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Detectives Ask for Help Identifying Suspects in Stolen Debit Card Case in Winter Haven/Auburndale Area

Auburndale Police Department Attempt to Identify –

“On 09/22/2025 the victim lost her debit card in the area of Winter Haven. On the same day, two (2) transactions were made that were not approved by the victim. The second transaction occurred within the Auburndale City Limits, where a black female and black male spent $126.72, utilizing the victim’s debit card.

Suspect 1- black female, last seen wearing a purple hair wrap, grey shirt, black shorts, black sandals.

Suspect 2- black male, last seen wearing a black hat, black shirt, black pants, black sandals, yellow chain and yellow watch.

If you have any information, please contact Detective A. Peralta at 863-837-5115 or by email at [email protected]”

Deputies Find More Than Expected After Responding to an Alleged Naked Man at Winter Haven Park

Polk County Sheriff’s Office –

Deputies responded to William G Roe Park in Winter Haven after the Sheriff’s Office was notified about a naked guy in the public restroom.

When the deputies arrived, the suspect was fully clothed. He left the park and proceeded to trespass on the Amtrak tracks.

The man was stopped and identified as Walter Frymire.

He was in possession of a gray lunch box. Usually, one would expect to see a thermos in a lunch box, but that wasn’t the case. Instead, the lunch box contained a glass pipe and methamphetamine.

Walter was arrested and taken to Grady Judd’s Bed & Breakfast.

On the way there, Walter threatened to find the deputy and kill him. Not a nice thing to say to your chauffeur.

During the book-in process, Walter was in the body scanner when detention deputies noticed something quite unusual with the scan. Deputies asked Walter about what they were seeing, and Walter said it was a thermos. He said he put it inside himself about 24 hours ago, and wasn’t able to get it out.

Walter was taken to the hospital.

Following his thermosectomy, Walter was returned to the B&B and charged with: Threat to Public Servant, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Trespassing.

And in case you missed it, Sheriff Judd’s Morning Briefing video about this case can be seen here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/693495063186576

Brooks Law Group Wins 2025 Best of Florida — Personal Injury Firms

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Tampa-based firm recognized for statewide leadership in truck and commercial vehicle accident litigation

Tampa, FL — October 13, 2025 — Brooks Law Group today announced it has been named a 2025 Best of Florida — Personal Injury Firms winner, honoring the firm’s commitment to client advocacy and results across the state of Florida. The Tampa-based personal injury firm focuses its practice on trucking and commercial vehicle (CMV) accident cases, representing clients from the Panhandle to South Florida.

“We’ve built our practice around the complexities of commercial vehicle litigation—rapid evidence preservation, federal and state regulation, fleet telematics, and the collision of corporate policy with real people’s lives,” said Stephen K. Brooks of Brooks Law Group. “This recognition is a meaningful nod to the dedication our team brings to every case and every client.”

With a statewide footprint, Brooks Law Group’s attorneys handle a broad spectrum of CMV matters, including semi-truck, box-truck, delivery van, construction vehicle, and bus collisions. The firm’s approach integrates rapid evidence preservation, analysis of ECM/EDR and fleet telematics, and collaboration with accident reconstruction, human factors, and medical experts to build strong, fact-driven cases.

Recognition Highlights

  • Award: Best of Florida — Personal Injury Firms (2025)
  • Practice Focus: Trucking and commercial vehicle accidents statewide
  • Headquarters: Tampa, Florida
  • Impact: Signals consistent legal excellence and client-centered service in high-stakes roadway litigation

“Commercial vehicle cases move fast and demand precision,” added Beach Brooks III. “From early scene work and spoliation letters to negotiating with insurers and, when necessary, trying cases, our team is structured to move decisively for Florida families.”

About Brooks Law Group

Brooks Law Group is a Florida-based personal injury firm with a specialty focus on trucking and commercial vehicle (CMV) accidents, including semi-trucks, box trucks, delivery vans, construction vehicles, buses, and other commercial fleets—serving clients throughout the state from its headquarters in Tampa. The firm is committed to advocacy, education, and community engagement and brings deep, hands-on experience to complex CMV crash investigations and litigation. Learn more at LookToBrooks.com.

Auburndale Chamber Hosts Annual Fall-O-Ween Celebration Downtown

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The Greater Auburndale Chamber of Commerce is inviting the community to celebrate the season at its annual Fall-O-Ween event on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 6 to 9 p.m. in downtown Auburndale along West Park Street.

This family-friendly evening will feature a variety of fall festivities, including food booths, vendors, live performances, and plenty of treats for children. The Candy Trail begins at 7 p.m. at the Butterfly Garden and is open to children ages 12 and under.

Additional attractions include the Auburndale Fire Department Haunted House and the Auburndale Police Department’s Zombie Village, both promising spooky fun for attendees. The Homecoming Parade will kick off at 6 p.m., with roads closing at 5:30 p.m.

Those interested in participating, donating candy, or volunteering can contact the Chamber at 863-967-3400 or [email protected].

Flyer courtesy of Auburndale Chamber of Commerce

Cooking on the Ridge: Apple Dump Cake

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Cooking on the Ridge: Apple Dump Cake

by James Coulter

Fall is here. Apples are in season. And what could be more fitting than homemade apple pie.

Sometimes you don’t have the time or patience to make an apple pie. But sometimes you want something more satisfying to eat than a store-bought pie.

What do you do?

Why not try making an apple dump cake? It has all the warm, comforting gooey-ness of an apple pie with only half the effort. All you need to do is dump apple pie filling and cake mix into a baking dish and bake it in the oven.

Of course, if you’re willing to put in a little more effort, you can prepare your dump cake using fresh apples.

Here’s two recipes for apple dump cake: one with apple pie filling, and the other with fresh apples.

***

Apple Dump Cake (w/Apple Pie Filling)

Ingredients

• 2 cans (20-21 oz.) apple pie filling

• 1 box (13.25–16.5 oz.) yellow or spice cake mix

• 1 cup melted butter (or 2 sticks sliced)

• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon

• Caramel sauce (optional)

• Vanilla ice cream (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.

2. Dump apple pie filling into dish and spread evenly.

3. Sprinkle cake mix over filling and spread into even layer.

4. Pour melted butter or lay out sliced butter over cake mix, then sprinkle on cinnamon.

5. Bake 45–55 minutes, or until apples are bubbling and the top is golden brown.

6. Remove from oven and let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until cake has cooled.

7. Serve with vanilla ice cream, drizzle with caramel, or both.

***

Apple Dump Cake (w/Fresh Apples)

Ingredients

• 6 apples

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar.  

• 1/4 cup light brown sugar.  

• 2 tsp. cinnamon.  

• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

• 1 box (13.25–16.5 oz.) yellow or spice cake mix

• 1 cup melted butter (or 2 sticks sliced)

• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon

• Caramel sauce (optional)

• Vanilla ice cream (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.

2. Peel, core, and slice apples.

3. Mix apples slices with sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated.

4. Dump apple mixture into baking dish and spread evenly.

5. Sprinkle cake mix over apple mixture and spread into even layer.

6. Pour melted butter or lay out sliced butter over cake mix.

7. Bake 45–55 minutes, or until apples are bubbling and the top is golden brown.

8. Remove from oven and let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until cake has cooled.

9. Serve with vanilla ice cream, drizzle with caramel, or both.

Davenport Man Killed in US-27 Crash Near Blue Heron Boulevard

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred Sunday afternoon, October 12, 2025, on US-27 near Blue Heron Boulevard.

According to FHP, the collision happened around 4:00 p.m. when a 20-year-old Davenport man driving a Kia sedan was heading southbound on US-27. As the driver attempted to turn left onto Blue Heron Boulevard, his vehicle entered the path of a northbound Tesla Model 3 driven by a 26-year-old Haines City man.

The Tesla struck the Kia, resulting in fatal injuries to the Davenport driver, who was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Haines City driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Troopers continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. No additional details have been released at this time by FHP.

Trunk-or-Treat Takes Off Tonight at Bartow Executive Airport

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Families are invited to enjoy an evening of Halloween fun at the Trunk-or-Treat event happening tonight, October 13, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Bartow Executive Airport.

This family-friendly celebration will feature decorated trunks filled with candy, face painting, food trucks, and a chance to see aircraft up close. Children are encouraged to come dressed in costume and enjoy a night of festive activities on the airside of the airport. Admission is free, and the event promises fun for all ages.

Sponsored by Ewing, Blackwelder & Duce Insurance, the Trunk-or-Treat event offers the community an opportunity to combine Halloween excitement with a unique aviation experience.

With candy, costumes, and airplanes all in one place, it’s set to be a memorable evening for Bartow area families.

Flyer courtesy of Bartow Airport

Davenport’s Annual Trunk or Treat on Halloween

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Get Ready for Davenport’s Annual Trunk or Treat!

Davenport’s annual Trunk or Treat is rolling in for a night packed with community fun, laughter, and just the right amount of spooky! This free event is the perfect way to celebrate Halloween — whether you’re coming to enjoy candy, games, or to show off your best costume.

The evening will feature food, fun, games, and prizes for all ages, so bring the whole family and join in on the celebration. Be sure to dress to impress — the Costume Contest begins at 7 PM, with exciting prizes for some of the best and most creative looks!

Tom Fellows Community Center

207 North Blvd. W., Davenport, FL

October 31 | 6–9 PM

Don’t miss this night of festive fun, presented by the City of Davenport. For more information, contact Dustin at 863-588-1130 or [email protected].

In Loving Memory of John Luis “JonJon” Ramos

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John Luis “JonJon” Ramos

July 26th, 1981 – October 2nd, 2025

John Luis “JonJon” Ramos, 44, of Kissimmee, FL, passed away on October 2, 2025, at HCA Poinciana Hospital. He was born on July 26, 1981, in the Bronx, NY, to Luis Angel Ramos and Nitza Figueroa. JonJon moved to Florida in 2009 from Carolina, Puerto Rico, and was of the Catholic faith.

JonJon was a devoted fan of Dragon Ball Z and loved playing PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. He was known for his joyful spirit and infectious sense of humor—always bringing laughter and happiness to those around him. JonJon loved to make people smile and had a magnetic personality that made him the center of attention wherever he went. He was also known for his kind heart and willingness to help anyone in need.

He was preceded in death by his father, Luis Angel Ramos. JonJon leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 16 years, Evelyn Crespo Colon; his children, Kaisy, Taisha, and Kevin; his mother, Nitza Figueroa; his siblings, Luis Angel, Ginet, Mary Margarita, and Giselle; and his beloved 4-month-old grandson, Eyden.

At this time, no services have been scheduled.

Cooking on the Ridge: Apple Dump Cake

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Cooking on the Ridge: Apple Dump Cake

by James Coulter

Fall is here. Apples are in season. And what could be more fitting than homemade apple pie.

 Sometimes you don’t have the time or patience to make an apple pie. But sometimes you want something more satisfying to eat than a store-bought pie.

 What do you do?

 Why not try making an apple dump cake? It has all the warm, comforting gooey-ness of an apple pie with only half the effort. All you need to do is dump apple pie filling and cake mix into a baking dish and bake it in the oven.

Of course, if you’re willing to put in a little more effort, you can prepare your dump cake using fresh apples.

Here’s two recipes for apple dump cake: one with apple pie filling, and the other with fresh apples.

 

***

 

Apple Dump Cake (w/Apple Pie Filling)

Ingredients

• 2 cans (20-21 oz.) apple pie filling 

• 1 box (13.25–16.5 oz.) yellow or spice cake mix

• 1 cup melted butter (or 2 sticks sliced)

• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon

• Caramel sauce (optional)

• Vanilla ice cream (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.

 

2. Dump apple pie filling into dish and spread evenly.

 

3. Sprinkle cake mix over filling and spread into even layer.

 

4. Pour melted butter or lay out sliced butter over cake mix, then sprinkle on cinnamon.

 

5. Bake 45–55 minutes, or until apples are bubbling and the top is golden brown.

 

6. Remove from oven and let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until cake has cooled.

 

7. Serve with vanilla ice cream, drizzle with caramel, or both.

 

***

 

Apple Dump Cake (w/Fresh Apples)

Ingredients

• 6 apples

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar.  

• 1/4 cup light brown sugar.  

• 2 tsp. cinnamon.  

• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

• 1 box (13.25–16.5 oz.) yellow or spice cake mix

• 1 cup melted butter (or 2 sticks sliced)

• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon

• Caramel sauce (optional)

• Vanilla ice cream (optional)

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.

 

2. Peel, core, and slice apples.

 

3. Mix apples slices with sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated.

 

4. Dump apple mixture into baking dish and spread evenly.

 

5. Sprinkle cake mix over apple mixture and spread into even layer.

 

6. Pour melted butter or lay out sliced butter over cake mix.

 

7. Bake 45–55 minutes, or until apples are bubbling and the top is golden brown.

 

8. Remove from oven and let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until cake has cooled.

 

9. Serve with vanilla ice cream, drizzle with caramel, or both.