City of Winter Haven Approves Mobile Food Vending for Lake Ashton II
by James Coulter
Food trucks and other mobile food vendors will now be allowed at special events in Lake Ashton II following a recent ordinance change.
At their regular meeting on Mon. Jan. 12, Winter Haven city commissioners unanimously approved an amendment to the Planned Unit Development (PUD) Ordinance for Lake Ashton II.
The change adds mobile food vending as a permitted use on the property, located east of County Road 653 and west of Rattlesnake Lake, within a neighborhood of single‑family homes.
With the amendment, the site will follow all mobile vending regulations outlined in the Winter Haven Code of Ordinances.
“Community events are held at the Lake Ashton II amenity center, and organizers plan to include mobile food vendors,” said Senior Planner Heather Reuter.
She noted that because the property is already developed, the change is not expected to impact public infrastructure.
Created in 2005, Lake Ashton II is the Community Development District (CDD) overseeing the eastern half of the Lake Ashton master‑planned community in Winter Haven. Lake Ashton I governs the western portion of Lake Wales. As such, any modifications within Lake Ashton II require approval from the City of Winter Haven.
City of Winter Haven Approves Mobile Food Vending for Lake Ashton II
Weekend Events & Activities in Winter Haven
Winter Haven offers a full slate of community events this weekend, blending culture, creativity, and local tradition across the city.
MLK Week Film Screening — Friday
Time: 2:00 p.m. Location: Winter Haven Public Library The Winter Haven Public Library will host a special film screening in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Week. The film highlights a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement and offers a meaningful educational experience for teens and adults. Admission is free.
Monsters Wrestling Orlando – Men’s Championship Tournament – Friday
Time: Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Wrestling begins at 8:00 p.m.
Monsters Wrestling Orlando – Men’s Championship Tournament at Tanners Lakeside
Cypress Gardens Water Ski Show — Saturday
Time: 3:30 p.m. Main show 4:00 p.m. Location: Lake Silver at Martin Luther King Jr. Park One of Winter Haven’s most iconic traditions returns Saturday afternoon with a free Cypress Gardens Water Ski Show. Performed by members of the original Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team, the show features synchronized routines, classic ski stunts, and lakeside entertainment. Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.
Board Game Meet – Saturday
Time: 11:00 a.m. Location: Winter Haven Public Library
Florida Arbor Day Celebration and Tree Giveaway – Saturday
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Join us at South Central Park on Saturday, January 17th for a free tree giveaway for your property.
Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Celebration – Saturday
Time: 10:00 a.m. Location: MLK Blvd
Vision Board Party — Friday
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Location: Wilfred Smith Resource Center
Get ready to dream big and get creative at the Tween Vision Board Party from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at the Wilfred Smith Resource Center, 135 Ave. Y NE, Winter Haven.
Participants will create vision boards while exploring personal goals, expressing creativity and connecting with others in the community. The event is open to youths ages 11 and older.
Registration is required. For information or to register, call (863) 298-7898.
Live Entertainment & Local Venues —
Locations: Tanners Lakeside and Cypresswood Pub
Local venues around Winter Haven often host live music, performances, and special events throughout the weekend. Showtimes vary by venue.
This Day in History January 16, 1919: Prohibition Ratified By The States
The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, prohibiting the “manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors for beverage purposes,” is ratified by the requisite number of states on January 16, 1919.
The movement for the prohibition of alcohol began in the early 19th century, when Americans concerned about the adverse effects of drinking began forming temperance societies. By the late 19th century, these groups had become a powerful political force, campaigning on the state level and calling for total national abstinence. In December 1917, the 18th Amendment, also known as the Prohibition Amendment, was passed by Congress and sent to the states for ratification.
Nine months after Prohibition‘s ratification, Congress passed the Volstead Act, or National Prohibition Act, over President Woodrow Wilson’s veto. The Volstead Act provided for the enforcement of prohibition, including the creation of a special unit of the Treasury Department. One year and a day after its ratification, prohibition went into effect—on January 17, 1920—and the nation became officially dry.
Despite a vigorous effort by law-enforcement agencies, the Volstead Act failed to prevent the large-scale distribution of alcoholic beverages, and organized crime flourished in America. In 1933, the 21st Amendment to the Constitution was passed and ratified, repealing prohibition.
Article source: history.com
Man Arrested After Car Wash Disturbance in Davenport
A disturbance was reported at a car wash in Davenport on Tuesday afternoon, January 13th.
At around 2:30 pm, PCSO deputies responded and met with an employee at the car wash.
The employee reported that a man was on the property arguing with other customers. Those customers complained to staff, and the man was asked to leave. He refused and began arguing with the staff.
Two deputies made contact with the suspect, and he refused to identify himself, saying that he didn’t have to.
He was wrong. And the deputies explained that he definitely must identify himself. He again refused.
Deputies began to arrest the man, but he continued to be uncooperative, and even attempted to take a Taser from one of the deputies.
The suspect was secured in the back of a patrol vehicle and identified as 56-year old Jose Alfredo Velez from Celebration. It was Jose’s birthday. However, there was probably no celebration for him that evening.
Jose Velez was charged with: Resisting with Violence, Depriving an Officer Means of Protection, Trespassing, and Resisting without Violence. His vehicle was also towed away.
Jose’s prior criminal history includes Child Abuse and DWLSR.
Live Music Coming to Winter Haven
Winter Haven music lovers have plenty to look forward to over the next week and beyond, with local venues hosting a variety of live performances ranging from acoustic sessions to full bands. Here’s a look at what’s coming up around town:
Sage Sessions at Sage Cocktail Lounge
Sage Cocktail Lounge will host a special edition of Sage Sessions featuring Alyssa Novis on January 27, from 6–9 p.m. Guests can enjoy an intimate evening of live music paired with craft cocktails in a relaxed lounge atmosphere.
Tanner’s Lakeside
Tanner’s Lakeside continues its tradition of waterfront entertainment with a full schedule of live music:
Tony Knight — January 15 at 4:30 p.m.
Got Ur 6 — January 16 at 7 p.m.
Strictly Business — January 17 at 2 p.m.
Cypresswood Pub
Cypresswood Pub will be buzzing with live performances throughout the week:
Adrienne — January 15
The Grateful Alive — January 16
We Three Strings featuring Micah Madore — January 17
With multiple venues and a wide range of musical styles, Winter Haven offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back acoustic set or a lively band performance, these local shows are a great way to support live music in the community.
Free Water Ski Show Set for January 17 at Lake Silver
Winter Haven residents and visitors are invited to enjoy an exciting afternoon on the water as the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team presents a free water ski show on January 17, at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, located at 175 South Lake Silver Drive.
The preshow begins at 3:30 p.m., followed by the main show at 4:00 p.m. Spectators can expect high-energy performances featuring skilled skiers, impressive formations, jumps, and classic water-ski showmanship.
Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket to relax along the shoreline and enjoy the show. Concessions will be available on site, making it easy to grab a snack or drink while watching the action. The event is also pet-friendly, so well-behaved pets on leashes are welcome.
This family-friendly event is free to attend and offers a great way to spend an afternoon outdoors while supporting a local water ski tradition. Arrive early to get a good viewing spot and enjoy the preshow excitement before the main performance hits the water.
Lakeland Man Injured in Early Morning I-75 Tractor-Trailer Crash in Hillsborough County
A commercial motor vehicle crash temporarily disrupted traffic along Interstate 75 in Hillsborough County early Thursday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred around 3:10 a.m. on January 15, 2026, near the 261 milepost on southbound I-75. Troopers say a tractor-trailer driven by a 32-year-old man from Lakeland was traveling southbound when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The truck entered the median and overturned.
The driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The crash resulted in a partial roadblock, impacting traffic in the area until approximately 6:00 a.m.
In Loving Memory of Barbara Ann Bellinger
Barbara Ann Bellinger
February 27th, 1951 – December 10th, 2025
Our precious mother, Barbara Ann Lowell Bellinger, passed away on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025 at the age of 74. She devoted her life to her children & especially to her grandchildren, leaving her friends and family in upstate New York moving to Florida during the height of hurricane season in 2004 (4 hurricanes in 6 weeks!) Always a bright light on a dark night, she smiled and laughed as we all played card games by candlelight until the power resumed. Barbara helped her three daughters raise their 8 beautiful children.
Barbara is survived by (and her love continues living through) her 3 daughters: Jeanette Holdridge along with son-in-law Howard, Kimberly Lopez along with son-in-law Frank & Carrie DeLisle along with son-in-law Steve. 7 grandchildren: Luke LaGoy, Alexandra Carlson, Nicholas Koss, Ryan Rawls, Tristin Granish, Jake & Jayda Taylor. 2 great grandchildren: Madelyn LaGoy & Colton LaGoy. 4 sisters: Joan Lowell Billings, Carol McCumber, Diane Elliot & Eileen Wagner 2 brothers: Joe Lowell & Tim Lowell as well as 7 extended grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
Barbara is reunited in Heaven with her granddaughter Emily LaGoy, her brothers: Robert Lowell & Michael Lowell her parents: Ken & Ann Lowell and her companion Max Lowe.
Barbara never wanted to be the center of attention, so her memorial celebration of life luncheon will be held in leu of a funeral, in the home she shared with her daughter Kimberly Bellinger Lopez, son-in-law Frank, and twin grandchildren Jacob & Jayda Taylor on Monday January 19th, 2026 in Winter Haven, Florida. Please reach out to the family if you wish to attend.
In Loving Memory of Quy Van Vuong
Quy Van Vuong
June 26th, 1942 – December 22nd, 2025
Quy Van Vuong, 83, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025, in Winter Haven, Florida.
Born on June 26, 1942, in Nam Dinh, Vietnam, Quy lived a life defined by courage, perseverance, and deep devotion to family. He graduated as a pilot from Naval Air Station Pensacola and served as a C-130 pilot in the Republic of Vietnam Air Force. During the Vietnam War, his pilot status and friendships with members of the U.S. Air Force enabled him to help his family flee Vietnam safely – an act of bravery and love that shaped generations.
After arriving in the United States, the Vuong family was sponsored by St. Joseph’s Catholic Church – where they found support, faith, and community as they rebuilt their lives. Winter Haven became Quy’s longtime home and the place where he built his American life alongside his beloved wife, Lieu Thi Nguyen.
Quy began his career working at Farmland Phosphate before pursuing his passion in the restaurant industry. Over the years, he opened Oriental Express (Eagle Lake), Mr. Vuong’s Restaurant (on Ave K across from Winter Haven Mall), and Taipan Restaurant (Spring Lake Square). These restaurants became well-known gathering places where good food, laughter, and conversation were always on the menu.
In 1993, Quy took on a leadership role as District Manager for Manchu Wok, prompting a family move to Pittsburgh. His territory spanned Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia. In 1995, he purchased a Manchu Wok franchise located in Circle Centre Mall in Indianapolis. Under his ownership, the location became one of only four Manchu Wok restaurants in the country at the time to exceed $1 million in annual sales. He remained dedicated to the business until his retirement.
Outside of work, Quy was known as a stylish dresser with a quick wit and a genuine love of people. He easily struck up conversations wherever he went, loved good food – especially cooking it – and enjoyed bringing others together. He remained closely connected with his fellow Vietnamese Air Force friends, often reminiscing about his flying days and the bonds formed during that time.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mai Van Vuong and Cay Thi Pham; his wife, Lieu Thi Nguyen; and his siblings Sinh Van Vuong and Loi Van Vuong. He is survived by his children, Janet Vuong and Diep Vuong; his siblings Hue Vuong Dang (husband Deacon Nuoc Van Dang), Chinh Van Vuong (wife Tu Nguyen Vuong), and Hong Vuong Stiger (husband Wesley Kenneth Stiger); the spouses of his late siblings, Huyen Pham Vuong and Nguyet Thi Nguyen; and 22 nieces and nephews, along with many extended family members.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Winter Haven, Florida. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that Mass intentions, prayers, or memorial donations be offered to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Quy’s memory.
In Loving Memory of Christopher R Davis
Christopher R Davis
June 26th, 1947 – January 12th, 2026
Christopher R. Davis, 78, passed away on January 12, 2026, in Winter Haven, Florida. He courageously battled against AML for the past 4 years. His parents were Robert D. Davis and Grace I. (Heist) Davis. He was married to Susan M. (Kehm) Davis for the past 54 years. Chris grew up in Allentown, PA. He served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Winston. He held an associate degree in electronics and also taught carpentry at Lehigh County VoTech. He was employed by Air Products, Daveland and Lutron prior to establishing C & R Carpentry with his father that provided 30 plus years of custom building and woodworking. Chris loved music, he was a drummer and singer in numerous bands, including Jynx, Playback and Not Quite Right. He also loved boating and waterskiing, including barefoot skiing. Each year he would construct a model train display for others to enjoy.
Chris is survived by his wife Susan K. Davis, two sisters, Susan L. Ford (Harold) and Diane L. Newhard (Alfred), four nephews, one niece, three great nephews, and one great niece. Chris will be remembered for his enjoyment of life that he shared with the people around him, for his many talents, for his humor, and his drive to repair and make things better than he had found them. He was very loved and will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 16 at 2:00 PM at the Davis residence in Florida.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Moffitt Cancer Center for AML Research 12902 Magnolia Dr. MBC-FOU Tampa, FL 33612 or The Reverand C. Harry Kehm and Helen E. Kehm Scholarship Fund at Grace UCC Church, 623 Cleveland ST. Allentown, PA 18103.