Terry Ronald Myers, 83, passed away in Tallahassee on Saturday, June 15th.
From Terry: If I made one person laugh, a few people smile, then life down here, it was all worthwhile.
He was born March 2, 1941, in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Charles Robert and Virgie Bea Barker.
Terry worked as a salesman (Warner Candy Company, Wonder Bread, Merita Bread, Snyders and Archway Cookies) but he also worked for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office as a detention officer. He was very proud of his service there and started a Facebook page for them. He was a Ham Radio Operator, loved working on computers and fixing radios and was quite the jokester.
Terry’s proudest moment outside of marrying Judy, was when he sang for President Eisenhower’s favorite song, “Gesu Bambino” at Eisenhower’s inauguration dinner.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Judith Myers and a grandson, Landon Myers.
Survivors include his children; Barbara Andress and her husband David of Lake Wales, Bryan Myers and his wife Kathy of Tallahassee, and Bret Myers of Jacksonville; 5 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held at Lake Wales Memorial Gardens, 581 Hunt Brothers Road, Lake Wales, FL, on Saturday, July 6th at 10:00 AM. A reception will be held afterwards at the Babson Park Women’s Club.
For years a little restaurant on one of the busiest roads in America has been a favored spot to locals. The favored spot however has slowly withered and now will be closing! That restaurant would be Fat Boys BBQ located on Hwy 27 just South of Lake Wales. A note that was placed by the register reads:
“It is sad to say that after 44+ years our family is slowing down. On Sunday, June 23rd we will be closing.
To our customers:
We thank you very much for allowing us to be a part of the community and serve you to the best of our abilities for 44 years.
Thank you,
The Hall and Yeasel families.”
Sign At Local Fat Boys Restaurant
A local who has been going to the restaurant all their life is very saddened. “As a matter of fact I was told my mom went into labor with me at this restaurant.” They would go on to say.
Employees advised they were notified of the closing this morning! Most are stuck finding a new job now.
This is a breaking story and we will have more information in the coming days.
July 4th is right around the corner! Time to fire up the grill, serve up some dogs and burgers, and whip out the picnic blanket. Because there’s nothing more patriotic than spending the day with friends and family nibbling on hot dogs and watching the sky light up in red, white, and blue.
Polk County has plenty of Independence Day celebrations happening in every city. So, whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of the downtown area or the quiet and solitude of the rural countryside, here’s where you can celebrate the 4th this year in Polk County:
Winter Haven
Date: July 03, 2024
Rockin’ Freedom Fest
Time: 6 PM – 9 PM
Place: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Address: 199 E Lake Silver Dr. NE, Winter Haven, FL 33881
Get ready to rock and celebrate freedom at MLK Park! We’re excited to invite you to our FREE Rockin Freedom Fest on Wednesday, July 3rd at 6:00 PM. Join us as we come together to honor the spirit of freedom and unity with an evening filled with fantastic food, thrilling entertainment, and breathtaking fireworks. (from Facebook)
Lake Wales
Rockin on the Ridge
Date: July 04, 2024
Time: 3 PM – 10 PM
Cities website says Fireworks 9pm.
Place: Lake Wailes Park
Address: 33 N Lake Shore Boulevard, Lake Wales, FL 33853
It’s about that time! Join us on Tuesday, July 4th for our annual 4th of July Celebration: Rockin’ the Ridge! This event will start at 3 P.M. and feature an assortment of fun activities, a glow in the dark foam party, inflatables, food and retail vendors, train rides, live entertainment, face painting, and of course the best part of all: a firework show! We will also have stilt walkers, so make sure to bring your cameras for photo opportunities! (from City of Lake Wales)
Lakeland
Red, White & Kaboom
Date: Jul 03, 2024
Time: 6 PM – 9:30 PM
Place: Frances Langford Promenade
Address: 121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland, 33801
The T.Mims Corp. Red, White & Kaboom Independence Celebration will take place at Lake Mirror along the Frances Langford Promenade on Wednesday, July 3rd, from 6:00 p.m. – 9:15 p.m. with Gary Love and the Moonlighters entertaining the crowd before a dazzling fireworks display launches at 9:00 p.m. Don’t forget the canned & non-perishable food items! (from Facebook)
Bartow
Bartow Independence Day Celebration
Date: Jul 04, 2024
Time: 6 PM – 9:30 PM
Place: Mosaic Park
Address: 2250 S Floral Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
It’s the ultimate 4th of July bash happening at Mosaic Park, where Bartow Celebrates Freedom in style! Kicking things off at 2:30 p.m. is an all-out patriotic concert by Bartow’s very own Adult Concert Band at the Bartow Civic Center. It’s a musical salute you won’t want to miss, and seats are up for grabs on a first-come, first-served basis! And what’s a celebration without fireworks? Brace yourselves for a spectacular display lighting up the sky at 9:30 p.m.! (from Bartow Chamber)
Haines City
Thunder on the Ridge
Date: Jul 04, 2024
Time: 4 PM – 10 Pm
Place: Lake Eva Park
Address: 555 Ledwith Ave, Haines City, 33844
With the title of Polk County’s PREMIERE fireworks display, Thunder on the Ridge is Haines City’s signature July 4th celebration. Since 1998, residents and people across Central Florida have joined Haines City to celebrate this memorable event. (from City of Haines City)
Auburndale
Auburndale 4th of July Fireworks
Date: July 04, 2024
Time: 9 PM – 10 Pm
Place: Lake Ariana Park
Address: 2215 Ariana Blvd, Auburndale, FL 33823
There’s no better place to celebrate the 4th of July than here in Auburndale! Come enjoy a day of fun activities, topped off with a brilliant display of fireworks at Lake Ariana Park. We will be celebrating from 12:00pm until the end of the fireworks. We hope to see you there! (from Facebook)
Davenport
Davenport 4th of July Celebration
Date: July 04, 2024
Time: 3 PM – 9:45 PM
Place: Lewis Mathews Sports Complex
Address: 400 E Palm St, Davenport, FL 33837
Get ready for an unforgettable 4th of July! We are thrilled to announce that this year’s 4th of July extravaganza will feature the largest fireworks display in Polk County! Our 4th of July celebration will take place at Lewis Mathews Sports Complex 400 East Palm Street Davenport, FL 33837. Entertainment by Josh Blevins Band. (from Facebook)
Frostproof
Lights on the Lake
Date: July 03, 2024
Time: 4 PM – 10 PM
Place: Lake Clinch Park
Address: 200 S Clinch Kae, Frostproof, FL 33843
Please join us as we celebrate Independence Day with fireworks on beautiful Clinch Lake! Food, fun, boat parade and musical entertainment will round out our event. Boat ramp closes at 5:00 p.m. and will reopen at 10:00 pm for those on the lake. Clinch Lake Blvd will be closed between 7th Street and Lauterbach beginning around 3:00ish. This is the area where the band and food vendors will be located. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. (from City of Frostproof)
Fort Meade
4th of July Fireworks
Date: July 04, 2024
Time: 8:30 PM – 9 PM
Place: Patterson Park
Address: 9th St NE, Fort Meade, FL 33841
There will be fireworks in Patterson Park in Fort Meade at 8:30pm on July 4, 2024. (from Lakeland Mom)
Dundee
4th of July Fireworks
Date: July 04, 2024
Time: 5 PM – 9 PM
Place: Dundee Community Center
Address: 603 Lake Marie Blvd., Dundee, FL 33838
Town of Dundee 4th of July Firework Celebration at 8:00 pm at Lake Maire in Dundee, Florida. (from Town of Dundee)
Lake Wales man, 21, fatally shot during dispute last night in Lake Wales; shooter in custody
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred last evening in Lake Wales.
According to the preliminary investigation so far, 21-year-old Vincent Thomas, Jr., and at least three others drove to a residence on Northside Drive in Lake Wales around 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Thomas got out of the car armed with a handgun, and confronted a 20-year-old male outside the residence, threatening to shoot him.
The two men went to Lake Wales High together, knew each other, and apparently had some disagreement with each other.
During the altercation, the resident who was confronted by Thomas armed himself with a rifle and shot at Thomas several times, striking him at least twice. The shooter remained at the scene and is cooperating with detectives.
Thomas was driven to Advent Health Lake Wales Hospital by his friends, where he succumbed to his injuries. Two of those friends were arrested by PCSO and charged with tampering with evidence, and providing false information to law enforcement during a felony investigation.
The investigation is ongoing.
If you have any information regarding this incident and wish to remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:
CALL 1-888-400 TIPS (8477) DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone VISIT the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,” DOWNLOAD the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.
The Polk County Sheriff Office (PCSO) is currently on scene of a shooting on W. Northside Dr. in Lake Wales. The incident is believed to have occurred around 7pm.
According to Carrie Horstman, public information officer, with the PCSO advised that one person was shot and one person was taken into custody. This appears to be an isolated incident and there doesn’t appear to be any danger to the public.
The person shot was transported to Lake Wales Hospital by a family member (we normally would not report this information, but the hospital is currently on lockdown and they are not letting anyone in or out. A large crowd has gathered near the emergency room and people are cautioned to stay away from the hospital for the immediate future.
This is an ongoing investigation and we will update you when more information is available.
Earlier this evening we had posted that a person was shot and another person was in custody after a shooting on Northside Dr W. In Lake Wales (click here for that articleOne Person Shot & One Person In Custody After Lake Wales Shooting). We have now learned that the person who was shot has succumbed to his injuries. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has not officially released the persons name at this time.
According to Carrie Horstman, public information officer, with the PCSO the shooter and the person shot knew each other. It’s unknown if a dispute occurred or something else that started the incident. It is not known if the person shot and killed was a victim or an assailant and the same can be said for the person who did the shooting
This is an ongoing situation and we will update as more information is released.
The Polk County Sheriff Office (PCSO) is currently on scene of a shooting on W. Northside Dr. in Lake Wales. The incident is believed to have occurred around 7pm.
According to Carrie Horstman, public information officer, with the PCSO advised that one person was shot and one person was taken into custody. This appears to be an isolated incident and there doesn’t appear to be any danger to the public.
The person shot was transported to Lake Wales Hospital by a family member (we normally would not report this information, but the hospital is currently on lockdown and they are not letting anyone in or out. A large crowd has gathered near the emergency room and people are cautioned to stay away from the hospital for the immediate future.
This is an ongoing investigation and we will update you when more information is available.
A shooting has taken place and the victim has been transported to Lake Wales Hospital by a family member and we believe the roped off vehicle is the one that transported the person who was shot.
The Luster African American Heritage Museum in Bartow is looking for volunteers to assist in the day-to-day operation of the facility. The Museum was founded by Mr. Charles Luster and his brother Dr. Harvey Lester in 1996 and has been housed in various locations around the community. Most recently the Museum can be found at 585 E. Summerlin St. at the corner of Summerlin and Jackson, just two blocks south of Main Street, since 2016.
Luster African American Heritage Museum
Specifically, help is needed on Mondays and Fridays. Typical duties include opening and closing the building, welcoming visitors, providing patrons with printed materials and other information, conducting limited tours, answering phone calls, taking messages, ability to utilize office equipment, maintaining the cleanliness of the building, etc.
Besides the static exhibits that portray the history of Black Americans, the Museum also installs periodic changing displays and produces and coordinates special events and activities. Museum representatives often participate in related community events, and do outreach for the sake of public awareness and education.
Luster African American Heritage Museum
The Museum looks forward to meeting persons interested in joining our efforts dedicated to preserving and promoting African American heritage and culture.
For further information please call: (863) 800-6872 or (863) 797-6111
J.C. Reviews: Bad Boys: Ride or Die is a Wild Ride—of a Third Act!
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by James Coulter
Did you know Bad Boys was a film franchise with three previous films? I didn’t. Or at least I didn’t going into this movie. Really shows how much I know—or rather, don’t know!
Yeah, turns out the first Bad Boys movie premiered nearly 30 years ago in 1995. That makes sense since that was the height of Will Smith’s success. The dude had previously starred as the main character of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and next year in 1996 would have him star in his other big performance in Independence Day.
So, nearly 30 years later, and following the middling reception of the third movie—wait, that film came out in 2020?!?—does Will Smith still have the same charm and charisma in this fourth installment? Or will the only other notable thing he’s known for this decade be slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars?
The fourth installment of Bad Boys sees Will Smith and Martin Lawrence return as the iconic buddy cop duo Detective Mike and Marcus. Both of them seem ready to settle down after their nearly 30-year-long career, what with Mike marrying the love of his life, Marcus recently suffering cardiac arrest requiring him to take it easy, and their leader Captain Howard having passed away after being gunned down in the line of duty in the last film.
However, their plans seem to take a wild turn after their late captain is implicated in a money-funneling scheme by a drug cartel. Now, Mike needs the help of his illegitimate son, convict Armando Aretas, to clear the good captain’s name and find the culprit responsible. Will Mike and Marcus be able to come out of retirement one last time to hunt down the suspect? And will the final confrontation include a spectacular fight scene with everything but the kitchen sink? (The obvious answer is yes and hell yes!)
As I mentioned before, this is the one and only Bad Boys movie I’ve ever seen. I haven’t watched the previous three movies. So, I’ll have to judge this one strictly on its own merits.
So, how was it?
Well, the third act was pretty cool!
Undoubtedly, one of the movie’s biggest positives is its main actor, Will Smith. Because he’s Will Smith! The dude has never had a bad performance, only bad roles in bad movies. No, I mean it! Even in his worst films, he still manages to give his A-game to the role he’s playing. And even at the ripe age of 55, he still has the charm and charisma he had playing the titular Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. And that’s still true in this film. He’s witty. He’s charming. And he’s too cool for school.
Martin Lawrence does an excellent job serving as Will Smith’s comedic foil. That much is proven in the very first scene where the two are bickering in the car on the way to Mike’s wedding where they have to unwittingly stop a heist at a gas station, all while the two bicker over the food Marcus wants at the convenience store.
I mean it when I say Martin Lawrence saves the film for me. He’s the perfect comedic relief that helps relieve the overall tension in the movie. Early on, he survives a heart attack which gives him a fresh perspective on life and makes him believe he’s invincible. He attempts to prove it by walking in the middle of heavy traffic while his partner protests.
Perhaps the funniest moment (for me, at least) was during a fight scene in a nightclub. During the battle, the snack bar gets wrecked, knocking over candy bowls and leaking fruit punch. Marcus, who had been ordered by his doctor to avoid sweets, cannot help but indulge himself amid this candy shower, putting him on a sugar high that allows him to take out his opponents.
But bar none, the best moment in the movie is the third act. Gonna be honest, I was nearly snoozing most of this film, but the final battle served as a much-needed wake-up call. Because—Holy Turpentine, Batman!—was this fight scene epic! Explosions. Machine guns. Grenade-dropping drones. And alligators. Freaking alligators. Because Florida. But perhaps the most impressive effect involved the scene cutting to first-person perspective almost like a first-person shooter. As I said, this scene had everything but the kitchen sink.
Overall, as someone who had not seen the previous three Bad Boys films, the fourth installment proved to be a decent buddy cop action-adventure thriller with plenty of comedic banter and snark from the two main characters. If you were a fan of the Bad Boys movies but were put off by the middling reception of the third movie, go watch this. Hopefully, it’ll remind you why you loved these movies.
City of Fort Meade Awarded $1.95 Million in State Appropriations for Fire Department Enhancements
FORT MEADE, FL – The City of Fort Meade has been awarded $1.95 million in state appropriations to bolster fire department infrastructure and equipment. The funding, which was secured through the efforts of Representative Melony Bell and Senator Ben Albritton, with the approval of Governor Ron DeSantis, will be allocated as follows:
$1.5 million for the construction and hardening of a new fire house
$250,000 for essential fire safety equipment
$200,000 for a state-of-the-art fire command vehicle
Fort Meade Mavor Petrina McCutchen was excited to learn the appropriations made it through the budget process. “This is great news for Fort Meade, and we are grateful to everyone who worked to make this happen. It will make our city safer and is a major boost to our efforts to transition to more of a full-time fire department,” she said.
Fort Meade had a volunteer fire department for nearly 100 years since the department’s inception in 1926, but the city commission voted to transition to a combination department last ear. While a combination fire department will have some volunteer staff, it is mostly composed of full-time, fully certified career firefighters.
“This funding will allow us to significantly enhance our fire department’s capabilities, ensuring that our brave firefighters have the resources they need to protect our residents and their property effectively,” said Interim City Manager Dustin Burke.
The new firehouse will be constructed with the latest safety features and designed to withstand severe weather conditions, ensuring continuous operations during emergencies. The fire safety equipment will replace aging gear, enabling firefighters to respond to incidents with the most up-to-date tools and technology. The fire command vehicle will serve as a mobile command center, improving on-scene coordination and communication during critical situations.
“We are thrilled to have the support of our state and local leaders, and look forward to putting these funds to work for the benefit and safety of our community,” added Fort Meade Fire Chief Matt Zahara.
