On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, United Airlines grounded flights across the United States due to a major computer system outage, causing widespread delays and cancellations that left thousands of passengers stranded at major airports. The issue, which began shortly after 6 p.m. ET, affected the airline’s weight and balance computer system, critical for calculating flight parameters and ensuring safe operations. United confirmed the problem was not related to a cyberattack and was resolved within a few hours, but the ripple effects lingered, with over 1,000 flights delayed and dozens canceled, according to flight tracking sources. Major hubs, including Chicago, Denver, Newark, Houston, and San Francisco, were hit hardest, with passengers facing delays ranging from one to over five hours.
United Ground Stop
United Airlines issued a statement saying, “The underlying technology issue has been resolved, and, while we expect residual delays, our team is working to restore our normal operations.” The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) supported United’s efforts to clear the backlog, with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasizing the agency’s commitment to ensuring airlines meet passenger obligations. The outage affected only United’s mainline flights, leaving United Express services and flights already airborne unaffected.
This incident follows a pattern of technology-related disruptions in the airline industry. Just months earlier, in April 2025, Southwest Airlines faced a similar hour-long nationwide ground stop due to a technology failure, which delayed over 2,000 flights. The Southwest outage, like United’s, underscored the industry’s reliance on complex computer systems and the cascading impact of their failures. These incidents highlight ongoing challenges in maintaining robust technological infrastructure amid increasing demands on air travel.
As airlines continue to grapple with such disruptions, questions arise about the resilience of their systems and the need for stronger safeguards to prevent future outages. For now, passengers are left navigating the fallout, with United and the FAA working to restore normalcy to the skies.
A prominent resident who played a vital role in the preservation and recognition of a local historic landmark was honored by the City of Bartow.
At their regular meeting on Mon. Aug 4, the Bartow City Commission presented an official proclamation to Clifton Lewis, director and curator of the Historic L.B. Brown House Museum and president of the Neighborhood Improvement Corporation of Bartow Inc.
Since moving to Bartow in 1989, Lewis (affectionately known as Cliff) has had a “distinguished career” with “visionary leadership” through many local boards and organizations, including the Habitat for Humanity of East Polk County, the Bartow Chamber of Commerce, First Missionary Baptist Church, and Bartow Rotary Club.
His most significant milestone was with the preservation and recognition of the L.B. Brown House Museum, a historic landmark built in 1892 by former slave Lawrence Bernard Brown, which is listed on the National Register for Historic Places and honored in the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture.
Aside from this proclamation from the city, Lewis has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Polk Arts and Cultural Hall of Fame 2023, Citizen of the Year award, and the Medal of Honor from the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, which is his proudest achievement.
Born in Louisiana, Lewis is a proud U.S. Army Veteran, who served as an Army Signal Corp. high-speed radio and crypto operator from 1961 to 1963, including a tour in Korea.
His proclamation states: “Following his honorable discharge, he became the first African American telephone man in Washington, DC for the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company in 1963, where he participated in and supported landmarks civil rights advancements including logistical assistance during the Poor People’s Campaign of 1968.”
A devoted family man, Lewis is married to Linda Ray Washington Lewis, with whom he has two children and eight grandchildren.
“His unwavering commitment to faith, family, and community exemplifies the highest ideals of citizenship, inspiring others through his actions grounded in love, forgiveness, and compassion, and fostering progress and unity for current and future generations of Bartow residents,” his proclamation read.
Bartow Mayor Tanya L. Tucker expressed her honor in presenting the proclamation to Lewis, whose many accomplishments in the community she considers more than worthy of recognition.
“You have brought so much to this community,” she said. “I think a lot of people do not realize all the things you have done, a lot of it behind the scenes. There are a lot of things that would not happen or would not exist without you and what you contribute to the city…We owe you a great deal, and we are grateful you are part of our community, and you are a citizen of Bartow, and we love you.”
Lewis thanked his family, his community, and, most importantly, his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for allowing him to have accomplished as much as he has for the city. He boasted how he had even more to accomplish, even despite a recent heart attack, from which he was released from hospice care two weeks ago.
“I feel like we have done nothing more than put one foot in front of the other and move forward,” he said. “Seeing that it was that easy, I get confused sometimes why people make so much of a hullabaloo over the few things we have achieved, but I would really be a fraud if I did not give credit where credit is due.”
Back in June, Lakeland city commissioners approved an ordinance allowing speed cameras in certain school zones. Now, with the school year underway, the city is preparing to start enforcement this October.
The program will place 14 cameras across nine schools, each targeting drivers going more than 10 mph over the posted school zone limit when the yellow lights are flashing. Enforcement will only occur during state defined windows: 30 minutes before through 30 minutes after the start of school, and 30 minutes before through 30 minutes after dismissal.
The ordinance required a public awareness period before citations could be issued. Many drivers have already noticed the signs and equipment, but some may not realize ticketing is just weeks away. Each potential violation will be reviewed by a Lakeland Police Department officer before a citation is mailed. The $100 fine will not add points to a license or affect insurance rates, but officials say the real goal is slowing traffic where children are walking or biking.
The initial locations are listed below. The city can add or change sites in the future by ordinance.
Camera Locations:
Lincoln Academy – 900 W. 10th St.
Lincoln Academy – 712 W. 10th St.
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Crystal Lake Elementary / Crystal Lake Middle – 2237 N. Crystal Lake Dr.
Crystal Lake Elementary / Crystal Lake Middle – 2272 N. Crystal Lake Dr.
Crystal Lake Elementary / Crystal Lake Middle – 2236 S. Crystal Lake Dr.
Crystal Lake Elementary / Crystal Lake Middle – 2238 S. Crystal Lake Dr.
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Philip O’Brien Elementary – 508 Bartow Rd. / US 98
Philip O’Brien Elementary – 337 Bartow Rd. / US 98
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Southwest Middle – 2417 S. Lincoln Ave.
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North Lakeland Elementary – 225 W. Robson St.
North Lakeland Elementary – 510 W. Robson St.
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Lakeland High School – 821 Hollingsworth Rd.
Lakeland Highlands Middle – 868 Lake Miriam Dr.
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Sleepy Hill Elementary – 2315 Sleepy Hill Rd.
City leaders have said the program is meant to change driver behavior, not to rack up fines. With students walking, biking, and being dropped off every school day, the hope is that these cameras will remind drivers to slow down before someone gets hurt.
Polk County, Fla. — Today, August 1, 2025, a new Florida law takes effect that changes the process for teens under 18 to obtain a learner’s license. The law now requires all 14 to 18-year-olds to complete a 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course through an approved provider before receiving their learner’s permit.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has released a list of authorized DETS providers, which include:
American Safety Council American Safety Institute, Inc. National Highway Safety Administration $15 DETS by NiSE Company
A full list of approved providers can be found at:
According to the Polk County Tax Collector’s Office, teens who have already completed the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course before August 1 will not be required to take the new DETS course.
“I hope the process through which these young drivers get their learner’s permit, and eventually their driver’s license, is as stress free and frustration free as possible,” said Tax Collector Joe G. Tedder. “So I want their families to have as much information on this as they can.”
The Tax Collector’s Office is encouraging families to visit www.PolkTaxes.com for updates and additional resources.
Lakeland, Florida – After surviving two cancer diagnoses, Candice Wallace didn’t just overcome adversity; she found her calling. The valedictorian of Keiser University’s Lakeland campus will deliver the commencement address on Friday, August 1, at the Youkey Theatres in Lakeland. Her message to fellow graduates will reflect a journey that began with personal health struggles and led to a fulfilling career helping others.
Wallace’s path to healthcare began in 2016, just eight weeks after giving birth to her youngest son, when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Two years later, she faced a second diagnosis: bladder cancer. Rather than break her spirit, those trials ignited a desire to give back.
“My cancer journey led me to want to treat cancer patients and give them hope,” Wallace said.
Grateful for the care she received and inspired by her healthcare team, Wallace chose to study Radiation Therapy at Keiser University. The Lakeland campus provided the environment she needed to thrive.
“The small class size allowed each student to get the attention needed, and I appreciated that the classes were solely dedicated to what to expect in our day-to-day lives in our careers,” she recalled.
With the support of her family and Keiser’s faculty, Wallace earned an Associate of Science in Radiation Therapy in 2021 and completed her Bachelor of Science in Imaging Science in 2025. She now works as a Radiation Therapist at The Renaissance Institute of Precision Oncology and Radiosurgery in Winter Park, Florida.
“Where do I even begin? I have never felt so fulfilled. Even a bad day is a good day when you know that you’re providing quality, skilled, loving patient care,” she said. “I have had so many patients who want to keep in touch even after their treatment is over, and that means the world to me. I told my daughter that if I knew I could have a well-paid career after getting a two-year degree, I would have done it right out of high school. I would have 24 years under my belt by now! I say that in jest because my sickness led me to this road. God directed my path, and I am so happy that my trials and tribulations brought me to where I am today.”
Wallace added that she’s thankful for opportunities to broaden her outreach while remaining focused on patient care and advocacy.
“I have worked on some very cool machines, traveled all over the U.S., and learned so much in my four years as a licensed therapist,” she said. “I always thought I would just want to rank up into a ‘Lead’ and then a ‘Chief’ position, but my dream would be to create my path to ensure that patients are getting everything they need to be completely healed, and if not, provided with the utmost comforting care in their last days.”
When asked what she would recommend to others mapping their education and career paths, Wallace stressed the importance of inner reflection.
“People always say, ‘When you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life,’ and I’ve learned that for myself. The field of oncology is so interesting, and putting a smile on someone’s face when they are facing such a dark battle is such a gift to me. I look forward to the hugs when they ring that bell at the end of their treatment. All my life, I wanted to be a teacher and never thought I would work in healthcare. Sometimes it takes something in your life to lead you in a completely different direction. You have to find your ‘why,’ and then you can focus on the ‘how.’ Keiser was how I got to where I am today.”
Her story reflects the mission of Keiser University’s Radiation Therapy and Imaging Sciences programs, which prepare students for clinical and administrative roles in the growing field of medical imaging and cancer treatment. Keiser, a nonprofit university with 21 campuses across Florida and nearly 20,000 students, was ranked No. 22 in the nation for Social Mobility in 2025 by U.S. News and World Report.
Wallace will address the graduating class during Keiser University’s Lakeland Campus Commencement ceremony on Friday, August 1, at 6:00 PM at the Youkey Theatres, 701 W. Lime Street in Lakeland.
Polk County, FL – July 28, 2025 – Youth For Christ of Polk County (YFC) is honored to be the recipient of the 70th Automated External Defibrillator (AED) placed in the community by Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation (CCF). This significant milestone underscores CCF’s unwavering commitment to enhancing pre-hospital emergency care across Polk County.
Melanie with Culpepper Cardiac Foundation
Eric Holm, Executive Director of YFC since 2019, expressed deep gratitude for the donation. “Youth For Christ serves nearly 300 young people each week through our 13 City Life neighborhood groups, two Juvenile Justice Ministry sites, summer camps, and special events,” Holm said. “Our programs, including wilderness summer camps in remote areas, require us to be prepared for emergencies. This AED provides an essential layer of safety, ensuring we can respond effectively if a cardiac emergency occurs.”
YFC is a faith-based nonprofit dedicated to reaching young people with the hope of Jesus, fostering spiritual growth, life skills, and strong character. Supported entirely by community donations from individuals, churches, and businesses, YFC creates safe spaces for youth to feel seen, valued, and loved, regardless of their faith background.
Youth for Christ.
Holm, who has served as a first responder and currently acts as a Chaplain with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, emphasized the critical need for accessible lifesaving equipment. “I’ve seen firsthand how the availability of tools like AEDs can change outcomes in emergencies,” he shared. “Melanie Brown Culpepper and the CCF team are not only educating our community but also providing these vital resources. Their work is truly transformative.”
The AED presentation included a comprehensive demonstration by Paramedic Eric Shimcus, alongside Melanie and Brian Culpepper. “The training was incredibly valuable,” Holm noted. “Eric’s clear explanation and live demonstration equipped our team with the knowledge and confidence to use this lifesaving equipment effectively.”
Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation was born out of tragedy, yet Melanie Brown Culpepper has channeled her loss into a powerful mission to place an AED on every block in the community. Through fundraising events and generous donations, CCF continues to make Polk County safer. Holm encourages the community to support CCF’s efforts, stating, “One day, it could be you or someone you love whose life is saved by their mission.”
For more information about Youth For Christ of Polk County, facebook page. To learn more about Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation and how to support their mission, visit facebook page.
Polk Congressman Scott Franklin Led Florida Delegation’s Bipartisan Framework for National Farm Disaster Relief—Part of $21B Aid Plan and $676M Now Headed to Florida
Polk County, FL – Florida farmers are receiving a much-needed boost: nearly $676 million in disaster relief, delivered through a federal block grant to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). But this aid is just one piece of a sweeping national program, part of a $21 billion agricultural disaster relief effort included in the American Relief Act of 2025.
Congressman Scott Franklin, representing Polk County, played a pivotal role in laying groundwork for this national relief framework. In early 2023, Franklin and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D–FL) co-sponsored the bipartisan Block Grant Assistance Act (H.R. 662). Though prompted by Florida’s hurricanes, its language was crafted for national application, authorizing USDA to issue block grants to any state suffering disaster losses—droughts, wildfires, floods, hurricanes, derechos, winter storms—and more. The bill passed the House unanimously but stalled in the Senate on a 43–53 procedural vote amid larger budget negotiations—not opposition to its content.
Despite the Senate setback, the essential elements of H.R. 662 were incorporated into the American Relief Act of 2025. That act directed USDA to distribute $21 billion nationwide in agricultural disaster aid and an additional $10 billion in economic assistance. Approximately $220 million of that went specifically to block grants like Florida’s.
On July 21, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins used that authority to send $675.9 million to Florida growers—representing the largest state-specific block grant under the new framework.
Franklin emphasized his contributions:
“I led House passage of the Block Grant Assistance Act to give USDA the authority to deliver rapid and flexible aid to producers impacted by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. I also introduced the TEMP Act and co-led the RAISE Act to improve access to capital and disaster support for small and midsize producers.”
The TEMP Act prevents farmers from being penalized for receiving multiple aid forms. The RAISE Act, co-sponsored by Franklin, Wasserman Schultz and Rep. Darren Soto (D–FL), expanded access for small and midsize producers. Several Florida delegation members, including Reps. Laurel Lee and Daniel Webster, later backed the effort and signed a united letter urging USDA to expedite aid after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Local leaders have welcomed the official announcement. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson called it “a major victory,” saying:
“This funding will ensure Florida’s farmers and ranchers have the tools and resources they need to recover and remain competitive in the global marketplace.”
Florida’s commitment to agriculture has also been reflected at the state level. Just weeks before the USDA announcement, state lawmakers approved a $140 million investment in citrus recovery and innovation, led by Senate President Ben Albritton. That funding will be detailed in a separate report.
While this $676 million is specifically for Florida, it is part of a broad national approach that aims to support farmers in multiple states hit by climate-related disasters. USDA estimates $21 billion in aid will be distributed nationwide, with Florida receiving one of the largest individual shares.
Polk County, a cornerstone of Florida’s agricultural economy with strong citrus, cattle, and specialty crop production, stands to gain from this targeted funding. As input costs rise and climate volatility intensifies, the speed and flexibility of the block‑grant model signal a long-sought improvement in federal disaster response.
Franklin framed the moment this way:
“With the right leadership in place, we are finally seeing the decisive action our agricultural industry has been waiting for.”
The Daily Ridge will monitor FDACS’s rollout of application guidelines and continue reporting on how Polk County’s agricultural community uses this vital assistance
Polk County, FL – A former deputy with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office who was previously investigated for allegedly stealing money from a suspect during a traffic stop has now been arrested on new charges involving methamphetamine trafficking.
According to a newly released arrest affidavit, Justin Register, 28, is facing serious felony charges after authorities discovered 27.7 grams of methamphetamine hidden under the driver’s seat of his agency-assigned patrol vehicle. The quantity of the drug, which was found inside a clear plastic baggie, exceeds the 14-gram threshold required for trafficking charges under Florida law. He is also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
The affidavit outlines how the investigation initially began in June after two deputies reported suspicious behavior involving Register during a traffic stop on June 17, 2025. Register allegedly removed a wallet from a suspect’s vehicle and was later seen in possession of it without properly documenting the evidence. The suspect and his family claimed approximately $300 was missing. The money was eventually found in the trunk of Register’s patrol car.
Following that internal investigation, deputies began reviewing cases where Register was involved, including incidents tied to methamphetamine seizures. A full audit of the Sheriff’s Office property and evidence section found no records of any such drugs being submitted in connection with Register. That prompted investigators to obtain a search warrant for his vehicle.
During the search, deputies located the clear plastic bag containing methamphetamine behind the driver’s seat—an area designated for Register’s DUI enforcement supplies, which was not accessible to detainees.
The Sheriff’s Office concluded that there was no legitimate reason for the methamphetamine to be in that location and no evidence tying the drugs to any previous arrests. Investigators were also unable to recover any fingerprints from the bag, reinforcing the theory that it had been intentionally placed there and retained unlawfully.
Register invoked his Fifth Amendment right during questioning and declined to speak further with investigators.
The former deputy, who was terminated earlier this year following the initial theft investigation, was taken into custody on July 25 and booked on charges of trafficking methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Superman has had quite a cinematic history at the box office. His first theatrical film in 1978 set the template for all superhero movies to follow, and the second movie proved to be better than the first. However, the decline in quality with the next two films brought the franchise to a halt. Superman Returns was later released in 2005, but the reboot failed to reboot the franchise. And the less said about the cinematic disasters that were Man of Steel and Batman v. Superman, the better.
Now, nearly a decade after Superman’s last theatrical outing with Justice League, the Man of Steel has triumphantly returned to the big screen with his newest movie, directed by James Gunn. But will Superman save the day? Or is his latest film fated to be box office kryptonite?
Superman 2025 takes place in a world where beings with super abilities called “meta humans” have existed for 300 years. 30 years ago, the metahuman who would eventually become Superman arrived on Earth from the planet Krypton; and three years ago, Superman has been going about his super business as a superhero.
In his current story, Superman is trying to stop a growing conflict between two rival nations. However, matters become complicated after a shocking revelation about Superman’s past is unveiled to the public, turning them against him. Even worse, his dog Krypto goes missing. Can Superman uncover the plot to sully his good name, stop the invasion, and save his pet?
This movie starts with everything about Superman’s origins having already been established: Superman was sent to Krypton, raised in Smallville, he’s discovered and mastered his powers, became a reporter at the Daily Planet, formed a rivalry with Lex Luthor, and not only is he in a relationship with Lois Lane, but she already knows his secret identity. So, with all the important stuff out of the way, this movie has the freedom to be a story about Superman without going through the usual rigmarole other Superman movies go through.
Furthermore, this movie takes place in a universe where superheroes are not only a thing but have been a thing for a while. Superman is no longer the first and only superhero, but one of many in a universe of superheroes—a universe where superheroes have become so commonplace that an epic battle against a giant monster can happen in the background while Superman has a casual conversation with Lois.
With Superman being a superhero in a world overrun by other superheroes, his character now hinges upon what sets him apart from all the others. And perhaps his most shining quality is that, not only is he the strongest superhero, but also one whose moral compass starkly contrasts with everyone else’s—namely, that he has one. Unlike the rival Justice League—er, Gang!—a band of cynical corporate paramilitary lackies with no qualms about creating collateral damage or using excessive force, Superman is less focused on stopping bad guys and more on protecting innocent civilians.
Early in the movie, a shocking revelation about his character is revealed to the public. No spoilers, but the revelation not only poses a challenge for him, turning public opinion against him, but also forces him to reflect on his own character and question everything he has come to
believe about himself.
This Superman film was directed by James Gunn, most famous for directing other superhero movies like Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad. As such, this movie has all the pros and cons associated with a James Gunn film. On the plus side, this movie is bright, colorful, and optimistic with a bit of tongue-in-cheek snarky humor. In other words, a stark and refreshing contrast to the dark, bleak, and overly-serious Zac Snyder DCEU films.
On the other hand, as a James Gunn film, this movie checks off everything expected from a James Gunn flick. A ragtag band of misfits who snark with one another? Check. An epic battle with a needle drop? Check. A villain getting interrupted while monologuing? Check. A snarky sense of humor with the occasional profanity and sex joke snuck in? Check and check.
Look. I’m a big James Gunn fan. I love his work. And I’m glad he’s helming the DC films. I knew what to expect from a Superman film directed by him. But sometimes, being given what you expected can feel underwhelming when you know exactly what to expect. It’s not bad. It’s just…expected.
The third act is also a big mess. A big, beautiful mess that only James Gunn can deliver. But a mess nonetheless. No spoilers, but the third act has three things happening simultaneously, and while normally that wouldn’t be a problem if those three things are well-balanced…well, they’re not. One event proves to be a bigger priority than all the others (as in a reality-destroying priority), and yet it’s also the event given less attention, which makes the last act feel off-kilter.
Is the movie flawed? Yes. Is it imperfect? Yes. But overall, is it still a good movie? Yes. Unequivocally, yes. It’s not as great as the original 1978 movie, but it’s leagues better than Batman v. Superman. Like other James Gunn films, it’s a fun watch.
Fair warning, though: this movie leans hard in the PG-13 rating with its humor and language. As long as you’re comfortable with your kids hearing the words “sh*t” or “a**hole” in a Superman movie or asking what a “harem” is, you can bring them along. At the least, it’s better than having them see Superman snap another man’s neck or die a brutal death.
Oh, and this movie also has Krypto. He’s a good boy!
From the crack of the bat to the smell of a freshly cut field, one thing is for sure: there is nothing better than going to the ballpark during the summer. That’s exactly what I’ve been doing this season.
The first ballpark I visited was Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. If you’re a fan not just of one team but of the game of baseball itself, Fenway Park is the place for you. It embodies the beauty of the game and the rich history of baseball. One of the things that makes Fenway so special is that it’s the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. Built to fit within the city, it features unique dimensions that you won’t find anywhere else.
If you have the chance to go to Fenway, I highly recommend taking a stadium tour. It offers a complete walk-through of the park and shares the fascinating history behind it. When it comes to the game-day experience, the Boston Red Sox offer something truly unforgettable. From singing “Sweet Caroline” during the bottom of the eighth inning to the passionate energy the fans bring, the atmosphere is electric.
What made my visit to Fenway even more special was the opportunity to witness a game between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees, a matchup widely regarded as the biggest rivalry in baseball—and arguably in all of sports. The game itself was nothing short of amazing. Red Sox fans were relentless in heckling Yankees fans and players, and the night ended with Carlos Narváez, a former Yankee, hitting a walk-off in extra innings to beat his old team. It was everything you’d hope for in a rivalry game.
My next stop was Citi Field in Queens, New York, home of the New York Mets. Citi Field offers a completely different experience. Opened in 2008, it’s one of the more modern stadiums in the league, yet it still manages to evoke the feel of a classic ballpark. Its exterior pays homage to Ebbets Field, the former home of the Brooklyn Dodgers, through a similar brick façade.
Here’s a fun fact that many people don’t know: the Mets’ team colors—blue and orange—are a tribute to two former New York baseball teams. The Brooklyn Dodgers wore blue, and the New York Giants wore orange. When those teams left the city, the Mets carried their legacy forward.
Citi Field provides a great fan experience, especially because of its modern amenities and more convenient parking options. In contrast, Fenway Park’s parking is scarce, and most fans get there via the subway, which can be confusing for first-timers.
So far, I’ve attended three games at two ballparks, and I plan on visiting more before the summer ends. But the journey isn’t just about checking off stadiums—it’s about the memories made along the way. Whether it’s the roar of the crowd, the thrill of a walk-off win, or simply sharing a hot dog in the stands, these moments make every trip worth it.
Whatever you do this summer, make time to catch a game or two. Take it all in—because baseball is more than just a game. It’s a feeling, an experience, and for me, the heart of summer.