Home Blog Page 653

Take “A Trip Through the Tonys” With Haines City Community Theatre

Staff Reporter
-
0
Take “A Trip Through the Tonys” With Haines City Community Theatre

Take “A Trip Through the Tonys” With Haines City Community Theatre

by James Coulter

Give your regards to Broadway with “A Trip Through TheTonys,” hosted by Haines City Community Theatre this weekend. From “Kiss Me, Kate” to “South Pacific,” this musical celebration will showcase the best of the best of Tony Award-winning hits. If you love Broadway musicals but haven’t seen one since the start of the pandemic, this magical evening is especially for you.

“We have a smattering of everything in this show,” said Chris Walsh, President of the Board of Directors. “We originally looked at all 71 best musicals and pulled out some of the top-rated shows and looked at the popular songs from each of those shows. So, people will see music from their favorite shows.”

“A Trip Through the Tonys” will showcase Haines City Community Theatre’s 40th season. The performance is one of many hosted within the past year to help the theatre make a comeback following the yearlong pandemic.

Walsh became the brand-new president of the board of directors for Haines City Community Theatre as of July 1. He had worked with the Haines City theater for two years. He had prior experience working in various community theaters in Lake, Orange, and Polk County. He was supposed to direct a musical last year around this time, but due to the COVID-19 crisis, the theater was forced to cancel many of their shows that season.

“Now that we are coming back, I was thinking of doing something quickly, and that would be very entertaining,” Walsh said. “So, we put our heads together and came up with a musical revue of Tony Award-winning songs from Tony Award-winning musicals.”

The theater’s last show was hosted in March before shutting down for the pandemic. Since the beginning of the year, it has slowly started to re-open with several mini-shows hosted during the weekend. In February, they hosted a two-person show called “Love Letters” for Valentine’s Day. In March, they hosted another two-person show, ironically enough, called “Hate Mail.”

“Then once we knew that everyone in our theater had been vaccinated, we wanted to do something bigger,” said Walsh. “So, we came up with Trip Through the Tonys.”

Their next major performance will be “Bakersfield Mist” in November. Now that the theater is starting to re-open, and now that they have new members on board, including an entirely new board of directors, they expect to host more shows throughout the year, especially new types of performances, including Friday night shows.

“We typically only do three [shows], [but] we added at least one or two more in a season,” Walsh said. “Haines City Community Theater] has never done Friday night shows. We have done Saturday shows and Sunday matinees. We believe we would be very successful with these Friday night shows.”

“A Trip Through The Tonys” will be hosted on Sat., July 17 at 7:30PM and Sun., July 18 at 2:30 PM. The performance will be hosted at Haines City Community Theatre, located at 303 Ledwith Ave., Haines City, FL 33844. Tickets are $18. For more information, visit their website: http://www.hainescitytheater.com/

Hop On Over To Silly Sock Saturdays Sock Hop On July 24

Staff Reporter
-
0
Hop On Over To Silly Sock Saturdays Sock Hop On July 24

Hop On Over To Silly Sock Saturdays Sock Hop On July 24

by James Coulter

You can rock it. You can roll it. You can stomp and even stroll it at the hop—the Silly Sock Saturdays Sock Hop, that is! Come take a blast in the past for an evening of cool music, hot food, and an overall groovy time filled with classic 1950s fun—and you don’t even need to drive more than 88 MPH!

On Sat., July 24 at 5 PM, Silly Sock Saturdays will be hosting their annual fundraiser at Venue 650 in Winter Haven. This year’s event will be a 50s-style sock hop with music performed by a DJ, a barbecue dinner catered by Sonny’s BBQ, root beer floats, a photo booth, and other fun games and activities.

Currently, tickets are on sale. Zachary Kirkland, Founder of Silly Socks Saturday, expects more than 200 people to attend. Several prizes and gift baskets, donated by local businesses and sponsors, will be raffled off through the night.

Silly Sock Saturdays often hosts a bowling fundraiser at Cypress Lanes as their main fundraising event. This year, especially in light of the recent pandemic, they wanted to do something different. As a play on their name, they decided to host a 1950s sock hop.

“We are Silly Socks Saturday. We are having a sock hop. So it all fits and plays well together,” Zack said. “We tried to think what would portray our non-profit the best, and we came up with doing something like a sock hop for people to come together and have a good time, to include those who might not enjoy a full night, so they could come, hang out, have a nice evening with people.”

Zack started his non-profit organization initially as a school project. He was assigned by his teacher at Bok Academy in Lake Wales with creating a solution to a problem in his local community. During that time, he had many friends in the hospital, and he wanted to do something to help children like them staying there. So he decided to collect donations of socks, toys, and other small gifts to deliver.

Since then, Zack and his dedicated volunteers have been making monthly deliveries to patients at Lakeland Regional Hospital. What started as a class project has since evolved into a non-profit organization that has received local and national acclaim. Zack has received many awards, including the Disney’s Be Inspired Award and a President’s Volunteer Service Award.

“I can remember, at first, that there was a lot of worry and fear that I was just some kid who didn’t have a name or reputation,” Zack said. “But being able to start my non-profit through my school project at Bok Academy and being able to have that as my foundation and getting my name out there through different reporters, was truly something that allowed me to grow and gain traction.”

Zack recently graduated high school and is set to start attending college this fall. Even then, he hopes to continue running Silly Sock Saturdays and finding other ways to help people. The past four years of helping those in need have filled him with much joy, and he especially loves hearing about how his deliveries has helped children cope during their stay.

“Overall, I am hoping to just keep growing and expanding and getting my name out there,” he said. “Because the more people hear about what I do, and are able to come to different events and support me, or donate and support me, [that support] is able to let the community impact what I am doing, and, at the same time, it allows me to grow my outreach and be able to impact more kids at the same time.”

Silly Sock Saturdays’ Sock Hop will be hosted on Sat., July 24 from 5 PM to 8 PM at Venue 650, located at 650 6th St SW, Winter Haven, FL 33880. Tickets are on sale for $10. For more information, visit their website at: http://sillysocksaturdays.com, or their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/SillySockSaturdays

Mulberry Man Killed in a Single Vehicle Crash

Staff Reporter
-
0
Mulberry Man Killed in a Single Vehicle Crash

Mulberry Man Killed in a Single Vehicle Crash

A single vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon, July 14, 2021 in Mulberry resulted in the death of 83-year-old Alphonso Newkirk of Mulberry.

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and members of Polk County Fire Rescue responded to the crash on State Road 37 near the intersection of Cameron Street at about 2:30 p.m.

Upon the arrival of first responders, Mr. Newkirk was found deceased.

According to the preliminary investigation, Mr. Newkirk was driving a white 2001 Dodge 1500 north on SR 37 when, for unknown reasons, he veered to the east shoulder of the highway toward a ditch. The pickup truck struck a street sign and a concrete culvert causing the vehicle to become airborne for about 50 yards and flip, landing on the truck’s roof.

Mr. Newkirk was not wearing a seatbelt.

SR 37 South was closed in both directions for approximately three and a half hours.

The crash remains under investigation.

Winter Haven Police Have Arrested 21 year-old Karron McKinley For Possessing a Firearm and Resisting Arrest

Staff Reporter
-
0
Winter Haven Police Have Arrested 21 year-old Karron McKinley For Possessing a Firearm and Resisting Arrest

Winter Haven Police have arrested 21 year-old Karron McKinley for possessing a firearm and resisting arrest when officers attempted to take him into custody on an outstanding warrant.

On July 14, 2021 at approximately 10:08 a.m., two Winter Haven Police officers responded to 251 Ave L NE in an attempt to locate McKinley on a warrant for Violation of Probation. When officers arrived, they found McKinley sitting in a shed with the door open.

Officers announced their presence and as they approached the shed, they could see a box that contained a loaded firearm magazine, two bags of marijuana and a scale. McKinley immediately stood up and attempted to grab an unknown object from inside of the shed. One officer grabbed McKinley and advised him to turn around and that he was being placed under arrest for the warrant. McKinley began pulling away in an attempt to get away from the officer.

A second officer assisted with the attempt to handcuff McKinley as he continued to pull away. Each time he would free one hand, he reached towards his waistband attempting to grab an object. Ultimately he was placed in handcuffs and a loaded Glock 48 with a round in the chamber and an extended magazine with 14 additional rounds was found in his waistband. The firearm was determined to be stolen out of Lakeland in February.

McKinley was taken to the Polk County Jail and charged with Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon (F2), Resisting Officer with Violence (F3), Carrying a Concealed Firearm (F3), Grand Theft of Firearm (F3), Possession of Cannabis over 20 Grams (F3) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1).

“Our officers go out every day not knowing what they will encounter,” said Police Chief David Brannan. “This could have turned bad in a heartbeat, but the training our officers have resulted in a good arrest and our officers going home safe.”

Man Steals Over $400 Worth of Meat From Walmart

Staff Reporter
-
0
Man Steals Over $400 Worth of Meat From Walmart

Winter Haven Police Department

So somebody wanted to have a MAJOR BBQ!
On July 9, 2021 around 3 p.m., the guy pictured below (Are those vampire teeth on his mask?) went to Walmart (7450 Cypress Gardens Blvd) and proceeded to the meat department.
Piling his cart full of more than $430 worth of meat, he promptly heads to the exit going nowhere near the registers.
He is seen leaving in what appears to be a newer black Chevy Camaro.
If you know who this guy is, please contact Detective Al-Shaair at 863-292-7921.

Little Gator Rescued in Lake Maude Nature Park’s Parking Lot

Staff Reporter
-
0
Little Gator Rescued in Lake Maude Nature Park’s Parking Lot

Winter Haven Police Department

A Rescue Of the Reptile Kind
This little guy (about 2 ft) was hiding under a vehicle at the Lake Maude Nature Park today. Of course he’s not huge, but he could have been hurt while in the parking lot or heading out to the roadway.
Officer Fulgham and CSO Hoverkamp came to the rescue – handcuffs weren’t needed after all – and the little guy was “transported” to Lake Maude in the back of Officer Fulgham’s car.

Winter Haven woman struck and killed while walking along US 27 in Lake Wales

Staff Reporter
-
0
Winter Haven woman struck and killed while walking along US 27 in Lake Wales

Winter Haven woman struck and killed while walking along US 27 in Lake Wales

The Traffic Homicide Unit from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate a fatal crash that occurred on Thursday, July 8, 2021, between a vehicle and pedestrian.

The crash, which occurred on US 27 at Longleaf Boulevard near Lake Wales, at about 1:00 AM, claimed the life of 38-year old Mary Elizabeth Faison of Winter Haven.

According to the preliminary investigation, Ms. Faison was walking northbound on US 27 along the west side of the southbound lane when she was struck by a silver 2019 Kia Soul, driven by 30-year old Edrick Williams of Sebring, who was driving south.

Mr. Williams contacted law enforcement immediately after the impact, but said he wasn’t sure what he hit, stating that he believed it might have been a deer.

PCSO deputies and Lake Wales Police officers arrived at the scene and began to search the area. Ms. Faison was located approximately 30-feet from the edge of the road, deceased.

Mr. Williams, who was wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash, was not injured.

Any charges against Mr. Williams are unknown at this time, and dependent upon the outcome of the investigation.

70 Yr Old Motorcyclist Killed In Lakeland Crash

Staff Reporter
-
0
70 Yr Old Motorcyclist Killed In Lakeland Crash

PCSO investigates two-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle Monday in Lakeland; one person killed

 

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle crash Monday afternoon around 1:30 p.m., July 12, 2021, at the intersection of Cherry Lane and Tower Palms Lane in unincorporated Lakeland which resulted in the death of 70-year-old Robert Black, Jr. of Lakeland.

 

According to the preliminary investigation, Mr. Black was driving a white 2007 Harley Davidson eastbound on Cherry Lane. At the same time, 33-year-old Anointed Davis of Lakeland was driving westbound on Cherry Lane in a gray 2001 Nissan Rouge. Ms. Davis’s son was a passenger in her vehicle.

 

The evidence and witness statements revealed that Ms. Davis attempted to make a southbound turn onto Tower Palms Lane when her SUV struck the front of Mr. Black’s motorcycle. As a result of the impact, Mr. Black was thrown from the motorcycle.

 

Mr. Black died at the scene. He was not wearing a helmet.

 

Ms. Davis and her son were not injured; both were wearing seatbelts.

 

Cherry Lane was closed for approximately two and a half hours.

 

No charges are anticipated but a final determination is pending completion of the investigation.

 

UPDATE: Details From Shooting and Suicide at Y’all Come Back Saloon in Lake Wales

Staff Reporter
-
0
UPDATE: Details From Shooting and Suicide at Y’all Come Back Saloon in Lake Wales

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release:

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an attempted murder at the Y’all Come Back Saloon (3230 SR 60 East) in unincorporated Lake Wales that occurred on Saturday, July 10, 2021. The shooter fatally shot himself.

At around 8:30 p.m., PCSO deputies, Lake Wales police officers, and Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) responded to the bar where they found two males with gunshot wounds on the ground.

According to the evidence collected and witness statements so far, several times on Saturday, 41-year-old Kevin Cooper of Lake Wales called and harassed his ex-girlfriend. He was upset that she had broken-off the relationship and had begun dating someone new.

Cooper knew his ex-girlfriend would be at the bar that night and went there, detectives believe, with the intent to shoot her. When he entered the bar, Cooper approached his ex-girlfriend and shot at her. She was grazed by the bullets, and only suffered minor injuries. She was treated by PCFR at the scene.

Cooper then shot his ex-girlfriend’s current boyfriend, who was sitting at the bar, hitting him twice. Cooper then shot himself in the head.

The male victim was transported to a local hospital where he is being treated and is currently in critical but stable condition.

Cooper was also transported to a local hospital and died from his injuries.

This investigation is still on-going.

“Domestic violence is extremely serious, and often affects more than just the two people involved. Luckily, in this instance, one of the victims was not critically injured – and we’re hopeful the other victim will survive. If you are in an abusive relationship, get help. There are resources available to help victims of domestic violence.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Cooper’s prior criminal history includes 11 felonies for Domestic Violence Battery, Domestic Violence Kidnapping, Domestic Violence Stalking, Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Grand Theft of a Firearm, Grand Theft, Burglary, Dealing in Stolen Property, False Verification to a Pawn Broker, and Possession of Methamphetamine.

Velazquez Cigar Company Celebrates Grand Opening with Ribbon Cutting

Staff Reporter
-
0
Velazquez Cigar Company Celebrates Grand Opening with Ribbon Cutting

Velazquez Cigar Company Celebrates Grand Opening with Ribbon Cutting

by James Coulter

The saying “close but no cigar” couldn’t be truer for Velazquez Cigar Company. For the past 30 years, it has sold only the highest quality cigars grown from the best-grown tobacco. Only the best of the best is sold. If it doesn’t come close, then it’s no cigar.

“Our owner…sees the production of our product in the Dominic Republic, and if it is not up to our standards, we do not sell it. Doesn’t matter if it is smokable or it is not,” said Magaly Velazquez, co-owner, manager, and daughter of the owner, Enrique Velazquez.

For three decades, Velazquez Cigar Company has been selling their quality cigars in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. They recently set up shop in Lakeland, down the street from their other business, La Imperial Bakery, which sells baked goods, quesadillas, and Puerto Rican food.

Upon graduating from college, Magaly was given the opportunity by her father to continue their family business. She and her family moved to Lakeland to offer a great product that their family had been making for three decades and counting.

The key to their success has been family. Not only has their family run the business for the longest time, but they treat their customers like close family. So, the minute you step into their store, be it the bakery or cigar shop, you’ll be sure to be greeted with a warm smile and maybe even a hug.

“We always like to say we are a big family here,” Maglay said. “So, when you come through our doors, there will always be a smile and a big hug because we are a big family…They can expect huge smiles, family atmosphere, and just a very relaxed laid-back environment to enjoy a cigar.”

Velazquez Cigar Company celebrated its grand opening last Thursday with a ribbon-cutting hosted by the Greater Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz appeared at the ceremony to cut the ribbon and offer encouraging words of support to the new business.

Mutz knows firsthand the high-quality service that the Velaquezes offer at their businesses. He and many other people love the great food their bakery serves and attests to their fine quality.

“People love the bakery,” he said. “Who goes there who doesn’t love eating there? No one. Or at least no who isn’t in their right mind. The same thing will be true of the cigar aficionados in our city here.”

Mutz especially loves the sense of family and community that the Velaquezes emanate from their two businesses. Such family values are a plus for Lakeland businesses, as it makes the community closer like a real family.

“So, we are grateful for that and our city from not only the standpoint of just the investment in the quarter and the offering of our citizens but mostly in terms of the examples that it sets and the jobs it creates and to do so in a culture that is healthy to be in,” he said.

Patrick Gogliardo, a chamber board member, spoke highly of the shop’s quality, especially since he took the opportunity that day to sample a drag from one of their cigars. But, most of all, he appreciated the dedication the business had to family, both theirs and their customers.

“As a New Yorker, when you said you met the family, well, I met the family,” Gogliardo said. “I got a taste of the heritage, and I got an education of what they do, they are very well educated about what they do, there is no doubt. I want to thank you for believing in the Chamber because the Chamber believes in you.”

Velazquez Cigar Company is located at 812 E Main St, Lakeland, FL 33801. For more information, visit their website at: https://www.velazquezcigarcompany.com

1...652653654...1,182Page 653 of 1,182