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Welcome, World Travelers! J.C.’s Return Trip to Polk County – Day 1 (My Arrival)

Staff Reporter
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Welcome, World Travelers! J.C.’s Return Trip to Polk County – Day 1 (My Arrival)
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by James Coulter

One year passed since I moved out of Polk County. Recently, my editors were kind enough to finance a business trip allowing me to return to the county and visit for a week. These are some of the highlights of my trip.

Thurs. Apr. 3, 2025 (My Arrival)

My trip began at Raleigh-Durham Airport. Normally, my visits to the airport are smooth and uneventful. However, this time around, I was lucky I even managed to not miss my flight.

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I arrived at the airport around 11 AM, about an hour and a half before my flight. Normally, I would go through check-in and security without any hassle and with enough time to chill at the gate before my flight. Not this time. Because, no joke, I was forced to go through security three times!

The first time around, I made it through the queue and x-ray. However, my reusable water bottle was filled with liquid, so they would not let me pass until I emptied it. So, I went back into the terminal to one of the bathrooms to dump out my water.

The second time around, I experienced a problem with my boarding pass. Apparently, the birth date on my pass did not match the date on either my license or passport. So, I had to go to the check-in counter to have a new boarding pass printed with the correct date.

Third time was the charm. I went through the wheelchair lane (which they told me to take, seeing as I already waited in line twice at this point and did not want to miss my flight). I finally made it through. No problems with my pass or the x-ray. However, it did not help that I still had to take off my belt and my shoes. (Seriously? One guy sneaks a bomb in his shoes two decades ago and we still have to do this?)

Good news! I made it to my flight on time. Bad news? I misplaced my passport and thought I had left it at the service desk. No chance I was going through all that mess again at the risk of missing my flight. So, I went onto the plane thinking I had lost my passport. (And I’m going on a cruise in a month, no less!) Fortunately, I found the passport in my bookbag when I landed.

Speaking of landing, I landed safe and sound at the Orlando airport. Normally, I don’t worry about flying. I’ve flown many times before. And, statistically speaking, it’s still the safest way to travel. However, all of the news stories about plane crashes did not make me feel safe this time around.

I got off my plane and went to the rental car place to get my car. It was a sleek black Mitsubishi compact. Took me a while to get acquainted with my new vehicle, but I drove out of the airport garage without any hassle or hiccup.

Drove to the nearest Taco Bell for a Baja Blast to rest and take my meds before hitting the road. I took the back roads through Kissimmee. All my life living down in Florida, I never drove on I4 and I do not intend to. I would sooner play Russian roulette, and I feel that would be much safer. (For the record, I have driven on the interstate in Virginia, but the interstate up there and down here are almost night and day.)

Not going to lie: when I approached Davenport and saw the “Entering Polk County” sign, I nearly teared up. Finally, after one year, I was back home. I am still sore that I was forced to move (due to personal family drama I would rather not divulge). But, for the moment, I was glad to be back.

I dropped by Winter Haven to have dinner with my editor Kip Kirchberg and his wife Jody. Originally wanted to go to Bowen Yard, but it was closed. So, we went to Adler’s Burgers instead.

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I had the Bad Hombre burger with grilled whiskey onions and jalapeños. It was nice and spicy, but I added a splash of hot sauce and a few squirts of siracha sauce for some added heat. Kip only shook his head and told me I was going to get heartburn. (Joke’s on him: I did not.)

Finally arrived at the Airbnb I was staying at. It was a nice place along Lake Howard. It even has a pool and a fire pit. The bedroom and bathroom were clean and nicely furnished. It even had some snacks and coffee. (I don’t drink coffee, but I do eat chips.) My hosts were a local gal named Cali and her husband. I recommend looking up their place on Airbnb. They have some really nice digs.

And that was my journey from Virginia to Florida. Stay tuned for my next few articles where I detail my stay in Polk County and all the places I revisited.

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Auburndale Woman on Probation Arrested for Attempted Murder After Running Over Victim in Jealous Rage

Carl Fish
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Auburndale Woman on Probation Arrested for Attempted Murder After Running Over Victim in Jealous Rage

Polk County Sheriff Office Press Release

An Auburndale woman who is on probation was arrested for attempted murder and other charges after intentionally running over another woman with her car after seeing the victim walking with the suspect’s estranged husband. 

On April 10, 2025, PCSO detectives obtained a warrant for 41-year old Christdon Reese, charging her with Attempted First Degree murder (F1), Trespassing (M1), and Violation of Probation (M2). Detectives located Reese early the next morning, April 11th, on Tower Manor Circle East, took her into custody, and booked her into the Polk County Jail.

On April 10, 2025, the victim and her boyfriend walked to the Circle K store located at 4950 U.S. Hwy 92 East in Auburndale and purchased a few items. As they were walking across Old Dixie Hwy to go to a friend’s house, the boyfriend (who is Reese’s estranged husband) spotted Reese driving past them heading south on Old Dixie Hwy in her white Volkswagen Jetta. Reese then used the parking lot of the nearby Family Dollar store to make a U-turn and head north, accelerating quickly in their direction. The victim began to run down a driveway and Reese pursued her, striking her with her car. Reese then turned around in the driveway and fled north on Old Dixie Hwy at a high rate of speed.

The video surveillance system at the Circle K captured Reese making the U-turn to head back towards the victim.

The victim was transported by Polk County Fire Rescue to a local hospital, where X-rays revealed two spinal fractures; she is anticipated to recover. During the investigation, the resident at the home on Old Dixie Hwy told deputies that Reese did not have permission to be on his property, so she was additionally charged with trespassing.

“Domestic related calls are some of the worst calls to which we respond. When people allow their emotions to take over it can result in injury or even death. This victim was injured but luckily she survived the ordeal. Christdon Reese needs to learn how to control her temper, and maybe some cooling off in the jail will help.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Deputies learned that Reese has been on probation for a retail theft charge in Osceola County since 2023, so she was additionally charged with violation of probation.

Dog Shot by Deputy in Polk County Sparks Conflicting Accounts

Carl Fish
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Dog Shot by Deputy in Polk County Sparks Conflicting Accounts

On Sunday, April 13, 2025, a dog was shot by a Polk County Sheriff’s Deputy during a call involving loose livestock in the community of Eloise, Florida. The incident has since sparked strong reactions, with conflicting narratives from law enforcement and the dog’s family circulating on social media.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched around 10:39 a.m. to respond to reports of four to five cows roaming a residential neighborhood. Two deputies located the animals behind a residence. One deputy stayed with the cows while the other attempted to locate their owner. As the second deputy approached the front of a nearby property, the department says she was aggressively charged by a large pit bull. The deputy reportedly drew her firearm and fired several shots, striking the dog at least once and accidentally shooting herself in the leg. She was later treated at a hospital for a wound to her calf.

Auburndale Woman on Probation Arrested for Attempted Murder After Running Over Victim in Jealous Rage

A sharply different account was shared publicly on the Winter Haven Word of Mouth Facebook group by a family member of the dog’s owner. In the post, the writer describes the dog, Draco, as a well-trained and gentle 10-year-old pit bull who had never shown aggression. They claim the deputy placed her hand on her holster before Draco approached and fired the first shot—striking herself—just as Draco began to retreat. The family says the deputy then continued firing, ultimately shooting Draco in the back as he ran away.

The post also alleges that the scene unfolded in front of over a dozen children, some as young as two years old, who had gathered to observe the cows. The family claims they were prevented from seeking veterinary care for Draco for over an hour and were told not to use their phones or record the incident. Draco, they report, remains in pain as the bullet could not be removed.

The Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the dog was treated and is in stable condition. The dog’s owner was cited for having no tags, no proof of vaccinations, and for allowing the dog to roam.

Polk County Deputy Accidentally Shoots Herself While Attempting To Shoot Dog

Carl Fish
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Polk County Deputy Accidentally Shoots Herself While Attempting To Shoot Dog

Press Release PCSO

Deputies were dispatched to a livestock call at about 10:39am on Sunday, April 13, 2025, to 6th Street in Eloise (south of Winter Haven), in reference to about 4-5 cows roaming loose in the residential neighborhood.

 

Two deputies located the cows behind a residence. One deputy stayed with the cows, while the other deputy went to find the owner of the cows. 

 

As the deputy was walking around to the front of the property, a large pit bull aggressively charged at her. The deputy removed her firearm as the dog attacked her. The deputy fired several shots at the dog, striking it at least once, and striking her own leg once.

Auburndale Woman on Probation Arrested for Attempted Murder After Running Over Victim in Jealous Rage

 

The other deputy quickly rendered aid and applied a tourniquet to the wounded deputy’s leg.

 

The deputy was transported to the hospital. Her injury was treated, and it was determined that the bullet entered and exited her right calf without hitting bone or an artery.

 

The dog was also treated and is in stable condition. The owner of the dog was cited for no tags or vaccinations and dog roaming.

 

The cows were returned to the owner, and the fence from where they escaped was repaired.

Two Suspects Arrested for Lakeland Burglary, Stolen Property Recovered

Carl Fish
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Two Suspects Arrested for Lakeland Burglary, Stolen Property Recovered

On Thursday, April 10th, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 44-year-old Christopher Lee and 43-year-old Shari Conard, both of Lakeland, in connection with an alleged burglary that occurred on April 5th. The incident reportedly involved the theft of a trailer, a go-cart, and two kayaks from a Lakeland property.

Detectives linked the crime to a silver Dodge Ram allegedly used during the burglary. A similar vehicle was located on Winchester Drive, less than 1,000 feet from the crime scene. Investigators observed an item, similar in size to the stolen go-cart, under a blue tarp in the truck bed. A trailer, also partially covered, was seen on the property and resembled the one reported stolen.

When deputies surrounded the property, both suspects allegedly attempted to flee from the back of the house but were quickly apprehended, thanks in part to Deputy Holley and his K9 partner, Buck.

Lee and Conard allegedly confessed to the crime. Deputies recovered the stolen property, including the trailer, kayaks, and go-cart.

Lee and Conard were transported to the Polk County Jail and charged with burglary, grand theft, conspiracy to commit burglary, loitering and prowling, and resisting arrest without violence. Conard was additionally charged with providing false identification to law enforcement and had an outstanding warrant from Citrus County for failure to appear on charges related to possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.

Lee has 13 prior felony convictions, including aggravated assault, armed burglary, and sale of methamphetamine. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

🎉 Exciting Music Events Happening This Weekend in Winter Haven & Nearby Areas! 🌴

Staff Reporter
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🎉 Exciting Music Events Happening This Weekend in Winter Haven & Nearby Areas! 🌴

April 11, 2025 | By Kip Kirchberg

Hey there, music lovers! The weekend of April 11–13, 2025, is set to bring some incredible tunes to Winter Haven and the surrounding Central Florida spots. From rock shows and acoustic sets to karaoke and music bingo, there’s something for every vibe. Grab your friends, check out these events, and let’s make it a musical weekend to remember! 🎶✨

Friday, April 11, 2025

🎶 Music Bingo – Totally ’80s! (Lake Wales)

  • When: 6:00 PM
  • Where: 229 E Stuart Ave, Lake Wales, FL 33853
  • What’s Happening: Get ready for a blast from the past with 80s Music Bingo! One person’s confirmed—join the fun and test your retro song knowledge in Lake Wales.
  • Event Link: Event Link

🎸 Josh Baldwin in concert for Refuge on the Ridge (Lake Wales)

  • When: 7:00 PM
  • Where: HighPoint Church, Lake Wales, FL
  • What’s Happening: Worship with Josh Baldwin live! Seventy-seven people are interested in this inspiring concert at HighPoint Church—just a short drive from Winter Haven.
  • Event Link: Event Link

🎤 Red Headed Stepchild Live at The Apple Lounge & Grill (Winter Haven)

  • When: 7:00 PM
  • Where: 2803 Recker Hwy, Winter Haven, FL 33880
  • What’s Happening: Rock out with Red Headed Stepchild! Three people are confirmed for this live show—kick off your weekend with some grit and groove.
  • Event Link: Event Link

🎵 Josh Blevins Live at Tanners Lakeside (Winter Haven)

  • When: 7:00 PM
  • Where: 1006 S Lake Howard Dr, Winter Haven, FL 33880
  • What’s Happening: Josh Blevins brings his tunes lakeside! Eighteen people are interested—perfect for a chill Friday night by the water.
  • Event Link: Event Link

🎸 Phil Keaggy Live (Lakeland)

  • When: 7:00 PM
  • Where: Trinity Presbyterian Church, Lakeland, FL
  • What’s Happening: Guitar legend Phil Keaggy takes the stage! Twenty-seven people are interested in this nearby Lakeland show—don’t miss this masterful performance.
  • Event Link: Event Link

🎵 The Highway 41 TRIO returns to LA’s Midway Saloon (Nearby Area)

  • When: 7:00 PM
  • Where: LA’s Midway Saloon
  • What’s Happening: The Highway 41 Trio is back! Five people are confirmed for this show at LA’s Midway Saloon—a great option for a local music night.
  • Event Link: Event Link

🎶 Grupo Bomba Tropical (Haines City)

  • When: 8:00 PM
  • Where: 124 Kenny Blvd, Haines City, FL 33844
  • What’s Happening: Dance the night away with Grupo Bomba Tropical! Fifty-five people are interested in this lively Latin music event in nearby Haines City.
  • Event Link: Event Link

🎸 Swemo Night (Emo Night Taylor’s Version) (Lakeland)

  • When: 8:00 PM
  • Where: 1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33803
  • What’s Happening: Emo fans, this one’s for you! Forty-nine people are interested in this Taylor Swift-inspired emo night in Lakeland—bring your feelings and your voice!
  • Event Link: Event Link

🎵 Hit the Shark! @ The Barter Box (Lakeland)

  • When: 8:00 PM
  • Where: Quinteassence, Lakeland, FL
  • What’s Happening: Hit the Shark rocks The Barter Box! Three people are confirmed for this energetic show in Lakeland—a fun Friday night option.
  • Event Link: Event Link

🎶 Anisette $8pp (Lakeland)

  • When: 8:35 PM
  • Where: 1015 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL
  • What’s Happening: Catch Anisette for just $8 per person! Two people are confirmed for this late-night music vibe in Lakeland—affordable and awesome.
  • Event Link: Event Link

🎸 B.Haven Live at Camp Margaritaville (Auburndale)

  • When: 7:00 PM
  • Where: Camp Margaritaville, Auburndale, FL
  • What’s Happening: B.Haven brings the party to Camp Margaritaville! Ten people are interested in this nearby Auburndale show—perfect for a tropical music escape.
  • Event Link: Event Link

Saturday, April 12, 2025

🎶 Live Music with The Logans (Lake Wales)

  • When: 6:00 PM
  • Where: 229 E Stuart Ave, Lake Wales, FL 33853
  • What’s Happening: The Logans bring live music to Lake Wales! One person’s confirmed—join them for a cozy Saturday evening just down the road.
  • Event Link: Event Link

🎵 Daniel Pepin live at Haven Coffee Roasters (Winter Haven)

  • When: 9:00 AM
  • Where: Haven Coffee Roasters, Winter Haven, FL
  • What’s Happening: Start your day with Daniel Pepin’s morning melodies! One person’s confirmed—perfect for a coffee-and-music combo.
  • Event Link: Event Link

🎶 Rock Bands with Horns (Winter Haven)

  • When: 11:30 AM
  • Where: 263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven, FL 33880
  • What’s Happening: Rock out with a twist—horns included! Three people are confirmed for this midday show—bring your energy to Central Ave!
  • Event Link: Event Link

🎸 Eric Grubb & Bobby Long Live at The Apple Lounge & Grill (Winter Haven)

  • When: 12:00 PM
  • Where: 2803 Recker Hwy, Winter Haven, FL 33880
  • What’s Happening: Eric Grubb and Bobby Long keep the tunes flowing! One person’s in—join them for a tasty lunch with live music.
  • Event Link: Event Link

🎤 Samantha Lindsey Original Songs – Old Man Franks with Jim and Judy Duo (Winter Haven)

  • When: 2:00 PM
  • Where: Old Man Frank’s, Winter Haven, FL
  • What’s Happening: Samantha Lindsey shares her originals with the Jim and Judy Duo! One person’s confirmed—enjoy this afternoon of local talent.
  • Event Link: Event Link

🎵 Matt Venuti: AmeriCosmos Live (Lake Wales)

  • When: 3:30 PM
  • Where: 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853
  • What’s Happening: Matt Venuti brings his unique AmeriCosmos sound! Twenty-six people are interested—catch this nearby show for something different.
  • Event Link: Event Link

🎸 Diamond Rio Live in Auburndale, FL (Auburndale)

  • When: 5:00 PM
  • Where: Lake Myrtle Sports Complex, Auburndale, FL
  • What’s Happening: Country stars Diamond Rio hit the stage! A whopping 608 people are interested—head to Auburndale for this big nearby concert.
  • Event Link: Event Link

🎶 TWIZTED ROCK @ DIAMOND RIO CONCERT (Auburndale)

  • When: 5:00 PM
  • Where: Lake Myrtle Sports Complex, Auburndale, FL
  • What’s Happening: TWIZTED ROCK joins the Diamond Rio lineup! Forty-seven people are interested—double the music, double the fun in Auburndale!
  • Event Link: Event Link

🎵 Harlequin Live at Tanners Lakeside (Winter Haven)

  • When: 7:00 PM
  • Where: 1006 S Lake Howard Dr, Winter Haven, FL 33880
  • What’s Happening: Harlequin rocks Tanners Lakeside! Ten people are interested—get ready for a high-energy evening by the water.
  • Event Link: Event Link

🎶 Out of the Box at the Ghostlight Lounge (Winter Haven)

  • When: 7:00 PM
  • Where: The GhostLight Lounge, Winter Haven, FL
  • What’s Happening: Out of the Box brings something fresh! Three people are confirmed for this creative music night—check it out!
  • Event Link: Event Link

🎸 Josh Blevins LIVE (Haines City)

  • When: 7:00 PM
  • Where: 124 Kenny Blvd, Haines City, FL 33844
  • What’s Happening: Josh Blevins plays again—this time in Haines City! Two people are confirmed for this nearby evening gig.
  • Event Link: Event Link

🎵 La Musique with the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra (Lakeland)

  • When: 7:00 PM
  • Where: 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland, FL 33801
  • What’s Happening: Classical vibes with the Lakeland Symphony! Thirty-four people are interested in this orchestral night—elegant and close by.
  • Event Link: Event Link

🎸 FLORIDAZE w/ special guest Driftone live @ Jessie’s (Winter Haven)

  • When: 8:00 PM
  • Where: 118 3rd St SW, Winter Haven, FL 33880
  • What’s Happening: FLORIDAZE and Driftone light up Jessie’s Lounge! Twenty-two people are interested—perfect for a late-night Winter Haven jam.
  • Event Link: Event Link

🎶 Performing at The Brass Tap (Lakeland)

  • When: 8:00 PM
  • Where: The Brass Tap – Lakeside Village, Lakeland, FL
  • What’s Happening: Live music at The Brass Tap! One person’s confirmed—enjoy craft beer and tunes in nearby Lakeland.
  • Event Link: Event Link

🎵 gabrielknowseverything and guests (Lakeland)

  • When: 8:30 PM
  • Where: 1015 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL
  • What’s Happening: gabrielknowseverything and friends take the stage! Ten people are interested—late-night vibes in Lakeland await.
  • Event Link: Event Link

Sunday, April 13, 2025

🎶 Acoustic Dose Live at Tanners Lakeside (Winter Haven)

  • When: 2:00 PM
  • Where: 1006 S Lake Howard Dr, Winter Haven, FL 33880
  • What’s Happening: Unwind with Acoustic Dose by the lake! One person’s confirmed—perfect for a mellow Sunday afternoon in Winter Haven.
  • Event Link: Event Link

🎵 B.Haven Live at the Twisted Prop (Nearby Area)

  • When: 2:00 PM
  • Where: The Twisted Prop Bar & Grille
  • What’s Happening: B.Haven plays The Twisted Prop! Three people are confirmed—enjoy this local Sunday show with a laid-back vibe.
  • Event Link: Event Link

🎶 Sunday Funday w Running Reckless! (Winter Haven)

  • When: 3:00 PM
  • Where: Caribbean Bay Bar, Winter Haven, FL
  • What’s Happening: Running Reckless heats up Sunday Funday! Eighty-eight people are interested—join the party at Caribbean Bay for a big finish!
  • Event Link: Event Link

🎸 Cordero Music Battle of the Bands (Lakeland)

  • When: 5:00 PM
  • Where: Union Hall, Lakeland, FL
  • What’s Happening: Bands battle it out in Lakeland! One person’s confirmed—head over to cheer on your favorites in this epic showdown.
  • Event Link: Event Link

🎶 Battle of the Bands, Third Annual (Lakeland)

  • When: 5:00 PM
  • Where: Union Hall, Lakeland, FL
  • What’s Happening: Another Battle of the Bands—third annual edition! Twenty-four people are interested—catch this nearby competition!
  • Event Link: Event Link

🎵 MARIACHI NIGHT (Haines City)

  • When: 5:00 PM
  • Where: 94 Maxcy Plaza Circle, Haines City, FL
  • What’s Happening: Celebrate with Mariachi Night! One person’s confirmed—enjoy authentic mariachi music in nearby Haines City to close out the weekend.
  • Event Link: Event Link

What an incredible weekend of music in Winter Haven and beyond! Whether you’re into rock, country, acoustic, or a good old band battle, there’s something for everyone. Which event are you most excited to catch? Drop a comment below, and I’ll see you out there enjoying the tunes! 🌟🎉

Target to Open in Haines City, Leading the Charge for Crossroads Village Center Development

Staff Reporter
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Target to Open in Haines City, Leading the Charge for Crossroads Village Center Development

BY ANITA TODD

HAINES CITY – Target is making its way to Haines City, marking the first of many retailers set to join the Crossroads Village Center (CVC), a major new mixed-use development currently under construction. Officials are calling the center a key part of the city’s economic growth.

Located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 27 and Highway 17, the 120-acre CVC is being developed by Blue Mountain Group (BMG). The center will feature a combination of retail spaces, residential areas, and more, serving as a central hub for the region.

At today’s groundbreaking ceremony, Syed Raza, Director of BMG, shared that there is intense competition among major retailers to secure space in the development. “We have more Letters of Interest (LOIs) than available space,” Raza said, emphasizing the demand for this project.

The center will offer a total of 400,000 square feet of retail space, with Phase 1 covering 300,000 square feet. Target will anchor the development, taking up half of this space, while other junior retailers will fill the remaining area.

Phase 1 is slated for completion in Fall 2026, with both Target and the junior stores set to open in October 2026. Following that, Phase 2 will begin in early 2027 and will include additional retail stores, condominiums, hotels, and possibly an assisted living facility.

“We are building a power center that will generate hundreds of jobs and millions in trade,” Raza said.

The project faced significant challenges during its early stages. In 2017, securing approval from the Department of Transportation and the Southwest Florida Water Management District was a lengthy process, but the project eventually gained approval, just in time for the pandemic. “We’ve overcome a lot to get here. After the pandemic, we had to start over, but we had a great team behind us. This is truly a team effort,” Raza reflected.

The site also presented substantial environmental hurdles. Over 50 acres of wetlands, with muck up to 25 feet deep, had to be excavated. In addition, hundreds of truckloads of sand were brought in, including sand from a 14-acre man-made lake on the property.

“Our vision is to create a village-like environment where people can live, shop, and enjoy walking around the lake,” Raza added.

City officials are equally optimistic about the development’s potential. Haines City Mayor Omar Arroyo said, “This project represents more than just new buildings — it reflects our commitment to listening to residents and responding with transformative growth. We are excited about the economic impact, job creation, and the sense of community pride this development will bring.”

200 Acre Advent Health Medical Complex In Lakeland Anticipated To Open Early 2027

Carl Fish
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200 Acre Advent Health Medical Complex In Lakeland Anticipated To Open Early 2027

AdventHealth is advancing plans to establish a comprehensive medical complex on approximately 218 acres near 3838 Harden Boulevard in South Lakeland. The Altamonte Springs-based healthcare system acquired the land for $14 million in November 2024. 

The proposed development includes a 400-bed, 10-story hospital equipped with a helipad for medical air transport. Adjacent to the hospital, plans feature a free-standing emergency department, a 200,000-square-foot medical office building, a rehabilitation facility, structured parking, and a central energy plant. 

Beyond medical facilities, the project envisions 204,000 square feet of retail and commercial space, as well as a 250-unit apartment complex, aiming to create a mixed-use environment that integrates healthcare services with residential and commercial amenities. 

In September 2024, the Lakeland City Commission approved the necessary zoning changes to facilitate this development. This decision followed discussions addressing potential traffic impacts on Harden Boulevard, a concern raised by both commissioners and local residents. Commissioner Sara Roberts McCarley expressed reservations about increased congestion, noting the area’s existing traffic challenges. 

To mitigate traffic concerns, plans include conducting updated traffic studies and coordinating with the Florida Department of Transportation for necessary roadway improvements. The development also designates 61 acres for conservation, preserving natural habitats and addressing environmental considerations. 

Site Area Map (Provided by Drummond Company)

AdventHealth aims to commence construction with the free-standing emergency department, targeting operational readiness within three years. The broader hospital complex is anticipated to open by 2027, enhancing healthcare accessibility for South Lakeland and surrounding communities. 

This initiative reflects AdventHealth’s commitment to expanding its presence in Polk County, where it has operated since 2019. The new Lakeland facility will complement the system’s existing network of hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, and other healthcare services throughout the region. 

As the project progresses, AdventHealth plans to engage with local stakeholders to address ongoing concerns and ensure the development aligns with community needs and expectations.

How This 15-Year-Old Episode of Arthur Explains Life as a Person with Autism

Staff Reporter
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How This 15-Year-Old Episode of Arthur Explains Life as a Person with Autism
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Neurodivergent Diversions: A Column about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

by James Coulter

For nearly 25 years, Arthur has been a ground-breaking animated show that has touched upon challenging topics including trauma, cancer, death, and even social disorders like dyslexia and autism.

In the case of the latter, the show explored and discussed autism in the episode, “When Carl Met George (or “George and the Missing Puzzle Piece”), which premiered on PBS on Dec. 3, 2010.

The episode introduced the bunny character of Carl, one of the first characters with Autism in a children’s animated show. Even 15 years later, this episode offers one of the best explanations of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ADS), allowing anyone to better understand the social disorder.

When Carl Met George


The episode begins with the moose character George meeting Carl at the community center. George sees Carl putting together a puzzle, which George initially mistakes for a spaceship.

Carl corrects him, explaining it’s a bullet train, not a spaceship. He then begins talking about how fast the train travels, how it rides on magnets, and how the picture in the puzzle is inaccurate to how the train appears in real life.

Here, Carl is “info dumping”, which is when someone (usually a person with Autism) shares a large amount of information about a topic of interest, often in great detail, and sometimes unprompted. George never asked anything about trains. He only said the train in the puzzle looks nice. But Carl was more than willing to share everything he knew about it.

George introduces himself and extends a hand for a shake. Carl continues assembling his puzzle, almost as if he is ignoring George. He rarely, if ever, makes eye contact.

When George asks if they can hang out together, Carl asks, “Hang out of what?” George then asks if Carl is pulling his leg. Carl answers that he’s not because he’s putting together a puzzle. George then says goodbye, but Carl does not reply.

This interaction shows how people with Autism often struggle with “pragmatic language”, which is the ability to use language appropriately in social situations. In other words, it’s knowing what to say, when to say it, and how to say it.

As such, people with Autism often struggle to make eye contact, interpret social cues, and understand figurative language like idioms or metaphors. It’s why Carl acts the way he does toward George.

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Arthur’s Awesome Autism Analogy

However, George doesn’t understand. He thinks Carl was acting “strange.” He even feels Carl is ignoring him because he doesn’t like him.

Later, George visits another friend, Brain, at the ice cream shop. Upon telling him how Carl was acting, The Brain explains Carl has Asperger’s Syndrome (an outdated term for Autism Spectrum Disorder).

Brain knows about the disorder because his uncle also has it. His uncle is a professor who’s brilliant about physics but awkward in social situations. “He has a lot of trouble being around people,” Brain says. “His brain just works differently. What’s normal to us can seem really strange to him.”

The brain then goes on to offer the following analogy, which does an excellent job explaining Autism:

Imagine you crashed landed on an alien planet. It looks like Earth, but there are a lot of differences.

For one, a lot of people seem to talk extremely loudly. And even though you speak the same language, you sometimes have a hard time understanding what they mean. And things that seem hilarious to you aren’t funny at all to them.

You wish the scientists on Earth had given you a guidebook to this strange planet, but they forgot to pack one. So you have to try to learn things all on your own. Maybe there’s one thing in particular that captures your interest, and you study just that.

Hopefully, the people on the planet get to understand you a little better. And you might even learn to fit in, but you will always feel a little bit different.

#image_title

Still A Great Episode

This episode aired nearly 15 years ago, and its analogy for Autism still holds up. It’s a great way to explain Autism to other people, and it teaches them how to better empathize with people with Autism and to understand that autistic people aren’t acting “strange” or “rude”, just different.

In fact, the only aspect of the show that hasn’t aged well is that ASD is referred to as Asperger’s Syndrome. The term is no longer used, as the physician it was named after, Hans Asperger, was discovered to have actively assisted with the Nazi’s euthanasia program.

Even then, the episode still holds up, and it serves as a great tool to help people without Autism better understand people with it.

The full episode can be watched on the PBS Kids website:
https://youtu.be/zDRYoINqPQY?si=VYUCRZsRY_CqvfAthttps://youtu.be/zDRYoINqPQY?si=VYUCRZsRY_CqvfAt

New School For Special-Needs Children To Open In Davenport

Staff Reporter
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0
New School For Special-Needs Children To Open In Davenport

by: Capers Gay

April 9, 2025

Davenport

Victory Ridge Academy, a public charter school for special-needs children, is opening up a new campus in Davenport.

A campus already exists in Lake Wales, but the population growth of Polk County in general has precipitated a need for expansion. The school’s executive director, Steve Whitaker says “We have such a need in the Davenport area. Not only do we have about 70 kids that we’re busing…They’re on the bus for so long, but just the population growth in general.”

“So I would just drive around all the time, finding, like, churches and then happened to find a grove that was not even for sale. Called the owner, and he was like, ‘Yeah, why not?’ So we ended up getting it for about 50% of the price.” The new campus covers 9 acres and is designed to be more intimate than the spread-out buildings in Lake Wales. To Whitaker, this smaller size is an advantage as the wealth of students and the hands-on assistance they need can be more efficiently accommodated.

An aerial of the Davenport site, under construction.

To parents of disabled children, it may be something to look into. The school accepts children who require level 4 or level 5 assistance with their education and there is no cost for admittance. With the included behavior programs and therapy services, the idea is to help kids through their education and eventually transition them to the larger world as teenagers. That transition period specifically is key to Whitaker’s aspirations for this new campus.

The campus’ spacious gym under construction. Planned to be multi-purpose.

Funding for Victory Ridge is covered by the state and voluntary donations. This new campus’s gym, Whitaker speculates, could be a one-two punch for extra funding and furthering teens’ development. “It’s just a large building itself. It doesn’t have the bleachers like a traditional gym, so it’s spread out so you can do other events. But then our students can work parking, they can work food service, they can work helping clean up, they can be there.” Whitaker notes that while other schools close on the weekends, Victory Ridge can use this space to rent out events to the community, and have students in their transition program work those events to develop job skills. He elaborates, “We have partnerships with Publix, Hampton Inn, Care Center, AdventHealth. A lot of these groups where our kids are getting internships and getting skill sets to be able to go into the workforce.”

But as Victory Ridge’s staff works tirelessly to prepare students for the future, what of the school’s own future? The plan, as it stands now, is to cover all four corners of Polk County. If the Davenport campus succeeds, perhaps we’ll see more, but how many is determined most importantly by one thing: “the need from the families.” Whitaker says. “If we can help people and we can figure out the means to do it, then why not do it? Why not us do it?”

The new campus is expected to open in August.

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