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United Way of Central Florida Approves Over $5.1 Million in Community Investment for 2025-2026 Across Polk, Hardee, and Highlands Counties

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United Way of Central Florida Approves Over $5.1 Million in Community Investment for 2025-2026 Across Polk, Hardee, and Highlands Counties

United Way of Central Florida (UWCF) announces the approval of its 2025-2026 Community Investment Team (CIT) allocations, totaling $5,110,353.49 to support critical programs and initiatives across Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties. These investments reflect UWCF’s ongoing commitment to improving lives and strengthening communities through strategic funding in key impact areas.

The allocations, recommended by the Community Impact Cabinet and approved by the Board of Directors, represent an overall increase of 5.5% in Polk-Hardee and 5.2% in Highlands County compared to last year. Funding will be distributed across four major impact areas:

  • Youth Opportunity
  • Financial Security
  • Healthy Community
  • Community Resiliency

In addition to traditional allocation pools, UWCF continues to advance innovative funding strategies through Stage 2 and Stage 3 initiatives, as well as donor-sponsored grant opportunities. This year, Stage 2 reallocated $4,000 in the Financial Security Impact Area, while Stage 3 funding will enhance programs such as end hunger initiatives and youth opportunity grants through a partnership with the George Jenkins Foundation.

“These investments are a testament to the power of collaboration and the generosity of our community,” said Brian Donnelly, Community Impact Cabinet Chair. “By strategically allocating resources, we ensure that families have access to education, financial stability, health services, and resilience programs that create lasting change.”

The Community Investment process is led by 130 dedicated volunteers who review funding requests and ensure resources are directed where they will have the greatest impact. If you are interested in participating in the Community Investment Team as a volunteer, please contact Christy Apisa at [email protected].

The approved allocations will fund 55 programs in Polk and Hardee Counties combined and 14 in Highlands County that address pressing needs, educational support, financial security, and health initiatives, impacting over 180,000 individuals and families across the tri-county region.

These allocations represent only one part of the work UWCF does. In addition to funding local programs, UWCF operates internal programs focused on early childhood education and prevention, as well as community resiliency efforts, ensuring families have the tools and support they need to thrive long-term.

For more information about United Way of Central Florida’s impact or to get involved, visit uwcf.org.

In Loving Memory of Anna Ruth Jackins

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In Loving Memory of Anna Ruth Jackins

Anna Ruth Jackins

September 27th, 1945 – December 27th, 2025

Anna Ruth Jackins, born on September 27, 1945, in Kermit, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025, at Winter Haven Hospital in Winter Haven, Florida. She was 80 years old.

Anna was a beloved mother, sister, and grandmother, who devoted her life to her family and her career.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard B. Jackins, who passed away in 2015.

Anna leaves behind her cherished daughters: Laura L. Jackins of Winter Haven, Florida, and Yvonne Kay Jackins De Aguiar, along with her husband Dean, of Suffolk, Virginia. She is also survived by three loving sisters: Betty Johnson of Chesapeake, Virginia, Dollie Busby of Stigler, Oklahoma, and Delphia Dreano of Oakland, Florida, as well as her two grandsons, Jacob and Zachary De Aguiar, who brought her immense joy.

A talented florist, Anna had a profound appreciation for nature’s beauty, which she expressed through her work. She was also a member of the Baptist faith and held a past membership with the Virginia Beach Jaycees, where she contributed to her community and fostered many meaningful friendships. Those who knew Anna could attest to her warm spirit, gentle heart, and unwavering support for those she loved. Her memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society in her memory, honoring Anna’s legacy of love and compassion. Anna Ruth Jackins will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by her family and friends.

In Loving Memory of Grover Pinkerton

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In Loving Memory of Grover Pinkerton

Grover Pinkerton

April 3rd, 1933 – January 3rd, 2026

In Loving Memory of Grover Pinkerton

Grover Pinkerton was born in Detroit, Michigan, on April 3, 1933, to Grover W. Pinkerton of West Virginia and Captoria Mullins of Ashland, Kentucky. He was raised in Detroit and graduated from Redford High School in 1951.

In January 1952, Grover joined the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving his country during the Korean War. After returning home, he married the love of his life, Marjorie Kronsperger, on November 20, 1953. Grover later earned his engineering degree from R.E.T.S.

During their 72 years of marriage, Grover and Marjorie lived in Michigan, California, and Florida, building a life rooted in love, service, and family. Together, they raised two children: Debra L. Gates (Warren) of White Lake, Michigan, and Mark S. Pinkerton of Vequita, New Mexico. He was a proud grandfather to two grandchildren, Lindsey Gates LaRosa (Giovanni) and Eric Gates (Ivona).

Grover dedicated many years to government service, retiring from the Detroit Data Center as the Statistics of Income Branch Chief in the Systems Applications Division. He was a member of the first Structured Task Force and spent time in Washington, D.C., helping lay the groundwork for Structured Analysis, Design, and Programming at the Data Center.

An avid bowler and golfer, Grover found great joy in these pursuits, which eventually brought him to Swiss Golf and Tennis in Winter Haven, Florida. He bowled at Cypress Lanes for 40 years and traveled throughout the United States with Marge while participating in bowling tournaments.

Grover was preceded in death by his parents, his brother James, and his sister Elaine Deese. He is survived by his sister-in-law Doreen Pinkerton of Vero Beach, Florida and cousin, Patty Tiedgl of Portsmouth, Ohio.

A man of deep faith, Grover had a profound love for Christ and was a devoted member of Faith Baptist Church in Winter Haven, Florida.

He will be remembered for his service, dedication, faith, and the love he shared with his family and all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association or The American Cancer Society

Visitation will be January 12 at 10am at Oak Ridge Funeral Care. Graveside services will be January 12, at 1:30 pm at Florida National Cemetery.

In Loving Memory of Thoi Osborn

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In Loving Memory of Thoi Osborn

Thoi Osborn

February 17th, 1936 – January 1st, 2026

Mrs. Thoi Osborne, 89, went to be with the Lord on January 1, 2026, in Winter Haven Florida. She was born on February 17, 1936, in MyTho, Vietnam into a family of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Mrs. Osborn was one of the earliest members of Vietnamese Alliance Church in Winter Haven, Florida.  She was remembered by family and friends of her typical hard-working, quick to adapt to the new environment, her delicious fruits from her garden and her faith.

During the last few decades of her life, due to the condition of her health, she forgot a lot of things, but she still remembered and could recite scriptures like Psalm 1 and Psalm 23.

Mrs. Osborn was preceded by death by husband, Alfred Osborn; father, Nguyễn Sanh Đồ; mother, Nguyễn Thị cảnh; brother, Lê Văn Ba. Survivors include sister. Nguyễn Thị Trinh; son, Nguyễn Thanh.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026.Oak Ridge Funeral Care2425 W. Havendale Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 338819 AM – 9:30 AM visitation9:30 AM – 10 AM funeral service. Burial service will be at 10:30 AM at Glen Abbey Memorial Gardens2200 K-ville Ave Auburndale, FL 33823. 

In Loving Memory of Gearldene Denson Clark of Plant City

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In Loving Memory of Gearldene Denson Clark of Plant City

Gearldene Denson Clark

May 13th, 1935 – December 29th, 2025

Gearldene Denson Clark, 90, of Plant City, FL passed away on December 29, 2025, at South Florida Baptist Hospital in Plant City.

Born May 13, 1935, in Keiser, Arkansas, she was a longtime resident of Forest City, Arkansas and moved to Plant City after the death of her husband in May of 2024 to live with her sister, Christine Robbins and  niece, Annette Wilcox. She attended Turkey Creek Church of God in Turkey Creek, FL.

She is preceded in death by her husband of over 20 years, Clyde Clark; and five children, Vickie Bernice Brinkley, Jimmie Leon Michael Brinkley , Glen Lawrence Brinkley, Terry Douglas DeGunya and Charles Dexter De Gunya; and two sister, Lorene Rothrock and Mable Christine Robbins.

She is survived by; fourteen grandchildren; over twenty five great-grandchildren; and  several nieces and nephews:  Tommy Waldrop, Diane Davis, Annette Wilcox, Jackie Waldrop, Donna Waldrop, and Loralee Hart. 

A graveside service was held Wednesday, January 7, 2025 at Oak Hill Burial Park in Lakeland, FL.

In Loving Memory of Dwight Edwards

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In Loving Memory of Dwight Edwards

Dwight Edwards

July 29th, 1938 – December 29th, 2025


Dwight W. Edwards was born on July 29, 1938, and went to be with the Lord on December 29, 2025. He resided in Winter Haven, Florida, and in recent years also lived in Liberty Township, Ohio, where he passed away.

Born in Wylie, Texas, to W.A. and Oleta Edwards, Dwight was raised in a home marked by a deep love for God. His parents were instrumental in helping establish many churches across Texas. At just five years old, Dwight gave his life to Christ, beginning a lifelong devotion to the Gospel. He later attended Southwestern Bible College, where he sang for the school and formed a lasting friendship with John Hagee.

Dwight faithfully carried the message of the Gospel and the Kingdom of God to nations around the world. In his early twenties, he and his brother Quentin traveled by faith to South India, where they conducted some of the first Gospel crusades in the region, marked by countless miracles. Many prominent Assemblies of God leaders in India came to Christ through those meetings. In later years, Dwight spent extended time in Russia, strengthening pastors and churches through the teaching of God’s Word. He was honored with honorary doctorates in both India and the United States.

Known for his anointed and resonant bass voice, Dwight sang early in his ministry with The Inspirationals, alongside Roger McDuff and Gary McSpadden. Though invited into the Gospel Quartet scene, Dwight felt called to pastoral ministry and desired stability for his family. His longest pastorate was at Cypress Cathedral in Winter Haven, Florida, where he faithfully served for 26 years. His ministry was marked by a passion for worship and honoring the presence of God, and many lives were impacted during that season.

While traveling in California, Dwight met Mary Layton, and it was love at first sight. They married within six months and ministered together in song and the Word for nearly 58 years. Together they raised four children and were blessed with eleven grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Following Mary’s passing in 2019, Dwight married Peggy Stenger on September 18, 2020. Peggy, a retired physician and longtime family friend, was deeply loved by Dwight and cherished by the entire family.

Dwight was preceded in death by his parents, W.A. and Oleta Edwards; his brother, Quentin Edwards; his daughter, MaShelle Klingenberg; and his wife of nearly 58 years, Mary Edwards.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy Stenger Edwards; his sisters, Lenete Merritt (Jimmy) and Willeta Boren (Billy); his children, Nolan Edwards (Kathy), Elizabeth Braddock (David), Cynthia Klingenberg (Brad); his son-in-law, Mark Klingenberg (Erika); his beloved grandchildren: Denise Najera, Dayna Klingenberg, Rachael Coxwell, Briana Latimer, Aaron Klingenberg, Bethany Braddock, Adelle Davis, Brittany Burton, Jeron Edwards, Ethan Klingenberg, and Faith Braddock.

Peggy’s children loved Dwight and include Tammy Tames, Marvin (Sonny) Hall, Ryan Stenger (Stacy), Aaron Stenger (Samantha) and a number of grandchildren: Brandi Swann, Ashley Hood, Joshua Hall, Kaelyn Stenger, Lily Stenger, Ayden Stenger, Lexy Stenger, Cheyenne Stenger, Riley Stenger, Ty Stenger and Kymber Stenger. He also leaves behind many beloved extended family members from both Mary’s and Peggy’s families.

A Celebration of Life for Dwight W. Edwards will be held at Champions Church, 1801 Havendale Blvd. NW, Winter Haven, Florida, on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Viewing will begin at 1:00 PM, followed by the service at 2:00 PM, with graveside services to follow.

For those unable to attend, the service will be made available on YouTube live streamed through Champions Church Winter Haven.

How Winter Haven is Addressing Homelessness-Related Concerns

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How Winter Haven is Addressing Homelessness-Related Concerns

City of Winter Haven:

“The City of Winter Haven received a letter from the Florida Attorney General’s Office on January 6, 2026, related to a citizen complaint regarding homeless activity in the City. While this correspondence is recent, addressing homelessness-related concerns is not new for the City or the Winter Haven Police Department.

For some time, the City has been actively partnering with residents, property owners, service providers, and community organizations to address these issues. This work includes responding to individual citizen concerns, coordinating with local nonprofits, hosting community meetings, and proactively enforcing applicable laws to protect public spaces and private property while respecting constitutional rights.

The City of Winter Haven and the Winter Haven Police Department share the concerns raised regarding individuals who are not abiding by state, county, or local laws and continue to take action to address those situations. The information below provides additional detail on how these matters are handled.

Applicable Local, County, & State Laws

When WHPD receives calls related to homeless activity, or our officers come across an unhoused person(s) during patrol or proactive initiatives, the following laws apply:

The City of Winter Haven actively enforces these State, County and Local regulations, all of which apply to public spaces such as parks, sidewalks, and rights of way. When a person, unhoused or not, violates any of these, the Winter Haven Police Department takes immediate action to address the situation, including removing the person(s), clearing any litter left behind, and sanitizing the site for public health. There are times when unhoused persons take up temporary residence on private property. In those situations, WHPD continues to work with the private property owners to obtain trespass authorization which allows our officers to fully address the situation. 

The act of homelessness, or being unhoused, is not in and of itself a crime. The City of Winter Haven and Winter Haven Police Department respect the constitutional rights of all individuals, regardless of income or housing status. Unhoused persons may be in and utilize public spaces, just as any other citizen, during the hours those spaces are open (typically dawn to dusk for parks) and in accordance with all applicable laws. 

When WHPD becomes aware of activities in violation of any local, county or state law, including those listed above, those matters are addressed immediately. From January 1, 2025 to December 30, 2025, the Winter Haven Police Department received a total of 60,967 total calls for service. Of those, 1.4%, were related to homelessness.

Proactive Law Enforcement

The City of Winter Haven proactively enforces the law and responds to any and all occurrences of violation through the allocation of local resources. WHPD has assigned an officer to the downtown CRA area for focused, proactive patrol. Additionally, the Strategic Response Unit (SRU) was established within the Winter Haven Police Department in May of 2025. Each member of this unit is assigned to a geographical area of the City to proactively patrol, build relationships, and identify areas of concern. 

The SRU also completes proactive initiatives including the identification and removal of unlawful campsites in the City. Since May of 2025, Winter Haven Police Department has, in it’s continuing efforts to enforce state and applicable law, removed 25 campsites in the City of Winter Haven. These campsites are places where as few as two or more individuals are sheltering overnight. The majority of these campsites were located on public property and were addressed immediately. For those located on private property, WHPD worked with the private property owners to obtain the authority to address and remove the campsites and trespass the individuals involved. 

Resources Available

WHPD works with any unhoused person they encounter, whether in a campsite or an individual in the City, to connect them with resources to assist. This includes partnerships with the United Way, Homeless Coalition, Heart 4 Winter Haven, Talbot House, and more. Officers work to match each individual to the services best suited to their individual situation and needs. 

Any citizen who sees a situation they feel creates a danger or violates any state, county or local laws is encouraged to call 911, or the WHPD non-emergency line at 863.291.5858, so officers can respond and address the situation. Additionally, private property owners are invited to proactively work with the WHPD to provide trespass authorization, and post signs indicating such, on their property. More information on this Community Watch Program can be found here. 

The City of Winter Haven and the Winter Haven Police Department will continue to address this issue with an approach that balances accountability and compassion consistent with the law. “Our goal is safe neighborhoods, less repeat calls, and positive outcomes for everyone,” says Chief of Police Vance Monroe. “Addressing issues like homelessness requires leadership, coordination, and sustained investment – not just one-time enforcement. WHPD is committed to continue to provide a proactive, comprehensive community response.”

Winter Haven Police Department Announces 13th Annual WHPD 5K for Special Olympics Florida

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Winter Haven Police Department Announces 13th Annual WHPD 5K for Special Olympics Florida

The Winter Haven Police Department is inviting the community to lace up their running shoes and take part in the 13th Annual WHPD 5K, set for March 14, 2026.

This annual event brings runners, walkers, and families together for a great cause, with all proceeds benefiting Special Olympics Florida. Participants of all fitness levels are encouraged to join, knowing that every step taken helps support athletes across the state.

Those who cross the finish line will receive a special finisher medal, and organizers say this year’s medal design is one participants won’t want to miss.

Registration is now open, and community members are encouraged to sign up early and be part of this meaningful and energetic event.

Register here: https://www.active.com/winter-haven-fl/running/distance-running-races/whpd-5k-for-special-olympics-florida-2026

“This event is rain or shine.  There will be no refunds issued for registered participants who do not come to the event.  If you are unable to attend, you will still be able to pick up your shirt and finisher medal at the police department after the event (we will just swap your category to VIRTUAL).”

City of Lakeland Hiring Across Multiple Departments

Allison
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City of Lakeland Hiring Across Multiple Departments

City of Lakeland:

New Year. New Goals. New Career.

Kick off 2026 with a career that makes a real impact. The City of Lakeland is hiring across multiple departments, offering meaningful work, competitive benefits, and opportunities to grow while serving the community you call home.

✅ Discover rewarding career opportunities
✅ Work with a team that supports your growth
✅ Help shape the future of Lakeland

Start your next chapter today. Explore current openings and apply at LakelandGov.net/jobs.

Your future starts here.

PCSO Deputies Find Armed Man Wearing Bra and Prosthetic Breasts at Construction Site

Allison
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PCSO Deputies Find Armed Man Wearing Bra and Prosthetic Breasts at Construction Site

A 39-year-old man from Altamonte Springs was arrested after Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputies found him armed and trespassing at a construction site, according to a briefing earlier this week by Sheriff Grady Judd.

Sheriff Judd said deputies responded to a construction site where they observed a man, later identified as Matthew Zaccarino, sitting alone inside a vehicle. As deputies approached to determine why he was at the site, they noticed he was wearing a red-laced bra with prosthetic silicone breasts and a g-string.

During their investigation, deputies discovered a firearm concealed beneath the prosthetic silicone breasts, Sheriff Judd said. Zaccarino was armed and did not have permission to be on the construction property.

According to the sheriff, Zaccarino told deputies he was on his way to a costume party. When asked where the party was located, he was unable to provide an answer. Shortly afterward, he stopped speaking with deputies.

Zaccarino was taken into custody and arrested, the sheriff’s office said.

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