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Protect Your Vision: 9 Essential Tips for Healthy, Sharp Eyes

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Protect Your Vision: 9 Essential Tips for Healthy, Sharp Eyes

Maintaining optimal eye health is crucial for overall well-being, as our eyes play a vital role in how we perceive and interact with the world. Implementing the following strategies can help ensure your vision remains sharp and your eyes stay healthy:

1. Adopt a Nutrient-Rich Diet

Consuming a balanced diet rich in specific nutrients supports eye health:

  • Fruits and Vegetables: Incorporate deep yellow and green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale, which are high in vitamins and antioxidants beneficial for your eyes.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fish like salmon, tuna, and halibut are excellent sources of omega-3s, which contribute to retinal health.

A healthy diet not only supports eye health but also helps maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of diabetes—a condition that can lead to diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.

2. Engage in Regular Physical Activity

Exercise helps prevent or control conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which can lead to vision problems. Regular physical activity can lower the risk of developing such eye issues.

3. Protect Your Eyes from Harmful UV Rays

Prolonged sun exposure can increase the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Wearing sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation is essential to safeguard your eyes.

4. Use Protective Eyewear

To prevent eye injuries, wear appropriate protective eyewear when engaging in certain sports, working in jobs like factory work and construction, or doing repairs or projects at home.

5. Avoid Smoking

Smoking increases the risk of developing age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts and can damage the optic nerve.

6. Be Aware of Your Family’s Eye Health History

Some eye diseases are hereditary. Knowing your family’s medical history can help determine if you’re at higher risk, allowing for early detection and management.

7. Practice Proper Contact Lens Hygiene

If you wear contact lenses, wash your hands thoroughly before inserting or removing them, follow cleaning instructions diligently, and replace them as recommended to prevent eye infections.

8. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule to Reduce Eye Strain

Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain. To alleviate this, every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This practice helps relax your eye muscles and reduce fatigue.

9. Schedule Regular Comprehensive Eye Exams

Regular eye examinations are crucial for detecting eye diseases early, often before symptoms arise. Adults should have comprehensive dilated eye exams as recommended by their eye care provider, while children typically undergo vision screenings during routine check-ups.

By integrating these practices into your daily routine, you can significantly contribute to maintaining your eye health and preserving your vision for years to come.

Source

Orlando Health and Watson Clinic Partner to Enhance Healthcare in Polk County and Beyond

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Orlando Health and Watson Clinic Partner to Enhance Healthcare in Polk County and Beyond

Orlando Health, one of the highest quality hospital systems in the southeastern United States, and Watson Clinic, one of the nation’s most respected physician-led practices, have joined forces to provide exceptional care for the community. The collaboration will be actualized in June 2026 with the opening of the Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital.

“By combining our respective strengths, we are able to provide a level of care and service that expands both our capabilities while enhancing patient care,” said Carlos Carrasco, senior vice president, Orlando Health Midwest Region. “Watson Clinic is one of the region’s largest and most established healthcare providers, with over 84 years of deeply rooted history in the community. We’re excited about our alignment with Watson Clinic and the impact it will have on patient care across Florida’s heartland.”

“Watson Clinic is honored to work alongside one of nation’s most respected healthcare organizations on this magnificent project,” said Watson Clinic Chief Executive Officer Jason Hirsbrunner. “This collaboration will provide our devoted patient base with expanded access to the doctors and care they trust most, and it will ensure exceptional healthcare services in our community for generations to come.”

The affiliation will be evident in many areas throughout the hospital. Experts from both organizations have been heavily involved in collaboratively designing the facility, selecting state-of-the-art technologies, and planning the comprehensive services to be offered to serve the community’s needs. On opening day, the Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital will open with more than 300 inpatient beds, 69 emergency and observation beds, 11 working operating rooms, four cardiac and interventional suites and 18 beds in an intensive care unit (ICU) that will serve 36 patients at full build-out.

Obstetric services and accommodations will also be prominent on opening day with eight labor and delivery rooms, two special c-section operating rooms and more than 25 post-partum rooms. A 12-bed neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) will debut shortly after the hospital opens.

“This is one of the largest hospital capital investments Orlando Health has made,” added Mr. Carrasco. “It’s a big commitment to the community. But it’s a big commitment because the community deserves it.”


About Orlando Health: Orlando Health is a private not-for-profit, integrated academic healthcare system with $12 billion of assets under management, that serves the southeastern United States – including Florida and Alabama – and Puerto Rico. With corporate offices in Orlando, Florida the system provides a complete continuum of care across a network of medical centers and institutes, community and specialty hospitals, physician practices, urgent care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, home healthcare, and long-term and behavioral health care services. Founded more than 100 years ago, Orlando Health’s mission is to improve the health and the quality of life of the individuals and communities we serve. The system provided nearly $1.7 billion in community impact in the form of community benefit programs and services, Medicare shortfalls, bad debt, community-building activities and capital investments in FY 23, the most recent period for which the information is available. For more information, visit orlandohealth.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter.)

About Watson Clinic: As one of the largest multispecialty medical clinics in the southeast, Watson Clinic provides comprehensive healthcare services to residents of Lakeland and surrounding communities. First established in 1941, Watson Clinic has grown to include over 200 board-certified physicians representing more than 40 medical and surgical specialties. The Clinic is proud to deliver quality healthcare to every generation from our Main Clinic location at 1600 Lakeland Hills Boulevard in Lakeland, as well as 19 additional convenient locations throughout Polk, Pasco and Hillsborough counties. More information is available at www.WatsonClinic.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X.

Coming Soon: No smoking/vaping in Haines City parks

Staff Reporter
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Coming Soon: No smoking/vaping in Haines City parks
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BY ANITA TODD, Special Articles

HAINES CITY – Thanks to Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Haines City parks will soon be free of harmful cigarette smoke and vaping. Because of the youth-led advocacy group, during the March 10 meeting, Haines City Commissioners passed an Ordinance prohibiting the activities.

During the meeting, the second reading of proposed Ordinance No. 25-2102 passed unanimously. Technically, the ordinance became effective immediately; however, the City plans to post signs within the next two to three weeks. Once the signs are posted, there will be a 30-45-day marketing campaign and grace period to make citizens aware of the ordinance before enforcing it. Signs will be in English and Spanish.

Several months ago, the SWAT group from Ridge Community High School approached the Commission about possibly banning smoking and vaping in public City parks. This came after they also asked the County Commissioners to do the same in County parks and succeeded.

On Nov. 7, 2924, the County created an ordinance authorizing the County Manager to prohibit smoking and vaping in public parks in unincorporated Polk County. “Based on the Board’s direction the initial focus will be on prohibiting smoking and vaping in active parks, such as playgrounds and sports complexes that serve youth sports programs,” according to a County press release.

Once the City begins to enforce the Ordinance, the Commission agreed that common sense must be used.

“It is going to be difficult to enforce but we all need to use common sense,” said Horace West, Vice Mayor and Commissioner. Citizens should call the non-emergency line to report smoking and vaping. For extreme cases, there is a possible $500 maximum fine and 90 days in jail.

Two arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for calling a school principal to report a bomb

Carl Fish
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Two arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for calling a school principal to report a bomb

On Monday, March 10, 2025 at around 8:40 am, the principal of Ridge Community High School in Haines City, notified the School Resource Deputy at the facility, that she received three phone calls from an unknown male; the first call she heard nothing, the second call she heard, “I have a bomb,” and the third call she heard, “It was a joke.”

The ensuing investigation determined that the phone number belonged to 18-year old Jaimelias Rivera-Rodriguez.
Contact was made with Rivera-Rodriguez and he admitted to making the calls. He told the deputy that his friend, 18-year old Ethan Bork gave him the principal’s phone number and told him to call it and say that he had a bomb.

When contact was made with Ethan Bork, he told the deputy that he didn’t know why he gave Jaimelias the principal’s phone number, nor why he told him to say that he had a bomb.

Both suspects were arrested and taken to the Polk County Jail and charged with: False Report of a Bomb (F2), Conspiracy to Commit Offense with Destructive Device (F3), Use of 2-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F3), and Make Harassing Phone Call (M2).

“Regardless that there was no bomb, these type of calls are never just a joke. They are not harmless pranks. They are stupid actions that have consequences; they are crimes, and we will find the people who make calls like this and put them in jail, just like we did with these two.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Ethan Bork is a student at Ridge Community High School, and Jaimelias River-Rodriguez attended the school last year.

Haines City Speeders Beware: Pricey tickets for those who speed in school zones next school year

Staff Reporter
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Haines City Speeders Beware: Pricey tickets for those who speed in school zones next school year

BY ANITA TODD, Special Articles

HAINES CITY – School zone speed detection cameras are coming to the city of Haines City and attached to that are $100 tickets for those who exceed the speed limit. That was the informal decision and consensus of the Commissioners at the March 10 City Commission meeting. Although the Commissioners agreed the cameras are a good idea, an official vote, as well, as, the details are still up in the air. Those particulars will be decided at a workshop on April 17.

According to the Memorandum provided to the Commissioners from the Finance Director and the Police Chief, the project aims to “enhance public safety by reducing speeding in school zones.” The goals include installing reliable enforcement systems, improving traffic law compliance, and protecting pedestrians and motorists.

Verra Mobility, the same company that supplies the City’s red-light cameras, will most likely be the source of the school zone speed detection cameras. For reference purposes, from Oct. 1, 2023, to Sept. 30, 2024, the City earned more than $900,000 from the nearly $3 million collected for red light tickets. Of that, the State received more than $1.3 million, and more than $655,000 was paid in administrative fees and expenses. Verra Mobility will manage effective monitoring and enforcement, according to the same memorandum.

The City will not incur any costs related to the school zone part, as the vendor will be paid from the first two citations from each camera every school day to fulfill the $40 charge. After the first two tickets, the City will retain $54 and Verra Mobility will receive $6.

A Verra Mobility representative was on hand to discuss and explain the process of the camera system to the Commissioners. Ideally, the new cameras will be installed and working on the first day of the 2025-26 school year. Commissioners will also need to decide the times of day speeders will be ticketed. For example, it can be as specific as 30 minutes before school starts and 30 minutes after school ends. They can also set different times for different schools. Other decisions that will be made are the possible locations of the cameras; and the maximum acceptable speed.

At least one other Polk County city, Lake Alfred, has already implemented the school zone speed detection cameras. According to www.mylakealfred.com, effective Nov. 20, 2024, the cameras became operational. Since then, drivers who exceed the speed limit by more than 10 mph in school zones with the cameras will be cited for $100.

Commissioners discussed creating a warning period during which violators receive warnings instead of tickets.

Jim Elensky, City Manager, said that the City will advertise the new speed detection camera installation at least 30 days before the cameras are operational and signage will be placed near the zones chosen.

A workshop to discuss the school zone speed detection cameras will be held before the Commission meeting on April 17.

Lakeland Man Killed In Fatal Motorcycle Crash

Carl Fish
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Lakeland Man Killed In Fatal Motorcycle Crash

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle collision between a Fed-Ex truck and a motorcycle Monday, March 10, 2025 which resulted in the death of the motorcyclist. 

 

The crash occurred at around 4:30 pm on Tom Costine Road near Ridgeglen Circle West, north of Lakeland.

 

Upon arrival of first responders, the motorcyclist was unresponsive. He was taken to a local hospital, but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving.

 

The motorcyclist was identified as 28-year old Brandon Michael Bailey of Lakeland.

 

The driver of the truck was identified as Juan Cruz Rivera, 35, of Poinciana.  Mr. Cruz Rivera was not injured, and cooperated with the investigation.

 

Based on evidence and witness statements, the preliminary investigation indicates that the Fed-Ex truck was traveling east on Tom Costine Road.

 

Bailey’s 2003 Honda motorcycle was also eastbound, behind the truck, and traveling at a high rate of speed. 

 

As the Fed-Ex truck was making a left turn into a driveway, the motorcycle began passing the truck on the left, against a double-yellow line (no passing zone). 

 

The motorcycle impacted the rear-passenger side of the truck.

 

Tom Costine Road was closed in both directions for approximately three hours during the investigation, which remains ongoing.  

 

No charges are anticipated at this time.

NIST Framework: Detect – Identifying Cyber Threats Before They Escalate

Staff Reporter
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NIST Framework: Detect – Identifying Cyber Threats Before They Escalate

In today’s rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape, the ability to detect cyber threats before they cause significant damage is crucial for any organization. The Detect function within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) provides businesses with guidelines to establish timely detection processes for cybersecurity events. By implementing robust detection capabilities, organizations can identify anomalies, assess security events, and mitigate risks efficiently.

The Importance of the Detect Function

The Detect function plays a critical role in an organization’s cybersecurity strategy by ensuring that security breaches, unauthorized access, and malicious activities are promptly identified. Without effective detection mechanisms, cyber threats can go unnoticed, leading to data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage.

The Detect function focuses on three primary objectives:

  • Anomalies and Events: Identifying deviations from normal operations that may indicate a security incident.
  • Security Continuous Monitoring: Implementing ongoing monitoring processes to detect cybersecurity threats in real time.
  • Detection Processes: Establishing procedures and systems that facilitate swift and effective identification of potential security issues.

Implementing an Effective Detection Strategy

To align with the NIST Detect function, organizations should consider adopting the following best practices:

1. Deploying Advanced Threat Detection Tools

Utilizing intrusion detection systems (IDS), intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions helps organizations monitor and analyze network activity. These tools provide insights into potential threats and enable rapid incident response.

2. Leveraging Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Solutions

A SIEM solution aggregates security logs from various sources, applies real-time analysis, and alerts security teams of potential threats. This centralized approach enhances an organization’s ability to detect and respond to incidents efficiently.

3. Conducting Continuous Monitoring

Organizations must implement continuous security monitoring to detect anomalies and suspicious behavior within their network. Automated monitoring tools can help track unauthorized access, policy violations, and malware activity in real time.

4. Utilizing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Detect with AI

AI and ML-powered cybersecurity solutions can detect unusual activity by analyzing patterns and predicting potential threats before they materialize. These technologies improve threat intelligence and detection accuracy.

5. Regularly Testing and Updating Detection Mechanisms

Cyber threats are constantly evolving, making it essential for businesses to regularly update detection tools, conduct penetration testing, and assess their security posture to ensure defenses remain effective against emerging threats.

Enhancing Detection with Application Whitelisting

One of the most effective ways to strengthen an organization’s detection capabilities is by leveraging application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized applications from executing within a system. PC Matic Pro provides a robust whitelisting solution that ensures only approved applications can run, reducing the risk of malware infections and zero-day attacks. By integrating application whitelisting into an organization’s security framework, businesses can enhance their ability to detect and prevent malicious activity before it causes harm.

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Conclusion

The Detect function within the NIST Cybersecurity Framework is a fundamental pillar in safeguarding an organization’s digital assets. By implementing advanced threat detection tools, continuous monitoring, SIEM solutions, AI-driven analysis, and application whitelisting with PC Matic Pro, businesses can significantly enhance their ability to identify and mitigate cyber threats before they escalate. Investing in a strong detection strategy is essential for maintaining a resilient and proactive cybersecurity posture.

About the Author:

Kip Kirchberg

Kip Kirchberg is an international cybersecurity expert with extensive experience in building and leading cybersecurity teams, as well as collaborating with Fortune 500 organizations to enhance their security posture.

His expertise includes, but is not limited to:

  • Developing and implementing SIEM platforms
  • Endpoint security solutions
  • Managing third-party remote access securely
  • Securing industrial control systems (ICS)
  • Deploying and optimizing next-generation firewalls
  • Assisting organizations in identifying cybersecurity risks
  • Generating actionable reports that drive informed security decisions
  • Building and maintaining incident response teams
  • Drafting and adopting corporate cybersecurity governance policies
  • Conducting internal and external penetration testing

With a proven track record in cybersecurity strategy and risk management, Kip is dedicated to helping organizations proactively defend against evolving cyber threats.

Book time with Me:

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Auburndale’s Maxwell Posts First Career Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Toho

Carl Fish
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Auburndale’s Maxwell Posts First Career Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Toho

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (March 10, 2025) – Boater Christopher Maxwell of Auburndale, Florida, caught a five-bass limit weighing 23 pounds, 15 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Toho. The tournament, hosted by Experience Kissimmee, was the second event of the season for the BFL Gator Division. Maxwell earned $4,541 for his victory.

A Toho local, Maxwell has been on the water a lot lately, including for another tournament last weekend, when he weighed in about 17 pounds.

“I didn’t get a big bite (in that tournament),” he said, “but I just did pretty much the same thing today. I had a little bit of a crowd today. I just fished around them and did the same thing. I got the lucky bites today. That’s all I can say.”

Maxwell spent the tournament fishing in Toho’s southern end. He fished pads and grass, intercepting postspawn fish as they left the beds before transitioning to deeper water. He caught his limit pitching a black and blue Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver.

“I didn’t catch many fish. I caught seven today,” Maxwell said. “They were just the right ones. I just stuck with what I was doing and moved slow because all the boats were coming around, and I just didn’t let myself get aggravated with it.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

1st:        Christopher Maxwell, Auburndale, Fla., five bass, 23-15, $4,541
2nd:      George Kapiton, Inverness, Fla., five bass, 20-11, $2,270
3rd:       Connor Macdougall, Cape Coral, Fla., five bass, 20-6, $1,514
4th:        Chris Crow, Lake Placid, Fla., five bass, 18-10, $1,560 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
5th:        Fred Chivington Jr., San Mateo, Fla., five bass, 18-9, $1,530
5th:        Austin Chism, Auburndale, Fla., five bass, 18-9, $870
7th:        Dylan Quilatan Windermere, Fla., five bass, 18-5, $757
8th:        John Kremer, Orange City, Fla., five bass, 17-9, $681
9th:        Cedric Perry, Trenton, Fla., five bass, 16-11, $605
10th:     Anthony Cilladi, Oviedo, Fla., five bass, 15-14, $530

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Fred Chivington Jr. of San Mateo, Florida, caught a bass that weighed 8 pounds, 11 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $660.

Chris Westhelle of Sanford, Florida, won the co-angler division and $2,580 Saturday, after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 13 pounds, 7 ounces.

The top 11 co-anglers finished:

1st:        Chris Westhelle, Sanford, Fla., three bass, 13-7, $2,580
2nd:      Zachary Bach, Bartow, Fla., three bass, 11-11, $1,127
3rd:       Leandro Saratt, Winter Garden, Fla., three bass, 11-1, $751
4th:        Brian Yusavage, Tamarac, Fla., three bass, 10-1, $488
4th:        Preston Williams, Tallahassee, Fla. three bass, 10-1, $488
6th:        Larry Austin, The Villages, Fla., three bass, 9-5, $413
7th:        Andrew Wiedmann, Titusville, Fla., three bass, 9-1, $376
8th:        Taylor Harris, Haines City, Fla., three bass, 8-13, $338
9th:        Robert Linthout, Cape Coral, Fla., three bass, 8-9, $300
10th:     Justin Hampton, Orlando, Fl., three bass, 8-6, $250
10th:     Kenneth Bivins, Orlando, Fla., three bass, 8-6, $250

Westhelle also earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $327, catching a bass that weighed in at 9 pounds, 9 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.

After two events, Dylan Quilatan of Windermere, Florida, now leads the Fishing Clash Gator Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 493 points, while James Sponaugle of Auburndale, Florida, leads the Fishing Clash Gator Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 473 points.

The next event for BFL Gator Division anglers will be held March 22, at the Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, Florida. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.

The top 60 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 17-18 BFL Regional tournament on Lake Seminole in Bainbridge, Georgia. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $20,000.

The 2025 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 134 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 60 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying tournament winners, will advance to one of 12 BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top three, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. The 2025 BFL All-American will take place May 29-31, 2025, at Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is hosted by hosted by Visit Hot Springs and the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.

Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive App, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Li Time Batteries, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.

For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.

14th Annual Bartow Blarney Duathlon & 5K Is Next Weekend

Carl Fish
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14th Annual Bartow Blarney Duathlon & 5K Is Next Weekend

The 14th Annual Bartow Blarney Duathlon and 5K is set to take place on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Bartow Civic Center, located at 2250 S. Floral Ave., Bartow, Florida.  This eagerly anticipated event offers participants the choice between a duathlon and a 5K run, catering to a wide range of athletic abilities and interests.

The duathlon consists of a 1-mile run, followed by an 11-mile bike ride, and concludes with a 3-mile run. The 5K event is a straightforward 3.1-mile run. Both races will commence in the vicinity of the Bartow Civic Center, with the 5K starting at 7:30 AM and the duathlon at 7:45 AM. 

Registration fees for the 5K are structured as follows: $35 from January 20 to March 9, and $40 from March 10 to 15. For the duathlon, the fees are $55 from January 20 to March 9, and $60 from March 10 to 15. Participants who register early, specifically before February 19, 2025, are guaranteed an event shirt in their selected size. After this date, shirts will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with limited sizes as race day approaches. 

The event schedule includes packet pickup on March 14 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and on race day, March 15, from 6:00 AM to 7:10 AM. On race day, the bike transition area will be open from 6:00 AM to 7:20 AM. The 5K awards ceremony is slated for 8:45 AM, followed by the duathlon awards at 9:40 AM. 

Awards will be presented to the top overall male and female finishers in both the duathlon and 5K, as well as the top overall masters (40+) male and female participants. Additionally, the top three male and female finishers in each age group, categorized in standard 5-year increments (e.g., 9 & under, 10-14, 15-19, up to 70+), will receive recognition. 

Participants can look forward to a commemorative shirt and beverage stein as part of their registration. The event promises a festive atmosphere, encouraging both seasoned athletes and newcomers to join in the celebration of fitness and community spirit. 

For more information or to register, interested individuals can visit the official event page or contact the Bartow Parks and Recreation Department at (863) 534-0161. 

Lakeland Man Fatally Struck by Vehicle While Walking on US-92

Carl Fish
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Lakeland Man Fatally Struck by Vehicle While Walking on US-92

March 8, 2025 – – A fatal crash occurred early Saturday morning on US-92, east of Charlie Taylor Road, when a pedestrian was struck by an oncoming vehicle.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, at approximately 2:20 a.m., a 38-year-old Lakeland man was walking southbound across the highway when he entered the path of an eastbound Nissan Rogue. The vehicle, driven by a 26-year-old Lakeland man, collided with the pedestrian, resulting in fatal injuries at the scene.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. No further details have been released at this time.

Sergeant Steve Gaskins, Public Affairs Officer for the Florida Highway Patrol, confirmed the crash and urges drivers and pedestrians to remain vigilant, especially during nighttime hours.

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