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In Loving Memory of Luci Shoup of Winter Haven

Staff Reporter
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In Loving Memory of Luci Shoup of Winter Haven

Luci Shoup

June 7th, 1942 – September 2nd, 2025

Luci Shoup, 83, of Winter Haven, Florida passed away peacefully on September 2, 2025, surrounded by her three loving sons, Mark, Steve, and Doug Esham. 

Luci was born to John and Gilda Ceci of Wilmington, Delaware on June 7, 1942.  She grew up in Wilmington in a large Italian family with her three sisters (Judy, Michelle, and Renae) and two brothers (Raymond and Stephen).  After graduating from Wilmington High School in 1960, Luci spent the majority of her life in Winter Haven, FL. 

She had a tremendously strong work ethic, vivacious personality, and a deep and dedicated love for her three boys.  She had a joyful spirit that shined through in her laugh, her smile, her generosity, and her positive energy.  As an example of her kindness and love for people, Luci always welcomed friends, family, and numerous animals into our home with open arms. Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Luci thrived as a top salesperson at both Erichs and Rheinauers clothing stores where she was known not just for her eye for fashion, but for ability to connect with people.  That passion and connection led to many awards and numerous letters of appreciation from those families and friends she so positively impacted.  This same passion for connecting with and helping others carried over to working as a home health caregiver.  For over 20 years, Luci devoted herself to home health care in Winter Haven, where her compassion and blend of a gentle yet lively spirit brought comfort to countless families.  She had a gift for treating every patient with dignity, kindness, and respect.  Many families remember her not just as a caregiver, but as a source of encouragement and love during difficult times.  Luci was also a loving and devoted wife to Dan Shoup throughout their 37 years of marriage (1986-2023). They genuinely enjoyed family, friends, and life together.  As a testament to her extraordinary strength and devotion, Luci lovingly and faithfully cared for Dan throughout his seven-year battle with cancer.  Luci will be remembered for her compassion, resilience, and generosity of spirit.  She touched countless lives with her ability to make others feel welcomed, valued, and loved.  The strength she showed in caring for others, both in her family and community, leaves behind a legacy of kindness that will last for generations. 

Luci was preceded in death by her parents, John and Gilda Ceci, husband Dan, and brother Ray. 

Luci is survived by her sons Mark, Steve & Doug Esham, her 3 sisters Judy, Michelle, and Renae, her brother Steve, daughters-in-law Tracy, Torrey, and Maria, and grandchildren Noah, Jenna, Luke, Lexi, and William.  

To honor and celebrate her life and impact on others, we are holding a small gathering at the Venue at Cypresswood, 1099 Clubhouse Road, Winter Haven, FL 33884 on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 1:00 pm.  For any and all friends that were touched by our Mom’s love and kindness, we would love for you to join us.

The City of Winter Having Now Hiring For Several Jobs

Staff Reporter
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The City of Winter Having Now Hiring For Several Jobs

Come be part of something great! Click to see exciting job opportunities with the City of Winter Haven and apply today at https://ow.ly/Z3SK50WTPkI

Jobs include Traffic Signal Electrician, Firefighter Trash Master Operator and more!

All positions currently accepting applications are listed in the link under job postings. Applications can be completed online or in person at our Human Resources Office at 500 Third Street NW. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Human Resources Team at 863-291-5650 or [email protected].

Cooking on the Ridge: Barbecue Pork Chops

Staff Reporter
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Cooking on the Ridge: Barbecue Pork Chops
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by James Coulter

Once upon a time, I hated pork chops. My late mother used to make them all the time. She prepared them without any seasoning, not even salt or pepper, and with only apple sauce. I’d rather eat a car tire. They’d probably taste better.

However, my opinion quickly changed upon recently moving to Virginia. Both my niece and nephew had prepared pork chops for dinner. And in both instances, their pork chops tasted lightyears better than the ones my mother used to make.

What especially shifted my opinion was how my sister’s children seasoned their chops. That is, they actually seasoned them in stark contrast to my mother’s bland chops. My nephew even seasoned his with taco seasoning.

It was then that I realized that I didn’t hate pork chops. I hated unseasoned pork chops. And I actually loved them–when they were properly seasoned.

As I mentioned in a previous article, I’ve been experimenting with barbecue since my big move up here in Virginia. I’ve been cooking barbecue ribs and chicken wings, preparing my own rubs, and even fermenting my own hot sauces and barbecue sauces from fermented peppers.

Again, I’ll be saving my foray into fermentation for another article. For now, allow me to share my experience with preparing pork chops.

*****

Barbecue Pork Chops

Ingredients

Pork Chops

Four pork chops, boneless or bone-in

1/2 cup barbecue sauce

Olive oil

Dry rub

Dry Rub

2 tbsp. brown sugar

1 tbsp. smoked paprika

1 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

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Directions

1. Mix dry rub ingredients together until combined.

2. Pat pork chops dry with a towel. Drizzle with oil and apply dry rub evenly on each side. Let sit for half an hour.

3. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook pork chops for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is almost cooked thoroughly.

4. Remove chops and brush on barbecue sauce, coating both sides completely.

5. Cook the chops in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and caramelized. If desired, broil for the last three minutes for an extra sticky, caramelized crust.

6. Remove from oven and let sit for five minutes until cool. Serve with the remaining barbecue sauce.

Welcome, World Travelers! Rivers of America Drained at Magic Kingdom

Allison
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Welcome, World Travelers! Rivers of America Drained at Magic Kingdom

Welcome, World Travelers! Rivers of America Drained at Magic Kingdom

by James Coulter

 

Tom Sawyer has moved out, and Lightning McQueen will be moving in, now that the Rivers of America have been drained in Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

 

On July 7, 2025, The Rivers of America, along with Tom Sawyer’s Island and Liberty Square Riverboat, closed permanently. 

 

The artificial river, which snaked 2,400 feet through the Frontierland and Liberty Square themed areas, was an opening day attraction at Magic Kingdom on Oct. 1, 1971.

 

Rivers of America served as a scenic backdrop for many attractions, including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, and the Haunted Mansion.

 

Its waterway also facilitated other attractions, including Tom Sawyer’s Island, the Mark Twain Riverboat, and even long-defunct attractions like the Mike Fink Keel Boats and Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes.

 

In 2024, Disney Parks announced that Rivers of America would be closed and demolished to make way for a new expansion, which will include a new Cars-themed land, Piston Peak National Park, and a new land themed to the Disney Villains.

 

Before the river’s last operating day on July 6, 2025, several dozen trees were bulldozed to create a staging area for the proposed construction.

 

Nearly one month after closing, the river has since been fully drained to the point where the underlying tracks of the Liberty Square Riverboat were revealed, and some scaffolding has been removed from Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

 

The Liberty Belle riverboat was moved to a backstage marina near Bay Lake, where other Magic Kingdom watercraft are maintained.

 

The boat’s future remains undetermined. Some fans have speculated the boat could either be relocated to another park or serve as transportation, particularly for the Seven Seas Lagoon in front of Magic Kingdom.

 

While some fans eagerly await the exciting new attractions to replace the Rivers of America area, others have mourned the loss of an iconic opening day attraction, one that helped define both Frontierland and Liberty Square and served to connect the two themed lands.

 

As for the new attractions, while Disney has not announced any official opening dates, both the Cars-themed Piston Peaks attraction and the Villains-themed land are speculated to be completed between 2029 and 2031.

Campus Event Turns Violent: Charlie Kirk Conservative Activist Shot In Utah

Carl Fish
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Campus Event Turns Violent: Charlie Kirk Conservative Activist Shot In Utah

UPDATE

President Donald Trump has confirmed Kirk‘s death on a social media post.

The suspect in the shooting is still not in custody, according to a university spokesperson, even though the school had previously stated that someone had been detained by police

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Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot on Wednesday while appearing at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Kirk, the 31-year-old founder and chief executive officer of Turning Point USA, was hosting a campus event as part of his “American Comeback Tour” when shots rang out. The incident happened under a tent set up for a student Q&A session, sometimes described as a “Prove Me Wrong” booth. Witnesses reported panic as attendees scrambled for safety after Kirk was struck in the upper body, according to reports.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BRm8s9UBV/?mibextid=wwXIfr

University police confirmed that shots had been fired on campus. The suspect is NOT in custody. Video footage shared online showed the moment Kirk fell after being hit, with students screaming and rushing away. He was quickly transported to a local hospital, though it was recently announced that he has died.

Political leaders responded swiftly to the news. Utah Senator Mike Lee asked the public to pray for Kirk and the students at Utah Valley University, saying he was closely tracking developments. Other lawmakers also offered support and urged calm while law enforcement secured the scene. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that federal agents were assisting in the investigation and monitoring for potential wider threats.

Kirk is known nationally as the face of Turning Point USA, a conservative organization that has focused heavily on outreach to college students and young voters. His events often draw strong crowds of supporters as well as protests from opponents, reflecting his polarizing position in American politics.

As of Wednesday evening, officials had not released details on the name of the suspect, or a possible motive. Authorities continue to investigate, and additional updates are expected in the coming hours.

Caught on Camera- Wild Boar Smashes Into Lehigh Acres Home, Injures Dog and Charges Deputies

Allison
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Caught on Camera- Wild Boar Smashes Into Lehigh Acres Home, Injures Dog and Charges Deputies

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. – A quiet afternoon turned chaotic for one Lehigh Acres resident after a wild boar suddenly crashed through a sliding glass door, injuring a family dog and causing a major scare.

The incident happened at a home off East Third Street. Ed, the homeowner, described the terrifying moment to Gulf Coast News. He said he was relaxing on the couch when his dog came running inside, bleeding. Seconds later, a loud crash echoed through the house—the wild boar had forced its way inside.

Photos from Lee County Sheriff’s Office Body Cam Footage

“I saw blood dripping from the dog, and as I got up to check, I heard what sounded like a huge explosion,” Ed recalled. “That’s when I saw the boar.”

According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the animal shattered the glass door to get inside. When Ed attempted to scare the boar off, it advanced toward him. Thinking quickly, he sat in his chair and used his walker as a barrier.

His daughter, Stacy Wells, credited his quick thinking and use of the walker for keeping him safe. “He made the right move,” she said. “By putting the rollator between him and the boar, he avoided becoming the next target.”

Stacy, who later arrived to check on her father, said the boar remained in the home for nearly 45 minutes. It appeared dazed and calm—until deputies showed up. Once they arrived, the animal became aggressive, charging at them.

Officers attempted to capture it using a rope, but the boar was uncooperative and eventually bolted back into the nearby woods.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office advises residents to stay calm and retreat to a safe space in similar situations. They recommend contacting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) first, followed by the sheriff’s office, to handle dangerous wildlife encounters.

Body cam footage courtesy of Lee County Sheriff’s Office

Storytime and Craft Fun at the Wilfred Smith Resources Center!

Staff Reporter
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Storytime and Craft Fun at the Wilfred Smith Resources Center!

Looking for a fun and educational activity for your little ones? Join Polk County Parks & Rec every Monday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Wilfred Smith Resources Center in Winter Haven for their free weekly story and craft sessions! Perfect for children ages 3 to 6 and their parents, each session features a storytime followed by a themed craft inspired by the book.

Next week’s featured book is Sam and Pepper’s Tree House by Eugene Coco — a delightful story that sparks imagination and creativity. After the reading, kids will enjoy making a craft related to the story, bringing the characters and themes to life through hands-on fun.

This engaging program runs weekly from September through December at 135 Ave. Y NE. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to bond, learn, and create together. To register or learn more, call (863) 298-7898 today!

Chiefs of the Gridiron: FSU scalps East Texas A&M

Ethan Jones
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Chiefs of the Gridiron: FSU scalps East Texas A&M

By Ethan Jones

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It was another electric Saturday in Tallahassee as the Florida State Seminoles delivered a performance for the ages at Doak Campbell Stadium. Picking up right where they left off after their thrilling win over Alabama, the Seminoles put on a show, dismantling their opponent with a staggering 77-3 victory. Yes, you read that right, 77-3.

From the opening kickoff to the final whistle, Florida State was in complete control, amassing 729 total yards of offense, 29 first downs, and 11 touchdowns. Despite two turnovers, the ‘Noles never let their foot off the gas. It was a historic outing that tied a program record for the largest margin of victory, a mark set all the way back in 1949 when FSU defeated Whiting Field 74-0, before Doak Campbell Stadium even existed.

Seminoles Vs East Texas A&M

One of the game’s standout performers was wide receiver Duce Robinson, who exploded for 173 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Remarkably, 160 of those yards came in the first quarter alone, breaking a Florida State record for most receiving yards in a single quarter.

As a result of the Seminoles’ dominant performance, they move up four spots in the rankings, jumping from #14 to #10 in the country. This ranking has many fans and students alike in shock, as just a year ago, it was a good day if they scored more than 21 points in a game.

The Seminoles played for more than just themselves on Saturday as they competed with heavy hearts, rallying behind teammate Ethan Pritchard, who was shot in the back of the head last weekend while taking his grandmother home to Havana, Florida, after the Alabama game. In a powerful show of solidarity, players wore #35 armbands in his honor.

Following the victory, an emotional scene unfolded in the locker room. A distraught coach Mike Norvell presented the game ball to Ethan’s father, Earl Pritchard, and invited him to “break the rock”, a cherished post-win tradition at FSU. The moment served as a reminder that this team is more than just a football squad; they are a family.

The bond wasn’t just on the field, it echoed throughout the stands as well, with the student section once again packed and roaring in support of their Seminoles. The renewed energy around the program is undeniable.

FSU heads into a bye week at 2-0, already matching last year’s win total. While that stat speaks volumes about the struggles of the 2024 season, it also highlights how much this year’s team has already surpassed expectations.

After the bye, the ‘Noles return home to face the Golden State Golden Flashes before opening ACC play against the Virginia Cavaliers, a stretch that will begin to reveal just how far this team can go.

For now, though, it’s clear: Florida State football is back, and with every snap, they’re reminding fans and foes alike what it means to play at Doak and be a Florida State Seminole.

Excited FSU Fans
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CRA Board Pushes for Full-Time Director Over Consultant Option

Staff Reporter
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CRA Board Pushes for Full-Time Director Over Consultant Option

With the current consultant’s contract set to expire in November, most board members say hiring an in-house leader is more cost effective and sustainable.

By Anita Todd

HAINES CITY – The Community Revitalization Agency (CRA) Board held its monthly meeting Thursday, with much of the discussion centering on the future of the Agency’s leadership.

Since the end of last year when CRA Director Jane Murphy resigned, the organization hasn’t had a full-time leader. However, Alex Abraham, a local businessman, who had worked for the City in similar capacities was retained as a temporary consultant on three month contract intervals. There were no fully qualified city employees at the time.

As previously reported, Darrell Starling of D. Starling Consulting presented at the Aug. 5 CRA meeting, seeking to be retained as a consultant. His proposal called for a three-year contract at $300,000 per year.

With Abraham’s contract close to ending on Nov. 19, City Manager Jim Elensky added “Discussion for CRA Leadership Position” to the Sept. 4 agenda.

“Although I realize the decision is mine, based on the current Charter, I wanted to hear feedback from the Commission and, subsequently, receive their thoughts. Upon conclusion of the discussion, it was made clear the majority wanted to seek a CRA manager/director, and, at this point, I concur,” Elensky said. He was not present at the meeting but shared his comments with The Daily Ridge via email afterward.

Board members debated the pros and cons of contracting with a part-time consultant, such as Abraham or Starling, versus hiring a full-time CRA Director.

“We need a CRA manager. We aren’t looking for a consultant, they are meant to be hired for a limited time. We call them when we need them,” said Haines City Mayor and CRA Board Member Morris WestV.

Vice Mayor Vernel Smith and Mayor Morris West

“I concur. It is time to get someone leading in-house. We can pay a director one-third of what a consultant would get paid,” added CRA Board Member Omar Arroyo. “That is not a good use of our funds.”

Commissioner Kim Downing

When the vote was taken, CRA Board Member Kim Downing was the lone dissenter.

“I am still in favor of a consultant. They can get the CRA where it needs to be before we entertain hiring a director,” Downing said. She expressed support for Starling following his presentation last month.

During the meeting, City Attorney Fred Reilly clarified the authority structure, noting that the City Manager holds full authority to hire and fire employees, including a Director. Hiring a consultant, however, requires a different process.

“The CRA Director, currently Elensky until he hires one, has the authority to hire a consultant after following the purchasing policy process. This process puts the position out for bid since a consultant is a contract position, unlike a hired employee,” Reilly said. Elensky said he plans to have the Director position posted by next week.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Arrest More Than 50 People for Driving Under the Influence

Allison
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Polk County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Arrest More Than 50 People for Driving Under the Influence

Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 53 people for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol and/or drugs last month, and one person for Boating Under the Influence.

Among these arrests, 13 were involved in crashes.

Three of the arrested had children in the vehicle while they were driving impaired, and they were additionally charged with negligent child abuse.

Eight of the arrested are in the United States illegally, and ICE has been notified of their presence here.

These 54 arrests were PCSO arrests only, and does not include arrests in Polk County made by any of the city police departments or the Florida Highway Patrol.

If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

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