The following is a press release issued by Brian Bruchey, public information officer at Polk County Sheriff’s Office regarding the overnight fatal crash earlier today:
PCSO – Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a fatal two-vehicle crash early Saturday, January 25, 2025, on State Road 60, about a half-mile east of Logistics Parkway in Winter Haven.
Units were dispatched to the scene at about 4:25 am, along with members from Polk County Fire Rescue.
Upon arrival of first responders, 35-year old Orli Dagoberto Argueta Sanchez of Eagle Lake was found deceased in his vehicle, a 2004 Nissan Sentra.
The other vehicle, a 2022 Hyundai Sonata, was driven by 27-year old Sergio Nino Ramirez of Lake Wales. He was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.
Based on evidence and witness statements, the Nissan was traveling east on eastbound SR 60, and the Hyundai was also in the eastbound lanes, but traveling west. The two vehicles collided head-on.
The eastbound lanes of SR 60 were closed for approximately four hours.
Criminal charges are pending the outcome of the investigation, which is ongoing.
Lake Wales, FL – The Ridge Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity (CME) invites the community to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the scenic highway designation on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 3:00 PM. Doors open at 2:30 PM at the Lake of the Hills Community Club (47 E. Starr Avenue, Lake Wales, FL 33898).
The event will feature refreshments, music, and a historical presentation highlighting the significance of the Ridge Scenic Highway. Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear tributes to the individuals and organizations who played a crucial role in securing the designation.
A Scenic Journey Through Florida’s History
In 2003, representatives from municipalities, organizations, and communities along State Road 17 (Scenic Highway) joined forces with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to advocate for the designation of a 39-mile stretch from Frostproof to Haines City as a Scenic Highway. Their efforts culminated in the official recognition by the Florida Scenic Highways Program in February 2005.
Established to showcase Florida’s exceptional cultural, historic, archaeological, recreational, natural, and scenic treasures along its highway system, the Florida Scenic Highways Program currently boasts 27 designated Scenic Highways, with 6 holding the prestigious National Scenic Byway distinction. This grassroots program raises awareness of these valuable resources, enriching the travel experience for visitors and residents alike. Byway participation fosters resource preservation, enhancement, and economic development within each region.
The Ridge Scenic Highway: A Corridor Rich in History and Beauty
The Ridge Scenic Highway CME continues to promote the scenic route through its annual 39-mile yard sale, encouraging exploration and appreciation for this unique corridor.
Join the Celebration!
The Ridge Scenic Highway CME in partnership with the Lake of the Hills Community Club extends a warm invitation to the community to join this celebratory event. For more information, please contact Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, City of Lake Wales at 863-678-4182 ext. 1254 or [email protected].
FHP Troopers have narrowed the search for the suspect vehicle to a 2021 or newer Tesla Model X, dark in color, likely black or gray. The Tesla will likely display damage to the front and/or front-right portion of the vehicle. The Model X is outfitted with gull-wing doors.
Again, anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call *FHP (*347) or Crime Stoppers at **TIPS.
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January 24, 2025 @ 8:19 PM
Vehicle 2, a Mazda 3, driven by a 37-year-old Lakeland man, was traveling southbound on I-275 near the 32 Milepost, just north of 4th Street North in Pinellas County. The vehicle suffered a flat tire and the driver pulled to a stop along the shoulder of the interstate. While outside of the vehicle and in the process of changing the tire, the driver was struck by a passing vehicle that failed to move over. Transported to an area hospital, the driver later expired from injuries suffered during the crash. Preliminary reports indicate that Vehicle 1 is possibly an unknown model Tesla.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call *FHP (*347) or Crime Stoppers at **TIPS
Chances are, if you’re familiar with Nosferatu, it’s for two reasons:
1) It’s one of the most iconic silent horror movies of all time, and
2) Because the titular character has become a recurring character on SpongeBob SquarePants. (No, I’m dead serious!)
In all seriousness, the original 1922 silent film is one of the most notable horror movies of the silent era, what with its German expressionist visuals, its haunting use of shadows, and, of course, the nightmarish design of the vampire character.
So, nearly a century later, acclaimed direction Robert Eggers has taken on the task of directing a reboot of this horror classic. But was it worth bringing this film back from the dead? Or does it need to be warded off with a crucifix and garlic?
The year is 1838. The place is Wisborg, Germany. A young real estate agent name Thomas Hutter has been sent to the castle of the Count Orlok to sign the deed for a new home. However, to no one’s surprise but Thomas’, this enigmatic count living in a country infamous for vampires turns out to be a vampire!
Count Orlok eventually moves to his new home in Wisborg, where his arrival unleashes a deadly plague that…well…plagues the town. Even more troubling, Orlok seeks to hunt down Thomas’ newlywed wife Ellen to feast on her blood and…uh, do other things. Can Thomas stop the vampire with the help of a vampire hunter? Or will Orlok take more than Ellen’s blood?
I never watched any of Egger’s other films. But I have heard they are good: The Lighthouse, The Witch, The Northman. So, unsurprisingly, his Nosferatu remake turned out to be…pretty good.
If you’re familiar with the original silent movie, Nosferatu essentially follows the exact same story. However, now that a century has passed, Eggers is able to do much more with this movie than the original was able to accomplish, both technically and artistically.
From a technical standpoint, this movie has the benefit of being filmed in color, with sound and spoken dialogue, and with much better and more elaborate special effects. Furthermore, perhaps the most notable upgrade is with the inclusion of sex and violence.
Yes, while the original film was undoubtedly hampered by the puritanical censors and moral standards of its day, what with the aversion toward gory violence and explicit sex and nudity, the 2024 remake, in all of its R-rated glory, leans real hard into the gratuitous blood, gore, and sex. Because aside from wanting to drink Ellen’s blood, now, Count Orlok has a great desire to…eh, do her!
While the movie, in contrast to the original film, is shot in color, it maintains a rather muted color tone that essentially makes it feel like a black-and-white movie.
Bill SkarsgÃ¥rd plays the eponymous Count Orlok, and to no one’s surprise, the actor chilled audiences with his performance of Pennywise the Clown in the It remakes absolutely killed it with his equally chilling performance as the infamous vampire.
And while most of the other acting is rather stifled, William DeFoe provides a breath of fresh air with his almost operatic performance of the eccentric vampire hunter, Prof. Albin Eberhart Von Franz.
If I have a nitpick to make…well, I have several. Because while the movie was good, there were a few notable “odd” choices that Eggers made.
For example, Count Orlok has a mustache now. And a bushy one at that! Eh, I don’t think anyone was ever intimidated by a Ron Swanson stache but…I guess Eggers has a thing for mustaches. Also, Orlok sleeps in his coffin naked. Why did we need to see the vampire’s dick? Who but Eggers knows. But I guess it was a choice.
Also, while this film has no scruples with leaning into its R-rating with nudity, some of the choices for nude and sex scenes were…questionable.
For example, at the start of the film, Thomas spies on a group of villages leading a naked woman on a horse to the grave of a vampire. Why is she naked? Well, you’d assume it’s to lure the vampire out. But, no. The villagers just exhume his corpse and drive a stake into his chest no problem. So, why bring along the naked chick? You know, aside from having a naked chick on screen?
There’s also a sex scene that’s…well, curious. It’s between Thomas and his wife Ellen. Thing is, he decides to do it with her right after she suffers an epileptic fit with her ranting gibberish and with vomit running still down her cheek. Then he decides to do it with her…fully clothed. (Eh, kinky?)
Look. I’m not saying this movie was bad. It’s just one of those movies that I can agree was good but that I didn’t personally jive with. Aside from the odd filmmaking choices, the overall film was more than two hours long…and it certainly felt longer watching it.
Overall, if you’re a horror fan who’s into the classics, then you’ll certainly get some enjoyment watching this remake of a horror classic. For me, though, I feel like I need to watch something with more excitement and less…old vampire dong.
Bartow, Fla. (Jan. 24, 2025) – Polk County Parks and Recreation will host its 9th annual The Hunt for Sasquatch trail race beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, at Bone Valley ATV Park, located at 10427 County Road 630 West, Mulberry.
The park will be closed to all off-highway vehicles from 8 a.m. to noon, but will offer free entry to all off-highway vehicles and riders when it reopens.
The trail race includes a 10K, 5K, and 1-mile color fun run on the scenic trails of the park. Races will be timed by FITniche and conclude with an awards ceremony for various age groups. Participants can register for the race online at https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Mulberry/TheHuntforSasquatch. Registration costs include a t-shirt and swag bag, while supplies last. Race day registration is available for an additional $10 per race.
For more information on the park, along with all regulations, visit www.bonevalleyatv.com or call (863) 428-0525. Contact Parks and Recreation at (863) 534-6911 for more information about The Hunt for Sasquatch trail race.
A head-on collision that occurred overnight resulted in a fatal outcome,
Nathaniel Gale, public information officer for Polk County Fire Rescue, has stated that on trauma-alert patient was transported by helicopter to the hospital.
Brian Bruchey, public information officer for Polk County Sheriff’s Office, has confirmed that there is a fatal crash investigation still in progress near the 8000 block of Hwy. 60 in West Lake Wales. The accident occurred at about 4:25 a.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2025.
Bruchey says one person is deceased. Two vehicles were involved in the “head-on collision.”
“SR 60 was closed for medical transport, but westbound is now open. Eastbound remains closed.”
TRAFFIC ALERT: Hwy. 60 is reported to be closed on both eastbound and westbound lanes. Vehicles are being detoured around an area located at 8392 HWY 60 E, LAKE WALES, FL. We are awaiting confirmation from law enforcement; this is meant to be an advisory if you are planning travel in this area this morning.
A traffic collision was reported around 4:24 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025 and may be the cause of the closure.
The detour appears to be from West Lake Wales Rd. Rd. Alturas Rd.
We have reached out to PCSO for further information and are awaiting an update. Additional information will be shared when received.
Be prepared for the cold night ahead! According to the National Weather Service Tampa Bay Ruskin FL, coldest temperatures of the season so far are expected this evening (January 24, 2025) with multiple cold weather hazards anticipated.
A cold weather advisory has been issued for parts of Florida, including Polk County:
…COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 8 AM EST SATURDAY…
WHAT…Very cold wind chills as low as 27 expected.
WHERE…Portions of southwest and west central Florida.
WHEN…From 1 AM to 8 AM EST Saturday.
IMPACTS…Wind chill values can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.
Carmen Berrios of Kissimmee passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at AdventHealth Lake Wales.
She was born February 9, 1945 in Puerto Rico. She was a retired machine operator at Cellynne Corp. She loved spending time with her family and liked to fish and plant trees.
Survivors include her son, Luis Ortiz (Chaira Dedos) of Lake Wales; daughter, Luz Ortiz (Albert Pizarro) of Bridgeport, CT and Jesenia Ortiz of Kissimmee; sisters, Ana Cartajena of Puerto Rico and Pushi Cartajena of Kissimmee; 9 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
“We are proud to announce that the 28th Annual Lakeland Pigfest will again be held at the SUN n’ FUN Expo Campus in Lakeland, Florida, on January 24th and January 25th, 2025.
Through the continued support of our community, the event has been able to donate over one million dollars of unrestricted funds to local charities since its humble beginnings in 1997. Our local non-profits, who provide the manpower to host this event, are as excited as we are, as we look to continue to grow Florida’s Preeminent Barbecue Contest.
Join the Lakeland Pigfest Board of Directors and the over 150 competition barbecue teams for a weekend of good eatin’, good friends, and good tunes to benefit Lakeland-area charities as we kick off the 28th Annual Lakeland Pigfest!
Admission to Lakeland Pigfest is just $5 and kids 12 years and younger can enter for free. The good eatin’ won’t cost you much and is well worth the value. Stop by a Pig Bucks booth (located near the entrance and various locations throughout) and exchange your cash for Pig Bucks, the official currency of the Lakeland Pigfest. By purchasing food from competition teams, you are supporting their efforts and local charities.”
Friday, January 24, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 10:00 a.ma to 5:00 p.m.
