Home Blog Page 238

Two arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for calling a school principal to report a bomb

Carl Fish
-
0
Two arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for calling a school principal to report a bomb

On Monday, March 10, 2025 at around 8:40 am, the principal of Ridge Community High School in Haines City, notified the School Resource Deputy at the facility, that she received three phone calls from an unknown male; the first call she heard nothing, the second call she heard, “I have a bomb,” and the third call she heard, “It was a joke.”

The ensuing investigation determined that the phone number belonged to 18-year old Jaimelias Rivera-Rodriguez.
Contact was made with Rivera-Rodriguez and he admitted to making the calls. He told the deputy that his friend, 18-year old Ethan Bork gave him the principal’s phone number and told him to call it and say that he had a bomb.

When contact was made with Ethan Bork, he told the deputy that he didn’t know why he gave Jaimelias the principal’s phone number, nor why he told him to say that he had a bomb.

Both suspects were arrested and taken to the Polk County Jail and charged with: False Report of a Bomb (F2), Conspiracy to Commit Offense with Destructive Device (F3), Use of 2-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F3), and Make Harassing Phone Call (M2).

“Regardless that there was no bomb, these type of calls are never just a joke. They are not harmless pranks. They are stupid actions that have consequences; they are crimes, and we will find the people who make calls like this and put them in jail, just like we did with these two.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Ethan Bork is a student at Ridge Community High School, and Jaimelias River-Rodriguez attended the school last year.

Haines City Speeders Beware: Pricey tickets for those who speed in school zones next school year

Staff Reporter
-
0
Haines City Speeders Beware: Pricey tickets for those who speed in school zones next school year

BY ANITA TODD, Special Articles

HAINES CITY – School zone speed detection cameras are coming to the city of Haines City and attached to that are $100 tickets for those who exceed the speed limit. That was the informal decision and consensus of the Commissioners at the March 10 City Commission meeting. Although the Commissioners agreed the cameras are a good idea, an official vote, as well, as, the details are still up in the air. Those particulars will be decided at a workshop on April 17.

According to the Memorandum provided to the Commissioners from the Finance Director and the Police Chief, the project aims to “enhance public safety by reducing speeding in school zones.” The goals include installing reliable enforcement systems, improving traffic law compliance, and protecting pedestrians and motorists.

Verra Mobility, the same company that supplies the City’s red-light cameras, will most likely be the source of the school zone speed detection cameras. For reference purposes, from Oct. 1, 2023, to Sept. 30, 2024, the City earned more than $900,000 from the nearly $3 million collected for red light tickets. Of that, the State received more than $1.3 million, and more than $655,000 was paid in administrative fees and expenses. Verra Mobility will manage effective monitoring and enforcement, according to the same memorandum.

The City will not incur any costs related to the school zone part, as the vendor will be paid from the first two citations from each camera every school day to fulfill the $40 charge. After the first two tickets, the City will retain $54 and Verra Mobility will receive $6.

A Verra Mobility representative was on hand to discuss and explain the process of the camera system to the Commissioners. Ideally, the new cameras will be installed and working on the first day of the 2025-26 school year. Commissioners will also need to decide the times of day speeders will be ticketed. For example, it can be as specific as 30 minutes before school starts and 30 minutes after school ends. They can also set different times for different schools. Other decisions that will be made are the possible locations of the cameras; and the maximum acceptable speed.

At least one other Polk County city, Lake Alfred, has already implemented the school zone speed detection cameras. According to www.mylakealfred.com, effective Nov. 20, 2024, the cameras became operational. Since then, drivers who exceed the speed limit by more than 10 mph in school zones with the cameras will be cited for $100.

Commissioners discussed creating a warning period during which violators receive warnings instead of tickets.

Jim Elensky, City Manager, said that the City will advertise the new speed detection camera installation at least 30 days before the cameras are operational and signage will be placed near the zones chosen.

A workshop to discuss the school zone speed detection cameras will be held before the Commission meeting on April 17.

Lakeland Man Killed In Fatal Motorcycle Crash

Carl Fish
-
0
Lakeland Man Killed In Fatal Motorcycle Crash

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle collision between a Fed-Ex truck and a motorcycle Monday, March 10, 2025 which resulted in the death of the motorcyclist. 

 

The crash occurred at around 4:30 pm on Tom Costine Road near Ridgeglen Circle West, north of Lakeland.

 

Upon arrival of first responders, the motorcyclist was unresponsive. He was taken to a local hospital, but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving.

 

The motorcyclist was identified as 28-year old Brandon Michael Bailey of Lakeland.

 

The driver of the truck was identified as Juan Cruz Rivera, 35, of Poinciana.  Mr. Cruz Rivera was not injured, and cooperated with the investigation.

 

Based on evidence and witness statements, the preliminary investigation indicates that the Fed-Ex truck was traveling east on Tom Costine Road.

 

Bailey’s 2003 Honda motorcycle was also eastbound, behind the truck, and traveling at a high rate of speed. 

 

As the Fed-Ex truck was making a left turn into a driveway, the motorcycle began passing the truck on the left, against a double-yellow line (no passing zone). 

 

The motorcycle impacted the rear-passenger side of the truck.

 

Tom Costine Road was closed in both directions for approximately three hours during the investigation, which remains ongoing.  

 

No charges are anticipated at this time.

NIST Framework: Detect – Identifying Cyber Threats Before They Escalate

Staff Reporter
-
0
NIST Framework: Detect – Identifying Cyber Threats Before They Escalate

In today’s rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape, the ability to detect cyber threats before they cause significant damage is crucial for any organization. The Detect function within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) provides businesses with guidelines to establish timely detection processes for cybersecurity events. By implementing robust detection capabilities, organizations can identify anomalies, assess security events, and mitigate risks efficiently.

The Importance of the Detect Function

The Detect function plays a critical role in an organization’s cybersecurity strategy by ensuring that security breaches, unauthorized access, and malicious activities are promptly identified. Without effective detection mechanisms, cyber threats can go unnoticed, leading to data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage.

The Detect function focuses on three primary objectives:

  • Anomalies and Events: Identifying deviations from normal operations that may indicate a security incident.
  • Security Continuous Monitoring: Implementing ongoing monitoring processes to detect cybersecurity threats in real time.
  • Detection Processes: Establishing procedures and systems that facilitate swift and effective identification of potential security issues.

Implementing an Effective Detection Strategy

To align with the NIST Detect function, organizations should consider adopting the following best practices:

1. Deploying Advanced Threat Detection Tools

Utilizing intrusion detection systems (IDS), intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions helps organizations monitor and analyze network activity. These tools provide insights into potential threats and enable rapid incident response.

2. Leveraging Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Solutions

A SIEM solution aggregates security logs from various sources, applies real-time analysis, and alerts security teams of potential threats. This centralized approach enhances an organization’s ability to detect and respond to incidents efficiently.

3. Conducting Continuous Monitoring

Organizations must implement continuous security monitoring to detect anomalies and suspicious behavior within their network. Automated monitoring tools can help track unauthorized access, policy violations, and malware activity in real time.

4. Utilizing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Detect with AI

AI and ML-powered cybersecurity solutions can detect unusual activity by analyzing patterns and predicting potential threats before they materialize. These technologies improve threat intelligence and detection accuracy.

5. Regularly Testing and Updating Detection Mechanisms

Cyber threats are constantly evolving, making it essential for businesses to regularly update detection tools, conduct penetration testing, and assess their security posture to ensure defenses remain effective against emerging threats.

Enhancing Detection with Application Whitelisting

One of the most effective ways to strengthen an organization’s detection capabilities is by leveraging application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized applications from executing within a system. PC Matic Pro provides a robust whitelisting solution that ensures only approved applications can run, reducing the risk of malware infections and zero-day attacks. By integrating application whitelisting into an organization’s security framework, businesses can enhance their ability to detect and prevent malicious activity before it causes harm.

#image_title

Conclusion

The Detect function within the NIST Cybersecurity Framework is a fundamental pillar in safeguarding an organization’s digital assets. By implementing advanced threat detection tools, continuous monitoring, SIEM solutions, AI-driven analysis, and application whitelisting with PC Matic Pro, businesses can significantly enhance their ability to identify and mitigate cyber threats before they escalate. Investing in a strong detection strategy is essential for maintaining a resilient and proactive cybersecurity posture.

About the Author:

Kip Kirchberg

Kip Kirchberg is an international cybersecurity expert with extensive experience in building and leading cybersecurity teams, as well as collaborating with Fortune 500 organizations to enhance their security posture.

His expertise includes, but is not limited to:

  • Developing and implementing SIEM platforms
  • Endpoint security solutions
  • Managing third-party remote access securely
  • Securing industrial control systems (ICS)
  • Deploying and optimizing next-generation firewalls
  • Assisting organizations in identifying cybersecurity risks
  • Generating actionable reports that drive informed security decisions
  • Building and maintaining incident response teams
  • Drafting and adopting corporate cybersecurity governance policies
  • Conducting internal and external penetration testing

With a proven track record in cybersecurity strategy and risk management, Kip is dedicated to helping organizations proactively defend against evolving cyber threats.

Book time with Me:

Contact

Governor Ron DeSantis Awards $1.5 Million to Winter Haven to Expand Rail Access at Central Florida Integrated Logistics Park

Staff Reporter
-
0
Governor Ron DeSantis Awards $1.5 Million to Winter Haven to Expand Rail Access at Central Florida Integrated Logistics Park

WINTER HAVEN, Fla.—On March 10, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis awarded $1.5 million to Winter Haven to extend rail access within the Central Florida Integrated Logistics Park through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF). This rail extension will help businesses expand operations in the area, creating 200 jobs. 

Photo credit Wayne Weathersby Jr.

“Today’s award will make it easier to invest, operate, and relocate in Central Florida,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “This strategic transportation investment, combined with our ongoing Moving Florida Forward initiative, will eliminate supply chain bottlenecks and boost shipping capacity along the I-4 corridor, supporting businesses and strengthening our economy.” 

The Central Florida Integrated Logistics Park is 930 acres of developable land that can accommodate over 8 million sq. ft of development in close proximity to major thoroughfares and a dedicated CSX Rail Intermodal Facility. The center’s utilities can accommodate a wide variety of users from food and cold storage to manufacturers and statewide logistics companies. These businesses include a well-known fast-food company, which announced it will establish a cold storage facility at the logistics center.

Photo Credit Wayne Weathersby Jr.

“I’m grateful for Governor DeSantis’ leadership in recognizing both the crucial role that Florida’s railways play in the state’s economic success and the positive effect further expanding them can have,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “Extending this rail line will help retain current businesses who use the line and attract new job creators and job seekers.” 

The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund is an economic development program designed to promote public infrastructure and workforce training across the state. Proposals are reviewed by FloridaCommerce and are chosen by Governor DeSantis to meet the demands for workforce training or infrastructure needs in communities around the state.

-Press Release from flgov.com

SPECTRUM LAUNCHES GIGABIT BROADBAND, MOBILE,TV AND VOICE SERVICES IN POLK COUNTY

Staff Reporter
-
0
SPECTRUM LAUNCHES GIGABIT BROADBAND, MOBILE,TV AND VOICE SERVICES IN POLK COUNTY

“Spectrum, the #1 rural internet provider in the nation*, today announced the launch of Spectrum Internet, Mobile, TV and Voice services to nearly 4,900 homes and small businesses in Polk County, Florida. Spectrum’s newly constructed fiber-optic network buildoutextends Spectrum services to parts of Lake Wales, Fort Meade, Polk City and surrounding unincorporated areas of Polk County.

Spectrum’s multi-year Rural Construction Initiative is driven by an approximately $7 billion private investment from Spectrum and will ultimately connect approximately 1.75 million new homes and small businesses across the country.

“Spectrum is bringing gigabit broadband to unserved communities in Florida and across America,” said John Dosher, Area Vice President, Field Operations, Charter Communications. “Our investment is making it possible to deliver the high-value broadband, mobile, TV and voice services to additional rural Polk County communities. We are providing local residents and small businesses superior connectivity at highly competitive prices, backed by a team of skilled local technicians and 100% U.S.-based customer service.”

In addition, Spectrum has partnered with the state of Florida through the Florida Office of Broadband to continue expanding broadband access through the Broadband Opportunity Program to thousands more additional unserved homes and small businesses in Polk County and across the Sunshine State. 

“Expanding rural broadband has been a longtime priority for me and ensuring that residents and business across Polk County have reliable, fast, and affordable internet is critical,” said State Rep. Josie Tomkow. “With Spectrum’s support, we are making significant progress in closing access gaps for the communities that need it the most.”

Broadband speeds up to 1 Gbps, plus money-saving Mobile options and 85,000 On Demand choices

Spectrum Internet delivers speeds up to 1 Gbps and Advanced WiFi for residential and small business customers, featuringstarting speeds of 500 Mbps, with no modem fees, data caps or contracts. Spectrum Business Internet offers customers 1 Gbps download speeds, with 400 Mbps and 600 Mbps options. The company has also begun a network evolution that will provide gigabit upstream speeds and multiple gigabit download speeds across its entire 41-state service area.

“Spectrum is helping us to deliver internet accessibility to more families in Polk County— from agriculture to manufacturing, our county’s rural communities will play a huge part in Florida’s growth this century,” said Becky Troutman, Commissioner, Polk County. “We are grateful to Spectrum for recognizing this and for being such a strong partner.”

 

Spectrum Internet exceeded advertised download and upload speeds for all tiers measured — even during peak weeknight usage between 7 and 11 p.m. — according to the FCC’s most recent “Measuring Broadband America Fixed Broadband Report.”.

Along with multiple broadband options, Spectrum services now available also include Spectrum Mobile™ and Spectrum TV®.Spectrum Mobile is the nation’s fastest-growing mobile provider** and combines with Spectrum Internet and Advanced Home WiFi to provide seamless connectivity inside and outside the home. Spectrum Mobile provides customers access to nationwide 5G at great value, with Unlimited lines starting at $30 a month, as well as By the Gig options.

Spectrum TV offers more than 270 HD channels and access to 85,000 On Demand movies and shows. Using the Spectrum TV App — the highest-rated pay TV streaming app in the U.S.*** —viewers can stream content across a growing number of platforms, including iOS and Android mobile devices, Xbox One, Kindle Fire, Samsung Smart TVs, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, XUMO TVs and PCs.

Local residents and business owners should visit spectrumruralexpansion.com to learn more about when their home or business may be able to receive Spectrum services.

*Based on December 2022 FCC Broadband Data Collection locations.

**Based on 1Q 2024 subscriber data among top 3 carriers.

***iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play) average ratings as of July 1, 2024. Apps must have at least 150k reviews through combination of iOS & Android store reviews as of July 1, 2024.

 

About Spectrum 

Spectrum is a suite of advanced communications services offered by Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR), a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator with services available to nearly 57 million homes and businesses in 41 states. Over an advanced communications network, the Company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet®, TV, Mobile and Voice. 

More information can be found at corporate.charter.com.”

*information provided by Spectrum

In Loving Memory of Dorothy “Dort” M. Yackley

Staff Reporter
-
0
In Loving Memory of Dorothy “Dort” M. Yackley

Dorothy “Dort” M. Yackley

October 14th, 1948 – February 22nd, 2025

Remember In Love  

Dorothy (Dort) M. Yackley 

Dorothy was born October 14, 1948, in Moline, IL… She was the daughter of Kenneth and Lola Schoeder Evans. Dorothy was united in marriage to Martin E. Yackley on August 21, 1976. Dorothy retired after 30 years from the US Postal Service as a rural mail carrier. Dorothy was a member of the Living Rock Community Church in Winter Haven, FL… Dorothy enjoyed traveling, cooking, eating out, playing cards and spending time with her family and friends. Dorothy will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and a great-grandmother.  

Survivors include her husband Martin Yackley, Son Richard Blue Sr. (Stacey) Blue of Rock Island, IL., Daughter Rita Krause of Kewanee, IL., two grandchildren Richard Jr. Blue and Ashlee Blue and Six great-grandchildren.  

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents and one daughter.  

Services will be held at a later date. 

In Loving Memory of Robert “Bob” William Maag

Staff Reporter
-
0
In Loving Memory of Robert “Bob” William Maag

Robert “Bob” William Maag

November 15th, 1951 – February 24th, 2025

Life Story of Robert William Maag

Birthdate: November 15, 1951

Date of Death: February 24, 2025 

Bob was born in the South Side of Chicago on November 15, 1951. From birth onwards, Bob was never Robert, or Rob, or Bobby, and even though he was technically a Junior, he was never a Junior either; his father insisted the only name to be used was Bob. 

He was raised Catholic and attended elementary school at St. John Bosco School. When told his parents couldn’t afford to send him and his sister to Catholic high school, Bob went out and got a job to pay for tuition, bypassing sports opportunities like track and football due to time constraints. He graduated as an Honor Student from Saint Patrick High School and studied Marketing at the University of Illinois, Chicago Circle. Upon graduation, he began working while obtaining his Master of Business Administration from DePaul University. He liked to say that he attended 14 years of Catholic schooling. 

Even though he worked and studied full-time during his early 20s, he still found time to go out with his brother James to drive racecars on the weekend. During his last year, he loved it when “Jimmy” sent him photos from those days when Speed was the name of their game.

At 33, he met and married Jacqueline Reinholz. They shared many happy years in the house they built in Downers Grove, IL., until 2005, when Jackie passed away suddenly after just a week’s illness.

After Jackie’s passing, Bob expanded his love of live music and met Kerry Spaedy at music haven Ballydoyle Irish Bar in 2017. They were friends at first, going out dancing with their friend Lynn van Haren. They began dating in 2019 after Bob casually asked Kerry why the two of them had never gone out. She replied that she didn’t want to take the chance of losing their friendship. Bob said, “Let’s go out on Tuesday and talk about it.” Well, they never talked about it. It was Bob’s second chance at love, and that second chance was symbolized in the wedding ring Kerry designed using Jackie’s engagement diamond and small diamonds from Jackie’s 10th-anniversary ring. Kerry brought Bob back to the Catholic Church by attending Sunday Mass. He began going with her shortly after they got together, and his rebirth of Catholic faith grew so much that when they decided to get married last December, marrying in the Catholic Church became just as important to Bob as it was to Kerry.

Life with Kerry brought something new into Bob’s life–children. Kerry’s two daughters, Shannon Klinger and Susanne Job, and her three grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Rose Kennedy, and Brialynn Mica, brought many new aspects of life to Bob. When Bob and Kerry moved to Florida, he shared his love of boating and Florida beaches with the girls. 

Bob and Kerry’s move to Florida in 2021 was precipitated by a casual remark by Bob to Kerry that he “always wanted to live in Florida.” They followed Bob’s sister-in-law Sue Riviere and her husband Clay to Winter Haven and Lake Wales, where they found many true friends in the community of Lake Ashton. They enjoyed many nights dancing to live music at Lake Ashton and they quickly took advantage of boating on the Chain of Lakes. Bob loved hosting friends on the boat and especially enjoyed his last boating session in October with friends Clive and Colleen Greeff, Chuck, and Terresa Caesar, as well as Chicago buddy and dancing friend Lynn van Haren. 

While Bob’s interests were many, like listening to live music and dancing,  he probably spent most of his free time on anything with an engine! He acquired a 1970 Mustang Mach One and in 1988, bought Jackie her own Mustang. In addition to boating, his Mustangs were two of the main reasons he wanted to move to Florida—so he could drive them, responsibly, of course (ha!) throughout the year versus just during the summer months in the Midwest. He used the cold winter months in Illinois to build models of WWII planes, tanks, and battleships, which followed his love of the history of both world wars. 

Bob was also an avid NASCAR fan and especially enjoyed watching the races during his last year with his good buddy Jeff Prunty. But no description of his life can be complete without including his love of politics. When Kerry moved in in 2019, she quickly realized Bob could monopolize their conversations with talk of politics. And so a 90-second rule was instituted to limit Bob’s political talks to what Kerry could tolerate!

Bob loved to travel. His Lake Wales home is filled with photographs from the many trips he and Jackie enjoyed. His last trip was a favorite one to the Bahamas with Kerry and then the Inn on the Lakes in Sebring for their honeymoon over the Valentine’s Day weekend this past February. 

Bob’s career put him in various management positions, with his last position before retirement at Illinois Tool Works, where he served as Logistics Manager for 12 years.

Bob’s booming “radio” voice was missed during his last months on earth when cancer took his voice, but his facial expressions always told the story when his lack of a voice couldn’t. In typical Bob fashion, his last words–and vehement expressions!–to Kerry, the morning he died at Good Shepherd Hospice was, “Get me out of here!” God listened and brought him home.

Auburndale’s Maxwell Posts First Career Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Toho

Carl Fish
-
0
Auburndale’s Maxwell Posts First Career Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Toho

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (March 10, 2025) – Boater Christopher Maxwell of Auburndale, Florida, caught a five-bass limit weighing 23 pounds, 15 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Toho. The tournament, hosted by Experience Kissimmee, was the second event of the season for the BFL Gator Division. Maxwell earned $4,541 for his victory.

A Toho local, Maxwell has been on the water a lot lately, including for another tournament last weekend, when he weighed in about 17 pounds.

“I didn’t get a big bite (in that tournament),” he said, “but I just did pretty much the same thing today. I had a little bit of a crowd today. I just fished around them and did the same thing. I got the lucky bites today. That’s all I can say.”

Maxwell spent the tournament fishing in Toho’s southern end. He fished pads and grass, intercepting postspawn fish as they left the beds before transitioning to deeper water. He caught his limit pitching a black and blue Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver.

“I didn’t catch many fish. I caught seven today,” Maxwell said. “They were just the right ones. I just stuck with what I was doing and moved slow because all the boats were coming around, and I just didn’t let myself get aggravated with it.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

1st:        Christopher Maxwell, Auburndale, Fla., five bass, 23-15, $4,541
2nd:      George Kapiton, Inverness, Fla., five bass, 20-11, $2,270
3rd:       Connor Macdougall, Cape Coral, Fla., five bass, 20-6, $1,514
4th:        Chris Crow, Lake Placid, Fla., five bass, 18-10, $1,560 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
5th:        Fred Chivington Jr., San Mateo, Fla., five bass, 18-9, $1,530
5th:        Austin Chism, Auburndale, Fla., five bass, 18-9, $870
7th:        Dylan Quilatan Windermere, Fla., five bass, 18-5, $757
8th:        John Kremer, Orange City, Fla., five bass, 17-9, $681
9th:        Cedric Perry, Trenton, Fla., five bass, 16-11, $605
10th:     Anthony Cilladi, Oviedo, Fla., five bass, 15-14, $530

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Fred Chivington Jr. of San Mateo, Florida, caught a bass that weighed 8 pounds, 11 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $660.

Chris Westhelle of Sanford, Florida, won the co-angler division and $2,580 Saturday, after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 13 pounds, 7 ounces.

The top 11 co-anglers finished:

1st:        Chris Westhelle, Sanford, Fla., three bass, 13-7, $2,580
2nd:      Zachary Bach, Bartow, Fla., three bass, 11-11, $1,127
3rd:       Leandro Saratt, Winter Garden, Fla., three bass, 11-1, $751
4th:        Brian Yusavage, Tamarac, Fla., three bass, 10-1, $488
4th:        Preston Williams, Tallahassee, Fla. three bass, 10-1, $488
6th:        Larry Austin, The Villages, Fla., three bass, 9-5, $413
7th:        Andrew Wiedmann, Titusville, Fla., three bass, 9-1, $376
8th:        Taylor Harris, Haines City, Fla., three bass, 8-13, $338
9th:        Robert Linthout, Cape Coral, Fla., three bass, 8-9, $300
10th:     Justin Hampton, Orlando, Fl., three bass, 8-6, $250
10th:     Kenneth Bivins, Orlando, Fla., three bass, 8-6, $250

Westhelle also earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $327, catching a bass that weighed in at 9 pounds, 9 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.

After two events, Dylan Quilatan of Windermere, Florida, now leads the Fishing Clash Gator Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 493 points, while James Sponaugle of Auburndale, Florida, leads the Fishing Clash Gator Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 473 points.

The next event for BFL Gator Division anglers will be held March 22, at the Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, Florida. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.

The top 60 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 17-18 BFL Regional tournament on Lake Seminole in Bainbridge, Georgia. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $20,000.

The 2025 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 134 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 60 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying tournament winners, will advance to one of 12 BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top three, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. The 2025 BFL All-American will take place May 29-31, 2025, at Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is hosted by hosted by Visit Hot Springs and the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.

Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive App, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Li Time Batteries, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.

For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.

You’re Invited Winter Haven Police Cadets Spirit Night

Staff Reporter
-
0
You’re Invited Winter Haven Police Cadets Spirit Night

Winter Haven Public Safety Department –

Support the Winter Haven Police Cadets at Spirit Night on March 26th at Blackburn’s Barbecue! Dine in from 5–8 PM, show the flyer, and a percentage of sales will go toward the cadets.

The Winter Haven Police Cadets, part of the Florida Association of Police Explorers, are young adults gaining real-world experience in law enforcement, leadership, and teamwork. Your support helps provide training opportunities and competition experiences across the state.

For more info: http://www.floridaassociationpoliceexplorers.com/

1...237238239...1,203Page 238 of 1,203