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Steps to Starting a Career with Polk County Fire Rescue

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Steps to Starting a Career with Polk County Fire Rescue

Do you want a career where you’re set up for success and advancement? How about one where you can share your experience and lead others? If so, then answer the call and join Polk County Fire Rescue.

Photo source Polk County Fire Rescue

Application Process: To be considered for employment with Polk County Fire Rescue, please complete the following steps:

Step 1 – Complete CPAT & FireTEAM
Candidates must successfully complete both the Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) and the FireTEAM assessments. The National Testing Network (NTN) offers both CPAT and FireTEAM. To learn more about CPAT and FireTEAM, and to sign up for testing, go to the National Testing Network website. Tests are offered multiple times a week, including Saturdays. During the registration process, make sure you select Polk County Fire Rescue to receive your test results. Upon completing the CPAT and FireTEAM assessments, your test results will be forwarded to Polk County Fire Rescue.

Step 2 – Submit Your Supporting Documents
Legible copies of the documents must be submitted on the National Testing Network. Only applicants who successfully complete these steps will have their scores and documents forwarded to Polk County Fire Rescue for further consideration. Supporting documents required include:

  • Valid Florida Class E or higher driver license
  • High-School Diploma or Equivalency Certificate
  • State of Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance
  • State of Florida EMT-Basic or Paramedic Certificate
  • CPR or ACLS card
  • CPAT/Fire Team Certificate
  • National Incident Management System (NIMS) certifications:
    • ICS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System
    • ICS-200: ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
    • IS-700: National Incident Management System, An Introduction
    • IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction
  • Emergency Vehicle Operator Course Certification card or a recognized 16-hour course that is equivalent
  • Proof of vehicle insurance

Driving Requirements:

  • Have not accrued 12 points within 36 months or 18 points within 48 months
  • Have not been convicted on alcohol/drug related offenses within 36 months
  • Have not been convicted of two alcohol/drug related offenses within 10 years
  • Have not had a suspension, revocation or restriction due to moving violations or alcohol/drug related problem, including failure to take a breath test within the 36 months prior
  • Have not had two failures to pay fines within 36 month
  • Have not had two seat belt violations within 36 months
  • Have not had three lapses of insurance within 36 months
  • No serious traffic violations such as leaving the scene or driving on a suspended license within 36 months

Diplomas and Degrees
If your education was obtained in the United States, the county recognizes degrees or diplomas which are accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE)or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). If you have obtained education from a country other than the United States, your degree or diploma must be evaluated to determine the United States equivalency by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Service (NACES) or the Association of International Credentials Evaluations (AICE) at your expense.

Additional Information:
You must successfully complete the FireTeam and CPAT no more than one year prior to submitting an application. Applications for employment are only accepted during open recruitment. Open recruitment occurs periodically as dictated by operational needs.

Pre-employment Testing Information:
Polk County Fire Rescue uses both National Testing Networks and a paramedic exam (paramedics only) for the initial screening tools in the pre-employment process for the positions of:

  • Firefighter-Paramedic
  • Firefighter-EMT

Visit the National Testing Network, where you can schedule events. Select the fire icon and click on the applicable position sought with Polk County Fire Rescue. The site will then navigate you through the various components required to schedule an exam.

For more information, visit https://www.polkfl.gov/public-safety/fire-rescue/careers/

Article source: Polkfl.gov

18th Annual Ribs on the Ridge Returns to Lake Eva Park

Allison
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18th Annual Ribs on the Ridge Returns to Lake Eva Park

The smell of slow-smoked barbecue will once again fill the air as the 18th Annual Ribs on the Ridge returns to Lake Eva Park for a full weekend of food, fun and friendly competition.

The two-day, family-friendly festival kicks off Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, from 5 to 9 p.m., and continues Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This official Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned event will feature 32 professional teams and 11 backyard BBQ teams from across the county competing for the coveted Grand Champion title. Adding even more excitement, Ribs on the Ridge will serve as the second leg of the third annual Florida Triple Crown of BBQ, raising the stakes for pitmasters looking to claim statewide bragging rights.

Beyond the competition, attendees can enjoy a full slate of live entertainment throughout the weekend. Performances will include the Micah Madore Trio, Dan Signor Trio, the Blake Free Band and the Outlaw Saints, providing the perfect soundtrack to a weekend of smoky flavors and community celebration.

With activities for all ages, Ribs on the Ridge continues to be a can’t-miss event for barbecue lovers and families alike.

Flyer source Haines City Parks and Recreation

Man With A Love For Music Among Four Killed in SR 60 Crash Near Lake Wales

Carl Fish
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Man With A Love For Music Among Four Killed in SR 60 Crash Near Lake Wales

By Carl Fish | Daily Ridge

As families across the country continue to process the devastating crash on State Road 60 last week, more details are emerging about two of the four lives lost.

Douglas V. Poole, 68, of Wilmington, Delaware, was among the four people killed in the February 4 multi vehicle crash just east of Lake Wales. Poole was traveling through Florida with his partner, Marian Melasecca Castiglione.

Facebook Photo of Douglas Poole

According to his brother, both Poole and Castiglione were passengers in the Chevrolet Equinox involved in the crash.

Investigators have stated that the Equinox was pushed into oncoming traffic during the chain reaction collision. All four occupants of the Equinox died at the scene.

At this time, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office has not publicly released the names of all victims involved. However, Poole’s family, contacted Daily Ridge seeking additional information about video footage that captured the collision.

2024 Facebook Photo of Douglas Poole & Marian Melasecca Castiglione

In his message, they said his brother and Castiglione had just returned from a cruise to Cozumel (believed to be The Big Easy 2026 Cruise) and were driving across Florida from Fort Lauderdale, ultimately heading toward New Orleans. The driver and another passenger in the Equinox were believed to be from Port St. Lucie.

Douglas Poole grew up in Wilmington and graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in music composition. After years working in retail, he returned to his passion for music, playing piano for senior living communities throughout the Wilmington area.

He leaves behind two daughters, two stepsons, several grandchildren, and three brothers.

The February 4 collision involved five vehicles and eleven people. Several others were transported to area hospitals. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine what led to the sequence of events on SR 60.

For one family in Delaware and others connected to those involved, what began as a vacation ended in tragedy on a Polk County highway.

Daily Ridge will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

One Person Killed In Mulberry Crash Involving Dump Truck

Carl Fish
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One Person Killed In Mulberry Crash Involving Dump Truck

The PCSO Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit is investigating a two-vehicle crash that resulted in the death of one of the drivers. The crash occurred at approximately 8:05 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, on Church Ave near Carter Road in Mulberry. 

 

According to evidence and witness statements, a dump truck was hauling millings from the road construction taking place on Church Ave. The dump truck was conducting a U-turn from southbound Church Ave onto northbound Church Ave. After completing the turn into the outside lane, a 2004 Chevrolet Suburban approached from behind in the same lane. The dump truck attempted to swerve to the left, at which time the right side of the Suburban impacted the left rear of the truck.

 

Upon impact, the right side of the Suburban was torn off and the vehicle began rotating clockwise as it continued northwest. The Suburban spun into the median, flipped, and the driver was ejected from the vehicle. The vehicle came to a rest approximately 80 feet from the point of impact. The dump truck came to a controlled stop on the east shoulder of the roadway.

 

The driver of the Suburban was not wearing a seat belt and no airbags deployed in his vehicle.

 

Upon arrival of first responders, the driver was found conscious and alert with what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries. It was learned that nearby construction workers had helped free him after he became partially trapped under the vehicle. He was transported to a local hospital where his condition declined rapidly and he succumbed to his injuries.

 

There were no indicators of impairment on the part of the dump truck driver but an odor of alcohol was detected on the Suburban driver at the scene prior to transport. The investigation remains ongoing.

 

Next of kin have not yet been notified.

Cyber Crimes Unit arrests Davenport roommates during child pornography investigation

Carl Fish
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Cyber Crimes Unit arrests Davenport roommates during child pornography investigation

Detectives locate over 300 files depicting child sexual abuse and a video depicting bestiality with a dog in the home.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit arrested two roommates, 25-year-old Jefferey Johnston and 24-year-old Ryan Braley, after an extensive investigation regarding the possession and distribution of child pornography taking place inside the home.

Click here for Sheriff Judd’s comments on the investigation and arrests.

The investigation began after the receipt of a cybertip indicating several files were uploaded and being shared by a user at an address on Castlemain Circle in Davenport. 

Detectives obtained a search warrant for the Google account belonging to Johnston, and located over 300 files containing images and videos of male and female children between the ages of 12 months old to 12 years old being sexually abused. Detectives also located a video depicting an adult male sexually abusing a brown brindle colored medium-sized dog, by a male subject who was positively identified as Braley.

On February 10, 2026, detectives responded to the home and interviewed Johnston, who confessed to owning the Google account, possessing all of the child pornography, and that Braley sent him the video of Braley sexually abusing the dog in the home. The dog belongs to other residents who live there, and he was taken to a local veterinarian for a medical examination.

Johnston has been charged with 51 counts possession of child pornography, enhanced (F2), and possession of pornographic video depicting sexual activity involving animals (F3).

Braley has been charged with animal cruelty (M1), engaging in sexual contact with animal (F3) and filming sexual contact with animal (F3).

Welcome, World Travelers! New Fast and Furious Coaster Coming to Universal Studios Florida

Allison
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Welcome, World Travelers! New Fast and Furious Coaster Coming to Universal Studios Florida

Welcome, World Travelers! New Fast and Furious Coaster Coming to Universal Studios Florida

by James Coulter

Get ready to go on a fast and furious ride on a new roller coaster based on the Fast and Furious movies!

Universal Orlando Resort (UO) recently announced Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, a high-octane roller coaster coming to Universal Studios Florida in 2027.

“Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will put guests in the driver’sseat of the high-speed thrills of Universal Pictures’ Fast & Furious universe like never before,” a press release stated.

“Riders will experience the exhilarating sensation of 360-degree drifting as they speed through jaw-dropping maneuvers – including a 170-foot vertical “spike” that will send riders nearly 17 stories in the air over the outskirts of Universal CityWalk,” it continued.

The new attraction will be similar to the roller coaster of the same name set to open on the West Coast at Universal Studios Hollywood later this year.

The ride will be constructed on the former location of the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster, which closed on Aug. 12, 2025, after nearly 16 years in operation.

Also closing to make way for the new attraction will be Fast & Furious: Supercharged, which first opened at the park in 2018, and will be set to close after nine years in operation.

Based on a similar segment of the Universal Hollywood Tram Tour, the screen-based attraction allowed guests to experience a ride based on the first Fast and Furious film.

The new attraction is being built following a surge of guests to Universal Orlando resorts following the opening of Epic Universe, a 750-acre park with five themed lands, including Super Nintendo World.

Since opening in May 2025, the new park has drawn in 15,000 to 20,000 visitors during its initial summer, setting it on pace for roughly 5.8 to 7.3 million annual visitors.

Understanding and Treating Rosacea: What You Need to Know

Allison
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Understanding and Treating Rosacea: What You Need to Know

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition, mainly affecting the face, that causes redness, swelling, pain and changes in appearance. It is estimated that more than 16 million people in the United States have rosacea, according to the National Rosacea Society (NRS), but only about 1 million are under active treatment.

Physical impacts include prominent redness, acne-like bumps and pimples, highly visible enlarged blood vessels, pronounced dryness and unpleasant sensations like stinging, burning, itching and tingling. As many as half of sufferers also experience eye symptoms. Rosacea also affects emotional and social well-being. From lower confidence and self-esteem to avoidance of public contact and social engagements and missed work, the impacts are far-reaching. However, rosacea can be treated and managed.

What causes rosacea?

The exact cause of rosacea is not fully understood.

However, research suggests facial redness is often the first step in a chain of skin inflammation. This process may begin when the nerves, blood vessels and immune system don’t work together as they should.

Researchers have also found a microscopic skin mite called Demodex may play a role. These tiny arachnids normally live within hair follicles and oil glands on everyone’s skin, but people with rosacea tend to have higher numbers on the face, which may contribute to irritation and inflammation.

Some studies have found links between rosacea and other health conditions, such as heart disease, digestive disorders, neurological or autoimmune conditions and certain cancers. These findings suggest rosacea may be related to inflammation throughout the body.

What are the most common symptoms?

The most common symptoms of rosacea include:

Easy or severe blushing or flushing

Persistent redness

Bumps and pimples on the skin without blackheads

Burning or itching sensation

Swelling

Symptoms are different for each person and can change over time. There may be times when symptoms are worse and instances when they become milder.

What triggers a flare up?

Rosacea patients can improve their chances of maintaining remission by identifying and avoiding lifestyle and environmental factors that trigger flare-ups or aggravate the condition.

Common triggers include sun exposure, stress, extreme temperatures, heavy exercise, alcohol consumption, spicy foods and some skin, hair and makeup products.

What causes a flare-up in one person may have no effect on another, making this a highly individualized process. Knowing what triggers your flare-ups can help reduce discomfort, improve treatment results and prevent the condition from getting worse.

How do you treat rosacea?

Because the signs and symptoms of rosacea vary trom one patient to another, treatment is tailored by a physician for each individual case. It typically involves three key elements:

Skin care: Committing to a gentle routine using mild, non-irritating products.

Litestyle management: Identitying and reducing exposure to triggers.

Medication and other therapies: Combining topical and oral treatments along with laser therapy to target various symptoms.

Talk with your dermatologist about your treatment routine today.

Pal-entine’s Day Party Set for Feb. 12 at Eloise Resource Center

Allison
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Pal-entine’s Day Party Set for Feb. 12 at Eloise Resource Center

Polk County Parks and Recreation is inviting families and friends to celebrate the season of love with a free Pal-entine’s Day Party.

The family-friendly event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, at the Eloise Resource Center, located at 710 Snively Ave. in Eloise.

Attendees can expect an evening filled with music, dancing, crafts, themed activities and light refreshments, making it a fun night out for all ages. The event is designed to celebrate friendships and community in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Those interested in attending or looking for additional details can contact Polk County Parks and Recreation at (863) 298-4485.

Polk County Parks and Rec encourages the community to come out and enjoy an evening of fun, connection and Pal-entine’s Day spirit. 

Photo source Polk County Parks & Rec

FLHSMV Announces Driver License Exams to Be Administered in English Only

Allison
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FLHSMV Announces Driver License Exams to Be Administered in English Only

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. —The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) announced that, as of Friday, February 6th, all driver license knowledge and skills examinations would start being administered exclusively in English. This change applies to all driver license classifications, including exams administered orally. 

Previously, knowledge exams for most non-commercial driver license classifications were offered in multiple languages, while Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and Commercial Driver License (CDL) knowledge exams were only available in English and Spanish. Under the updated policy, all driver license knowledge and skills testing will be conducted in English. 

To implement this change, FLHSMV has updated its driver license testing system statewide. Language translation services will no longer be permitted for knowledge or skills examinations, and any printed exams in languages other than English will be removed for use. 

FLHSMV remains committed to ensuring safe roadways for all Floridians and visitors by promoting clear communication, understanding of traffic laws, and responsible driving behavior.  

Young Davenport Woman Killed In Fiery Crash On Osceola Polk Line Road Friday

Carl Fish
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Young Davenport Woman Killed In Fiery Crash On Osceola Polk Line Road Friday

A Davenport woman was killed late Friday night in a single-vehicle crash in Osceola County, according to information released by Lieutenant Tara Crescenzi, Public Affairs Officer for the Florida Highway Patrol.

The crash occurred at approximately 11:53 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 6, on Osceola Polk Line Road east of Heritage Pass.

Davenport women killed in fiery Osceola Polk Line Road Crash

According to FHP, the woman was driving a 2017 Ford Fusion westbound on Osceola Polk Line Road at a high rate of speed when she lost control of the vehicle. The car ran off the roadway to the left and struck a tree.

Troopers said the impact caused the vehicle to become fully engulfed in flames.

The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene. FHP confirmed that next of kin has been notified.

Investigators noted that seatbelt usage was unknown at the time of the report. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

The incident is being investigated by FHP Troop D, with homicide investigators assisting. The crash remains under investigation.

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