Music lovers in Winter Haven have plenty of opportunities to catch live performances throughout the coming week. From afternoon acoustic sets to evening bands and special holiday entertainment, several local venues are offering a variety of shows featuring regional musicians.
Saturday Highlights
Saturday brings one of the busiest music days of the week.
Tanner’s Lakeside will host music throughout the day during the Crawlin’ on the Chain event, with multiple performers scheduled. Attendees can enjoy lakeside views along with a full lineup of entertainment. *See flyer for details
At Cypresswood Pub, Prime Country will perform from 6 to 9 p.m., bringing classic country favorites to the stage.
Earlier in the day, “Tunes at Noon” will feature Joey Foley with Renee from noon to 3 p.m. at Apple Lounge.
Foley and Renee will also perform later that evening from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Pub at Sweetwater.
Thursday & Friday Shows
The music starts earlier in the week as well.
On Thursday, Vandal Eyes, Joe & Katie will perform from 6 to 9 p.m. at Cypresswood Pub.
Friday night will feature the Gerry Williams Band at the same venue, keeping the weekend energy going.
Sunday & Monday Music
The weekend continues Sunday with the Joey Foley Trio performing from 2 to 6 p.m. at Tanner’s Lakeside.
On Monday, Korey Ketchum will perform from 6 to 9 p.m. at Somewhere Sports Bar.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
For those looking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, DJ Melvin will provide music from 5 to 8 p.m. at Cypresswood Pub.
Weekly Music Series
Sage Cocktail Lounge continues its Sage Sessions every Tuesday. The March 17 session will feature Travis Williams performing for guests.
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]. Use “LIVE MUSIC” in the subject line to be considered for an upcoming feature in the Winter Haven Daily music listings.
Community members will gather at Central Park in downtown Winter Haven on Friday, March 13, for the annual Relay For Life ofPolk County, an evening dedicated to honoring cancer survivors, remembering loved ones lost, and raising awareness in the fight against cancer.
The event begins with a Survivor Dinner at 5:00 p.m., followed by the Opening Ceremony at 6:00 p.m. Community members, supporters, and teams will come together throughout the evening to recognize those impacted by cancer and show support for ongoing research and advocacy efforts.
“Relay For Life is more than a walk – it’s a chance to come together in your local community to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against every cancer as we come together for every life.
Be a part of the global community of passionate supporters working to help end cancer as we know it, for everyone.”
Relay For Life events are held in communities around the world and serve as both a fundraiser and a symbol of hope for those affected by cancer. Participants often form teams, walk in honor or memory of loved ones, and take part in activities designed to inspire and support the mission to end cancer.
For more information about the Polk County event, visit relayforlife.org/polkfl.
This is Victoria Johnson, who ran over two little kids last night, killing one of them and critically injuring the other.
Here is preliminary information regarding her arrest and our ongoing investigation:
After an around-the-clock investigation, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit, assisted by patrol units and real-time crime analysts, located and took into custody the suspect responsible for running over two children and then fleeing the scene last evening.
The suspect is Victoria Ashton Johnson, DOB 10/14/1995, of Thornhill Road in Winter Haven. She will be booked into the Polk County Jail this evening.
The suspect vehicle – a 2009 blue Hyundai Santa Fe – was located and seized from a residence on SR 60 East in Lake Wales. The investigation is ongoing on how and why it ended up there.
During a preliminary search of the vehicle, detectives were able to locate damage, missing parts, and potential biological matter on the vehicle consistent with a pedestrian strike. A complete forensic analysis of the vehicle along with Johnson’s cell phone will be conducted.
Probable cause was established to charge Johnson with Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death, Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Serious Bodily Injury, Tampering with Evidence, Filing a False Police Report, and Driving While License Suspended/Revoked.
Her criminal history includes a November 2025 arrest by the Winter Haven Police Department for DUI.
“I am so very proud of my detectives and analysts – who are the very best in the business – for their tenacity and determination which ultimately led to this suspect being taken into custody. Please keep these children’s families in your prayers.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
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Original post
Detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office are trying to find the driver responsible for hitting two young children outside of their church Wednesday night, March 11, 2026. An 8-year old child died from his injuries, the other child who is 10-years old, has been hospitalized with a broken leg, broken arm, and a skull fracture… he is in critical condition. The children, who are not siblings, were there for a church function.
PCSO deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched at about 8:25 pm to Faith Baptist Church at 2140 Crystal Beach Road in Winter Haven, just off of Winter Lake Road (CR 540).
According to Traffic Homicide detectives’ preliminary investigation, the two children were on the west side of Crystal Beach Road about to cross the street.
After a truck passed, the children began to make their way across the street toward the church, but they were both hit by a northbound vehicle. That vehicle, continued to the intersection with Winter Lake Road, and turned in an unknown direction. Witnesses did not get a good description of the vehicle.
“Our detectives and crime analysts have been working all night using every available resource to identify the vehicle, and ultimately the driver who chose to flee, rather than help those two children. We are praying for the families and friends of the children, and for the child who is in hospital bed fighting for his life.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Anyone who has any information about this hit and run is asked to call the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200. If you have information and want to remain anonymous, you can reach out to Heartland Crime Stoppers at 888-400-TIPS.
Families with children ages 5 to 11 are invited to take part in a fun and engaging sensory play event hosted by Polk County Parks & Recreation this weekend.
The free event will take place from noon to 2 p.m. on March 14 at the Medulla Resource Center.
Designed especially for elementary school-aged children, the afternoon will feature a variety of sensory-rich activities that encourage kids to explore using all five senses—sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. Organizers say the event will also include plenty of active play opportunities to keep children moving and engaged.
The gathering aims to provide a welcoming, family-friendly environment where children can learn, create, and discover while families enjoy time together in the community.
The City of Lake Alfred Public Works Department has announced that Spring Clean-Up Week will take place April 13 through April 17, 2026, giving residents an opportunity to dispose of large and unwanted items at no cost.
Flyer source City of Lake Alfred, FL
During the weeklong event, residential customers can place several types of items at the curb for free pickup. Items that will be collected include:
Furniture such as couches, bedding, and other household furniture Construction debris including tile, concrete, carpet, metal, and wood Yard trash, including limbs, clippings, grass, and leaves (must be bagged) Tires, with or without rims
Residents are asked to separate all items by category to help crews collect materials efficiently.
In addition to curbside pickup, household hazardous waste will also be accepted during the clean-up week. Items such as used motor oil, anti-freeze, batteries, paint, and other hazardous household materials can be dropped off at the Public Works facility located at 515 W Haines Blvd.
Officials say the annual clean-up event helps residents clear out unwanted materials while keeping the community clean and safe.
Residents with questions about the program can contact the Public Works Department at 863-298-5458.
Vern was truly “94 years young”. Blank paper turned into architectural wonders with a stroke of his pencil. With an artist’s eye and a builder’s precision, Vern transformed empty rooms into beautiful spaces.
In 1954, Vern founded Lincoln Cabinet, beginning what would become a lifetime of innovation and artistry. For more than six decades, his contemporary style and artisan designs earned him admiration and respect from clients and colleagues alike. Vern had an extraordinary ability to see what could be before it existed, and he knew exactly how to execute his vision. His work was never simply construction; it was creation.
Vern was a devoted and adoring husband of his beloved wife and soulmate, Sheri Jansky, with whom he shared more than 42 beautiful years. For more than 30 of those years, Vern and Sheri worked side by side designing kitchens at Lincoln Cabinet together. Their partnership in both life and work was something truly special.
He was a proud father to his children: Vern Jansky, Jr., (Adrianne); Kimberly McKay (Tom); and Krismichelle Zolcik (Wojciech). Vern was preceded in death by his parents and his eldest son, Rex Jansky. He cherished every moment with his grandchildren: Halinka, Kole, Kenzie, Kaylee, Keegan, and Kylin.
Though Vern’s hands have laid down the pencil, the beauty he created, the family he cherished, and the love he shared will continue to shape the lives of those who knew him for years to come.
A Celebration of Life will be held with lunch on March 21 at 12:00 PM at:
Lake Ashton Health and Fitness Center, 6052 Pebble Beach Boulevard, Winter Haven, FL 33884
RSVP to Sherry Hynoski at 407-864-5815 by March 16th. Memorial donations may be made to the Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation. Cards and memorials may be sent to: 630 K Street Lincoln, NE 68508.
Willie Ray Creech, age 91, was promoted to Heaven on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Born on June 5, 1934 in Geneva County, AL, he was the son of the late Connie and Fannie Pearl (Willis) Creech. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Pauline (Simmons) Creech and two sisters, Earnestine Spivey and Voncile Barnes. He is survived by his children: Linda Herstine of Lake Hamilton, FL, Bobby Creech of Lake Alfred, FL, and Ray NEAL Creech of Dundee, FL. He also leaves behind six siblings: Betty Creech, Ruby Simmons, V.J. Creech, Delores Owens, Debbie Owens, and Douglas Creech. His grandchildren are Linette, Kyleigh, Jeremiah, Joel, and Mariah; his great grandchildren are Kodi, Zane, Ivery, Elyana, Hanna, and Jason.
Willie retired from Disney where he worked for many years doing Grounds Maintenance. He loved being outdoors in his yard, and in his eyes, a yard was not clean until the leaves were raked and bagged, and every piece of paper or other foreign object was removed. He was also a faithful member of Eastside Assembly of God Church in Winter Haven, FL.
A visitation will be held for Mr. Creech on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Haines City, FL. Interment will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery in Haines City, FL after the Celebration of Life Service is concluded.
Stand-up comedian Rob Coleman is bringing his high-energy comedy to Winter Haven next month following a major milestone in his career—winning the World Series of Comedy in 2025.
Coleman, originally from Cleveland, says growing up in the city helped shape his sense of humor.
“My name is Rob Coleman and I am from Cleveland, Ohio—home of the Browns, Guardians and Cavaliers (and prescription medication for depression)! When you are from Cleveland, comedy is almost in your blood! I mean it’s literally a punchline city! So comedy comes naturally,” he said.
He joked that sharing a last name with child star Gary Coleman made childhood even more entertaining.
“I wish I had a dime for every time I had to hear ‘What chu talk’n bout Willis?’ while I was growing up! It was crazy!”
A Comedy Career That Started by Accident
Coleman began performing stand-up in 2002 while working in insurance. His manager had encouraged him to find ways to talk to more people, which led him to an open mic night at a Cleveland comedy and jazz club called The Robins Nest.
“I went down intending to do jokes about insurance and ended up having the most fun I had ever had in my life!” Coleman said. “Taking the stage was like riding a roller coaster! The butterflies before getting on stage, the thrill of having people laugh at a joke, the feeling of having people compliment you after a good set! The comedy ‘bug’ bit me and I have been getting on stages ever since!”
He added with a laugh: “I never sold an insurance policy though!”
For many years, Coleman balanced comedy with a full-time career, performing what comedians call a “weekend warrior” schedule. After his father passed away in 2016, he stepped away from performing for a time. But during the pandemic, he rediscovered his love of writing and performing through Zoom comedy shows.
Shortly after live events returned, Coleman’s life took another turn.
His job of 16 years was gone in just 16 seconds.
“I got a call from a manager half my age saying ‘Sorry—please turn in your computer!’ (16 seconds!). Comedy was the only path I had left!”
Winning the World Series of Comedy
Coleman first learned about the World Series of Comedy in 2022 while hosting shows at a club in Ohio. The national competition—founded by veteran comedian Joe Lowers—features comedians competing at clubs across the country for a spot in the finals in Las Vegas.
After entering in 2023 and learning from the experience, Coleman returned in 2024 and unexpectedly reached the finals. However, he had already made travel plans and couldn’t stay to compete.
Determined to finish what he started, he came back in 2025 with a new mindset.
“I entered the contest with new confidence and energy! I still wasn’t expecting to win but knew I was going to leave nothing to chance,” he said. “With the love and support of my family and friends I brought home the title!”
Comedians Who Inspire Him
Coleman says he admires comedians who use their success to help others, including Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish, Lil Rel Howery, and Katt Williams.
“They give other comedians work and, more importantly opportunity,” Coleman said. “They give back to their communities, provide funding for social causes and so much more. That’s my ultimate goal: to not only make people laugh but to make a difference in people’s lives as much as I am able.”
Upcoming Shows in Winter Haven
Coleman will perform four shows at Laugh Out Lounge:
Polk County Fire Rescue Helps Save Owl Tangled in Fishing Line
First responders came to the rescue of an owl that was found hanging from a tree after becoming tangled in fishing line earlier this week.
According to Polk County Fire Rescue, crews assisted Fort Meade Fire Department, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission with the unusual rescue on Monday, March 9.
Officials said the owl was suspended in the air and appeared to be caught in fishing line wrapped around its wing. Crews from Ladder 15 used their ladder to carefully reach the bird in the tree. Firefighters were able to cut the owl down safely before turning it over to deputies and wildlife officials so they could finish removing the fishing filament from its wing.
The coordinated effort allowed the responders to safely free the owl from the dangerous entanglement.
Polk County Fire Rescue later highlighted the call as an example of the wide range of situations firefighters respond to — from emergencies involving people to helping wildlife in distress.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Cyber Crimes detectives arrested 47-year-old Steven Gugel of Mulberry and charged him with 3 counts generating altered sex depiction without consent and 5 counts creating generated child pornography after locating images on his cell phone that he created using real juvenile victims.
The investigation began on March 9, 2026, when a woman reported finding the disturbing images on his phone. She told detectives that she sometimes checks his phone due to the fact that she knows he looks at pornography. When she went into the phone’s folders, she found images of three girls (children) that Gugel has access to; the images appeared to be manipulated by artificial intelligence, placing their faces onto nude adult bodies displayed in lewd manners.
On March 10th, detectives interviewed Gugel and he admitted to using an AI program to alter the images to depict the children as having adult nude women’s bodies. Detectives seized his phone for further forensic analysis.
“This is a disgusting example for those who think putting the faces of children onto already-existing sexually explicit pornography is harmless and not against the law. He is facing 8 felonies and will likely not have access to children once his criminal case is resolved.” —Grady Judd, Sheriff
Gugel was booked into the Polk County Jail and is behind held on no bond.
