Kevin M. Chioma, age 69, passed away Friday, January 9, 2026. He was born October 29, 1956 in Avon Park, FL. Kevin was a Veteran in the US Army. He was a Railroad Safety Inspector for the Florida Department of Transportation. Kevin was a member of the First Baptist Church of Fort Meade, a FFA Volunteer; Fort Meade High School Construction Academy and Former President of Polk County MADD chapter. He was preceded in death by his parents John & Norma Sue Chioma and his brother Kelly Chioma. Kevin is survivied by his wife Diann Chioma of Fort Meade, two daughters Shawna & Scott Whitener of Bartow, FL and Brittany & Omar Ochoa of Cherryville, NC, son Garry Chioma of Fort Meade, FL, three brothers David & Laura Chioma of Cocoa, FL, Vince & Kristin Chioma of Indian Harbour Beach, FL and Michael & Linda Collins of Sanford, FL, sister Debbie & Darryl Hicks of Sanford, FL, eight grandchildren Marshall, Ashley, Shelbie, Junior, Abigail, Landon, Emerson and Bowen three great grandchildren Enzo, Adalena and Jameson. Family will receive friends Friday, January 16, 2026 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the First Baptist Church of Fort Meade. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 am Friday, January 16, 2026 at the First Baptist Church. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com
Patricia Eileen Smith, 78, of Haines City, Florida, passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at Lake Mariam Health and Rehab Center in Winter Haven, Florida. She was born on November 17, 1947, in Tiffin, Ohio, to John and Mary Loverich Myers. Patricia moved to Florida in 1985 from Cincinnati, Ohio, first living in Orlando for three years before settling in Haines City, where she made her home. She worked faithfully as an accountant for Cheryl Martin, CPA, until her retirement in 2015. Patricia was a devoted member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Haines City, Florida.
Patricia had a deep love for life and many interests that brought her joy. She enjoyed photography, bird watching, baking, reading, working on puzzles, and playing cards and board games. A talented musician, she loved playing instruments and singing. Patricia was an avid Tampa Bay Rays fan and cherished spending time outdoors hiking and walking. Her faith was central to her life, and she loved her church community and attending services. Above all, Patricia adored her grandchildren and treasured every moment spent with her family. She will be remembered as sweet, kind, loving, and compassionate, with a wonderful sense of humor and a positive outlook. A friend to all, she always had a listening ear and saw the good in everyone she met.
Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Myers; her siblings, Richard Myers and Kathleen Shaw; and her grandson, Andrew Castro-Smith. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving husband of 56 years, Tommie Smith; her children, Jennifer Castro and husband Reinel of Turlock, California, and Adam Smith and wife Michelle of Winter Haven, Florida; her siblings, Gina Kirkpatrick and husband Mike of Columbus, Ohio, Mark Myers and wife Mary of Charlotte, North Carolina, Greg Myers and wife Myrtle of Columbus, Ohio, Tom Myers and wife Diana of Larue, Ohio, Julie Tombs and husband Mike of Marion, Ohio, Dan Myers and wife Dorothy of Marion, Ohio, and Chris Myers and wife Linda of North Carolina; her grandchildren, Kalyn Smith (16) and Camden Smith (10); and her great-grandson, David Castro (16).
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 21st, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Haines City, Florida. The family will be receiving friends at 9:00 AM.
Winter Haven City Commission Swears In Two Commissioners, Elects New Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem by James Coulter
One was a political newcomer continuing a family legacy; the other, the fifth African-American to serve on the Commission.Both were sworn in as city commissioners.
At their regular meeting on Mon., Jan. 13, the Winter Haven City Commission swore in Chad Davis and Clifton E. Dollison to Seats 4 and 5, respectively.
Davis, whose father served on the commission in 1976, now follows in his footsteps five decades later. He credited mentors Senator Kelly Stargel and Polk County Schools Superintendent Fred Hyde for guiding his path.
“I am truly very honored to be serving Winter Haven at capacity as a commissioner,” Davis said. “Now I do so humbly and to the best of my ability with God’s grace and for His glory.”
Clifton E. Dollison serves as the fifth African-American elected to the Winter Haven City Commission. Of those five commissioners, Dollison served as the pastor for three of them at First Missionary Baptist Church (FMBC), where he ministered for 31 years.
“There are people who are on the margins and the voiceless who are not given the opportunity to be heard, and so we are champions for justice, and we came..to speak truth to power to address issues that are systemic and problems about our country,” he said. “And so I am grateful for the privilege the city has given me to serve a full term.”
The Commission also recognized outgoing Mayor Nathaniel J. Birdsong Jr., Mayor Pro Tem Brian Yates, and Commissioner Bradley T. Dantzler with plaques presented by City Attorney Frederick J. Murphy Jr.
Birdsong, who has served seven years on the Commission and two as mayor, thanked the city for the opportunity and praised Dantzler’s contributions, particularly to the Chain of Lakes and Tennis complexes.
“You being on this commission and some of the things that you have done, we will forever remember,” he said.
Dantzler, the third-longest-serving commissioner in Winter Haven history, reflected on the city’s growth from a small town to Polk County’s second-largest city. He encouraged the Commission to continue working together to make the city even greater.
“Keep doing a good job and keep pulling the rope,” he said. “We can pull mountains. If we all pull the same way, we can move mountains.”
That evening, both Brian Yates and Tracey Mercer were elected and sworn in as the new Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem, respectively. Yates highlighted the city’s recent progress, especially in athletic facilities, and said he intends to build on that momentum: “We have made tremendous progress…and we need to build on recent developments.”
Mercer, a 25-year resident, emphasized her commitment to infrastructure improvements, support for local businesses, and open communication to ensure Winter Haven remains “a city we are all proud of.”
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned pursuant to the fictitious name statutes 865.09 Florida statues will register with the division of corporations of the state of Florida upon receipt of proof of publication of this notice the fictitious name to Hat Trick Cookies under which we are or intend to do business as in Polk County Florida that parties interested in said business enterprises are as follows Names or officers Joanne C. Johnson.
A powered paraglider flight ended with an unexpected ocean landing Friday just before noon off Singer Island.
According to officials, a 52-year-old man from Pompano Beach was flying a powered paraglider when the aircraft dropped out of the sky and splashed down in the ocean near Riviera Beach. The man was not injured in the incident.
The paraglider had lifted off from Ocean Cay Park in Jupiter and was traveling south when the unplanned landing occurred. Nearby beachgoers quickly swam out to assist the pilot and help guide both him and the craft safely back to shore.
City of Riviera Beach Ocean Rescue and Fire Rescue responded to the scene, along with police officers. The man’s equipment was loaded onto a police ATV and transported to the beach area.
Charles Patrick “Pat” Cloninger, 87, entered into eternal rest on December 10, 2025. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, Charles lived a life marked by faith, kindness, and unwavering love for his family and community.
Charles was affectionately known as “Granddaddy,” a role he embraced with joy and pride. His grandchildren will forever remember his warmth, wisdom, and gentle humor. He was a strong Christian man whose faith guided his life and inspired those around him. His devotion to God and his family was evident in every aspect of his journey.
Professionally, Charles dedicated many years to Publix, where he built lasting friendships with managers and employees alike. His colleagues admired his integrity, work ethic, and genuine care for others, making him a beloved figure in the workplace and beyond. Charles will be remembered as a man who never met a stranger, whose kindness touched countless lives, and whose love for his family was boundless. His presence brought joy, comfort, and strength to all who knew him.
He was predeceased by his parents, Janice Geraldine Smith Cloninger and Newell Melanchthon “Buddy” Cloninger; as well as his brothers, James Michael Cloninger, Timothy Newell Cloninger; and sister, Joanna Cloninger. Charles is survived by his loving wife of many years, Judith Hubbard Cloninger, who was his steadfast partner and closest companion. He leaves behind his son, Keith Cloninger and wife Janice Cloninger; and his daughter, Katrina Cloninger Moyer and husband Jeffrey Moyer. His legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren, Victoria Prosser, Madison Cloninger Marler (husband Timothy Marler), Konner Cloninger, Elizabeth Prosser, Andrew Moyer, Amanda Moyer, and Alexandra Moyer Orkins (husband Benjamin Orkins).
A celebration of Charles’s life will be held at First Presbyterian Haines City on Saturday, January 17, at 11:00 am, where family and friends will gather to honor his memory, share stories, and rejoice in the legacy he leaves behind.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following local charities:
Angel Care Ministry/Project Love
c/o Janey Powell
708 Santa Maria Dr
Winter Haven, FL 33884
George C. Forsythe Hospice House – Good Shepherd Hospice
Starting January 11, FDOT crews are kicking off a milling and resurfacing project on U.S. 17, stretching from Bartow to Winter Haven.
The work will happen overnight from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. to keep daytime disruptions to a minimum. Expect smoother roads, upgraded ADA curb ramps, and added rumble strips for safety. Please drive carefully in the work zone!
Photo source FDOT
“This FDOT pavement-only project will enhance ride quality along U.S. 17, beginning just north of Transport Road in Bartow, continuing through Eagle Lake, and ending at Avenue G SW in Winter Haven. Work includes milling and resurfacing, along with minor sidewalk repairs to bring facilities into compliance with current ADA standards.
Rumble strips will also be installed along the roadway edge lines through Eagle Lake to improve safety by providing audible and tactile alerts for drivers who drift out of their lane.
Lane closures on U.S. 17 will be restricted to nighttime hours, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., to minimize daytime impacts. Pedestrians should anticipate minor detours while sidewalk repairs are underway.”
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — An extraordinary milestone will be celebrated this week as Polk County woman Gertrude Williams, who currently resides in Winter Haven, turns 111 years old, marking more than a century of life, history, and connection to the community she has long called home.
Williams will be honored on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 1 p.m., during a birthday celebration at Vivo Healthcare Winter Haven, located at 2701 Lake Alfred Road. The event will bring together caregivers, residents, community members, and local leaders to recognize a life that has spanned generations.
Born on January 14, 1915, in Quincy, Florida, Williams’ story is deeply rooted in the state she has called home her entire life. Shortly after her birth, her father and eldest brother traveled to Lakeland in search of better economic opportunities. Believing they could build a stronger future there, her father soon returned to bring the rest of the family, including four other siblings, to Central Florida.
The family initially lived in a modest four-room house, but as the household grew, they later moved into a larger home to better accommodate everyone. Williams attended Washington Park High School, completing her education through the 10th grade. Her father worked the land, growing crops that helped sustain the family and instilled in his children the values of hard work and perseverance.
Throughout her adult life, Williams worked primarily as a maid and nanny, dedicating herself to caring for others. Although she married once, she did not have children of her own. Instead, she became a steady and meaningful presence in the lives of many families she served over the years.
Now a beloved resident at Vivo Healthcare Winter Haven, Williams is often described by those around her as a living piece of local history, someone who has witnessed more than a century of change while remaining deeply connected to the spirit of community.
As part of the celebration, invitations have been extended to community leaders, including Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and the Chief of the Winter Haven Police Department, to attend in honor of Williams’ milestone. Law enforcement has long held a special place of respect in her heart, and organizers say their presence would make the day even more meaningful.
“Mrs. Williams represents the heart of our community,” said Kelly R. Terwilliger, BSW, Account Executive for Concierge Home Care. “Turning 111 is an incredible achievement, and celebrating her life alongside those who serve and protect our community reflects the values of respect, connection, and compassion that Winter Haven stands for.”
The celebration will include birthday festivities, recognition of Williams’ life story, and an opportunity for residents, staff, and guests to come together to honor a woman whose life spans from the era of World War I to the modern day, a rare and remarkable journey that continues to inspire those around her.
For generations, America’s veterans have borne not only the visible scars of battle but also the hidden wounds of war. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, traumatic brain injury and anxiety have long haunted those who served, often with devastating effects on their quality of life and their families.
While traditional treatments have helped, many veterans continue to suffer in silence – left behind by a system struggling to meet their needs.
However, science is now reopening doors once closed, and therapies previously dismissed are being reconsidered with fresh eyes. Among them are psychedelic-assisted treatments, which have revealed potential in clinical trials to address the most severe mental health conditions afflicting veterans.
The FDA’s Role
Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved only one psychedelic-based medication: a ketamine nasal spray to treat depression. However, other compounds are gaining the attention of researchers, clinicians and veterans alike. Psilocybin – the active ingredient in “magic mushrooms” – and a drug similar to LSD have both earned FDA “breakthrough therapy” status for their potential to ease depression and anxiety, sometimes after only a single dose.
In 2017, MDMA-assisted therapy was identified as a potential breakthrough treatment option for PTSD; ultimately, the FDA declined to grant full approval. This setback underscored not a failure of science, but the complexity of studying powerful compounds under existing regulatory frameworks.
For veterans, it was a disappointment, yet it also spotlighted the urgent need for continued research and funding.
Veterans and Research at the Forefront
One compound has captured national attention: ibogaine, a psychedelic root traditionally used in ceremonies in central and west Africa. Early studies with special-operations veterans have found improvements in PTSD, depression, anxiety and overall functioning – especially for those living with the effects of traumatic brain injury.
Recognizing this potential, DAV (Disabled American Veterans) is championing these new approaches. At its 2025 National Convention, the organization hosted a groundbreaking psychedelics roundtable that brought together researchers, veterans, advocates and even a former NFL player to discuss the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapies.
The century-old organization supports research into these treatments, pointing out that traditional therapies can fail for as many as 60% of those who try them. It’s also advocating for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make psychedelic treatments available once they receive FDA approval.
“We are experiencing a watershed moment in medical research as psychedelic-assisted therapies have revealed true potential in clinical trials to treat severe mental health conditions,” said Barry Jesinoski, DAV’s National Adjutant. “This glimmer offers veterans contending with not only PTSD but depression, traumatic brain injury, anxiety and more hope in a world where the status quo is failing them.”
A New Mission
The promising results of these treatments spurred some states to commit funding toward research into psychedelic therapies or conduct legislative hearings to explore their role in advancing this science. The VA is now conducting studies on MDMA and psilocybin.
While more research is needed to fully understand their risks, benefits and best applications, for DAV, psychedelic medication represents both hope and responsibility. By advocating for rigorous research and ensuring veterans’ perspectives are central to the conversation, the organization is working to accelerate progress while safeguarding integrity.
Whether through psilocybin, MDMA, ibogaine or future discoveries, the mission is clear: fund the research, pursue the science and ensure America’s veterans are given every chance to heal.
