There are many things I miss about no longer living in Florida. Right now, the one thing I miss most (aside from its lack of snowstorms) is being able to attend Lake Wales Mardi Gras.
I’ve been covering the annual celebration for many years. I’veeven participated in it with the Daily Ridge on their parade unit. I love the food. I love the beads. And overall, I love the atmosphere.
Sadly, since I no longer live in Florida, I won’t be able to attend the event this year. So, to make up for it, I’m going to celebrate Mardi Gras my own way through some good old-fashioned Creole cooking.
I’ve prepared gumbo several times before. I love the flavorful broth prepared with Cajun seasoning with heaping helpings of shrimp and andouille sausages. And poured over rice? It’s…chef kiss.
This year, I plan on preparing the dish for the family for a special Mardi Gras dinner with rice, potato salad, fried okra, and Kings Cake. It may not be as good as attending Lake Wales Mardi Gras, but it’s the next best thing.
Laissez les bons temps rouler! Let the good times roll!
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Shrimp & Sausage Gumbo
Ingredients
4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, chopped
2 stalks celery, finely sliced
12 oz. andouille sausage, sliced into 1/2″ rounds
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 Tbsp. Cajun seasoning (without salt)
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 (15-oz.) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 bay leaf
1 lb. medium shrimp, peeled, deveined
3 scallions, sliced
Cooked white rice, for serving
Directions
1. In a large, deep skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter, then add flour. Cook, stirring constantly, until roux is dark caramel colored, 12 to 15 minutes.
2. Add onions, peppers, and celery and cook, stirring, until softened, about 8 minutes. Stir in sausage, garlic, and Cajun seasoning; season with salt and pepper. Stir in broth, tomatoes, and bay leaf and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 1 hour.
3. In the last 6 minutes of cooking, add shrimp. Once the shrimp is pink and cooked through, taste and adjust the seasonings. Stir in scallions, reserving some for serving.
4. Divide rice among bowls. Spoon gumbo over. Top with reserved scallions.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested and charged an illegal alien from Guatemala for capital sexual battery on a minor and child abuse, and those felonies are enhanced and upgraded one degree per FSS 775.0848 due to the fact that the suspect is here illegally in the country. Alvaro Alfaro Jimenez, DOB 09/17/1992, was taken into custody on February 24, 2025 – he was living in Mulberry.
“This is the first case so far in our county, and maybe even the state, where we are able to increase the severity and penalty of felonies committed by a suspect who is in our country illegally. Not only is he here illegally, his crimes are the worst of the worst – he has been sexually abusing a girl for several years, since she was just 12 years old. This brave young victim reached out for help, and we will make sure she receives all the resources available to be able to recover from this terrible abuse.” -Grady Judd, Sheriff
The victim contacted the Sheriff’s Office for help, and with the aid of a Spanish speaking deputy and detective, she reported that she was brought to the United States illegally by the suspect in 2019, where they first went to Michigan and South Carolina. Her mother remained in Guatemala.
Since 2023 the suspect has not enrolled the victim in school, and has kept her enslaved inside the home in Mulberry, where he repeatedly sexually abused her for approximately three years, since she was 12 years old. The victim was immediately taken to a local hospital to be examined and treated for abdominal pain. The Florida Department of Children and Families has taken custody of and is caring for the victim.
The suspect, Alvaro Alfaro Jimenez, was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with four felonies, including capital sexual battery by a custodial figure. He is being held in the Polk County Jail on no bond.
Pursuant to Florida State Statute 775.0848the criminal charges are upgraded one degree due to the suspect’s specific illegal entry into the United States and the state of Florida. According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Jimenez unlawfully entered the United States in 2019.
HAINES CITY, FL– On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, Haines City Police Officers received a report of a juvenile who had been molested.
During the investigation, members of the Haines City Police Department Criminal Investigations Division obtained several electronic devices belonging to the suspect, 52-year-old Martin Jose Rojas Collazo. A search warrant executed on the first device revealed over 100 explicit images of children. Rojas Collazo admitted to officers that he was attracted to young girls and had a problem with often seeking child pornography. Rojas Collazo advised he did not think his actions were harmful as he believed the young girls in the photos were from other countries. Rojas Collazo was taken into custody and charged with one count of lewd or lascivious molestation and 100 counts of possession of child pornography.
“The subject may not think his actions were harmful, but we take this type of crime seriously,” said Deputy Police Chief Jay Hopwood.
“Every image represents a victim, and we are dedicated to ensuring this individual is held accountable for every count and his actions.”
Due to devices still requiring forensic review, the estimated count of possession of child pornography charges is anticipated to increase.
Artist rendering of part of Orange Avenue Image: City of Lake Wales
by James Coulter
Orange and Crystal Avenue will have its water and sewer lines upgraded as part of its overall Streetscape Project now that these upgrades have been approved by the City of Lake Wales.
At their meeting on Tues. Feb. 18, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve its consent agenda. Part of that agenda included an item on the Orange and Crystal Avenue Streetscape.
The item would approve a task order for Chastain Skillman for$49,700 to be provided as an addendum to the overall Orange and Crystal Avenue Streetscape project.
This task order, according to the memo, will “produce construction drawings and a permit application package for the water line and storm upgrades in the vicinity of the Orange, Crystal, and Market Street Streetscape.”
“Much of this area has already been mapped by surveyors, but additional mapping will be required for the water line upgrades in the alleys and near the water plant,” the memo states.
These upgrades will be a part of the overall million-dollar reconstruction of Orange and Crystal Avenues in Downtown Lake Wales, which will include the resurfacing of the two streets, along with new street lights, sidewalks, trees, and other landscaping.
The overall project is an extension of the city’s Lake Wales Connected Plan, which, according to its website, “seeks to build upon recent momentum, providing a strategy that aligns with the City’s legacy by using a community-based vision to direct future improvements, growth, preservation, and economic vitality.”
When it comes to health, men often take more risks than women. Studies show that men are more likely to smoke, drink too much alcohol, skip regular checkups, and make risky lifestyle choices. But the good news? Small changes can make a big difference in living a longer, healthier life.
Take Charge of Your Health
Consult with your Doctor
Even if you feel fine, visiting a doctor regularly is key. Many serious health conditions don’t show symptoms early on, so regular checkups can catch problems before they become serious.
Healthy Habits for a Stronger You
Exercise
Want to improve your health today? Start with these simple steps: ✅ Eat well and stay active – A balanced diet and regular exercise keep your body strong. ✅ Drink responsibly – If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation. ✅ Quit smoking – It’s never too late to stop and improve your lung and heart health. ✅ Know your family history – Some health conditions run in families, so awareness can help with early detection. ✅ Get health screenings – Regular tests can catch issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer early. ✅ Stay up to date on vaccines – Immunizations protect you from serious diseases like the flu and pneumonia.
Taking charge of your health doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, smart choices today can lead to a healthier future. Don’t wait—start now!
Katelyn Hoverkamp has assumed the role of Public and Media Relations Officer for Polk County Government. Hoverkamp will assist in the county’s public information efforts, engage with the media and ensure effective messaging for county residents and stakeholders.
Having previously served as Polk County Fire Rescue’s Public Safety Information Officer and in the City of Winter Haven’s Public Safety Department, Hoverkamp brings more than a decade of public service to her new role.
“We are thrilled to welcome Katelyn into her new role as Public and Media Relations Officer,” said Amber Smith, Polk County Communications Director. “Her experience within the public safety field, paired with her strong understanding of public relations and communications, will be a tremendous asset as we continue to engage with our community and ensure that our messages are clear, timely and impactful.”
Hoverkamp holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from the University of Florida. Her education, combined with hands-on experience in crisis communications makes her a valuable addition to the county’s communications division.
“The appointment comes at an exciting time for Polk County Communications,” said Smith. “The division continues working to enhance communication efforts across various platforms and channels. We are excited to have Katelyn serve our team in this capacity.”
Robert Alan Glade of Lake Wales, Florida passed away Saturday, February 22, 2025 at his residence.
He was born January 13, 1954 in Silver Lake, Wisconsin to the late Donald and Henrietta Glade; he moved to Lake Wales from Wisconsin three years ago. Robert was very proud of his volunteer service as a firefighter for 13 years. He was a sociable person who enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, and camping.
Robert was preceded in death by his brothers, Donald Glade, Jr. and Ronald Glade; and sister, Joan Michna. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Connie Glade; and sisters, Gale Litewski of Arizona and Sharon Mazur, husband Stan, of Arizona; and adopted granddaughter Mariska Davis.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date in the Saddlebag Community.
Put on your best purple and gold outfit. Get ready to toss and catch beads. And let the good times roll at the Lake Wales Mardi Gras this weekend.
The festivities begin on Fri. Feb. 28, 2025 at 6 PM at Lake Wailes Park. When the sun goes down, the tunes get pumped up with live music performed by local musicians. Also, see the night light up with the 5K Glow Run around the shores of scenic Lake Wailes.
The party continues the next day on Sat. Mar. 1 with live music, food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, and, of course, the big parade at 3pm. The route travels through Downtown Lake Wales along Stuart, Central, and Park Avenue before making its way down Lakeshore Boulevard to the park.
For more than 40 years, this annual celebration has grown to become the largest Mardi Gras celebration in Central Florida, drawing in thousands of attendees each year. You’d have to visit New Orleans for a bigger, livelier celebration.
Joshua Curchy, President of the Lake Wales Mardi Gras Committee, has helped helm the event for many years. Being able to see his hard work and that of his krewes pay off with hundreds and thousands of smiling faces more than makes his involvement worthwhile.
“It’s just bringing people together,” Curchy said. “Everybody’s there for the same reason: to unwind [and] to have some fun. It’s tough these days. Everybody has their ideals and opinions about the world, and it seems like we can just let that go for a coupleof days and have some fun. Everybody comes together and we are all there for a common goal: listen to music, eat some great food, watch the parade, and have a good time.
For more information about Lake Wales Mardi Gras, visit their website at: https://www.lwmardigras.com
Joshua Curchy recently appeared on the Chattin on the Ridge podcast to discuss the upcoming celebration. Listen to the full episode on Acast: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/episodes/ep-54-let-the-good-times-roll-at-mardi-gras-wjoshua-curchy
The Auburndale Police Department is proud to announce its achievement of Excelsior Recognition, the highest level of accreditation awarded by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc. (CFA). This prestigious honor was presented to the department on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the Commission’s meeting in St. Augustine, Florida.
Excelsior Recognition is reserved for criminal justice agencies that have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence by maintaining accredited status for five consecutive cycles over 15 years. This achievement reflects the Auburndale Police Department’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and service to the community.
The department’s journey to this honorable recognition began with its initial accreditation on February 3, 2010, in Hutchinson Island. Since then, the Auburndale Police Department has successfully achieved reaccreditation in 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2022, all in St. Augustine. Accreditation through the CFA involves a comprehensive evaluation of the department’s policies, procedures, and operations against nationally recognized standards. This process ensures that the Auburndale Police Department consistently delivers high-quality, ethical, and transparent services to the community.
The benefits of accreditation include:
Enhanced community trust and confidence in the police department
Reduced risk and exposure to civil litigation
Increased accountability and transparency
Improved operational effectiveness and efficiency
Present to receive the award were City Manager Jeff Tillman, Chief of Police Terry Storie, Deputy Chief Carin Ketcham, Lieutenant Thomas Lokietek, Lieutenant Austin Leal, Lieutenant Cody Skinner, and Accreditation Manager Kassie Mooneyham, representing both the Auburndale Police Department and the City of Auburndale, Florida.
The Auburndale Police Department extends its gratitude to the community for its continued support and looks forward to maintaining these high standards of excellence in the years to come.
2025 is shaping up to be a big year for Central Florida theme parks, from a whole new immersive park celebrating its grand opening to several newer attractions being created for other parks. Here’s a breakdown of everything new coming this year.
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#1: Epic Universe (Universal Orlando Resort)
Undoubtedly, the biggest development in theme parks will be the grand opening of Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, Epic Universe.
Located 12 miles from the main Universal Orlando Resort, this innovative 750-acre park will be home to five immersive lands themed to Nintendo, Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon, and the Universal Monsters. The park is scheduled to open to make its grand debut on May 22, 2025.
Perhaps the most awaited of these lands will be Super Nintendo World, which will feature attractions based on the Super Mario Bros. video game franchise, including the state-of-the-art Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, as well as interactive features throughout the game-themed land.
Another highly-anticipated land will be Dark Universe, themed after the classic Universal Monsters franchise. The main attraction will be Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, a state-of-the-art attraction utilizing Kuka robocoaster technology like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Islands of Adventure.
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#2: Magic Kingdom (Walt Disney World)
The Magic Kingdom is set to make its evenings more magical as millions of glimmering shimmering lights will cast a spell of light and color with the park’s new nighttime attraction, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away.
Set to premiere this summer, this will be the first nighttime parade to perform at the park since the Main Street Electrical Parade ended nearly a decade ago. The new parade will utilize a blend of innovative lighting techniques and whimsical custom fabrics to bring to life scenes from popular Disney films like Moana, Encanto, Peter Pan, and so much more.
Opening later this year will be the Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern. The new themed bar and eatery will open in Adventureland right next door to the namesake attraction. Guests of all ages can expect to enjoy a diverse menu of grogs and grub that will allow them to eat like pirates.
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#3: EPCOT (Walt Disney World)
A new take on an old favorite will be set to open later this summer with the newly refurbished Test Track. The refurbished attraction will feature a new storyline and queue inspired by the former World of Motion attraction, with an emphasis on the past, present, and future of transportation. The attraction’s exterior and ride vehicles will also receive a cutting-edge facelift to better reflect the future of Future World.
Meanwhile, a new lounge will be opening over at Spaceship Earth later this spring. Located at the former Siemens corporate lounge, the new Spaceship Earth Lounge will offer guests a panoramic view of the World Celebration, especially at night during the evening’s fireworks and light show. Moreover, its overall theme and aesthetics will celebrate the history of Spaceship Earth and EPCOT.
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#4: Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Walt Disney World)
While guests will have to wait years for Disney to open its new Villain-themed land in Magic Kingdom, they can celebrate the bad guys they love to hate with a new live show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Opening later this summer, and replacing Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy at Sunset Showcase Theater, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After will be a musical celebration of Disney’s most notorious villains. The show will be hosted by the Magic Mirror from Snow White and feature dozens of villain characters, with special performances by Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent.
Another show opening this summer will be The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure. The replacement for the Voyage of the Little Mermaid, the newly-reimagined stage show will feature innovative effects to help bring the music and scenes from the animated classic to life.
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#5: Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Walt Disney World)
The bad news is that Animal Kingdom has officially called the exterminator with the closing of its opening day attraction It’s Tough To Be a Bug in the Tree of Life. The good news is that the location will be home to a new show inspired by the hit animated film Zootopia.
Set to debut later this winter, Zootopia: Better Together will be a new 4D show set in the fictional furry world of Zootopia. Join Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as they give guests a tour of the animal metropolis, which will feature 4D effects and even an animatronic figure of the chubby cop Clawhauser.
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#6: SeaWorld Orlando
Set out on an expedition to the frosty tundra of the Arctic with SeaWorld’s newest immersive Arctic Theater Experience. Set to open this spring, this attraction will be a fully immersive flying theater experience with cutting-edge visuals and dynamic special effects. Soar over icy
landscapes and dive deep beneath the frozen waters as you explore the Arctic’s icy environment and wildlife.
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#7: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Little explorers will have an entirely new interactive realm to explore and play in when Busch Gardens opens Wild Oasis later this spring. In this immersive, kid-friendly land, small guests can climb through a four-level climbing structure, splash around a splash pad, take a dive down a 35-foot drop tower, and be able to see and interact inside a multispecies habitat filled with capybaras, giant anteaters, squirrel monkeys, and tropical birds.
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#8: LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Don’t worry, Polk County residents. New and exciting things are coming to your own backyard at LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven.
The biggest new attraction will be Sea Life Florida. Opening on May 23, this underwater-themed attraction will allow guests to see more than 3,000 animals in approximately 150,000 gallons of water. This aquarium-style attraction will include 25 interactive exhibits including a freshwater gallery, a stingray bay, and an invertebrate touch pool. LEGOLAND will celebrate the attraction’s opening with a park-wide scavenger hunt of LEGO sea creatures.
For guests staying overnight, the LEGOLAND Resort Hotel will feature new rooms and suites themed to LEGO DUPLO, LEGO NINJAGO, and LEGO Friends. These rooms will be available to book later this year.
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Question: What new attraction are you looking forward to the most this year? Which one are you most excited for? Leave your answer in the comments on Facebook.
