Florida State looked to stay hot Tuesday night at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center as they hosted the No. 15 Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball. The Seminoles entered the matchup riding a three-game winning streak, with victories over California, Stanford, and Notre Dame. With a win, Florida State would not only have moved to .500 on the season, but it would also have marked their first victory against a ranked opponent since November 21, 2023, when they defeated No. 18 Colorado 77–71 in overtime.
FSU vs Virginia Basketball
In the first half against the Cavaliers, the Seminoles held their own, finishing the half tied 32–32. Florida State was led by guard Robert McCray V, who scored 13 points, and guard Lajae Jones, who added 15 points. For Virginia, early contributions came from guard Sam Lewis with seven points, center Johann Grünloh with five, and forward Thijs De Ridder, who also chipped in five points.
32-32
The second half picked up right where the first left off. McCray opened the scoring with a deep 26-foot step-back three-pointer, setting the tone for another tightly contested stretch. Florida State appeared to seize control midway through the half, building a 54–45 lead with 8:22 remaining. The Seminoles had momentum and an opportunity to secure a statement win in Luke Loucks’ first year as head coach.
However, the Cavaliers proved too much to handle. Florida State went cold, shooting just 29 percent from the field (18-of-62) and 18 percent from three-point range (6-of-33). To add to the frustration, Virginia closed the game on an 11–1 run over the final 5:53, escaping with a 61–58 victory.
For Virginia, Jacari White led the team with 19 points, Thijs De Ridder grabbed nine rebounds, and Chance Mallory dished out five assists. For Florida State, Lajae Jones finished with 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Robert McCray V recorded four assists.
With the win, Virginia secured its fifth consecutive victory and moved into third place in the Atlantic Coast Conference standings. The Cavaliers will next face Ohio State in Nashville. Florida State, now 12th in the ACC standings, suffered its first loss since January 24 against SMU. The Seminoles will look to bounce back on the road against Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.
After the game, members of the media had the opportunity to attend the postgame press conferences. Virginia head coach Ryan Odom opened with his thoughts on the close contest.
Virginia Head Coach Ryan Odum
“They had us on our heels pretty much the entire game. We turned the ball over too much, but it was one of those gritty games where we were able to hang in there and find a way at the end,” Odom said.
When asked whether he was comfortable playing at Florida State’s pace, Odom responded, “I think we’re used to playing fast. Our press was pretty much nonexistent this game, and they do a good job. They play some lineups that are a little bit different than what we’re used to facing.”
FSU Head Coach Luke Loucks
Florida State head coach Luke Loucks also reflected on the future of his program. “We are still building something really good here, and that takes time. That takes learning how to win close games,” Loucks said.
He emphasized the importance of winning at Florida State, adding, “This town respects winning, and when you win, fans show up. And when they show up, this is one of the best atmospheres in college basketball.”
Loucks reiterated his belief in the program’s culture, stating that fans should expect championships and that Florida State is built on a championship standard. While the future of the season remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Luke Loucks is fully committed to the Florida State program and its fan base.
Detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (H.I.D.T.A.) Task Force have significantly disrupted the trafficking of fentanyl and methamphetamine into the county during two special operations that resulted in many arrests and the seizure of drugs and weapons.
Operation Bloodline and Operation Flatlineresulted in the arrests of 51 suspects, and the seizure of 78 pounds of methamphetamine, 14.55 pounds of fentanyl, 13 firearms, and approximately $20,000 in United States currency.
In August of 2025, the detectives began investigating Jemarion Young of Winter Haven, who was known to be a Florida gang leader. Young was found to be an associate of Spencer Leonard, Jr. of Bartow.
Young, Leonard, and several others were identified and known to be a part of a drug trafficking organization that was operating in Polk, Hillsborough, Osceola, Orange, Volusia, and Pasco counties.
The detectives teamed up with Statewide Prosecutors and the FDLE.
The investigation received authorization to use resources from the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (SAFE) grant, as well as approval for wiretaps and surveillance of the members of the drug trafficking organization.
Undercover detectives infiltrated the group and participated in transactions in which they were able to acquire methamphetamine and fentanyl.
A supply-line of methamphetamine was discovered from California to Polk County, and on December 15, 2025, detectives intercepted a delivery of ten pounds of methamphetamine.
Critical fentanyl overdose
On December 23, 2025, 42-year old Angela Valenta was found unresponsive in a Lake Wales hotel room, and she remains hospitalized with minimal brain activity. The day before Ms. Valenta was found, she received fentanyl from William Benjamin Newton, Jr., who has been linked to other ongoing overdose death investigations. The investigation of Newton’s involvement with Ms. Valenta began Operation Flatline, and resulted in the arrest of Newton, and the seizure of 6.1 pounds of fentanyl and 1.4 pounds of cocaine. Ultimately, William Benjamin Newton, Jr. could face first degree murder charges, if Ms. Valenta passes away due to overdosing on fentanyl supplied by Newton.
The following agencies worked with the PCSO during Operation Bloodline: Florida Attorney General, Office of Statewide Prosecution, State Attorney’s Office 10th Judicial Circuit, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Corrections, United States Marshal, Auburndale Police Department, Winter Park Police Department, Central Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.
Assisting the PCSO in Operation Flatline were: Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), State Attorney’s Office 10th Judicial Circuit, Auburndale Police Department, and Central Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force.
“Traffickers of methamphetamine and fentanyl are literally murdering people and tearing apart families. The men and women who go after these drug dealers are doing a noble, but dangerous job—putting their own lives on the line, to protect their communities from the drug traffickers who are profiting from this destruction. – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Among those arrested in these two operations:
• Jemarion Young, 36, Winter Haven. A Florida gang leader, and a drug trafficker of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Young is currently in the Polk County Jail, charged with: Racketeering, Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering, Trafficking in Fentanyl (10 counts), Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl (2-counts), Trafficking Methamphetamine (12-counts), Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine (19-counts), Possess Structure/Vehicle for Drug Trafficking, Unlawful Use of 2-Way Communication Device, and Possess/Use Narcotic Paraphernalia.
• Britney Jefferson, 37, Winter Haven.Jefferson is currently in the Polk County Jail with charges of: Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine (8-counts) and Unlawful Use of a 2-Way Communication Device. She is accused of coordinating a delivery of methamphetamine from California to Polk County. Jefferson is the sister of Demarcus and Antonio Jefferson who were both arrested during the PCSO’s Operation Flying Ice in 2022.
• Joshua Puckelwartz, 33, Tampa.Puckelwartz (no longer in custody) is a rapper who calls himself Tommi Boy Wayne. Puckelwartz had numerous communications with Jemarion Young. During a joint operation with FDLE and FHP, Puckelwartz fled from a traffic stop by FHP on January 28, 2026, and crashed on I-275. He was arrested while in possession of about 12 pounds of methamphetamine. He was arrested in Polk County on a Pinellas County warrant for Trafficking in Cocaine.
• Michael Wells, 34, Winter Haven. Wells is currently in the Polk County Jail. Wells is a close associate of Jemarion Young, and would participate in the acquisition of methamphetamine from Puckelwartz. Wells and Jemarion also supplied numerous pounds of methamphetamine to Spencer Leonard, Jr. Michael Wells has been charged with: Trafficking methamphetamine, Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine (17-counts), Racketeering, Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering, Conspiracy to Sell Cocaine, Conspiracy to Sell Marijuana, Unlawful Use of a 2-way Communication Device, Possession of Marijuana over 20 Grams, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, Possession of a Structure/Vehicle to Sell Drugs, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (2-counts).
• Steven Jackson, 32, Lakeland. Jackson is currently in the Polk County Jail with charges for: Armed Trafficking in Amphetamine, Armed Trafficking in Fentanyl, Trafficking in Heroin, Trafficking in Fentanyl (7-counts), Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 200 grams, Racketeering, Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering, Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon, Possess Structure/Vehicle for Drug Trafficking, Possession of Alprazolam with Intent to Sell, Unlawful Use of 2-way Communication Device, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Jackson is a gang member, and was identified as a supplier of fentanyl to Jemarion Young.
• Bruce Young, 37, Lakeland. Young is currently not in custody; he has an outstanding Polk County warrant for: Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering, Racketeering, Trafficking in Amphetamine, and Unlawful Use of a 2-Way Communication Device. After serving a 7-year sentence in Florida State Prison for trafficking in methamphetamine, Young was released on November 29, 2025. That same day, he communicated with Jemarion Young about reestablishing contact with his former meth supplier in California to resume selling it.
• Jerell Carr, 35, Lakeland. Carr is currently in the Polk County Jail, on charges of: Trafficking in Fentanyl, Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine (6-counts), Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering, Racketeering, Fleeing to Elude, Fleeing to Elude Causing Injury or Death, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana over 20 grams, Keep a Public Nuisance Structure for Drug Activity, Unlawful Use of a 2-Way Communication Device, Culpable Negligence Inflicting Harm (2-counts), Culpable Negligence Exposure to Harm (4-counts), Dangerous Excessive Speeding, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Reckless Driving, and Obstruct without Violence. On June 5, 2025, Carr, a gang member, was released from Florida State Prison after serving a 7-year sentence for trafficking methamphetamine. Like Bruce Young, Carr immediately went back to drug dealing. On January 16, 2026, he crashed his car after fleeing from an FHP Trooper in Lakeland. He was arrested and found to be in possession of 52.6 grams of cocaine, 135.2 grams of fentanyl, and 20.2 grams of marijuana.
Do you want a career where you’re set up for success and advancement? How about one where you can share your experience and lead others? If so, then answer the call and join Polk County Fire Rescue.
Photo source Polk County Fire Rescue
Application Process: To be considered for employment with Polk County Fire Rescue, please complete the following steps:
Step 1 – Complete CPAT & FireTEAM Candidates must successfully complete both the Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) and the FireTEAM assessments. The National Testing Network (NTN) offers both CPAT and FireTEAM. To learn more about CPAT and FireTEAM, and to sign up for testing, go to the National Testing Network website. Tests are offered multiple times a week, including Saturdays. During the registration process, make sure you select Polk County Fire Rescue to receive your test results. Upon completing the CPAT and FireTEAM assessments, your test results will be forwarded to Polk County Fire Rescue.
Step 2 – Submit Your Supporting Documents Legible copies of the documents must be submitted on the National Testing Network. Only applicants who successfully complete these steps will have their scores and documents forwarded to Polk County Fire Rescue for further consideration. Supporting documents required include:
Valid Florida Class E or higher driver license
High-School Diploma or Equivalency Certificate
State of Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance
State of Florida EMT-Basic or Paramedic Certificate
CPR or ACLS card
CPAT/Fire Team Certificate
National Incident Management System (NIMS) certifications:
ICS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System
ICS-200: ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
IS-700: National Incident Management System, An Introduction
IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction
Emergency Vehicle Operator Course Certification card or a recognized 16-hour course that is equivalent
Proof of vehicle insurance
Driving Requirements:
Have not accrued 12 points within 36 months or 18 points within 48 months
Have not been convicted on alcohol/drug related offenses within 36 months
Have not been convicted of two alcohol/drug related offenses within 10 years
Have not had a suspension, revocation or restriction due to moving violations or alcohol/drug related problem, including failure to take a breath test within the 36 months prior
Have not had two failures to pay fines within 36 month
Have not had two seat belt violations within 36 months
Have not had three lapses of insurance within 36 months
No serious traffic violations such as leaving the scene or driving on a suspended license within 36 months
Additional Information: You must successfully complete the FireTeam and CPAT no more than one year prior to submitting an application. Applications for employment are only accepted during open recruitment. Open recruitment occurs periodically as dictated by operational needs.
Pre-employment Testing Information: Polk County Fire Rescue uses both National Testing Networks and a paramedic exam (paramedics only) for the initial screening tools in the pre-employment process for the positions of:
Firefighter-Paramedic
Firefighter-EMT
Visit the National Testing Network, where you can schedule events. Select the fire icon and click on the applicable position sought with Polk County Fire Rescue. The site will then navigate you through the various components required to schedule an exam.
The smell of slow-smoked barbecue will once again fill the air as the 18th Annual Ribs on the Ridge returns to Lake Eva Park for a full weekend of food, fun and friendly competition.
The two-day, family-friendly festival kicks off Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, from 5 to 9 p.m., and continues Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This official Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned event will feature 32 professional teams and 11 backyard BBQ teams from across the county competing for the coveted Grand Champion title. Adding even more excitement, Ribs on the Ridge will serve as the second leg of the third annual Florida Triple Crown of BBQ, raising the stakes for pitmasters looking to claim statewide bragging rights.
Beyond the competition, attendees can enjoy a full slate of live entertainment throughout the weekend. Performances will include the Micah Madore Trio, Dan Signor Trio, the Blake Free Band and the Outlaw Saints, providing the perfect soundtrack to a weekend of smoky flavors and community celebration.
With activities for all ages, Ribs on the Ridge continues to be a can’t-miss event for barbecue lovers and families alike.
As families across the country continue to process the devastating crash on State Road 60 last week, more details are emerging about two of the four lives lost.
Douglas V. Poole, 68, of Wilmington, Delaware, was among the four people killed in the February 4 multi vehicle crash just east of Lake Wales. Poole was traveling through Florida with his partner, Marian Melasecca Castiglione.
Facebook Photo of Douglas Poole
According to his brother, both Poole and Castiglione were passengers in the Chevrolet Equinox involved in the crash.
Investigators have stated that the Equinox was pushed into oncoming traffic during the chain reaction collision. All four occupants of the Equinox died at the scene.
At this time, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office has not publicly released the names of all victims involved. However, Poole’s family, contacted Daily Ridge seeking additional information about video footage that captured the collision.
2024 Facebook Photo of Douglas Poole & Marian Melasecca Castiglione
In his message, they said his brother and Castiglione had just returned from a cruise to Cozumel (believed to be The Big Easy 2026 Cruise) and were driving across Florida from Fort Lauderdale, ultimately heading toward New Orleans. The driver and another passenger in the Equinox were believed to be from Port St. Lucie.
Douglas Poole grew up in Wilmington and graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in music composition. After years working in retail, he returned to his passion for music, playing piano for senior living communities throughout the Wilmington area.
He leaves behind two daughters, two stepsons, several grandchildren, and three brothers.
The February 4 collision involved five vehicles and eleven people. Several others were transported to area hospitals. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine what led to the sequence of events on SR 60.
For one family in Delaware and others connected to those involved, what began as a vacation ended in tragedy on a Polk County highway.
Daily Ridge will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
The PCSO Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit is investigating a two-vehicle crash that resulted in the death of one of the drivers. The crash occurred at approximately 8:05 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, on Church Ave near Carter Road in Mulberry.
According to evidence and witness statements, a dump truck was hauling millings from the road construction taking place on Church Ave. The dump truck was conducting a U-turn from southbound Church Ave onto northbound Church Ave. After completing the turn into the outside lane, a 2004 Chevrolet Suburban approached from behind in the same lane. The dump truck attempted to swerve to the left, at which time the right side of the Suburban impacted the left rear of the truck.
Upon impact, the right side of the Suburban was torn off and the vehicle began rotating clockwise as it continued northwest. The Suburban spun into the median, flipped, and the driver was ejected from the vehicle. The vehicle came to a rest approximately 80 feet from the point of impact. The dump truck came to a controlled stop on the east shoulder of the roadway.
The driver of the Suburban was not wearing a seat belt and no airbags deployed in his vehicle.
Upon arrival of first responders, the driver was found conscious and alert with what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries. It was learned that nearby construction workers had helped free him after he became partially trapped under the vehicle. He was transported to a local hospital where his condition declined rapidly and he succumbed to his injuries.
There were no indicators of impairment on the part of the dump truck driver but an odor of alcohol was detected on the Suburban driver at the scene prior to transport. The investigation remains ongoing.
Detectives locate over 300 files depicting child sexual abuse and a video depicting bestiality with a dog in the home.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit arrested two roommates, 25-year-old Jefferey Johnston and 24-year-old Ryan Braley, after an extensive investigation regarding the possession and distribution of child pornography taking place inside the home.
Click here for Sheriff Judd’s comments on the investigation and arrests.
The investigation began after the receipt of a cybertip indicating several files were uploaded and being shared by a user at an address on Castlemain Circle in Davenport.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for the Google account belonging to Johnston, and located over 300 files containing images and videos of male and female children between the ages of 12 months old to 12 years old being sexually abused. Detectives also located a video depicting an adult male sexually abusing a brown brindle colored medium-sized dog, by a male subject who was positively identified as Braley.
On February 10, 2026, detectives responded to the home and interviewed Johnston, who confessed to owning the Google account, possessing all of the child pornography, and that Braley sent him the video of Braley sexually abusing the dog in the home. The dog belongs to other residents who live there, and he was taken to a local veterinarian for a medical examination.
Johnston has been charged with 51 counts possession of child pornography, enhanced (F2), and possession of pornographic video depicting sexual activity involving animals (F3).
Braley has been charged with animal cruelty (M1), engaging in sexual contact with animal (F3) and filming sexual contact with animal (F3).
Welcome, World Travelers! New Fast and Furious Coaster Coming to Universal Studios Florida
by James Coulter
Get ready to go on a fast and furious ride on a new roller coaster based on the Fast and Furious movies!
Universal Orlando Resort (UO) recently announced Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, a high-octane roller coaster coming to Universal Studios Florida in 2027.
“Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will put guests in the driver’sseat of the high-speed thrills of Universal Pictures’ Fast & Furious universe like never before,” a press release stated.
“Riders will experience the exhilarating sensation of 360-degree drifting as they speed through jaw-dropping maneuvers – including a 170-foot vertical “spike” that will send riders nearly 17 stories in the air over the outskirts of Universal CityWalk,” it continued.
The new attraction will be similar to the roller coaster of the same name set to open on the West Coast at Universal Studios Hollywood later this year.
The ride will be constructed on the former location of the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster, which closed on Aug. 12, 2025, after nearly 16 years in operation.
Also closing to make way for the new attraction will be Fast & Furious: Supercharged, which first opened at the park in 2018, and will be set to close after nine years in operation.
Based on a similar segment of the Universal Hollywood Tram Tour, the screen-based attraction allowed guests to experience a ride based on the first Fast and Furious film.
The new attraction is being built following a surge of guests to Universal Orlando resorts following the opening of Epic Universe, a 750-acre park with five themed lands, including Super Nintendo World.
Since opening in May 2025, the new park has drawn in 15,000 to 20,000 visitors during its initial summer, setting it on pace for roughly 5.8 to 7.3 million annual visitors.
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition, mainly affecting the face, that causes redness, swelling, pain and changes in appearance. It is estimated that more than 16 million people in the United States have rosacea, according to the National Rosacea Society (NRS), but only about 1 million are under active treatment.
Physical impacts include prominent redness, acne-like bumps and pimples, highly visible enlarged blood vessels, pronounced dryness and unpleasant sensations like stinging, burning, itching and tingling. As many as half of sufferers also experience eye symptoms. Rosacea also affects emotional and social well-being. From lower confidence and self-esteem to avoidance of public contact and social engagements and missed work, the impacts are far-reaching. However, rosacea can be treated and managed.
What causes rosacea?
The exact cause of rosacea is not fully understood.
However, research suggests facial redness is often the first step in a chain of skin inflammation. This process may begin when the nerves, blood vessels and immune system don’t work together as they should.
Researchers have also found a microscopic skin mite called Demodex may play a role. These tiny arachnids normally live within hair follicles and oil glands on everyone’s skin, but people with rosacea tend to have higher numbers on the face, which may contribute to irritation and inflammation.
Some studies have found links between rosacea and other health conditions, such as heart disease, digestive disorders, neurological or autoimmune conditions and certain cancers. These findings suggest rosacea may be related to inflammation throughout the body.
What are the most common symptoms?
The most common symptoms of rosacea include:
Easy or severe blushing or flushing
Persistent redness
Bumps and pimples on the skin without blackheads
Burning or itching sensation
Swelling
Symptoms are different for each person and can change over time. There may be times when symptoms are worse and instances when they become milder.
What triggers a flare up?
Rosacea patients can improve their chances of maintaining remission by identifying and avoiding lifestyle and environmental factors that trigger flare-ups or aggravate the condition.
Common triggers include sun exposure, stress, extreme temperatures, heavy exercise, alcohol consumption, spicy foods and some skin, hair and makeup products.
What causes a flare-up in one person may have no effect on another, making this a highly individualized process. Knowing what triggers your flare-ups can help reduce discomfort, improve treatment results and prevent the condition from getting worse.
How do you treat rosacea?
Because the signs and symptoms of rosacea vary trom one patient to another, treatment is tailored by a physician for each individual case. It typically involves three key elements:
Skin care: Committing to a gentle routine using mild, non-irritating products.
Litestyle management: Identitying and reducing exposure to triggers.
Medication and other therapies: Combining topical and oral treatments along with laser therapy to target various symptoms.
Talk with your dermatologist about your treatment routine today.
Polk County Parks and Recreation is inviting families and friends to celebrate the season of love with a free Pal-entine’s Day Party.
The family-friendly event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, at the Eloise Resource Center, located at 710 Snively Ave. in Eloise.
Attendees can expect an evening filled with music, dancing, crafts, themed activities and light refreshments, making it a fun night out for all ages. The event is designed to celebrate friendships and community in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
Those interested in attending or looking for additional details can contact Polk County Parks and Recreation at (863) 298-4485.
Polk County Parks and Rec encourages the community to come out and enjoy an evening of fun, connection and Pal-entine’s Day spirit.
