back burner” to make money working on other people’s vehicles. Yesterday (1/6/19), Jason began calling Curtis, via phone, but Curtis did not answer. Jason contacted Curtis, via text, message. Jason advised he was going to fix the truck. Curtis advised Jason the items he needed to purchase to fix the truck. I observed the text messages exchanged between Curtis and Jason. Curtis even advised Jason where a wrench was located at his home for Jason to use. Therefore, Curtis was aware Jason was at Curtis’s home fixing his truck.

Curtis keeps his handgun between the seats in his green truck. Curtis always takes his handgun out of his truck and brings it into his house. Prior to Curtis’s arrival at his home, Curtis believed Jason was upset with him. When Curtis arrived home, he observed Jason’s silver motor vehicle that Jason drives. Curtis retrieved his handgun and carried it in his left hand down by his side. He does not currently have a concealed weapons permit, but is should be arriving in the mail soon.

Curtis walked to his backyard to enter his residence through his back door. Curtis was aware Jason was in the backyard working on his truck, but Curtis never utilizes the front door to enter his residence. Jason was underneath his truck at the time of Curtis’s arrival. While walking to the back steps by his back door, Curtis stated, “You owe me a steak dinner”. Jason removed himself from underneath the truck and began to walk towards Curtis while stating, “I want my mutha fucking truck fixed”. Curtis was standing at the top of the back porch stairs and Jason was standing on the ground in front of the steps when Curtis fired two warning shots into the ground. Curtis turned around to unlock his back door to enter his residence.

Curtis switched the gun from his left hand to his right. He felt Jason behind him. Curtis turned around, Jason tried to bite the tip of his nose, and then pushed Curtis’s chest with both hands. Curtis’s back was pushed against his back door. When Jason pushed him, he knew Jason’s possessed nothing in his. Curtis pushed Jason on his chest, while holding the handgun. Curtis was not paying attention to his finger placement on the handgun during the altercation.

Therefore, Curtis did not realized his finger was on the trigger. When Curtis pushed Jason, he accidently discharged one round. Curtis grabbed his arm and yelled, “You shot me” as he jumped up and down. Curtis advised he shot Jason by accident.”

A concealed weapons permit check was conducted and advised Carter’s concealed weapons permit showed “status denied”

Due to the investigation, witness and defendant’s statement, Curtis was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, discharging firearm in public, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, maintaining a structure for keeping a controlled substance, and unlicensed of concealed firearm. He was taken to Polk County Jail.

Meet Big Name Stars At Inagural Central Florida Comic Con In Lakeland

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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January 7, 2019

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Meet Big Name Stars At Inagural Central Florida Comic Con In Lakeland

by James Coulter

San Diego Comic Con (SDCC), as one of the largest multi-genre entertainment events in the country, is considered to be the mecca of nerd culture. Thousands of comic book and sci-fi fans flock there in pilgrimage each year to express their devotion to their favorite media.

The bad news is that not everyone die-hard fan has the time or money to travel out to California each year. The good news is that Central Florida residents can experience the next best thing with the very first Central Florida Comic Con (CFCC) in Lakeland on January 19 and 20.

To be hosted within the spacious facility of the RP Funding Center, this inagural event will allow thousands of fans to congregate together and share their love of all things nerdy and geeky, including comic books, video games, sci-fi, and fantasy.

Highlighting the inagural CFCC this year will be nearly a dozen big name celebrities of movies, television, and comic books, including such notable stars as:

George Lowe. A Lakeland local and television actor who voiced the titular Space Ghost on “Space Ghost: Coast To Coast”
Marina Sirtis. TV Actress who played Counselor Deanna Troi in “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”
Austin St. John. TV actor who portrayed the very first Red Ranger in “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.”
Phil LeMarr. Notable black voice actor for such television characters as Samurai Jack, Static Shock, and Hermes from “Futurama.”
Butch Patrick. Former child TV actor who played Eddie Munster from “The Munsters.”
Matt Korklan. One of the most decorated wrestlers of all-time, having won numerous championships including the WWE Tag Team Championship.
Andy Price and Sarah Richards. Both artists and illustrators for the very popular “My Little Pony” comics.

Ben Penrod, the promoter of CFCC, has been a fan of all things nerd culture since he started reading comic books at age 13 and later selling them as an adult at comic book conventions across the country.

His love for comic books and visiting comic book conventions would allow him the privilege of starting several conventions of his own, including Awesome Con in Orlando.

Having helped host and organize such shows in Maryland and Washington D.C.. He decided to help create a similar experience in Central Florida that was further away from the larger crowds of Orlando and Tampa.

“This is a fun fair festival atmosphere all centered around being a fan of the world of superheroes and sci-fi fantasy pop culture,” he said. “Since I have lived in Central Florida, it is something I have wanted to do since I first moved out here a few years ago.”

Penrod is especially excited to host this year’s inagural event, as not only is it being hosted in a new location, but also features various celebrity guests, panels, and other planned shows that are sure to please die-hard fans such as himself.

“It is a whole lot of fun, and it is a way to get into a whole different enviroment with people who love the same things that you like and to really celebrate the culture that has grown around the world of superheroes and pop culture, sci-fi, and fantasy,” he said.

Central Florida Comic Con will be hosted on January 19 and 20 at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, located at 701 W Lime St, Lakeland, FL 33815.

For more information, visit their website at: https://www.centralfloridacomiccon.com/

Winter Haven Woman Facing Second Degree Attempted Murder Charges After Allegedly Shooting Into A Car During Road Rage Incident

Staff Reporter

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January 5, 2019

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Winter Haven Woman Facing Second Degree Attempted Murder Charges After Allegedly Shooting Into A Car During Road Rage Incident

Winter Haven, Florida – A 34 year old Winter Haven woman allegedly fired a bullet into a car as it was leaving the scene of a road rage incident. This according to Polk County Sheriff’s Office put the driver and passenger’s lives in danger. The incident occurred on December 15, 2018 near the intersection of 5th St. and Lake Alfred Rd. Here is a long excerpt from the arrest affidavit:

“On 12/15/2018, I Det. Jones was contacted by supervision to respond to the above location to assist patrol with a Shooting/Throwing a Deadly Missile. Upon arrival on scene, I made contact with Deputy Sheriff Carvajal #8507, who provided me with details regarding the incident. Carvajal advised me that he made contact with the victim’s, Javier Valle (passenger) and Nashalie Barrientos (driver). Carvajal stated the victims were traveling northbound on Lake Alfred Rd. The victim then veered her vehicle to the left to make a U-Turn, however, she noticed a black in color vehicle exiting from the Carefree Cove Subdivision pulled out in front of her vehicle while she was attempting to make a U-turn. Both now are heading southbound on Lake Alfred Rd. The victim’s states the suspect vehicle then pulled up next to them while they were traveling southbound and threw object at their vehicle while both vehicle’s where still in motion.

The victim’s attempted to make a right hand turn to return to their residence, at which point the suspect cut off the victim’s vehicle at the intersection 5th Street and Lake Alfred Rd, by placing the suspect vehicle in front of the victims vehicle. The suspect, stepped out her vehicle and began to get in a verbal altercation with both victims. The suspect was described to be a black female, approx. 5 foot 7 and heavy set. The victim began to drive toward her residence on 5th Street while the suspect was still standing in the middle of the roadway, at which point the suspect fired a gunshot, striking the rear window of the victim’s vehicle. The projectile was located lodged in the arm rest of the center console. A shell casing was located at the intersection of 5th Street/ Lake Alfred Road. Crime Scene.

I Detective Jones conducted taped statements with both victims, and an Intel bulletin will be generated with the details of the case. I responded to the Carefree Cove Subdivision and surrounding neighborhoods in attempt to locate a black in color four-door car possibly an older model Ford Fusion or a Honda Civic. The search led to negative results.

On 12/17/18, Ebony Davis called the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Communication Section (Dispatch), advising she was involved in a road rage incident that ended with her shooting towards an occupied vehicle. Davis advised she will be at the Dairy Queen on Havendale Blvd, Winter Haven Fl.”

“Post Miranda interview:

Davis stated she was involved in a road rage incident on 12/15/18. Davis stated she was exiting Carefree Cove Subdivision after she pick up her kids from her mother law house who live inside the Carefree Cove Subdivision. Davis stated she was attempting cross the highway to make a left hand turn to head southbound on Lake Alfred Road. While making a left and turn she pulled out in front of another vehicle. The driver of the vehicle of the second vehicle was driven by Nathalie Barrientos and the passenger Javier Valle. Davis said both was traveling southbound on when the both began to attempt to run each other of the roadway. Davis stated she observed the victim Nashalie throw an unknown object at her vehicle. Davis advised me when she observed she object hit her car it made her very upset because her kids were in the vehicle with her. Davis stated she observed the victim vehicle make a left hand onto 5th street off Lake Alfred Road. Davis then cut the victims vehicle off at the intersection of 5th Street and Lake Alfred Rd, by placing the her vehicle in front of the victim’s vehicle. Davis the stepped out her vehicle and began to get in a verbal altercation with both victims. Davis said the victim told her at that’s how people get killed from road rage.

Davis said Barrientos searching the floorboard of her vehicle looking which made her think she was searching for a gun, but never saw a gun in the victim vehicle. Davis stated after the verbal altercation the victim drove off east on 5th St, but in the processes the victim ran over her foot, at which point she retrieved her hand gun and fired a gunshot, striking the rear window of the victim’s vehicle. The projectile was located lodged in the arm rest of the center console. A shell casing was located at the intersection of 5th Street/ Lake Alfred Road.

It should be noted prior to make contact with Davis I retrieved surveillance video from a surrounding business, which captured Davis firing a round into the victim’s vehicle.

Through my investigation I determined probable cause to arrest Davis for Shooting into an occupied vehicle and Attempted Murder.”

Davis was arrested and charged initially with 2 counts attempted 1st Degree Murder and 1 count of Shooting Into An Occupied Vehicle. On January 3rd the district attorneys office merged 1 count of 1st Degree Murder & 1 count of Shooting Into An Occupied Vehicle. The district attorney’s office is only filing a Attempted 2nd Degree Murder charge against Davis. At the time this article Davis was not provided with bond and is awaiting a January 22, 2o19 court date.

Lake Wales Man Charged With Murdering His Ex-Girlfriend In Haines City Shooting Early Saturday Morning

Staff Reporter

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January 5, 2019

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Lake Wales Man Charged With Murdering His Ex-Girlfriend In Haines City Shooting Early Saturday Morning

Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an early morning domestic violence related homicide

At approximately 01:15 a.m. this morning, deputies responded to 373 Melbourn Drive, Sweetwater Golf and Tennis Community, near Haines City to a reported shooting. When deputies arrived, they found 60-year-old David Murdock of Lake Wales sitting outside the front of the residence. He was taken into custody without incident. A handgun was located near Murdock in the driveway.

Deputies discovered 66-year-old Sandra Andrews (the resident at 373 Melbourn Drive) on the front screened porch of the residence. She had an apparent gunshot wound to the face. She told deputies that “David” shot her. Ms. Andrews was taken to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center for treatment, and is expected to survive. 56-year-old Lisa Bunce of Lake Wales (and recently Ohio) was located in the closet of a bedroom inside the home with an apparent gunshot wound to the head. She was deceased.

Murdock’s truck, a gray 2013 Dodge pickup was parked directly in front of the victim’s residence.

According to interviews with friends, Ms. Bunce had a previous troubled relationship with Murdock that had ended in December of 2017, and then she moved to Ohio. Ms. Bunce recently travelled to Florida after Christmas to visit friends, including Ms. Andrews; Ms. Bunce was to return to Ohio on January 8. According to a friend, Murdock tried calling Ms. Andrews twice earlier Friday but she did not answer. Ms. Bunce blocked Murdock’s number so he could not contact her. The friend told deputies that Ms. Bunce previously told her that Murdock had threatened violence against her in the past.

“Murdock told us he had to get rid of the Devil’ as an excuse for his actions. Lots of people blame the Devil for their misdeeds, but it takes a person to pull a trigger. We are going to hold Murdock accountable for murdering his ex-girlfriend and trying to kill another woman.” Grady Judd, Sheriff

David Murdock has been charged with 1st Degree Murder, Attempted 1st Degree Murder, Armed Burglary with Assault/Battery, and Shooting into a Building. He will be held in the Polk County Jail on no bond.

Highlands Hammock Announces January Monday Morning Nature Walks

Staff Reporter

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January 4, 2019

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Highlands Hammock Announces January Monday Morning Nature Walks

Sebring: Highlands Hammock State Park’s Monday Morning Nature Walks are scheduled to resume on January 7. These popular hikes which are offered on Monday mornings during the winter and continuing through the end of March, are now in their sixth year. Park visitors may take a leisurely walk with volunteer trail guides Brian and Susan Woodworth as they explore park nature trails, observe birds, spot reptiles and discover what’s blooming. “One of the reasons why this program has developed such a strong local following and has been so successful is that visitors are likely to see birds and wildlife or some extraordinary air plant or shrub in bloom,” stated Park Services Specialist Carla Sherwin. “The Woodworths are two self-taught naturalists who take the time to actively scout trails in advance of their hikes, so they know where certain species are most likely to be found,” she added. Migratory songbirds are now in the park, and it is not unusual to sight woodpeckers, red-shouldered hawks and water birds such as herons, ibis and egrets. Alligators, turtles and snakes are sometimes spotted. January walks include the following: Cypress Swamp Trail (January 7), Fern Garden Trail (January 14), and Richard Lieber Memorial Trail (January 28).

All hikes begin at 9:00 a.m. and take approximately one hour to 90 minutes. The degree of difficulty of the walks ranges from easy to moderate. Visitors will meet at the trailhead parking areas on the Loop Road at 9:00 a.m. They are advised to dress for the weather and wear hiking boots, long pants and protective clothing and bring sunscreen, insect repellent, water and snacks. Walking sticks and binoculars are also useful. Highlands Hammock is located at 5931 Hammock Road in Sebring. Park entry fees of $6.00 per vehicle (up to 8 people), $4.00 per vehicle for a single person, and $2.00 for bicyclists and people on foot apply.

The walk that falls on January 21, the third Monday of the month, will be held at Lake June-in-Winter Scrub State Park. Park visitors will have the opportunity to explore scrub habitat and may observe Florida scrub-jays. Eagles have been sighted recently and hikers may also walk down to the edge of the lake and observe water birds. Water, a hat, sunglasses and appropriate shoes and clothing are essential as there is very little shade in scrub areas and walking in sugar sand can be difficult. Lake June is located at the far south end of Daffodil Road in Lake Placid. The park entrance fee is $2.00 per vehicle and exact change is required for payment in an Iron Ranger deposit box.

Raise A Glass For 6th Annual Pints for Paws Lakeland Beer Fest

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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January 4, 2019

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Raise A Glass For 6th Annual Pints for Paws Lakeland Beer Fest

by James Coulter

What if helping out your fine furry friends was as easy as raising a pint and enjoying a cold drink like Hair of the Dog? You can do exactly that at the upcoming Pints for Paws Lakeland Beer Fest.

For the past six years, this pet-friendly beer festival has been allowing guests to raise a glass in order to raise proceeds for the Humane Society of Polk County.

This year’s event will be hosted along the scenic Lake Mirror Promenade within Downtown Lakeland and showcase more than 100 different brands of beer for guests to sample.

As this is an outdoor pet-friendly event, guests are more than welcome to bring along their leashed canine companions and visit many of the vendors offering pet food, toys, treats, free dental exams, and even “dog beer.”

“I think it is a unique event that is unlike no other and it is for a great cause,” said Stephanie Eck, Sales Manager for Bernie Little Distributors, the company that hosts and organizes the event.

Pints for Paws Lakeland Beer Fest was started six years ago with the mission of raising awareness and proceeds for the Humane Society of Polk County, as well as providing a local beer festival for the Lakeland area.

“Working for the distributor, we wanted to do a beer fest in town,” Eck said. “I have a huge passion for animals, as do the owners of the company.”

The event was originally hosted at the RP Funding Center (formerly the Lakeland Civic Center), but was moved to the Lake Mirror Promenade as of last year.

Last year’s event raised more than $30,000, and this year’s event is expected to bring in even more money and attendees, Eck said.

This year’s event will be much bigger and better, with two stages for live music and entertainment, an Ice room provided by Bracken Ridge Brewery, and even an 18-thousand pound fish tank filled with real-life mermaids to promote a new beer.

“That is what makes us different: we are always bringing something new,” Eck said. “What you saw last year, you will not see again this year. This is going to be always something new, and we always try to make it bigger and better every year.”

Not only does the event help to showcase the various beers from Bernie Little Distributors, as well as provide a good time for local residents and their pets, but also raise money for a good cause within the local community.

“We are already exceeding the amount of people [who have signed up that] we had coming this time last year, so we are expecting a sellout for the event this year,” Eck said. “The end result is proceeds for the humane society. What we do at this one little event can save some animals, it is worth it.”

Pints for Paws Lakeland Beer Fest will be hosted on Friday, Jan. 18, 2019 from 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. The event will be hosted at Frances Langford Promenade, located at 121 S. Lake Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801. Tickets are $45 in advance, and $60 on the day of.

For more information, visit their website at: https://pintsforpawslakelandbeerfest.com/

Clock Family Resturant Demolished In Auburndale For New Eye Clinic

Auburndale

Staff Reporter

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January 4, 2019

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Clock Family Resturant Demolished In Auburndale For New Eye Clinic

by James Coulter

Photos provided by Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida, P.A.

For nearly four decades, the Clock Family Resturant has served the residents of Auburndale with good old-fashioned home cooking, even during the late hours of the night and wee hours of the morning.

Now the building that once served the appetites of city residents has been demolished to make way for a new clinic that will serve the eyes of local residents.

On Thursday morning of January 3, 2019, the demolition of the building began promptly at 8 a.m. and took nearly a day and a half before the entire building had been completley demolished.

Attending the demolition that morning were two doctors and representatives from Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida, with representatives from Whitehead construction, the business that had purchased the building and its property to serve as its eighth location.

Eye Specialists of MidFlorida had initially planned to renovate the building for their new clinic location, but the construction company, upon inspecting the building, recommended demolishing the building and starting from scratch, Bryant said.

The original building had served as the location for the Clock Family Restaurant since opening its doors in 1977. Aside from McDonalds, the eatery was one of the few local resturants that offered 24-hour service.

For 40 years, the resturant continued operations, with the business later being purchased by former owner Kerry Rasmi and renamed “Kerry’s Clock Family Restaurant.” The resturant closed its doors in 2017, with the decision being the closure most likely being due to the owner’s personal health issues, according to a report by The Ledger.

The location had since been purchased by Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida with the intent of turning it into its eighth clinic, which will offer a diverse array of ophthalmological and optometrist services including standard eye exams.

Having opened its original clinic in Winter Haven in the early 1960s, the practice operates several clinics throughout the county, offering a well-rounded approach to eye care, as their website describes:

“Our commitment has always been to put our patients first and to provide the level of care our patients deserve. Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida’s integrated eye care business includes ophthalmology, optometry, glaucoma, Lasik, laser surgery, treatment of cataracts, eyelid lifts, a full range of eyeglass lenses and frames, contact lenses, sunglasses, frame repair, and optical accessories.”

The practice operates other locations in Clermont, Lake Wales, Sebring 2 locations in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Haines City. With other patients residing within Auburndale, the new location will help better serve their patients there without forcing them to travel far, Bryant said.

Once the property has been completley cleared and the proper permits have been acquired, construction on the new building will commence and is expected to reach completion around June.

Though many local residents may be disheartened to see an old community staple fade away into their memories, Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida assures that they will utilize the new location to better serve the eye healthcare needs of the community.

“We know the Clock Resturant has been an institution there in Auburndale for a long time, and we had several inquiries about what was going on there, so we thought it would be best to reach out to the public and let them know [what they could expect],” Bryant said.

For more information about Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida, visit their website at: https://www.eyesfl.com/

Want Better Health This New Year? Get Help From Chat N Chew!

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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January 4, 2019

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Want Better Health This New Year? Get Help From Chat N Chew!

by James Coulter

A new year is upon us. Have you set your new year’s resolution? Is it to lose weight? Eat healthier? Get more exercise? Lower your cholesterol?

Whatever your new year’s resolution is, if you need help achieving better health this year, feel free to visit the Winter Haven Public Library for some support and advice from Chat and Chew.

This Winter Haven-based health advocacy group will be hosting many new public events this year to help provide health and dietary information to help people achieve better health, from live chats with healthcare proffesionals to book discussions and movie screenings.

Their new year will kick off on January 18 with a live chat with Dr. Doug Lisle, a clinical psychologist whose research and expertise has helped uncover many of the secrets as to why we feel compelled to eat the food that we eat and what we can do to fight back those compulsions.

As the staff psychologist for the McDougall Program and The TrueNorth Health Center in Santa Rosa, California, his findings and advice have helped draw attention from many people looking to have their questions answered about the food that they eat and the psychology behind their food choices.

As to how our food choices affect our health, you can learn more about that through the public screening of the high-acclaimed documentary “Food Over Knives” on February 5. This movie helps uncover the correlation between our nation’s unhealthy collective meat-based diet and current trends of obesity, diabetes, and other health afflictions.

One of the physicians featured in this documentary, Dr. Caldwell Essesltyn from the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Center, helped many of his own patients turn their lives and health around for the better through dietary changes—and he’ll be more than happy to address questions and provide advice on how others may do the same through his live chat on February 22.

Both Dr. Essesltyn and Dr. Lisle will also be the focus of upcoming book discussions, each one focusing on their own best-selling books: Dr. Doug Lisle’s co-authored book, “The Pleasure Trap” and “Prevent And Reverse Heart Disease” by Dr. Esselstyn. Feel free to visit these discussions to learn more about these books and discuss them.

All of these events are designed to help attendees re-evaluate their own life choices, especially when it comes to diet, and learn how they can change their eating habits for the better, explained Cathy Thornhill, Chat and Chew Director.

“So there is a message of hope that you can really change the outlook in your life if you just step back and [think]…maybe I ought to consider what I should do to take charge here,” she said. “We can do a lot of things ourselves to help our doctors take care of us.”

Started in 2012 by local educator, Cathy Thornhill, Chat and Chew helps promote education to the public about nutrition and healthy living through live chats with healthcare proffesionals, grocery store tours, and cooking classes.

The Winter Haven group and has since achieved a significant growth in membership with members from other cities such as Lake Wales and Lakeland. Their outreach has especially grown through their use of social media, especially with the livestreaming of meetings and chats on YouTube.

Though not specifically a vegetarian or vegan group, Chat and Chew promotes healthier living through a plant-based diet, encouraging members and visitors to put “more plants on their plate.”

With the start of the New Year, Chat and Chew hopes to inspire new and potential members to help accomplish their new year’s resolutions to achieve better selves through better health. They hope to do that with new types of events this year, including their upcoming book chats and documentary screening.

“The most exciting part is that [our message] is so hopeful,” Thornhill said. “There will be people at our meeting, and they will have an opportunity to share their story about what happened when you do what your grandmother told you to: eat more fruits and vegetables.”

Upcoming Events

Skype w/Dr. Doug Lisle

Jan. 18, 2019 @ 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Winter Haven Public Library, 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881

Ever wonder why you can’t stop eating the food that you crave? Dr. Lisle knows, and he can help answer your questions and offer advice on how to make better food choices.

“Forks Over Knives”

Feb. 5, 2019 @ 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Winter Haven Public Library, 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881

Our culture focuses on a diet of mostly meat, fat, and processed food. We’re also experiencing unhealthy trends in obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Coincidence? This documentary claims not.

Skype w/Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn

Feb. 22, 2019 @ 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Winter Haven Public Library, 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881

Dr. Esselstyn has helped many patients reverse life-threatening diseases such as heart disease through changes in their diet. He can share his advice and answer questions about how others can do that as well.

Multi-Vehicle Accident Temporarily Closed Northbound HWY 27

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

-

January 4, 2019

0

Multi-Vehicle Accident Temporarily Closed Northbound HWY 27

LWPD Press Release:

On January 3, 2019 at approximately 7:55am Lake Wales Police Officers were dispatched to a traffic crash on Hwy 27 north of Central Ave. When officers arrived on scene they found the northbound lanes of Hwy 27 blocked and three vehicles were involved in the crash. Officers learned a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder was being driven southbound on Hwy 27 by Danielle Adcock, a 27 year old Winter Haven resident. For an unknown reason Adcock crossed the median into the northbound lanes and crashed into a safety wall on the edge of the roadway causing her vehicle to rotate. A 2013 Mazda hatchback was being driven northbound on Hwy 27 by Marie Hannigan, an 83 year old Babson Park resident, with Andrew Kell, a 69 year old Babson Park resident, as a passenger. Hannigan was able to stop her vehicle prior to colliding with Adcock but she was rear ended by northbound 2012 Toyota Prius being driven by Aneyra Cancel, a 24 year old Winter Haven resident. This impact and the rotation of Adcock’s vehicle caused Adcock’s vehicle and Hannigan’s vehicle to also collide.

Adcock was transported by EMS to the Lakeland Regional Medical Center where she is listed in stable condition. Hannigan and Kell were transported by EMS to the Lake Wales Medical Center for minor injuries. Cancel went by private transportation to the Winter Haven Hospital as a precaution.

Hwy 27 northbound was closed for approximately 1 ½ hours before a lane was opened for traffic to flow. All lanes of northbound traffic were opened at approximately 11:30am. All three vehicles were disabled and had to be towed from the scene.

This investigation is still active and no charges have been filed at this time. Anyone having information about this crash is asked to contact Officer Mary Jerome at (863) 678-4223 extension 521.

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DailyRidge.comFast Factual Free News!