Welcome, World Travelers! Star Wars: Galaxy Edge’s Expands Timeline by James Coulter
Visitors to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge have been able to meet characters like Rey and Kylo Ren from the new Star Wars movies. They’ll soon be able to meet familiar faces like Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader from the older movies.
Starting on April 29, 2026, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park in California will expand its timeline to represent more eras from the Star Wars films, including the Original and Prequel trilogies.
“These exciting updates…will enable visitors to experience even more of the eras of Star Wars,” wrote Kelsey Lynch, Senior Manager of Public Relations, on Disney Parks Blog.
“Each era will be brought to life with the same care and attention to detail that the land was originally designed with, masterfully weaving together stories from across time and space in one location,” he continued.
Black Spire Outpost will roll back in time several decades to include characters, props, and even musical scores from the original Star Wars films. Soon, visitors will be able to meet Darth Vader, Leia Organa, Han Solo, and Luke Skywalker within the Outer Rim outpost. Accentuating that area’s atmosphere will be the beloved scores of the legendary composer John Williams from the first six Star Wars films.
Meanwhile, the forested area outside the marketplace will remain in the era of the prequel films, with characters like Rey and the rest of the Resistance continuing their fight against the First Order.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge first opened in Disneyland Park in California on May 31, 2019, and at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida on August 29, 2019. Originally, the themed area was set on the fictional planet of Batuu, existing within the timeline of the Star Wars sequel trilogy: The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker.
At Disney World, the land’s theming was consistent with the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel, which opened on Mar. 1, 2022. However, since that hotel closed on Sep. 30, 2023, the land has since been undergoing retooling in Disney World and Disneyland.
The first of many changes began when both the Mandalorian and Grogu (affectionately referred to by fans as Baby Yoda) started appearing at Disneyland on Nov. 18, 2022, and at Hollywood Studios in Mar. 2023. Both Mando and Grogu will be appearing in the attraction, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, on May 22, 2026, in both Disneyland and Disney World.
While many of the big changes to the land’s timeline will be coming to Disneyland later this year, only time will tell when these changes will appear at Hollywood Studios.
Regardless of when Galaxy’s Edge will be set in the Star Wars timeline, both lands in Disneyland and Disney World will continue to allow guests to experience fun in a galaxy far, far away.
The City of Winter Haven is currently hiring for a variety of full-time and part-time positions, offering opportunities for those interested in a career in public service.
Openings are available across several city departments and include positions such as part-time library assistant, commercial refuse operator, water department superintendent, utility electrician, and more.
City officials encourage qualified candidates to explore these opportunities and apply online. A full list of available positions, job descriptions, and application details can be found at: https://ow.ly/fpEv50Y0acw
Both full-time and part-time roles are available, providing options for job seekers with different schedules and experience levels.
From Music to the Water: How Social Media Connects Communities Through Authentic Stories
By Zee Zamora
Social media often gets criticized for division, distraction, and negativity, but it can also do something powerful: connect people who might never have met and shine a light on the hardworking, talented neighbors in our own communities. That is exactly what happened with Stuart, Florida boat builder and songwriter Sterling French, whose story shows what happens when passion, grit, and faith meet the right kind of attention online.
A Life Built on Passion and Precision
Sterling French, now 38 years old as of January 10, was born in Sebastian and raised in Stuart, Florida, where his love for music and the water started early. He saved up for his first guitar at 12 years old, and before long he and his high school band were playing shows all over town, feeding a creative fire that never really went out. At the same time, he was learning the rhythms of the river and the ocean, fishing inshore until he could get his boat certification and start fishing offshore around age 14.
By 15, Sterling was already working at Bonadéo BoatWorks, building custom center consoles and absorbing everything he could about high-end boat construction. That hands‑on experience, combined with years on the water, laid the foundation for a reputation built not just on skill, but on consistency and integrity.
From Commercial Fishing to Reputation Tech
After fixing up an old 24‑foot Stamas, Sterling spent several years commercial fishing, casting nets through the winter for mackerel and mullet, then targeting kingfish in the spring and summer. In between, he free‑dived and spearfished to help supplement his income, living a true Florida waterman lifestyle that demanded toughness and resourcefulness.
As he grew older, Sterling poured himself into mastering every aspect of custom boat building. In 2020, he took the leap and started his own company, Reputation Composite Services, a name that reflects what matters most to him: doing work so meticulous that the results speak louder than any advertisement. Over roughly six years of working for himself, he has not had a single unhappy client, a point of pride that underscores how seriously he takes every project. His craftsmanship is so detailed that Awlgrip, a respected marine paint brand, has featured his work on its site, adding industry validation to a word‑of‑mouth reputation built one boat at a time.
Kara, the Kids, and a Family Legacy
Sterling’s life is not just about boats and songs; it is deeply rooted in family. He met his wife, Kara, in February of 2017, and the two were married in the Florida Keys on October 5, 2023. Together they are raising three young children: Silas, Kami, and Sawyer, now 4, 2, and 1 years old. The demands of running a business, providing for a family, and staying true to his values all shape the stories he tells in his music.
That sense of family and responsibility stretches back a generation. Sterling grew up hunting the orange groves out west with his father, Steve French, who took him and his brothers—his twin brother Steele and his brother Stephenson—out to sight in rifles and hunt deer and hogs. They still head out to places like OK Corral and up to their hunting camp near Panama City, keeping alive a tradition of time outdoors, putting food on the table, and strengthening family bonds. Steve raised the three boys by himself, a fact Sterling credits with instilling resilience, work ethic, and loyalty—traits that show up in both his business and his music.
Returning to Music and “Florida Way of Life”
For a while, life pulled Sterling away from music as work, family, and the realities of adulthood took center stage. But about a year ago, he picked the guitar back up and began writing and recording again, reconnecting with the creative outlet that first helped define him. Out of that renewed focus came his new song, “Florida Way of Life,” a track that reflects both the beauty and the struggle of living and raising a family in a place like Stuart.
The song is a reflection on holding the line—staying true to the Lord, to one’s family, and to the obligations of being a provider, even when times are hard and pressures mount. It speaks to anyone who has ever loved where they live, yet felt the weight of making ends meet in a changing world. “Florida Way of Life” is scheduled to be released this Friday, January 23, giving listeners a chance to hear, in Sterling’s own words and melodies, the story he has been living for decades.
Social Media as a Force for Good
In an era where timelines are flooded with arguments, sensational headlines, and empty trends, Sterling’s story is a reminder that social media can still do something undeniably good. By sharing videos of his boat builds, clips of his original songs, and moments from life with Kara and the kids, he has allowed others to see the person behind the work: a craftsman, a father, a husband, and a man of faith doing his best to honor his commitments.
That authenticity has helped new clients find him, brought attention from respected brands, and connected him with people who appreciate both his craftsmanship and his art. It is proof that when used with the right intentions, these platforms can amplify good work, strengthen community connections, and introduce us to people who might otherwise stay unseen—people like Sterling French, whose story is worth knowing and whose song, “Florida Way of Life,” is worth hearing.
Notice is hereby given that Lake Wales Storage intends to sell the property described below to enforce a lien under the Florida Self Storage Facility Act, Statutes (section 83.80-83.809). The owner will sell at public auction on or after February 11,2026 at 10:00 am at storageauctions.com
Units belonging to the following:
Robert Mitchell/Unit 406
This sale will be continued on such succeeding sale days thereafter as may be necessary to be completed. Unless otherwise noted units contain household items.
Those looking for a fun and creative way to celebrate Valentine’s Day are invited to attend the Brushes and Bites – Valentine’s Day Edition, hosted by Haines City Parks and Recreation.
The event will take place on February 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Lake Eva Community Center. Participants will have the opportunity to unleash their inner artist while enjoying delicious snacks in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Whether attending solo or with a date, Brushes and Bites is designed to be a memorable evening focused on creativity, connection, and fun. No prior art experience is required, making it a great option for anyone looking to try something new this Valentine’s season.
The cost to attend is $10 per person or $15 per couple, with payment accepted at the door. The event is open to ages 18 and older.
For more information, contact Haines City Parks and Recreation at 863-421-3700.
Taking care of your heart with healthy behaviors may be at the top of your wellness priority list already, and there may be good news about the effects of adhering to expert recommendations.
New information from the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease & Stroke Statistics Update shows deaths from heart disease and stroke are on the decline. However, rates continue to climb for high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity – all of which are health risk factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease.
Following expert guidance can be your prescription for better health as 80% of heart disease and stroke is preventable.
To help maintain and improve your cardiovascular health, consider following the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8, which is a set of four health behaviors (eat better, be more active, quit tobacco and get healthy sleep) and four health factors (manage weight, control cholesterol, manage blood sugar and manage blood pressure.)
In the United States, optimal Life’s Essential 8 scores could prevent up to 40% of annual all-cause and cardiovascular disease deaths among adults.
Consider these highlights from the statistics update:
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. and stroke is the No. 4 leading cause of death.
Together, heart disease and stroke accounted for more than a quarter of all deaths in the U.S. in 2023.
Cardiovascular diseases, including all types of heart disease and stroke, claim more lives in the U.S. each year than all forms of cancer and accidental deaths — the Nos. 2 and 3 causes of death – combined.
On average, every 34 seconds, someone died of cardiovascular disease in 2023.
On average, about two people died of heart disease every 3 minutes in the U.S. in 2023.
On average in 2023, someone died of stroke every 3 minutes, 14 seconds in the U.S.
Nearly half of U.S. adults now have high blood pressure.
Nearly 29.5 million U.S. adults have diagnosed diabetes.
About 50% of U.S. adults have obesity or severe obesity, and 28.1% of youth ages 2-19 have obesity.
Only 1 in 4 U.S. adults meets national physical activity guidelines. Only 1 in 5 U.S. youths ages 6-17 are physically active for 60 minutes or more every day of the week.
To learn more about how to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, visit heart.org.
City of Winter Haven Approves Construction of 1.25-mile Rail Spur from CSX to Chick-Fil-A Storage Facility by James Coulter
A railroad spur connecting the Winter Haven CSX Intermodal Terminal to a planned food-grade cold storage facility will soon be under construction now that the City of Winter Haven has approved a grant, cooperation, and construction agreement for the project.
At their regular meeting on Mon. Jan. 12, Winter Haven city commissioners voted unanimously to approve the first reading of three ordinances about a proposed railroad spur.
The first ordinance approves securing a $1,500,000 grant agreement from the Department of Commerce for the project’s design and construction.
The second ordinance approves a cooperation agreement among the three main parties involved in the project, including the City of Winter Haven, Chick-fil-A’s subsidiary distribution company Supply Properties II, LLC (CFA), and the property seller Tratt Properties, LLC (Tratt).
The third ordinance approves awarding the construction contract for the project to R.W. Summers Railroad Contractors, Inc. At $3,330,202, their bid was the lowest and most responsive of the three bids received.
The proposed rail spur project will install 1.25 miles of track running from the CSX Southern Wye track to a planned 41-acre Chick-fil-A food-grade, cold storage facility.
On Dec. 9, 2024, the City of Winter Haven submitted a grant application to the Department of Commerce. The grant was awarded on Mar. 10, 2025, with the grant announced by the Governor at Winter Haven’s Central Florida Intermodal Logistics Park.
The construction’s total cost is estimated to be approximately $3,300,000, with the City responsible for the full $1,500,000 in grant funds, and the remaining costs covered by Tratt and CFA.
“When the project is complete, the City will transfer ownership of the rail spur, and rights to the easements within which the rail spur will be constructed, to a commercial property owners’ association known as Central Florida Intermodal Logistics Park Property Owners’ Association, Inc, which will be financially responsible for ongoing maintenance and operation expenses,”wrote Eric Labbe, Economic Opportunity & Community Investment Director.
Cyber Crimes Unit detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 22-year-old Adrian Sanchez of Ft. Meade, a CT Tech at Advent Health Sebring, and charged him with 16 counts of promoting sexual performance of a child and possession of child pornography (F2) after PCSO received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that the Kik messenger app he was using was utilized to upload and send videos depicting child pornography.
Detectives determined that at least six videos and images of children being sexually abused were uploaded and distributed from an IP address associated with a residence in Ft. Meade. A search warrant was obtained to receive and review the files. Of the 31 total files provided, 17 were confirmed to contain child sexual abuse images (child pornography) involving male and female prepubescent children between the ages of 4 to 12 years old being sexually battered by adult males. The remaining files did show pornographic material but were age indeterminate.
Records also showed that Sanchez shared these files with other Kik users 16 times and exchanged messages seeking to trade additional child pornography (the basis for the 16 counts of promoting sexual performance of a child). One of the videos he shared depicts a female child as young as 4 to 6 years old being sexually abused by an adult male.
During the investigation in January 2026, detectives responded to the home where Sanchez lives with his family. When detectives interviewed Sanchez, he admitted to operating the account and sharing the files. There is no evidence that he has had any inappropriate physical contact with any child. A review of other devices in the home confirmed no additional illicit material.
Sanchez was taken into custody at his home on Friday, January 16, 2026, and booked into the Polk County Jail.
The Department of Children and Families was notified due to the presence of minor children in the home. A full forensic analysis of the seized devices is ongoing.
“Anyone who seeks out or shares child sexual abuse material is exploiting real children who are being or have been victimized. Our detectives work these cases relentlessly because every image represents a child who deserves protection. This man was sharing horrific images of children being sexually abused, and that makes him a predator — and predators belong in jail. Our detectives made sure he got there.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
On Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at approximately 10:40 a.m., crews from the Winter Haven Fire Department along with Polk County Fire responded to a structure fire at Jarrett-Gordon Ford, located at 3015 Lake Alfred Rd(Hwy 17) in Winter Haven.
Crews found an active fire located in the service bays on the back part of the property. The fire quickly spread to approximately 20 vehicles inside engulfing the entire service bay.
Crews from Winter Haven Fire, Polk County Fire and Lake Alfred Fire quickly attacked the fire containing it to the service bays. There were multiple hazards on scene to include 2,000 gallons of oil and multiple different fuel sources.
All occupants were evacuated and there are no reported injuries to either the dealership staff or firefighters. The fire was under control in approximately 35 minutes. Crews remain on scene in the final stages of extinguishment to ensure there are no hot spots.
The State Fire Marshal is on scene in coordination with Winter Haven Fire investigators.
Drivers should note Hwy 17 from Havendale Blvd. to Hwy 92 will be shut down to thru traffic due to the equipment in the area, which could last until approximately 3 p.m.
Cooking on the Ridge: Glazed Barbecue Chicken Thighs
by James Coulter
Barbecue season is upon us in Polk County, a time when cities across the county fire up their grills and host their own barbecue competitions.
Lakeland will be hosting Pigfest on Jan. 23. Winter Haven will be hosting Smoke off the Water on Feb. 6 and 7. And Haines City will be hosting Ribs on the Ridge on Feb. 20 and 21.
Sadly, as I no longer reside in the county, I won’t be able to attend any of them. I miss being able to cover these events and sample some finger-licking barbecue in the process. I especially loved the barbecue nachos served at Pigfest.
So, I’ve been doing the next best thing and testing out my homemade barbecue and hot sauces with barbecue made at home on the grill. (Or rather, my relatives’ grill!)
Yes, I’ve been experimenting with making my own barbecue sauces and hot sauces. Will I ever share the recipes? Perhaps another time. For now, I’ll be sharing one of the recipes I tested my sauces on: glazed chicken thighs.
My relatives have been showing me how to man the grill, and I’ve managed to prepare some great dishes on it, including this one. My homemade sauce paired well with the chicken thighs cooked to juicy, mouth-watering perfection.
Originally, I planned to serve them with rice and peas. However, the lack of peas meant corn would be the next best thing. Either way, it was a good meal, and the mango salsa paired well with the tropical taste of my mango habanero sauce.
Whether you choose to prepare them on the grill or on the stove, these chicken thighs will prove finger-licking good when glazed with your favorite barbecue sauce, be it store-bought or homemade.
*****
Glazed Barbecue Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
• 2 lbs. chicken thighs
• ½ –¾ cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tbsp. neutral oil (only needed for stovetop)
Seasoning
• 2 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1½ tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1½ tsp. kosher salt
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• Optional: ½ tsp cayenne (for extra heat)
Preparation
1. Pat the chicken dry.
2. Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over all sides.
3. Let it rest 30 minutes. (Or refrigerate overnight.)
Grill Directions
1. Preheat grill to medium‑high heat (about 400°F).
2. Oil the grates lightly.
3. Place chicken thighs skin‑side down (if using skin‑on).
4. Grill 5–7 minutes per side, or until nearly cooked through.
5. Brush with sauce and grill 2–3 minutes per side, letting the glaze caramelize but not burn.
6. Cook until internal temp reaches 165°F.
Stovetop Directions
1. Heat a large skillet over medium‑high heat and add 1 tbsp. oil.
2. Sear chicken thighs 4–6 minutes per side until browned.
3. Reduce heat to medium‑low.
4. Brush on sauce and cook 3–5 minutes, flipping and glazing until sticky and fully cooked (165°F).
5. If the glaze thickens too quickly, add a splash of water to loosen it.
