Immigration Attorneys in Bartow, FL

When Red Oxley began dominating as a pitcher during her freshman season, it seemed like it was only a matter of time before the Bartow softball team returned to the final four and won more state titles. It takes more than pitching, however, to win a title.

Last season, that time arrived. Clutch hits and clutch fielding were added to the elite pitching and, not only did it lead to the Yellow Jackets’ ninth state title, it changed the mindset of the team. They returned to the mentality of, no matter who they were facing in a scoreless pitching duel, it would be Bartow finding a way to win.

Now, nearly every player who won the state championship last year for Bartow will have the chance to become the first Yellow Jackets to win multiple state titles since the 1997-2006 era, when Bartow won seven titles in 10 seasons.

Bartow opens its Class 6A title defense with a rematch against Doral Academy at 2 p.m. Thursday in the FHSAA state semifinals at Legends Way Ball Fields in Clermont.

Regional quarterfinals:Bartow's Oxley does something new in playoff softball win; Jenkins, Auburndale advance

Regional semifinals:Bartow-Melbourne softball showdown is set as Polk County teams bow out of FHSAA playoffs

Regional finals:Bartow's Driskell provides clutch hit as Oxley outduels Francik in regional final

It is an experienced group that Bartow bring to the sequel of last year’s state semifinal game, which Bartow rallied to win 3-2. The Yellow Jackets feature 10 seniors, including seven who start.

After his team finally broke through and won last year, Bartow coach Glenn Rutenbar saw a mindset that harkened back to the Lindsay Littlejohn era. Back then, it was always expected to happen. Until they won last year, it was a little different.

“A little bit, especially when, as it happened, you were like, 'You know we got to make the key plays and we got to get the key hits,' where as those years with Lindsay, you just thought it was gonna happen,” Rutenbar said. “We had to get through that and last year was big for us to get through it. Our defense is getting better this year. Our team is better this year.”

This group is more experienced and, more importantly, more confident as a result of last season’s title run.

“It just showed us that we can actually do it,” left fielder Kyndal Sowell said. “It just showed us that we can pull through no matter what the adversity.”

All the starters are back this season, although some in different roles, and with the addition of third baseman Kyndal Cornelius, the Yellow Jackets are even stronger. They boast the most potent lineup they’ve had in years.

Center fielder Shay Narcisse is batting a team-high .479, up more than 200 points from last season.

Cornelius is batting .444 with 26 RBIs a team-high 13 extra-base hits. Catcher McKenzie Gibson is at .442; Julia Heter, who has moved from shortstop to second to first in her three years on varsity, is hitting .375 with 25 RBIs. Oxley is batting .353 with a team-high 32 RBIs. Destiny Driskell is batting .338 and showed against Melbourne she remains dangerous in the clutch. Sophomore shortstop Kynley Quartermaine has raised her batting average 52 points from .258 to .310.

Bartow’s team batting average is up from .324 to .342. The improvement has led to a more confident team.

So there’s no doubt that the Yellow Jackets are more than just the pitching of Oxley, who is 19-1 with a 0.11 ERA.

Oxley is most appreciative of her teammates.

“I don't think that spotlight was on me,” she said. “I think it's on us as a team, as an organization and just Bartow softball in general that has been created over the years. I think that we've come from nothing from 555 (Softball Complex) and built up ourselves. And I think that not a lot of schools have done that. So I think that every single one of us here has done something this year that has been a heroic moment, and I think that the spotlight rotates because (Rutenbar) does not put a spotlight on any single one player out here. And every single one of us is special in different ways. I couldn't have won state without Alyssa Hillman. I couldn’t have won state without Kyndal Sowell. I couldn’t have won state without anybody on this team.”

The Yellow Jackets entered the season with more confidence and it showed from the start as they won 19 straight, including a 1-0 win over Doral Academy, and their only loss was 1-0 to Melbourne in early April.

“We have a better mindset, better energy on the field,” Driskell said.

The last time Bartow defended its state title was in 2006 when it won the last of five in a row to end the seven titles in 10 years run. It was a little different that year as Candice Howell replaced Littlejohn as the starting pitcher after Littlejohn became the only pitcher in Florida to win four straight state title. It was a mixed group of returning players and first-time starters.

This year nearly all the starters are looking for their second ring. For Cornelius, however, she’s hoping for her first state title but doesn’t feel any added pressure.

“I felt more pressure when I first transferred here, to actually get in with the girls and connect with the coach,” she said. “And now it's really just about doing it. It's not really anything other than the group of people here. It's the best group of people that have been around in a really long time. So I want to share that moment, but I don't feel any more pressure than I did from game one.”

BARTOW, Fla. — When you think about the views on a softball diamond, McKenzie Gibson has one of the best.

This Bartow High School senior catcher gets to see it all, albeit from behind her mask.

What You Need To Know

She says there’s no other place she’d rather be, because she likes the responsibilities that come with being a catcher.

“Everything is just a big challenge, and every game is different,” McKenzie said.

If you ever need to locate McKenzie, chances are, you’ll find her on the softball field. She takes great pride in her work ethic and knows what it takes to help produce the results Bartow has enjoyed these past few seasons.

Only one other team in the state has won more titles than the Yellow Jackets. So be the best, McKenzie said you have to prepare like the best.

“You have to be a team player and you have to work really hard,” she said. “And you can’t always show your emotions and everything because you can show, but there’s a point where you just need to know it’s a team and not a you sport.”

That teamwork was never more evident than when McKenzie and her teammates won the Class 6A State Championship last season. For a program known for its numerous titles, last year’s ninth championship ended a seven-year drought, marking Bartow’s return to powerhouse status.

“We know that everyone has the target on our back and that we have to do what we did last year and become better people and know we have to work hard at everything we do,” McKenzie said.

Given the history of the program and all that’s at stake every time they take the field, McKenzie said she wears her Bartow uniform with great pride. And accepts the responsibility that comes with being a Yellow Jacket.

“It’s just knowing that someone is there for you and that they are there to help you and pick you up,” she said. “It’s just one of the best things about us.”

Tampa’s breathtaking scenery and warm tropical climate make it an ideal vacation spot in Florida for tourists looking to discover new adventures. It is home to pristine beaches and beautiful places like Busch Gardens, which is worth visiting for many reasons, as well as Florida Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world.

While Tampa offers a great vacation experience and is incredibly popular, there are hidden gems that are severely underrated but are just as interesting. Bartow, a charming town nestled near the source of the Peace River, is a perfect example.

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Retire To This Fast-Paced Florida Beach Town On A Budget

Sebring, a beach town in the Sunshine State, is an affordable retirement destination with plenty of Florida adventures.

This small Florida town offers amazing vacation experiences, and tourists won’t have to spend a dime to explore them. So, instead of Tampa, escape to this underrated, affordable town.

Bartow Is One Of The Most Underrated Vacation Spots In Florida

Bartow is located between Tampa and Orlando, and, while Florida is brimming with many beautiful towns, its natural scenery will have your jaw dropping. It is a lovely, charming town with a distinctive Southern culture, a thriving arts community, and plenty of scenic attractions. Nicknamed “the City of Oaks and Azaleas,” it is home to many ancient oaks, dogwoods, and picturesque azaleas.

The city has an incredible culinary scene, and whether looking for vegetarian dishes or meat dishes, there are multiple options to choose from. At Hacienda Mexico, a family-run and managed eatery and bar, visitors can try some of the most delicious Jalisco-style food. Palace Pizza Bartow serves some of the tastiest pizza as well as pies and pasta.

Another must-try restaurant option is Sweet Magnolias Café & Gift Shop, which offers original recipes and guarantees a unique culinary experience for guests.

Bartow boasts an impressive art community with multiple galleries to explore, including Bartow Art Guild, which offers amazing art in various forms. This gallery also discovered the Bloomin' Arts Festival, which has been celebrated since 1971 and gives vacationers a chance to experience the brilliant work of the local talent, enjoy live music, and feel the small-town atmosphere of this East Coast gem.

Even with so many things to see and do in Bartow, it is still overlooked because of the nearby cities, which receive more tourists than Bartow. Orlando is the second most visited city, right after Miami, welcoming 1,223,000 visitors annually. Tampa on the other hand, is the fourth most visited, with 190,000 travelers every year.

Visit Tampa As A Day Trip From Bartow

There are plenty of scenic stops along the way, including Parkway Pet Resort, the most stunning luxury pet resort in Lakeland, and tourists’ furry friends will enjoy a view from their own private window.

Spend about an hour here without heading to Winston, one of the best golfing destinations in the U.S. Plant City, Dover, and Ybor City are other scenic stops travelers can explore before getting to Tampa.

Bartow Is An Affordable Town In Florida

Bartow is not just among the small towns in Florida where you can retire for less than $2,500 a month. It is an affordable place to explore as well, and while there are many cheap places to visit in Florida on a budget, this small town also guarantees a memorable getaway without breaking the bank.

Want to explore this Florida town for cheap? While there are multiple U.S. destinations to plan a vacation for less than $1,000 a week, Bartow can also be visited for just $826 on a budget for a week-long vacation. This means that travelers only need $118 per day, with economy flights costing between $398 and $853.

Couples going on a budget trip will need at least $195 per day and $1,364 for an entire week, while families can spend as low as $2,728 for a one-week getaway in Bartow.

On average, one can only spend $93 on hotels with vacation homes ranging between $140 and $420 per night. For a low-cost trip, a one-bed vacation rental only goes for $100-$120, while a 1-star hotel costs $48.

Here are the affordable hotels in Bartow you can book:

To explore activities, get around the city, and eat in the local restaurants in this affordable small town in Florida, tourists only need to spare between $35 and $72 per person per day.

The cheapest attractions in Bartow:

Even though it’s underrated, visiting Bartow for one week or a day trip is going to be an amazing and budget-friendly getaway.

LAKELAND – As St. Patrick’s Day festivities draw nearer, so do many of Polk County’s party-down events.

This coming weekend will be no exception, with music and wild costumed characters leading the way toward St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 – oh, along with some quilting too.

Here are some of suggestions for things to do this weekend.

(The Ledger advises readers to check the venue’s website or contact the venue before going to check if the event has been cancelled, postponed and/or rescheduled.)

Fortunate Sons

Grab your beads, your bellbottoms, your flowers and headbands and head to Frostproof’s Ramon Theatre for a night of Creedence Clearwater Revival tunes at 7 p.m. Friday by the Chicago-based CCR cover band the Fortunate Sons. The band tours nationally to keep the hits of the seminal late 1960s, early 1970s roots rock band alive and kicking – songs like “Bad Moon Rising,” “Proud Mary” and “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” among many others. The band uses period-accurate costumes and original vintage musical gear. Tickets are $25 to $35. See theramontheater.com/entertainment-series or call 863-635-7222.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Central Florida Soul Music Festival

The third Soul Music Festival by Dorothy Jean’s Dream Foundation takes place from noon to 8 p.m. on downtown Main Street, Fort Meade on Saturday. The free festival will feature some of Polk County and Central Florida’s finest soul singers, including Jac Ross, Maurette Brown Clark, Katie Kadan and Shena Livingston. See Facebook: Central Florida Soul Music Festival or www.dorothyjeansdream.com, call 863-622-2955or email dorothyjeansdream@gmail.

Original Sewing and Quilt Expo 2024

Sew what, you say? Well, the Original Sewing and Quilt Expo is where to go to see the latest techniques and products and learn new sewing skills. The event runs Thursday through Saturday at from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St. Lakeland, and offers a variety of activities. Those include classes and workshops, stage shows, runway fashion shows, how-to demos, display galleries, fabulous shopping and other sewing-related activities and classes, including quilt-making, machine embroidery and embellishment. One-day admission is $8 online, $15 at the Expo. Children 16 and younger are free with an adult. For other pricing and information, see www.sewingexpo.com/Events/Lakeland-FL/Tickets-Pricing or call 863-834-8100.

Florida Polycon

The eighth annual geek-centric Polycon is Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Florida Polytechnic University, 4700 Research Way, Lakeland. The student-run event includes cosplay, games, panels, forums, food trucks and other out-of-this-world activities. Everyone from anime otaku to dungeon masters and all others are welcome. Tickets are $8 to $30. For tickets, see https://flpolycon.org/tickets/ For information, see floridapoly.edu/student-affairs/student-development/campus-traditions/florida-polycon.php or call 863-583-9050.

St. Patrick's Day Un-Parade and Bartow Friday Fest

From 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Bartow kicks of St. Paddy’s Day weekend with an “UNparade” — UNpredicable and UNexpected fun. The free parade will consist of organized chaos, including a moon pie toss and belly dancers. The parade kicks off St. Patrick’s weekend joined by Main Street Bartow downtown. The UNparade ends at Friday Fest, with live music from George Morris and the Lariat Band. There will be live music and entertainment and Main Street Bartow shops and restaurants will be open. For information, www.mainstreetbartowfl.com/event-calendar or call 863-519-0508.

BARTOW — Bartow senior pitcher Red Oxley was hobbling around on crutches last September following knee surgery that kept her off the softball field. She said then she expected to be ready for the high school season when practice began in January.

Oxley was more than ready.

The Florida Gators signee threw 62-63 mph in her first pitching session back and is stronger and better than ever as she leads defending state champion Bartow’s dominating start to the 2024 season.

Oxley is relaxing this week on her senior cruise after winning the program's Tournament of Champions on Friday and Saturday. In the championship game, she pitched four no-hit innings with nine strikeouts in the Yellow Jackets’ 7-0 victory over Lake Region. She also pitched a one-hitter in a 1-0 victory on Friday as she struck out 16 of the 23 batters she faced.

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After surgery. Oxley was on crutches for eight weeks then began training about three weeks after she was walking again. She did some light throwing in December but it wasn’t until January the she was able to let loose and pitch.

The layoff, she said, has helped her improve.

“When I came back, in my first pitching session, I didn't miss a pitch from full distance,” she said. “I hit all of my pitches, not one was a ball, all of them were right where they're supposed to be, throwing crisp. So I think it overall helped me immensely. Getting in the gym like I had to helped me mentally pitching because I understand more. OK, this is a set. I treat like each set like, 'OK, let me go hard for each set' type thing. So I think that helped me a lot mentally too.”

Oxley is 6-0 with a 0.00 ERA and has allowed just two hits in 29 IP. She has struck out 74 of the 91 batters she has faced.

“She’s better,” Bartow coach Glenn Rutenbar said. “She’s gotten better every year, and that’s kind of scary.”

It’s not just Oxley shutting down opponents. Through nine games, Bartow has allowed one run. Sophomore Ryleigh Knowlton got wins in the tournament over Plant City, 12-1, and Auburndale, 10-0. Freshman Brooklyn Tyson pitched three shutout innings against Lake Region.

Oxley, who also is batting .375 with 10 RBIs, enjoys being a mentor to the younger pitchers, including the left-handed Tyson.

“She's really good,” Oxley said. “I see a lot of my little self in her and it makes me happy. We haven't seen her pitch like a whole game yet, but whenever she comes in she does her job and she's always looking to get better. She always comes in and ask me for advice, which makes me feel good. She's really good and she has such a good attitude. I think she's gonna be really good for Bartow. And then Ryleigh also pitches. She's got way better too. She's got way more accurate, way more spin, tighter, spin, way more movement. Um, she's gotten so much better mentally, she's developed, she's matured and that's what it takes to be a pitcher.”

Only two of Bartow’s first nine game have been close. Oxley needed to pitch the one-hit shutout to beat Montverde and, earlier this season, the Yellow Jackets beat Lake Region 3-0. The other seven wins have been by at least seven runs, including six by double digits.

“The energy is totally different (from last year) because I feel like we know what it means to win state now,” she said. “And so, we know what we’re working for. I feel like none of us had won state before so none of us know what it felt like to like. And now we are something to go for ,and the inner core competition right now is through the roof because there’s 21 of us.”

Indeed, Bartow has depth, which makes getting the lineup competitive. Seven positions are set, but left field and second base remain in flux. Except for struggling to get the one run against Montverde, Bartow coach Glenn Rutenbar doesn’t any complaints.

“We’ve allowed just one run, so that’s always good,” he said. “But we’ve got a long ways to go.”

Bartow expects to see some strong competition when it comes back from spring break and plays in Palm Harbor in late March then the Kissimmee Klassic in the first week of April.