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One Movie Later: Bad Guys 2 is Real Bad! (As In Good!)

Allison
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One Movie Later: Bad Guys 2 is Real Bad! (As In Good!)

One Movie Later: Bad Guys 2 is Real Bad! (As In Good!)

by James Coulter

 

I have a confession: I am a furry. No, I’m not someone who dresses up in animal costumes. I’m more of a casual furry, someone who likes art and media with anthropomorphic animal characters.

 

Case in point, there are two movies this year I’ve been looking forward to watching the most, and they’re both sequels to popular animated furry flicks: Zootopia 2, which releases later this year, and Bad Guys 2.

 

I love the original Bad Guys. It was my favorite animated movie of 2022. And the only thing preventing me from calling it the best animated film of the year was Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio.

 

I loved the movie’s blend of 2D and 3D animation. I loved itsover-the-top chase and heist scenes. I loved the wacky hijinks of its characters. And I especially love Diana Foxington. She’s a real foxy…fox.

 

So, will Bad Guys 2 give double the pleasure and double the fun of the original movie? Or is the second verse not as good as the first?

 

Set shortly after the events of the first movie, Bad Guys 2 has the titular bad guys attempting to turn over their criminal past. However, being former convicted felons doesn’t make their new lives as good guys easy, especially when it comes to applying for potential jobs.

 

Complicating matters even further is how the characters are suspected of pulling off a recent wave of robberies. And when they try to clear their names by hunting down the real culprits, they only get roped into a much bigger crime heist. Will the bad guys be able to pull off this heist and clear their names?

 

A common trend in Dreamworks Animation is that the second animated movie tends to be better than the first. Shrek 2? Better. Kung Fu Panda 2? Better. How to Train Your Dragon 2? Better. And Bad Guys 2, I’m glad to say, proudly continues that trend. Because Bad Guys 2? Better!

 

The original Bad Guys was one of the many animated movies, along with the Spiderverse films and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, which helped introduce a new style of animation that combines the best of 2D and 3D animation, creating a unique blend that feels like hand-drawn illustrations transformed flawlessly into three dimensions.

 

The movie’s unique 2D/3D animation style served as a refreshingly radical departure from the generic Pixar-style computer animation. And while the movie also helped popularize the art style derided by some people as “bean mouth” (so named because of the character’s bean-shaped mouths), theGhibli anime influences certainly gave the characters personality in their designs. 

 

The animation of the sequel shines the most in its actionsequences. Its heist scenes are much more cartoonier versions of Ocean’s Eleven heists, and its chase scenes combine the high-octane action of the Fast and Furious movies with the comedic hijinks of classic Keystone Cops capers, resulting in scenes that are equally exciting as they are hilarious. How else can you feel when one scene has the characters running away from a human crowd turned tidal wave?

 

Aside from ramping up the action and heist sequences, Bad Guys 2 also ramps up the tension. No spoilers, but this movie raises the stakes for the characters, as failing the mission will harm more than just them.

 

Adding to the tension is the characters’ overall arc. Mr. Wolf and the other former Bad Guys desperately want to prove they’veturned over a new leaf, even though life has thus far made doing so hard. And the new characters serve as a good foil for them, making them question whether trying to be “good guys” is even worth it.

 

Such tension is especially heightened during many of the heist and action sequences. Again, no spoilers, but there were many moments where it appears the characters messed up big time, only for the scene to end on a surprisingly pleasant twist. These are the type of scenes that make you simultaneously gasp in horror, only to cheer in victory a second later and exclaim, “I can’t believe they did that!”

 

And yes, this movie actually elicited a lot of exclamations from me, even to the point of nearly jumping out of my seat.

 

Bad Guys 2 is the most fun I’ve had watching an animated movie in forever. The movie had everything I loved about the original movie and more. I wasn’t kidding when I said this movie elicited the most reactions from me while watching it in the theater. It had me laughing out loud, cheering for joy, and even gasping in shock. It was that good.

 

How good is this movie? Let’s just say I still haven’t purchased the DVD of the original movie. Now, not only do I want the first Bad Guys movie on DVD, but Bad Guys 2 finally gets a home release. I’m even curious to read the books these movies were based on.

 

If you loved the original Bad Guys, not only will you love Bad Guys 2, but you’re certainly going to be hyped up for any potential sequels, which this movie may or may not be hinting at. (Again, no spoilers!)

The Lives Lost on 9/11 — And the Thousands Still Being Claimed by 9/11-Related Illnesses

Carl Fish
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The Lives Lost on 9/11 — And the Thousands Still Being Claimed by 9/11-Related Illnesses

Twenty-four years after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, America continues to honor those killed that day and the many more who have since died from 9/11-related illnesses.

On September 11, 2001, 2,977 victims were killed in the attacks—not including the 19 hijackers. The toll includes 2,753 at the World Trade Center, 184 at the Pentagon, and 40 aboard Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. Among the fallen in New York were 343 FDNY firefighters and 23 members of the NYPD. 

The loss has continued long after the smoke cleared. The New York City Fire Department now lists more than 400 members who have died from World Trade Center–related illnesses—surpassing the 343 firefighters lost on 9/11. At an FDNY ceremony this week, 39 additional names were added to the department’s memorial wall in Brooklyn. 

The health impacts reach far beyond New York. The federal World Trade Center Health Program (administered by CDC/NIOSH) reports more than 134,000 currently enrolled members—responders and survivors—receiving monitoring or treatment for certified 9/11-related conditions. Florida ranks third among all states with 9,507 currently enrolled members. (Program data through March 31, 2025.) 

Joanne Capestro (left) with a colleague at Broadway and Park Row after the collapse of the South Tower. (COLLECTION 9/11 MEMORIAL & MUSEUM, GIFT OF PHIL PENMAN)

Independent reporting based on WTC Health Program data indicates a sharp rise in cancer diagnoses linked to 9/11 exposure—nearly 50,000 cancer cases to date—and notes that over 8,200 program enrollees have died, including more than 3,700 deaths involving cancer. (The Program itself cautions that “deceased members include all causes of death” and does not attribute each death to WTC exposure.) Even with that caveat, the count of post-9/11 deaths among those affected has surpassed the 2,977 lives lost on the day of the attacks. 

Identification efforts also continue. In August 2025, New York City officials announced three new identifications of World Trade Center victims, bringing the total identified to 1,653. Roughly 1,100 victims from the WTC site still have not been identified as forensic teams keep working with advancing DNA technology. 

Credit: 9/11 Memorial & Museum

The NYPD continues to honor the 23 officers killed that day and the growing number lost since to 9/11-related illnesses. Families of firefighters, police, construction workers, volunteers, office workers, and Lower Manhattan residents continue to navigate cancers, respiratory disease, and other long-term conditions tied to the toxic dust and debris from Ground Zero. 

For many, 9/11 is not just a date in history—it is an ongoing public-health chapter. The World Trade Center Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) remain in place to support responders and survivors. The VCF reports awarding $14.9 billion to more than 65,600 claimants since reopening in 2011. 

As communities across the country pause for moments of silence and name-readings each September, the numbers tell a difficult truth: the human toll of 9/11 did not end in 2001. It continues, silently and steadily, in hospitals, at memorial walls, and around family tables—here in Florida and nationwide. 

PHOTOGRAPH BY ANDREA BOOHER, FEMA

Editor’s Notes (sourcing and context for readers):

• Official 9/11 death toll and location breakdown per Encyclopaedia Britannica. 

• FDNY post-9/11 illness deaths now exceed 400 per NYC media coverage of FDNY memorial events. 

• WTC Health Program enrollment (including Florida’s 9,507 current members) from CDC/NIOSH quarterly program summary, March 31, 2025. 

• Aggregate counts of cancer diagnoses and deaths among program enrollees based on WTC Program data as reported in recent coverage; CDC notes deaths among enrollees are “all causes.” 

• Ongoing OCME identifications (three new in Aug. 2025; ~1,100 still unidentified). 

Cheryl Williams Found Guilty in Murder Trial of Deputy Sheriff Blane Lane

Carl Fish
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Cheryl Williams Found Guilty in Murder Trial of Deputy Sheriff Blane Lane

By Carl Fish

POLK COUNTY – A Polk County jury has found Cheryl Williams guilty on all charges, including second-degree murder, in connection with the death of 21-year-old Deputy Sheriff Blane Lane.

Sheriff Grady Judd released a statement following the verdict:

“This suspect’s outrageous criminal actions were the cause of my deputy being killed in the line of duty, and the jury appropriately found her guilty as charged. Her family can visit her in prison, but Blane’s family has to visit his grave in a cemetery and can only have a one-sided conversation with him. We will never forget Deputy Blane Lane, and his family remains in our prayers.”

Williams, 49, was also convicted of resisting an officer without violence, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of methamphetamine.

The incident that led to the case occurred on October 4, 2022, when deputies attempted to serve an arrest warrant at a residence in Polk City after receiving a tip through Heartland Crime Stoppers. Williams, who had an extensive criminal history, was inside the home when deputies arrived. Deputies reported that she stepped into view with what appeared to be a silver handgun and pointed it at them. Two deputies fired their weapons, striking her multiple times. During the exchange, Deputy Lane, who had taken a tactical position outside, was struck by one of the bullets fired from inside. He was rushed to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, where he later died. The weapon Williams carried was later determined to be a realistic-looking BB gun.

The courtroom was filled with emotion as testimony and evidence were presented. Audio of the chaotic moments was played, with deputies’ voices shouting “Shots fired, shots fired!”

Deputy Lane’s mother, Shellie Lane, spoke about the pain of losing her son to WTSP. “He was doing what he was supposed to be and what he was called to do, and he’s no longer able to do that because of her actions,” she said. Struggling to contain her emotions, she added, “I’m sitting in the courtroom with a monster that initially took my kid. She still gets to breathe, and he doesn’t.”

Deputy Lane had joined the Polk County Sheriff’s Office as a detention deputy in May 2021 before becoming a deputy sheriff in January 2022. He was assigned to the Northwest District Patrol and was honored with a line-of-duty funeral following his death.

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

#image_title

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

—————

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

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

#image_title

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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