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Auburndale’s Maxwell Posts First Career Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Toho

Carl Fish
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Auburndale’s Maxwell Posts First Career Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Toho

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (March 10, 2025) – Boater Christopher Maxwell of Auburndale, Florida, caught a five-bass limit weighing 23 pounds, 15 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Toho. The tournament, hosted by Experience Kissimmee, was the second event of the season for the BFL Gator Division. Maxwell earned $4,541 for his victory.

A Toho local, Maxwell has been on the water a lot lately, including for another tournament last weekend, when he weighed in about 17 pounds.

“I didn’t get a big bite (in that tournament),” he said, “but I just did pretty much the same thing today. I had a little bit of a crowd today. I just fished around them and did the same thing. I got the lucky bites today. That’s all I can say.”

Maxwell spent the tournament fishing in Toho’s southern end. He fished pads and grass, intercepting postspawn fish as they left the beds before transitioning to deeper water. He caught his limit pitching a black and blue Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver.

“I didn’t catch many fish. I caught seven today,” Maxwell said. “They were just the right ones. I just stuck with what I was doing and moved slow because all the boats were coming around, and I just didn’t let myself get aggravated with it.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

1st:        Christopher Maxwell, Auburndale, Fla., five bass, 23-15, $4,541
2nd:      George Kapiton, Inverness, Fla., five bass, 20-11, $2,270
3rd:       Connor Macdougall, Cape Coral, Fla., five bass, 20-6, $1,514
4th:        Chris Crow, Lake Placid, Fla., five bass, 18-10, $1,560 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
5th:        Fred Chivington Jr., San Mateo, Fla., five bass, 18-9, $1,530
5th:        Austin Chism, Auburndale, Fla., five bass, 18-9, $870
7th:        Dylan Quilatan Windermere, Fla., five bass, 18-5, $757
8th:        John Kremer, Orange City, Fla., five bass, 17-9, $681
9th:        Cedric Perry, Trenton, Fla., five bass, 16-11, $605
10th:     Anthony Cilladi, Oviedo, Fla., five bass, 15-14, $530

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Fred Chivington Jr. of San Mateo, Florida, caught a bass that weighed 8 pounds, 11 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $660.

Chris Westhelle of Sanford, Florida, won the co-angler division and $2,580 Saturday, after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 13 pounds, 7 ounces.

The top 11 co-anglers finished:

1st:        Chris Westhelle, Sanford, Fla., three bass, 13-7, $2,580
2nd:      Zachary Bach, Bartow, Fla., three bass, 11-11, $1,127
3rd:       Leandro Saratt, Winter Garden, Fla., three bass, 11-1, $751
4th:        Brian Yusavage, Tamarac, Fla., three bass, 10-1, $488
4th:        Preston Williams, Tallahassee, Fla. three bass, 10-1, $488
6th:        Larry Austin, The Villages, Fla., three bass, 9-5, $413
7th:        Andrew Wiedmann, Titusville, Fla., three bass, 9-1, $376
8th:        Taylor Harris, Haines City, Fla., three bass, 8-13, $338
9th:        Robert Linthout, Cape Coral, Fla., three bass, 8-9, $300
10th:     Justin Hampton, Orlando, Fl., three bass, 8-6, $250
10th:     Kenneth Bivins, Orlando, Fla., three bass, 8-6, $250

Westhelle also earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $327, catching a bass that weighed in at 9 pounds, 9 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.

After two events, Dylan Quilatan of Windermere, Florida, now leads the Fishing Clash Gator Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 493 points, while James Sponaugle of Auburndale, Florida, leads the Fishing Clash Gator Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 473 points.

The next event for BFL Gator Division anglers will be held March 22, at the Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, Florida. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.

The top 60 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 17-18 BFL Regional tournament on Lake Seminole in Bainbridge, Georgia. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $20,000.

The 2025 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 134 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 60 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying tournament winners, will advance to one of 12 BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top three, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. The 2025 BFL All-American will take place May 29-31, 2025, at Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is hosted by hosted by Visit Hot Springs and the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.

Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive App, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Li Time Batteries, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.

For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.

14th Annual Bartow Blarney Duathlon & 5K Is Next Weekend

Carl Fish
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14th Annual Bartow Blarney Duathlon & 5K Is Next Weekend

The 14th Annual Bartow Blarney Duathlon and 5K is set to take place on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Bartow Civic Center, located at 2250 S. Floral Ave., Bartow, Florida.  This eagerly anticipated event offers participants the choice between a duathlon and a 5K run, catering to a wide range of athletic abilities and interests.

The duathlon consists of a 1-mile run, followed by an 11-mile bike ride, and concludes with a 3-mile run. The 5K event is a straightforward 3.1-mile run. Both races will commence in the vicinity of the Bartow Civic Center, with the 5K starting at 7:30 AM and the duathlon at 7:45 AM. 

Registration fees for the 5K are structured as follows: $35 from January 20 to March 9, and $40 from March 10 to 15. For the duathlon, the fees are $55 from January 20 to March 9, and $60 from March 10 to 15. Participants who register early, specifically before February 19, 2025, are guaranteed an event shirt in their selected size. After this date, shirts will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with limited sizes as race day approaches. 

The event schedule includes packet pickup on March 14 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and on race day, March 15, from 6:00 AM to 7:10 AM. On race day, the bike transition area will be open from 6:00 AM to 7:20 AM. The 5K awards ceremony is slated for 8:45 AM, followed by the duathlon awards at 9:40 AM. 

Awards will be presented to the top overall male and female finishers in both the duathlon and 5K, as well as the top overall masters (40+) male and female participants. Additionally, the top three male and female finishers in each age group, categorized in standard 5-year increments (e.g., 9 & under, 10-14, 15-19, up to 70+), will receive recognition. 

Participants can look forward to a commemorative shirt and beverage stein as part of their registration. The event promises a festive atmosphere, encouraging both seasoned athletes and newcomers to join in the celebration of fitness and community spirit. 

For more information or to register, interested individuals can visit the official event page or contact the Bartow Parks and Recreation Department at (863) 534-0161. 

Lakeland Man Fatally Struck by Vehicle While Walking on US-92

Carl Fish
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Lakeland Man Fatally Struck by Vehicle While Walking on US-92

March 8, 2025 – – A fatal crash occurred early Saturday morning on US-92, east of Charlie Taylor Road, when a pedestrian was struck by an oncoming vehicle.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, at approximately 2:20 a.m., a 38-year-old Lakeland man was walking southbound across the highway when he entered the path of an eastbound Nissan Rogue. The vehicle, driven by a 26-year-old Lakeland man, collided with the pedestrian, resulting in fatal injuries at the scene.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. No further details have been released at this time.

Sergeant Steve Gaskins, Public Affairs Officer for the Florida Highway Patrol, confirmed the crash and urges drivers and pedestrians to remain vigilant, especially during nighttime hours.

Expansion Approved for Tom Fellows Community Center

Staff Reporter
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Expansion Approved for Tom Fellows Community Center
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by: Capers Gay

On February 17th, the city of Davenport approved an expansion to the Tom Fellows Community Center. The center, opened in October 2021, is a general purpose recreation facility with amenities such as a media center, gymnasiums, a banquet hall and more. In addition, it acts as the city’s polling location for local elections.

Initial plans for the center date back to 2019. according to currently available records. Its creation was due to the city’s growth, and its current expansion is no exception as a city official stated at the February 17th commission meeting, “Other than it’s really not a whole lot of renovation, it’s more about expansion. We’ve outgrown that facility in record time, and I think that goes back to the fact that we have city staff that are promoting it, which is what we wanted them to do for the betterment of the city of Davenport. So, this is something that I think we- I know I have personally requested at a city meeting to at least look at it and I think this is where we are.”

3 firms bid for the project, but the city ultimately chose Furr, Wegman & Banks, the original architect of the center. With a development cost of $163,102, the expansion will include 50% more Banquet Hall area and storage, with the lobby and vehicle drop-off area to be moved to accommodate. True to the expansion’s intentions, this will help increase the center’s operating capacity, but strangely, no new bathrooms will be included to match this. New carpeting, HVAC unit, and interior finishes to furnish this expansion will match the original design of the center. The center, or at least the Banquet Hall, is expected to be closed for 4-5 consecutive weeks when construction begins.

During the meeting, no members of the commission or public gave any additional comment, and the expansion was quickly approved

Man Killed In Semi Vs SUV Crash On S.R. 60

Carl Fish
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Man Killed In Semi Vs SUV Crash On S.R. 60

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a fatal two-vehicle crash near Bartow Thursday evening, March 6, 2025.

Deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched at around 8:45 pm to the 3000 block of State Road 60, which is approximately two miles west of Bartow. 

The crash involved a black Honda Pilot SUV and a blue Peterbilt semi-truck and tanker. 

The adult male driver of the Honda was found deceased in his vehicle; the driver of the semi-truck was not injured.

Based on evidence and witness statements, it was determined that the semi-truck was exiting a property on the south side of SR 60,  and was crossing eastbound lanes in order to enter the westbound lanes (by making a left turn).

The Honda was traveling east at a very high rate of speed, and collided with the rear wheels of the tanker trailer with such force that it lifted the empty 30,000-pound trailer off of the ground and into the westbound lanes.

The deceased driver was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash. 

No charges are anticipated, but the crash remains under investigation. 

State Road 60 was closed in both directions for approximately four hours.

Fatal Crash Causing Significant Traffic Issues On S.R. 60 Two Miles West Of Bartow

Carl Fish
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Fatal Crash Causing Significant Traffic Issues On S.R. 60 Two Miles West Of Bartow

TrafficAlert for the Bartow area.

A two-vehicle crash occurred on State Road 60, about 2-miles west of the city of Bartow.

The crash was reported to involve an SUV and a semi truck.

PCSO deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched to the scene at about 8:45pm, Thursday night, March 6, 2025.

There is one confirmed fatality.

Traffic on both directions of SR 60 are effected, and will likely remain that way until at least midnight.

Starcade, the International Martial Arts Championships, is coming March 7 – 8 to the Lake Eva Event Center.

Staff Reporter
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Starcade, the International Martial Arts Championships, is coming March 7 – 8 to the Lake Eva Event Center.

STARCADE

Lilian Sanchez, 5 years old, demonstrates Karate techniques during the Haines City Commission Meeting recently. She is a student at Murphy’s Karate Academy. Photo by Anita Todd

BY ANITA TODD, Special Reports

HAINES CITY- Starcade, the International Martial Arts Championships, is coming March 7 – 8 to the Lake Eva Event Center. This is the first event of its type to be held here and is hosted by Murphy Gonzalez, Murphy’s Karate Academy.

Murphy Gonzalez, originally from Miami, moved here in 2019 after a visit to the area.

“I came to do a seminar at a local karate school, and I fell in love with the place,” Gonzalez said. “I saw some cows and orange trees and moved here a month later.”

He opened Murphy’s Karate Academy in Haines City about a year later, moving it from Miami where it had been in existence for nearly 30 years. The Academy offers numerous programs and ability levels for everyone.

Gonzalez has had a successful career. “I have been doing martial arts for 44 years and am an 8th degree black belt,” he said. “I’ve had many famous karate teams including one of the top Karate teams in the world with athletes from all over the world.”

He said he started the International Martial Arts Championships 27 years ago in Miami but decided to move here this year.

“Now that I live here, I wanted to bring it to the city … to increase tourism and let people know where Haines City is,” Gonzalez said.

On March 7, Starcade will tout numerous divisions that day. They are the Creative Forms; Extreme Forms; Creative Weapons; Extreme Weapons; Superfights; and Tag-Team Fighting.

The next day, the divisions will include Traditional Weapons; Traditional Forms; Double Elimination Point Fighting; Continuous Fighting; and First Timers Division.

On Saturday Night, the Super Show will begin at 6 p.m. The Grand Championships, demonstrations, presentations, and an 8-person Super Fight Championship League Challenge will be held during this event.

Gonzalez said athletes will attend from all over Florida, Maryland, New York, and the southeast states, Mexico, Guatemala and Puerto Rico.

Tickets will be available at the door and start at $25 for the entire event.

Food vendors will also be on hand.

Take Charge of Your Health: Simple Steps for a Healthier Life

Staff Reporter
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Take Charge of Your Health: Simple Steps for a Healthier Life

Staying healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. By making small daily changes, you can improve your well-being and reduce the risk of serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Here’s how you can take control of your health today.

Healthy Habits Start Now

It’s never too late to adopt healthier habits. Eating well and staying active can help regulate your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight—key factors in preventing chronic diseases.

Easy Steps to Better Health:

  • Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Stay active by walking, biking, or exercising regularly.
  • Limit alcohol consumption and drink in moderation.
  • Quit smoking to protect your heart and lungs.

Small Changes, Big Results

Making minor adjustments to your routine can have a lasting impact. Try these simple swaps:
✅ Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
✅ Choose a salad or vegetables instead of fries.
✅ Opt for water or unsweetened tea instead of sugary drinks.

Know Your Health History

Understanding your family’s medical background can help you and your doctor identify potential risks early. Use a family health history tool to track common conditions and discuss them with your physician.

The Importance of Preventive Care

Doctors aren’t just for when you’re sick—they help prevent illness too. Regular screenings and vaccinations can detect problems early and keep you protected.

Essential Health Screenings Include:

  • Cancer screenings (such as colon, breast, or cervical cancer)
  • Blood pressure and cholesterol tests
  • Diabetes screenings
  • STI/STD tests
  • Mental health evaluations

Staying up to date on vaccines is also essential. Everyone over six months old should get a flu shot every year, and additional vaccines may be needed depending on your age and health history.

Get the Right Care

Your health care should be fair and accessible, no matter your background. If you feel unsure about your treatment, ask for a second opinion, request translation services if needed, and bring a friend or family member for support.

Understanding Health Care Costs

Many preventive services are free under the Affordable Care Act, including screenings and vaccinations. Medicare also covers essential health services at no cost. If you don’t have insurance, you may qualify for free or low-cost care at a local health center.

Your Health, Your Future

Taking charge of your health today can lead to a longer, happier life. Start small, stay informed, and make choices that support your well-being. Your future self will thank you!

Polk County Commission Considering Regulations on Accessory Dwelling Units No Greater Than 50 Percent of Primary Residence

Staff Reporter
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Polk County Commission Considering Regulations on Accessory Dwelling Units No Greater Than 50 Percent of Primary Residence

by James Coulter

Are you planning on building a guest house on your property? Just make sure it’s not bigger than your own home. Or at least 50 percent bigger.

At their regular meeting on Tues. Mar. 4, the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) reviewed a proposed amendment to the county land development code concerning restrictions on accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which include structures such as guest houses, mother-in-law suites, and garage apartments.

The new regulations will permit one detached ADU per residential lot so long as it does not exceed 50 percent of the primary residence and that it meets the Florida Building Code.

According to the development review committee staff report, “This amendment will provide a definitive cap on the size allowances of these structures to 50% of the principal structure; however, in instances where a property owner wishes to have an ADU that exceeds that, the staff is providing for a variance process to increase the size of and number of ADUs.”

Ben Ziskal, Land Development Director, explained how this amendment would permit structures up to 1,500 square feet to be built on properties with a primary home that is 3,000 square feet, with such structures still subject to impact fees.

This amendment is being proposed to help clarify several existing policies within the county’s land development code which, according to the staff report, “pertain to accessory structures and have been identified as problematic by County staff for purposes of issuing building permits, equitable code enforcement, and public safety.”

Previously, a maximum cap of 1,000 square feet, or 50 percent of the primary residence heated floor space, had been proposed; however, as the report explained, “the Planning Commission found this to be too limiting for larger homes.”

The amendment would also place setbacks for up to five feet in most residential districts. Currently, there are zero-foot setbacks for utility sheds, which have allegedly created complications within the county.

“In 2022, the LDC was changed to allow utility sheds up to 400 sq. ft. to be placed at the property line (zero-foot setback),” the staff report wrote. “This has created issues with stormwater run-off onto neighboring properties. This amendment will restore the setbacks to five (5) feet in most residential districts.”

During the public hearing for the amendment, one member of the public, Bobby Williams, inquired about the implementation. If he were to build a 3,000-square-foot house on five acres of land in Fort Meade, would he only be allowed to build a 300-square-foot barn in his backyard?

Ziskal replied no, unless Williams were to live in the barn. He clarified that the amendment made a clear distinction between “accessory structures” and “accessory dwelling units.”

The second reading of this amendment will be held at the next county commission meeting on Tues. Mar. 18.

Ford Pro Launches

Staff Reporter
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Ford Pro Launches

Ford Pro Launches LocateFordWorkTrucks.com. This intuitive platform, developed in collaboration with and powered by Work Truck Solutions®, provides customers with a new tool to search the nationwide inventory of upfitted versions of Ford F-Series Super Duty® Pickup and Chassis Cab, America’s No. 1 heavy duty truck; Ford Transit, America’s No. 1 commercial van; E-Transit™, America’s No. 1 electric cargo van; and more.

“This collaboration is a testament to the shared commitment of Ford Pro and Work Truck Solutions to provide unparalleled tools that serve customers on their journey and strengthen the ability of dealerships to deliver what their buyers need, all while adding efficiency and value to the entire commercial vehicle ecosystem,” said Kathryn Schifferle, founder and Chief Vision Officer at Work Truck Solutions.

LocateFordWorkTrucks.com transforms the way businesses find and acquire upfitted vehicles by providing instant access to a comprehensive inventory of work-ready trucks and vans.

  • Instant Access: LocateFordWorkTrucks.com, accessible via FordPro.com, allows customers to instantly locate in-stock, upfitted work trucks at Ford dealers nationwide, from Maverick® to F-750®.
  • Advanced Search: Powered by Work Truck Solutions’ advanced search technology, the platform offers easy-to-navigate filters for make and model type, upfit type, vehicle class, fuel type, and more, helping customers find the perfect vehicle configuration for their specific need or industry.
An upfitted 2025 F-450 Super Duty® Chassis Cab XL on a work site.

The Ford Pro Upfitter (FPU) program, formerly Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM), establishes strong cooperation between Ford Pro and final-stage vehicle manufacturers. This collaboration not only helps ensure that aftermarket companies have strong quality operating systems, but also helps provide a seamless, end-to-end customer experience — from initial selection to final delivery. Dealers utilizing Ford Pro Upfitters can now view and track those vehicles as they progress through the process. Upfitters can apply via the Ford Pro website.

Ford Pro is also enhancing data integration with its upfitters to improve customer experience and efficiency by seamlessly tracking inbound vehicles to their facilities. Qualified upfitters are also now integrated into the Ford Pro website, providing co-marketing opportunities and increased visibility. Ford Pro upfitting solutions simplify the upfitting experience:

  • Find an Upfitter Tool: Customers can locate and directly engage with Ford Pro-qualified upfitters in their area using an online tool.
  • Upfitter Pools: Ford Pro is piloting transparent visibility to upfitter inventory, allowing customers to view readily available chassis located at upfitters, further accelerating the modification and delivery process.
  • Vehicle Integration System 2.0: The Ford Pro Vehicle Integration System 2.0, available with some Ford products, digitally connects the upfit to the vehicle to reduce the need for aftermarket upfit equipment control modules, hard switches, and secondary control panels and provides a single point for vehicle signals and data.

“Ford Pro is connecting upfitters, dealers, and commercial customers to simplify the customization process.”

Esteban Plaza-Jennings, Ford Pro upfit strategy manager

Upfitted versions of the Ford F-Series Super Duty® Pickup and Chassis Cab.
An upfitted 2025 F-600 Super Duty® Chassis Cab with a crane.

“Ford Pro is connecting upfitters, dealers, and commercial customers to simplify the customization process and integration of equipment into vehicle systems,” said Plaza-Jennings. “There’s a reason Ford has been the commercial vehicle leader for 40 years1 — our commitment to fostering strong relationships with customers and upfitters alike helps everyone build on a proud legacy of productivity.”

To explore the full range of Ford Pro upfitting solutions, visit FordPro.com.

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