Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team:
Free ski show April 20. 5 pm Lake Silver. Preshow starts at 4:30 Concessions available. Bring your friends and family. Please share. Dog friendly. Bring a blanket or chair.

241 Lake Silver Dr N

Winter Haven, FL 33881

City of Auburndale, FL Government

Tickets for the Mother-Son Dance go on sale on Tuesday, April 9, at 8 A.M.

Purchases must be made at the Parks and Recreation Office at 119 W Park St. The office hours are 8 AM – 5 PM. The price is $15 per person, with a max of 8 tickets per person.

For any questions, please contact Parks and Recreation at 863-965-5544.

NOTE: BEWARE OF SCAMMERS. Do not purchase tickets from anywhere else except through the Parks and Recreation Office, and be especially cautious of online sellers who are trying to scam you.

OBITUARY OF DORIS ANNETTE TWIGG

Doris Annette Twigg, 62, of Winter Haven, FL passed away on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at the Good Shepherd Hospice Lakeland Hospice House.

Born August 24, 1961, in Pikeville, TN, she was a longtime resident of Winter Haven.  She was a longtime resident hairdresser. 

Doris is preceded in death by her husband, Paul H. Twigg, a brother, Bob Narramore and a nephew, Robert Narramore.

She is survived by a daughter, Ashley Vandiver-Rushing and her husband Rob of Auburndale; a brother, Clifford Narramore, a sister, Joyce Peraza, step-daughters, Paula Twigg, Robin Crumlich and Pam Twigg and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 9:00am until 10:00am, Friday, April 5, 2024 at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven.     

Funeral Services will follow at 10:00am in the Funeral Home Chapel,  Interment will follow at Auburndale Memorial Park

UPDATE from PCSO

A homeless man, known to the deputies who patrol the east Winter Haven area, was killed in a traffic crash this morning around 1:15 a.m., on Thursday, April 4, 2024.

The driver of a red Kia Soul, 58-year-old Steven Hoover from Des Moines, Iowa, reported seeing the 43-year-old man in the middle of the roadway seconds before impact. Hoover braked but was unable to avoid striking the man, who was in the roadway and frequently crosses Cypress Gardens Blvd. to go to the 7-Eleven store and the Murphy gas station in the area. The crash occurred in the eastbound lane of Cypress Gardens Blvd. just east of the intersection with Lake Ruby Drive. The pedestrian was walking north across the four-lane highway, not in an area designated for pedestrian travel. First responders performed CPR on the man but were unable to resuscitate him, and he was declared deceased at the scene.

Efforts are ongoing to locate and notify his next of kin. No impairment was detected on the part of the driver, but impairment for the pedestrian is being investigated.

—————
Initial report:

April 4, 2024 – Winter Haven FL

Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a fatal accident overnight at Cypress Gardens Blvd SE and Lake Ruby Dr N. Units were dispatched at 01:16 am to the scene. This is an ongoing investigation. We will update this article as more information is released.

US National Weather Service Tampa Bay Florida:

Highest wind reports across West Central and Southwest Florida today

…Polk County…

Avon Park Afr North          52 MPH    0601 PM 04/03   27.69N/81.33W

Winter Haven                 49 MPH    0208 PM 04/03   28.07N/81.75W

Lakeland                     46 MPH    0209 PM 04/03   28.16N/82.01W

Lakeland Regiona             45 MPH    0150 PM 04/03   27.97N/82.02W

Bartow Airport               44 MPH    0147 PM 04/03   27.95N/81.79W

Lakeland                     43 MPH    0230 PM 04/03   27.94N/81.88W

Bartow Municipal             43 MPH    1245 PM 04/03   27.93N/81.77W

Bartow                       42 MPH    0339 PM 04/03   27.88N/81.82W

Dundee                       42 MPH    0346 PM 04/03   28.01N/81.60W

Lake Wales                   41 MPH    0215 PM 04/03   27.90N/81.62W

Griffin                      41 MPH    0109 PM 04/03   28.08N/82.04W

Lakeland                     38 MPH    0136 PM 04/03   28.00N/81.93W

WINTER HAVEN                 38 MPH    0340 PM 04/03   27.95N/81.69W

Mulberry                     36 MPH    0137 PM 04/03   28.25N/81.65W

Homestead                    35 MPH    0350 PM 04/03   28.03N/81.54W

Lakeland                     35 MPH    0200 PM 04/03   27.94N/81.92W

Wondering how high winds got today in various counties? Check out the link below for the 12hr wind report and get details by county.

https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=NWS&issuedby=TBW&product=PNS&glossary=1

World Wake Association:

Riders from all states are able to enter the WWA Florida State Championships April 27-28 with contest prep on the days leading up to the event.

Rider registration:

https://bsview.s3.amazonaws.com/registration.html?event=evt_qqege9d2k0qf

Join us for the ultimate contest preparation experience as we gear up for the Nautique WWA Florida State Wake Championships with WWA Chief Judge and longtime coach, Chad Lowe. These Contest Prep sessions offer an exclusive opportunity to fine-tune your skills, enhance your course management techniques, and gain invaluable insights to maximize your performance in future contests.

Led by Chad Lowe, a distinguished figure in the world of wakeboarding and a WWA rated Chief judge, these sessions provide a comprehensive approach to contest preparation. With Chad’s background as a two-time WWA National and World Champion, coupled with over two decades of coaching experience, participants are in capable hands to elevate their game to new heights.

During these sessions, participants will engage in targeted practice sessions specifically tailored for the upcoming contest. From perfecting your tricks to mastering strategic course navigation, every aspect of competition readiness is meticulously addressed under Chad’s expert guidance.

Beyond honing technical skills, participants will also benefit from Chad’s wealth of knowledge and insider tips accumulated over years of competitive experience. Whether it’s understanding the nuances of judging criteria or developing a winning mindset, Chad’s mentorship offers invaluable insights that can make all the difference when it counts. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your game.

Contest prep registration for April 24-26 here:

https://bsview.s3.amazonaws.com/registration.html?event=evt_2ufk0pu50itl

April 27:

• Check-in
• Riders Meeting
• Qualifying Rounds

April 28:

• Final Rounds
• Awards to Follow

The US National Weather Service Tampa Bay Florida predicts potential for severe weather today, April 3.
Impacts expected between 9am and 9pm. There is a slight risk for severe weather for much of the Florida peninsula. Possible damaging winds, marginal hail, and isolated tornadoes will be the main threats.

Strong gusty winds are also expected.

Polk County Parks & Rec:

We are looking for teen volunteers to assist with our spring programming and special events.

Volunteer Requirements:

• Teens can earn volunteer hours for scholarships or graduation
• All volunteers must be 14 years or older
• We do not accept court-ordered volunteers

Volunteer opportunities:

FIRST EVENT

Doughnuts with Dad- Father’s Day Breakfast

This event is to let families celebrate Father’s Day. There will be games, crafts, music, doughnuts and more! We need volunteers to help facilitate the activities, set up the event, interact with the people that come, and clean up after the event is over. Let us know if you have any questions or concerns!

Requirements:

• Must be at least 14
• 4 hours
• must be 14 years or older and no court ordered volunteers

Sat Jun 15, 2024

08:30 AM – 12:30 Pm

Eloise Resource Center

710 Snively Avenue

Eloise, FL  33880

SECOND EVENT

Mother’s Day Cupcake Decorating

This event is to let families celebrate Mother’s Day by decorating cupcakes. There will be games, music, snacks and more! We need volunteers to help facilitate the activities, set up the event, interact with the people that come, and clean up after the event is over. Let us know if you have any questions or concerns!

Requirements:

• Must be at least 14
• 3 hours
• must be 14 years or older and no court ordered volunteers

Sat May 11, 2024

12:30 PM – 03:30 PM

Mary Norma Campbell Resource Center

2226 Karen Street

Lake Wales, FL 33898

THIRD EVENT

Spring Senior Social

Spring Senior Social is a socializing event for senior citizens in the community to come together and have some fun! There will be games, music, snacks and more! We need volunteers to help facilitate the activities, set up the event, interact with the people that come, and clean up after the event is over. Let us know if you have any questions or concerns!

Requirements:

• Must be at least 14
• 3 hours
• Must be 14 years or older and no court ordered volunteers

Fri May 10, 2024

10:30 AM – 01:30 PM

Medulla Resource Center

1049 Parker Road

Lakeland,  FL  33811

Polk County Parks & Recreation provides the community with safe, fun, and low-cost or free recreation and events throughout the year. We produce over 30 special events every year at various parks and venues, and operate a camp during the summer. We rely on the support of volunteers to continue providing the community with these recreational opportunities. For questions or more information, please call (863) 534-6911.

City of Auburndale, FL Government-
Mark your calendars! Family night at the Auburndale Library will be here on Thursday, April 18th, from 4:30 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. There will be fun crafts, sensory play, and snacks! This is a fun event for the whole family. For more information, please call 863-965-5548.

City of Winter Haven, Fl – Join us at Lake Howard Nature Park on April 13 for a day of fishing and fun for all ages. Everyone is welcome to join us for fishing – youth under 15 will be eligible to win some great prizes! Live bait and rods will be provided as well as staff available to give lessons for those new to fishing. There will also be a fun arts and craft activity using the Japanese art of Gyotaku or fish-printing with some Florida native fish species molds!

Location: South Lake Howard Nature Park

Date: April 13, 2024

Time: 8-11 am

Reserve your spot today! https://ow.ly/VJ3i50R70yR