Local Non-Profit Organization Offers Day Shelter Services To Community Members In Need

By Allison Williams

The Mission of Winter Haven is a non-profit organization right here in Winter Haven. They aim to provide help and daytime shelter services to those in need.

Their mission: To provide individuals facing hunger and homelessness a haven during the day and compassionate support, connecting them to vital resources that eliminate barriers and foster spiritual resilience and growth.

The Mission offers several services to the community from a food pantry to homeless services to showers.

Food Pantry

The Mission offers a food pantry at their location on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 am to 11:00am. During this time, registered individuals/families can shop for themselves and grab what’s needed.

*To register, The Mission will need a form of identification and a form that proves residency, such as a utility bill.

Soup Kitchen

The Mission also has a soup kitchen, where both breakfast and lunches are served. They offer a continental style breakfast, offerings things such as coffee and pastries. 

Breakfast hours are 9:00am – 11:00am Monday to Friday.

Lunch hours are 11:45am – 1:00pm Monday to Friday.

*They also do a Devotional before lunch at 11:15 am.

Community Feedings

Not only does The Mission provide a soup kitchen five days a week, but they also have what’s called community feedings. Local groups come together for this and offer evening meals at 5:00pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Also, on most Saturdays, breakfast is served at 9:00am (check with facility before coming) and lunch is served on Sundays at 12:00pm.

Basic Needs

A “basic needs” closet is also onsite. This is a place people can visit in order to pick up everyday items/hygienic items, etc. Often available are items like clothing, hygiene, shoes, etc. 

Hours for the basic needs closet are Tuesday to Thursday from 9:00am – 11:30 am.

Showers

The basic needs closet and showers go hand in hand. Grab what is needed from the basic needs closet, then head over to the showers. Also provided here are fresh towels.

Showering hours are Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 3:00pm.

Homeless Services

The Mission provides homeless services. They not only provide the homeless with a safe space and an air conditioned space, but they also offer many other beneficial services.

Services include:

• Free WiFi
• An address for receiving mail
• Acquiring an ID
• Birth Certificate
• Social Security Cards

Sometimes people struggling are afraid to ask for help, or maybe don’t know where to even go for help. Spreading awareness about this wonderful facility could help someone who is in need but just never knew where to go.

The Mission is seeking the community’s help. To help, they are always accepting donations. They depend on the community to contribute in order to make The Mission as successful as it is. Ways to donate are to sponsor a meal, donate hygienic supplies, or replenish the food pantry with a donation. Contact The Mission today to donate or stop by.

Phone: 863-299-2348

Email: [email protected]

Address:

180 E Central Ave

Winter Haven, FL 33880

Donated items needed:

• Food
• Clothes
• Hygienic items
• Blankets
• Sleeping bags

Interested in sponsoring a meal?

You can feed around 150 people by sponsoring a meal. The cost is $240. Contact the facility for more information on becoming a sponsor.

The Mission hours of operation:

Monday to Thursday from 9:00am – 3:00 pm

Friday 9:00am – 1:00 pm

Visit The Mission for more information. 

Alright everyone, it’s that time of year…save the date for our 1st Spankin’ Sadie event. Saturday, December 16th at Tanner’s Lakeside 6-10 for our BIG Christmas blowout…it’s a NAUGHTY or NICE party!! There will be a $10 cover. We will have hundreds of dollars in give aways and cash prizes. There will be games, contest for best dressed couple, most creative outfit, we will have several areas for photos and a photographer , party favors, great drinks, entertainment , and much more!!! Adults only please. We are so excited to celebrate the season with you!! Let’s dress up, party down, and get WILD!!!

Johnnie’s obituary:
Johnnie R. Carnley, Jr., age 63, passed away Saturday, December 9, 2023. He was born November 8, 1960 in Bartow, FL. Johnnie was a Meat Cutter for Winn-Dixie Supermarket. He was a member of New Beginning Church of God. He loved to play softball and fish. Johnnie is survived by his wife Kathy Carnley of Fort Meade, three daughters Mindy Pippin & husband Richie, Casey Carnley and Carissa Carnley, bonus daughter Andrea Mabe, sister Deborah Walker & husband Larry, eleven grandchildren Jasmine, Mahala, Buddy, Lane, Lexi, Steven, Benton, Tyler, Nathan, Alyssa, Grace and Waylon, three great grandchildren Tobias, Aria and Ryker and he loved his little girl Trixie. Family will receive friends Friday, December 15, 2023 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm at New Beginning Church of God, 3920 US Hwy 98 in Fort Meade, FL. Funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm Friday, December 15, 2023, at New Beginning Church of God. Burial will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Meade, FL. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com

Heartland Crime Stoppers:

Can you help identify these two people? They used a stolen credit card on November 11 at the Lowe’s in Winter Haven. The credit card they used was from a burglary reported to Bowling Green PD on October 27. Bowling Green PD Case#322023001814.

If you have any information and would like to be eligible for a reward, please report it to Heartland Crime Stoppers by
Calling 888-400-8477 or download the P3 Tips app or go to p3tips.com

Auburndale Police Department Release:

ATTEMPT TO IDENTIFY:

On 11/18/2023 a retail theft occurred at CVS located at 99 Magnolia Ave, Auburndale. Three unknown females entered the store, staying together until they reached the baby formula aisle. The suspects placed baby formula and other baby items in an empty shopping cart which was covered with a blanket/bag/jacket or some type to cover items. The three female suspects were then seen pushing a baby stroller down the Olay body products aisle. The suspects began to place Olay products into the baby stroller and down the front of one of the female suspects skirt/pants. The suspects then left the store and entered a tan colored minivan.

The suspects stole approximately $2,570.59 of merchandise.

Suspect – Unknown female, black hair pulled back, last seen wearing a red/brown Adidas t-shirt, black pants, black cross body purse, and she is also pushing the shopping cart.

Suspect – Unknown female, long dark brown hair, last seen wearing white t-shirt, light-colored long sweater, black skirt/pants, and she is also pushing a grey and black baby stroller.

Suspect – Unknown female, black hair pulled back in a bun, last seen wearing a floral shirt, black pants, and a black cross body purse.

If you have any information, please contact Detective Seymour at 863-965-5555 or by email [email protected].

Obituary for Jaxon
Jaxon Rance Crabtree, age 15, of Lakeland, Florida entered into rest on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. He was born on July 22, 2008. 

A student of the Central Florida Aerospace Academy, Jaxon dreamed of one day becoming a pilot or air traffic controller and enlisting in the United States Coast Guard after graduation. He had many interests including playing Fortnight, music, baseball, and golf. He was caring and helpful to anyone he met and will be greatly missed.

Jaxon is survived by his devoted parents Jason Crabtree (Debbie Franco) and Dawn Friesenborg (Donald Howard); brothers Dalyn and Davin Perkins; maternal grandfather David Friesenborg; paternal grandparents Rance and Dianne Crabtree; aunts and uncles Ginger and Beau Williams, Cheryl and Bron Hardman, Randy Snider (Bo Razzano), Courtney Friesenborg (Greg Suazo), and Lynn and Ann DeVries, Mel and Dan Devries, and Robert and Kelly Brock; as well as many cousins, Kaitlyn and Marshall Brock, Tim and Brannen Lawson, James and Christie Lawson, Johnny and Natalie Georges, Shanna Devane, Summer Coons, Stephanie Ryder, Brianne and Ryan Snider, Anderson Williams, Keila and Zac Piquet, Elizabeth Krull, Titan, Ethan, and Owen Devane, and Anna, Elizabeth, Edward Ryder, and Lori Archer, as well as many other loving family members and friends near and far. 

Jaxon was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Sharon Friesenborg. 

A visitation for Jaxon will be held Saturday, December 16, 2023 from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM at Landmark Baptist Church, 2020 E Hinson Ave, Haines City, Florida 33844, followed by a celebration of life at 10:00 AM. Jaxon will be laid to rest at Silver Hill Cemetery, Frostproof, Florida. The family invites any active or retired service members, as well as JROTC students attending to wear their uniform.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jaxon’s memory may be made to Landmark Christian School or the Central Florida Aerospace Academy.

Obituary of George R Albertson

George R Albertson, 85, of Lakeland,  Florida  passed away December 8, 2023  at Lakeland Regional Medical Center  Lakeland , Florida. He was born on September 3, 1938  in Trenton, New Jersey  to George and Alice Albertson. 

George  is survived by: his wife of 38 years Ann Albertson, daughter Lisa (Nick) Petrecca, son George Jr. “Sonny” (Cathy) Albertson, daughter Ginger (Frank) Carter, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, brother Myron Albertson, sister Bette Caparbi and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will be at Steele’s Family Funeral Services on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. 

For a limited time, Amazon is tipping drivers at NO COST to you! How can you tip your driver you ask?

Two ways:

• – Open your Amazon account, in the search bar type “thank my driver” then you should get a response that says something like, “Thank you for your appreciation! We’ll share your thanks with your driver.”
• – Ask Alexa (if you have one) to “thank my driver”

It’s that simple and free to do! Amazon is offering this holiday promotion to drivers for a limited time. The first 2 million thank you notes sent will tip Amazon drivers $5

Let’s thank those Amazon drivers for delivering all of our Amazon packages!

Info directly from Amazon:

The holiday driver promotion is back! Amazon customers will be able to show some extra appreciation for their delivery drivers again this holiday season with the “Alexa, Thank My Driver” feature. Starting on December 12, customers can say “Alexa, thank my driver” or search “thank my driver” on Amazon.com or the mobile shopping app. The driver who completed the customer’s most-recent delivery will be notified of their appreciation. The first 2 million “thank yous” will also send $5 to the driver, at no cost to the customer.

What is “Alexa, Thank My Driver?”

Since Amazon opened its digital doors in 1994, our selection has vastly grown alongside our ability to deliver packages quickly and conveniently. Delivery drivers are making this happen every day, but it’s more than just the packages that they deliver—they form relationships with customers, provide support to the community in tough moments, and sometimes play the role of the unexpected hero.

We’ve heard many examples of this through social media, emails, and phone calls, and when talking with friends and family. That’s why we developed the “Alexa, Thank My Driver” feature, which allows customers to directly thank drivers for making their deliveries. This feature is available to U.S. customers with an Alexa-enabled device (Echo, Echo Show), the Alexa app, on Amazon.com or in the Amazon mobile shopping app, making it easy to thank drivers in the U.S. anywhere.

How do I thank my driver with “Alexa, Thank My Driver?”

Any time a customer says, “Alexa, thank my driver” or searches “thank my driver” on Amazon.com or on the Amazon shopping app, the driver who completed the customer’s most-recent delivery will be notified of the customer’s appreciation. The first 2 million thank yous given will include $5 to the delivery driver at no cost to the customer. After that, customers can continue to thank their drivers through the feature all year round, and drivers will be able to see the number of times they are thanked within their app.

The feature was first introduced during the holidays in 2022. Since then, Amazon customers have thanked their delivery drivers over 22 million times.

Can a customer thank the same delivery driver more than once?

A delivery driver can be thanked once per delivery.

Do I need an Alexa-enabled device to use this feature?

You can access this feature by utilizing the Amazon shopping app or anywhere you shop on Amazon.com. Just type “thank my driver” in the search portal anywhere you shop on Amazon.com.

What drivers qualify?

Only U.S. delivery drivers delivering Amazon packages are eligle to receive “thank yous” through this program. Those drivers include Delivery Service Partner (DSP) Delivery Associates, Amazon Flex delivery partners, and Hub Delivery Associates.

Polk County Parks & Rec:

We’re hiring!
Polk County Parks and Recreation is looking for full time recreation coordinators to join our team.

JOB DESCRIPTION

RECREATION COORDINATOR I, II, III

                                                                                                        (Parks and Natural Resources)

                                                                            Pay: Recreation Coordinator I: $16.85/hr. ($35,048.00 annually)

                                                                                 Recreation Coordinator II: $18.58/hr. ($38,646.40 annually)

                                                                                Recreation Coordinator III: $20.49/hr. ($42,619.20 annually)

                                                                              Shift: Monday – Saturday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (40 hours/week)

                                                                                                             Four Locations Available: 

                                                                                          Homeland Heritage Park: 249 Church Street, Homeland

                                                                                          Wilfred Smith Resource Center : 135 Avenue Y NE, Winter Haven, 

                                                                                         Medulla Resources Center: 1049 Lake Parker Road, Lakeland

                                                                                           Parks Recreation Office: 4177 Ben Durance Road, Bartow

Health Benefits Package, Including Paid Holidays Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities, and duties of the job illustrated below:

ILLUSTRATED DUTIES:

Assist the Recreation Supervisor in the general development and direction of a year-round countywide recreation program for various interest and age groups. Coordinate activities such as the Summer Recreation Program, Polk County Easter Egg Hunts, Cracker Storytelling Festival, Adult Sports Tournaments, Adult Ball Leagues, and additional recreational events and activities as assigned and developed. Develop and coordinate sponsorship program for Parks & Natural Resources special events and programs. Assist with the recruitment and training of volunteers. Assist with the promotion of Parks & Natural Resources special events and programs. Conduct NYSCA clinics resulting in certification of coaches and documentation of these clinics to ensure a higher quality Youth League. Receive and respond to general inquiries, request or complaints from the public concerning recreational programs and activities. Assist in the interviewing, recommending for hiring and any administrative actions of the recreation program staff. Oversee staff as required. Oversee the operation of youth sports organizations that contract and utilize Polk County’s facilities. This is to include contracts, schedules, insurance requirements, coaches training and bylaw compliance. Perform related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS:

Knowledgeable of a variety of recreational programs and activities. Ability to plan, assign, review and oversee the work of others. Ability to use good judgment in administrative and personnel matters making independent decisions. Ability to display a cooperative attitude and willingness to respond effectively to general public concerns, philosophies and needs within recreational planning, program activities and overall county recreation goals and objectives. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with employees, officials and the public. Ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds regularly and a minimum of 40 pounds occasionally. Ability to work flexible hours as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Recreation Coordinator I Graduate of an accredited two-year college with major course work in recreation, education, or a related field and have some experience in planning and overseeing recreation programs. Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver’s license within three months of date of employment. A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications. Recreation Coordinator II Graduate of an accredited two-year college with major course work in recreation, education, or a related field and have six (6) months experience as a Recreation Coordinator or in an equivalent job classification. Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver’s license within three months of date of employment. A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications. Recreation Coordinator III Graduate of an accredited two-year college with major course work in recreation, education, or a related field and have a minimum of two (2) years’ experience as a Parks & Natural Resources professional, including the qualifications of a Recreation Coordinator I and II. Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver’s license within three months of date of employment. A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Recreation Coordinator II: Spend a minimum of eight hours becoming familiar with each of the following aspects of the Parks & Natural Resources Services Division: A. Youth Sports B. Special Events C. Parks D. Sponsorships Successfully complete a Customer Service Training course supplied by either the Polk County Personnel Division or another approved instructor. Obtain certification as a NYSCA Clinician.

Recreation Coordinator III:  Attendance of at least three FRPA or other professional organization meetings with a minimum of ten field related classes taken. Ability to demonstrate a working knowledge and application of Polk County Parks & Natural Resources Division policies and procedures relative to: A. Parks B. Programming C. Sports Leagues D. Special Events E. Rentals Obtain First Aid and CPR certifications. Maintain NYSCA Clinicians certification by instructing a minimum of one Coach’s Certification Clinic.

This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County

Apply now:

https://fa-eqpz-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/943?keyword=Recreation&mode=location

Polk County Sheriff’s Office

If you noticed PCSO activity Tuesday night west of Highland City on County Road 540A, here’s what went down….

At around 7:12pm, Deputy Colon was doing proactive patrol while traveling east on CR 540A when he noticed a gray 2005 BMW traveling westbound at about 85mph (in a 45mph zone), making numerous lane changes and getting dangerously close to other vehicles.

Deputy Colon noted that the driving was aggressive as the BMW weaved through traffic, causing at least one other driver to suddenly brake to avoid a collision.

Additionally, a white Dodge Durango was keeping pace with the BMW and competing for position.

Deputy Colon got behind the BMW and conducted a traffic stop, while the Dodge Durango continued on.

The driver of the BMW was identified as 18-year old Gabriel Verissimo of Winter Haven.

Verissimo was arrested and charged with Reckless Driving and Racing.

PCSO

PCSOInYourNeighborhood

NoSpeedRacerNoSpeedRacerNoSpeedRacerNo

WeWillCatchYouNextTimeDodgeDurrango