Music lovers in Winter Haven have plenty to look forward to in the coming week, with a mix of acoustic sets, local favorites, and a multi-day lakeside event bringing energy to the area.
At Cypresswood Pub, the week kicks off with live performances on both Thursday and Friday evenings. The Curt Beasley Duo will take the stage Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m., offering a laid-back acoustic vibe perfect for a night out. On Friday, Acoustic Dose follows up with their own set from 6 to 9 p.m., keeping the music going into the weekend.
Over at Tanners Lakeside, the spotlight will be on the “Rockin on the Chain” event running Friday through Sunday. This multi-day event is expected to draw crowds looking to enjoy live music alongside waterfront views, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the weekend.
Then next week- Jade & Duke will be at Somewhere Sports Bar on Wednesday, April 15th from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, Sage Cocktail Lounge continues its ongoing “Sage Sessions” every Tuesday, providing a consistent midweek option for those looking to unwind with live music in a more intimate setting.
With options spread throughout the week, Winter Haven’s local music scene continues to offer something for everyone—whether you’re looking for a relaxed acoustic evening or a full weekend of entertainment by the water.
Want Your Music Featured?
Musicians performing in Winter Haven who would like their shows included in a future roundup can submit their schedules to [email protected]. Be sure to include “LIVE MUSIC” in the subject line to be featured in an upcoming edition of the Winter Haven Daily music listings.
Bartow, Fla. (April 9, 2026) — Polk County is temporarily suspending the countywide burn ban, which went into effect on Nov. 25, 2025. The burn ban suspension will last until 11:59 p.m. on April 16, 2026.
“The recent heavy rains have finally brought Polk County the much-needed relief from prolonged drought conditions,” said Fire Chief Shawn Smith. “Unfortunately, the current long range weather forecast is not favorable for a complete repeal but does allow for a temporary suspension.”
As a result of the recent rainfall, Polk County’s Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) average is 360 with 97% of the county under 500 as of April 8.
The KBDI is a continuous reference scale, ranging from 0 to 800. It assesses the soil’s moisture content from no moisture deficiency (0) to maximum drought conditions (800).
“The community’s adherence to the abnormally long burn ban is admirable and I thank you for helping us keep your family, friends, neighbors and our public safety professionals safe,” said Chief Smith. “Enjoy your campfires, bonfires and other legal fires but remember to burn responsibility with a water source nearby.”
Despite the suspension of the burn ban — if you see a potentially dangerous burn — report it to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency Line at (863) 298-6200 or call 9-1-1 if life or property is in immediate danger.
Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation (CCF) has officially placed its 89th AED, this time at Jimmy Blackwell Framing LLC—marking another important step in making lifesaving equipment more accessible throughout the community.
Jimmy Blackwell Framing, a company with 29 years of experience in commercial construction, continues to build more than just structures. With three generations actively involved—including Jimmy’s daughter, Jessica Blackwell Kelton, and grandson Tyler Kelton, a general contractor—the business has built a reputation centered on hard work, family values, and community support. The company employs 20 team members and regularly collaborates with subcontractors and general contractors across a wide range of projects.
Jessica Kelton, who serves as Treasurer and has been with the company for 29 years, played a key role in bringing the AED to their location.
She explained the company’s motivation, stating, “Because of the amount of traffic we have coming in and out of our office and warehouses, including employees, subcontractors, and visitors, we felt it was important to have an AED on site for the safety of everyone.”
Jessica also highlighted her long-standing connection to Melanie Brown Culpepper Beilke and the foundation, adding, “I have known Melanie for more than 25 years and have followed her story and the incredible work she has done through Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation… we knew she was exactly the right person to contact regarding the cost, logistics, and process of purchasing and setting one up.”
Melanie Brown Culpepper Beilke shared her appreciation for the company and its leadership, emphasizing the character of owner Jimmy Blackwell. She described him as someone she has always looked up to—not just as a business owner, but as a genuine friend who has supported many people over the years. His decision to purchase an AED for the company reflects his deep care for his employees, family, and community.
Jessica expressed gratitude for the foundation’s work, saying, “We truly appreciate everything Melanie and the CCF team are doing to help make lifesaving equipment more accessible in our community. Their dedication to paying it forward and helping protect lives is inspiring, and we are grateful for their support and guidance throughout this process.”
As part of the placement, staff also received hands-on training. Jessica noted, “The training was excellent, and Eric did a wonderful job demonstrating how to properly use the AED. He also took the time to show several members of our staff other important lifesaving tools and techniques they may need to implement should the need ever arise. The demonstration was clear, informative, and very reassuring.”
The addition of AED #89 provides peace of mind for everyone who enters the facility. Jessica summed it up best: “We are proud to support Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation and its mission because saving lives truly matters. Having this AED on site gives us peace of mind and helps ensure we are better prepared in the event of an emergency.”
With each new placement, Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation continues its mission to equip businesses and communities with the tools needed to save lives—one AED at a time.
The City once again will recognize Herbert Dixon Day in Bartow, this year on April 11.
Mr. Dixon, a local golfing legend, was born in 1919 in Dade City, FL, and moved to Bartow at age eight and has resided here ever since.
His love for golf began six years later at the age of 14, when he took a job as a caddie at the Bartow Golf Course. Mr. Dixon earned 50 cents per day and occasionally received tips of up to 25 cents.
Although he never received formal training, Mr. Dixon launched his own professional golfing career at the age of 32 and went on to win 63 tournaments. With the support of his sponsors, Dr. Butch and Dr. Roberts, he travelled to tournaments across the nation, often accompanied by his friend and fellow professional golfer Richard Lewis, who taught him much about the game.
Mr. Dixon’s professional golf career ended in 1961. His success earned him induction into the National Black Golf Hall of Fame in 1998. He also received the African American Golfers Hall of Fame Legacy Award in 2012 and was inducted into the West Palm Beach Golf Association Hall of Fame in 2014.
At age 106, Mr. Dixon continues to play amateur golf with great skill, consistently scoring between 70 and 80, with an all-time best tournament score of 63, and he remains an active member of the Sunshine State Amateur Golfers Association, the Executive Par and Birdie Club, and the Bartow Golf Club.
In recognition of his important contributions to the game and the City, in 2020, the City of Bartow dedicated a new driving range at the Bartow Golf Course in his honor, and, in 2023, renamed a portion of Idlewood Avenue South to Herbert Dixon Boulevard.
The Bartow Golf Course also will host the 13th Annual Herbert Dixon Charity Golf Tournament on April 11, starting at 8:30am.
Mr. Dixon, accompanied by Carver Young, representative of the Bartow Deacons and Stewards Alliance, Inc. and members of his family, attended the April 6 Commission meeting to accept a proclamation declaring the day in his honor and promoting the Tournament, the proceeds of which benefit the Bartow Deacons & Stewards Alliance, Inc. Scholarship Fund.
The Winter Haven Public Library is inviting readers and thriller fans alike to an exciting virtual event featuring New York Times bestselling author Brad Taylor. The live discussion will take place on Thursday, April 14 at 7:00 p.m., offering participants the chance to hear directly from the acclaimed writer about his latest novel, Shadow Strike.
Shadow Strike marks the 20th installment in Taylor’s popular Pike Logan series, a milestone that continues to build on the gripping adventures of its fan-favorite protagonist. During the event, Taylor will share insights into the writing process, the evolution of the series, and what readers can expect from his newest release.
The virtual format allows attendees to join from anywhere, making it accessible to a wide audience. In addition to the author discussion, participants will also have the opportunity to engage in a live Q&A session, asking questions and interacting directly with Taylor.
This event is part of the library’s ongoing speaker series, which features bestselling, award-winning, and highly acclaimed authors from around the world. These monthly conversations highlight a diverse range of fiction and nonfiction topics, giving readers unique access to influential voices in literature.
All presentations are recorded and made available on demand after the live event, ensuring those who cannot attend still have the opportunity to enjoy the discussion. Registration is required to participate.
To register for this event, explore upcoming speakers, or watch past talks, visit: libraryc.org/mywinterhaven
The program is presented in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium and is made possible through the generous support of the Friends of the Winter Haven Public Library.
Families in Lakeland are invited to a fun and interactive experience this month as Children’s Theater presents Snow White!
Hosted at the Lakeland Public Library, this special program gives kids the chance to become part of the story, turning a classic fairytale into a hands-on adventure.
The event will take place on Saturday, April 11th at 2 p.m. and is open to children ages 4 and up. Best of all, no registration is required—just show up and enjoy the magic of storytelling brought to life!
Lakeland Public Library is located at 100 Lake Morton Dr in Lakeland.
A suspect wanted in connection with a fatal shooting outside a Lakeland nightclub in February has now been taken into custody, marking a significant development in the case.
Childs is charged with second-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and tampering with or destroying physical evidence.
“This arrest represents a step toward justice for the family of Mr. Montgomery,” said Lakeland Police Chief Sam Taylor. “I’m proud of the dedication shown by our detectives, who have worked tirelessly to pursue every lead since the night of the homicide. We also extend our gratitude to our partners with the U.S. Marshals Service, Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Plant City Police Department for their assistance in bringing this suspect into custody.”
Jamar’s Child’s
The charges stem from a deadly shooting that occurred around 2:00 a.m. on February 22, 2026, outside the Jade Fox Lounge on Lakeland Highlands Road.
According to investigators, officers who were already on patrol nearby heard multiple gunshots and quickly responded to the scene. They discovered a silver Dodge pickup truck parked near the entrance with the driver’s door open. The victim, identified as 38-year-old Deandre Montgomery Sr., was found lying on the ground near the vehicle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Officers immediately began life-saving measures before Montgomery was transported to Lakeland Regional Health, where he later died despite medical efforts.
Based on witness statements and evidence collected, detectives allege that Childs approached Montgomery’s vehicle and initiated a verbal confrontation that escalated into a physical altercation. During that encounter, Childs allegedly produced a handgun and shot Montgomery multiple times before fleeing the scene in a white Lincoln SUV that was waiting nearby.
Investigators previously stated that the suspect and victim were known to one another.
An arrest warrant for Childs was issued on February 24, and authorities had been searching for him since that time. His arrest this week brings the case one step closer to prosecution.
The investigation remains active, and no additional details have been released at this time.
Linda Florence (Wood) Ross, 78, of Winter Haven, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026, with her loving husband and daughter by her side.
Born on August 16, 1947, in North Andover, Massachusetts, Linda was the cherished daughter of Abel and Violet Wood. She was raised in North Andover and graduated from North Andover High School before moving to Florida at the age of 21, where she would build a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and love.
Linda was the beloved wife of nearly 45 years to Moncey Ross, and a devoted mother, “Mimi,” sister, and aunt. Her family was her greatest blessing, and she made it a priority to be present for every family dinner, holiday, and special occasion.
A talented and dedicated hairdresser for nearly 60 years, Linda formed lasting bonds and meaningful friendships with her clients, many of whom became like family. She found joy in caring for others, both in her work and in her daily life.
Linda had a love for music and cherished time spent listening to live performances. This past Christmas, she was blessed to take a special trip to Nashville with her family, creating memories that will be treasured forever. She also enjoyed going to the beach, where she found peace, relaxation, and joy in God’s creation.
She will be remembered for her intelligence, quick wit, and wonderful sense of humor, which brought laughter and light to all who knew her. Above all, Linda’s life was a testament to faith, love and grace. She walked closely with God and now rests in His eternal peace, reunited with loved ones who have gone before her.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Abel and Violet Wood; her brother, William Wood; and her sister, Barbara (Wood) O’Neil. Her legacy of love and faith will live on through her devoted husband, Moncey Ross; her daughter, Jennifer Moore and husband Scott; her beloved grandchildren, Leah, Lexi, Makayla, and Noah; as well as several cherished nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, 2425 Havendale Blvd., Winter Haven, Florida. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service.
Though she is no longer with us, we find comfort in knowing that Linda is at home with the Lord, embraced in His everlasting love. Her faith, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.
In August 2004, when hurricanes hit Central Florida hard, I came from Texas to help with storm recovery. I arrived around Aug. 8 or 9, expecting to work hard, do my part, and eventually head back home. At the time, I had no idea that Winter Haven would become the place where I would build a life, raise a family, and create No Outage Electrical Testing.
Those first days were far from easy. We had been promised hotel rooms through FEMA, but that did not happen. Instead, we worked from sunup to sundown and lived out of our trucks. At night, we would clean up as best we could at the church with the big cross on Havendale Boulevard, using a garden hose to bathe. Money ran low fast, and there were times when choosing between gas and food was a real decision. Even in those hard moments, the group I was with stuck together. We helped each other however we could, and that brotherhood got us through.
One blessing came from an unexpected place. I found a buffet-style restaurant, Stevie B’s, that was throwing away food at the end of the day. I asked if I could take it, and they said yes. In the beginning, it was all dumped into a trash bag, but I took it with grateful eyes. I brought that food back to the guys, and we would eat on the tailgate like we had a feast in front of us. When you are hungry and worn out, even the simplest meal feels like a gift.
As people slowly started getting back into their homes, hotel rooms began opening up. That led us to a room at the Banyan Beach Motel. To some, it may have seemed small, but to us it felt like life was finally starting to turn around. We had shelter, a little comfort, and a little hope.
Somewhere around September, my personal life started changing too. I had split with a girlfriend back in Texas and was just focused on work. Then one Friday in downtown Winter Haven, I saw Kara Lynn Thalhofer, a tall, beautiful woman who immediately caught my eye. I had come to Central Florida because of the hurricanes, but little did I know I was about to meet one of my own. Kara became “Hurricane Kara,” and she swept me away.
I tried to talk to her, but honestly, I was starstruck and probably not at my best. I asked for her number, and she said no, but she took mine. Later that night, she spotted me outside Old Man Frank’s around closing time and called me while I was standing by my truck. She asked what I was doing, and when I answered, she let me know she could see me. I looked around and finally spotted her. Even after running into each other twice that night, she still did not want to have breakfast with me.
Saturday came, and I tried calling her like a madman, but she would not answer or call back. By then, I figured I had blown my chances. But on Sunday, I saw her again while she was working, and once again it felt like fireworks. Later that night, we finally spent time together. I tried to play it cool, but I was nervous because of how beautiful she was. I was shy, but I also wanted to be the gentleman I knew I was. From that point until December, we spent time together almost every day.
When my work in Florida came to an end, I had a decision to make. I could go back home to Texas and return to the life I knew, or I could stay in Winter Haven and take a chance on a future I never expected. It was a hard decision because my family was back in Texas, but so was leaving behind the woman I had fallen for. I stayed, not knowing exactly what the future would hold, but it turned out to be one of the greatest blessings of my life.
Today, that woman is my wife, Kara Zamora. We have been together for more than 20 years, and I still look at her the same way I did the first day I met her. I still fall in love with her every day. Together we built a family and raised two sons, Zee Zamora and Dax Zamora, who are now bigger than both of us.
Kara is also a huge reason No Outage Electrical Testing and GroupWHB runs and continues to succeed. Even though she left a career of her own, she became the backbone of our business. She may think she does not know much about what we do, but I know better. She is the one who helps keep everything moving. If I am the body that takes the hits and does the physical work, she is the motor that gives us the drive and confidence to keep going.
Our boys have also played a big part in shaping us. Like any parents, we have had our share of bumps along the way. Kids do not come with a manual, so we did the best we could with love, hard work, and faith. In the Zamora household, we have made God a central part of our lives, and that has helped us build a stronger family and a straighter path forward.
No Outage Electrical Testing was built on more than technical skill and hard work. It was built on sacrifice, faith, family, and perseverance. It came from the kind of life lessons you only learn when you are sleeping in trucks, bathing with a hose, stretching every dollar, and refusing to quit. It was built by staying when it would have been easier to leave.
The moral of my story is simple: No Outage Electrical Testing, and GroupWHB, would not be where they are today without a strong woman beside me. God knew I was not built for a weak one. My wife and I are both strong leaders, and together we have built something meaningful through the ups and downs of life. One day, I believe our boys will shine too.
What started as a storm recovery job in Central Florida became a life, a family, and a purpose in Winter Haven. I came here to help rebuild after a hurricane, but in the end, I found a home.
And in more ways than one, Hurricane Kara changed everything.
Diabetes and kidney disease are major risk factors for heart disease, yet many cases are undiagnosed. In fact, most people don’t realize their heart, kidney and metabolic health — how the body creates, uses and stores energy — are connected. Understanding these connections can help you take steps toward protecting your long-term health.
Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome is a health condition that includes heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and obesity. Many people don’t realize they’re at risk, though, because they aren’t aware of health risks beyond the heart. Almost 1 in 4 U.S. adults with diabetes are unaware they have it, according to a 2026 statistics update from the American Heart Association. In addition, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that as many as 9 in 10 adults with chronic kidney disease don’t know they’re living with the condition.
Learning about CKM syndrome can be a helpful step in understanding your overall health picture.
How are CKM conditions connected?
Heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes have shared risk factors — including high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar; excess weight; and reduced kidney function — and they’re closely linked. Having one condition often increases the likelihood of developing the others.
“We are encouraging people to become aware of the connection between conditions so they and their health care team can think about their overall health beyond individual conditions,” said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association, executive director of the Katz Institute for Women’s Health and senior vice president of women’s health at Northwell Health. “Understanding the connection helps you better prevent complications through lifestyle changes and appropriate treatment.”
The biggest health threats from CKM syndrome are disability and death from heart disease and stroke, which make up the “cardiovascular” part of CKM. The “metabolic” part includes diabetes and obesity. Kidney disease is closely linked with both metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.
How common is CKM syndrome?
CKM-related risks are common. Nearly 90% of U.S. adults have at least one risk factor for CKM syndrome. The 2026 statistics report showed about half of all U.S. adults have high blood pressure, about 1 in 3 has high total cholesterol, more than half have prediabetes or diabetes, about 1 in 7 has kidney disease and more than half have a high waist circumference.
These risks often develop slowly, with few or no symptoms at first, but you can stay informed.
Rosen emphasizes regular screening of your cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic health, which can catch problems early.
“Due to the current risk factor rates, everyone could benefit from being screened this way,” she said.
Regular check-ins with your health care team can offer a clearer picture of your CKM health. They can check your:
Blood glucose (blood sugar), measured in either the short term as tasting glucose or long term as A1C
Body weight and size, measured by body mass index and waist circumference
Kidney function, using both UACR and eGFR
These results can be used in the PREVENT online calculator to estimate your risk for cardiovascular disease over the next 10 or 30 years. CKM syndrome can often be prevented and improved with healthy daily habits like those in Life’s Essential 8 and science-based treatments.
The CKM Health Initiative was introduced by the American Heart Association to raise awareness of the connections between CKM syndrome conditions and improve diagnosis rates. It’s supported by founding sponsors Novo Nordisk and Boehringer Ingelheim, supporting sponsors Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Bayer, and champion sponsor DaVita.
Visit Heart.org/myCKMhealth to learn more about CKM health, including screening and treatment options.
