Polk County Government Florida
At 5:00 a.m. Monday, Ian is officially now a hurricane. It is going to be a slow-moving storm, with heavy rainfall. Polk County already has flood warnings in effect. National Weather Service says Polk will begin feeling storm winds and rain as early as 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Emergency Management will continue to monitor Ian and advise you of changes as necessary.
Storm Planning Update from Polk County Public Schools
Polk County Public Schools is issuing the following update from Superintendent Frederick Heid:
PCPS continues to work closely with its partners at Polk County Emergency Management and all county agencies to prepare for any impact to our area. Our top priority is always the safety of our students and employees.
The district is carefully monitoring the latest weather forecast. Tropical Depression Nine was upgraded on Saturday (Sept. 24) to Tropical Storm Ian.
The forecast as of this afternoon shows this system will likely continue to develop over the next 48 hours, gaining strength and size into a hurricane.
The latest forecasts are showing the storm will likely impact our area starting late Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning.
At this time, I do not anticipate any impact on schools for Monday and Tuesday. However, it is possible that all after-school activities will be canceled for Tuesday evening due to the approaching storm.
It is important to note that many of our schools are utilized as emergency shelters. These include pet-friendly and special needs shelters. The process to deliver essential equipment, setting up a shelter, and transporting residents takes a great deal of time and coordination. While the local weather may seem mild, school closures may be required to ensure that we can prepare these shelters for our residents.
At this time, it is still too early to announce school closures.
If current forecasts hold, we will likely announce school closures for Wednesday and Thursday. Again, no decision to close schools has been made at this time. However, I feel it is important to give you as much information as possible so you can plan accordingly.
Any official announcements regarding school operations will be communicated via PCPS SchoolMessenger calls and emails, as well as our website and social media accounts.
Please stay safe and make sure your family is adequately prepared.
*Important links*
– PCPS website: polkschoolsfl.com
– Facebook: facebook.com/polkcountypublicschools
– Twitter: twitter.com/polkschoolsnews
– Instagram: Instagram.com/polkcountypublicschools
Sandbag Sites to Open Sunday in Polk County
Press Release
Bartow, Fla. (September 24, 2022) — In preparation for what will be Hurricane Ian, and a high potential for more flooding, Polk County is making sandbags available throughout the county at Roadway Maintenance Units beginning Sunday, September 25. Locations below will be open from 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. each day, until weather conditions make it unsafe to be outside.
Sandbag site locations are:
A maximum of 10 sandbags will be provided to each household to help prevent water intrusion into the home.
Residents living in flood prone areas are encouraged to sandbag their homes. To protect against water damage, follow these simple sandbagging techniques. At the area where water can enter a structure:
Depending on the size of the barrier, submersible (sump) pumps can be used. The barrier will not completely stop water from entering the protected area; however, with the by properly placing bags, visqueen and sump pumps, water, in most cases, can be removed quickly.
Ayan Wellness Grand Opening
by James Coulter
When we want to feel healthier, we often seek a physician. While that may be a wise decision, we often focus solely on our physical health while neglecting the other aspects of our being.
Ayan Wellness in Lakeland not only your physical health, but also your emotional, mental, and spiritual health with an “exceptional range of services” administered through a holistic approach.
“In addition to their focus on integrative medicine,” their website states, “the Ayan Wellness team uses functional medicine principles that identify and address everything in each patient’s life that could affect their health, from diet to environment. Patients benefit from more effective treatments and enjoy superior outcomes under the Ayan Wellness team’s care.”
Whether you are seeking to break an addiction, rejuvenate and exfoliate your skin, or treat any array of conditions, Ayan Wellness provides safe, practical, and reliable evidence-based treatments that will leave you feeling well in your mind, body, and soul.
“The practice offers the best diabetic medication program available, as well as innovative treatments like IV therapy for cancer and ketamine for treatment-resistant depression,” their website states. “Patients with aesthetic needs can take advantage of treatments such as Botox® and Juvéderm® dermal filler injections, laser hair removal, and body contouring with CoolSculpting® technology.”
Ayan Wellness Center celebrated its grand opening on Thursday with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Greater Lakeland Chamber of Commerce.
Ajay Desai owes his success thus far to his co-owner and teammates, all of whom did an excellent job helping him set up their facility.
“These guys are the real dream team,” Desai said. “They have been literally working day and night for the last two months to get this place where it is today.”
The word “Ayan” means “gift from God.” Desai chose that word for his facility’s name because he felt he was doing God’s work by providing his patients with holistic care.
“It reflects our belief that our patients’ health and wellness is a gift,” he said. “Our job and mission is to preserve that to honor that as long as possible, and we intend to do that by helping our patients look feel and think better than they ever had before and doing so with a quality of life, and we are proud to do that for many years to come in this community.”
Mike Musick, City Commissioner, appreciated the service Ayan Wellness has to offer his community by helping its residents seek better health for their minds, bodies, and souls.
“I already set up an appointment,” he said. “I am not only a commissioner, but my wife will be a client here. So we wish you lots of luck…It is excellent, and you cannot help but be successful.”
Par Sahota, a chamber member, likewise commended the new facility and wished them the best of luck: “[We are] looking forward to a ton of success and making this community even better and healthier. So, thank you again.”
Ayan Wellness is located at 1046 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33803. For more information, call 863-269-2229, or visit their website at https://www.ayanwellness.com.
Polk County Government Florida
Are you ready? While a four and five-day forecast can have significant errors, and the model track will probably shift, use the weekend to have your family prepared should we have a weather event next week. Polk County Emergency Management will be continually monitoring the tropics and will advise of changes, if necessary.
Lake Placid man arrested with enough fentanyl to kill more than 25,000 people
LAKE PLACID — One of Highlands County’s most prolific drug dealers is behind bars after a huge stash of drugs — including enough fentanyl to kill more than 25,000 people — was located in his Lake Placid home on Tuesday, Sept. 20.
Ezzard Charles Dixon, 47, was arrested at his home at 120 Abel Rd. NW in Lake Placid following the execution of a search warrant conducted by members of the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office Crime Suppression Unit with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
Detectives learned earlier this summer that Dixon was selling drugs, including fentanyl, from his home. Due to the fact the amount of fentanyl-related overdoses are increasing in the county as well as around the country, detectives worked quickly to develop the case to get probable cause to execute the search warrant and make an arrest.
During the search, two ounces of fentanyl powder (enough to kill 25,000 people) as well as 800 pressed fentanyl pills were discovered in the home. The potency of the pills will be determined by the FDLE lab, so it will be some time before it is known exactly how deadly Dixon’s stash of the dangerous narcotic could be.
The search also turned up over five ounces of cocaine, over one ounce of methamphetamine, seven grams of oxycodone pills, over three pounds of marijuana, five loaded firearms and $2,980 in cash.
Dixon was charged with:
● Trafficking cocaine (28 grams less than 150 kilograms).
● Trafficking fentanyl (more than 4 grams)
● Trafficking methamphetamine (more than 28 grams)
● Trafficking Oxycodone (more than 7 grams)
● Possession of Drug paraphernalia with the intent to distribute
● Owning or renting a structure for the purpose to traffic narcotics
● Committing a first degree felony with weapon (armed drug trafficking)
● Possession of firearm by a convicted felon.
Dixon has already served time for drug dealing. He was sentenced to 12.5 years in federal prison in 2003 for dealing cocaine. He was released from prison and placed on probation in 2012 and completed his probation in 2020.
“This man was literally selling death and needs to spend the rest of his life in prison,” Sheriff Paul Blackman said. “I am so proud of the work done on this case by the Crime Suppression Unit and the work of all the others who took part in this investigation. Their efforts have put one of the county’s major drug dealers in jail where he belongs and likely saved many lives.”
Polk County Parks & Rec
Time to get into the Fall spirit! Polk County Parks and Recreation’s Senior Fall Social is a free event for those 55+ years to enjoy an afternoon of fun activities. The event will be held at the Wabash Community Center on Saturday, September 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The event will feature yard and group games, healthy cooking demonstrations, letters to veterans, free lunch (first come, first serve) and more…!
Event Page: https://fb.me/e/3zH6bPK0M
For more information, please call the Wabash Community Center (863) 284-4223
Welcome, World Travelers! Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a Cosmic Blast!
by James Coulter
I would say Guardians of the Galaxy is my favorite Marvel movie of all time, but that would be a lie. Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2 is my number one favorite, while the original movie is my fourth favorite. (For the record, Avengers: Infinity War and Thor: Ragnarok are my second and third favorites, respectively.)
So, when a Guardians ride was announced in 2017, I was pumped. Finally, we would have an official Marvel attraction at Disney World and an actual roller coaster at Epcot. (Test Tracktechnically doesn’t count.) And it was going to be based on my favorite Marvel franchise? Needless to say, I was hooked! (You could say—hooked on a feeling! Ba da da daa!)
Finally, this May—five years and one global pandemic later—Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind made its grand debut, just in time to celebrate both Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary and Epcot Center’s 40th anniversary.
And—I couldn’t ride it. Not yet!
The attraction opened on Memorial Day weekend, right before the annual passholder summer cut-off dates. There was a special annual passholder sneak preview hosted earlier that month, but while I qualified, I did not make the cut. I had requested media credentials for its press preview, but, again, I did not make the cut.
Three months passed, and my folks and I went on vacation to Walt Disney World. I made a park reservation for Epcot Center, but with the expectation that I most likely would not ride Cosmic Rewind. I either had to reserve a spot on the Virtual Queue (which, if you’ve read my review of the system, I am not a big fan of) or purchase a Lightning Lane pass for $15 (which, if you’ve read my review, I’m also not a big fan of). As a last resort, if I could not acquire either, I was prepared to march down to Guest Services, show my press pass, and request clearance to ride it. (Something I was fully expecting would not happen).
The day of my Epcot trip, at approximately 1:50 p.m., I sat in the Connections Café, drink in one hand, cell phone resting on the table, my free finger impatiently hovering over its screen. I opened the My Disney Experience app, opened the Virtual Queue for Cosmic Rewind, and, five minutes before 2 p.m., repeatedly pushed the refresh button, waiting for 2 p.m. to arrive and the “board” option to appear. 2 p.m. finally arrived, the “refresh” button switched to “board”, I pressed the button, and—I received a boarding pass!
Maybe it was pure luck. Maybe it was because I recently purchased a newer, faster phone model. But I finally had a chance to ride the ride I most wanted to ride of all time! Granted, I had to wait three hours until my boarding group was called, but once it was called, I ran and skipped to the attraction queue with the song, “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket!” playing in my head.
I used the restroom one last time. I checked in for the Virtual Queue. I went online and waited. I watched the pre-shows. I went to the boarding station. I strapped myself into the ride vehicle and placed my belongings at my feet. I rode the ride, and—
It. Was. AWESOME!
The conceit behind the attraction is that Xandar has opened an official exhibit at Epcot Center showcasing the planet and educating the public about its history, culture, and geography. They even set up a special teleportation area to transport guests to their spaceship currently in orbit. There, they reveal the Cosmic Generator, which provides power to the ship and the facility on earth. Unfortunately, the generator is seized by a giant Celestial, who wishes to pass judgment on Earth by going back to “the very beginning.” Fortunately, the Guardians are at hand to save the day, and everyone else has a chance to go along for the ride.
The best way for me to describe the ride is that it’s essentially Space Mountain combined with the thrills of Rock n Roller Coaster and with the same level of immersion as Flight of Passage. Honestly, comparing it to those two roller coasters is the best point of comparison. It’s much more thrilling than Space Mountain, but it lacks the intense speed and inversions of Rock n’ Roller Coaster. Essentially, it’s a greater thrill ride than the former, but not as exhilarating as the latter. Overall, it’s a happy medium between the two.
The attraction’s greatest selling point is its overall innovation. The entire attraction utilizes state-of-the-art projection screens that play scenes that synchronize with the ride. The ride vehicles are like Omnimovers in that they rotate to position guests towards the action playing out before them. One moment, you’re flying forward; the next, your vehicle rotates backward and launches you at high speed; and then it rotates you a full 360 as you swivel and swirl through the boundless recesses of space, occasionally hopping through wormholes to warp to different places and even time. The overall experience is truly unique and unlike any other at the Disney Parks, and a real pinnacle of Disney Imagineering.
Of course, what would anything Guardians-related be without an “awesome mix tape” soundtrack. The coaster launches riders with one of six different pop songs. The song I rode along to was “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” by Tears for Fears. I felt with was rather fitting, as it was literally about somebody wanting to destroy the world. Other songs include “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire, “Disco Inferno” by The Trammps, “Conga” by Gloria Estefan, “I Ran” by A Flock of Seagulls, and “One Way or Another” by Blondie.
Does the ride have any downsides? A few. First, like most modern attractions, Cosmic Rewind overutilizes screens. Most of the Guardians of the Galaxy characters “interact” with guests through screens and projections. Despite early concept art for the queue, which hinted at an animatronic Groot and Rocket Racoon, there are no animatronics. Say what you want about Mission: Breakout in Disney’s California Adventure: it may be an overlay for Tower of Terror, but at least it has an animatronic Rocket.
Also, the placement in Epcot Center seems tonally inconsistent with the park. Epcot Center, specifically Future World, was designed to showcase scientific and technological innovation. This ride, on the other hand, showcases the MCU. True, the ride queue has the look and feel of an Epcot attraction with its emphasis on education (about a fictional planet). And Peter Quill does mention in a video interview that he visited Epcot as a child and expressed his desire to visit Epcot attractions that no longer exist.
Perhaps the biggest disappointment is the ride’s location. The entire queue is housed within the former ride building for Universe of Energy. While the attraction upon its closing was slightly dated, as it starred a young Ellen DeGeneres and Bill Nye the Science Guy, its overall theme about energy and environmentalism (while also slightly dated) remained relevant, especially during a time of an escalating energy crisis and global warming. That such a ride was replaced by a comic book attraction seems nearly tone-deaf.
But minor nitpicks and gripes aside, I would be lying if I said I hated this attraction. It’s a thrill ride based on my favorite Marvel franchise. What’s not to love? My only disappointment is that the virtual queue will remain in effect for it until further notice—and with the Tron: Light Cycle coaster postponed until next spring, it may be around for much longer. Otherwise, it truly is a ride that’s out of this world!
Have you ridden Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind? If so, what do you love most about it? Leave your comments on Facebook.
Tips on How to Work Hard And Save Money Starting At A Young Age
By Allison Williams
Photos provided by Joe Garrison
Joe Garrison is a local Polk County resident who is involved within the community and works hard to make sure his children and others’ are successful from a young age. He is the owner of Garrison Companies, a member of the Dundee Citrus Growers Association, elected official for the Polk Water Soil & Water Conservation District, former city commissioner and mayor of Dundee, and was a member of the Dundee Fire Department for over 34 years, with the last 14 years as the assistant chief.
A recent experience reminded Garrison of the importance of teaching children the value of hard work and saving.
“I was at Publix the other day and I gave the young cashier a $100 bill,” Garrison said. “The ticket was only like 30 something dollars, and I asked the young cashier to break my $100. Her response was, ‘I wish I had that problem.’”
He continued his conversation with the young woman and asked her if she knows what it takes to be successful with money. She immediately asked how.
“I said if you have a dollar that you earn, you rip it in half and you save 50 cents, you put that money aside, and you don’t touch it for anything,” Garrison said. He continued, “You live off of your fifty cents, and once you get used to it, your savings will slowly grow and then you’ll get to the point where you’re greedy, and you don’t even want to touch your savings and then you can let your money grow and you can make some good investments.”
This young woman was trying to earn money and save up before heading to college. This reminded Garrison of his own children because he has taught them the same thing.
“You know, it’s always important to save and work to learn the values, and see how that dollar is actually earned to begin with. When you do this, it’s appreciated more and plus, not only do you learn or just go to work, you learn valuable skills. Like for my kids, you know, they learned a lot of skills out here in the groves and on the tractors and with my chicken coops and everything. I do property management, and they have learned all of the skills. With that being said, every parent is different and every parent has a profession (hopefully) and then kids should get involved and learn as much as they can, you know, on the outside world as possible. Then they become grown and have some type of experience already.”
Garrison stresses the importance of giving kids the options of what they truly want to do and become after high school. Not every person wants to go to college and that is ok. He believes it is important for children to be educated and taught that there are other options too. Trade schools are great tools in a place like Polk County as well.
“AC people, plumbers, mechanics, handyman services, etc,” Garrison said. “I have my property services business and we manage all these homeowners associations. We pay 1000s and 1000s of dollars to subcontractors every year and they make good money. So where if college is not your cup of tea, get into the trade school. But whatever they get into they need to love what they do. Right?”
Garrison believes people should take their time, figure things out and make sure they love what they do. He said, “The sad part is there are so many job openings, but there are not enough people out there qualified to do them. There is so much money period to be made. “Being honest, hard work, coming in on time, you can make it. The old saying ‘You are who you hang with’ is so true. If you hang with positive, successful people, most likely you are going to be successful and if you don’t you are going to be the product of who you hang with.”
Garrison’s oldest son Joseph is an EMT/EMS in paramedic school, his daughter Danielle has just started her freshman year at college and his youngest son Jake is a sophomore in high school and looking toward an engineering career. They are all at different stages in their lives, and though Garrison says who knows where they’ll end up, they will have the tools to be successful in whatever they choose to do because of learning these tools at a young age growing up.
“I’m proud of all my kids for being successful, but it takes a lot of hard work to parent them. It takes both mom and dad to be there every step of the way and teach your kids, train your kids and tell them the importance of the real world. Give them real world experiences. You gotta be there to give them the opportunity to be successful.”
At AdventHealth, we are committed to using the latest, leading-edge technological advancements in breast care to provide you with the best possible results.
3D mammography (also called digital breast tomosynthesis or DBT) is the newest FDA-approved advancement to detect breast cancer early when it is most treatable. A 3D mammogram allows your radiologist to see your breast tissue details more clearly, allowing breast cancer to be detected that would otherwise be hidden by overlying breast tissue.
In a 3D mammogram, multiple thin-section images allow your radiologist to assess your breast tissue layer by layer. During the exam, the X-ray arm moves in a small arc over your breast and acquires several low-dose images, which are reconstructed into a 3D image.
The American Society of Breast Surgeons recommends that all women over the age of 40 have an annual 3D mammography breast screening. Women with a higher-than-average risk of breast cancer should have yearly screenings starting at age 35.
Nationally Recognized Breast Care in Polk County
Beyond your annual mammogram, AdventHealth can meet all your breast care needs.
AdventHealth Heart of Florida is an accredited breast center from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a quality program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS).
NAPBC-accredited centers demonstrate excellence in program leadership, clinical services, research, community outreach, professional education, and quality improvement. Patients receiving care at an NAPBC-accredited center have access to information on clinical trials and new treatments, genetic counseling and patient-centered services including care navigation.
At AdventHealth Heart of Florida, patients have access to:
• Comprehensive care, including a full range of state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment services
• A multidisciplinary team approach to coordinate the best treatment options
• Information about clinical trials and new treatments
To learn more about our breast care services or to schedule an appointment, call 863-421-7109 or visit www.adventhealth.com/hospital/adventhealth-heart-florida/womens-health-care/breast-health
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