The City of Bartow kicked off its holiday season last Friday night during Magic on Main. When the sun went down that evening, the holiday lights turned on, and the entire downtown area glowed in festive holiday colors and decorations.
The holiday festivities kicked off with musical performances by carolers, Christmas choirs, and even several dance troupes. Wendy’s Dance Company, for example, performed a big dance number that combined tap dancing, clogging, and jazz.
Wendy Attix, the owner and main instructor, faces a big challenge putting on these dance numbers, ensuring that all of her little dancers perform in unison. However, finally being able to put on the ultimate performance always proves worth it, especially during a special event like this.
“It is an amazing experience,” Wendy said. “We are very honored to get to perform for our community and light up the holiday season. It feels amazing. We feel honored to get to do it.”
The streets of Downtown Bartow became aglow with festive holiday colors and lights. Many local stores and eateries stayed open late to draw in attendees. Of course, Santa Claus himself made a special appearance to have little children sit on his lap for pictures. Even fake snow fell upon the street, allowing attendees young and old alike to frolic and play the Eskimo way in a Winter Wonderland.
Linda Holcomb, Executive Director of Main Street Bartow, considered the event the most beautiful night of the year. Every month, her organization hosts First Fridays to draw visitors and residents downtown to peruse its many businesses. This event proved even better if not more so, she said.
“It’s beautiful,” she said. “It’s our most beautiful night of the year. The crowd loves it. We have great entertainment. It’s our favorite. If you missed it this year, don’t miss it next year.”
For more information about upcoming events by Main Street Bartow, visit their website at: https://mainstreetbartowfl.com/
More than 350 local families will be able to serve turkey with all of the traditional fixings for Thanksgiving dinner thanks to the generous donation by Brooks Law Group.
On Saturday morning, Brooks Law Group in Winter Haven donated turkey dinners to local families during its 11th annual turkey giveaway.
Several hundred people lined up outside the Brooks Law Group office, with the line even extending around the corner, eagerly waiting to receive a free turkey and other groceries.
Aside from frozen poultry, attendees also received bags filled with other Thanksgiving dinner items including stuffing, cranberry sauce, and produce. Even free peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were offered to people after waiting in line and receiving their donations.
“I think this is our largest turnout,” said Steve Brooks, attorney and owner of Brooks Law Group. “It just reminds me how there are so many good people in the world. When I walk through the line talking with all the people, everybody is in the holiday spirit. It is just a wonderful, wonderful feeling.”
More than 11 years ago, Brooks and his team wanted to do something to give back to their local community. They brainstormed ideas and eventually decided on donating turkeys for Thanksgiving dinners for their community’s less fortunate.
The giveaway event takes much planning and preparation. Brooks and his team hosted six meetings over three months in preparation for the event.
They also coordinate with other local organizations. Ed Perkland of Harvest Meat Market donated the turkeys, and Bobby Williams of Freedom Tour Church donated the produce and baked goods and transported all of the food to the law office. Volunteers were provided by Platinum Team and KW Smart Realty, and a grant was conferred by Outback Oasis.
“This has exceeded expectations,” Brooks said. “The number of volunteers is the most we ever had. We have at least 40 with even more showing up. And the people showing up for a Thanksgiving meal is the largest we ever had.”
Auburndale, Florida – A toddler drowned in an Auburndale pool on Thursday, Auburndale Police Department confirmed.
The 2-year-old little girl was found unresponsive in a residential pool, according to Lt. Cruz of the Auburndale Police Department. Life saving measures were performed in efforts to revive the child. The child was transported to Lakeland Regional Health by Ambulance, where she was later pronounced deceased.
It happened around 2 p.m. at a residence on Evergreen Dr. in the city limits of Auburndale. The drowning is still under investigation.
The dangers around water for children
A message from the Auburndale Police Department for pool safety:
“Being vigilant around pools is paramount – never underestimate the importance of constant supervision, especially for children and inexperienced swimmers. Always ensure there is a responsible adult dedicated to supervising when a pool is being used. Encourage swimming lessons for all family members to equip them with basic water skills and safety procedures. Keep safety devices, such as life jackets, readily accessible, especially for non-swimmers. Educate your children about the dangers of running or horseplaying near a pool. If you have a home pool, secure it with proper barriers to limit unauthorized access. Lastly, be prepared for emergencies with basic CPR skills.”
Some great advice when you have children near pools
Mildred R. Happel, age 98, of Frostproof, FL, passed away Thursday, November 23, 2023. She was born May 17, 1925, in Robinson County, North Carolina to Harley and Orrie (Rivers) Hunt. She worked as a waitress, was of Protestant Faith, and has been a resident of Frostproof, FL since 1983, coming from Walsh, IL. Mildred is survived by her Daughter – Lois Anderson of Frostproof, FL; Step-Son – Jake Happel of Illinois; Granddaughter – Michelle Anderson; 3 Great Grandchildren; and 7 Great Great Grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her Parents; Husband – Marlen Happel; and 4 Sisters. Graveside services will be held Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. at Silver Hill Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to: Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home 111 East Circle Street Avon Park, FL 33825.
Online condolences may be left at: www.stephensonnelsonfh.com
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a pest & lawn service worker twice last week after detectives spoke with two female customers who said the man exposed himself to them during separate incidents.
27-year old Tyler Mountain of Lake Wales was charged with Lewd Exhibition (M1) and Lewd Exhibition to an Elderly Person (F3).
The investigation began on October 26, 2023 after a 76-year old woman reported that an employee of Massey Services exposed himself to her while he was in her Davenport home to provide an estimate for pest control services.
The victim reported that Mountain stepped out of her bathroom with his penis exposed saying that his zipper was broken, and requested her assistance, which she refused.
When a PCSO detective contacted Massey Services, a regional manager informed the detective that Mountain’s employment with the company had been terminated following the complaint—the second such complaint they received about him.
On November 22nd, Mountain was arrested for the October 26th incident, however, the victim of a previous incident in Haines City was not in the county at the time.
Upon the woman’s return, the PCSO detective met with her and learned that Mountain came to her home on July 24, 2023 for lawn maintenance, exposed himself, and also claimed his zipper was broken.
On November 25th, Mountain was again arrested and charged with the July offense.
“This man used his work position to gain access to the homes of these women, and then sexually exposed himself—this behavior is disgusting and predatory. We believe it’s possible that more victims of this man could be out there, and if that’s the case, we want them to come forward.”– Grady Judd, Sheriff
If anyone has information regarding similar acts by Tyler Mountain, please contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200.
A 5-year old child died Saturday, November 25, 2023, after the vehicle she was riding in pulled in front of an Auburndale Police Department pickup truck that was responding to an emergency.
The crash occurred at about 9:58 PM on US 92 (Magnolia Avenue) at the intersection with Havendale Boulevard, and the area was subsequently closed for about four-and-a-half hours.
A sergeant from Auburndale PD was responding in emergency mode (with lights and sirens) to assist a deputy from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office who was involved in a physical altercation with a suspect on US 92 at Old Winter Haven Road.
The APD sergeant was driving a marked 2020 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck.
According to the preliminary investigation by the PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit, the APD truck had been traveling east on US 92 to the emergency.
The other involved vehicle, a blue 2016 Kia sedan, had been stopped for a red light on northbound Havendale Boulevard.
Multiple witness statements indicated that when the light changed to green for northbound lanes, traffic held for the approaching police vehicle.
The driver of the Kia also informed PCSO detectives that she heard the sirens, but began to proceed into the intersection because the vehicle next to her moved forward.
The Kia crossed into the path of the police vehicle, and the two vehicles collided.
The APD sergeant was not injured, but the driver of the Kia was taken to a local hospital where she was treated for a broken wrist.
The child, who had been riding in the rear seat, was taken to a local hospital, but was pronounced deceased upon arrival.
Both drivers were determined to have been wearing a seat belt, but seat belt usage by the child is still being investigated.
No criminal charges are anticipated, and the investigation is ongoing.
Auburndale Speedway Had an Incident with an Infant That Couldn’t Breathe. Now They Have an AED in Case of Another Emergency.
by James Coulter
Last week, Auburndale Speedway had an incident where they were forced to momentarily stop their races to attend to an infant who had stopped breathing. They were forced to stop the races so they could check their condition and focus on life-saving efforts. Fortunately, they were able to save the young child and resume their races.
“We had to red flag the enduro race last night because a one-year-old infant was brought to our safety officials not breathing,” a Facebook post read. “They performed CPR and got the baby breathing again and an [ambulance] was called. Thank you to our safety personnel that not only make sure our drivers are okay but also everyone in attendance. At the time it may have seemed like a minor inconvenience during the race but was certainly more important.”
Auburndale Speedway has since been prepared for future emergencies now that an automated external defibrillator [AED] has been installed at their race track facility. The AED was donated by Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, a local non-profit organization dedicated to installing these emergency medical devices at local businesses and other establishments.
Melanie Brown started the organization three years ago following the untimely passing of her late fiancée, Michael Culpepper, who passed away from cardiac arrest. Not wanting anyone else to experience a similar loss, she started her organization to raise proceeds to donate AEDs across the county, as well as fund scholarships for medical students and firefighters.
Melanie was invited to donate an AED at Auburndale Speedway. This AED was one of more than 20 that her organization has donated and installed at establishments across the county including Tanner’s Lakeside, The Mission, and the Winter Haven Boxing Club.
“It is absolutely, honestly just amazing that Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation is getting out there and so many people hear about it, and I am thankful to place that here because supporting this foundation can get out here is so touching,” Brown said.
Matt Nichols, safety director for 30 years, had invited Melanie and her team to install an AED at the Speedway. Seeing all of the good work she had done installing AEDs throughout the county, he admired her work, especially in light of the tragedy that inspired it.
“I felt we needed one here on sight,” he said. “We have a lot of people here every weekend. Every age you can imagine are here from newborns to elderly. They come by here to watch the race and to race. We admire her foundation for actually doing this. She is very inspiring, she is doing a very good thing here, and we appreciate it.”
Jamie Wetherington, a member of the medical team, was present during last week’s incident. He and his team assessed the young patient and discovered that a popcorn kernel was stuck in the infant’s airway. He is thankful that an AED was donated to their facility in case another emergency arises.
“She [Melanie] and her organization are top-notch,” he said. “We couldn’t be prouder.”
Colette and Rex Guy, the owners of Auburndale Speedway, were honored to have received the AED. They are glad to be prepared with it in case of an emergency, and they hope and pray such an emergency never arises.
Mostly, we are honored that they would think of us and donate to us and it just gives [us] peace of mind that you have it on this property.
“It is awesome that we have something [like Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation] in Polk County,” Colette said. “They are that extra mile and doing this for so many people in the county and we are lucky to be a part of it.”
I” think it is very well needed here, we can use it the proper way, and anything that can save a life, that is what it means,” Rex said. “It is awesome what she is doing. I hope we don’t have to use it, but we do have one.”
On October 29, 2023 a Davenport home owner reportedly noticed someone trying to break into his wife’s car. According to reports the home owner is accused of confronting the suspect, chasing him while he fled and shooting him. That home owner was arrested. Details of that arrest are here: Polk Man Charged With Attempted Murder.
The Polk County Sheriff Office has now arrested Reginald Griffin, DOB 04/13/1994, on three counts of burglary of an unoccupied conveyance, crossing county lines to commit burglary, and petit theft. The arrest took a few weeks as the suspect was hospitalized from the shooting. Griffin made it out of the hospital, before a judge signed the arrest order, but was arrested in Bartow.
The following is a long exerpt from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office affidavit (It should be noted that this is an unedited, but redacted report of facts by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Daily Ridge does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions. Certain names of witnesses or victims may be redacted) :
“On 10/29/23 I was directed to respond to the residence located at REDACTED Davenport FL, in reference to a reported shooting of a person.
I made contact with Officer Rodrigues (H1657) of the Haines City Police Department, he briefed me on his findings. I learned on 10/29/23 at approximately 0555 hours, Arnold Gene Sterling observed a black male, later identified as Reginald Griffin, to be reaching into the front driver’s side door of his wife’s vehicle, which is a white Toyota Camry (REDACTED). The vehicle was parked in the driveway of the residence located at REDACTED. Sterling exited the front door of the residence and shouted “halt” several times at Reginald. Reginald fled the scene on foot and Sterling chased him. As Sterling chased Reginald, Sterling fired approximately five shots from a pistol in Reginald’s direction. Reginald was struck by one round which entered his right flank and did not exit his torso.
I located multiple camera angles which captured the incident. Prior to Reginald being shot, he is clearly seen opening the front driver’s side door of the Camry and reaching into the vehicle. Reginald was wearing dark clothing during the incident. Reginald did not appear to remove any items from within the vehicle. During a sworn recorded interview REDACTED stated she did not give anybody permission to enter the vehicle.
An additional conveyance burglary was reported at REDACTED Davenport FL in reference to Davenport PD case number 23-1104. REDACTED reported her Toyota Tacoma was entered and approximately $10.00 in change was removed from within it, along with a key to a garage door. This occurred on 10/29/23 at approximately 0530 hours. Video of the incident depicts a subject wearing dark clothing entering the passenger side of the vehicle. REDACTED stated she did not give anybody permission to enter the vehicle or remove any items from it.
An additional conveyance burglary was reported at REDACTED Davenport FL in reference to Davenport PD case number 23-1107. REDACTED reported he discovered video of a subject consistent with Reginald attempting to open the doors of his Ram pickup which was parked in his driveway. The suspect was not able to enter the cabin of the vehicle, however he lowered the tailgate in an effort to locate property belonging to the victim. This incident took place on 10/29/23 at approximately 0500 hours. REDACTED stated he did not give anybody permission to enter the vehicle. Nothing was taken from the vehicle.
During the course of my investigation I determined, after being shot, Reginald fled to the residence located at REDACTED. I authored and executed a search warrant at this residence. I discovered bloody clothing within the residence which was consistent with the clothing I observed the suspect to be wearing in videos of the above burglaries. On 11/3/23 I conducted a recorded post Miranda interview with Reginald Griffin. Reginald stated he woke on the day of the shooting at approximately 0430 hours and was unable to go back to sleep. Reginald stated he decided to go for a walk and “smoke weed”. Reginald initially stated Sterling exited his home and fired at him unprovoked. I confronted Reginald with the video surveillance which depicted him reaching into Sterling’s vehicle. Reginald admitted he decided during his walk to begin checking unlocked cars for things he could take. Reginald stated he did this because he was on vacation and was trying to enjoy himself. Reginald stated he entered approximately three vehicles prior to being shot.
Based on the above information, I determined probable cause exists to charge Reginald Griffin with three counts of burglary of an unoccupied conveyance, crossing county lines to commit burglary, and petit theft.”
Welcome, World Travelers! Trolls: Band Together—Ugh, I’m Too Old For This!
by James Coulter
Plenty of movies inspire people to ponder life’s big questions. How did the universe begin? What is its grand purpose? am I doing with my own life? And what compelled me to watch the third Trolls movie?
Seriously, why did I watch the third Trolls movie?!
Well, the answer to that question is simple enough. It was a choice between watching and reviewing that movie or the Hunger Games prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. I decided to watch this movie instead. (I may have made the wrong choice!)
Welcome World Travelers
Honestly, I don’t even know why I should even bother reviewing this movie. The only reason anyone would watch the third Trollsmovie is because they’re the parents of children who have already seen the first two movies (and perhaps even the Netflix animated series) and they begged to watch the new movie in theaters. Otherwise, there’s no good reason why anyone, including an adult, would willingly watch this movie.
Trolls: Band Together follows the main protagonists of the first two Trolls movies, Princess Poppy and Branch. Now, stop me if you heard this premise before: Branch was formerly a member of a boy band, BroZone—STOP!
Yes, we’ve heard this story before. Once there was a super popular band, but the band members didn’t get along and eventually broke up. Years later, someone tries to get the band back together. So, they go on a road trip to track down the other members who have all grown up and moved on with their lives. They’re convinced to drop what they’re doing and get the band back together. Eventually, they all reunite, only to end up fighting and remembering why they broke up in the first place. But they eventually set aside their differences and put on the big musical number that convinces them to start playing again. And they all lived happily ever after. The end!
Again, we’ve all seen the “getting the band together” plot done before. If you’ve seen The Blues Brothers, The Muppets, or—Heaven forbid!—the Country Bear Jamboree, you’ve seen this story done before, and the only reason you would watch this plot done again is if it added something new and more interesting. Trolls: Band Together doesn’t offer anything new or interesting.
Oh, wait, never mind, there is a “new” twist. Turns out Branch and his long-lost brother (John Dory) need to get the band back together because their other band mate was captured by two pop star twins (who look like rejects from Ruby Gillman) who are stealing his talent (quite literally) to use as their own. Oh, and Poppy has a long-lost sister. And the small shiny troll that farts glitter is in this movie. Because, of course! Why not?
Fine. For the sake of “fairness” (and because I need to pad out this piece long enough to count as a formal review), I’ll list three things I liked about this movie:
1) The Animation. Unlike other DreamWorks movies, which essentially look like every other DreamWorks movie (save The Bad Guys and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish), this movie does have a unique art style. Many of the textures to the character models and world look like they were made from different material, from felt and fur to paper and plastic. One character looks like a wig made from shredded-up paper sent through a paper shredder (you’ll know them when you see them). And the water effect looks like those little plastic bubble (the ones that look like popping boba)—so that’s pretty neat. At the very least, this movie has a unique look and feel from other 3D movies (not as unique as Spider-Verse or The Last Wish, but unique nonetheless).
2) The Music. Like the other Trolls movies, this film is a jukebox musical with plenty of random music numbers strewn within the storyline. At the very least, the music is good—though, honestly, I don’t know if it’s because the music is performed well or if it’s because it’s popular music that other people like so people like them because they like them.
3) The “Hustle” Animated Scene. There’s a sequence where the characters push the “hustle” button. That button turns the film into trippy 2D animation that looks like something from Yellow Submarine. It’s trippy and cool!
And that’s it. Those are the only good qualities of the movie. Unless you have children who are dragging you to the theater to watch this film, if you are a grown adult with agency, you don’t need to watch it. You shouldn’t watch it.
Honestly, between this and the Paw Patrol movie earlier this year, I feel bad dissing movies that are made for little kids. I feel like a grumpy adult who’s too old to know what the kids are into these days. Sometimes, I wonder if I should forgive films like this because “they’re made for little kids.” But then I remember that would be a massive cop-out. Something being “made for kids” should not excuse low quality. Kids deserve better!
