A Great Gatsby NEW YEAR Celebration (featuring Theatre Winter Haven Big Band)
The first hour will be a Great Gatsby Show. Then the rest of the night until midnight we perform popular dance music from Big Band to Soul music such as “Respect” and “Brick House”. At midnight night we will ring in the new year with “Auld Lang Syne”
Congratulations to Lieutenant Jason Perez on graduating as a member of the 296th session of the FBI National Academy. The graduation took place earlier this month at the National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. The program is considered one of the top advanced law enforcement academies in our county. Nationally, fewer than one percent of officers have the opportunity to attend the program.
The 296th session consisted of 254 law enforcement officers from 47 states and the District of Columbia. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 24 countries, four military organizations, and two federal civilian organizations. Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers 11 weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.
“Lieutenant Jason Perez is a proven leader within our agency and deserving of this opportunity. He has a deep commitment to serving the citizens of Lakeland while ensuring the Lakeland Police Department operates at the highest level. I want to personally congratulate him on this accomplishment, and I am confident he will continue to provide valuable leadership and experience well into the future.” – Chief Sam Taylor.
Lieutenant Jason Perez was raised in Brooklyn, New York, and began his career with the Lakeland Police Department in December 2003. Throughout his service, he has worked in Uniform Patrol, the Special Investigations Section, the Violent Crimes Unit, and the Special Victims Unit. In 2014, he was promoted to Sergeant and later returned to Patrol for two years before rejoining the Criminal Investigation Division, where he served as a supervisor over the Property Crimes Unit, Special Victims Unit, and Violent Crimes Unit. Lieutenant Perez earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 2017. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2021 and assigned to the Uniform Patrol Division, later transferring in 2024 to the Special Investigations Division, where he currently serves as Officer in Charge.
A total of 56,688 graduates have completed the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. The National Academy is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, the same facility where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts.
Terry Koenecke, 81 (an avid Dale Earnhardt & NASCAR fan) of Auburndale, FL (formerly of Estherville, IA) passed away on December 8, 2025, at Winter Haven Hospital in Florida. A memorial service will be scheduled in the future in Estherville.
A Davenport man died Monday morning after suffering a medical emergency while driving on U.S. 27, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m. on December 29, 2025. Troopers said a 64-year-old man was driving a Nissan Altima northbound on U.S. 27 south of Bates Road when he experienced a medical emergency and lost control of the vehicle.
The Altima departed the roadway, struck several scrubs, and became partially submerged in a marsh area adjacent to the highway.
The driver was transported to an area hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The incident remains under investigation. Information was provided by FHP Public Affairs Officer Sgt. Steve Gaskins.
The City of Winter Haven is offering new lifeguard and water safety instructor certification opportunities in early 2026 for residents and non-residents interested in working in aquatics and water safety.
Lifeguard Training will be held during Session 1 from January 12 through January 30. Classes will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The cost of the course is $150 for City of Winter Haven residents and $188 for non-residents.
Water Safety Instructor Training is scheduled from March 24 through April 15. Classes will meet on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The fee for this training is $175 for residents and $218 for non-residents.
Those interested can register and find additional details by visiting mywinterhaven.com/487/Training. For questions, contact the City of Winter Haven Aquatics team at 863-268-6766.
Families are invited to ring in the New Year a little early at a fun-filled Noon Year’s Eve Celebration happening next Wednesday at the Mulberry Civic Center.
The event will take place on December 31 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. and will feature a festive lineup of games, activities, and a special ball drop at noon, making it perfect for kids and families who want to celebrate without staying up late.
Adding to the excitement, the celebration welcomes Dog Man and Cat Kid, bringing a playful and energetic theme to help kick off 2026 in a memorable way.
Mark your calendars and join the community for a joyful midday countdown filled with fun, laughter, and New Year cheer.
Brr! Did anyone in Florida catch that cold front? Because we sure did here in Virginia. The thermometer dipped to 17 degrees—yes, that’s well below water’s freezing point of 32.
It’s been cold enough to snow twice already. And while snow might look magical to those who’ve never lived with it, trust me: it’s a lot less charming when you’re shivering through it.
To fight the chill, I’ve been preparing warm soups and stews. But with holiday shopping and bills emptying my wallet, I’ve had to get creative with budget‑friendly meals.
Enter: Hoover Stew. This Depression-era meal was created for tough times. It’s a simple, cheap recipe that uses simple, cheap ingredients—macaroni, beans, tomatoes, and hot dogs all simmered together.
I gave mine a little upgrade with spices easily found in any pantry—salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. The result? Think pasta fagioli, but swap the Italian sausage for hot dogs.
It’s humble, hearty, and exactly what you need when the weather’s biting and the budget’s tight. Give it a try on your next chilly night—though if you’re in Florida, that might just mean something similar to a fall day up here.
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Hoover Stew (from Recipes for Hard Times, Depression Era Recipes & Others on Facebook)
Ingredients
• 12 ounces elbow macaroni or other pasta
• 1 package sliced hot dogs (approx. 8 hot dogs)
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) stewed or diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15.5 oz each) pinto or other beans
• 1 can (15.5 oz each) corn or green beans (optional)
Optional Spices
• 2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. oregano
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
1. Cook the macaroni in boiling water until almost al dente.
2. Drain pasta and set aside in a strainer.
3. Cook the sliced hot dogs until brown.
4. Stir in stewed tomatoes and beans.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and other spices if desired.
6. Add drained pasta and simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all ingredients are heated through.
A Davenport man has been sentenced to five years in state prison in connection with a fatal traffic crash that occurred more than a year ago along U.S. 27.
Court records show Paul Castellano – Aponte was sentenced to 60 months in prison after entering a plea to felony vehicular homicide, a second-degree felony. The sentence was imposed on December 12, 2025, in Polk County Circuit Court. Castellano was remanded into custody following sentencing, with credit for time already served.
Castellano was arrested following a November 3, 2024 crash investigated by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The collision occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m. on U.S. Highway 27 near Potters Road in Davenport and resulted in the death of Donald Shelby Wright.
According to the arrest affidavit, investigators determined Castellano was driving a 2018 Mazda southbound on U.S. 27 when he struck a Ford Ecosport that was attempting to make a left turn across the highway. The crash occurred in a congested area with multiple lanes of travel, a traffic signal, and nearby commercial and recreational activity. Data recovered from the Mazda’s airbag control module showed the vehicle was traveling 101 miles per hour approximately 1.5 seconds before impact and 100 miles per hour at the time the brakes were applied, nearly double the posted 55 mph speed limit. Castellano’s vehicle hit Wrights car at 71 miles per hour.
Witnesses had reported Castellano weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating, and passing multiple vehicles in the moments leading up to the crash. Investigators concluded the excessive speed and reckless driving left the other driver with no reasonable opportunity to avoid the collision.
The affidavit states Wright suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to Osceola Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased. Wright was a Vietnam Veteran. Wright and his wife Patricia had lived in Davenport since 2005.
Castellano told investigators he had worked an overnight shift and was driving home at the time of the crash. He denied alcohol or drug use, and detectives noted no signs of impairment during their investigation. The case ultimately centered on speed, roadway conditions, and driving behavior rather than impairment.
A Haines City man found wearing a WHFD Recruit shirt and a PCSO Grady Judd cowboy hat is spending the holidays behind bars – without the shirt or the hat.
On Christmas morning (December 25, 2025) at approximately 7:00 a.m., Winter Haven officers responded to Winter Haven Fire Station 1, located at 301 Ave. G SW in Winter Haven to a suspicious person on the property.
When officers arrived, they located 22 year-old Daniel Alejandro Puga of Haines City wearing a Winter Haven Fire Department Recruit uniform shirt and in possession of the unique Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd cowboy hat. Puga was detained as officers started their investigation.
After reviewing security cameras on property, Puga was seen entering a door in the administrative building along the northeast side of the building at 5:00 a.m. While inside, Puga proceeded to take a shower and rifle through the administrative offices obtaining the Recruit shirt and helping himself to candy that was in the offices.
Fire Department members stated that the office where the clothing was located appeared to be in disarray. Members confirmed that Puga did not have permission to enter the building and that the offices were closed up on December 23, 2025 at 5:00 p.m., prior to Christmas Day.
Shortly after Puga was taken into custody, a citizen called to report a truck at JC’s Customs had a broken back window with a door open. Officers investigated the location and made telephone contact with the registered owner of the vehicle, who was currently out of town.
According to the owner, he works at the business and parked the truck on December 23, 2025 and made sure to secure it prior to leaving town. As officers spoke with the victim and they inventoried the truck for him, the only thing he indicated that was missing was a Polk County Sheriff’s Office Grady Judd cowboy hat. The owner told the officers what size the hat was and they traced it back to Puga, who had the hat in his possession.
Puga was booked into the Polk County Sheriff’s Processing Center and charged with one count each of: Burglary of Unoccupied Structure (F3) Burglary of Unoccupied Conveyance – Unarmed (F3) and Two counts of Petit Theft (M2
Leaving boxes for TVs, gaming systems, or other big purchases at the curb might be like putting up a “Look What I Got!” sign for thieves.
Keep your family safe: Drop large cardboard boxes at our secure Holiday Cardboard Disposal Sites: ✅ W.G. Rowe Park & Boat Ramp (2269 7th St SW) ✅ Rotary Park (350 6th St NE) ✅ Fire Station 3 (6975 Eloise Loop Rd)
Open Through January 1
Cardboard only. Do not leave boxes outside the dumpsters – there’s plenty of space and dumpsters are emptied frequently!
Let’s recycle right and protect what matters most.
