More than 60 years ago, a man dared to dream of a world where people, regardless of race and ethnicity, could live together in peace and harmony. One year later, the Civil Rights Act was passed, bringing the whole world one step closer to his dream.
Haines City will be celebrating the life and legacy of that man, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with their annual celebration, which includes a parade and unity day festival, on Saturday.
The celebration will begin with a parade through downtown at noon, starting at East Main Street and ending near Cook Field, where the Unity Day Program will be hosted following the end of the parade.
Sameka Atkins, Committee Chairwoman for the Haines City Northeast Revitalization Group, has been overseeing the annual celebration for many years.
According to their website, the Haines City Northeast Revitalization Group is a local non-profit organization dedicated to working toward “continued improvements for the beautification, education, safety and welfare of their community” and to “restore sense of community pride.”
“The progress we have made over the last few years has significantly increased,” she said. “We have done that by participating in local events and initiatives, and we support the city officials…to help bridge the gap on local issues and volunteer work.”
For more information about the event, visit the City of Haines City Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/hainescity
Do you love golf? Want to help raise funds “fore” a good cause? Then come on down to the 20th Annual VISTEBall on Sat. Feb 1.
Hosted at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus in Lakeland, VISTEBall allows attendees to enjoy golf-related games and activities including golf simulators, mini golf, and 50/50 raffles for golfing accessories.
And, of course, what fundraiser would be complete without food and drink? Nearly a dozen local resturaunts will be providing great food, including pasta, barbecue, and wings, at serving centers for the event’s main dinner.
Proceeds will go toward Volunteers in Service of the Elderly (VISTE), a local non-profit organization serving at-risk seniors in the greater Lakeland area, allowing them to live safely and independently in their own homes.
Steve Bissonnette, VISTE President, mentioned how their fundraiser was inspired by a trade show one of their members had attended. At the event was something called BirdieBall, an item that allows golfers to practice golfing in their own backyards.
“What he saw was the opportunity to turn that into games much like those at the Family Fun Center or Chuck E. Cheese, with the ability to play golf-themed games, get tickets, and trade those tickets in for prizes,” Bissonnette explained.
Over the past 20 years, VISTEBall has proven to be quite the popular fundraiser among its participants, to the point where they count down the days on the calendar until they can attend again, Bissonnette said.
“We find that there are a lot of new volunteers who come to us through their experience at this event,” he said. “What I hear the most from folks is that they keep coming back and that this is their signature event of the year, and we love to hear that.”
VISTEBall will be hosted on Sat. Feb. 1 at 6 PM at the Sun n Fun Expo Campus, located at 4075 James C. Ray Dr in Lakeland. For more info, visit VISTE.org.
Steve Bissonnette recently appeared on the Chattin on the Ridge podcast to discuss the upcoming fundraiser. Listen to the full episode on Acast: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/episodes/ep-52-honoring-mlk-at-visteball-wsameka-atkins-steve-bissonn
Bartow, Fla. (Jan. 24, 2025) – Polk County Parks and Recreation will host its 9th annual The Hunt for Sasquatch trail race beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, at Bone Valley ATV Park, located at 10427 County Road 630 West, Mulberry.
The park will be closed to all off-highway vehicles from 8 a.m. to noon, but will offer free entry to all off-highway vehicles and riders when it reopens.
The trail race includes a 10K, 5K, and 1-mile color fun run on the scenic trails of the park. Races will be timed by FITniche and conclude with an awards ceremony for various age groups. Participants can register for the race online at https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Mulberry/TheHuntforSasquatch. Registration costs include a t-shirt and swag bag, while supplies last. Race day registration is available for an additional $10 per race.
For more information on the park, along with all regulations, visit www.bonevalleyatv.com or call (863) 428-0525. Contact Parks and Recreation at (863) 534-6911 for more information about The Hunt for Sasquatch trail race.
Sebring Police Department was on scene of a multiple vehicle accident this afternoon just before 2:30pm in the Southbound Lanes of US Hwy 27 and New Life Way.
The fatality accident involved a bicyclist and two vehicles, one of which had rolled over. Unfortunately the 21 Year-Old Male bicyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two patients from the rollover vehicle were flown to a local trauma hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Two patients from the second vehicle were transported to a local hospital.
This scene is now clear and the accident will remain under investigation.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 23-year-old Chase Crabb of Kissimmee (Osceola County) for committing sexual offenses against a student at Haines City High School (HCHS).
In January of 2025, a 16-year-old female student reported to her mother that she received sexually charged messages and pictures from her former substitute teacher, “Mr. Chase,”
between December 2023 and December 2024. The victim and Crabb began communicating when the victim was 15. Their contact began over email, then progressed to text messages, and correspondence via Instagram, TikTok, and Discord. Crabb became sexually suggestive in his communications to the victim after discovering she and her boyfriend ended their relationship, sending multiple sexually suggestive messages to her, and pictures of his crotch. He also solicited nude photographs from the victim, and tried to convince her to engage in sexual intercourse with him.
The incident was reported to the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), and a follow up investigation was initiated by the DCF and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on January 15, 2025.
Some of the text messages sent by Crabb to the victim include:
10/02/24 – “Uhhhhh, I mean is it wrong for me to be sexually attracted to a minor? WHO SAID THAT”
10/22/24 – “Nah cause they won’t be interesting [adult females] It’s more fun to groom heh”
10/23/24 – “The only time I’d cut your off is if I genuinely felt like if I continued the police would come after me.”
“Sexual exploitation of any child by anyone, in every circumstance is horrific and unacceptable, especially when it’s a substitute teacher. They are trusted to guide and protect our kids, not take advantage of them. When someone in that role crosses the line, it’s a serious betrayal of trust. We’re committed to making sure anyone who harms a child is held accountable and faces the consequences for their actions.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
“It’s unacceptable and disgusting for any educator to use their position to have inappropriate contact with a student. People who behave this way will be caught, and we fully support the efforts of law enforcement to help protect our students.” – Fred Heid, Superintendent, Polk County Public Schools
Chase Crabb has been charged with transmission of harmful material to a minor and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, both felonies in the third degree.
Crabb was formerly employed as a substitute teacher by Kelly Services, working in Polk County Public Schools. He last worked as a substitute teacher at Haines City High in March 2024, and was later terminated as a substitute by Kelly Services due to inactivity. PCPS did not receive any reports of inappropriate behavior during Crabb’s service as a substitute.
Bartow, FL – January 23, 2025) – The Bartow City Commission will hold a Public Workshop regarding the pros and cons of adding fluoride to the City’s water supply on Tuesday, February 18 from 6 -8 pm at the Bartow Civic Center, 2250 Floral Ave.
Panelists will include Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Lapado and American Fluoridation Society President Dr. Johnny Johnson. Following presentations on both sides of the issue, there will be an opportunity for questions and public comments.
Based on the information and feedback gleaned from the meeting, the Commission will vote on whether to continue to add fluoride to City water at a future regular meeting.
Heather Wolfe Godwin, age 49 passed away January 21, 2025. She was born October 23, 1975 in Bartow, FL to Ralph & Sandy Wolfe.
Heather graduated from Bartow High School class of 1993. She was a Registered Nurse and worked for Good Shepherd Hospice.
Heather is survived by her husband William “Billy” Godwin of Bartow, son Brady Godwin (Taylor) of Lakeland, daughter Riley Godwin (Gregory) of Bartow, parents Ralph & Sandy Wolfe of Lakeland, and brother Jason Wolfe & wife Shari of Bartow. Mother in law Jean Godwin of Bartow. Heather was also survied by many Aunts, Uncles, Nieces ,Nephews and Cousins.
Family will receive friends Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home in Bartow, FL. A Celebration of Heather’s Life will follow at 3:00 pm Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Heather’s honor to Good Shepherd Hospice. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com
“We are thrilled to host this cherished tradition for its 12th year,” said Clerk Butterfield. “It’s an honor to help couples create a stress-free, joyful, and memorable start to their new life together on such a meaningful day.”
Couples may register when applying for a marriage license at any of the three Clerk’s office locations—the Bartow Courthouse, Lakeland Government Center, or the Northeast Government Center in Lake Alfred. To register, they simply need to state they would like to participate in the event.
All couples must apply for a marriage license and register for the event by Tuesday, Feb. 11.
Couples must submit the first part of the marriage license application online before visiting any of the three Clerk’s offices to complete the application.
Both individuals must be present to finalize their marriage license, and both must have a valid form of photo ID. Couples must also make sure they know their Social Security Number. The Clerk is waiving the $30 ceremony fee; however standard marriage license fees do apply.
For more information or to register for the wedding, call the Official Records Department at 863-534-4516 or visit the Clerk’s office online at www.PolkCountyClerk.net. Like and follow the Clerk’s Facebook and Instagram pages for updates and announcements.
As folks who sell firearms, John & Yashera Phillips know how easy it is for an emergency to occur. For that reason, they gladly accepted a donation of an automated external defibrillator (AED) for their store.
On Tuesday evening, Wild Wild West Arms in Dundee received the 57th AED donated by Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation (CCF). CCF volunteers helped install the AED, while a safety demonstration was also provided.
“We were excited and very pleased to be picked to receive the AED,” John Phillips said. “Being around firearms, and having a large volume of customers, I feel it will add great benefit as a lifesaving tool in our environment.”
Sara Michaels, who previously worked as an assistant manager, had reached out to the CCF to request an AED for the store. Michaels wanted to ensure the safety of staff and customers, as a store employee had previously suffered a heart incident.
“Tragedy knows no time frames,” she said. “Every single business should have one of these devices under their roof. You never know when that moment is going to strike and it’s in YOUR hands to try to save a life.”
Ed Caraway, who had worked in customer service for three years, was the employee who experienced that incident. He suffered a panic attack when his blood sugar dropped low. Fortunately, he survived that incident, and he is thankful an AED has been donated to ensure other people can likewise survive similar emergencies.
“I got nervous and started sweating and believe I didn’t know what was happening,” he explained. “I was lucky it was just my sugar had dropped too low but you never know when it could be a heart attack Melanie you and your team gave a great orientation I enjoyed it.”
Both Michaels and her employers have supported the CCF ever since its inception. They have personally known its founder, Melanie Brown Culpepper, for many years. They have seen her do many good things, even when bad things have happened to her.
Melanie started CCF four years ago following the untimely passing of her late fiancée, Michael Culpepper, who had passed away from cardiac arrest. Not wanting anyone to suffer a similar fate, Melanie started her organization to donate AEDs across Polk County.
“I’ve known Melanie for well over 20 years,” Michaels said. “I’ve seen her take her tragedy of losing Michael, to aid in her healing by helping others through this foundation…Melanie could have just let herself drown in grief of her loss. But she didn’t. She chose to take action and heal in a healthy way by spreading awareness. It’s truly commendable.”
Witnessing the good things Melanie has done throughout her life, regardless of her tragedies, inspired Michaels and reminded her of a quote from podcaster and motivational speaker Brené Brown:
“You may not have signed up for a hero’s journey, but the second you fell down, got your butt kicked, suffered a disappointment, screwed up, or felt your heart break, it started. It doesn’t matter whether we are ready for an emotional adventure—hurt happens. And it happens to every single one of us. Without exception. The only decision we get to make is what role we’ll play in our own lives: Do we want to write the story, or do we want to hand that power over to someone else? Choosing to write our own story means getting uncomfortable; it’s choosing courage over comfort.”
For more information about CCF, visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/honoringculpepper
Let’s be honest: was anyone expecting this movie to be good?
Kraven the Hunter is the last in the line of films attempting to create a cinematic universe of Spider-Man characters sans Spider-Man: Venom, Morbius, and Madame Web. And to no one’s surprise, nobody wanted to watch Spider-Man movies without Spider-Man.
Every single one of these movies has been terrible. The only exception is Venom, but only because those movies proved to be so bad they’re hilarious. So, was it any surprise Kraven the Hunter turned out to be a massive flop?
Honestly, the only reason I even watched this stinker was because I had to watch two movies, one of which was Nosferatu. The only other movies playing at the theater were Sonic 3 (which I already reviewed), Gladiator II (which I never saw the first movie), and Mufasa (which I refuse to watch on principle).
So, I knew I was watching this movie under protest. And I knew it was going to be bad. The only question was, “How bad?” Bad enough to make you visit the DVD aisle of a store just so you can find a copy of Madame Web and apologize for being too harsh on it.
Yes, that bad!
Let’s skip pretenses. We know this movie was awful. Let’s just explain why.
Kraven the Hunter follows the story of Sergei, one of two sons of a criminal overlord. During a hunting trip, he is mauled by a lion. His life is saved through a potion given to him by a voodoo priestess. That potion also gives him the strength and agility of a lion. Sergi eventually escapes the clutches of his abusive father and uses his new powers to hunt down poachers. And so he becomes Kraven the Hunter, a hunter who hunts the hunters.
Years later, his brother, Dimitri, is kidnapped, and now Kraven needs to hunt down his captors. However, he will need to evade a super-powered assassin and one of his father’s former colleagues to do so. Will Kraven take down the hunters along with his father and his criminal empire?
Kraven the Hunter does the impossible. It makes Madame Web look good in comparison. Yes, it’s really that bad!
Madame Web was undoubtedly bad, but at least it was bad in interesting ways. At least it had interesting ideas and concepts, even if it failed spectacularly in implementing them.
Madame Web had an interesting concept concerning time travel and manipulation. It didn’t implement that concept very well, but it was interesting nonetheless and could have made for a good movie if done properly.
Sure, Madame Web had bad dialogue, line deliveries, flat characters, and incessant Spider-Man Easter eggs up the wazoo, but at least all of those flaws made the film so bad it’s good. At least Madame Web was bad enough to be unintentionally hilarious. At least it had notable flaws to talk about.
But, folks, what am I supposed to talk about with Kraven the Hunter? This isn’t even a movie that’s so bad it’s good. It’s just so bad it’s boring. There is nothing interesting to talk about, either good or bad.
Stop me if you heard this one before: a person is on the near brink of death until he is saved by magic that gives them superpowers. If that sounds like something that’s been done before, that’s because it is, and Kraven the Hunter does absolutely nothing new or original with it. Kraven is just some guy who’s super strong and agile and who uses his powers to fight criminals…you know, like most other superhero movies!
The only interesting note is with the villains. One is an assassin who can freeze time, which sounds cool, but, like everything else in the movie, this character’s not put to good use. And his defeat in the end feels extremely anti-climatic.
And then there’s the Rhino. No spoilers, but let’s just say that anyone who ever made fun of the Rhino mech suit in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 owes it an apology. Because…my goodness, is this version of the Rhino bad!
The only good part of the movie is the opening act, which is an excellent prison breakout scene. In fact, if you do watch this movie, only watch that part and stop the movie after it’s done. Because the movie won’t get any better after that.
To quote another movie critic, Kraven the Hunter is “less of a structured narrative with a beginning, middle, and end and more like disjointed scenes and action sequences thrown into a blender and spat out the other side. Actions and events have almost nothing in common with their consequences, characters talk at each other like they’re having completely different conversations, the antagonist is one of the weakest and most ludicrous villains I have seen in any movie ever, the acting is atrocious, the effects are laughable, and there’s an almost palatable air of indifference to the entire movie.”
Thus Kraven the Hunter ends the Spider-Man-less Spiderverse, not with a bang, but a whimper.
