College Football Recap: Week 9

Ethan Jones

-

November 3, 2025

By Ethan Jones

This past weekend across the country, college football fans were treated to several thrilling games and surprising upsets.

Our first upset takes us to Memphis, Tennessee, where the unranked Memphis Tigers took down the #18 USF Bulls in a 34–31 thriller. The Tigers’ offense was firing on all cylinders, putting up 450 total yards, 30 first downs, and committing no turnovers. Quarterback Brendon Lewis was instrumental in the victory, completing 27 of 44 passes for 307 yards and two touchdowns, while also adding 35 rushing yards. Heading into the matchup, USF had a 57% chance to win, but Memphis proved otherwise with a statement performance.

Next, in Seattle, the unranked Washington Huskies pulled off another upset, comfortably defeating the #23 Illinois Fighting Illini 42–25. Sophomore quarterback Demond Williams Jr. was nearly flawless, completing 26 of 33 passes for four touchdowns. Washington’s offense amassed 449 total yards, earned 27 first downs, and again had zero turnovers—an impressive display of efficiency and discipline.

Our final upset of the weekend took place in Tempe, Arizona, where the Houston Cougars shocked the #24 Arizona State Sun Devils, 24–16. Junior quarterback Conner Weigman led the charge, going 17 of 22 for 201 passing yards, adding 111 rushing yards, and accounting for three total touchdowns (one passing, two rushing). Pre-game models gave Houston just a 29% chance to win, but Weigman’s dual-threat performance lifted the Cougars to victory.

Now we turn our attention to the ranked head-to-head matchups. First, we head to Norman, Oklahoma, where the #13 Oklahoma Sooners took on the #8 Ole Miss Rebels. This was a close game between two heavyweights of the Southeastern Conference, with Ole Miss coming out on top 34–26. The Rebels were led by senior quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who went 24 of 44 for 315 yards and one touchdown. Ole Miss continues its dominant season, now standing at 7–1 with hopes of not only winning the SEC Championship but also making a push for the College Football Playoff and a potential national title.

Our next ranked head-to-head matchup took place in Nashville, Tennessee, between two more SEC teams as the #10 Vanderbilt Commodores faced off against the #15 Missouri Tigers. The Commodores defended their home turf, winning a close one 17–10. Senior quarterback Diego Pavia led the way for Vanderbilt, completing 14 of 23 passes for 129 yards and throwing one interception. After this victory, the Commodores improved to 7–1, marking one of their best seasons in program history.

The final ranked matchup of the weekend took place in Baton Rouge, where the #3 Texas A&M Aggies dominated the #20 LSU Tigers, 49–25. The loss proved costly for LSU, as head coach Brian Kelly became the 10th coach fired midseason. During Kelly’s tenure, he posted a 34–14 overall record and a 19–10 mark in SEC play. His dismissal came after a 5–3 start to the season and a 2–3 record in conference play. Texas A&M, meanwhile, continues to look every bit like a playoff contender.

Heading into Week 10, here’s how the rankings stand:

Ohio State
Indiana
Texas A&M
Alabama
Georgia
Oregon
Ole Miss
Georgia Tech
Vanderbilt
BYU
Miami
Notre Dame
Texas Tech
Tennessee
Virginia
Louisville
Cincinnati
Oklahoma
Missouri
Texas
Michigan
Houston
USC
Utah
Memphis

These rankings are sure to change as the season progresses. Only time will tell which teams rise and which fall as we head toward the conclusion of another exciting college football season.

Culpepper Cardiac Foundation Places 78th AED at CrossFit Waterside Chain of Lakes

-

November 3, 2025

0

Culpepper Cardiac Foundation Places 78th AED at CrossFit Waterside Chain of Lakes

By Kip Kirchberg:

October 28, 2025

Culpepper Cardiac Foundation has reached a significant milestone with the placement of its 78th Automated External Defibrillator (AED), installed at Chain of Lakes CrossFit in downtown Winter Haven. The installation was made possible through an innovative partnership with Tanners Lakeside, whose “Bingo For A Cause” program has now funded the placement of six AEDs throughout the community.

The AED placement at Chain of Lakes CrossFit represents a strategic “Pay It Forward” decision by Tanners Lakeside to address a critical need in the fitness community. The gym, which serves approximately 100 members, operates in an environment where high-intensity workouts can increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest, making immediate access to defibrillation equipment crucial for member and staff safety.

Community Support Through Weekly Bingo Nights

Tanners Lakeside hosts “Bingo For A Cause” every Wednesday from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., offering a family-friendly evening where attendees enjoy games, food specials, and the knowledge that they’re supporting lifesaving equipment. During the final game of each night, proceeds are split between the winner and Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation. The program welcomes families of all ages and includes special dining options, including free kids’ meals with an adult dinner purchase.

“This is a win-win night for everyone,” said Allison Rollins, Manager at Tanners Lakeside with eight years of experience. “We feel it is important to have a number of AEDs at various locations around town. You never know who may need one.”

Kami Rickert, Assistant Manager at Tanners Lakeside with four years of tenure, emphasized the strategic nature of the placement: “Fitness centers are a great place for emergency equipment.”

Why Chain of Lakes CrossFit?

Chain of Lakes CrossFit operates a unique gym environment where athletes and everyday fitness enthusiasts train at various intensity levels. The gym’s diverse membership and the physically demanding nature of CrossFit training made it an ideal location for AED placement. Having an AED on-site allows gym staff to provide a life-saving shock within the first few minutes of a cardiac emergency, which can significantly boost a victim’s chance of survival.

Comprehensive Demonstration and Training

The AED installation included a comprehensive demonstration and training program led by Eric Shimkus, a paramedic with over 24 years of experience at the Winter Haven Fire Department who volunteers his time for this critical work. Beyond AED and CPR instruction, the presentation incorporated additional life-saving tools: a choking device and Narcan for overdose response, emphasizing the foundation’s holistic approach to community emergency preparedness.

The demonstration also included information about vehicle fire extinguishers, highlighting the foundation’s commitment to multiple aspects of life safety. This addition honors Jolynn, a young girl whose life was lost to a car fire in November of the previous year. Through the “For The Love Of JoLynn” initiative, Culpepper Cardiac Foundation continues to support Jolynn’s mother, Logan Deines, while expanding community awareness about fire safety.

The Personal Mission Behind the Foundation

Culpepper Cardiac Foundation was established by Melanie Brown Culpepper Beilke in honor of Michael Culpepper, her late fiancé, who passed away from heart failure in July 2020. What began as a personal healing journey has evolved into a comprehensive community initiative.

“I started the Foundation to help in my healing process as I wanted to try to help save others as I couldn’t save him,” Melanie explained. The foundation now places at least two AEDs per month throughout the community and awards three scholarships annually—one each to students pursuing careers in fire services, medical fields, and emergency medical services, supporting the first responders who are the backbone of emergency care.

Mission and Vision

The Culpepper Cardiac Foundation operates under a clear mission: “In Honor of Culpepper! With community support we hope to place a defibrillator on every city block. We may be the closest First Responder. It could be Your Family, Your Friend or even ‘YOU’ you’re saving as ‘SAVING LIVES MATTERS.'”

The foundation generates resources through sponsorships, donations, and community events. With each AED placed and each life potentially saved, the foundation’s commitment to its mission becomes more meaningful.

Recognition and Support

Culpepper expressed deep gratitude to the many partners making this work possible, particularly acknowledging her husband Brian Beilke for his unwavering support, paramedic Eric Shimkus for his volunteer expertise, and Daily Ridge for its role as media sponsor.

The foundation also recognized key partners including Rescue 7 Inc., CoroMed, and AED.US for their collaboration in expanding access to life-saving equipment throughout the community.

Mark Your Calendar: Annual “Saving Lives Matters” Event

The foundation announces its annual yearly event on November 15th at Tanners Lakeside, dedicated to raising funds for additional AED placements throughout the community. The foundation seeks sponsors, donations, raffle items, gift baskets, and live auction items to support this critical mission.

Those interested in sponsoring, donating, or contributing items can contact Melanie Brown Culpepper at (863) 662-2694 or call Melanie’s Cutting Edge salon at (863) 299-6537.

Getting Involved

Community members can learn more about AED locations and the foundation’s mission by visiting Culpepperaed.com. Whether through weekly Bingo For A Cause participation at Tanners Lakeside, attending community events, or making direct contributions, there are numerous ways to support the mission of placing life-saving equipment throughout the county.

About Culpepper Cardiac Foundation

Culpepper Cardiac Foundation is dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac death through strategic AED placement, emergency response training, and community education. Founded in honor of Michael Culpepper, the foundation operates on the principle that every community member could be a first responder when equipped with the right tools and knowledge. With community support, the foundation continues to expand access to life-saving equipment while supporting the first responders who protect our communities. For more information, visit Culpepperaed.com.

19 Yr. Old Man Killed In County Line Road Motorcycle Crash

Carl Fish

-

November 2, 2025

0

19 Yr. Old Man Killed In County Line Road Motorcycle Crash

The PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a two vehicle crash involving a motorcycle that resulted in the death of one of the drivers. The crash occurred at 9:54 p.m. on November 1, 2025 on County Line Road in Lakeland.

Dundee Residents Say Town Commission Unlawfully Extended Its Own Terms – Rally Planned Sunday November 2nd

A green and black Suzuki motorcycle being driven by 19-year-old Blue Scott was heading northbound in the inside (left) lane of travel. At the same time, a black Nissan Altima was exiting the driveway of the O’Reilly Auto Part Warehouse parking lot. It appears that as he exited the lot he crossed westbound across the northbound lanes and Scott attempted to avoid the Altima by going into the left lane but the Altima moved into the median and path of the motorcycle.

There was significant damage to both vehicles, Scott was ejected from the motorcycle, and the motorcycle came to a final rest in the southbound lanes of County Line Road. He was determined to be deceased on scene.

It is not clear if Scott was wearing a helmet, one was found at the scene but not strapped or near him. The driver of the Altima was not wearing a seatbelt but has no injuries. Distracted driving on his part is not suspected.

The investigation is still ongoing.

Dundee Residents Say Town Commission Unlawfully Extended Its Own Terms – Rally Planned Sunday November 2nd

Dundee

Carl Fish

-

November 2, 2025

0

Dundee Residents Say Town Commission Unlawfully Extended Its Own Terms – Rally Planned Sunday November 2nd

Dundee, Florida – A proposal by the Town of Dundee to delay the next municipal election and extend the current mayor and commissioners’ terms by approximately eighteen months is drawing strong public backlash and may lead to legal action.

On October 28, 2025, the Town Commission voted 5 to 0 on the first reading of Ordinance No. 25 03. The ordinance moves the next municipal election from April 2026 to November 2027. By delaying the election, the current mayor and two commissioners would remain in office longer than originally elected. Language in the ordinance states that the terms of those officials are “extended to the dates their successors are elected and seated.”

The push to move municipal elections began earlier in the year when Polk County Supervisor of Elections Melony Bell encouraged municipalities that still hold elections in April to shift to November elections. Bell has stated that November elections reduce costs and increase voter turnout. In April 2025, turnout in municipal elections across Polk County was 12.32 percent and two elections were decided by only eight votes. Bell suggested November elections in off years such as 2027 or 2029. There is no indication Bell intended that any municipality extend the terms of sitting officials.

On November 1, Dundee resident Michelle Thompson submitted a written request to Supervisor of Elections Melony Bell asking the Supervisor’s Office to review the legality of Dundee’s action. Thompson wrote, “My concern is that this proposed change appears to extend the terms of current elected officials without voter approval through a charter amendment.” Thompson cites Florida Statute 166.031(1) to (2), which requires charter changes to be approved by a referendum, and Florida Statute 166.021(4), which states that changes to the terms of elected officers generally require voter approval unless related solely to selecting election dates and only if the term adjustment is necessary. Thompson also cites Florida Statute 100.3605, which allows municipalities to change election dates for transition but limits that authority. Thompson argues that since the Dundee Town Charter does not grant the commission the authority to extend terms by ordinance, the proposed action may violate state law.

Thompson also references a recent legal case, Emilio González v. City of Miami, in which the court ruled that a city commission could not extend the terms of sitting elected officials by rescheduling an election unless voters approved that change through a charter amendment.

Public reaction to Dundee’s vote has intensified. Resident Joe Garrison, who planned to run for mayor in the April 2026 election, posted concern on social media and stated that the proposed delay would push the mayoral election to November 2027 instead. Garrison has organized a rally for residents today at 408 4th St., Dundee, in front of his grove, beginning at 1:30 p.m. Citizens tell the Daily Ridge they intend to attend the next commission meeting on November 18 and speak during public comment.

The ordinance is not yet adopted. The vote taken on October 28 was the first reading only. For the ordinance to become binding, the commission must vote again at a second reading. If approved in its current form, the election would move to November 2027.

Several processes exist that could affect the outcome of the ordinance if it advances to a second reading. A legal challenge filed in circuit court could result in a temporary injunction that pauses the ordinance until a judge determines whether extending terms is permitted under state law and the Town Charter. The Florida Supervisor of Elections or the Florida Division of Elections may also issue advisory opinions regarding election procedures, and the Town Commission retains the ability to amend or withdraw the ordinance before final adoption. In addition, under Florida law, the Governor has the authority to remove elected municipal officials from office for misconduct, malfeasance, or violating the law. These possibilities are not conclusions, but reflect common procedural options available when municipal election changes are disputed.

The Daily Ridge will reach out to the Town of Dundee and the Supervisor of Elections Office for comment.

Top 5 Ways to Enjoy Autumn in (and near) Polk County

Events

Allison

-

October 31, 2025

0

Top 5 Ways to Enjoy Autumn in (and near) Polk County

by James Coulter

Halloween is over. Christmas is right around the corner. But we still have a full month of autumn to savor. Polk County may not have the cooler weather and crisp, leaf-strewn landscapes of the North, yet it still offers plenty of ways to enjoy the fall season. Here are just a few:

#1: Explore Corn Mazes

Corn fields are good for two things: growing fresh ears of corn and creating elaborate mazes. If you’re looking to get lost in a good old-fashioned corn maze, visit the Harvest Holler Corn Maze. Located 20 minutes north of Downtown Lakeland, this local fall favorite allows visitors to twist & turn through living corn walls—no map, only teamwork! There’s plenty more fun to have with hayrides through cow pastures, live animals to pet, and even a real dairy cow to milk. You can even meet and greet the Florida-famous miniature cows (or Mini-Moos). Harvest Holler Corn Maze is located at 950 Tavares Rd. in Polk City, FL, and is open weekends until Nov. 16. Learn more at: harvestholler.com

#2. Take a Wine Walk

What’s better than taking a stroll and enjoying the natural beauty at Bok Tower Gardens? How about enjoying a glass of fine wine? You can do just that at the Fall Wine Walk at Bok Tower Gardens. Sample nearly a dozen wines from the best wine regions in the world as you sip and stroll through the world-famous botanical gardens at the “City in a Garden” of Lake Wales. And be sure to use your wine to wash down the many appetizers to nibble on. The Wine Walk will be hosted on Sat. Nov. 1 from 2 PM – 5 PM. Admission is $60 for members and $80 for non-members. Learn more at boktowergardens.org.

#3. Participate in a Fall 5K Race

Want a good excuse to enjoy the cool fall air and crisp autumn landscape? Consider going for a jog. Better yet, go for a jog for a good cause. Many 5K races are hosted this time of the year to raise funds and awareness for local organizations. Dash around Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland during the White Elephant 5K/10K on Sat. Nov. 30 starting at 9 AM. Add some spice to your Thanksgiving morning with a sweet cinnamon roll waiting at the finish line of the 7th Annual Cinnamon Roll Run 5K, hosted Thur. Nov. 27 at Ellis Methvin Park in Plant City at 7 AM. Or go for a run through the beautiful community of Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District during the Sun N Lake Turkey Trot on Sat. Nov 22 at 6:30 AM. Learn more about these and other races at runsignup.com.

#4: Attend a Fall Festival

Fall may soon be over, but there’s still plenty of fall fun to be had at fall festivals across the county. Enjoy hay rides, bounce houses, live music, and even more fun and games. Some upcoming festivals include:

⦁ Auburndale Fall Fest (Sat. Nov. 1 @ 9 AM – 3 PM) in Downtown Auburndale (200 E Park St).

⦁ Fall Family Festival (Sat. Nov. 1 @ 10 AM – 3 PM) at The Rock of Winter Haven (2901 Lucerne Park Rd. in Winter Haven).

⦁ Harvest Festi-Fall (Sat. Nov. 1 @ 10 AM – 2 PM) at East Central Park (Lake Mabel Loop Rd. in Dundee).

⦁ RideSafe Fall Fest (Sat. Nov. 8 @ 10 AM – 1 PM) at Bonnet Springs Park (400 Bonnet Springs Blvd. in Lakeland).

⦁ Fall Market & Craft Fair (Sat. Nov. 8 @ 10 AM – 2 PM) at Ardella Baptist Church (709 W. Pipkin Rd. in Lakeland).

⦁ Annual Fall Festival (Sat. Nov. 15 @ 2 PM – 5 PM) at the Lake Wales Family Recreation Center (1001 Burns Ave. in Lake Wales)

#5: Visit Southern Hill Farms

Harvest time has arrived at Southern Hill Farms in Clermont, and with it comes the 10th Annual Fall Festival. Pick your own sunflowers and zinnias, tour the petting zoo, embark on a wagon ride, and even traverse a 5-acre corn maze. This annual fall fest is one of the most immersive agritourism events in the region, especially for those looking to expand their fall adventure beyond county lines. Southern Hill Farms is located at 16651 Schofield Rd. in Clermont. The fall festival is hosted on select Thursdays and every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until Nov. 23. Learn more at: southernhillfarms.com

PUBLIC NOTICE

Polk County

Staff Reporter

-

October 31, 2025

0

As of Tuesday October 21st, 2025, I Larry Kahn no longer have any financial responsibility to Holy cannoli. Any questions contact Chris Corpora at Holy Cannoli.

This Day in History October 31, 1926 -Celebrated Magician Harry Houdini Dies

This Day in History

Allison

-

October 31, 2025

0

This Day in History October 31, 1926 -Celebrated Magician Harry Houdini Dies

The following is an article from history.com

“Harry Houdini, the most celebrated magician and escape artist of the 20th century, dies of peritonitis in a Detroit hospital. Twelve days before, Houdini had been talking to a group of students after a lecture in Montreal when he commented on the strength of his stomach muscles and their ability to withstand hard blows. Suddenly, one of the students punched Houdini twice in the stomach. The magician hadn’t had time to prepare, and the blows ruptured his appendix. He fell ill on the train to Detroit, and, after performing one last time, was hospitalized. Doctors operated on him, but to no avail. The burst appendix poisoned his system, and on October 31 he died.

Houdini was born Erik Weisz in Budapest in 1874, the son of a rabbi. At a young age, he immigrated with his family to Appleton, Wisconsin, and soon demonstrated a natural acrobatic ability and an extraordinary skill at picking locks. When he was nine, he joined a traveling circus and toured the country as a contortionist and trapeze performer. He soon was specializing in escape acts and gained fame for his reported ability to escape from any manacle. He went on his first international tour in 1900 and performed all over Europe to great acclaim. In executing his escapes, he relied on strength, dexterity and concentration—not trickery—and was a great showman.

In 1908, Houdini began performing more dangerous and dramatic escapes. In a favorite act, he was bound and then locked in an ironbound chest that was dropped into a water tank or thrown off a boat. In another, he was heavily bound and then suspended upside down in a glass-walled water tank. Other acts featured Houdini being hung from a skyscraper in a straitjacket, or bound and buried—without a coffin—under six feet of dirt.

In his later years, Houdini campaigned against mediums, mind readers, fakirs and others who claimed supernatural talents but depended on tricks. At the same time, he was deeply interested in spiritualism and made a pact with his wife and friends that the first to die was to try and communicate with the world of reality from the spirit world. Several of these friends died, but Houdini never received a sign from them. Then, on Halloween 1926, Houdini himself passed on at the age of 52. His wife waited for a communiqué from the spirit world, but it never came; she declared the experiment a failure shortly before her death in 1943.”

Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation Places 77th AED at St. Stephen Catholic School in Riverview, Florida, Through HCA Florida Brandon Hospital’s “Pay It Forward” Initiative

Staff Reporter

-

October 31, 2025

0

Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation Places 77th AED at St. Stephen Catholic School in Riverview, Florida, Through HCA Florida Brandon Hospital’s “Pay It Forward” Initiative

By Kip Kirchberg

Riverview, FL – October 21, 2025 – Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation (CCF) marked a significant milestone this week by installing its 77th Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at St. Stephen Catholic School in Riverview, Florida. The placement, which took place on Monday, October 28, was generously funded as a “Pay It Forward” gesture by HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, highlighting a growing partnership dedicated to heart health awareness and community safety.

Founded by Melanie Brown Culpepper Beilke in honor of her late fiancé, Michael Culpepper, who passed away from sudden cardiac arrest in July 2020, CCF has made it its mission to equip public spaces with life-saving AEDs. “I started the Foundation to help in my healing process as I wanted to try to help save others as I couldn’t save him,” said Culpepper Beilke. The organization raises funds through sponsorships, donations, and events, placing at least two AEDs per month in communities across Florida. Additionally, CCF awards three scholarships annually—one for fire services, one for medical professionals, and one for EMTs—to support first responders.

The foundation’s mission statement emphasizes proactive community involvement: “In Honor of Culpepper! With community support we hope to place a defibrillator on every city block. We may be the closest First Responder. It could be Your Family, Your Friend or even ‘YOU’ you’re saving as ‘SAVING LIVES MATTERS’.”

The installation at St. Stephen Catholic School, located at 10424 Saint Stephen Circle, was a collaborative effort.

St. Stephen Catholic School (Top Ranked Private School for ...

The school, part of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg and serving approximately 300 students from PreK-4 through 8th grade, has been a cornerstone of the community for 25 years. It offers a robust program in academics, arts, athletics—including middle school sports like football and baseball—and faith formation, all in a caring, spiritual environment. Principal Linda Umoh and school staff welcomed the CCF team, recognizing the value of the AED for on-campus emergencies and extracurricular activities.

The event brought together key figures, including Laura Stauter, Director of Communications and Community Engagement at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital; Anna Hendrix, Nurse Manager at HCA Riverview Freestanding Emergency Department and a veteran; Culpepper Beilke; and Eric Shimkus, a paramedic with over 24 years of experience at the Winter Haven Fire Department who volunteers his time for such demonstrations.

Culpepper Beilke reflected on the partnership’s origins: “I met Laura over a year ago in February when she invited me to speak at HCA for Heart Awareness Month. She also arranged an interview with Fadia Patterson from Spectrum Bay News 9. HCA sponsored our ‘Saving Lives Matters’ event last November and is sponsoring again this year—all to spread heart awareness and place more AEDs in our communities.”

During the installation, Shimkus provided hands-on training on AED use and CPR. The demonstration expanded to include a choking device and Narcan for overdose emergencies, emphasizing comprehensive life-saving techniques. In a poignant addition, the team highlighted the importance of carrying fire extinguishers in vehicles, honoring Jolynn—a young girl lost in a car fire in November—and her mother, Logan Deines, through the “For The Love Of JoLynn” initiative.

Anna Hendrix, who attended the event, shared her enthusiasm: “I was in attendance for the AED installation at St. Stephen’s. I believe it was a wonderful learning experience for their teachers and staff. They were very grateful and felt more prepared for possible emergency situations in the school or out on their sports field. Melanie’s story is truly remarkable and her work is helping to save lives across our community. I look forward to seeing more AEDs across our community.”

hcafloridahealthcare.com

HCA Florida Brandon Hospital and Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation …

This “Pay It Forward” from HCA Florida Brandon Hospital builds on an ongoing collaboration with CCF to strengthen heart health in the region. “Our ongoing partnership with Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation is vital,” noted a statement from HCA, underscoring their commitment to community wellness.

Culpepper Beilke expressed gratitude to the community: “Thank you everyone and our Community so very much as without our community support we could not make this all happen.” She gave special shout-outs to her husband, Brian Beilke; paramedic Eric Shimkus; Daily Ridge as media sponsor; the entire CCF team; and partners Rescue7, CoroMed, and AED.US.

Looking ahead, CCF invites the public to its annual “Saving Lives Matters” event on November 15, 2025, at Tanners Lakeside. The day-long fundraiser, starting at 11:00 AM, features live music from acts like Jim and Judy Duo, Sandra Hess, Ramblin Rose, Conspiracy Theory, Strictly Business, and Got UR 6 Band; an AED demonstration; raffles; a 50/50 lotto; food; a kids zone; vendors; and first responders. Proceeds will support more AED placements. Those interested in sponsoring, donating, or contributing items can contact Melanie Brown Culpepper Beilke at 863-662-2694 or visit culpepperaed.com for details.

With each AED installed, CCF honors Michael Culpepper’s legacy, reminding us that “We all may be The Closest 1st Responder.” As Culpepper Beilke affirms, “If we save one person’s life, all of this is worth it.”

ADVERTISEMENT OF SALE

Polk County

Staff Reporter

-

October 31, 2025

0

Notice is hereby given that Lake Wales Storage intends to sell the property described below to enforce a lien under the Florida Self Storage Facility Act, Statutes (section 83.80-83.809). The owner will sell at public auction on or after November 20,2025 at 10:00 am at storageauctions.com

Units belonging to the following:

Janice Leise/Unit 1091

Johnnie Coleman/Unit 1017

*Hearts of Gold Uniform Boutique (Deshawn Mitchell)/Unit 1108

This sale will be continued on such succeeding sale days thereafter as may be necessary to be completed. Unless otherwise noted units contain household items. *Business Goods.

Lakeland Man Involved in Fatal Sumter County Crash on SR-471

Florida Highway Patrol

Allison

-

October 30, 2025

0

Lakeland Man Involved in Fatal Sumter County Crash on SR-471

A tragic crash in Sumter County on Thursday morning left one man dead following a nearly head-on collision on State Road 471.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 8:25 a.m. on October 30, 2025. A 32-year-old man from Lakeland was driving a Nissan Rogue northbound on SR-471 when he attempted to pass other vehicles. During the maneuver, his vehicle entered the southbound lane and collided almost head-on with a Volkswagen sedan driven by a 42-year-old man from Palm Harbor.

The driver of the Volkswagen suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Nissan sustained minor injuries.

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

DailyRidge.comFast Factual Free News!

DailyRidge.comFast Factual Free News!