It wasn’t snow covering the sand at Hammock Beach last week—just something far more dangerous. The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office reports that deputies recovered more than 20 pounds of cocaine that had washed ashore in a large bag late one night last week.
Photo source Flagler County Sheriff’s Office
According to officials, a vigilant resident walking a dog noticed the package and immediately contacted authorities. Deputies quickly responded and secured the scene. After the narcotics were dried and tested by the department’s Special Investigations Unit, the substance was confirmed to be 100% cocaine.
“We are working with the DEA to determine where the cocaine came from,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “I want to thank the resident who called this in—because of them, we were able to remove this poison from our beach.”
The Sheriff’s Office reminds the public: if you find suspicious packages near the water, do not touch or take them. Instead, contact law enforcement immediately.
Step Back to the ’80s for a Totally Tubular Murder Mystery at Bartow Library
Calling all detectives with a flair for the neon! The Bartow Public Library is hosting an 80’s Prom After Hours Murder Mystery on October 17th from 6–8 p.m. for ages 16 and up. Step into 1985, where a prom night turns into a night of intrigue and investigation — and it’s up to you to solve the crime!
Costumes are encouraged (think big hair, bright colors, and shoulder pads). Registration is required, so grab your spot today by calling 863-534-0131. It’s gonna be totally radical!
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Bloom Techs’ Root & Remedy, located in Polk County, Florida, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations, Florida Department of State, pursuant to Section 865.09 of the Florida Statutes.
Sharing a meal offers far more than a full stomach; the benefits of eating together extend well beyond the dinner table.
In the “2025 World Happiness Report,” evidence shows that sharing meals has a substantial impact on an individual’s well-being. Those who regularly eat with others report higher life satisfaction and display higher levels of social support, positive reciprocity and less loneliness.
Civil and Respectful Interactions
In a world full of distractions, it may come as no surprise the “2025 Family Meals Barometer” survey found poor communication is a leading concern among parents, more worrisome than schoolwork or chores.
More than two-thirds of respondents expressed a belief that civility in America is worse today compared to 10 years ago, but 74% said family meals are a great time to have and teach respectful interactions. Frequent family meals create a safe environment for families to discuss thornier societal issues.
Better Nutrition
Numerous studies have shown families who eat more meals together have healthier eating habits and better diets in general. Family meals at home typically make it easier to fill plates with food from each food group. What’s more, parents who prepare well-balanced meals and model healthy food choices allow children to mirror and adopt similar habits.
Improved Family Function
In the “2025 Family Meals Barometer” survey, respondents cited having more time to spend together and family meals as the top two ways they feel more connected to family and loved ones. With busy school and extracurricular schedules, many families are hard-pressed to find quality time together without distractions.
Gathering around the dinner table is an opportunity to connect with one another and talk about what’s happening at work, school and with friends.
Better Grades at School
Numerous factors affect students’ academic performance, but eating together as a family helps reinforce many of the variables thought to influence student success. More nutritious meals play a role in stronger cognitive function. Multiple researchers found that children who are part of families that eat together regularly tend to have a stronger vocabulary and higher grades.
Improved Mental Health
Another way family meals benefit students at school and beyond is stronger mental and emotional health. In several independent studies, researchers found a positive correlation between family meals and self-esteem, psychosocial outcomes and other markers of mental health.
Make Dinner Prep a Family Affair
The benefits of eating together as a family don’t have to wait until everyone is at the table. During dinner prep, parents and children have a chance to work elbow-to-elbow and talk about their days.
When children participate in preparing healthy food, they may be more interested in eating it. As an added bonus, kids who take part in food preparation enjoy the benefits of building their own lite skills.
DIY dishes that put kids in charge of what goes on their plates can be a fun way to bring the family together and make meal prep easy. You can customize salad kits with a selection of protein options, create your own personal pizzas or serve a bar-style dinner such as nachos, baked potatoes or tacos that let each family member choose their own toppings.
Tampa-based firm recognized for statewide leadership in truck and commercial vehicle accident litigation
Tampa, FL — October 13, 2025 — Brooks Law Group today announced it has been named a 2025 Best of Florida — Personal Injury Firms winner, honoring the firm’s commitment to client advocacy and results across the state of Florida. The Tampa-based personal injury firm focuses its practice on trucking and commercial vehicle (CMV) accident cases, representing clients from the Panhandle to South Florida.
“We’ve built our practice around the complexities of commercial vehicle litigation—rapid evidence preservation, federal and state regulation, fleet telematics, and the collision of corporate policy with real people’s lives,” said Stephen K. Brooks of Brooks Law Group. “This recognition is a meaningful nod to the dedication our team brings to every case and every client.”
With a statewide footprint, Brooks Law Group’s attorneys handle a broad spectrum of CMV matters, including semi-truck, box-truck, delivery van, construction vehicle, and bus collisions. The firm’s approach integrates rapid evidence preservation, analysis of ECM/EDR and fleet telematics, and collaboration with accident reconstruction, human factors, and medical experts to build strong, fact-driven cases.
Recognition Highlights
Award: Best of Florida — Personal Injury Firms (2025)
Practice Focus: Trucking and commercial vehicle accidents statewide
Headquarters: Tampa, Florida
Impact: Signals consistent legal excellence and client-centered service in high-stakes roadway litigation
“Commercial vehicle cases move fast and demand precision,” added Beach Brooks III. “From early scene work and spoliation letters to negotiating with insurers and, when necessary, trying cases, our team is structured to move decisively for Florida families.”
Brooks Law Group is a Florida-based personal injury firm with a specialty focus on trucking and commercial vehicle (CMV) accidents, including semi-trucks, box trucks, delivery vans, construction vehicles, buses, and other commercial fleets—serving clients throughout the state from its headquarters in Tampa. The firm is committed to advocacy, education, and community engagement and brings deep, hands-on experience to complex CMV crash investigations and litigation. Learn more at LookToBrooks.com.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred Sunday afternoon, October 12, 2025, on US-27 near Blue Heron Boulevard.
According to FHP, the collision happened around 4:00 p.m. when a 20-year-old Davenport man driving a Kia sedan was heading southbound on US-27. As the driver attempted to turn left onto Blue Heron Boulevard, his vehicle entered the path of a northbound Tesla Model 3 driven by a 26-year-old Haines City man.
The Tesla struck the Kia, resulting in fatal injuries to the Davenport driver, who was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Haines City driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Troopers continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. No additional details have been released at this time by FHP.
Families are invited to enjoy an evening of Halloween fun at the Trunk-or-Treat event happening tonight, October 13, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Bartow Executive Airport.
This family-friendly celebration will feature decorated trunks filled with candy, face painting, food trucks, and a chance to see aircraft up close. Children are encouraged to come dressed in costume and enjoy a night of festive activities on the airside of the airport. Admission is free, and the event promises fun for all ages.
Sponsored by Ewing, Blackwelder & Duce Insurance, the Trunk-or-Treat event offers the community an opportunity to combine Halloween excitement with a unique aviation experience.
With candy, costumes, and airplanes all in one place, it’s set to be a memorable evening for Bartow area families.
Davenport’s annual Trunk or Treat is rolling in for a night packed with community fun, laughter, and just the right amount of spooky! This free event is the perfect way to celebrate Halloween — whether you’re coming to enjoy candy, games, or to show off your best costume.
The evening will feature food, fun, games, and prizes for all ages, so bring the whole family and join in on the celebration. Be sure to dress to impress — the Costume Contest begins at 7 PM, with exciting prizes for some of the best and most creative looks!
Tom Fellows Community Center
207 North Blvd. W., Davenport, FL
October 31 | 6–9 PM
Don’t miss this night of festive fun, presented by the City of Davenport. For more information, contact Dustin at 863-588-1130 or [email protected].
John Luis “JonJon” Ramos, 44, of Kissimmee, FL, passed away on October 2, 2025, at HCA Poinciana Hospital. He was born on July 26, 1981, in the Bronx, NY, to Luis Angel Ramos and Nitza Figueroa. JonJon moved to Florida in 2009 from Carolina, Puerto Rico, and was of the Catholic faith.
JonJon was a devoted fan of Dragon Ball Z and loved playing PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. He was known for his joyful spirit and infectious sense of humor—always bringing laughter and happiness to those around him. JonJon loved to make people smile and had a magnetic personality that made him the center of attention wherever he went. He was also known for his kind heart and willingness to help anyone in need.
He was preceded in death by his father, Luis Angel Ramos. JonJon leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 16 years, Evelyn Crespo Colon; his children, Kaisy, Taisha, and Kevin; his mother, Nitza Figueroa; his siblings, Luis Angel, Ginet, Mary Margarita, and Giselle; and his beloved 4-month-old grandson, Eyden.
Fall is here. Apples are in season. And what could be more fitting than homemade apple pie.
Sometimes you don’t have the time or patience to make an apple pie. But sometimes you want something more satisfying to eat than a store-bought pie.
What do you do?
Why not try making an apple dump cake? It has all the warm, comforting gooey-ness of an apple pie with only half the effort. All you need to do is dump apple pie filling and cake mix into a baking dish and bake it in the oven.
Of course, if you’re willing to put in a little more effort, you can prepare your dump cake using fresh apples.
Here’s two recipes for apple dump cake: one with apple pie filling, and the other with fresh apples.
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Apple Dump Cake (w/Apple Pie Filling)
Ingredients
• 2 cans (20-21 oz.) apple pie filling
• 1 box (13.25–16.5 oz.) yellow or spice cake mix
• 1 cup melted butter (or 2 sticks sliced)
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• Caramel sauce (optional)
• Vanilla ice cream (optional)
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
2. Dump apple pie filling into dish and spread evenly.
3. Sprinkle cake mix over filling and spread into even layer.
4. Pour melted butter or lay out sliced butter over cake mix, then sprinkle on cinnamon.
5. Bake 45–55 minutes, or until apples are bubbling and the top is golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until cake has cooled.
7. Serve with vanilla ice cream, drizzle with caramel, or both.
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Apple Dump Cake (w/Fresh Apples)
Ingredients
• 6 apples
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar.
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar.
• 2 tsp. cinnamon.
• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1 box (13.25–16.5 oz.) yellow or spice cake mix
• 1 cup melted butter (or 2 sticks sliced)
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• Caramel sauce (optional)
• Vanilla ice cream (optional)
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
2. Peel, core, and slice apples.
3. Mix apples slices with sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated.
4. Dump apple mixture into baking dish and spread evenly.
5. Sprinkle cake mix over apple mixture and spread into even layer.
6. Pour melted butter or lay out sliced butter over cake mix.
7. Bake 45–55 minutes, or until apples are bubbling and the top is golden brown.
8. Remove from oven and let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until cake has cooled.
9. Serve with vanilla ice cream, drizzle with caramel, or both.
