Get ready — the countdown is on for the 2nd Annual Hoop It Up Charity Basketball Game, and both teams are fired up for another exciting matchup!
Join us on Saturday, November 15 at 3:00 PM at Ridge Community High School as your Haines City Fire Department faces off against the Police Department — all for a great cause.
Enjoy an afternoon of food, prizes, music, and family fun, while helping support local families in need.
Entry: $10 donation per family
Your generosity helps us make a difference — on and off the court.
*UPDATE: Fire has spread to 20 acres, but is 75% contained.
FORT MEADE, Florida – November 3, 2025
Multiple agencies are working a wildfire south of Fort Meade this afternoon near the intersection of Mt. Pisgah Road and 9th Street SE.
According to the Florida Forest Service (Lakeland District), crews are currently working to contain a 5-acre wildfire. The fire was first reported shortly after 12:40 PM. Polk County Fire Rescue units were dispatched to the area and arrived on scene to assist with containment and monitor nearby homes and properties.
At this time, no structures are threatened, and no evacuations have been issued.
The cause of the fire has not been released at this time.
This is a developing situation. The Daily Ridge will provide updates as additional details become available from the Florida Forest Service and Polk County Fire Rescue.
Lakeland, Florida – A routine tag check at a red light led to two arrests on Saturday, November 1st, after a Polk County Sheriffs Office deputy noticed something unusual about a vehicle license plate.
According to PCSO, the deputy was stopped at the light at US 92 and Combee Road behind a red 2015 Hyundai. While waiting for the light, he ran the tag number. The query showed that the tag was not registered to a Hyundai at all. It came back assigned to a trailer.
The deputy conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, identified as fifty six year old Thomas Stokes of Lakeland. Stokes told the deputy he did not have a valid drivers license.
When asked about the incorrect tag, Stokes said the Hyundai had been given to him as a gift and that the tag was already attached when he received it. He claimed he only knew the man who gave him the vehicle by the first name Lucius.
Even though the story sounded questionable, the deputy continued investigating.
Deputies confirmed the vehicle was not listed as stolen. They found that the Hyundai was registered to a woman named Taunya. When contacted, she said it was registered in her name, but the car actually belonged to her son.
The deputy then contacted the son, who said the Hyundai stopped working. When he moved to North Carolina, he told his landlord Lucius to dispose of it.
Stokes story turned out to be true. However, Stokes was still arrested for driving while license suspended or revoked.
A passenger in the vehicle, identified as thirty nine year old Amy Eddy of Lakeland, also ended up in custody. Deputies learned she had an active warrant out of Marion County for Violation of Probation for Petit Theft.
Both Stokes and Eddy were transported to the Sheriffs Processing Center. The Hyundai was towed from the scene.
This past weekend across the country, college football fans were treated to several thrilling games and surprising upsets.
Our first upset takes us to Memphis, Tennessee, where the unranked Memphis Tigers took down the #18 USF Bulls in a 34–31 thriller. The Tigers’ offense was firing on all cylinders, putting up 450 total yards, 30 first downs, and committing no turnovers. Quarterback Brendon Lewis was instrumental in the victory, completing 27 of 44 passes for 307 yards and two touchdowns, while also adding 35 rushing yards. Heading into the matchup, USF had a 57% chance to win, but Memphis proved otherwise with a statement performance.
Next, in Seattle, the unranked Washington Huskies pulled off another upset, comfortably defeating the #23 Illinois Fighting Illini 42–25. Sophomore quarterback Demond Williams Jr. was nearly flawless, completing 26 of 33 passes for four touchdowns. Washington’s offense amassed 449 total yards, earned 27 first downs, and again had zero turnovers—an impressive display of efficiency and discipline.
Our final upset of the weekend took place in Tempe, Arizona, where the Houston Cougars shocked the #24 Arizona State Sun Devils, 24–16. Junior quarterback Conner Weigman led the charge, going 17 of 22 for 201 passing yards, adding 111 rushing yards, and accounting for three total touchdowns (one passing, two rushing). Pre-game models gave Houston just a 29% chance to win, but Weigman’s dual-threat performance lifted the Cougars to victory.
Now we turn our attention to the ranked head-to-head matchups. First, we head to Norman, Oklahoma, where the #13 Oklahoma Sooners took on the #8 Ole Miss Rebels. This was a close game between two heavyweights of the Southeastern Conference, with Ole Miss coming out on top 34–26. The Rebels were led by senior quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who went 24 of 44 for 315 yards and one touchdown. Ole Miss continues its dominant season, now standing at 7–1 with hopes of not only winning the SEC Championship but also making a push for the College Football Playoff and a potential national title.
Our next ranked head-to-head matchup took place in Nashville, Tennessee, between two more SEC teams as the #10 Vanderbilt Commodores faced off against the #15 Missouri Tigers. The Commodores defended their home turf, winning a close one 17–10. Senior quarterback Diego Pavia led the way for Vanderbilt, completing 14 of 23 passes for 129 yards and throwing one interception. After this victory, the Commodores improved to 7–1, marking one of their best seasons in program history.
The final ranked matchup of the weekend took place in Baton Rouge, where the #3 Texas A&M Aggies dominated the #20 LSU Tigers, 49–25. The loss proved costly for LSU, as head coach Brian Kelly became the 10th coach fired midseason. During Kelly’s tenure, he posted a 34–14 overall record and a 19–10 mark in SEC play. His dismissal came after a 5–3 start to the season and a 2–3 record in conference play. Texas A&M, meanwhile, continues to look every bit like a playoff contender.
Heading into Week 10, here’s how the rankings stand:
Ohio State
Indiana
Texas A&M
Alabama
Georgia
Oregon
Ole Miss
Georgia Tech
Vanderbilt
BYU
Miami
Notre Dame
Texas Tech
Tennessee
Virginia
Louisville
Cincinnati
Oklahoma
Missouri
Texas
Michigan
Houston
USC
Utah
Memphis
These rankings are sure to change as the season progresses. Only time will tell which teams rise and which fall as we head toward the conclusion of another exciting college football season.
Culpepper Cardiac Foundation has reached a significant milestone with the placement of its 78th Automated External Defibrillator (AED), installed at Chain of Lakes CrossFit in downtown Winter Haven. The installation was made possible through an innovative partnership with Tanners Lakeside, whose “Bingo For A Cause” program has now funded the placement of six AEDs throughout the community.
The AED placement at Chain of Lakes CrossFit represents a strategic “Pay It Forward” decision by Tanners Lakeside to address a critical need in the fitness community. The gym, which serves approximately 100 members, operates in an environment where high-intensity workouts can increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest, making immediate access to defibrillation equipment crucial for member and staff safety.
Community Support Through Weekly Bingo Nights
Tanners Bingo for a cause!
Tanners Lakeside hosts “Bingo For A Cause” every Wednesday from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., offering a family-friendly evening where attendees enjoy games, food specials, and the knowledge that they’re supporting lifesaving equipment. During the final game of each night, proceeds are split between the winner and Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation. The program welcomes families of all ages and includes special dining options, including free kids’ meals with an adult dinner purchase.
“This is a win-win night for everyone,” said Allison Rollins, Manager at Tanners Lakeside with eight years of experience. “We feel it is important to have a number of AEDs at various locations around town. You never know who may need one.”
Kami Rickert, Assistant Manager at Tanners Lakeside with four years of tenure, emphasized the strategic nature of the placement: “Fitness centers are a great place for emergency equipment.”
Why Chain of Lakes CrossFit?
Chain of Lakes CrossFit operates a unique gym environment where athletes and everyday fitness enthusiasts train at various intensity levels. The gym’s diverse membership and the physically demanding nature of CrossFit training made it an ideal location for AED placement. Having an AED on-site allows gym staff to provide a life-saving shock within the first few minutes of a cardiac emergency, which can significantly boost a victim’s chance of survival.
Comprehensive Demonstration and Training
Eric Shimkus
The AED installation included a comprehensive demonstration and training program led by Eric Shimkus, a paramedic with over 24 years of experience at the Winter Haven Fire Department who volunteers his time for this critical work. Beyond AED and CPR instruction, the presentation incorporated additional life-saving tools: a choking device and Narcan for overdose response, emphasizing the foundation’s holistic approach to community emergency preparedness.
The demonstration also included information about vehicle fire extinguishers, highlighting the foundation’s commitment to multiple aspects of life safety. This addition honors Jolynn, a young girl whose life was lost to a car fire in November of the previous year. Through the “For The Love Of JoLynn” initiative, Culpepper Cardiac Foundation continues to support Jolynn’s mother, Logan Deines, while expanding community awareness about fire safety.
The Personal Mission Behind the Foundation
Culpepper Cardiac Foundation was established by Melanie Brown Culpepper Beilke in honor of Michael Culpepper, her late fiancé, who passed away from heart failure in July 2020. What began as a personal healing journey has evolved into a comprehensive community initiative.
Melanie Brown Culpepper Beilke
“I started the Foundation to help in my healing process as I wanted to try to help save others as I couldn’t save him,” Melanie explained. The foundation now places at least two AEDs per month throughout the community and awards three scholarships annually—one each to students pursuing careers in fire services, medical fields, and emergency medical services, supporting the first responders who are the backbone of emergency care.
Mission and Vision
The Culpepper Cardiac Foundation operates under a clear mission: “In Honor of Culpepper! With community support we hope to place a defibrillator on every city block. We may be the closest First Responder. It could be Your Family, Your Friend or even ‘YOU’ you’re saving as ‘SAVING LIVES MATTERS.'”
The foundation generates resources through sponsorships, donations, and community events. With each AED placed and each life potentially saved, the foundation’s commitment to its mission becomes more meaningful.
Recognition and Support
Culpepper expressed deep gratitude to the many partners making this work possible, particularly acknowledging her husband Brian Beilke for his unwavering support, paramedic Eric Shimkus for his volunteer expertise, and Daily Ridge for its role as media sponsor.
Brian, Mel, Eric
The foundation also recognized key partners including Rescue 7 Inc., CoroMed, and AED.US for their collaboration in expanding access to life-saving equipment throughout the community.
Mark Your Calendar: Annual “Saving Lives Matters” Event
The foundation announces its annual yearly event on November 15th at Tanners Lakeside, dedicated to raising funds for additional AED placements throughout the community. The foundation seeks sponsors, donations, raffle items, gift baskets, and live auction items to support this critical mission.
Those interested in sponsoring, donating, or contributing items can contact Melanie Brown Culpepper at (863) 662-2694 or call Melanie’s Cutting Edge salon at (863) 299-6537.
Getting Involved
Community members can learn more about AED locations and the foundation’s mission by visiting Culpepperaed.com. Whether through weekly Bingo For A Cause participation at Tanners Lakeside, attending community events, or making direct contributions, there are numerous ways to support the mission of placing life-saving equipment throughout the county.
About Culpepper Cardiac Foundation
Culpepper Cardiac Foundation is dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac death through strategic AED placement, emergency response training, and community education. Founded in honor of Michael Culpepper, the foundation operates on the principle that every community member could be a first responder when equipped with the right tools and knowledge. With community support, the foundation continues to expand access to life-saving equipment while supporting the first responders who protect our communities. For more information, visit Culpepperaed.com.
The driver of the Grey 2019 Honda Accord, 21 years of age, has charges pending against him. He sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash.
The Winter Haven Police Officer involved in the crash, 23-year-old male, also sustained serious injuries.
Photos courtesy of FHP
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Original report from WHPD:
A Winter Haven Police Officer is being treated for injuries following a violent crash as he was responding to a call for service in emergency mode.
On Sunday, November 2, 2025 at 2:19 am, a Winter Haven officer was responding to a possible armed disturbance in emergency mode, heading eastbound on Cypress Gardens Blvd. As the officer entered the intersection of 1st Street South near Chick Fil-a, a Grey 2019 Honda Accord was heading south on 1st Street South at a high rate of speed. The Honda entered into the intersection striking the marked police Chevy Tahoe on the drivers’ side.
Both vehicles were redirected to the southeast area of the intersection coming to rest near the parking lot of the Dutch Bros. Both the officer and the 21 year-old driver of the Honda, the sole occupant of the vehicle, were injured. The officer was taken by ground to Lakeland Regional Health. The driver of the Honda was taken by helicopter to LRH.
There is no information regarding injuries to either party at this time.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
The PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a two vehicle crash involving a motorcycle that resulted in the death of one of the drivers. The crash occurred at 9:54 p.m. on November 1, 2025 on County Line Road in Lakeland.
A green and black Suzuki motorcycle being driven by 19-year-old Blue Scott was heading northbound in the inside (left) lane of travel. At the same time, a black Nissan Altima was exiting the driveway of the O’Reilly Auto Part Warehouse parking lot. It appears that as he exited the lot he crossed westbound across the northbound lanes and Scott attempted to avoid the Altima by going into the left lane but the Altima moved into the median and path of the motorcycle.
There was significant damage to both vehicles, Scott was ejected from the motorcycle, and the motorcycle came to a final rest in the southbound lanes of County Line Road. He was determined to be deceased on scene.
It is not clear if Scott was wearing a helmet, one was found at the scene but not strapped or near him. The driver of the Altima was not wearing a seatbelt but has no injuries. Distracted driving on his part is not suspected.
Dundee, Florida – A proposal by the Town of Dundee to delay the next municipal election and extend the current mayor and commissioners’ terms by approximately eighteen months is drawing strong public backlash and may lead to legal action.
On October 28, 2025, the Town Commission voted 5 to 0 on the first reading of Ordinance No. 25 03. The ordinance moves the next municipal election from April 2026 to November 2027. By delaying the election, the current mayor and two commissioners would remain in office longer than originally elected. Language in the ordinance states that the terms of those officials are “extended to the dates their successors are elected and seated.”
The push to move municipal elections began earlier in the year when Polk County Supervisor of Elections Melony Bell encouraged municipalities that still hold elections in April to shift to November elections. Bell has stated that November elections reduce costs and increase voter turnout. In April 2025, turnout in municipal elections across Polk County was 12.32 percent and two elections were decided by only eight votes. Bell suggested November elections in off years such as 2027 or 2029. There is no indication Bell intended that any municipality extend the terms of sitting officials.
On November 1, Dundee resident Michelle Thompson submitted a written request to Supervisor of Elections Melony Bell asking the Supervisor’s Office to review the legality of Dundee’s action. Thompson wrote, “My concern is that this proposed change appears to extend the terms of current elected officials without voter approval through a charter amendment.” Thompson cites Florida Statute 166.031(1) to (2), which requires charter changes to be approved by a referendum, and Florida Statute 166.021(4), which states that changes to the terms of elected officers generally require voter approval unless related solely to selecting election dates and only if the term adjustment is necessary. Thompson also cites Florida Statute 100.3605, which allows municipalities to change election dates for transition but limits that authority. Thompson argues that since the Dundee Town Charter does not grant the commission the authority to extend terms by ordinance, the proposed action may violate state law.
Thompson also references a recent legal case, Emilio González v. City of Miami, in which the court ruled that a city commission could not extend the terms of sitting elected officials by rescheduling an election unless voters approved that change through a charter amendment.
Public reaction to Dundee’s vote has intensified. Resident Joe Garrison, who planned to run for mayor in the April 2026 election, posted concern on social media and stated that the proposed delay would push the mayoral election to November 2027 instead. Garrison has organized a rally for residents today at 408 4th St., Dundee, in front of his grove, beginning at 1:30 p.m. Citizens tell the Daily Ridge they intend to attend the next commission meeting on November 18 and speak during public comment.
The ordinance is not yet adopted. The vote taken on October 28 was the first reading only. For the ordinance to become binding, the commission must vote again at a second reading. If approved in its current form, the election would move to November 2027.
Several processes exist that could affect the outcome of the ordinance if it advances to a second reading. A legal challenge filed in circuit court could result in a temporary injunction that pauses the ordinance until a judge determines whether extending terms is permitted under state law and the Town Charter. The Florida Supervisor of Elections or the Florida Division of Elections may also issue advisory opinions regarding election procedures, and the Town Commission retains the ability to amend or withdraw the ordinance before final adoption. In addition, under Florida law, the Governor has the authority to remove elected municipal officials from office for misconduct, malfeasance, or violating the law. These possibilities are not conclusions, but reflect common procedural options available when municipal election changes are disputed.
The Daily Ridge will reach out to the Town of Dundee and the Supervisor of Elections Office for comment.
You’re invited to join The Rock of Winter Haven for the Annual Fall Family Festival (formerly Rocktoberfest) — a day full of fun, fellowship, and fall festivities on their beautiful 25-acre lakefront property!
This free community event is packed with family-friendly activities, including free food, shaved ice, popcorn, live music, field games, contests, and much more. Kids will love the rock climbing wall, inflatable bounce houses, hayrides, and boat rides — plus, don’t miss the annual Kids’ Bicycle Giveaway! Be sure to arrive early to enter the raffle; winners will be announced from the main stage at 2:30 p.m.
Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair and relax as we celebrate the season and give thanks for all we have been blessed with.
Location: 2901 Lucerne Park Rd, Winter Haven, FL 33881
