Polk County, FL – July 28, 2025 – Youth For Christ of Polk County (YFC) is honored to be the recipient of the 70th Automated External Defibrillator (AED) placed in the community by Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation (CCF). This significant milestone underscores CCF’s unwavering commitment to enhancing pre-hospital emergency care across Polk County.
Melanie with Culpepper Cardiac Foundation
Eric Holm, Executive Director of YFC since 2019, expressed deep gratitude for the donation. “Youth For Christ serves nearly 300 young people each week through our 13 City Life neighborhood groups, two Juvenile Justice Ministry sites, summer camps, and special events,” Holm said. “Our programs, including wilderness summer camps in remote areas, require us to be prepared for emergencies. This AED provides an essential layer of safety, ensuring we can respond effectively if a cardiac emergency occurs.”
YFC is a faith-based nonprofit dedicated to reaching young people with the hope of Jesus, fostering spiritual growth, life skills, and strong character. Supported entirely by community donations from individuals, churches, and businesses, YFC creates safe spaces for youth to feel seen, valued, and loved, regardless of their faith background.
Youth for Christ.
Holm, who has served as a first responder and currently acts as a Chaplain with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, emphasized the critical need for accessible lifesaving equipment. “I’ve seen firsthand how the availability of tools like AEDs can change outcomes in emergencies,” he shared. “Melanie Brown Culpepper and the CCF team are not only educating our community but also providing these vital resources. Their work is truly transformative.”
The AED presentation included a comprehensive demonstration by Paramedic Eric Shimcus, alongside Melanie and Brian Culpepper. “The training was incredibly valuable,” Holm noted. “Eric’s clear explanation and live demonstration equipped our team with the knowledge and confidence to use this lifesaving equipment effectively.”
Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation was born out of tragedy, yet Melanie Brown Culpepper has channeled her loss into a powerful mission to place an AED on every block in the community. Through fundraising events and generous donations, CCF continues to make Polk County safer. Holm encourages the community to support CCF’s efforts, stating, “One day, it could be you or someone you love whose life is saved by their mission.”
For more information about Youth For Christ of Polk County, facebook page. To learn more about Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation and how to support their mission, visit facebook page.
Polk Congressman Scott Franklin Led Florida Delegation’s Bipartisan Framework for National Farm Disaster Relief—Part of $21B Aid Plan and $676M Now Headed to Florida
Polk County, FL – Florida farmers are receiving a much-needed boost: nearly $676 million in disaster relief, delivered through a federal block grant to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). But this aid is just one piece of a sweeping national program, part of a $21 billion agricultural disaster relief effort included in the American Relief Act of 2025.
Congressman Scott Franklin, representing Polk County, played a pivotal role in laying groundwork for this national relief framework. In early 2023, Franklin and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D–FL) co-sponsored the bipartisan Block Grant Assistance Act (H.R. 662). Though prompted by Florida’s hurricanes, its language was crafted for national application, authorizing USDA to issue block grants to any state suffering disaster losses—droughts, wildfires, floods, hurricanes, derechos, winter storms—and more. The bill passed the House unanimously but stalled in the Senate on a 43–53 procedural vote amid larger budget negotiations—not opposition to its content.
Despite the Senate setback, the essential elements of H.R. 662 were incorporated into the American Relief Act of 2025. That act directed USDA to distribute $21 billion nationwide in agricultural disaster aid and an additional $10 billion in economic assistance. Approximately $220 million of that went specifically to block grants like Florida’s.
On July 21, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins used that authority to send $675.9 million to Florida growers—representing the largest state-specific block grant under the new framework.
Franklin emphasized his contributions:
“I led House passage of the Block Grant Assistance Act to give USDA the authority to deliver rapid and flexible aid to producers impacted by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. I also introduced the TEMP Act and co-led the RAISE Act to improve access to capital and disaster support for small and midsize producers.”
The TEMP Act prevents farmers from being penalized for receiving multiple aid forms. The RAISE Act, co-sponsored by Franklin, Wasserman Schultz and Rep. Darren Soto (D–FL), expanded access for small and midsize producers. Several Florida delegation members, including Reps. Laurel Lee and Daniel Webster, later backed the effort and signed a united letter urging USDA to expedite aid after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Local leaders have welcomed the official announcement. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson called it “a major victory,” saying:
“This funding will ensure Florida’s farmers and ranchers have the tools and resources they need to recover and remain competitive in the global marketplace.”
Florida’s commitment to agriculture has also been reflected at the state level. Just weeks before the USDA announcement, state lawmakers approved a $140 million investment in citrus recovery and innovation, led by Senate President Ben Albritton. That funding will be detailed in a separate report.
While this $676 million is specifically for Florida, it is part of a broad national approach that aims to support farmers in multiple states hit by climate-related disasters. USDA estimates $21 billion in aid will be distributed nationwide, with Florida receiving one of the largest individual shares.
Polk County, a cornerstone of Florida’s agricultural economy with strong citrus, cattle, and specialty crop production, stands to gain from this targeted funding. As input costs rise and climate volatility intensifies, the speed and flexibility of the block‑grant model signal a long-sought improvement in federal disaster response.
Franklin framed the moment this way:
“With the right leadership in place, we are finally seeing the decisive action our agricultural industry has been waiting for.”
The Daily Ridge will monitor FDACS’s rollout of application guidelines and continue reporting on how Polk County’s agricultural community uses this vital assistance
Polk County, FL – A former deputy with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office who was previously investigated for allegedly stealing money from a suspect during a traffic stop has now been arrested on new charges involving methamphetamine trafficking.
According to a newly released arrest affidavit, Justin Register, 28, is facing serious felony charges after authorities discovered 27.7 grams of methamphetamine hidden under the driver’s seat of his agency-assigned patrol vehicle. The quantity of the drug, which was found inside a clear plastic baggie, exceeds the 14-gram threshold required for trafficking charges under Florida law. He is also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
The affidavit outlines how the investigation initially began in June after two deputies reported suspicious behavior involving Register during a traffic stop on June 17, 2025. Register allegedly removed a wallet from a suspect’s vehicle and was later seen in possession of it without properly documenting the evidence. The suspect and his family claimed approximately $300 was missing. The money was eventually found in the trunk of Register’s patrol car.
Following that internal investigation, deputies began reviewing cases where Register was involved, including incidents tied to methamphetamine seizures. A full audit of the Sheriff’s Office property and evidence section found no records of any such drugs being submitted in connection with Register. That prompted investigators to obtain a search warrant for his vehicle.
During the search, deputies located the clear plastic bag containing methamphetamine behind the driver’s seat—an area designated for Register’s DUI enforcement supplies, which was not accessible to detainees.
The Sheriff’s Office concluded that there was no legitimate reason for the methamphetamine to be in that location and no evidence tying the drugs to any previous arrests. Investigators were also unable to recover any fingerprints from the bag, reinforcing the theory that it had been intentionally placed there and retained unlawfully.
Register invoked his Fifth Amendment right during questioning and declined to speak further with investigators.
The former deputy, who was terminated earlier this year following the initial theft investigation, was taken into custody on July 25 and booked on charges of trafficking methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Superman has had quite a cinematic history at the box office. His first theatrical film in 1978 set the template for all superhero movies to follow, and the second movie proved to be better than the first. However, the decline in quality with the next two films brought the franchise to a halt. Superman Returns was later released in 2005, but the reboot failed to reboot the franchise. And the less said about the cinematic disasters that were Man of Steel and Batman v. Superman, the better.
Now, nearly a decade after Superman’s last theatrical outing with Justice League, the Man of Steel has triumphantly returned to the big screen with his newest movie, directed by James Gunn. But will Superman save the day? Or is his latest film fated to be box office kryptonite?
Superman 2025 takes place in a world where beings with super abilities called “meta humans” have existed for 300 years. 30 years ago, the metahuman who would eventually become Superman arrived on Earth from the planet Krypton; and three years ago, Superman has been going about his super business as a superhero.
In his current story, Superman is trying to stop a growing conflict between two rival nations. However, matters become complicated after a shocking revelation about Superman’s past is unveiled to the public, turning them against him. Even worse, his dog Krypto goes missing. Can Superman uncover the plot to sully his good name, stop the invasion, and save his pet?
This movie starts with everything about Superman’s origins having already been established: Superman was sent to Krypton, raised in Smallville, he’s discovered and mastered his powers, became a reporter at the Daily Planet, formed a rivalry with Lex Luthor, and not only is he in a relationship with Lois Lane, but she already knows his secret identity. So, with all the important stuff out of the way, this movie has the freedom to be a story about Superman without going through the usual rigmarole other Superman movies go through.
Furthermore, this movie takes place in a universe where superheroes are not only a thing but have been a thing for a while. Superman is no longer the first and only superhero, but one of many in a universe of superheroes—a universe where superheroes have become so commonplace that an epic battle against a giant monster can happen in the background while Superman has a casual conversation with Lois.
With Superman being a superhero in a world overrun by other superheroes, his character now hinges upon what sets him apart from all the others. And perhaps his most shining quality is that, not only is he the strongest superhero, but also one whose moral compass starkly contrasts with everyone else’s—namely, that he has one. Unlike the rival Justice League—er, Gang!—a band of cynical corporate paramilitary lackies with no qualms about creating collateral damage or using excessive force, Superman is less focused on stopping bad guys and more on protecting innocent civilians.
Early in the movie, a shocking revelation about his character is revealed to the public. No spoilers, but the revelation not only poses a challenge for him, turning public opinion against him, but also forces him to reflect on his own character and question everything he has come to
believe about himself.
This Superman film was directed by James Gunn, most famous for directing other superhero movies like Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad. As such, this movie has all the pros and cons associated with a James Gunn film. On the plus side, this movie is bright, colorful, and optimistic with a bit of tongue-in-cheek snarky humor. In other words, a stark and refreshing contrast to the dark, bleak, and overly-serious Zac Snyder DCEU films.
On the other hand, as a James Gunn film, this movie checks off everything expected from a James Gunn flick. A ragtag band of misfits who snark with one another? Check. An epic battle with a needle drop? Check. A villain getting interrupted while monologuing? Check. A snarky sense of humor with the occasional profanity and sex joke snuck in? Check and check.
Look. I’m a big James Gunn fan. I love his work. And I’m glad he’s helming the DC films. I knew what to expect from a Superman film directed by him. But sometimes, being given what you expected can feel underwhelming when you know exactly what to expect. It’s not bad. It’s just…expected.
The third act is also a big mess. A big, beautiful mess that only James Gunn can deliver. But a mess nonetheless. No spoilers, but the third act has three things happening simultaneously, and while normally that wouldn’t be a problem if those three things are well-balanced…well, they’re not. One event proves to be a bigger priority than all the others (as in a reality-destroying priority), and yet it’s also the event given less attention, which makes the last act feel off-kilter.
Is the movie flawed? Yes. Is it imperfect? Yes. But overall, is it still a good movie? Yes. Unequivocally, yes. It’s not as great as the original 1978 movie, but it’s leagues better than Batman v. Superman. Like other James Gunn films, it’s a fun watch.
Fair warning, though: this movie leans hard in the PG-13 rating with its humor and language. As long as you’re comfortable with your kids hearing the words “sh*t” or “a**hole” in a Superman movie or asking what a “harem” is, you can bring them along. At the least, it’s better than having them see Superman snap another man’s neck or die a brutal death.
Oh, and this movie also has Krypto. He’s a good boy!
From the crack of the bat to the smell of a freshly cut field, one thing is for sure: there is nothing better than going to the ballpark during the summer. That’s exactly what I’ve been doing this season.
The first ballpark I visited was Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. If you’re a fan not just of one team but of the game of baseball itself, Fenway Park is the place for you. It embodies the beauty of the game and the rich history of baseball. One of the things that makes Fenway so special is that it’s the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. Built to fit within the city, it features unique dimensions that you won’t find anywhere else.
If you have the chance to go to Fenway, I highly recommend taking a stadium tour. It offers a complete walk-through of the park and shares the fascinating history behind it. When it comes to the game-day experience, the Boston Red Sox offer something truly unforgettable. From singing “Sweet Caroline” during the bottom of the eighth inning to the passionate energy the fans bring, the atmosphere is electric.
What made my visit to Fenway even more special was the opportunity to witness a game between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees, a matchup widely regarded as the biggest rivalry in baseball—and arguably in all of sports. The game itself was nothing short of amazing. Red Sox fans were relentless in heckling Yankees fans and players, and the night ended with Carlos Narváez, a former Yankee, hitting a walk-off in extra innings to beat his old team. It was everything you’d hope for in a rivalry game.
My next stop was Citi Field in Queens, New York, home of the New York Mets. Citi Field offers a completely different experience. Opened in 2008, it’s one of the more modern stadiums in the league, yet it still manages to evoke the feel of a classic ballpark. Its exterior pays homage to Ebbets Field, the former home of the Brooklyn Dodgers, through a similar brick façade.
Here’s a fun fact that many people don’t know: the Mets’ team colors—blue and orange—are a tribute to two former New York baseball teams. The Brooklyn Dodgers wore blue, and the New York Giants wore orange. When those teams left the city, the Mets carried their legacy forward.
Citi Field provides a great fan experience, especially because of its modern amenities and more convenient parking options. In contrast, Fenway Park’s parking is scarce, and most fans get there via the subway, which can be confusing for first-timers.
So far, I’ve attended three games at two ballparks, and I plan on visiting more before the summer ends. But the journey isn’t just about checking off stadiums—it’s about the memories made along the way. Whether it’s the roar of the crowd, the thrill of a walk-off win, or simply sharing a hot dog in the stands, these moments make every trip worth it.
Whatever you do this summer, make time to catch a game or two. Take it all in—because baseball is more than just a game. It’s a feeling, an experience, and for me, the heart of summer.
DAVENPORT – The first Bojangles in Polk County is opening its doors to the public on Tuesday, July 29 at 6 a.m., but the Southern-style chain is kicking things off with a tribute to local heroes the day before.
On Monday, July 28, Bojangles will host a “First to the Table” Celebration and Ribbon Cutting exclusively for local first responders, including police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and medics. From noon to 3 p.m., first responders are invited to be among the first to experience the new restaurant and enjoy a complimentary lunch featuring fan favorites like Bo’s Chicken Sandwich, Bo-Berry Biscuits, Chicken Tenders, and more. A special “biscuit-cutting” ceremony will take place at 2 p.m.
“The event celebrates the heroes who are first to every call – and who make it possible for families to gather safely around the table each night,” Bojangles shared in a press release.
Located at 40235 U.S. Highway 27, near AdventHealth Heart of Florida Hospital, the new Bojangles marks a major milestone. It is:
· The first location in Polk County;
· The fourth in the Orlando area;
· The ninth in Florida;
· And the 819th restaurant in the Bojangles chain nationwide.
Founded in 1977, Bojangles now employs nearly 10,000 people. Construction on the 1.24-acre Haines City property began late last year. The new location is next door to the new Wendy’s, adding to the growing number of dining options along the busy corridor.
In addition to its famous chicken, biscuits, and Legendary Iced Tea, Bojangles also offers a variety of benefits for hourly team members, including:
· Free meals during shifts;
· Flexible scheduling;
· Weekly pay;
· Part- and full-time positions;
· Scholarship opportunities;
· Career growth potential.
Those interested in applying can visit www.ziprecruiter.com.
To learn more about Bojangles, visit www.bojangles.com.
Polk County residents are feeling the full force of a Central Florida heat wave this week, with heat index values soaring to dangerous levels. In some parts of the county, the index has reportedly reached as high as 108 degrees, creating hazardous conditions for outdoor workers, vulnerable populations, and even household pets.
The heat index, often referred to as the “feels like” temperature, combines air temperature and humidity to give a more accurate measure of what people actually experience. While the actual air temperature in Polk County has been hovering in the mid-90s, the high humidity has pushed the index well into triple digits by the early afternoon.
The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories for much of the Central Florida region throughout the week, warning residents to take precautions such as staying indoors during peak hours, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities. While no official warnings specific to Polk County had been issued as of Monday morning, local officials are urging people to remain alert to changing conditions and to check on elderly neighbors or those without reliable access to air conditioning.
Heat waves in Florida are not unusual in late July, but the prolonged stretch of high humidity combined with afternoon highs has made this particular system more oppressive than average. Meteorologists expect the pattern to persist for several more days, with little relief in sight until the weekend when rain chances slightly increase.
Mizkan America has announced it will permanently shut down the bottling department at its Lake Alfred facility, resulting in the loss of approximately 57 jobs. The closure is scheduled to take place around September 19, 2025, and will impact a range of positions including production workers, technicians, supervisors, and warehouse personnel.
Located at 445 North Dakota Avenue, the facility has been a part of the Lake Alfred industrial landscape for well over a decade. While an exact opening date for the plant wasn’t immediately available, company records show that in 2012 Mizkan invested in a new research and development center on-site. That expansion supported food innovation projects and helped diversify the types of condiments and vinegars produced at the location.
Although the bottling lines are being shut down, Mizkan will continue to operate the Lake Alfred facility for bulk vinegar production and warehousing. According to company officials, the closure of the bottling department is part of a broader shift in operations. Bottled product production will be moved to other Mizkan sites in the United States, while the Lake Alfred facility will focus on larger-scale bulk operations.
Mizkan America is the U.S. subsidiary of Mizkan Holdings, a Japan-based food company with more than 200 years of history. The company owns several well-known consumer brands including Ragú and Bertolli pasta sauces, Holland House cooking wines, and Nakano rice vinegars. Mizkan operates more than a dozen manufacturing plants across the country, but the Lake Alfred site is the company’s only facility in Florida.
In a written statement, Mizkan leadership expressed appreciation for the contributions of the Lake Alfred employees and indicated that assistance would be provided to help them through the transition. The company also stated there is no labor union representing the affected workers, and no internal job transfers or “bumping rights” will be available as part of the shutdown process.
While the bulk production side of the operation will continue for now, the end of bottling operations marks a significant shift in Mizkan’s Florida footprint. For many in the community, it’s another reminder of how quickly the economic landscape can change—and how important it is to support workers and families during periods of transition.
Clearwater, FL – Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has died at 71 years old following an apparent cardiac arrest, according to a report from TMZ Sports.
Emergency crews were dispatched to Hogan’s Clearwater residence early Thursday morning. First responders reportedly described the call as a “cardiac arrest.” Several police vehicles and EMT units were seen outside the home, and Hogan was transported via stretcher into an ambulance.
The tragic news comes just weeks after Hogan’s wife, Sky, publicly denied rumors that he was in a coma, assuring fans that his heart was “strong” as he recovered from recent surgeries. In May, Hogan had undergone a neck procedure, and although there were reports suggesting he was on his “deathbed,” sources close to the family downplayed the concerns at the time.
Born Terry Gene Bollea, Hulk Hogan was more than just a professional wrestler—he was a cultural phenomenon. Hogan became the face of wrestling in the 1980s, turning what was once a niche sport into a mainstream family entertainment sensation. With his signature mustache, red-and-yellow ring gear, and booming charisma, he captivated children and adults alike and helped launch the WWE (then WWF) into global stardom.
In 1996, Hogan made headlines again when he rebranded himself as a villain by forming the New World Order (NWO) and adopting the persona “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan. The bold move revived his career and helped usher in a new era of wrestling entertainment.
Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, but controversy followed in 2015 when he was removed after a leaked video showed him making racist remarks during a private encounter. The video, published by Gawker, led to a high-profile lawsuit which Hogan ultimately won.
Despite the scandals, Hogan’s legacy in professional wrestling remains undeniable. He headlined countless events, inspired generations of fans, and helped shape the modern landscape of sports entertainment.
Hulk Hogan is survived by his wife Sky and his children. Further details regarding funeral arrangements have not been released at this time.
Growing up, many of us dream of what we want to become. On July 3rd, I had the privilege of speaking with someone who turned his childhood dream into a successful career—JP Peterson.
Mr. Peterson’s journey into the sports industry began in the 1980s at Florida State University, where he studied Communications. While at FSU, he helped develop a magazine-style show called 1800 Seconds, and it was there that he got his first real opportunity in sports media as an intern for the show’s sports department. It quickly became clear to Mr. Peterson that this was what he had been preparing for his whole life.
Growing up, he had spent most of his time watching and playing sports, and now he had found a way to turn that passion into a profession. The more he got involved at FSU, the more he realized this wasn’t just something he could do—it was something he wanted to do for the rest of his life.
Since those early days, the sports media landscape has changed dramatically. Back then, the typical career path meant starting in a small market, moving to a medium market, and then on to a large market. Local television was a major platform at the time, regularly drawing audiences of 100,000 viewers. Today, those numbers have dwindled, and local TV stations are happy if they attract just a few thousand viewers.
The production side of the industry has evolved as well. What once required large crews can now often be done with just a handful of people.
Early in his career, Mr. Peterson moved from market to market before returning to Tallahassee, where he worked at the ABC affiliate covering the 6 o’clock sports segment. He later transitioned to the Florida State Radio Network, where he covered FSU sports—a dream come true, given that Florida State was his favorite team growing up. Though Tallahassee was a smaller news market, it was the perfect launchpad for his career. Not only was he covering the team he loved, but he was also growing professionally in a meaningful way.
After spending nine years in Tallahassee, Mr. Peterson quickly rose through the ranks, eventually landing his big break in Tampa/St. Petersburg as the Sports Director for NewsChannel 8. This was a major leap, placing him in the nation’s 14th-largest media market at the time, where he remained for five to six years.
Over the years, Mr. Peterson has had to adapt and reinvent himself multiple times to remain relevant and, as he puts it, “stay in the game.” His passion has never wavered, and he credits that love for the job as a key to his longevity. As he says, “If you are working in your passion, you haven’t worked a day in your life.”
Through his decades-long career, Mr. Peterson has built lasting relationships with athletes and figures across the sports world—from Tampa Bay Buccaneers legends like Derrick Brooks and Brad Johnson to Tampa Bay Lightning icons Dave Andreychuk and Martin St. Louis.
His story is a testament to what’s possible when passion meets persistence. From a student intern to a respected sports media personality, JP Peterson’s journey shows that with dedication, dreams really can come true.
One piece of advice Mr. Peterson offers to those starting out in the industry is to build relationships and network as much as possible because you never know when those connections will benefit you. For example, right after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won their first Super Bowl, he was able to get an on-field interview with starting quarterback Brad Johnson—an opportunity made possible by their prior relationship at Florida State.
Through Mr. Peterson’s connections in the sports world, he has been able to be part of some incredible moments. In 1993, he was on the field for Florida State’s first national championship in football. He also covered the Tampa Bay Lightning’s first Stanley Cup championship. These are just a couple of the amazing moments he has experienced throughout his career.
When reflecting on how his career has unfolded and the expectations he had starting out, Mr. Peterson said, “You can’t really plan on it—you just have to put your head down and work.”
Today, Mr. Peterson remains heavily involved in the sports industry. He hosts his own sports talk show, The JP Peterson Show, is involved with Fan Stream Sports, and serves as the studio host for the Tampa Bay Lightning. One thing is certain: sports have always been, and continue to be, a big part of Mr. Peterson’s life.
