“Emergency utility maintenance will take place on N. 6th Street between E. Main Street and Court Avenue beginning Saturday, November 7, 2025, at 7 p.m..
Work is scheduled to continue through Monday, November 10, 2025. Work will resume Tuesday, November 11 through Wednesday, November 12, 2025. During this time, a lane closure will be in effect on northbound travel from Court Avenue to E. Main Street. Court Avenue will serve as the designated detour route.
The estimated completion time is currently undetermined. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
Map of work zone and detour route
We ask all motorists to use caution when traveling through the area and follow posted signs and personnel directions for everyone’s safety.”
If there’s one food item that brings everyone together more than most during the holidays, it’s warm, delicious desserts. From classics like pumpkin pies and cookies to extravagant dishes like souffles, loved ones can savor the flavor of sweet treats at the dessert table all season long.
This much-loved version of Pumpkin Pie is a delicious take on a traditional dessert that’s perfect for any time of year. Even if you’ve never baked a pie, this easy rendition makes it a cinch to share with your nearest and dearest.
It’s made with Green Giant 100% Pure Pumpkin, which is more than just a seasonal product. You can enjoy it as a go-to for smooth, pure pumpkin in baked goods, chilis, savory dishes or morning smoothies as a wholesome boost full of earthy pumpkin flavor.
Or you can celebrate its deliciousness in these coffee house-style Brown Butter Pumpkin Spice Cookies. Featuring a rich, buttery flavor, these pumpkin cookies are rolled in cinnamon sugar, bake up soft and boast a sweet, crunchy exterior that’s perfect for those who love pumpkin spice.
Pumpkin Pie
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 50-55 minutes
Servings: 8
1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade), at room temperature
3 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1 can (15 ounces) Green Giant 100% Pure Pumpkin
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
Roll out dough to 2 inches larger than pie dish. Gently press dough into dish until it lines bottom and sides. Trim dough to within 1/2 inch of dish edge. Fold edges underneath themselves, creating thick 1/4-inch border. Crimp edges with fingers. Refrigerate. Preheat oven to 375 F.
In large bowl, whisk eggs and sugars until smooth. Add pumpkin, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt. Stir until well blended
Slowly pour filling into pie shell. Cover edges with thin strips of aluminum foil. Bake 25 minutes. Remove foil. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.
Brown Butter Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 70 minutes
Yield: 48-50 cookies
1 cup unsalted butter
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
2 cups brown sugar
1 can (15 ounces) Green Giant 100% Pure Pumpkin
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 egg yolks
For Rolling:
2 tablespoons cane sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
In small saute pan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir regularly until butter turns deep golden brown, 8-10 minutes. Pour browned butter into heat-safe bowl or measuring cup and refrigerate until cooled, but not solid, about 15 minutes.
In large mixing bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt and pumpkin pie spice. Set aside.
In separate medium mixing bowl, stir browned butter and brown sugar. Whisk in pumpkin ano vanilla extract followed by eggs and egg yolks.
Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry until evenly mixed. Refrigerate dough 30 minutes.Form dough into four separate logs 2-3 inches in diameter and about 7 inches long. Wrap each cookie dough log with plastic wrap. Freeze dough 30 minutes, or until ready to bake.
For rolling: Preheat oven to 350 F and line large baking sheet with parchment paper. Stir sugars and cinnamon on large plate. Unwrap desired amount of dough (thaw slightly at room temperature if dough is completely frozen) and roll each log in sugar mixture.
Slice into 1/2-inch slices. Place on baking sheet 3 inches apart.
Bake 14-15 minutes. Repeat with remaining cookie dough.
Cool cookies at room temperature on baking sheet 10 minutes before transferring to cooling rack and cooling 10 minutes.
Heart health is about more than just the heart itself. It’s a two-way street between the heart and the rest of the body. However, many U.S. adults aren’t aware of the connection between organs.
According to a survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Heart Association, 42% of U.S. adults do not understand how the heart can be impacted by other organ systems.
Health issues in other organ systems, like the kidneys or metabolic system – which includes how the body manages weight and blood glucose – can lead to heart trouble.
The close relationship between heart health, kidney health and metabolic health is known as cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health, or CKM health, and it is the focus of an American Heart Association initiative to raise awareness of how the systems function together. When one system is affected, it can make the others worse – creating a condition called CKM syndrome.
Close to 9 in 10 U.S. adults have at least one component of CKM syndrome, according to a study in the “Journal of the American Medical Association.” Components include high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol or other lipids, high blood glucose (sugar), excess weight and reduced kidney function. The interplay of these risk factors increases the risk for heart attack, stroke and heart failure more than any one of them alone.
The survey also found that while only 12% of U.S. adults have heard of CKM health or CKM syndrome, 72% said they’re interested in learning more and 79% agreed that it is important that they understand more about CKM health.
“What we want people to know is it’s really common to have heart disease, diabetes or metabolic disease and reduced kidnev function at the same time,” said Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., FAHA, the American Heart Association’s chief medical officer for prevention. “It’s reassuring to hear that once the CKM connection was defined around three-quarters of respondents understood that it was important and wanted to learn more.”
Highlighting the two-way street of the heart-body connection, the “2 Truths and No Lie” video offers a simplified visual:
-The heart pumps blood to the body.
-The metabolic system turns glucose (sugar) in the blood into energy.
-The process of metabolism dumps waste back into the blood.
-The kidneys filter waste from the blood and balance fluids, which helps with blood pressure.
-Blood pressure affects how the heart pumps blood to the body.
While providing resources to help people understand how heart, kidney and metabolic health are connected, the American Heart Association’s CKM Health Initiative is also working with health care teams across the country to improve collaboration among health care professionals who care for patients living with multiple health conditions. Better awareness and improved screening can help people take action early to prevent a heart attack, heart failure or stroke.
The initiative is made possible by founding sponsors Novo Nordisk and Boehringer Ingelheim, supporting sponsors Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Bayer, and champion sponsor DaVita.
Get ready for a day full of fun and learning at the RideSafe Fall Fest, happening this Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 10 AM to 1 PM at Bonnet Springs Park.
Hosted by Lakeland Regional Health and Bonnet Springs Park, this free community event focuses on promoting bike safety for children while offering plenty of family-friendly entertainment. Kids can participate in hands-on activities that teach essential biking skills — including helmet fitting, bicycle inspection, and safe riding techniques — through interactive courses and demonstrations.
Along with the safety fun, guests can enjoy live music, a petting zoo from Hearts of Heaven Farm, games for kids and families, and a fall-themed photo opportunity.
The RideSafe Fall Fest builds on the success of previous Bike Rodeos, expanding the event into a larger fall celebration centered around family, fitness, and safety.
Bonnet Springs Park — 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland, FL
Saturday, November 8 | 10 AM – 1 PM
Free Admission
It’s festive, educational, and fun for the whole family — don’t miss
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 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.
