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Children Can Direct Band At Lakeland Concert Band Christmas Concert

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Children Can Direct Band At Lakeland Concert Band Christmas Concert

Children Can Direct Band At Lakeland Concert Band Christmas Concert

by James Coulter

Outside the snow may not be falling, but your friends are sure to be calling “yoo-hoo!”, because it’s still lovely weather to listen to “Sleigh Ride” together with you.

Children may not be able to go on a sleigh ride through a winter wonderland down here in Florida, but they have the chance to lead a band in playing the song “Sleigh Ride” during an upcoming Christmas Concert.

The Lakeland Concert Band will be hosting its annual Christmas concert at Youkey Theater in the RP Funding Center in Lakeland on Sun., Dec. 9 at 2:30 p.m.

The free holiday concert will include diverse performances of classic Christmas songs such as “Winter Wonderland”, “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer”, and “What Child Is This.”

Most of the songs will be instrumental music as performed by the band’s more than 100 musicians, while others will include vocals by local performers such as Kent Brady with “Blue Christmas” and Rebecca Renfroe with “The Christmas Song.”

The main highlight that afternoon will be during the intermission, when children within the audience will have an opportunity to come up on stage and take the role of conductor leading the band during a performance of “Sleigh Ride.”

Whether young or old, attendees of all ages are sure to love listening to classic holiday melodies as performed by a live concert band, and they’re even free to sing along if they want to, said Vic Larsen, Band Director.

“We tell the audience that if you hear something that you like and you want to sing it, then sing it with the band,” he said.

For the past 40 years, the Lakeland Concert Band has been offering free live musical performances from a variety of genres from classical, jazz, and even rock and roll.

More than four weeks to a month are spent practicing and preparing for these free performances, most of which are funded through the generous donations and sponsorships provided by local individuals and businesses.

“We do a lot of hard work,” Larsen said. “We have a board of directors, and we have to work together to produce what we want to produce. We have to set up the dates, [and] make sure that the venues we perform at are good.”

Larsen has been with the band for nearly as long as it has been around—39 years exactly! As an educator, he appreciates being able to expose young children to great music by classic composers such as Irving Berlin or George Gershwin.

By far, the one thing he loves most is being able to see both the audience and the band enjoy their music.

“We try to do something for everybody,” Larsen said. “I just enjoy watching the audience enjoy it. I also enjoy watching the band, because if the band likes the music, and they do stuff they like, if they like the music, then the audience likes the music as well.”

The Lakeland Band Concert Christmas Concert will be hosted on Sun., Dec. 9 at 2:30 p.m. The event will be held at the Youkey Theater in the RP Funding Center, located at 701 W. Lime St, Lakeland, FL 33815.

The concert is free, though parking at the RP Funding Center is $10. For more information, visit their website at: http://www.lakelandconcertband.org/

Saturday December 1st 2018 Merry Pawsmas

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Saturday December 1st 2018 Merry Pawsmas

Come to Animal Services on Saturday to help us celebrate Merry PAWSmas!

The Christmas holidays are a time of giving…giving and sharing of love and friendship. This holiday season, consider giving the gift of a furever home. Two local pet loving organizations, Saunders Second Chances and Highlands County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services, are teaming up again this year to present Merry PAWSmas on Saturday, December 1, 2018, from 9 a.m. through 1 p.m. located on 7300 Haywood Taylor Blvd., Sebring. These organizations will be kicking off the holiday season with an adoption day for furry friends of all shapes, sizes, colors and ages.

Saunders Second Chances partnered with HCSO Animal Services, with a mission to enrich the lives of our furry little friends within our community and to assist Highlands County Animal Services fulfill its goal for pet adoptions to a Forever Loving Home by fostering four legged kids. This program is focused on raising funds while simultaneously raising awareness about adoptions and volunteering at Highlands County Animal Services. Through fostering and healing homeless animals, providing the highest quality of care while reducing costs on spays and neuters for those truly in need, Saunders Second Chances has become a vital link in the animal service community.

This Saturday, December 1, some of the adoption fees will be waived as a celebration with the new family as they give the gift of a furever home.

“We are excited about the event. We are very grateful for Saunders Second Chances and Saunders Veterinary Services for their help in the planning for this event and vetting of the animals. We are in hopes of a good turn out with lots of pets finding their forever homes,” said Highlands County Animal Services Manager Aubre McAnally.

And to make the day even more fun and exciting, there will be kid’s activities, raffle prizes and giveaways to kick off this Merry Season! So bring a friend, a neighbor or two and let’s work together to give the gift of a furever home.

If you are not able to attend, you can still help: 1) Adopt a Furry Friend, 2) Share and spread the word about Merry PAWSmas and/or 3) Tax free donations made to Saunders Second Chances to help us continue to provide health care and surgeries. Donations can be made at this event or online at www.vetcarefoundation.org and be sure to designate Saunders Second Chances to receive the donations.

Merry PAWSmas will be held at Highlands County Animal Services, 7300 Haywood Taylor Blvd, Sebring, FL 33876 on Saturday, December 2, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Please note that no outside pets are allowed per the safety rules of the HCSO Animal Services facility.

By Anastasia Saunders
November 27, 2018

Lake Wales Man Charged With Driving 94 Miles An Hour On Hwy 27 & Then Fleeing Police

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Lake Wales Man Charged With Driving 94 Miles An Hour On Hwy 27 & Then Fleeing Police

Polk County Sheriff’s Press Release

A man driving 94 MPH on US Highway 27 through Dundee on Tuesday afternoon, November 27, 2018, fled from a Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputy when he attempted to pull him over, and then fled on foot after he stopped. Deputies subsequently caught and arrested 22-year-old Javeion Robinson of 523 Dawnlight Drive, Lake Wales.

Robinson had been driving north on US Highway 27 in a black 2008 Cadillac GTS when a deputy, who was in the area conducting traffic enforcement, noticed the car travelling at a high rate of speed. Robinson’s speed was confirmed at 94 MPH in a 50 MPH zone through the use radar.

The deputy activated his emergency lights and began going after the car, but it made an abrupt east turn onto Dundee Road. The deputy then watched as the vehicle turned onto Lemon Street. Robinson parked the car, and fled on foot.

Robinson was tracked and located by a PCSO K-9 unit.

According to the arrest affidavit, Robinson told the arresting deputy that he knew he was speeding and he did not have a valid driver license, which is why he fled. He was also in possession of a small amount of marijuana.

“Driving 40 miles per hour over the speed limit is not a smart thing to do…especially on a dangerous road like Highway 27. You ought not be driving a car if you don’t have a valid license. But if you do, driving over 90 miles per hour is not the best way to avoid the attention of our deputies.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.

Javeion Robinson was transported to the Polk County Jail and charged with: Fleeing to Elude, Driving While License Suspended or Revoked (DWLSR), Resisting, and Possession of Marijuana. He also received a citation for Speeding.

Robinson’s prior criminal history includes two felony convictions (Burglary and Grand Theft) and two misdemeanor convictions (Resisting and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia).

Mother Succumbs To Injuries After Trying To Stop Her Separated Suicidal Husband From Abducting Their Child

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Mother Succumbs To Injuries After Trying To Stop Her Separated Suicidal Husband From Abducting Their Child

Lake Wales, Florida – A Lake Wales mother has succumbed to her injuries she suffered trying to stop her separated, suicidal husband from taking their son from Kirkland Gym where he was playing basketball. The couple had recently become separated. Beverly Smith Stephens put herself in harms way to stop her husband, Travis Edward Stephens from taking their son. Beverly was employed at Publix for 13 years and was a member of God’s Revival Center by Faith. She is survived by her two sons, Joshua (9) and Caleb (6)

On November 20, 2018 one of the couples two son’s was at the gym with Beverly when the father, Travis Edward Stephens, “showed up agitated” wanting to remove their son, according to a Lake Wales Police affidavit. The victim and defendant got into a verbal argument while the defendant forced their son into his vehicle, according to a witness statement in the affidavit. The victim tried to stop the defendant from taking the child from the scene but was unsuccessful in her efforts. According to affidavit another witness stated the male locked himself in the vehicle, at which time the female began pleading with the male to open the door.

Beverly Stephens then climbed on top of the hood of the van and then on top of the van. According to a witness statement, Travis Stephens then, fully aware of the fact that Beverly Stephens was on top of the van, put the vehicle in drive and accelerated quickly North on 3rd St., going approximately 80 ft. Travis Stephens then, allegedly, made a hard sudden right turn into a parking lot on the East side of the road across from 411 N. 3rd St. The hard right turn threw the victim off the top of the van to the ground. According to the affidavit it appeared Travis Stephens intentionally tried to throw the victim off the van. Travis Stephens then sped away from the scene. Beverly Stephens suffered severe injuries to her head and was flown to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center due to her traumatic head injury. She succumbed to her injuries on Wednesday, November 21, 2018. She was kept on life support so that her organs could save the lives of others.

What witnesses didn’t know, but Beverly Stephens knew, was Travis Stephens had recently been baker acted for suicidal thoughts. According to a report, by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, someone had called regarding Travis Stephens had threatened to kill himself. On November 4, 2018 contact was made with, Travis Stephens, who advised deputies that he was considering jumping from a moving vehicle, but it was last night and he does not want to do that anymore. Here is an excerpt from the rest of that report (editor’s note: this is a matter of public record).

He advised that he is not feeling suicidal at the moment. He advised that he does often have suicidal thoughts, and they come and go. Travis could not advise why the thoughts come and go, or what the source of the thoughts were. Travis advised that he does see Dr. xxxxx at xxxxxxx in Lakeland, for counseling sessions. He advised that he thinks it might be time to call Dr. xxxxx and have his medication strengthened. Travis is currently taking Trazadone. He advised that tried to commit suicide by shooting himself in the chest in 2003 following the death of his mother. Travis advised that there were no firearms inside of his residence, and none were observed during my investigation. Travis advised that he has been Baker-Acted a few times in the past, but did not wish to be Baker-Acted for this incident.

Based on my investigation, it was determined that Travis was refusing voluntary examination, and unable to determine for himself whether or not examination was necessary. Without care or treatment Travis would suffer from neglect or refusal to care for himself. Such neglect or refusal would pose a substantial harm to his well-being. It was not apparent that such harm could be avoided by the help of willing family members or friends. There is a substantial likelihood that without care or treatment, Travis would cause serious bodily harm to himself.

Travis was transported to Peace River Crisis Stabilization Unit in Bartow under Baker-Act protocol.

Witnesses also didn’t know that Travis Stephens has a previous arrest and in Polk County for contempt of court – violation of injunction protection domestic violence back in 2010 and criminal mischief. Travis Stephens took a guilty plea deal and serviced 6 months probation for those charges.

The Lake Wales Police Department is currently working with the state attorney’s office on whether charges will be upgraded. Currently Travis Stephens has a $100,000 bond and a court date on 12/26/2018 for Domestic Violence – Aggravated Battery. Aggravated Battery is usually charged as a second degree felony with a maximum sentence of up to 15 years imprisonment and $10,000 in fines.

K & M Blueberry Farm and Nursery – 2 Temporary Workers Needed in Buckatunna and Waynesboro, MS

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K & M Blueberry Farm and Nursery – 2 Temporary Workers Needed in Buckatunna and Waynesboro, MS

K & M Blueberry Farm and Nursery – 2 Temporary workers needed in Buckatunna and Waynesboro, MS from January 15, 2019 – October 15, 2019.  Must be 18 years or older. Job requires 3 months experience. To ensure the safety of all employees, those interested must be bilingual in English and Spanish to be able to communicate with field workers and adequately follow instructions given by supervisor. Safety training for use of farm equipment will be provided. Job duties include but are not limited to the following: Nursery: Shovel, level, haul, spread rock, dig holes, ditches and trenches. Use hand tools such as shovels, trawls, hoes, grass trimmer, pruning hooks, pruning shears and knives. Duties may include tilling soil, transplanting, thinning or pruning crops and spraying insecticide, fungicide and herbicide with air blast sprayer on tractor and 4-wheeler. May also construct, repair, cover and maintain greenhouses, fences and farm buildings. Worker will re-plant and step up gallon pots to two or three gallon pots.  Load and unload plants from/on truck. All tools, supplies and equipment will be provided at no cost to workers. Worker will use a tractor; weed eater, lawn mower and 4-wheeler with trailers to perform certain duties around fields and inside nursery.  Blueberries: Manually plant, cultivate, harvest field crops. Graft blueberry plants. Prune blueberry bushes by hand using pruning shears, loppers and mechanical pruner. Inspect bushes for damage, disease or insect infestation and remove or replace as directed by farm manager. May also pick blueberries by hand. Harvest by use of mechanical harvester equipment, load and transport blueberries to processing shed with trucks and trailers. Inspect field irrigation systems, dig up and replace damaged pipes, valves, water jets, sprinklers, etc. using shovels, wrenches, etc.  There is a lifting requirement of 5-75 lbs. Work in 0 degree to 100-degree temperatures and possibly rain. The majority of the day is spent on one’s feet and outdoors. Hours and days of work may vary due to weather conditions. Clean and organize greenhouses and loading sheds before and after use. Proper work attire is required.  No cell phone usage during working hours. Workers should expect occasional periods of little/no work because of weather/crop/other conditions beyond the employer’s control. Due to possible date of need changes, worker is required to purchase travel insurance if available. We will reimburse the worker for transportation cost (including travel insurance) and subsistence to the employers work site from the place of recruitment upon completion of 50 percent of the contract period. Transportation payment will be no less (and is not required to be more) than the most economical and reasonable common carrier transportation charges for the distances involved. If the employee is unable or unfit to perform the duties listed after the 14-day pretrial the employee will receive warnings, hours may be reduced to the minimum allowed in the certified petition or may be terminated. A copy of the work contract or a copy of the ETA 790 in lieu of a work contract, and any modifications, will be provided to the worker on or before the day, the work commences. Employer may conduct criminal background check. Workers will be paid $10.73 per hour, three fourth’s guarantee, 35 hours per week, housing, equipment and transportation provided at no cost to workers who cannot reasonably return to their permanent residence at the end of each work day. We participate in the E-Verify program and workers must have valid identification for I-9 preparation when they report to begin work. Complete job description can be found at your local State Workforce/Job Center in your area, please call for the nearest office in your area MS (601) 584-1202,  AL (256) 259-1835, LA (318) 676-7705, FL (863) 385-3672 using job order #MS281739.

UPDATE: Minor School Bus Accident Central Ave E Winter Haven

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UPDATE: Minor School Bus Accident Central Ave E Winter Haven

Update regarding the minor crash with a school bus.

The bus carrying 20 students from the Learning & Literacy Academy was traveling on Central Ave. E when a 2004 Black Mercedes sedan, driven by 74 year-old Leo Sanchez pulled out of a business at 6th St NE and Central Ave. into the side of the bus.

This was a minor crash with no significant injuries. Nine students on the bus complained of minor pains and were transported to Winter Haven Hospital as a precaution.

Sanchez was charged with Careless Driving.

The Accident Report Update Sponsored by:

Body Armor Tattoo Finds New Home At Eagle Ridge Mall

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Body Armor Tattoo Finds New Home At Eagle Ridge Mall

Body Armor Tattoo Finds New Home At Eagle Ridge Mall

by James Coulter

Ever since he received his very first tattoo at age 19 in Daytona Beach, Lee Gibb has been enamored with the art of tattooing.

He has since been sharing his love for the art through his business, Body Armor Tattoo, in Lake Wales. Now his tattoo art studio has since found a new home at Eagle Ridge Mall.

Body Armor Tattoo has gained quite the following due in part to its fair prices and quality work. Whatever you’re looking for a tattoo or a body piercing, Gibb and his team are sure to ink or pierce your skin for a decent price.

“I can do anything you want,” he said. “Whatever it is they are looking for, we can help fill a niche.”

Customers have come from far and wide to get their skins inked at Body Armor Tattoo. One customer from Ohio and their daughter has traveled there at least three times for all their piercings, as they trust no one else.

“His [their artist] experience in piercings will give you the confidence you need in knowing whatever piercing you want, you will get it done right & with very little discomfort,” she wrote on Yelp. “I wouldn’t go anywhere else. Had such a horrible experience in Ohio just to get a rook piercing done. Came here to Brandon [their artist] & he was successful no problems!”

Those who aren’t quite sure what they want and who aren’t that picky can come in on Wednesdays to partake in Gumball Mystery Tattoos. For $25, they can get a random design pulled from a vending machine—though fair warning: you get what you get.

“It is not for the faint of heart,” he said.

Gibb has been an artist most of his life, and became interested in tattoos with his very first at age 19—which, admittedly, was not his favorite.

He has since inked most every inch of his body with tattoos. His personal favorite is a dagger with his family name under his arm.

As an artist, what inspires him varies from day to day, and through his line of work, he ends up designing whatever it is his patrons require of him.

“I have always been an artist, it has always fascinated, and that is why I wanted to do it,” he said. “I do it all, so whatever I need to do, I do it. I am a color guy, if you are looking for what I am really into it, it is color.”

Gibb started tattooing professionally 16 years ago. His very first business did not do so well, but his very next one in Winter Haven saw much better success.

As a Lake Wales local, he decided to move his business closer to home. So in 2011, Body Armor Tattoo opened in Lake Wales and operated next to Sky Powersports along Highway 27.

“I felt that we needed a tattoo shop, so that is why I came back here, and that is where I have been,” he said.

Their former location had since shut down, as their building had closed and was set for demolition. Gibb decided to find a new location elsewhere, and discovered such a place at Eagle Ridge Mall.

Their new mall location offers better visibility and accessibility, as potential customers can more easily find and visit their store, as well as peruse the other stores within the local vicinity.

Gibb hopes to continue offering the same quality service at their new location that allowed them to remain successful over the years.

“We offer a unique experience,” he said. “We take really good care of our people. We have become family when you work for us.”

Body Armor Tattoo is located within Eagle Ridge Mall right next door to Claire’s, located at 955 Eagle Ridge Dr., Lake Wales, FL 33859. For more information, visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bodyarmortattoo

Sebring Christmas Boat Parade December 15th

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Sebring Christmas Boat Parade December 15th
The Sebring Christmas Boat Parade on Lake Jackson this year is a GO!!! Yay!!!! Do to hurricane Irma last year and unsafe boating conditions The Sebring Christmas boat parade was canceled last year But this year we have a Go!!! Please save the date “Saturday December 15!!” Starts promptly 7pm leaving from Don Jose and finishing back at Don Jose at 9pm (Plz try to have boats launched by 6:30) with cash and prizes for the best decorated boat!! There will be a silent auction, raffle and 50/50! All proceeds will go to This years charity “Sebring Angels!!” There is a $10 entry fee for all boats. We will have a volunteer at the boat ramp collecting entry fee. This is a family event so let’s keep it safe and fun!! Please make sure u have all ur life jackets and necessary safety equipment on board. And Rumor has it, Santa will also be aboard!! Look forward to seeing everyone on the Lake. Let’s light up Lake Jackson!!!
December 15th from 6:30 PM – 9 PM

Cooking On the Ridge: Cottage Pie

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Cooking On the Ridge: Cottage Pie

Cooking On the Ridge: Cottage Pie

Ingredients

 Directions

  • Prep 30 m

  • Cook 20 m

  • Ready In 50 m

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9 inch deep-dish pie plate.
  2. Place potatoes into a pot; cover with salted water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover; simmer until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain; mash with 2 tablespoons of the butter and the garlic. Season to taste with salt and pepper; set aside.
  3. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, herbes de Provence, and nutmeg; cook and stir until beef is lightly brown and crumbly, about 10 minutes. Spread the beef evenly in the prepared pie plate. Cover evenly with the peas; spread the mashed potatoes over the peas. Dot the casserole with the remaining butter.
  4. Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven until heated through and bubbly, about 20 minutes.

When Your Town Is Lighting Its Christmas Tree

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When Your Town Is Lighting Its Christmas Tree

When Your Town Is Lighting Its Christmas Tree

by James Coulter

Thanksgiving may be over, and holiday shopping may have started, but the holiday season truly hasn’t begun until the Christmas tree has been erected, trimmed, and lit.

Every town has at least one big Christmas tree, and they often host their own tree lighting ceremony where everyone can rock around the tree, with everyone dancing merrily in the new old-fashioned way.

The following towns will be hosting their own upcoming tree lighting ceremonies. Check and see when your own hometown will be rocking around the Christmas tree, and be sure to arrive so you too can be dancing merrily.

Winter Haven

Christmas Tree Lighting in Central Park

When: Thurs. Nov. 29, 2018 @ 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Where: Central Park in Downtown Winter Haven

The City of Winter Haven is set to light up their Christmas Tree at Central Park in the heart of historic downtown at the stroke of 7 p.m. Before then, the first 200 children can enjoy the festivities with free crafts, hot chocolate, and cookies provided by local establishments, while guests of all ages can enjoy traditional songs as sung by carolers from Theater Winter Haven.

Auburndale

Christmas Tree Lighting

When: Thurs. Nov. 29, 2018 @ 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Where: Historic Depot in Downtown City Park

The trains may no longer stop at the Historic Depot in Downtown Auburndale, but Santa Claus will surely be pulling in on the Polar Express to this small town to help celebrate its tree lighting at 7 p.m. So you better watch out, you better not cry, and you better not pout because Santa Claus will be coming to Downtown.

Haines City

Glitter, Glisten & Snow

When: Sat., Dec. 1, 2018 @ 6:00 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Where: Lake Eva Park

What could be better than watching Lake Eva’s 31-foot-tall tree light up in holiday splendor? How about doing that while playing in the snow? Guests can do just that by sliding down snow sleds, as well as engaging in other holiday festivities such as arts and crafts and photo opportunities with Santa Claus himself.

Mulberry

Mulberry Christmas Tree Lighting

When: Sat., Dec. 1, 2018 @ 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Where: Mulberry Civic Center

There’s no place like home for the holidays, no matter how far away you roam. And for the city of Mulberry, their own hometown will be set for the holidays once the big tree at the Mulberry Civic Center is lit for the season, ensuring that local residents for the holidays feel at home sweet home.

Davenport

Tree Lighting Ceremony

When: Mon., Dec. 3, 2018 @ 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Where: Market Square

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go in Downtown Davenport, but it’s not quite Christmas until the big tree is decorated and lit. Only then can downtown visitors have a happy holiday with everyone dancing merrily to the new old-fashioned way.

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