Winter Haven Boat Show Showed Off Dozens of Pontoons and More
by James Coulter
What good is living on the Chain of Lakes if you don’t have a good boat to explore and enjoy the Chain of Lakes? Fortunately, the Winter Haven Boat Show showed off plenty of boats for locals to purchase.
Nearly 100 boats new and used were showcased in the parking lot of Publix along Cypress Garden Boulevard across from Legoland in Winter Haven last weekend.
Attendees could peruse various top model boats including pontoons, Sweet Water, Hurricane deck boats, and Crestliner aluminum boats.
All vessels were provided by Home Marine Supply in Winter Haven, which has been the local go-to store for boats, boat supplies, and even boat repairs for more than 70 years.
“The turnout has been good with beautiful weather, lots of people coming out, and we sold several boats,” said Kent Darling, Sales Manager with Home Marine Supply. “We still have a lot of people here today cruising around. We will be here tomorrow.”
Darling owes the success of boat shows such as that hosted last weekend to the overall enthusiasm of the local community to get out onto the water, especially with the weather getting warmer and COVID-19 numbers going down.
“The people out here are great in Florida,” he said. “They love to boat, they love to get outside, and do water activities. We are happy to get them into a boat to do it…It has been a lot of great people coming out and looking at new boats and used boats, and getting out there. They are getting over that whole Covid thing and getting out and starting to have fun again.”
Heads up! The Auburndale Police Department wants to alert everyone about circulating counterfeit money. Recently, there have been incidences involving “Motion Picture” currency, so be extra cautious.
Here’s a quick reminder to stay vigilant when handling cash. If your bills have “MOTION PICTURE USE ONLY” on them, they’re not legal tender. To be safe, consider using money markers – they’re affordable and available online.
If you come across any counterfeit money, reach out to us at Auburndale Police Department. Remember, our lobby is always open if you need a safe meeting spot. Let’s keep our community informed and secure!
Check out this link provided by US Secret Service for a better understanding of current United States currency:
Gerald Paul McCann, Jr., 68, of Haines City, FL, passed away on February 21, 2024, at AdventHealth Heart of Florida. Born on January 9, 1956, in Dover, Delaware, to Gerald Paul Sr. and Shirley Dianne Barr McCann.
Gerald proudly served his country for 20 years in the United States Navy, achieving the rank of ENC. His dedication was reflected in numerous decorations, including the Good Conduct Medal with 3 Stars, the National Defense Service Medal with 1 Star, the Navy Commendation Medal with 1 Star, the Navy Achievement Medal with 1 Star, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Navy Expeditionary Medal with 1 Star, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the Battle “E” Ribbon.
After his honorable service, Gerald relocated to Florida in 2005 from California. He became a member of the Manantial de Bendición Church in Haines City, FL, and contributed his skills as an engineer at Lakeland Regional Hospital for 10 years. Later, he joined AutoZone as a customer service representative, retiring in February 2023.
Gerald found joy when he had his own encounter with God. He believed that he was chosen because when he was 6 weeks old, about to die due to a valve in his stomach that was closed, the doctor said that he would have died if his parents had waited one more day.
During his life, God has saved him many times. Beginning the list with his 4 heart attacks where doctors said they did not know how he made it off the table and why he lived. In addition to that, on his second of five strokes, doctors said he was going to be a drooler until he died but he was not.
On his first motorcycle accident, the driver hit him and ran him off the road. His bike was stuck in a ditch, when he got up, a dump truck driver got out of his truck to help him get back on the road. This man was big and told Gerald, God loves him! He rode 78 miles sore and on a broken bike.
He did not know about Jesus Christ but in the process of getting to know God’s purpose in his life, he knew his health was declining. His kidneys, heart and diabetes were not helping.
He also thanked God and prayed everyday for his son Jerry and his daughter Melissa, he wanted to share his new life and joy that he was living. Gerald was grateful for his sister Joy and Jack for helping him finish his Navy years. He always mentioned Joy, James, Julie, Ginger and Gayle, Melissa, Gerald, Isabelle, Joseph, and his grandson Gerald in his prayers, always asking God for his blessings.
Gerald knew where he was going knowing God, his saying was, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
He is preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Jay McCann and Julie Nastoga. Gerald leave behind to cherish his memory, his beloved wife, Nancy McCann; son, Gerald Paul (Vanessa) McCann, III of Woodlawn Park, CO; daughter, Melissa Snyder of Peoria, AZ; siblings, Joy McNally, James McCann, Ginger McCann and Gayle McCann; grandchildren, Isabelle Snyder, Joseph Snyder, and Gerald Paul McCann IV. He will be remembered as a devoted family man, a proud veteran, and a friendly soul who touched the lives of those around him.
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.
St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church Celebrates Annual Greek Festival for 40 Years Strong
by James Coulter
Unless you’re of Greek heritage, chances are you’ve never heard of the word “philotimia.” It’s a Greek word that translates to “love of honor.” However, as another website explains, the word encompasses “an attitude toward fellow humans and humanity at large.”
For more than 40 years, St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church has been sharing “philotimia” with the surrounding Winter Haven community by sharing its culture and heritage through its annual Greek Festival.
“We have vendors from across the country and even Greece,” said Tina Thomas, President of the Parish Council. “People have been raving about our food and pastries. People came back today, and they are coming back tomorrow, they tell us.”
The church once more hosted its annual Greek festival last weekend, where it served authentic Greek food, performed traditional Greek music and dance, and hosted tours of its Greek Orthodox Church building.
Thomas and her dedicated committee members worked hard all year to organize and plan the festival. Not only does the event allow them to share their Greek culture and heritage with fellow parishioners, but also with the surrounding community.
Her church has been involved with charitable work and donations, which help serve as their outreach. They offer plenty of food, clothes, and other donations throughout the year. It is their way of expressing their own “philotimia.”
“We love it. We live for it,” she said. “We as Greek people are very philanthropic and generous and we always reach out to our American non-Greek people. We want them to come to our church and festivals. We want them to be Greek for the weekend. Especially over the last two years, we had so many people convert. We share our love and faith for people and reach out to people.”
Sheriff Grady Judd Enjoys Jeepin with Judd for 10th Annual Event
by James Coulter
There’s nothing Sheriff Grady Judd loves more than working hard to serve and protect his community. However, he managed to take time out of his busy schedule last weekend to go Jeep riding in Bartow.
Sheriff Grady Judd
For the past decade, Jeepin with Judd has not only allowed local Jeep owners an opportunity to go off-road riding on 1.5 acres of rugged Florida wilderness but also raise proceeds for Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc., the charitable arm of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit organization, does everything from providing Christmas gifts for needy children to allowing previously incarcerated women to transition back to a free life to assisting other local charities like Hope Equine Rescue, which cares for horses that have been abused, neglected, or abused.
“We have a philosophy that no child wakes up on Christmas morning without a Christmas presents, [and] we want people to have a big dinner with their family on Thanksgiving,” Sheriff Judd said. “So when a deputy sees someone who is down and out, then they report that to our charity and we help them out.”
Sheriff Judd, along with hundreds of other Jeep owners and enthusiasts, had the opportunity last weekend to ride one of the many trails in the 1.5 acres of land at Clear Springs Ranch in Bartow.
“I did the gator trail a few minutes ago. It was awesome,” he said. “It went uphill and downhill and through mudholes and it was a rush. So, if you have a Jeep and you are not here. You are just not cool.”
Aside from trail riding, the event also allowed attendees to peruse vendors and food trucks and show off their vehicles. There was even a mini-Jeep trail for toy Jeeps that little children could ride.
“I enjoy the people,” Sheriff Judd said. “There are hundreds of people from the Sheriff’s Office volunteering their time. But I love the people the most. I like to ride the trails, and I really appreciate our veterans who come here every year. If it weren’t for the community, we would not be able to raise money for the charities and the charities would not be able to help people.”
Sheriff Judd commended Clear Springs Ranch for facilitating the annual fundraiser, and Orlando Jeep Club for putting in thousands of volunteer hours helping set up for the event.
“As a result, we raise a lot of money for our charity, and then we will that those proceeds and help those less fortunate in the community,” he said. “It has exceeded our expectations. Our goal was to make sure that we have enough trails that people rode trails rather than waited in line for this year.”
This Local Business Owner Worked in EMS for 36 Years. He Knew How Important Buying an AED for His Business Was.
by James Coulter
Joe Garrison knows how important an automated external defibrillator (AED) can be in an emergency. He worked as a firefighter and EMT for 36 years. He also lost a fellow paramedic and close friend to cardiac arrest.
As such, Garrison not only had his employees take a CPR and first aid class, but he also purchased an AED for his business from a local organization dedicated to promoting heart health.
On Thursday evening, Melanie Brown Culpepper and her volunteers from Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation provided and installed an AED at Garrison Property Services in Dundee.
Garrison had purchased the AED from Melanie. As someone with extensive experience in EMS, he understood the importance of having an emergency device like that in case such an emergency arises.
“Melanie does an awesome job promoting [public safety] so we certainly wanted to buy from her, and hopefully other companies will,” he said. “I can tell you from experience, being a firefighter and EMT for 36 years, they do work, and you never know when that time is coming and you need to be ready when it comes.”
Melanie Brown Culpepper started her non-profit organization three years ago following the untimely passing of her late fiancée, Michael Culpepper, who passed away from cardiac arrest.
Not wanting anyone else to suffer a similar fate, she started Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation and has donated more than 30 AEDs to local businesses and establishments across Polk County.
Her most recent donation, aside from Garrison’s Properties, was at Barrel 239 in Winter Haven. She plans on donating another AED to the Historic Ritz Theater in Winter Haven next week.
Melanie was inspired by Garrison’s background as a firefighter and EMT, as well as his dedication to requiring his employees to receive emergency training like first aid and CPR.
“I am just glad he was able to give back to the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, and also share his story,” she said. “I will continue to keep raising funds and anything I can do to raise awareness.”
For more information about Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, visit their Facebook page at:https://www.facebook.com/honoringculpepper
Winter Haven Police need help in identifying a subject who exposed himself to a child who was walking to school.
On Feb. 23, 2024 at approximately 7:45 a.m., a 12 year-old student was walking to school in the area of Ave. J SE and 4th St SE when the student encountered a silver SUV. The driver of the vehicle, a thin Indian male wearing only a black t-shirt, COVID mask and sunglasses, drove up next to the child, opened the door and exposed himself to the child.
The vehicle appears to be a newer model SUV. The child reported that the vehicle didn’t have a tag. Afterwards, the suspect was seen in video stopped in the parking lot of Eye Specialists (407 Ave. K, SE) where the driver placed the tag back on the vehicle and left the area on Avenue K SE heading West bound.
Anyone with information about the identity or location of the driver is asked to contact Detective Roe at 863-287-7424 or the on-call supervisor at 863-401-2256.
The PCSO Crime Prevention Unit is hosting their next Women’s Basic Self Defense* and Personal Safety* class at the beginning of March. Those who attend may come in like a lamb, but go out like a lion, to paraphrase the old saying.
Our upcoming class is set for Saturday, March 2nd at 10:00 a.m. – Noon, at the PCSO Sheriff’s Operation Center, 1891 Jim Keene Blvd near Winter Haven.
The class is FREE of charge and designed for ladies 13 years and older. Those under 18 will need a parent present to sign a waiver at the start of class.
Each class is approximately one hour long unless more than 30 women attend. For every additional 10-15 females, 15 minutes are added to the time frame.
The class consists of a lecture (approximately 15 minutes) and hands-on techniques (approximately 45 minutes). Attendees will demonstrate all of the techniques on a body opponent bag (B.O.B.) which we will supply.
NEXT CLASS: Saturday, March 2nd PCSO Sheriff’s Operations Center 1891 Jim Keene Blvd, Winter Haven 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
If you wish to attend, please RSVP to [email protected], and please include your name and phone number.
And check out our calendar https://www.polksheriff.org/events and our website https://www.polksheriff.org/programs-services for more information! You can also contact the team at 863-298-6677 or [email protected] with any questions.
*Personal Safety: Common sense safety tips are presented on how to avoid being the victim of a crime.
*Women’s Basic Self-Defense: Learn basic safety tips and techniques to enable women to escape less than desirable situations.
Camp Margaritaville Received an AED. So, They Returned the Favor and Gave One to Barrel 239
by James Coulter
Camp Margaritaville in Auburndale received an automated external defibrillator (AED) from a local organization. So, they decided to return the favor and raise money to donate an AED to another local establishment: Barrel 239 in Winter Haven.
After raising proceeds through a pay-it-forward fundraiser and a private concert, Camp Margaritaville donated an AED to Barrel 239 through Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation. The local campgrounds were inspired to make their donation after receiving their own AED through the organization.
“With this AED, we are paying it forward,” said Dawn Priebe, General Manager of Camp Margaritaville. ” This AED was an opportunity for us to give back to the community.”
Camp Margaritaville was able to raise $1,200 for the AED through proceeds from a private concert, through which they collected one dollar per ticket. They also hosted a Cheers for Charity fundraiser a month ago.
Being able to receive a life-saving device for their campgrounds, as well as being able to raise money to donate their own AED, was nothing short of a great opportunity from a great organization, Priebe said.
“Oh, my gosh! It was so tremendous,” she exclaimed. “It was incredible. We need to have life-saving devices on our property. To have [Culpepper’s] be a part of it and have it be community support, and to be able to spread some love and support is amazing.”
Melanie Brown Culpepper started Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation following the untimely passing of her late fiancée, Michael Culpepper, who passed away from cardiac arrest. Not wanting anyone else to suffer a similar fate, she started her organization to donate AEDs across Polk County.
The most recent AED was donated and installed at Barrel 239 in Winter Haven on Tuesday. The local bar, which is a full liquor bar that specializes in whiskey and was started six years ago, is owned by three owners, all of whom were pleased by the donation.
Ashta Compton was inspired by how these donations were made through an organization that was created following a personal tragedy.
“It is so kind and thoughtful,” she said. “I know that every foundation stems from some sort of tragedy. The fact that Melanie has put together this particular foundation and done amazing things for the community through her tragedy. It is very heartfelt. And I am excited about this for me and my staff. This is a beautiful thing she is doing for the community.”
“I think that anything that can be donated to help protect people and help in a situation like that, and help make places a safe environment, I think that is wonderful to give people options,” said Chris Barton
“I think it was a good idea,” said Jose Masscorro. “I think every place should have them. Because you never know when something is going to happen.”
Since starting Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation three years ago, Melanie has installed more than 30 AEDs in businesses and other establishments across Polk County. She also created an app that tracks and locates where various AEDs have been set up in case of an emergency.
Their next few AEDs will be installed at Garrison Properties in Davenport and The Ritz Theater in Winter Haven. She said she would not be able to make such donations without the generous donations and support from the community.
“The success is always from the community because without their support I would not be able to do this,” she said. “I do need their donations and sponsorships. Without all of that, I would not be able to do all this.”
To learn more about Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/honoringculpepper
Full Service Real Estate Team – Cheryl Brewer has a property available for sale in Davenport! Details:
5 bed 3 bath
$499,900
Come see this beautiful home Located in the center of the upscale Providence golf community, this executive 5BR 3BA home has lots of space for the whole family. Enter through the front door into the soaring two-story foyer with high ceilings . In the back is an open concept kitchen and family room. No updates needed for this kitchen, with 42 cabinets, granite countertops, island and stainless steel appliances. The breakfast area is well lit from the sliding door leading out to a screened in patio with fenced yard and palm trees across the back. The down stairs bathroom is a spacious mother in law suite. Upstairs, a large central hall provides the hub for four more bedrooms and a media/family room. The spacious master suite offers a large bedroom and a master bath that is nearly as large as the bedroom! Still not enough space for the family? Then don’t forget the three car garage (yes, THREE car). Use the extra bay for a boat, motorcycle, bikes, toys, fitness equipment, or…yes, even a car! Enjoy all that Providence has to offer…24 hour security guard entrance, impressive clubhouse with restaurant, golf club, and fitness center, two pools, tennis court, play areas, beautiful landscaping and lots of space for walking and jogging. Close to Disney and Orlando shopping areas . Make this gem your home today !
Contact Cheryl Brewer at Full Service Real Estate Team today!
