More Than 40 Teams Attend Humane Society Bowl-A-Rama

by James Coulter

Mike Lee, Owner of Laugh Out Loud Lounge in Winter Haven, knows a lot about animals. Several of them live in his own house.

His fiancée, Jessica Roy, owns Jay Walking, a pet-sitting and walking service. As such, their house has many pets staying at their house.

Both of them love animals. So, it only made sense for them to support the Humane Society by attending their annual Bowl-a-Rama fundraiser on Sunday.

“They do so much for the animals here in Polk County, and so this is something we are excited to be a part of,” Lee said. “It is a fun time. Cypress Lanes is great. They have a great facility. We have an entire facility rented out for the event. So it has been a lot of fun seeing a lot of business owners hanging out and having a good time.”

The Humane Society of Polk County hosted its annual Bowl-A-Rama fundraiser on Sunday at Cypress Lanes in Winter Haven. More than 40 teams participated to see who could score big in a game of bowling. They also participated in 50/50 raffles for various prizes donated by local businesses.

“Bowl-a-Rama is one of our big annual fundraisers,” said Mark Turner, Board President of the Humane Society. “We had a great turnout today. We are very excited about that. It helps up accomplish our mission for the pets.”

Proceeds will go toward covering the general operations of the Humane Society facility located along Dundee Road in Winter Haven, located down the road from Cypress Lanes.

“Overall, I am excited and we are looking forward to seeing the revenue,” said Turner. “I think we will have a good year. Great to see the camaraderie. Good environment to socialize and talk to folks you have not seen in perhaps a while.”

Melanie Brown Culpepper has been participating in the fundraiser and many others hosted by the Humane Society. As a local philanthropist who involves herself with many local causes, especially her non-profit, Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, she appreciates being able to assist her local community.

“It is a great turnout,” she said. “We have all the teams fill out even before the event started. All 40 teams were all together and we had them filled out…For, the Humane Society. It is about supporting each other and helping one another. It is a no-kill facility. It keeps an eye on our animals and takes care of them and gives people an opportunity to adopt them and get them.”

Winter Haven Public Safety Department

Where did the summer go? Polk County schools are back in session this coming Friday (8/11), so ready or not, everyone will see traffic changes. The big school busses will be out carrying that precious cargo and we need all drivers to remember what to do when busses are dropping off and picking up students! It is not worth risking the life of a child for you to pass a bus when it is stopped. And keep an eye out for walkers and bike riders too. Pedestrian traffic picks up as kids walk and bike to school.

Camp Margaritaville Auburndale Receives AED from Culpepper Cardiac Foundation

by James Coulter

If anyone’s wasting away again in Margaritaville, they won’t be doing so because of cardiac arrest. A new automated external defibrillator (AED) will ensure that.

Camp Margaritaville Auburndale received a new AED donated by the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation on July 22. The device will ensure the health and safety of the resort’s visitors and guests staying at its 57 cabins and cabana and 401 RV sites.

Amanda Dunavent, an employee at Camp Margaritaville, had reached out to the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation, as she is a friend of the son and daughter-in-law of its founder, Melanie Brown Culpepper.

“Scott Schleck, General Manager, spoke with me about how he was glad that the resort was getting an AED placed here and fantastic that CCF was able to make it happen,” Melanie wrote on her Facebook page. “He knows the importance in hope to save a life with the AED, but of course, hopes to never have to use it.”

Melanie and several other volunteers visited the resort, where they were treated to a personal tour by Renee Evans, an employee who had been working at the resort before it even opened in 2020. Melanie wrote: “She said the resort and campground [are] at capacity every weekend and you never know if someone will need it and they want to be prepared for their quests in case ever needed.”

Evans expressed gratitude for the donated AED and expects it to be put to good use in case of an emergency, which she hopes never needs to happen.

“It was unbelievable that the unit was a donation,” she said. “We have researched and priced to have three units in our park and never expected this opportunity to have one donated. Culpepper Cardiac Foundation is an incredibly generous, thoughtful and charitable organization. The foundation certainly turned a tragedy into an amazing opportunity to give back.”

As a token of their appreciation, both Evans and Schleck pledged to add Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation to their Cheers for Charity, where a percentage of their margarita sales is donated monthly to select charitable organizations.

“This meant so much to me,” Melanie wrote on Facebook. “It was heartfelt and I want to just say thank you Margaritaville. I’m looking forward [to] seeing you all again as I’m definitely going to be taking my family.”

Culpepper Cardiac Foundation was started two years ago following the untimely death of Melanie’s fiancée, Michael Culpepper, who passed away from cardiac arrest. Her foundation raises proceeds to install AEDs throughout Polk County and to help support local EMTs and other rescue workers.

Thus far, her organization has donated and installed more than 15 AEDs in Winter Haven and other surrounding cities. Local establishments that have received AEDs include Tanner’s Lakeside, Old Man Frank’s, and The Mission.

Culpepper Cardiac Foundation will be hosting its annual fundraiser, “Saving Lives Matter”, at Tanner’s Lakeside in Winter Haven on Sep. 16. For more information, visit their website at: https://honoringculpepper.com/

Polk County Parks & Rec

We have opportunities for new Recreation Coordinators to join our team!

Polk County Parks & Recreation are looking for organized, youth-oriented leaders to join our team as recreation coordinators. As a Recreation Coordinator, you will be involved in helping Polk County Parks and Recreation create and maintain learning and recreation programs to brighten the day for children and families.

Positions are available now in Lakeland and Winter Haven. Use the link below to get started!
https://fa-eqpz-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/943/?utm_medium=jobshare&fbclid=IwAR0T5H4lhq5ByyzV2SQY92hYdxbXl3j-ubIiUfr_Z0LJLS6nYcHKbt8L0-w

BACK TO SCHOOL BASH EVENT!

Join us on August 5th, 2023, from 12 PM to 4 PM for an incredible Back to School Bash! We are excited to announce that we will be giving away FREE backpacks and school supplies to all attending children. Please note that the child must be present to receive the supplies.

Location: 1803 James Redman Pkwy, Plant City, FL 33566

This event is proudly hosted by Mission Air Services and City Cutz Barbershop, who have come together to create an unforgettable experience for the community. We have planned an array of exciting activities for everyone to enjoy!

Raffle and Prizes: Get ready for your chance to win amazing prizes! We have some fantastic surprises in store for you.

Games and Bounce House: Let the fun begin! We have set up various games and a thrilling bounce house to keep the excitement going all day long.

Pizza: Delicious pizza will be provided to satisfy your hunger during the event. Don’t miss out on this tasty treat!

This Back to School Bash is the perfect way to kick off the new school year with a bang. Bring your family and friends for an afternoon filled with laughter, joy, and community spirit. We can’t wait to see you there!

Note: Please adhere to all safety guidelines and protocols in place during the event to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

City of Winter Haven, FL

Please be advised that Avenue K NE from E. Lake Silver Drive NE to Fairfax Street NE is closed to all thru-traffic starting today (Aug 2) through May 2024 while Tucker Paving constructs the new complete street project. The detour map is attached.

Winter Haven Public Library

Little Sprouts Story Time will be on a brief break while we transition over from our Summer programming. Story Time will resume on Tuesday, August 22 and be held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Registration will now be required to attend Little Sprouts Story Time, with registration opening every Thursday starting August 17. When registration is open, you can register on our website at mywinterhaven.com/library/registration-for-little-sprouts-story-time/

*** UPDATE ***
Sicily has been located and is safe and has returned home. Thank you to all who shared and helped spread the word!

Have you seen 14 year-old Sicily Rivera?
Sicily was last seen at her Julius Estates residence on 7-30-23 around 4:35 p.m. She left the home and has not been heard from since.
She was last seen wearing gray sweatpants, a black tank top and a red hoodie.
Sicily is 5’2″, approximately 110 lbs with brown hair and hazel eyes.
Anyone with information on Sicily’s whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Lozado at 863-662-0166.

Winter Haven Public Library

The Library Card Design Contest is back! The theme for this year’s 8th annual competition is Florida Wildlife! All ages are encouraged to submit original artwork. The deadline to submit is Saturday, September 9. Visit our website for official entry form and template https://ow.ly/nK6n50Ppa8x

Polk County Parks& Rec

Saturday, September 16, you are invited to join us in celebrating Hispanic heritage and culture at our Hispanic Heritage Festival at Lake Gwyn Park!

This day of celebration will feature live entertainment, games, crafts, art, and music. Food will be on-site from local vendors to enjoy and share. Families, be aware this year our event will be hosted at Lake Gwyn Park to accommodate more space for food, vendors, and activities. We are excited for this change as there will be ample room at this venue for all to visit and enjoy!

For additional information, reach out to Polk County Parks & Recreation at (863) 298-4485

Hispanic Heritage Festival
September 16, 11a.m. – 3p.m.
Lake Gwyn Park
135 Avenue A East, Winter Haven, FL