A wrong-way crash on West Pipkin Road Sunday night claimed the life of an 81-year-old Lakeland woman and left a 20-year-old man seriously injured, according to the Lakeland Police Department.
Police said officers responded to the crash at approximately 7:26 p.m. on January 4, 2026, in the 4100 block of West Pipkin Road. Investigators determined that a white Honda SUV was traveling eastbound in the westbound inside lane when it collided head-on with a gray Honda Accord that was traveling westbound in the inside lane.
Police said the driver of the Honda Accord suffered serious injuries. The driver of the Honda SUV later died at the hospital despite medical intervention and was pronounced deceased.
The deceased driver was identified as Mary Lockhart, 81, of Lakeland. The driver of the Honda Accord was identified as Ethan Duncan, 20, of Plant City.
Members of the Lakeland Police Department Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. West Pipkin Road remained shut down for approximately four hours while investigators processed evidence and documented the crash scene.
The investigation remains open and active. Anyone with information related to the crash is asked to contact investigating officer Travis Payne with the Lakeland Police Department.
On January 2, 2009, media outlets report that a rare unrestored 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante Coupehas been found in the garage of a British doctor. A month later, in early February, the car sold at a Paris auction for some $4.4 million.
Photo source David Hartley / Bloomberg News via Getty Images
The black two-seater, one of just 17 57S Atalante Coupes ever made by Bugatti, had been owned by English orthopedic surgeon Harold Carr since 1955. Carr, who died in 2007, reportedly had kept the rare vehicle parked in his garage since the early 1960s and hadn’t driven it in five decades. The car was built in May 1937 and originally owned by Francis Richard Henry Penn Curzon, the 5th Earl Howe. Curzon was also the first president of the British Racing Drivers’ Club and a winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
When it was built, the 57S Atalante Coupe was capable of reaching speeds of more than 120 miles per hour at a time when the average car couldn’t do more than 50 miles per hour. It was also notable for its low-slung frame and V-shaped radiator and featured pig-skin upholstery. At the time of the auction, Carr’s car was said to be in good condition and had 26,284 miles on its odometer.
The Bugatti car company was founded in 1909 by Italian-born Ettore Bugatti (1881-1947) in present-day Molsheim, France, and became known for producing expensive, cutting-edge sports cars and racing cars. From the time of its founding until the 1940s, the company built fewer than 8,000 cars. Following the death of Ettore Bugatti in 1947, the company went into decline and changed hands several times. In 1998, Volkswagen bought the rights to build cars under the Bugatti name. In 2009, the company introduced the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport, a sports car convertible which was capable of speeds of some 253 miles per hour and carried a price tag of more than $2 million. The Veyron could reach 60 mph in under 2.5 seconds.
Chattin on the Ridge: 2025 in Review by James Coulter
The year 2025 marked significant milestones for Chattin on the Ridge podcast. Celebrating its second anniversary, the show reached its 100th episode milestone—counting minisodes, One Movie Later reviews, and promotional content, though there are 75 full-length episodes.
In 2025, the podcast introduced festive new versions of the Daily Ridge jingle: a lively jazz rendition for Mardi Gras, an energetic anthem highlighting diversity for Juneteenth and Pride Month, and a spirited patriotic rock version for Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. During Memorial Day, the patriotic jingle was featured in a special episode that included an interview with local veterans Mike and Billie Sue Hutto, a couple from Frostproof with shared military backgrounds.
This year also marked the podcast’s entry into video, allowing audiences to enjoy content both visually and audibly. The transition began with a vibrant first guest from the television world—the well-known horror host Dr. Paul Bearer, whose character seemed destined for the screen rather than just audio. Additionally, 2025 witnessed the launch of the spin-off series One Movie Later. Building on the host’s previous written movie reviews, the podcast began delving into film reviews and hosted roundtable discussions with special guests. One standout discussion focused on James Gunn’s latest Superman movie, featuring guests DukeCT and long-time friend of the podcastSean Serdynski.
The most talked-about episode of the year involved an interview with the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, and Vice President JD Vance—an interview which was totally legit and not an April Fools’ joke!
Overall, 2025 proved to be a fantastic year for Chattin on the Ridge, with high hopes for even more exciting developments in 2026.
The news media and public are invited to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Ridge District Office grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony to be held on Monday, January 5, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at 9530 Marigold Avenue, Poinciana. Join Sheriff Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies and staff, and the Polk County Board of County Commissioners as they officially open the agency’s 6th District Office. The expansion is the result of extensive growth in the northeast area of Polk County and the combined commitment by the Board of County Commissioners and Sheriff Grady Judd to keeping crime low and keeping our quality of life in Polk County high.
The new district will provide law enforcement, patrol, and investigative services to the Poinciana, Davenport, Haines City, Lake Hamilton, and Dundee unincorporated areas. The district includes areas south of Ernie Caldwell Blvd in northeast Polk County, the US 27 and US 17 corridor on the west extending east to the county line, and the area of Dundee north of Tindel Camp Road and the north Lake Pierce area. The cities of Lake Hamilton, Haines City, and Davenport operate their own municipal police departments. The Sheriff’s Office provides contract law enforcement services to the city of Dundee. The new Ridge district has an estimated population of 136,000 and represents approximately 18% of the county wide PCSO law enforcement calls for service.
“We are excited about this new district station at Poinciana. It represents our commitment to serving the community’s needs in the fastest growing part of our county—northeast Polk. By adding a new district and realigning our patrol districts, we will continue to be on the leading edge of providing the best law enforcement services possible to our citizens and visitors. I thank our County Commissioners for partnering with us to keep Polk County a safe and wonderful place to live, work, and visit.” -Grady Judd, Sheriff.
After a brief ribbon cutting and flag raising ceremony, the public are invited to tour the new Ridge District Command Center. There will be free refreshments and opportunities to interact with district staff.
The Ridge District Station at Poinciana will have a community room for use by the public—it will be free for the community to use for neighborhood events, meetings, and gatherings.
The updated District Command and Facilities locations can be seen HERE!
FDOT: The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is notifying motorists of upcoming nighttime detours scheduled for January 5 and 6 as part of construction activities along Interstate 4 (I-4) (SR 400) and State Road (S.R.) 33 in Polk County. These temporary traffic changes will take place overnight between 9:30 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. and are necessary to support roadway improvements and ensure the safety of drivers and work crews.
During these night-time operations, S.R. 33 northbound and several ramps at Exit 38 will be temporarily closed. Drivers should expect posted signage and follow the designated detour routes outlined below.
𝐒.𝐑. 𝟑𝟑 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 – 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟓–𝟔 Motorists traveling north on S.R. 33 will encounter a full closure near the I-4 interchange.
𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒.𝐑. 𝟑𝟑 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝: •Traffic will be routed to University Boulevard to reconnect with S.R. 33 northbound. •Truck traffic will be directed to I-4 eastbound to access S.R. 33 northbound. •Additional detours will guide drivers to S.R. 33 southbound to reach I-4 westbound, if needed.
𝐄𝐱𝐢𝐭 𝟑𝟖 𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐩 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 – 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟓–𝟔 Both the eastbound and westbound off-ramps at Exit 38 will be closed during nighttime work.
𝐈-𝟒 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐟𝐟-𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐒.𝐑. 𝟑𝟑: •Westbound Off-Ramp will be closed. •Drivers should use Exit 33 to access S.R. 33.
𝐈-𝟒 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐟𝐟-𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐒.𝐑. 𝟑𝟑: •Eastbound Off-Ramp will be closed. •Drivers should also use Exit 33 as the alternate route.
Motorists are encouraged to allow extra travel time, follow posted signage, and use caution when traveling through work zones. All closures are weather-dependent and may be adjusted if necessary.
FDOT appreciates the public’s patience as crews continue to work to improve safety and mobility along this important corridor.
While mental health challenges can affect virtually anyone living anywhere, there are certain populations that are at particular disadvantages for a variety of reasons. Rural areas in the United States have an estimated 17.58 million people in nonmetropolitan areas that experienced depression in 2024, according to microdata from the National Health Interview Survey, but these areas may not have enough support and treatment options.
To learn more about rural residents’ experiences with mental health and awareness of additional or alternatives to traditional treatments that may be effective in rural areas, Rural Minds, the only national 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on advocating for rural mental health, conducted a survey among rural Pennsylvania residents. Nearly 7 in 10 participants (69%) indicated in the past year they have either experienced symptoms of depression themselves or been concerned about someone close to them who is dealing with depression.
“While there are many effective depression treatments in use by mental health professionals, common barriers to mental health treatment for residents of rural areas include the lack of confidentiality in small communities, fewer providers and greater distance to access mental health services,” said Jeff Winton, founder and chairman of Rural Minds. “In addition, many rural residents are either uninsured or underinsured.”
The poll also showed 3 in 4 rural residents (76%) are aware of talk therapy as a depression treatment or intervention, and more than two-thirds (68%) are aware of pharmacological treatments. However, significantly less are aware of additional therapies.
For example, only 17% indicated being aware of digital therapeutics and 11% reported awareness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing.
“Depression is a significant challenge for people living in rural areas,” said Robert E. Nelson, MD, co-owner of DGR Behavioral Health, LLC, and medical director at Caron Counseling Center. “In some parts of the country, mental health services are nonexistent or very limited in rural communities. Additionally, the factors leading to depression can be different for those living outside urban and suburban communities.”
In areas where access to traditional services is limited, other options may help fill the gaps for individuals experiencing depression. For example, nearly half of survey participants (47%) would be interested in a digital app for depression as part of their treatment plan.
What are prescription digital therapeutics (PDTs)?
Technology is changing the way patients receive treatment in many aspects of medicine. That is also true when it comes to mental health. PDTs are health softwares, delivered using a device such as a smartphone or computer, to treat or alleviate a condition, disorder, disease or injury. This type of treatment may need to be paired with traditional forms of treatment to help address a variety of conditions, including mental health conditions.
Treatment delivered digitally can include brain-training exercises, cognitive behavioral therapy and behavioral reinforcement exercises. Some PDTs can also adapt based on usage.
To be considered a true prescription digital therapeutic, the software must be authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which gives users greater confidence in its usage and outcomes.
Prescription digital therapeutics offer an additional or alternative treatment.
In addition to the potential positive implications for improving access to mental health treatment options among rural residents, there are some other potential advantages to prescription digital therapeutics:
Less likely to cause side effects. Because there are no additional medications involved, this form of therapy doesn’t carry the same risk of medicine-related side effects or drug interactions with other medications that the user may be taking.
Studied for safety and effectiveness. In order to qualify for FDA authorization, they are studied in clinical trials to verify their safety and ettectiveness.
Convenient. Since PDTs are provided via a personal device, such as a smartphone or tablet, the patient can access treatment when and where it’s most convenient.
Private. The nature of a PDT means it’s delivered remotely, and patients can pursue treatment within their own homes or other private locations without the need to make regular visits to a doctor’s office.
Welcome, World Travelers! New Fraggle Rock Show Premieres at Kennedy Space Center by James Coulter
Dance your cares away! Worries for another day! And hear the music play at the new live show starring the Fraggles at Kennedy Space Center.
Join Gobo, Red, and Uncle Traveling Matt from Fraggle Rock as they embark on a comedic, musical adventure to the Kennedy Space Center to learn all about NASA. Together, these Fraggle characters learn about the hard work that goes into space missions, and they even receive some insight from a real-life astronaut.
“Fraggle Rock: A Space-y Adventure” is a unique first-of-its-kind collaboration between the Kennedy Space Center and the Jim Henson Company. The live show blends costumed and puppet characters (all crafted by the award-winning Jim Henson’s Creature Shop) to tell an engaging yet educational story, inspiring young minds to become more interested in space exploration.
Produced and designed by The Producers Group in association with The Jim Henson Company, the new live show is written, choreographed, and directed by John Tartaglia, who is also involved with “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock.”
“Families are in for a real treat when the magic and wonder of Fraggle Rock arrives at the legendary Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Fans of all ages will be able to see Uncle Travelling Matt, Red, Gobo, and Cotterpin Doozer live and in person,” he said.
“Fraggle Rock has always embraced the idea that anything is possible when we work together and celebrate our interconnected world, and NASA is such an incredible example of that idea,” he continued. “With our Fraggles and Doozersmeeting new friends from NASA, there will be music, comedy, and so much to explore.”
“Fraggle Rock: A Space-y Adventure celebrates the joy of discovery and the spirit of curiosity that has always defined the NASA story we share here at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex,” said Therrin Protze, COO, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
“We’re honored to partner with The Jim Henson Company, known for its innovation, imagination, and storytelling for young audiences and families, to create a show that will inspire dreamers of all ages to look up, explore, and picture their own place among the stars,” she continued.
“Fraggle Rock: A Space-y Adventure” will be performed twice daily at 12:30 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. in the Universe Theater at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The show is included with admission. Learn more at: http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com
Eight Speed Bumps Approved for Roads in Lakeland and Mulberry
by James Coulter
Lakeland and Mulberry residents will no longer have to worry about being disturbed by speeding vehicles now that speed bumps have been approved for installation on three roads.
At their regular meeting on Tues. Dec. 16, Polk County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve three ordinances authorizing the installation of the following:
⦁ Four speed bumps on Arizona Avenue in Lakeland for an estimated $20,000,
⦁ Two speed bumps on Jamestown Avenue in Lakeland for $10,000, and
⦁ Two speed bumps on Fox Creek Drive South in Mulberry for $10,000.
County staff determined the placement of these speed bumps after conducting traffic studies on each road and receiving a favorable vote from residents via distributed ballots.
Funding for all three projects is budgeted within the county’s Transportation Millage Fund.
Congratulations to Lieutenant Jason Perez on graduating as a member of the 296th session of the FBI National Academy. The graduation took place earlier this month at the National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. The program is considered one of the top advanced law enforcement academies in our county. Nationally, fewer than one percent of officers have the opportunity to attend the program.
The 296th session consisted of 254 law enforcement officers from 47 states and the District of Columbia. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 24 countries, four military organizations, and two federal civilian organizations. Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers 11 weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.
“Lieutenant Jason Perez is a proven leader within our agency and deserving of this opportunity. He has a deep commitment to serving the citizens of Lakeland while ensuring the Lakeland Police Department operates at the highest level. I want to personally congratulate him on this accomplishment, and I am confident he will continue to provide valuable leadership and experience well into the future.” – Chief Sam Taylor.
Lieutenant Jason Perez was raised in Brooklyn, New York, and began his career with the Lakeland Police Department in December 2003. Throughout his service, he has worked in Uniform Patrol, the Special Investigations Section, the Violent Crimes Unit, and the Special Victims Unit. In 2014, he was promoted to Sergeant and later returned to Patrol for two years before rejoining the Criminal Investigation Division, where he served as a supervisor over the Property Crimes Unit, Special Victims Unit, and Violent Crimes Unit. Lieutenant Perez earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 2017. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2021 and assigned to the Uniform Patrol Division, later transferring in 2024 to the Special Investigations Division, where he currently serves as Officer in Charge.
A total of 56,688 graduates have completed the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. The National Academy is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, the same facility where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts.
A Davenport man died Monday morning after suffering a medical emergency while driving on U.S. 27, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m. on December 29, 2025. Troopers said a 64-year-old man was driving a Nissan Altima northbound on U.S. 27 south of Bates Road when he experienced a medical emergency and lost control of the vehicle.
The Altima departed the roadway, struck several scrubs, and became partially submerged in a marsh area adjacent to the highway.
The driver was transported to an area hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The incident remains under investigation. Information was provided by FHP Public Affairs Officer Sgt. Steve Gaskins.
