Notice is hereby given that on 07/27/2025 at 06:00 AM the following vehicles(s) may be sold at public sale at 110
SPIRIT LAKE RD STE 3WINTER HAVEN, FLORIDA 33880 for the amount owed on each vehicle to satisfy the lien
for repairs, services and storage charges and any administrative fees allowed pursuant to Florida Statute 713.585.
JHMCN36415C017484 2005 HOND 3100.00
The name, address and telephone number and public sale location of the repair shop claiming the lien for unpaid
charges is:
Lienor Name: CENTRAL FL SPEED LAB LLC
Lienor Address: 110 SPIRIT LAKE RD STE 3, WINTER HAVEN, FL 33880
Lienor Telephone #: 407-942-4974
MV License #: [COMPANY_MV_LICENSE]
Location of Vehicles: [VEHICLE_LOCATION]
The customer or person claiming an interest, or a lien may redeem the vehicle by satisfying the amount due in cash on
or before the sale date and time. The customer or person claiming an interest in or lien on a vehicle may file a demand
for a hearing with the Clerk of Court in the [COMPANY_COUNTY] County where the vehicle is held to determine
whether the vehicle has been wrongfully taken or withheld from him or her. At any time before the date of sale a
customer or person of record claiming a lien on the vehicle may post a cash or surety bond in the amount stated on the
invoice with the Clerk of Circuit Court where the disputed transaction occurred.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE:
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd To Brief Media Tomorrow Morning Regarding Fentanyl Drug Trafficking Investigation Involving Two Mexican Cartels.
Sheriff Grady Judd will brief the media at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow morning, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the PCSO Sheriff’s Operations Center, 1891 Jim Keene Blvd in Winter Haven, about a Fentanyl drug trafficking investigation involving two Mexican cartels.
Detectives worked with investigators from The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE); U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa and Phoenix Offices; U.S Border Patrol; Auburndale Police Department; Office of the State Attorney 10th Judicial Circuit, and United States Postal Inspection Service from the Tampa and Phoenix offices, resulting in the arrests of multiple suspects and the largest seizure of Fentanyl in Polk County Sheriff’s Office history.
Mold Reports Reveal Discrepancy Between College Messaging and Test Results at Polk State’s Lakeland Campus
By Carl Fish | Daily Ridge News
Recent documents raise concerns about the severity of mold contamination at Polk State College’s Lakeland Technology Building (LTB) and whether the College provided full transparency to students and staff regarding the situation.
In public statements and emails to students, Polk State officials described their response to air quality concerns as “proactive” and “transparent,” highlighting enhanced cleaning, air monitoring, and HEPA filtration. In one campus-wide email sent around October 21, 2024, College leadership assured students that air quality concerns were being addressed and that appropriate measures were in place.
However, internal reports obtained by Daily Ridge show that the extent of the contamination and required remediation may not have been fully conveyed in those public messages.
Mold Report Shows Serious Contamination
According to an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Assessment conducted by NOVA Engineering and Environmental on October 1, 2024, the LTB Auditorium and an associated break room contained concerning levels of multiple mold species, including:
• Cladosporium, identified in high concentrations on ceiling tiles, known to trigger allergic reactions and asthma.
• Elevated levels of Aspergillus/Penicillium, exceeding outdoor background levels, indicating prolonged moisture conditions.
• The presence of Stachybotrys, commonly referred to as “toxic black mold,” known to produce endotoxins and classified by the report as a “zero tolerance” mold in indoor spaces.
The report further documented inadequate air filtration and recommended that the affected areas be fully sealed and remain closed until extensive mold remediation, including HEPA air filtration and duct cleaning, could be completed.
“Occupancy should not be allowed to occur until the above items are completed,” the report states.
Mold Inspection Report By NOVA
Timeline Highlights Gaps in Public Information
*This timeline is an estimation derived by the documentation available to the Daily Ridge
The internal mold report establishes the following timeline:
• October 1, 2024: NOVA conducts air quality and mold testing in LTB.
• October 4, 2024: College officials hold a Teams meeting to discuss results. The Auditorium and associated break room are reportedly sealed off following this meeting.
• October 9, 2024: NOVA issues its initial IAQ report.
• October 21, 2024 (approx.): A College-wide email is sent to students providing general assurances about air quality efforts but without disclosing specific test results or the presence of hazardous mold species.
• October 29, 2024: NOVA issues a revised report confirming earlier findings and reiterating the need for full remediation before reoccupying the affected areas.
Despite this sequence of events, the College’s public statements, including the October student email, made no direct mention of Stachybotrys, inadequate filtration, or the specific remediation protocols recommended.
Daily Ridge has reached out to Polk State College for further clarification. We were advised that more responses to our inquiries would come Tuesday of this week. After a major meeting regarding college leadership.
Questions Remain
While Polk State College has stated that it took appropriate steps to address air quality issues, key questions about the situation remain unanswered, including:
• When were all of NOVA’s remediation recommendations fully implemented?
• Were students and employees notified promptly and fully about the presence of hazardous mold species in LTB?
• Did any areas reopen before final clearance testing confirmed they were safe for occupancy?
• What long-term steps have been taken to prevent moisture issues and inadequate air filtration that could allow mold to return?
The NOVA report emphasizes the importance of proper remediation, noting:
“Although mold-containing areas or surfaces may be cleaned or removed, mold will reoccur if the source of moisture is not remedied.”
The College has not publicly disclosed whether all underlying moisture and filtration issues identified in the report have been permanently addressed.
Conclusion
The discrepancy between internal reports and public messaging raises concerns about how the situation was communicated to students and staff. As of now, while remediation efforts were initiated, full details about the timeline, testing, and resolution of the mold concerns at Polk State College’s Lakeland Technology Building have not been made completely available.
** Polk State College has a Monday scheduled meeting of the District Board of Trustees set for 4:00 p.m. on June 23 where trustees, college officials, and members of the public will gather to discuss college operations, ongoing concerns, and future plans for the institution.
Differing Paths, Shared Commitment: Two Community Leaders Reflect on Polk State College’s Future
By Carl Fish | Daily Ridge News
As Polk State College faces questions about its future leadership, two of Polk County’s most respected leaders have found themselves offering differing perspectives — yet both rooted in a sincere desire to see the college, and the community it serves, succeed.
Wesley Barnett and Greg Littleton, both members of families deeply intertwined with Polk County’s history, have recently shared their thoughts on the challenges — and opportunities — facing Polk State. Their viewpoints differ, but their mutual respect and shared commitment to the college are clear.
A Call for Change
Wesley Barnett, a native of Lakeland and a lifelong Polk County resident, has been vocal about his concerns regarding the college’s leadership. His wife, Ashley Bell Barnett, serves on the Polk State District Board of Trustees and has similarly called for accountability.
Barnett, the grandson of Publix Supermarkets founder George W. Jenkins, is part of one of the region’s most well-known family legacies. He graduated from All Saints Academy in 2004, earned a bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University’s Calloway School of Business with a focus on Finance, and later completed a Master of Business Administration at UCLA Anderson.
In addition to his business background, Barnett is deeply engaged in efforts to improve the community through philanthropic work. He is involved in a wide range of activities across Polk County and the state, including start-up investments, real estate development, and service on the boards of Bonnet Springs Park, GiveWell Community Foundation.
In a recent statement, Barnett emphasized that his focus is not on any one person, but rather on ensuring Polk State is positioned to serve a rapidly growing community.
“Enrollment is nowhere near what it should be, given Polk County’s incredible growth over the past 10 years,” Barnett stated. “However, as those intimately involved know, enrollment alone is not the real issue. It is a symptom of something much bigger.”
Barnett pointed to what he describes as a troubling pattern of staff turnover, lack of transparency, and poor leadership at the highest levels. While acknowledging that raising these concerns may be uncomfortable, Barnett believes they cannot be ignored.
“If we don’t address these issues now, we risk far greater damage to our beloved State College in the years ahead,” he warned. “Leadership is not about comfort. It is a responsibility steeped in courage.”
He also highlighted concerns about the college’s ability to effectively manage upcoming expansions, such as the new Haines City/Davenport campus focused on health sciences.
“Our community owes a sincere debt of gratitude to Trustee Ashley Bell Barnett for having the courage to speak out when others remained silent,” Barnett added. “The faculty, staff, and community that serve Polk State College every day deserve better. But most importantly, it is the students – both those who attend and those who never had the chance – who deserve leadership that puts their futures first. They deserve excellence, opportunity, and competency from our community’s oldest and largest institution of higher education.”
A Call for Caution and Due Process
Greg Littleton, CEO of Citizens Bank & Trust and a fellow Polk State trustee, expressed a different perspective — one that favors caution, due process, and gathering objective evidence before making any major leadership changes.
Littleton’s connection to Polk State College runs deep. A proud graduate of the institution, he earned his Associate of Arts degree from Polk State in 1987 before going on to complete his bachelor’s degree at Freed-Hardeman University. He later pursued graduate studies at the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University.
With a lifelong passion for education, Littleton believes strongly in the role Polk State plays in transforming lives.
“I am so proud to be associated with Polk State College because they exist to make education accessible to anyone with the desire to attend,” Littleton shared on the Citizens Bank & Trust website.
While he acknowledged that concerns have been raised regarding college morale and other issues, Littleton believes conclusions should not be drawn without verified facts.
“Morale at the college has been cited several times as evidence of poor leadership,” he noted. “That may well be so, but we don’t have objective evidence as to how widespread that dissatisfaction is. Before we assume that morale is bad college-wide, perhaps we could do a satisfaction survey.”
Importantly, Littleton made clear that his support for current college president Dr. Angela Falconetti is measured, not absolute.
“While I do feel like some very positive things have been accomplished under Dr. Falconetti’s tenure, my support is not blind or unconditional,” Littleton stated. “I have said publicly that we need to get answers to many important issues that have been raised. We also need to get more objective evidence to some things that are being pointed at as a reason for a possible change in leadership.”
Littleton emphasized that if evidence ultimately indicates leadership changes are necessary, he will be prepared to act.
“If thorough due diligence is performed and makes clear that we have a problem, I will be ready to make difficult decisions with regards to leadership,” he stated.
Two Paths, One Goal
Though their approaches differ, both Barnett and Littleton agree on one thing: the future of Polk State College is vitally important — not only to students and faculty, but to the broader Polk County community.
“This isn’t about any one person,” Barnett wrote. “It’s about whether the college is serving our thriving community as it should.”
Littleton echoed a similar sentiment, stating, “We may have a different opinion of how to get there, but we all want the success of our college.”
These differing viewpoints are expected to be part of the broader discussion at Monday’s scheduled meeting of the Polk State College District Board of Trustees. That meeting is set for 4:00 p.m. on June 23, where trustees, college officials, and members of the public will gather to discuss college operations, ongoing concerns, and future plans for the institution.
As Polk State College navigates its next chapter, community members can take comfort in knowing that thoughtful, invested leaders — even those with differing views — remain committed to ensuring the institution’s success
Polk Sheriff Grady Judd Urges Houses Of Worship To Have Prepared Plan In Case Of An Active Shooter Threats Following Michigan Church Shooting
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd is urging houses of worship across the county to be alert for suspicious activity and to prepare for potential threats from individuals who may wish to harm worshippers.
The sheriff’s warning follows an active shooter incident that occurred Sunday morning, June 22, 2025, at Crosspoint Community Church in Wayne, Michigan.
“This morning’s active shooter at a church in Wayne, Michigan reminds us that all of our houses of worship must have a safety and security plan to immediately respond to an active shooter,” said Sheriff Judd.
AP News Report:
“A gunman opened fire during a service at a suburban Detroit church on Sunday, wounding one person before he was shot and killed by a security guard, police said.
The shooting happened at CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, a city of about 17,000 people outside Detroit around 11 a.m., the church’s pastor, Bobby Kelly Jr., told the Detroit News.”
Sheriff Judd is encouraging all members of faith-based organizations to ask an important question: Does your house of worship have a plan to protect and immediately stop an active shooter? If the answer is no, he says, members should ask why not—and demand that a plan be put in place immediately.
In response to church shootings over the last several years, many houses of worship have implemented safety plans and designated individuals trained to respond to active shooter situations. But the sheriff warns that more can and should be done.
“An active shooter can happen anywhere,” the sheriff’s office emphasized, noting that churches, synagogues, mosques, and other religious gathering places need to take steps to prepare for such scenarios.
Community members are reminded: If you see or hear something suspicious, say something. Report concerns to house of worship leadership, security personnel, and local law enforcement immediately.
For nearly eight years, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office has offered free Active Assailant Preparation training to houses of worship and other organizations. The training provides an overview of active assailant incidents and offers best practices on how to prepare for and respond to such incidents, including tactics to use when law enforcement arrives.
For more information about Active Assailant Preparation training, contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at [email protected] or call 863-298-6677.
Fatal Crash Shuts Down Portion of SR-60 Eastbound Near YeeHaw Junction
Fatal Crash Shuts Down Portion of SR-60 Near Kenansville Road in Osceola County
OSCEOLA COUNTY, FL (June 21, 2025) – A fatal crash occurred Saturday afternoon on State Road 60 in Osceola County, leading to a road closure and ongoing investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
According to early reports from FHP, the accident happened at approximately 3:54 p.m. about 1.5 miles west of Kenansville Road, near the Okeechobee County line. At least one fatality has been confirmed.
As of now, SR-60 is blocked in the area as authorities investigate the scene and work to clear the roadway. The Florida Highway Patrol has not yet released the identity of the victim or the circumstances leading up to the crash.
Motorists are urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes if traveling Eastbound towards Vero or Florida Turnpike on SR-60.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Whistleblower Lawsuit in Haines City Reportedly Ends in $550K Settlement; City Says Commission Has Not Yet Voted
By Carl Fish | Daily Ridge News
HAINES CITY, FL (June 20, 2025) — A federal whistleblower lawsuit filed by a former Haines City employee has reportedly ended in a $550,000 settlement, according to the plaintiff’s legal team. However, city officials indicate that the commission has not yet voted to approve any such agreement.
The lawsuit was brought by Erica Anderson, a former city employee, who alleged she faced retaliation after raising concerns about internal misconduct. Filed under Florida’s Whistleblower Act, the lawsuit claimed that Anderson’s rights were violated after she reported wrongdoing within city operations.
Earlier this month, the case proceeded to trial in Tampa. Just two days in, Anderson’s attorneys, Chanfrau & Chanfrau, publicly announced that a settlement had been reached. In a statement posted online, they praised Anderson’s courage and said the case “was resolved for $550,000,” describing the outcome as a win for those who stand up to unethical treatment.
In a brief comment during proceedings, Anderson reportedly said, “One of the reasons I came forward was so that others do not have to endure what I did.”
In an article by Fox 13 News in Spring 2022, Anderson claims Huffman targeted her for misusing city credit cards, which she was cleared by the city of any wrongdoing. Despite being cleared, she was mocked and taunted by Huffman in public meetings.
Anderson filed a whistleblower complaint with the city in May 2022 and claims Huffman retaliated against her immediately afterward and harassed her for reporting the alleged misconduct.
Although Anderson’s legal team has stated the case has concluded, Daily Ridge News has confirmed through conversations with multiple city officials that the Haines City Commission has not yet formally voted on the reported settlement. Under Florida law, such votes regarding ongoing or recently resolved litigation typically occur in a closed-door “shade meeting,” which had not yet taken place as of publication.
While the lawsuit initially named several city officials, including then-Mayor and current City Commissioner Anne Huffman, the claims specifically involving Huffman were dismissed with prejudice by the court on April 24, 2025. This was a judicial ruling, not a negotiated agreement between the parties. The court independently determined that the claims against Huffman should not proceed and issued a final dismissal that bars those allegations from being refiled. While the judge did not make specific findings on the merits of the claims, the decision indicates the court found insufficient grounds for the case to continue as it related to Huffman. The legal result is that Huffman is no longer subject to any part of this litigation — a procedural outcome that clearly favored her.
However, it is important to note that while the court ruled Huffman could not be held individually liable under the legal standards required, the allegations concerning her conduct may still have been central to the broader claims made against the city. Her actions, as described in the lawsuit, could have played a role in the events that ultimately led to the reported settlement. The dismissal does not negate those claims — it only limits the legal liability assigned to her personally.
Florida’s Whistleblower Act is intended to protect government employees from retaliation when they report legal violations or serious mismanagement. Although many of the case details remain confidential, the filing and trial have raised questions about how internal issues are addressed within municipal government.
Our understanding the commission will be meeting on June 24, 2025 and a separate “Shade” meeting will take place.
Summer Road Trip: A Father-Son Journey Through History, Baseball, and Bonding
By: Ethan Jones
It is only when you look back that you remember the fond memories you made during summer road trips, especially those spent with someone close, like your dad. As the years go by, those memories become something you hold on to. This summer, I had the opportunity to relive that experience with my father, Eric Jones, as we traveled to Boston, Massachusetts, Queens, and New York City. Along the way, we explored parts of America’s rich history and enjoyed its favorite pastime—baseball—by attending games at Fenway Park and Citi Field.
Our first stop on our amazing trip was Boston, Massachusetts. And when you talk about a city having character, Boston has it, as well as a rich history. It’s one of the first major cities in our country and one of the oldest, being established in 1630—that’s well over a hundred years before we became a nation. Boston is packed with historical significance and charm.
There is no shortage of things to do in Boston, as the city is filled with exciting activities and historic sites. Here are just a few of the things that my dad and I did. If you are looking for some good food in the Boston area, I have a few suggestions.
The first thing we did when we got to Boston was go to a restaurant called The Union Oyster House. It has some history itself—being one of the oldest restaurants in the country—and it was the first restaurant to use toothpicks. If you’re looking for some classic Boston food, The Union Oyster House has it, from oysters to clam chowder. I would highly suggest getting the clam chowder, as it is one of their best dishes.
For something more casual, I’d recommend Max and Leo’s Pizza, located just outside Fenway Park. It’s a great spot to grab a bite before a game. Speaking of Fenway, catching a Red Sox game there is an experience like no other—especially if you’re a baseball fan.
Boston also has some great spots for nightlife. Two bars I recommend are The Green Dragon Tavern, which gives you the feeling of stepping back into the Revolutionary era, and Hennessy’s, which features fantastic live music and friendly service.
If you are looking for history in Boston, you should check out the Freedom Trail. The Freedom Trail is a guided tour that takes you around downtown Boston and shows you where important events happened during the start of our country. The trail is a 2.5-mile walking path that takes you to 16 different historical sites from the American Revolution.
Something that made it interesting for me and my dad was that we were standing at the site of the Boston Massacre on the 250th anniversary of our nation’s army. If you are looking to become more informed on how we started as a nation, I would highly suggest going on the Freedom Trail as it goes deeply into detail about our humble beginnings as a nation.
If you’re more into big city life, then Queens and New York City are the places to be. These areas have it all—sports, bars, restaurants, entertainment—you name it. There’s always something happening, and it’s impossible to see it all in just one visit.
The first stop my dad and I made was Queens, New York, where we visited Citi Field to watch the Mets play. What I really appreciate about Citi Field is how accessible it is. Unlike Fenway Park, where parking can be a challenge and public transit is usually the best option, Citi Field offers plenty of parking. The stadium itself is one of the nicer parks in Major League Baseball. It’s modern, easy to navigate, and filled with great amenities that enhance the fan experience.
After the game, we drove into New York City and made our way to the 9/11 Museum. Visiting the museum is something I believe everyone should do at least once in their life. It’s a powerful and emotional experience that helps you truly understand the magnitude of the tragedy and the lives that were changed forever.
Walking through the exhibits, I felt the weight of that day and gained a deeper appreciation for the resilience of the people affected. When it came time to eat, we stopped at Jackson Hole, a great spot known for its wide variety of burgers. It’s a convenient and satisfying choice, especially with its close proximity to some of the city’s top attractions.
After our meal, we ended our visit just a few blocks away at one of New York’s most iconic landmarks—the Empire State Building. Standing at the top and looking out over the city was the perfect way to end our time in the Big Apple.
This summer, I encourage everyone to get out and explore the incredible places our country has to offer. Whether it’s the historic charm of Boston or the fast-paced excitement of New York City, you’ll make memories that last a lifetime—especially when you’re sharing the journey with someone like your dad.
Haines City Commissioner Involved in Domestic Dispute, No Charges Filed
Haines City, FL – In the early morning hours of Wednesday, June 12, 2025, at approximately 1:53 a.m., officers with the Haines City Police Department were dispatched to the area in response to a report of shots fired involving a group of males.
While checking the area, officers came upon an unrelated situation involving Haines City Commissioner Kim Downing and her husband, who were found actively arguing in the front yard of a residence.
Upon making contact, officers separated the two individuals. Downing’s husband alleged that she had kicked him during an earlier argument in the home and took his cellphone. Darrick Downing uttered to a Haines City officer “they holding me down brother, they trying to fight me and everything damn thing”. “They” that Mr. Downing was referring to is the Downing’s juvenile son and the commissioner allegedly. He would go on to alleged he was awoken to “swinging on me”. Later he would allege to a person at the scene that “but then she sweet talked all the police to get them to go, but there’s only one right here”.
The officer, a corporal, on scene could be heard calling off other officers and saying “go ahead and clear it’s a commissioner” on the body cam.
Mr. Downing advised the officer he didn’t want EMS called, because he would press charges on both of them. He did utter that he had knots on his head. Although he walked away from the officer before his head was checked.
Commissioner Downing denied any physical violence, stating that while she did take her husband’s phone, there was no physical altercation. She told officers she took the phone after seeing messages from another woman and wanting to check them.
Downing’s husband was cooperative but declined to pursue any criminal complaint. No arrests were made, and the situation was documented by law enforcement as a domestic incident with no charges filed.
We have uploaded the majority of the Haines City Body Cam Video
Welcome, World Travelers! How I Spent My Weeklong Cruise (Cozumel and Last Day at Sea)
Last month, my family and I went on a 7-day cruise on the Carnival Jubilee. We sailed from Galveston, Texas to Honduras to Mexico. Here’s a day-by-day travel log of my trip.
Day 7: Cozumel (Thur. May 8, 2025)
Our last port of call was Cozumel, Mexico. A lively port town where tourists hurry here and there to shop, dine, and, in my case, venture off onto a shore excursion.
My shore excursion was the Aqua Trio: Snorkel, Shark, Stingray, and BBQ. My sister and I boarded the catamaran and we ventured to a coal reef at a nearby nature sanctuary. I went snorkeling. She stayed on board.
I brought along my underwater camera to take underwater pictures. The overall experience was fine. However, my mask would not seal because of my facial hair. And I forgot to apply Vaseline. The coral was not as colorful as I anticipated it would be, but I saw plenty of fish up close.
We then went to a beach to swim with sting rays and sharks. I had the opportunity to feed, touch, and even hold a stingray. During the feeding, several rays swam up really close begging for food. They acted almost like underwater dogs and cats.
We then swam in an enclosed area to see sharks. I saw one. It stayed at the bottom of the pool.
Afterward, we were served street tacos: grilled chicken on corn tortillas and served with guacamole and nacho chips. They were all right for what they were.
The downside was that I forgot to apply sunscreen to my back and shoulders. So, my back became burnt really bad. So, I stayed in my cabin for the rest of the afternoon.
I didn’t even want to go to dinner. I was so sunburnt and not in the mood. I went out later to have some buffalo wings. They were decent, even though they cost extra.
Then I went to a comedy show. The comedian performing that evening was Happy Cole. Interestingly enough, he lives in Tampa. So, he’s a Florida native. His performance was really animated. He also spoke to the frustrations I had with the cruise: how much the first few days suck, how difficult and cumbersome getting on the ship is, especially with all of the children who cannot shut up.
Day 8: The Last Day on the Cruise (Fri. May 9, 2025)
This was our last day on the ship. The bad news is that I was unable to get on the roller coaster. The good news is that I had sushi with my nephew. We went to Bonsai Sushi. I had miso soup with a Band Bang Bonsai Roll: salmon, cucumber, spicy tobiko, crab, shrimp, and wasabi mustard. I also had a bowl of ramen soup with mushrooms and an egg. Again, nothing compares to Sabu Ramen at the Joinery in Lakeland. That will always be my gold standard for ramen.
I went to another singles mixer. I originally did not want to go, but Joey encouraged me to give it a try. Good thing I did. Because this mixer turned out better than the first. I managed to talk to three people. It was a friendly chat with two women and a guy. We talked about our trip and the movies that we watched. The one lady I talked with said she was initially shy about the experience, so it’s nice to know my being shy and introverted wasn’t just a me problem.
My family and I went to dinner at the Pacific Restaurant. I ordered frog legs. I normally would not have ordered them, but this meal offered me an opportunity to try something I otherwise would not have. At the risk of sounding cliché, they tasted like chicken. I also ate some enchiladas in sauce and chocolate melting cake. I had ordered baked Alaska, but somehow the order got mixed. No problem. The chocolate was good anyway.
So, that was my trip. Was it worth the price of admission? Personally? Not really. There were some fun moments here and there. And I had the opportunity to see more of the world than I had previously seen. But a lot of the trip didn’t really live up to expectations. Being crammed on a boat with a ton of strangers and being cramped inside narrow hallways and elevators proved to be especially overstimulating for me.
Would I recommend it? If you love cruises, you’d probably love the Jubilee. It’s a really big ship with plenty to do on it. Would I do another weeklong cruise? No! Trust me. Going on vacation for a whole week sounds dreamy, but the reality is that there are many days when you find yourself wondering what to do with your free time, especially when you’re stuck on a ship for days on end. A four or even five-day cruise will suffice.
Personally? While the trip wasn’t half bad—well, let’s just say I’m not looking forward to another cruise anytime soon. Give me five years and I may consider going on another. For now, let me enjoy dry land.
