WINTER HAVEN – One of Melinda Kalogridis’ key campaign priorities is strengthening support for police and fire departments. She said that includes ensuring proper staffing and equipment, supporting recruitment and retention, and maintaining open communication with public safety leadership.
Kalogridis is running for Winter Haven City Commission Seat 5. Election Day is Nov. 4, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Early voting has ended.
Working with public safety departments is familiar territory for Kalogridis.
“Public safety isn’t just a talking point for me; it’s always been one of my top priorities. Our police officers and firefighters are the backbone of this community, and ensuring each department is staffed with skilled, qualified personnel and have the resources necessary to serve residents effectively is essential to keeping Winter Haven safe,” said the Winter Haven native.
Her commitment earned her the endorsement of the Winter Haven Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 4967.
“I am personally impressed by your dedication to learning about and understanding the operations of public safety, as well as your willingness to assist in addressing the challenges we face. We are confident that you will serve honorably on the City Commission, representing both the citizens of Winter Haven and the women and men employed in Public Safety Services,” wrote Credie Windemaker, the Winter Haven Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 4967 Union President, in a letter of support.
Kalogridis expressed her appreciation for the endorsement.
“I’m incredibly honored to have earned the endorsement of the Winter Haven Professional Firefighters – IAFF Local 4967!” Kalogridis wrote recently on her website, votemelinda.com.
Windemaker continued in the letter, “We commend you for your willingness to run for and serve in public office. Public service requires dedication, and your commitment to our community deserves recognition.”
In addition to public safety, Kalogridis has been working behind the scenes to support affordable housing efforts for firefighters.
The small business owner also promises to bring a “no-nonsense approach to City Hall” by cutting red tape and eliminating bloated programs; holding city departments accountable; focusing spending on public services rather than pet projects; and demanding transparency throughout the city budget process.
On Saturday, Nov. 1, the Florida Bandmasters Association District 12 Marching Festival will bring road closures beginning around 10 a.m. and reopening by 10 p.m. Areas affected include 4th St SE (between Ave A SE and Ave C SE) and Ave B SE (between Ave A SE and 6th St SE).
On Sunday, Nov. 2, the Central Baptist Church “Big Day” event will close portions of Ave A NW (between 6th St NW and 7th St NW) from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Top 5 Ways to Enjoy Autumn in (and near) Polk County
by James Coulter
Halloween is over. Christmas is right around the corner. But we still have a full month of autumn to savor. Polk County may not have the cooler weather and crisp, leaf-strewn landscapes of the North, yet it still offers plenty of ways to enjoy the fall season. Here are just a few:
#1: Explore Corn Mazes
Corn fields are good for two things: growing fresh ears of corn and creating elaborate mazes. If you’re looking to get lost in a good old-fashioned corn maze, visit the Harvest Holler Corn Maze. Located 20 minutes north of Downtown Lakeland, this local fall favorite allows visitors to twist & turn through living corn walls—no map, only teamwork! There’s plenty more fun to have with hayrides through cow pastures, live animals to pet, and even a real dairy cow to milk. You can even meet and greet the Florida-famous miniature cows (or Mini-Moos). Harvest Holler Corn Maze is located at 950 Tavares Rd. in Polk City, FL, and is open weekends until Nov. 16. Learn more at: harvestholler.com
#2. Take a Wine Walk
What’s better than taking a stroll and enjoying the natural beauty at Bok Tower Gardens? How about enjoying a glass of fine wine? You can do just that at the Fall Wine Walk at Bok Tower Gardens. Sample nearly a dozen wines from the best wine regions in the world as you sip and stroll through the world-famous botanical gardens at the “City in a Garden” of Lake Wales. And be sure to use your wine to wash down the many appetizers to nibble on. The Wine Walk will be hosted on Sat. Nov. 1 from 2 PM – 5 PM. Admission is $60 for members and $80 for non-members. Learn more at boktowergardens.org.
#3. Participate in a Fall 5K Race
Want a good excuse to enjoy the cool fall air and crisp autumn landscape? Consider going for a jog. Better yet, go for a jog for a good cause. Many 5K races are hosted this time of the year to raise funds and awareness for local organizations. Dash around Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland during the White Elephant 5K/10K on Sat. Nov. 30 starting at 9 AM. Add some spice to your Thanksgiving morning with a sweet cinnamon roll waiting at the finish line of the 7th Annual Cinnamon Roll Run 5K, hosted Thur. Nov. 27 at Ellis Methvin Park in Plant City at 7 AM. Or go for a run through the beautiful community of Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District during the Sun N Lake Turkey Trot on Sat. Nov 22 at 6:30 AM. Learn more about these and other races at runsignup.com.
#4: Attend a Fall Festival
Fall may soon be over, but there’s still plenty of fall fun to be had at fall festivals across the county. Enjoy hay rides, bounce houses, live music, and even more fun and games. Some upcoming festivals include:
⦁ Auburndale Fall Fest (Sat. Nov. 1 @ 9 AM – 3 PM) in Downtown Auburndale (200 E Park St).
⦁ Fall Family Festival (Sat. Nov. 1 @ 10 AM – 3 PM) at The Rock of Winter Haven (2901 Lucerne Park Rd. in Winter Haven).
⦁ Harvest Festi-Fall (Sat. Nov. 1 @ 10 AM – 2 PM) at East Central Park (Lake Mabel Loop Rd. in Dundee).
⦁ RideSafe Fall Fest (Sat. Nov. 8 @ 10 AM – 1 PM) at Bonnet Springs Park (400 Bonnet Springs Blvd. in Lakeland).
⦁ Fall Market & Craft Fair (Sat. Nov. 8 @ 10 AM – 2 PM) at Ardella Baptist Church (709 W. Pipkin Rd. in Lakeland).
⦁ Annual Fall Festival (Sat. Nov. 15 @ 2 PM – 5 PM) at the Lake Wales Family Recreation Center (1001 Burns Ave. in Lake Wales)
#5: Visit Southern Hill Farms
Harvest time has arrived at Southern Hill Farms in Clermont, and with it comes the 10th Annual Fall Festival. Pick your own sunflowers and zinnias, tour the petting zoo, embark on a wagon ride, and even traverse a 5-acre corn maze. This annual fall fest is one of the most immersive agritourism events in the region, especially for those looking to expand their fall adventure beyond county lines. Southern Hill Farms is located at 16651 Schofield Rd. in Clermont. The fall festival is hosted on select Thursdays and every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until Nov. 23. Learn more at: southernhillfarms.com
As of Tuesday October 21st, 2025, I Larry Kahn no longer have any financial responsibility to Holy cannoli. Any questions contact Chris Corpora at Holy Cannoli.
“Harry Houdini, the most celebrated magician and escape artist of the 20th century, dies of peritonitis in a Detroit hospital. Twelve days before, Houdini had been talking to a group of students after a lecture in Montreal when he commented on the strength of his stomach muscles and their ability to withstand hard blows. Suddenly, one of the students punched Houdini twice in the stomach. The magician hadn’t had time to prepare, and the blows ruptured his appendix. He fell ill on the train to Detroit, and, after performing one last time, was hospitalized. Doctors operated on him, but to no avail. The burst appendix poisoned his system, and on October 31 he died.
Houdini was born Erik Weisz in Budapest in 1874, the son of a rabbi. At a young age, he immigrated with his family to Appleton, Wisconsin, and soon demonstrated a natural acrobatic ability and an extraordinary skill at picking locks. When he was nine, he joined a traveling circus and toured the country as a contortionist and trapeze performer. He soon was specializing in escape acts and gained fame for his reported ability to escape from any manacle. He went on his first international tour in 1900 and performed all over Europe to great acclaim. In executing his escapes, he relied on strength, dexterity and concentration—not trickery—and was a great showman.
Photo source Wikipedia
In 1908, Houdini began performing more dangerous and dramatic escapes. In a favorite act, he was bound and then locked in an ironbound chest that was dropped into a water tank or thrown off a boat. In another, he was heavily bound and then suspended upside down in a glass-walled water tank. Other acts featured Houdini being hung from a skyscraper in a straitjacket, or bound and buried—without a coffin—under six feet of dirt.
In his later years, Houdini campaigned against mediums, mind readers, fakirs and others who claimed supernatural talents but depended on tricks. At the same time, he was deeply interested in spiritualism and made a pact with his wife and friends that the first to die was to try and communicate with the world of reality from the spirit world. Several of these friends died, but Houdini never received a sign from them. Then, on Halloween 1926, Houdini himself passed on at the age of 52. His wife waited for a communiqué from the spirit world, but it never came; she declared the experiment a failure shortly before her death in 1943.”
Riverview, FL – October 21, 2025 – Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation (CCF) marked a significant milestone this week by installing its 77th Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at St. Stephen Catholic School in Riverview, Florida. The placement, which took place on Monday, October 28, was generously funded as a “Pay It Forward” gesture by HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, highlighting a growing partnership dedicated to heart health awareness and community safety.
Founded by Melanie Brown Culpepper Beilke in honor of her late fiancé, Michael Culpepper, who passed away from sudden cardiac arrest in July 2020, CCF has made it its mission to equip public spaces with life-saving AEDs. “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,” said Culpepper Beilke. The organization raises funds through sponsorships, donations, and events, placing at least two AEDs per month in communities across Florida. Additionally, CCF awards three scholarships annually—one for fire services, one for medical professionals, and one for EMTs—to support first responders.
The foundation’s mission statement emphasizes proactive community involvement: “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 installation at St. Stephen Catholic School, located at 10424 Saint Stephen Circle, was a collaborative effort.
The school, part of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg and serving approximately 300 students from PreK-4 through 8th grade, has been a cornerstone of the community for 25 years. It offers a robust program in academics, arts, athletics—including middle school sports like football and baseball—and faith formation, all in a caring, spiritual environment. Principal Linda Umoh and school staff welcomed the CCF team, recognizing the value of the AED for on-campus emergencies and extracurricular activities.
The event brought together key figures, including Laura Stauter, Director of Communications and Community Engagement at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital; Anna Hendrix, Nurse Manager at HCA Riverview Freestanding Emergency Department and a veteran; Culpepper Beilke; and Eric Shimkus, a paramedic with over 24 years of experience at the Winter Haven Fire Department who volunteers his time for such demonstrations.
Culpepper Beilke reflected on the partnership’s origins: “I met Laura over a year ago in February when she invited me to speak at HCA for Heart Awareness Month. She also arranged an interview with Fadia Patterson from Spectrum Bay News 9. HCA sponsored our ‘Saving Lives Matters’ event last November and is sponsoring again this year—all to spread heart awareness and place more AEDs in our communities.”
During the installation, Shimkus provided hands-on training on AED use and CPR. The demonstration expanded to include a choking device and Narcan for overdose emergencies, emphasizing comprehensive life-saving techniques. In a poignant addition, the team highlighted the importance of carrying fire extinguishers in vehicles, honoring Jolynn—a young girl lost in a car fire in November—and her mother, Logan Deines, through the “For The Love Of JoLynn” initiative.
Anna Hendrix, who attended the event, shared her enthusiasm: “I was in attendance for the AED installation at St. Stephen’s. I believe it was a wonderful learning experience for their teachers and staff. They were very grateful and felt more prepared for possible emergency situations in the school or out on their sports field. Melanie’s story is truly remarkable and her work is helping to save lives across our community. I look forward to seeing more AEDs across our community.”
HCA Florida Brandon Hospital and Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation …
This “Pay It Forward” from HCA Florida Brandon Hospital builds on an ongoing collaboration with CCF to strengthen heart health in the region. “Our ongoing partnership with Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation is vital,” noted a statement from HCA, underscoring their commitment to community wellness.
Culpepper Beilke expressed gratitude to the community: “Thank you everyone and our Community so very much as without our community support we could not make this all happen.” She gave special shout-outs to her husband, Brian Beilke; paramedic Eric Shimkus; Daily Ridge as media sponsor; the entire CCF team; and partners Rescue7, CoroMed, and AED.US.
Looking ahead, CCF invites the public to its annual “Saving Lives Matters” event on November 15, 2025, at Tanners Lakeside. The day-long fundraiser, starting at 11:00 AM, features live music from acts like Jim and Judy Duo, Sandra Hess, Ramblin Rose, Conspiracy Theory, Strictly Business, and Got UR 6 Band; an AED demonstration; raffles; a 50/50 lotto; food; a kids zone; vendors; and first responders. Proceeds will support more AED placements. Those interested in sponsoring, donating, or contributing items can contact Melanie Brown Culpepper Beilke at 863-662-2694 or visit culpepperaed.com for details.
With each AED installed, CCF honors Michael Culpepper’s legacy, reminding us that “We all may be The Closest 1st Responder.” As Culpepper Beilke affirms, “If we save one person’s life, all of this is worth it.”
Notice is hereby given that Lake Wales Storage intends to sell the property described below to enforce a lien under the Florida Self Storage Facility Act, Statutes (section 83.80-83.809). The owner will sell at public auction on or after November 20,2025 at 10:00 am at storageauctions.com
Units belonging to the following:
Janice Leise/Unit 1091
Johnnie Coleman/Unit 1017
*Hearts of Gold Uniform Boutique (Deshawn Mitchell)/Unit 1108
This sale will be continued on such succeeding sale days thereafter as may be necessary to be completed. Unless otherwise noted units contain household items. *Business Goods.
A 35 year-old man was arrested on Tuesday for his third DUI when he was spotted at an intersection on Hwy 17 asleep inside of his running vehicle.
On Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at approximately 8 p.m., 35 year-old Moises Vazquez-Eduardo of Winter Haven was spotted by a passerby sitting in his vehicle asleep at the intersection of Hwy 17 and Ave. D NW. The concerned citizen went around the vehicle and pulled over to call law enforcement. The citizen reported to dispatchers that the vehicle did not move through one green light cycle and then started slowly rolling into the middle of the intersection.
Winter Haven officers arrived on scene to find a black 2025 Chevrolet Suburban blocking traffic in the intersection with the unresponsive driver in the driver’s seat. Officers attempted multiple times to get the attention of the driver (Vazquez-Eduardo) to no avail. The driver’s side and passenger side windows were broken in order to reach the driver. When the driver’s door was opened, Vazquez-Eduardo immediately started displaying aggressive behavior to law enforcement on scene.
Multiple commands for Vazquez-Eduardo to exit the vehicle were given, but he would not comply. Ultimately, Vazquez-Eduardo was escorted out of the vehicle and placed on the ground where he continued to resist officers not allowing them to place him in handcuffs.
When officers gained compliance, Vazquez-Eduardo was placed in handcuffs and escorted to a patrol vehicle. As officers were walking with Vazquez-Eduardo, he was unable to maintain his balance and stumbled while walking. He was also unable to speak clearly and slurred his words. At one point, Vazquez-Eduardo told one of the Winter Haven Officers, “I love you” and would laugh at other times. A strong odor of alcoholic beverage was coming from Vazquez-Eduardo, who declined to submit to a breathalyzer test.
Vazquez-Eduardo was arrested and transported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Processing Center charged with DUI 3rd Violation within 10 years, Resisting Arrest without Violence and Knowingly Driving with No Valid Driver’s License.
Vazquez-Eduardo’s history includes two prior convictions of DUI and two convictions of Driving with No Valid Driver’s License from Osceola County in 2010 and Bartow in 2021.
