If you’ve ever lived in Winter Haven, chances are you’ve either heard of or tried Schack’s Bar-B-Que.
Located at 3000 Cypress Gardens Rd, Schack’s has been in business for the past 45 years.
Recently, co-owner Nancy Schack announced the closing of her family restaurant effective January 1, 2025.
“After 45 years of service to the Winter Haven community and the loss of my husband, who was a close dear friend to many of you, I regretfully have decided to close our business,” she said.
She and her husband want to extend a special thanks to the community for helping them grow the business over these past decades.
“Your continued support and generosity, friendship and love, and all the fun joking that took place within our restaurant will always be remembered.”
It’s the end of the year. Rather than spend it going out to the theaters, I’ve decided to catch up on watching films I missed out on earlier this year.
That’s probably a good decision since there are not many “good'” movies out right now. I refuse, on principle, to watch the live-action Lion King prequel. Same with Kraven the Hunter. And while Sonic 3 looks good, I still haven’t watched the first two Sonic movies.
So, what movies have I decided to watch instead? Well, I could catch up on seeing the second Joker movie or The Crow remake, but, personally, a root canal without anesthesia would probably be a more enjoyable experience.
In the end, I’ve opted to watch an indie film that’s considered to be the funniest movie of the year–and chances are, most of y’all have never heard of it. That movie is: Hundreds of Beavers.
Never heard of it? I don’t blame you. It’s an indie film that ran the rounds on the indie film circuit earlier this year. It was later released onto video-on-demand, but it’s currently available to watch for free on Tubi and YouTube.
But is this indie comedy worth the hype? Is Hundreds of Beavers worth the hundreds of accolades and praise it has received? Or is it a real groaner that’s worth only hundreds of groans and sighs?
Hundreds of Beavers is an indie slapstick filmed in black-and-white, styled after the comedy flicks of the early 20th Century. The story follows the misadventures and misfortunes of an applejack salesman named Jean Kayak. After his orchard and home are comically destroyed, Jean is forced to brave the cold, unforgiving winter.
To survive, Jean becomes a fur trapper, catching rascally varmints to trade for supplies. Eventually, he falls in love with the merchant’s daughter. But the merchant, being a stern father figure, insists that the only way Jean can have his daughter’s hand in marriage is if he collects the fur of…hundreds of beavers. (Cue title drop!)
Hundreds of Beavers is one of those movies where the most ringing endorsement I can give is to simply watch the movie. Go ahead. Watch it! It’s free to stream on Tubi and YouTube. It really is that good.
As mentioned before, the movie is filmed in black-and-white in the style of classic silent movies. The characters never speak any dialogue, only the occasional grunts, moans, and sighs. The only time dialogue appears is with old-timey title cards.
Otherwise, this movie is pure slapstick. The entire film is a series of comedic vignettes that pits man against nature in the most SNAFU way possible. Poor Jean has to survive the winter with only the clothes on his back–and sometimes barely with that. And anything that can go wrong for him not only goes wrong but spectacularly so.
Essentially, the entire film is a live-action cartoon, with the comedy undoubtedly reminiscent of Looney Tunes. After all, the plot focuses on a dimwitted hunter who’s constantly outsmarted by forest creatures. Evidently, Elmer Fudd and Bugs Bunny were huge inspirations.
So, if this film is essentially a cartoon, why film it in live-action than in animation? Because it makes the wacky shenanigans all the wackier, obviously. If this film were animated, the Looney Tunes-esque antics would have been too commonplace. Having it filmed in live-action makes the slapstick and cartoon-style antics stand out even more and therefore come across as funnier in comparison.
As I said, the most ringing endorsement I can give this film is to simply watch it for yourself. If you’re looking for a laugh riot of a movie to watch, Hundreds of Beavers is guaranteed to be up your alley.
Update: Haines City Police Department’s vehicle of interest involved in last night’s homicide.
The vehicle appears to be a dark colored, 4-door sedan.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Haines City Police Department or Heartland Crime Stoppers if they wish to remain anonymous.
Vehicle of Interest
Update: Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida is now offering a $5,000 reward for anyone with information regarding last night’s homicide.
Original Article
The Haines City Police Department is providing an update on the shooting that occurred on the evening of Friday, December 27, 2024. Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene and assumed the investigation.
The victims have been identified as a 33-year-old black female and a 41-year-old black female. Despite the efforts of medical staff, the 33-year-old female died as a result of her injuries. The 41-year-old female is in stable condition and is expected to recover from her injuries.
At this point in the investigation, it appears the two victims were traveling together in a vehicle when they were shot from behind. Evidence gathered so far in the investigation suggests the vehicle they were driving was intentionally targeted. There is currently no suspect in custody, however, the Haines City Police Department believes this was an isolated incident and there is no immediate threat to the public.
Police Chief Greg Goreck stated “Our hearts are with family of the victims during this difficult time. We are committed to identifying those who are involved and ensuring justice is served for their loved ones. In moments like these, it is vital we come together as a community, offering support and standing united against senseless acts of violence. We encourage any members of our community who may have any information to come forward and assist in the investigation, as every detail can make a difference in bringing justice to the family.”
Detectives are still requesting anyone with information regarding the incident contact Heartland Crime Stoppers or the Haines City Police Department.
Update: Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida is now offering a $5,000 reward for anyone with information regarding last night’s homicide.
HAINES CITY, FL – The Haines City Police Department is currently investigating a shooting that occurred in the area of Dr Martin Luther King Jr Way within the city limits of Haines City.
On December 27, 2024, at approximately 1822 hours, dispatch received a 911 call from a female stating she had been shot. When officers arrived on scene, two adult female victims were located with apparent gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to local hospitals for medical care.
Police are actively looking for any witnesses or anyone with information regarding the incident and are encouraged to contact Heartland Crime Stoppers or the Haines City Police Department.
This is an active investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
**Update: One Of Two Woman Shot In Friday Night Dies From Her Injuries- Details Click Here
The Florida Highway Patrol has released additional details regarding the vehicle accident on SR-570 in Winter Haven:
The crash was confirmed to be a single vehicle crash. A 2011 white BMW was traveling southbound around the 14.5 mm in the inside lane. The vehicle was driven by a 34-year-old male (no other occupants). For unknown reasons, the vehicle swerved into the concrete barrier wall. The vehicle then traveled across both southbound lanes while exiting onto the west shoulder. The vehicle overturned a couple of times while landing on its roof. During the overturning…..the driver was ejected because he wasn’t wearing a seatbelt.
Polk County Fire Rescue Public Information Officer Nathaniel Gale confirmed that they transported one trauma alert patient via ground.
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Preliminary info:
On December 27, 2024 at 1:20 p.m. Polk County Fire Rescue and Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a vehicle crash on Polk Parkway in Winter Haven.
There is one car flipped over as a result of the crash. Make and model unknown at this time.
At the time of publication, there are traffic delays in the area. We will update this article as information regarding the crash is confirmed by law enforcement.
The sixth case of rabies in Polk County this year has been confirmed in the area of Oak Avenue, Fort Meade.
On Thursday, December 19, 2024, a dead bat was found inside a kennel with three Alaskan huskies – the dogs’ owner does not know if one of the dogs killed the bat or not. All three dogs are vaccinated.
The bat was sent to the State Laboratory in Tampa; test results were received at Animal Control today, confirming the bat tested positive for rabies.
“Luckily this family’s pets are vaccinated against this dangerous disease. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you come into contact with sick, injured, or deceased wildlife.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Please do not approach any animal that is acting in an unusual or suspicious manner. If you think you or your pet has had an “exposure,” please contact the PCSO Animal Control Section at 863.577.1762.
The City of Winter Haven is seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Payroll Specialist to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for processing and managing payroll, ensuring accuracy, compliance with legal requirements, and timely payment to employees.
Job Title: Payroll Specialist
Category: Full-Time
Application Closing Date: December 31, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
Highly responsible position ensuring payroll accuracy and compliance. Utilizes independent judgment to resolve problems in the timekeeping and payroll systems. Performs work in accordance with federal and state labor laws, City employment policies, and established accounting principles and procedures.
Examines, analyzes and audits electronic timekeeping timecards and payroll records to detect discrepancies, verify accuracy and recommend system modifications and solutions as necessary.
Provides oversight regarding pay calculations, holidays, and schedules and provides instruction regularly to managers/supervisors who oversee timekeeping in their respective areas.
Reviews and verifies payroll documents, including personnel action forms, time sheets, etc., imports/enters data, prepares payroll, and calculates and remits payroll taxes.
Calculates employee contributions and earnings and uploads data into retirement projected benefit portals each pay period.
Prepares quarterly 941 and unemployment tax reports, and maintains all related reports as required.
Creates, and reconciles, distributes, and uploads W-2 and 1095C Forms annually.
Reconciles various payroll deduction accounts monthly.
Prepares annual census reports required for actuarial valuations.
Prepares the annual Compensated Absence schedule in compliance with GASB Standard #101.
Researches records and compiles data for the annual workers’ compensation and financial statement audits.
May be required to plan, organize, supervise, and train assigned personnel.
This is not intended to be an all-inclusive listing of essential job functions; the performance of other essential functions may be required.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Knowledge of labor laws and accounting principles and procedures.
Ability to prepare complete and accurate payroll reports and statements; participate technically in the development of and installation of timekeeping and payroll systems/modules; perform complex, detailed work involving written and numeric data; and make calculations rapidly and accurately.
Minimum Education & Experience:
Associates degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance or related field is required; a Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Three (3) years of payroll processing and administration experience in the public or private sector.
An equivalent combination of education and experience that is determined to be directly related to the foregoing specific requirements may be substituted.
Physical / Environmental Factors:
Must have the physical ability, strength, and flexibility to perform the job functions in the work environment.
Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested an individual involved in several burglary/theft incidents in Winter Haven. The arrested individual was identified as Patrick Ciszek, DOB 12/20/93.
It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Daily Ridge does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions. A suspect is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Sunday, December 22nd, 2024 (Case# 24-51542)
The defendant, Patrick Ciszek, went to REDACTED, Winter Haven, FL, 33884 at approximately 0700 hours. The defendant began banging the doors and windows to get the attention of REDACTED, who is a resident of the aforementioned address. REDACTED, girlfriend to REDACTED, left the residence at approximately 1030 hours to go to work and observed the defendant still outside saying he needed to talk to REDACTED. REDACTED spoke with the defendant and gave him a phone charger to leave her residence. At approximately 1345 hours, REDACTED left the residence to go to REDACTED‘s job and observed that the defendant was still in the area. When REDACTED and REDACTED arrived back at the residence at approximately 1430 hours, they observed that their front door had been kicked in causing damage, and they were missing several items throughout the house including clothes, a small white laundry basket, and a large black rolling laundry basket. REDACTED estimated the value of the damaged door and missing items to be approximately $1,500.
Tuesday, December 24th, 2024 (Case# 24-51513)
I responded to Fire Station 18 located 2101 Register Rd, Winter Haven, FL, 33884 at approximately 0900 hours in reference to a grand theft. I learned that at approximately 0740 hours, local Good Samaritans returned some Firefighter equipment that they located in the alleyway behind Just Move located at 5636 Cypress Gardens Blvd. The firefighters then went to their shed where they kept all of their emergency medical apparatus and other emergency gear, where they located several emergency medical apparatus and other gear missing.
I responded to the northeast corner of the Best Western 5801 Roosevelt Dr, Winter Haven, FL, where some of the emergency medical equipment was located, along with a black rolling laundry basket, small white laundry basket, clothing, and other miscellaneous items.
I responded to Just Move to review the camera footage and observed the following:
2207 hours the defendant is walking southbound through the alleyway while looking at the shed. 2208 hours the defendant walks into the premises of the fire station walking towards the shed 2209 hours the defendant walks back into the alleyway and then walks northbound 2210 hours the defendant walking southbound in the alleyway with equipment removed from the shed. 2213 hours the defendant walks back into the shed 2214 hours the defendant leaves the shed carrying more equipment.
I responded to Circle K, Wendy’s, Domino’s, Hungry Howie’s, and the 7 Days gas station in an attempt to identify the suspect. As I was leaving the 7 Days gas station, I observed a subject, later identified as REDACTED standing at Family Dollar located at 3082 Cypress Gardens Rd, and made a consensual encounter with her. I asked if she had seen anyone with firefighter equipment in the area or knew anyone who would steal it. REDACTED provided the name Patrick Ciszek and described him as a skinny white male with blonde hair. I showed REDACTED footage I obtained from Just Move and REDACTED positively identified Patrick Ciszek as the subject in the video and that she knew it was him since she has known him for over 20 years. REDACTED further advised that she was in the alleyway behind the Just Move at approximately 2200 hours on 12/23/2024 and observed the defendant in the area during that time. REDACTED then informed me of the incident that occurred on 12/22/2024 (case# 24-51542). REDACTED advised that the defendant is homeless but is usually in the area of the Econo Lodge located at 5665 Cypress Gardens Blvd and goes into room 207.
I responded to the Econo Lodge and spoke with the front desk worker who advised that room 207 is currently not available as it is out of order and that no one should be in the room. The hotel provided me with a key to access the room where no one was located. As I was leaving room 207, I observed the defendant leaving a room two doors down. The defendant was stopped and placed into custody. While conducting a search of the defendant, a clear pipe with a white crystalized substance was located in his front right pocket. The white crystalized substance was tested with a NARK 15 test kit, which tested for methamphetamine and yielded positive results for methamphetamine. The defendant was located with a black book bag, which had a black and yellow hi-viz jacket that had “POLK COUNTY FIRE RESCUE” in black writing on the back. Also within the black book bag were two (2) firefighter coins, which were later positively identified as belonging to firefighter Jake Marks. Contact was made with the hotel workers again, and they advised that no one should be staying in the room that the defendant was seen leaving and allowed Law Enforcement to enter. Upon entering the room, I located a radio carrier and a stethoscope, which were later positively identified as belonging to Jake Marks.
I read the defendant his Miranda Rights, which he acknowledged, understood, and agreed to speak. The defendant advised that he did steal the emergency medical equipment from Fire Station 18 and that when he went to return the items they were gone. I questioned the defendant where Jake Marks badge was at, to which he advised that he left it in a white Chevy Tahoe that belonged to “Joe” but could not provide any further information. When questioning the defendant as to why he would steal the equipment, the defendant advised that he was just mad at the world.
An FCIC/NCIC inquiry was conducted on the defendant, which yielded that the defendant was on probation for burglary.. The defendant began probation on 6/26/2023 and would be released from probation on 6/25/2025(case# B81980)
Based on the evidence and statements gathered through my investigation, I believe probable cause has been met to charge the defendant with the following violations:
810.02 Burglary of an unoccupied structure: for entering into the shed at Fire Station 18 with the intent to commit a crime within.
812.014 Grand Theft of Emergency Medical Equipment: for depriving the fire station of their emergency medical apparatus needed to respond to medical calls valued over $300
812.019 Dealing in Stolen Property: for selling the firefighter badge in return to methamphetamine
893.13 Possession of Methamphetamine
893.147 Possession go Drug Paraphernalia
948.06 Violation of Probation
810.02 Burglary of an Unoccupied Dwelling: for entering the residence of REDACTED, with the intent to commit a crime within
812.014 Grand Theft from a Dwelling over $100: for stealing clothing, laundry baskets, and other miscellaneous items through the residence.
806.13 Criminal Mischief greater than $200 and less than $1000: for kicking the door at REDACTED causing the door to crack
The defendant was transported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Processing Center without incident.
On December 26, 2024 around 1:15 pm, the driver of this truck is suspected of being impaired after swerving in traffic on Hwy 17 causing many drivers to reportedly take evasive action before plowing into the side of the Refrigeration and Electric building located at 635 6th St NW.
Thankfully there was nobody inside of the business, although one worker was outside just feet away from the crash. There are no reported injuries. The driver of the truck didn’t do too well with field sobriety tests and was ultimately taken to Winter Haven Hospital to be medically cleared before taking a ride to the Polk County Jail.
On 12/12/2024, APD responded to the Publix located at 775 Hwy 559 in Auburndale, FL in reference to a retail theft. Two (2) unknown white females entered the store on 12/7/2024 and were observed pushing shopping carts around and both carts were full of groceries, hair care items, two massage items, and a thermometer. Both women pushed their carts out of the store at 4:03pm passing all points of sale without making any attempt to pay, depriving the store of approximately $500.
SUSPECT 1 – White Female, mid 50’s, long yellow/blonde hair, LSW a navy-blue blouse w/ white pattern, and blue jeans. SUSPECT 2 – White Female, mid 30’s/40’s, shoulder length yellow/blonde hair, LSW a black leather jacket, and brown cargo pants.
While suspect two (2) was in the store she put on a tan beanie cap before leaving.
If you have any information, please contact Officer Carrizales at 863-965-5555 or email at [email protected]
