LAKELAND — The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal collision involving a bicyclist and an Amtrak train Monday afternoon, October 27, on the CSX tracks that run parallel to US 92 near Eastside Drive.
According to Polk County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Brian Bruchey, deputies were dispatched at approximately 3:37 p.m. after receiving reports that a train had struck a man riding a bicycle on the tracks.
On Tuesday, PCSO released an update identifying the victim as 65-year old Joseph Gordon Evju of Lakeland (Editors Note: Initial information from PCSO was in error.)
Investigators determined that an Amtrak train traveling from Miami to Tampa, carrying 191 passengers, was approaching the crossing at approximately 77 miles per hour. The crossing arms were down and fully engaged.
According to the sheriff’s office, Vest maneuvered around the lowered crossing arms and entered the tracks. Detectives say he either did not hear or ignored the train’s horn just moments before the impact.
No passengers or crew members on the train were injured.
If your doctor has concerns about your cholesterol levels, you may be familiar with statins. This is a class of medications that can help reduce your body’s cholesterol production, lowering your risk of heart attack or stroke.
However, up to 30% of adults in the United States have some degree of statin intolerance, according to research published in the “Journal of Clinical Lipidology.” Possible signs or symptoms of statin intolerance are muscle aches and cramps, fatigue, weakness, elevated liver enzymes and the onset of diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance.
As a result, nearly one-third of patients (29%) discontinue their statin within the first year, according to findings published in the “American Journal of Cardiology.” Unfortunately, patients with statin intolerance are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including higher rates of coronary heart disease and recurrent heart attack.
Lowering Bad Cholesterol
A diagnosis of high cholesterol involves measuring low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol because it leads to the accumulation of plaque in your arteries. Plaque reduces your blood flow, which can cause damage to your cardiovascular system.
Bloodwork is the best indicator of your cholesterol levels, since you may not experience any symptoms of high cholesterol until you already have damage and buildup in your arteries.
To help create your treatment plan, talk to your doctor about your medical history, including whether you’ve had a heart attack or any heart procedures, such as a stent placement or bypass surgery. You’ll also review current medications, recent lab results and notes on any symptoms you may be experiencing.
Your doctor is likely to recommend a series of steps to reduce your cholesterol. Some common recommendations include a healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats and high in fiber, especially fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
It you’re not already getting regular physical activity, your doctor will likely encourage you to get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, find ways to include more movement in your everyday lifestyle and, if necessary, work toward shedding extra weight.
Lifestyle changes can help but may not make a big enough impact to reduce cholesterol to a recommended level. In those cases, doctors rely on cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins. Statins can be highly effective at reducing bad cholesterol, making them a powerful tool to reduce the risks associated with heart disease.
When Statins Are Intolerable or Aren’t Enough
For a variety of reasons, including intolerance to the medication, other health conditions or interactions with other medications, statins may not be the right choice for everyone.
“While statins remain the gold standard for cholesterol lowering, I often see patients who either can’t or won’t take a statin, as well as patients who require further LDL cholesterol reduction,” said Guy L. Mintz, Director of Cardiovascular Health & Lipidolology at Northwell Health System. “For those patients, I prescribe non-statin medications, such as NEXLETOL (an oral prescription medication with the cholesterol lowering agent bempedoic acid) and NEXLIZET (a combination of cholesterol-lowering medicines bempedoic acid and ezetimibe). I am comfortable using NEXLETOL and NEXLIZET, along with a healthy diet and exercise, to reduce LDL cholesterol in adults with high blood cholesterol levels and to reduce risk of heart events. Non-statins are another important therapeutic tool in our lipid lowering toolbox.”
The Auburndale Police Department, in partnership the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and the Auburndale Fire Department , is excited to host this family-friendly event with one mission: bringing joy through the Toys for Tots Foundation. Entrance Fee: One new, unwrapped toy to benefit Toys for Tots.
Event Highlights:
Cyber Truck Rally & Light Show
Food trucks
Meet and connect with local law enforcement & firefighters
Fun for kids and families—making memories while giving back
Attention Cyber Truck Owners!
Want to show off your ride and connect with other owners? We’re calling all Cyber Truck enthusiasts to bring your trucks and be part of the excitement. For details, please contact 863-965-2020.
Let’s light up the night, bring the community together, and most importantly—make the holidays brighter for children in need!
One Movie Later: Top 9 Horror Movies Streaming for Free
by James Coulter
We all love marathoning old horror movies on Halloween, but not all of us have the spare change to afford a top streaming service like Netflix or HBO Max.
Fortunately, there are plenty of free streaming services like Tubi, Pluto TV, and The Roku Channel. Best of all, they have plenty of great horror flicks worth binge-watching.
From cult classics to big box office blockbusters, here are some of the top-rated, most-watched horror movies currently streaming for free:
1. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Platforms: Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel
MPAA: R Run Time: 1hr 23m
Ratings: 89% (Rotten Tomatoes) 7.4/10 (IMDB)
The granddaddy of slashers. When a van of teens gets lost in the middle of nowhere, an eccentric rural family offers to have them for dinner—or, rather, with the help of the chainsaw-wielding Leatherface, to have them as dinner. 50 years later, horror fans still watch this beloved classic, as it remains one of the most-streamed legacy horrors each year.
Critical Highlight: “The slasher that started it all… and still leaves viewers chilled to the bone.” — Paste Magazine
2. The Babadook (2014)
Platforms: Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel
MPAA: NR Run Time: 1h 34m
Ratings: 98% (Rotten Tomatoes) 6.8/10 (IMDB)
A modern-day urban legend. When a young boy claims to be haunted by a monster in his home, both he and his mother go on a downward spiral into paranoia. For the past decade, this film has remained universally acclaimed and cited by both horror outlets and fans as one of the most psychologically effective horror films.
Critical Highlight: “A monster movie that’s really about emotional trauma… layered, complex and just so goddamned dramatic.” — Paste Magazine
3. Paranormal Activity (2007)
Platforms: Pluto TV
MPAA: R Run time: 1h 26m
Ratings: 83% (Rotten Tomatoes) 6.3/10 (IMDB)
We all know the story: A family hears strange things happening at night. They decide to have a video camera record footage overnight. What they discover truly shocks them. This found footage flick spawned an entire film franchise, and every October, Pluto TV runs a complete month-long marathon of the movies.
Critical Highlight: “Sustained scares and relentless atmosphere… no wonder audiences keep coming back for more.” — Pluto TV editorial
4. The Descent (2005)
Platforms: Tubi, Pluto TV
MPAA: R Run time: 1h 39m
Ratings: 87% (Rotten Tomatoes) 7.2/10 (IMDB)
A young woman and her friends decide to explore a creepy old cave. What could possibly go wrong? You know, aside from them uncovering unsettling artifacts from ancient times, as well as a previous cave expedition gone wrong. This spooky spelunking spectacle is often cited by horror fans as one of the best movies of the century and remains highly rated on Tubi.
Critical Highlight: “Even at home, the film still plays like gangbusters…the theater walls themselves seemed to close in on you.” — Mashable
5. Match (2025)
Platforms: Tubi
MPAA: NR Run Time: 1h 39m
Ratings: 87% (Rotten Tomatoes) 7.2/10 (IMDB)
They say you should always be careful with online dating. A young woman learns that lesson the hard way after a dating app matches her with a serial killer. Now she needs to ditch her first date before he throws her in a ditch. This Tubi original has gone viral, being heralded by horror sites as “the first Halloween treat.” Those with weak stomachs are advised, as the gory practical effects will make you lose your lunch.
Critical Highlight: “Such an amazing surprise and the first Halloween treat of 2025… A classic slasher with so many brilliant practical effects. Rarely do Tubi Originals reach such heights.” — Heaven of Horror
6: Hellraiser (1987)
Platforms: Tubi
MPAA: R Run time: 1h 34m
Ratings: 72% (Rotten Tomatoes) IMDB: 7/10
This film’s antagonist may be named “Pinhead”, but don’t go calling him that as an insult. Or rather, don’t go trying to solve his puzzle box. He might leave you torn to pieces–quite literally! Hellraiser and its main villain, Pinhead, remain classic modern-day horror icons, and the film remains one of the most replayed on Tubi.
Critical Highlight: “Makes Nightmare on Elm Street look like Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm.” — The Houston Post
7. Train to Busan (2016)
Platforms: Pluto TV
MPAA: NR Run time: 1h 58m
Ratings: 94% (Rotten Tomatoes) 7.6/10 (IMDB)
What could be worse than a train commute? How about a train commute during a zombie outbreak? That’s a sticky, scary situation one Korean man and his daughter find themselves. Will they survive the zombies on the way to Busan? Or will they end up zombies themselves? This international critical sensation has received high votes and ratings on streaming sites, having been consistently voted #1 on user polls.
Critical Highlight: “Delivers a gripping tale of survival… masterfully builds tension and delivers frights that cater to thrill-seekers’ tastes.” — Ranker, Paste Magazine
8. Possessor (2020)
Platforms: Tubi
MPAA: R Run time: 1h 43m
Ratings: 93% (Rotten Tomatoes) 6.5/10 (IMDB)
An assassin’s work isn’t easy. Fortunately, one elite assassin has her job made easier with brain-implant tech, allowing her to possess and kill her targets. However, one hit job has her struggling to control their body and her own. Cronenberg’s body horror never appeared more horrible and body-twitching. No wonder it’s top-rated by Paste and JustWatch.
Critical Highlight: “Cronenberg isn’t just looking to provoke with blood and guts—like all good dystopian fiction, Possessor offers disturbing and timely observations about the world we already live in.” — The Atlantic
9. Jennifer’s Body (2009)
Platforms: Tubi
MPAA: R Run time: 1h 45m
Ratings: 54% (Rotten Tomatoes) 5.4/10 (IMDB)
So, you’re an indie rock band. You made a deal with the devil. He gives you fame and fortune. You give him a virgin sacrifice. There’s only one problem? That cheerleader you sacrificed? She wasn’t a virgin. And now she’s back for vengeance. And a taste for human flesh. A critically panned box-office bomb on initial release, this film has since been reevaluated as a cult horror classic, praised for its social bites as well as its literal ones.
Critical Highlight: “A wicked black comedy with unexpected emotional resonance, one of the most purely pleasurable movies.” — Slate
Barbara Anne Truitt, 84, of Auburndale, FL passed away on October 21, 2025. She was born to Ishmael Aaron and Jewel Dean Umphrey on November 20, 1940, in Lawrenceburg, TN. Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Jere P. Truitt; two children, Dr. James Truitt (Cindy) and Judy Truitt McVay (Ron); five grandchildren, Jeremy Griner (Megan), Brittany Truitt Hollis (Jay), Brett Truitt, Jake Griner and Brigetta Truitt; four great grandchildren, Lilly Griner, Madi Griner, James Hollis and Eleanor Hollis; two siblings, Joy Banner and Aaron Umphrey. She was a schoolteacher for 37 years, and a graduate of Florida Southern College. Barbara loved gardening and her many friends in the Bouquet Garden Club of Winter Haven. There are no services at this time.
Welcome to the City of Winter Haven Election Information Center. The information contained on this page is intended to familiarize City Commission candidates, campaign treasurers, and residents with upcoming election information.
Per the City of Winter Haven Charter, elections for City Commission occur in odd-numbered years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November (If a Run-Off election is needed, it would occur on the first Tuesday in December).
The City Clerk serves as the supervisor of elections for all City elections and is the official qualifying officer for candidates seeking elected office within the City.
To vote in City of Winter Haven elections, you must reside within the City limits.
Qualifications to Become a Candidate:
• U.S. citizen and resident of Florida
• Registered voter in Florida (you must be at least 18) and a registered voter in Polk County
• Reside in the City limits of Winter Haven at the time of qualifying
City Commission Seats are:
• At-large
• Non-partisan
• Terms are 4 years
2025 Municipal Candidate Packets (to include electronic versions) were made available through the City Clerk’s Office. To view a copy or for questions or information, please contact us.
WINTER HAVEN – There’s more than one reason Melinda Kalogridis is running for Winter Haven City Commission Seat 5. In fact, there are thousands — the residents of Winter Haven.
“The ‘why’ behind me running for office is impossible to fit into three sentences or on a mailer that ends up on your kitchen table. At its core, my campaign is about people — the individuals who make up this place we call home,” she said.
A third-generation Winter Haven resident, Kalogridis grew up, played, and still lives on the same streets she did as a child. Her grandfather, the late Tony Kalogridis, owned Tony’s Pharmacy, and her father, Steve Kalogridis, spent years giving back through the Boys and Girls Club. Now, she’s raising her three children in the same community.
“Through years of collaboration with residents, nonprofits, and city staff, I’ve seen what works and where our systems fall short. I take pride in being a connector — helping residents, small businesses, and city departments work together to find solutions that make sense for everyone,” she said.
Kalogridis is known for being deeply connected to Winter Haven. She can often be found talking and listening to nearly everyone she meets, building relationships wherever she goes. Her energy for helping others is contagious, and she’s full of stories about her neighbors. The small business owner said her work and volunteer experience have prepared her for the role of Commissioner.
“I’m running because of people like Edward Cook, who started with nothing more than a bucket and a shammy, washing cars by hand at the corner store. Years later, he’s built two successful businesses on the opposite corner — one offering full vehicle detailing and another serving up soul food from his food truck every Sunday,” she said. “His story is a reminder of what hard work, perseverance, and community support can create when opportunity exists.” Cook is the owner of U.R. Next Custom Detailing and Who’s Next UR Next.
As a member of the City’s Grant and Aid Review Committee, Kalogridis has gained insight into City operations and earned a reputation as someone who gets results when others might not.
“I’m running because of people like Susan Eldridge, the Executive Director of Meals on Wheels. When her organization was at risk of losing city grant funding over a technicality, she didn’t stop showing up. She fought for the seniors who depended on her program. After hearing her story, I followed up and worked with our Grant and Aid Committee to find a creative solution that saved her organization from losing $35,000. I’m running because Susan fought and won — for others.”
A lifelong Winter Haven resident, Kalogridis believes her relationships and track record of engagement set her apart from her opponent, incumbent Clifton Dollison.
“Real progress starts with relationships. When we take time to engage, listen, and collaborate, we build trust — and with trust, we can tackle anything,” Kalogridis said. “My vision for Winter Haven is rooted in that belief. It’s about strong relationships, smart growth, and lasting impact — creating a city where small businesses can thrive, families feel supported, and employees are valued for the work they do.”
She pointed to another example of local progress.
“Terry is a local property owner who turned an old car wash into a thriving plaza, giving others space to build their dreams. He’s now working to create a mixed-use project with apartments he’d like to offer rent-free to police officers for two years,” Kalogridis said. “Despite delays and frustration, he hasn’t given up. I’m running because Terry still believes in what’s possible.”
Local developer Terry Dewdney has fought hard to improve the city and believes Kalogridis represents the change Winter Haven needs.
“We need a change in the City, and I believe that Melinda can be that change,” Dewdney said.
Ryan Mullis, a local business owner, has seen firsthand the positive impact Kalogridis has made.
“I first saw Melinda’s dedication during a downtown redevelopment project, where she made sure families facing relocation found safe, affordable housing. Since then, I’ve watched her partner with nonprofits, support at-risk families, and advocate for affordable options for first responders,” Mullis said. “Melinda is resourceful, relentless, and committed to ensuring every resident has access to stable housing.”
Her campaign slogan — Leadership that Delivers — reflects her goal to bring a new generation of leadership focused on people, safety, and smart growth.
Kalogridis believes everyone’s story matters — from residents and business owners to city employees and those experiencing homelessness.
“And I’m running because of city staff — people like Tami Hicks, who tends to our parks with pride, as if they were her own garden. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside city employees who love what they do and take pride in serving this community. They deserve leadership that listens, supports, and equips them to do their best work.”
The election will be held on Nov. 4, and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
“I’m running because the community shows up for each other, and it’s time we have leadership that does the same,” Kalogridis said. “I want to be the voice of those who don’t have one.”
For more information, visit votemelinda.com or call Kalogridis directly at 863-594-7376.
On Sunday morning (10/26) at around 8:20 am, a PCSO deputy was dispatched to the Circle K store at 8324 US 98 North in Lakeland, following a retail theft.
A store employee reported the theft was carried out by a male and female who fled from the store in a gray 2017 Hyundai Elantra.
The vehicle was located a short time later, and both suspects were captured.
They were identified as 43-year old Brenda Michelle Sasnett and 35-year old Richard Jared Allen. Both are from Lakeland.
Sasnett was driving the vehicle at the time it was stopped, however her license was not valid due to it having been suspended.
Allen and Sasnett were taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center and both were charged with retail theft. Sasnett was additionally charged with DWLSR.
Richard Allen’s prior criminal history includes: Unlawful Possession five or more Identification, Providing False Name to LEO, Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Introduction of Contraband to a Detention Facility.
Get ready to welcome the season with family fun at Harvest Festi-Fall, happening Saturday, November 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at East Central Park, 11 Lake Trask Road in Dundee. This free, family-friendly event is open to the public and packed with festive activities for all ages.
Guests can explore a cheerful pumpkin patch, enjoy the games zone, and cast their vote in the scarecrow competition. The event will also feature inflatables, food trucks, a Tiny Tot Town, vendor booths, hayrides, contests, prizes, and much more.
Halloween is right around the corner, and you still haven’tdecorated your house. Even worse, you don’t have the spare change to go on a Spirit Halloween shopping spree.
What do you do?
Fear not. You can still get your house decorated for spooky season with some simple crafts. Best of all, they can be made with cheap dollar store items, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank.
From mummy-wrapped pumpkins to floating sheet ghosts, here are 8 affordable DIY Halloween crafts:
1. Floating Sheet Ghosts
Time: 5-10 minutes each
Cost: $0-$3 each
What’s a haunted house without ghosts? You don’t even need a seance to summon any. You can make your own with old sheets and string. Just drape an old white sheet or trash bag over a small ball or balled-up piece of plastic or paper. Tie the “neck” tight with twine, string, or yarn. Draw eyes and a mouth with a black marker. Then hang from a porch or tree using a fishing line.
2. Gauze-Wrapped Mummy Pumpkins
Time: 10–15 minutes each
Cost: $1–3 per pumpkin (pumpkin costs may vary)
Jack o-Lanterns are scary. Mummies are scary. So what can be scarier than mummy jack o-lanterns? All you need to do is wrap a small pumpkin with strips of gauze, attach the gauze with glue or tape, then draw faces using a black marker or even googly eyes. Voila! Place them on your front porch, and you have a spooky mummified jack o-lantern to delight any mommy or mummy.
3. Giant Spider and Egg Sacs
Time: 15–30 minutes
Cost: $1–$6
Spiders are scary. Giant spiders are scarier. But a giant spider that laid eggs? Now that’s the scariest. Fortunately, this spider is made from yarn. Make the spider from a ball painted black with black pipe cleaners for legs. Then make the egg sacs by wrapping cotton balls with yarn and adding small plastic spiders. Place them around your yard, especially among bushes, and you have a real fake spider infestation.
4. Ghostly mason jar luminarias
Time: 10–20 minutes for several
Cost: $0.50–$3 per jar
A glass jar might not be able to trap a real ghost, but it can certainly contain fake glowing ghosts. Either paint ghosts on jars with white paint and black marker or drape white tissues inside. Add some cheap tea lights (solar-powered are ideal). Then set them around your front porch and steps.
5. Spider Web Table Runner
Time: 20–40 minutes
Cost: $1–6
If you want to decorate the inside of your house with webs, you can choose not to dust and wait for a spider to weave real cobwebs. Or you can make your own from white yarn. Simply lay the yarn on black poster board in concentric circles and connect the spokes with glue or tape. Then glue on plastic spiders. Try lightly misting the yarn with diluted glue for a firmer web that stays put.
6. PVC Pipe Tombstones
Time: 20–40 minutes
Cost: $1–$8 total
If you want to make your front yard look like a graveyard, you could “borrow” some tombstones from the local cemetery. However, if you’re looking for a simpler (and more legal) decorating tip, try making your own tombstones. Cut some tombstones from poster board, foam, or cardboard. Paint them gray and draw some epithets with a black marker. Then use wooden stakes or PVC pipe to push into the ground. Weatherproof with a quick coat of clear spray or lean tombstones against heavier objects for wind resistance.
7. Monster-Covered Candy Jars
Time: 15–20 minutes each
Cost: $1–4 per jar
What do you do with all of the candy your little monsters collect trick-or-treating? Why not store them in monster-covered candy jars? Cut up monster shapes with colored felt or craft foam. Then draw or glue on shapes to make the faces. Don’t forget to add some googly eyes. Now you have a monster-covered jar to protect your Halloween candy.
8. Bleeding Candles
Time: 15 minutes for several candles
Cost: $1–5 for supplies
Candles can melt, but have you ever seen one bleed? You can when you make your own bleeding candles. Melt red wax (preferably from old crayons) and drizzle it over white candles to make bloody drips. For a gory effect, add a few nail heads pressed into the candle. Set them in candle holders, and be sure to use precaution when lighting them.
