Polk County’s Parks and Recreation Summer Rec@Home kits contain cool activities for those hot summer days. Activity kit registration is free, but there is a limit of 750 registrations, with a limit of one registration per household.
Each kit is packed with fun activities for your little explorers to do at home. The mailed kit will include the following:
Design Your Own Flag (Fourth of July craft)
I Spy Game
Ice Cream Cone At-Home Scavenger Hunt
Slushie Recipe Cards
Summer-themed Charades Game
DIY Ice Cream Cone Craft
Rainbow Clouds Craft
At-Home Activities Idea Cards
Stickers
Kits still available while supplies last. Order yours today!
Polk County’s Parks and Recreation Summer Rec@Home kits contain cool activities for those hot summer days. Activity kit registration is free, but there is a limit of 750 registrations, with a limit of one registration per household.
Each kit is packed with fun activities for your little explorers to do at home. The mailed kit will include the following:
Design Your Own Flag (Fourth of July craft)
I Spy Game
Ice Cream Cone At-Home Scavenger Hunt
Slushie Recipe Cards
Summer-themed Charades Game
DIY Ice Cream Cone Craft
Rainbow Clouds Craft
At-Home Activities Idea Cards
Stickers
Kits still available while supplies last. Order yours today!
Polk County’s Parks and Recreation Summer Rec@Home kits contain cool activities for those hot summer days. Activity kit registration is free, but there is a limit of 750 registrations, with a limit of one registration per household.
Each kit is packed with fun activities for your little explorers to do at home. The mailed kit will include the following:
Design Your Own Flag (Fourth of July craft)
I Spy Game
Ice Cream Cone At-Home Scavenger Hunt
Slushie Recipe Cards
Summer-themed Charades Game
DIY Ice Cream Cone Craft
Rainbow Clouds Craft
At-Home Activities Idea Cards
Stickers
Kits still available while supplies last. Order yours today!
MULBERRY — A long-standing feud between two former friends erupted into a dangerous confrontation at a gas station in Mulberry, leading to the arrest of one man on multiple firearm-related charges.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred on Saturday, June 14, when 28-year-old Anthony Michael Dyer of Mulberry initiated a hostile conversation with a man he had known for approximately twenty years. The altercation began while the two men were at the fuel pumps.
During the dispute, Dyer allegedly retrieved a black rifle from his vehicle and pointed it at the other man. Both individuals then got into their vehicles and drove off separately.
A short time later, deputies say Dyer pulled his vehicle alongside the victim’s and pointed a handgun at him, reportedly stating, “I should shoot you.” The two men then went their separate ways.
Deputies were contacted the following day and began an investigation. During the course of that investigation, they seized a handgun from Dyer consistent with the victim’s description and a rifle magazine from his vehicle.
When interviewed by deputies, Dyer admitted to becoming frustrated during the incident, telling them the victim was “running his mouth.” He stated that he pulled what he claimed was a BB gun from his vehicle and “almost did some [stuff],” adding that “every instinct” told him to “shoot the bum.” He also admitted to displaying the handgun and claimed the rifle magazine belonged to a friend. Dyer said he had since discarded the BB gun.
On Sunday, June 15, Anthony Michael Dyer was arrested and booked into the Polk County Sheriff’s Processing Center. He faces charges of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon without Intent to Kill and Improper Exhibition of a Firearm.
The case remains under investigation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Monday, June 16, 2025 — FloridaCommerce announced today that Polk State College is one of five colleges awarded a Florida Job Growth Grant to expand its advanced manufacturing and industrial trades training programs. The $2.8 million grant will support the College’s Manufacturing and Industrial Excellence: Specializing Polk County’s Workforce for Future Growth project, designed to meet regional workforce demands and strengthen the local economy.
The grant will allow Polk State to launch a welding program as well as enhance its existing Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining Program. Over the three-year grant period, it is anticipated that 300 students will receive CNC or welding education, with the goal of an 85% student completion rate by June 2028.
“With advanced manufacturing on the rise across Florida, this grant helps us directly align our programs with industry needs. By expanding our training options, we are preparing more individuals for in-demand careers in high-tech industries,” said Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti, President of Polk State College. “We are grateful to FloridaCommerce for entrusting Polk State with the task of preparing highly skilled machinists and welding professionals for our state’s workforce.”
Key developments include:
New training in welding for certifications including SMAW, GMAW, and OSHA-10
This initiative builds on the College’s strong track record of student success and job placement. Enrollment in the CNC Program has already grown 46% as of August 2024 and recent data shows approximately 90% of CNC completers achieve employment in the field.
“This grant could not come at a more critical time for our College as Polk State is on the cusp of significant growth in workforce training,” said Patricia Collins, Executive Director of Polk State Corporate College. “We will continue to build a strong talent pipeline for growing industries in Polk County and across our State of Florida.”
About Polk State College
Located in Winter Haven, Florida, and established in 1964, Polk State College is a multi-campus institution serving more than 14,000 students with Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Science, Associate in Arts, and Associate in Science degrees, as well as 9,000 individuals in a wide range of certificate and workforce training programs. The College also operates three charter high schools.
Polk State’s advantages include small class sizes; hands-on learning; dedicated faculty; day and night classes; online options; affordable tuition; excellent financial aid; and a diverse community and vibrant student life, including fine arts opportunities, clubs, and intercollegiate athletics.
A major crash involving a semi-truck fire has forced the closure of all eastbound and westbound lanes of Interstate 4 near mile marker 59 in Osceola County.
The crash occurred around 10:39 a.m. on I-4 westbound in the area of State Road 429 (mile marker 59) in Kissimmee. According to Florida Highway Patrol, the collision involved a 2017 Ford Focus and a semi-truck. Preliminary evidence suggests that after the initial impact, the semi-truck struck a guardrail and became fully engulfed in flames.
Photos from the scene show intense flames and thick black smoke pouring from the burning vehicle.
As of now, both directions of I-4 remain completely shut down, and traffic is being diverted. Westbound traffic is being rerouted east of mile marker 59. Tow trucks are on scene, and crews are working to clear the wreckage. Authorities say the closure will likely continue for an extended period to allow for cleanup and investigation.
Despite the dramatic fire, officials have confirmed there were no transports from this crash. The incident remains under investigation.
Drivers are urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
Daily Ridge News will continue to provide updates as more details become available.
A Davenport man has been convicted in federal court for his role in a fentanyl trafficking operation uncovered during a year-long undercover investigation in the Orlando area.
On Friday, a federal jury found Jose David Figueroa Pacheco, 33, guilty of trafficking fentanyl. He now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in federal prison. His sentencing is set for August 27, 2025.
Figueroa Pacheco was originally indicted on August 7, 2024, alongside Alberto Ismael Salinas Valencia, who previously pleaded guilty on January 23, 2025. Salinas Valencia has already been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.
According to evidence presented during the trial, the case stemmed from a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, targeting illegal firearms and narcotics trafficking in Central Florida. Between August 2023 and August 2024, investigators worked to identify individuals distributing guns and drugs in the region.
On December 13, 2023, an undercover officer arranged to purchase both a firearm and fentanyl pills from Salinas Valencia. The transaction took place from Figueroa Pacheco’s truck, with Salinas Valencia arriving as a passenger. Evidence showed that Figueroa Pacheco coordinated logistics over the phone, inspected the pills, and helped facilitate the sale.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Richard Varadan and Risha Asokan.
HAINES CITY – Smiles lit up the Lake Eva Event Center on June 13 as fathers and daughters came together for a magical evening of music, laughter, and fairy-tale fun at the annual Daddy Daughter Dance, themed “Fairy Garden Party.”
Hosted by the City of Haines City, the event ran from 6 to 8 p.m. and offered a variety of whimsical activities. Guests were greeted by two fairies who flitted across the dance floor and posed for photos. More than 100 attendees waited patiently in line for a chance to take pictures with the enchanting visitors.
Among the crowd were Elijah Brown and his 9-year-old daughter, Natalie. Elijah, a Lakeland resident, embraced the fun with Natalie, who was visiting from Wisconsin, where she lives with her mother. Together, they danced under the colorful lights, crafted sparkly wands, and sampled the evening’s tasty treats.
“We had been looking for a dance, and my wife found this one,” Elijah said, smiling as Natalie twirled nearby.
Another father-daughter duo, Scott Widner and his 3-year-old daughter Rena, traveled from Auburndale to attend. As they arrived, Rena excitedly shared that she loves to dance, play with her toys, and recently adopted a guinea pig named Kiki Rafiki.
“I think this is going to be a good experience for both of us,” Scott said, as they made their way into the festivities.
Scott and Rena Widner
The City’s Parks and Recreation Department organized the event, and its Director, Terrell Griffin attended with his teenage daughter.
From dancing and crafts to quality time together, the Fairy Garden Party proved to be a memorable night for all – a celebration of the special connection between dads and daughters.
The next event on the calendar for the City of Haines City is Thunder on the Ridge. The annual July 4th celebration begins at 5 p.m. with musical entertainment until fireworks at 9:15 p.m. A beer garden, kid’s zone, and food trucks will also be on-hand.
For information about upcoming events, visit hainescity.com.
Lakeland Police officers are on alert tonight as demonstrators gather downtown for the “No Kings Day of Defiance” protest.
The protest, organized by Indivisible Polk, is expected to begin at 5:30 p.m. in Munn Park. Although no permit was filed for the march, organizers plan to stay on public sidewalks as they move toward the Lakeland office of U.S. Representative Scott Franklin.
Lakeland Police Chief Sam Taylor addressed the event earlier this week, assuring city leaders that while no problems are anticipated, law enforcement is fully prepared to act if necessary.
“We’re not going to tolerate any type of disorder,” Chief Taylor said.
Chief Taylor emphasized that peaceful protest is protected, but warned that any unlawful activity—such as blocking roads, damaging property, or disrupting businesses—will be dealt with immediately.
“I don’t care if I have to call Sheriff Grady [Judd] and ask him to send me 400 deputies, which he will,” Taylor added.
City officials reiterated that public safety is the priority, and that while free speech is respected, any violations of the law will result in enforcement.
Here is a quote from the No Kings March organizers:
“In America, we do not tolerate wannabe rulers. NO KINGS is a national day of action and mass mobilization in response to the growing excesses…”
