Lakeland PAL:
โMark Your Calendars!
๐ฃ๐๐-๐ข๐ช๐๐๐ก – ๐ฆ๐จ๐ก๐๐๐ฌ, ๐ข๐๐ง๐ข๐๐๐ฅ ๐ฎ๐ฒ๐ง๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐ฑ๐ฃ๐ -๐ด๐ฃ๐
Join us for a SPOOKY good time at our PAL-oween Party! Lakeland PAL will have Trunk-or-Treat Stations, a photo area, a Haunted House, and more. Food and fun for the whole family! This event is Free. See you there!
325 W 2nd St, Lakeland, FL 33805
Lakeland Pal Complexโ
By Anita Todd
HAINES CITY โ As part of Life Chain 2025, a pro-life movement, leaders and members of Landmark Baptist Church lined the sides of U.S. Highway 27 near Walmart on Sunday, October 4, from 2 to 3 p.m.
Since 1987, believers across the world, primarily in the United States and Canada, have gathered on the first Sunday of every October for one hour to prayerfully stand for life and against abortion.
About 150 people, young and old, men and women, held signs in English and Spanish letting passersby know they are against abortion.
โWeโve been doing this for as long as I can remember, the first Sunday of every October,โ said Senior Pastor Barry Parsons of Landmark Baptist Church. โWeโve gotten mostly positive responsesโฆ a few negative, but mostly positive.โ
Trucks and cars honked their horns as they drove by the many folks holding signs and waving.
โWe pray while we hold the signs that people will know there are other options besides abortion,โ Parsons said. โWe stand for life.โ
Landmark Baptist Church was established in 1958 as the first missionary Baptist church. It is one of the largest churches in Haines City and also has a school serving kindergarten through 12th grade, as well as a Christian college.
Update To: Motorcycle Crash With Injuries In Lakeland
LAKELAND โ Two people suffered serious injuries Saturday morning after a motorcycle crash at the intersection of Lakeland Highlands Road and the Polk Parkway in Lakeland.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 10:50 AM on October 4, 2025.
Investigators say a 44-year-old Riverview man was operating a Harley-Davidson motorcycle traveling westbound on State Road 570 along the exit ramp to Lakeland Highlands Road. The rider reportedly entered the intersection under a red traffic signal and struck a curb in the center median.
The impact caused both the rider and his passenger, a 49-year-old Riverview woman, to be ejected from the motorcycle. Both individuals sustained serious injuries and were transported to an area hospital by Polk County Fire Rescue.
Units from Lakeland Police Department, Polk County Sheriffโs Office, and Polk County Fire Rescue all responded to the scene. Traffic in the area was temporarily blocked while emergency crews treated the victims and investigators examined the crash site.
The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investi
LAKELAND โ Multiple emergency crews responded late Saturday morning to a serious traffic crash involving a motorcycle at the intersection of Lakeland Highlands Road and the Polk Parkway.
The crash occurred around 10:55 AM, according to Polk County Fire Rescue dispatch. Two adult trauma alerts were reported from the scene. Both victims were transported for emergency medical care.
Units from Polk County Fire Rescue (BC003, EN035, MR028, MR035), along with Lakeland Police Department and Polk County Sheriffโs Office, were on scene assisting with rescue operations and traffic control.
The crash caused major lane closures in the area as first responders worked to treat the injured and investigate the cause of the crash. Motorists were advised to avoid the intersection of Lakeland Highlands Road and the Polk Parkway entrance and exit ramps until the scene cleared.
Further details, including the condition of those involved and the cause of the crash, have not yet been released.
For a frighteningly fun time in the kitchen this Halloween, gather your family around the cauldron to create a sweet, spooky dessert.
Tricks and treats may provide thrills, but a homemade concoction can be the star of your hauntingly happy evening.
This Ghostly Graveyard Cake takes imagination and creativity from everyone with tombstones, skulls and spooky icing daring all to try a bite. With looks this chilling, it’s a perfect treat to enjoy while watching everyone’s favorite scary movie.
Ghostly Graveyard Cake Ingredients
1 box chocolate cake mix
10 chocolate creme cookies
1 cup black melting chips
1 cup red melting chips
1 cup heavy whipping cream
3 cans buttercream icing
1 purple food coloring
1 black food coloring
skull sprinkles
tombstones and bones candies
1. Prepare cake mix according to package instructions in three 6-inch baking pans. Once baked, allow to completely cool outside of pans.
2. In zip-top bag, using rolling pin, crush chocolate creme cookies; set aside.
3. In separate small bowls, add black melting chips and red melting chips.
4. In microwave, heat heavy whipping cream 1 1/2 minutes. Pour half the mixture into one bowl of chips and other half into other bowl of chips. Stir until chips are completely melted; set aside.
5. After cakes cool, on cake board, add small amount of buttercream icing so cake sticks. Using bread knife, level cakes.
6. Place one cake on cake board and add thin layer of icing on top. Place second layer of cake on top and add thin layer of icing on top. Place final layer of cake on top and add thin layer of icing on top.
Add thin layer of icing to entire cake. Freeze 15 minutes.
7. In small bowl, mix two parts purple food coloring to one part black food coloring. Ice cake with deep purple icing. Using grooved scraper, scrape along sides of cake. Using angled spatula, smooth top of cake.
8. Add skull sprinkles around edges of cake. Using piping bag with small opening at tip, drip black drip mixture around top edges of cake. Repeat using red drip mixture.
9. Add chocolate creme cookie crumbs to top of cake. Add tombstones and bone sprinkles to top of cake.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year, more than 310,000 women and 2,800 men are estimated to be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, according to the National Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation. However, advances in early detection and treatment in recent years have increased survival rates to the point where there are currently more than 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
When caught early, the 5-year survival rate is extremely high, which makes preventative measures like screenings and staying informed about risk factors – particularly those that impact you personally – critical elements in prevention and detection. Keep these risk factors in mind to make informed decisions about your health.
Genetic Factors and Family History
Mutations in specitic genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, greatly increase the likelihood of the disease. These mutations can be inherited, which means a family history of breast cancer can be a strong indicator of your own risk. If you have a family history of breast cancer, undergo genetic testing and counseling to better understand your risk and take appropriate preventive measures.
Lifestyle Choices
Factors such as diet, physical activity, alcohol consumption and smoking have all been linked to breast cancer risk. Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity and limiting alcohol intake can help reduce that risk.
Additionally, avoiding smoking and following a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables are key preventive measures.
Environmental Exposures
Prolonged exposure to certain chemicals and pollutants including endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as those found in some plastics and pesticides, have been studied for their potential link to increased risk of developing breast cancer. Being aware of – and minimizing – exposure to harmful environmental agents can be an essential step in reducing the risk. This includes using safer household products and advocating for cleaner environments.
Age & Gender
The risk for breast cancer increases with age, and women are at a significantly higher risk than men.
However, men can also develop breast cancer, though it’s much rarer.
By recognizing the risk factors and staying proactive with regular screenings, we can take meaningful steps toward early detection, prevention, and ultimately, saving lives.
The Auburndale City Fest is on Saturday, October 4, 2025! This exciting community celebration brings together Auburndaleโs Market and Parks & Recreation for an evening filled with fun.
From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., enjoy live soul music, shop with over 40 local vendors, and let the kids take part in festive trick-or-treating.
The event is free to attend and offers a perfect opportunity to celebrate fall with friends and family.
Donโt miss this chance to support local businesses and enjoy a night of community spirit in downtown Auburndale.
The following is an article from history.com:
โOn October 3, 1863, expressing gratitude for a pivotal Union Army victory at Gettysburg, President Abraham Lincoln announces that the nation will celebrate an official Thanksgiving holiday on November 26, 1863.
The speech, which was actually written by Secretary of State William Seward, declared that the last Thursday of every November thereafter would be considered an official U.S. holiday of Thanksgiving. This announcement harkened back to when George Washington was in his first term as the first president in 1789 and the young American nation had only a few years earlier emerged from the American Revolution. At that time, George Washington called for an official celebratory โday of public thanksgiving and prayer.โ While Congress overwhelmingly agreed to Washingtonโs suggestion, the holiday did not yet become an annual event.
Thomas Jefferson, the third president, felt that public demonstrations of piety to a higher power, like that celebrated at Thanksgiving, were inappropriate in a nation based in part on the separation of church and state. Subsequent presidents agreed with him. In fact, no official Thanksgiving proclamation was issued by any president between 1815 and the day Lincoln took the opportunity to thank the Union Army and God for a shift in the countryโs fortunes on this day in 1863.
The last Thursday of November remained the annual day of Thanksgiving from 1863 until 1939. Then, at the tail-end of the Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, hoping to boost the economy by providing shoppers and merchants a few extra days to conduct business between the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, moved Thanksgiving to Novemberโs second-to-last Thursday. In 1941, however, Roosevelt bowed to Congressโ insistence that the last Thursday of November be re-set permanently, without alteration, as the official Thanksgiving holiday.โ
DETROIT โ October has arrived, and for truck enthusiasts, that means one thing: Chevrolet Truck Month. The iconic American brand is rolling out a slate of limited-time incentives designed to make it the perfect time to snag a new Chevy pickup, from rugged workhorses to off-road adventurers. With deals kicking off today and running through the end of the month, Chevrolet is celebrating its legendary truck heritage while spotlighting innovations in capability, technology, and electrification.
Truck Month has long been a staple in the automotive calendar, offering buyers enhanced rebates, low-APR financing, and lease specials on Chevrolet’s full truck portfolio. This year, amid a competitive market for light- and heavy-duty pickups, Chevy is pulling out all the stops to maintain its edge against rivals like Ford and Ram.
Chevrolet’s truck family is built for versatility, blending brute strength with modern smarts. Here’s a quick rundown of the key players available now:
Rounding out the electrified side, the Silverado EV brings zero-emissions torque with up to 664 horsepower and a 440-mile range, starting at $75,000 for the Work Truck edition. While not always the star of Truck Month deals, it’s gaining traction as Chevy pushes toward a greener fleet.
This Truck Month, Chevrolet is stacking incentives to move inventory. Highlights include:
These offers vary by region and trim, so shoppers should check with local dealers for the best fit. Military, educator, and first-responder discounts add extra savings on top.
As supply chains stabilize and consumer demand for trucks remains red-hot, Chevrolet’s Truck Month is more than a sales eventโit’s a nod to the hardworking spirit that defines the brand. Whether you’re upgrading your daily driver or outfitting for the jobsite, now’s the time to hit the road with a Chevy. Head to your nearest dealership or chevrolet.com to explore inventory and lock in these deals before they truck away.
December 25th, 1967 – September 29th, 2025
Kenneth A. โNickโ Nixon, 67, of Davenport, formerly of Miami, FL, passed away on September 29, 2025, at his residence. He was born on December 25, 1957, in Miami, FL, to Ernest and Clarissa (Sackey) Nixon. Nick was a proud veteran of the United States Army, where he served for seven years. Following his service to his country, he worked for the United States Postal Service as a City Letter Carrier for more than 40 years, retiring in 2016. He was of the Baptist faith.
Nick was the officer for his graduating class of 1975 at Miami Jackson General High School, where he remained active. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, cooking, and landscaping. He was known for his dependability and outgoing natureโnever meeting a stranger. A hardworking man with a big personality, Nick brought laughter to many with his comedic spirit. He could be a little crazy at times, but he was a devoted friend, a good granddad, and someone who always stood by those he cared about.
He is preceded in death by his father, Ernest Nixon; and siblings, Ernest Alfonso Nixon, Antoinette Nixon, and Gloria Lee. Nick leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving partner, Sabrina Freeman; his mother, Clarissa Nixon; sons, Kendric (Lateefha) Nixon and Quintin Nixon; daughters, Adrienne Nixon and Eleanor Freeman; siblings, Naha Nixon, Nick (Christine) Agusta, Ernestine Mills, and Queen Nixon Anderson; along with five grandchildren, Laila Nixon (17), Elliott Ryals (7), Faith Nixon (6), Vamir Victor (4), and Emarie Adams (4); his beloved nieces and nephews, Trina, NaToya , Dorothea, Karen, Kelly, Pierre, Ernest, Keldrick, Terrell, Jerome, and Kelvin; as well as some special friends, Eric Floyd, Donald Elms and Rob Davis.
At this time, there are no services scheduled.
did you notice
how Kenneth lived?
a man so beloved
he might have
known and told us all
did you listen
when Kenneth told us all
he was the man
proud father
proud grandfather
proud uncle
the kind who made
the cookout happen
did you listen
when Kenneth told us all
the right way to vacuum the rug
on a Saturday morning
one direction then another
so you can see those stripes when
all is said and done
that is what work looks like
and did you listen
when Kenneth told us all
that he was thinking about things
deep things, life, love, health
and talking for hours
during holidays where
he used to sit alone in his room
did you listen
did you notice
how Kenneth lived
he reflected, he saw himself
he said โiโm sorryโ when it mattered
he was the man
may he rest well.
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