HAINES CITY – Studies show that every day, 22 veterans take their own lives, more than 8,000 lives lost every year.
Veterans Justin Brennan and Coy Bope want to change that.
Veterans Justin Brennan and Coy Bope
Their nonprofit, Veterans Outdoor Ministries, was founded with one mission: to bring veterans and their families outside and surround them with healing, connection, and purpose.
Brennan, a U.S. Army veteran who served two deployments in Iraq, understands firsthand the challenges of returning home.
“When I returned from my second deployment, there were service organizations available that I reached out to, and they helped me,” Brennan said.
Now, he wants to pay it forward.
The organization focuses on taking veterans, their spouses or caregivers, and families into the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping, and participating in activities that help them reconnect with others and with themselves.
“Oftentimes, veterans feel trapped and alone indoors, shut off from the world,” Brennan explained. “We know that the outdoors has the healing power to help veterans who are struggling with mental health issues.”
The heart of the program is simple: healing through camaraderie, healing through nature, and, Brennan says, healing through faith.
“The idea behind it is healing through comradery with other veterans, healing through nature, and we like to add one more strand to the cord,” he said. “As good as those organizations were that helped me, there was one component missing.”
And that component, he said, was God.
“As veterans ourselves, my wife and I know that the healing power in this combination is amazing. We spend as much time in the outdoors as we possibly can, and we are trying to spread that enjoyment within the veteran community, one hero at a time.”
Brennan and Bope met when Bope attended one of the organization’s trips, in fact, the very first one.
That was in April 2024. Since then, Veterans Outdoor Ministries have taken veterans on more than 30 outdoor adventures, giving them something many haven’t felt in a long time: hope.
After the trip, the two vets became fast friends, and Bope became a member of the organization’s board of directors. Brennen’s wife, Aprie, and Bope’s wife, Brooke, are also an active part of the group.
Trips are posted on the group’s website. and vets sign up for the complimentary trips that way. Some of the trips have included hog hunting, a shark’s tooth search, gator hunting, and deep-sea fishing.
“I had the privilege and honor of getting to go with Veterans Outdoor Ministries on a hog hunt and the experience was nothing short of spectacular,” wrote James Herring on their website. “The camaraderie with other veterans was fantastic and the hospitality from the group was top notch.”
The organization is a 501c3 that is funded entirely by donations. “We need to do our part to give these great American heroes everything we can because they signed a blank check for everything they had,” Brennan said.
For more information, visit veteransoutdoorministries.org.
Each year on Nov. 11, communities across the country come together to honor the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. This Veterans Day, many local restaurants and businesses are showing their gratitude by offering free meals and special discounts to veterans and active-duty service members.
Veterans Day has deep historical roots. It began as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I when the fighting stopped on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. The holiday became official in 1938, and in 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation to rename it Veterans Day — a tribute not just to those who fought in World War I, but to all who have served our nation.
Today, Veterans Day is both a time of remembrance and a moment of appreciation. Along with ceremonies and social media acknowledgement, many businesses are offering veterans a well-deserved “thank you” through free meals and special offers. Most businesses ask for a form of military ID, such as a Veteran ID Card or DD214, and some deals are limited to dine-in guests. Be sure to check with your local restaurants and businesses to confirm participation before you go.
Chipotle
Members of the military community – both veterans and active-duty military personnel with a valid military ID – who order any entrée can get a second entrée free from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Veterans Day.
Starbucks
For Veterans Day, Starbucks will give veterans, service members, and military spouses a free tall 12-ounce brewed coffee (hot or iced) at participating stores in the U.S. (Restrictions may apply.)
Bob Evans
Bob Evans restaurants will offer a free meal from a select Veterans Day menu Tuesday for both veterans and active-duty military.
Beef O’Brady’s
All veterans and active-duty military can get a free burger and fries on Veterans Day. (Not valid with any other offer, discount, or promotion)
Chili’s
The restaurant is giving all veterans and active military personnel a free entrée from a limited list when dining at any location on Veterans Day.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers
Veterans and current military members who visit participating locations on Veterans Day can get a free Freddy’s Combo meal card, which is redeemable through the end of the year.
Panera Bread
On Veterans Day, all veterans and active-duty military service members can get a free pastry or bakery item and a cup of coffee at a participating location. Proof of military service is required.
Wendy’s
On Veterans Day, all veterans and active-duty military service members can get a free Breakfast Combo at any participating restaurant. Proof of military service is required.
IHOP
On Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty military personnel can get a free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo, dine in only; proof of military service required.
Outback Steakhouse
Those who visit the restaurant with valid veterans and active-duty military IDs can get a free Aussie 3-Course Meal.
Dunkin’ Donuts
The eatery is offering all active and retired military a free doughnut when they show their military ID at participating restaurants.
LongHorn Steakhouse
This chain is giving veterans and active-duty military 10% off their meal and a free appetizer or dessert for their table Tuesday.
Olive Garden
OG is offering a free meal from a special menu on Tuesday that includes an entrée and comes with unlimited breadsticks and soup or salad.
Scooter’s Coffee
Show a valid military ID on Veterans Day and get a free medium drink.
Arby’s
Today, all veterans and active-duty military service members can get a free Classic Roast Beef Sandwich at participating locations. Offer good in store; proof of service required.
Sonic
In honor of Veterans Day, Sonic has a Buy One, Get One Free deal when you buy a Sonic Cheeseburger, SuperSonic Double Cheeseburger or Footlong Quarter Pound Coney; offer good for all Sonic app users.
Cracker Barrel
Veterans and active-duty military dining in on 11/11 at participating locations get a free Sunrise Pancake Special. Proof of military service required.
Sonny’s BBQ
Veterans and active-duty military get a free Pork Big Deal, with a valid ID.
Golden Corral
All veterans, active-duty military personnel, reservists and guardsman included, may receive a free buffet meal with beverage from 4 p.m. to close on Veterans Day.
Walgreens
The retailer is offering veterans and active-duty military 20% off regularly priced products on Nov. 11. A valid military ID or proof of service and a myWalgreens account are required.
LAKELAND, FL (November 10, 2025) – After more than seven years of unanswered questions, Lakeland Police detectives have made an arrest in the 2018 murder of 14-year-old Rex Honors IV.
According to Lakeland Police Department officials, Cold Case Investigators recently took a fresh look at the case. Using advances in technology along with new interviews, detectives were able to identify a suspect and make an arrest, bringing long-awaited closure to the Honors family.
The homicide happened on July 3, 2018. At approximately 4:22 a.m., Lakeland Police officers responded to a suspicious incident at 845 West Crawford Street. An older brother who was 21 years old at the time — told officers he had arrived home and could not locate his younger brother. Officers searched the property and located 14-year-old Rex Honors IV deceased in the backyard.
At the time of the murder, Tampa Patch News reported that the scene appeared unusual when the older brother arrived home. Patch described that “a table had been broken and the sliding glass door to the back yard was open.” When he walked outside, he found the teen dead in the yard. Family members at that time told Patch the boy had been shot.
Tampa Patch also reported that Rex had just completed seventh grade at Southwest Middle School and was remembered as a strong student who excelled in math and was known for his constant smile. The school posted publicly that they were “deeply saddened by the tragic death of our student,” noting that students and staff were heartbroken.
Friends and community members shared similar sentiments. Tampa Patch quoted former daycare teacher Tiffany Mann, who recalled the teen’s personality and childhood humor. “I still can’t believe that this sweet boy’s life was cut so short by the hands of someone else,” she said at the time.
Lakeland Police now say advancements in forensic technology allowed investigators to analyze and compare evidence that was previously inconclusive. Detectives have not yet released the identity of the arrested suspect, pending formal court proceedings.
A press conference is scheduled to provide additional details:
Press Conference Information
Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Lakeland Police Department – Community Room, 2nd Floor
Lakeland Police state they will release more information at that time, including investigative details that led to the arrest.
The Daily Ridge will continue to follow this developing story.
LAKELAND, FL On Saturday, November 8, 2025, emergency crews responded to a crash that tragically claimed the life of a Lakeland man after his motorcycle struck two vehicles on US Highway 98 South.
According to the Lakeland Police Department, the crash occurred around 11:04 a.m. near the 700 block of US Highway 98 South. Investigators say 21 year old Blake Scott of Lakeland was operating a red Kawasaki motorcycle traveling North on US Highway 98 South just before the crash.
At the same time, a silver Toyota driven by 61 year old Lashaun Vernon of Port Saint Lucie was traveling north in the inside lane. A grey Jeep driven by 24 year old Kylie Russo of Lakeland was traveling north in the outside lane and was slightly ahead of the Toyota. 67 year old Tanegho Smith of Miramar was a passenger in the Toyota.
According to police, Scott began lane splitting between the two northbound vehicles. The motorcycle impacted the passenger side mirror of the Toyota driven by Vernon, then veered to the outside lane and struck the rear of the Jeep driven by Russo.
Lakeland Police Department patrol units, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department arrived quickly and provided life saving measures. Scott was transported by ambulance to Lakeland Regional Health. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, he was pronounced deceased at 5:29 p.m.
Neither Vernon, Smith, nor Russo sustained injuries during the crash.
Members of the Lakeland Police Department Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. The roadway was shut down for approximately two hours while evidence was collected and documented.
This remains an open and active investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Officer Travis Payne at [email protected].
BARTOW – With nine months under his belt as the new Polk County Property Appraiser, Neil Combee is living up to his campaign promise.
A veteran public servant, Combee was elected last year saying he was ready to meet the challenges of the tremendous growth of Polk County. By using effective leadership and adopting new technologies he said he would aim for efficiency and cost savings.
True to his word, his department “returned” $2.8 million to the Board of County Commissioners. That’s a considerable amount of the $14.53 million budget last year and, this year, the proposed budget is lower by a fraction at $14.46 million.
“I’m really proud of the staff. We all try to be responsible stewards of the taxpayer’s money,” he said.
According to the website, the Property Appraiser is responsible for determining the value of all property in the county on the appraisal date of Jan. 1 of each year. In addition to appraising more than 350,000 parcels of real estate and 75,000 business accounts, the Property Appraiser administers 120,000 homestead exemptions and must determine property entitled to Agricultural Classification.
“It’s been a busy 9 and ½ months. The people who work here are so dedicated. I figured that out after two months,” he said. “These people know what they are doing.”
Once he took over as the leader of the Property Appraiser’s office, he initiated a full efficiency study of the organization. His goal was to ensure the workload was spread out evenly and staffed correctly.
“I wanted to give a new perspective on the way that things had been done,” he said. “No one from ‘the outside’ had been in this position for 90 years. So, it was time for that to happen.” Combee is referring to “the outside” as being someone who is elected that wasn’t an employee of the Office already. For example, Marsha Faux, the PA immediately before Combee, worked in the Office for 12 years before she was elected.
The efficiency study showed that several positions needed to be eliminated.
“The positions that were eliminated weren’t filled at the time, so no one lost their job.” He explained “And the job load seems to be spread out evenly. Everyone’s position is very specific, no one can go over and do someone else’s job.”
Additionally, he and key members of the staff visited neighboring county property appraisers’ offices.
“We went to see how they are doing things,” he said. They visited Hillsborough and Lee Counties among others.
One tool they learned about during their visits and have adopted is Nearmap, a desktop application that provides updated aerial imagery that is touted to be better than satellites or drones. It allows employees to inspect, analyze and visualize locations with high-resolution data. This allows staff to perform their jobs at their desks instead of out in the field. Using this technology will decrease the number of cars in the fleet, saving money on fuel, insurance, and employees’ time. More advanced technology is scheduled for next year that will automatically show if a change occurred on the property.
“Change detectors save a lot of time and money and that’s our goal – efficiency,” Combee said.
Combee, born and raised in Lakeland, attended what is now known as Polk State College and Florida State University. He served as a County Commissioner from 1988 to 2004. He was appointed and served from 2005-2012 to the governing board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District. He then served until 2017 in the Florida House of Representatives. Next, he was appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as the state executive director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service in Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Then, he was elected again as a County Commissioner in 2020 and served until 2024.
He said he has no further political aspirations and wishes he would have started in the PA officer earlier in his life.
Probably the most public part of the PCPA office is the website and those who use it may have noticed some changes recently.
“We are trying to make it more user-friendly,” he said adding that the IT department staff are some of the best he’s ever worked with. “The changes are trial and error. If it’s not working, we aren’t going to be stubborn and keep it. We will do what’s best.”
He said those who use the website on a consistent basis sometimes complain of how slow it loads. “It’s called ‘scraping data’ and it happens when a big website like Zillow comes onto our site and scraps all our date for their website,” Combee said. “It slows our site considerably.”
Additionally, he added weekly senior management meetings to the schedule to be able to “look each other in the eye and find out what we can do to help each other,” he said. Also, once a month he holds a full agency meeting. “We get our 100 plus people in one room and give employee updates on what we are all doing, recognize years of service and just talk about things,” he said. There are currently about 125 employees with some openings available. They have also held realtor training on the website changes.
Once a year, the Department of Revenue does an audit. On alternating years, there is an in-depth audit that randomly pulls a significant number of properties, their appraisals and then compares them with the Polk County Property Appraiser’s values for the selected properties. On alternating years, it is not as in depth but still serves the same purpose.
“The audits occur to ensure adherence to required methodology and that our values are correct and fair,” Combee said.
He also said that he doesn’t believe there will be an elimination of property taxes. However, he hopes the government finds a way to take some of the pressure off homeowners. He wants to remind residents that in 2026 there may be a resolution on ballots concerning homestead exemptions. If passed by voters, homestead exemptions would increase in turn saving homeowners money. The resolution will need 60 percent of the vote to pass.
Combee said homeowners are always welcome to call the Property Appraisers Office with any questions or if they feel their property taxes are incorrect.
“There’s a lot of properties and sometimes mistakes are made,” he said. “We’re human.”
To reach the Polk County Property Appraiser’s Office, call 863.534.4777 or visit in person at
255 North Wilson Avenue, Bartow or online at polkpa.org.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Heritage Designs, 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.
HARDEE/POLK COUNTY – A man wanted for murder in Lee County was captured Saturday afternoon after a lengthy multi-county pursuit that began in Hardee County and ended in Bartow with assistance from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office, just before noon on November 9, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office contacted them regarding a vehicle believed to be in Hardee County. Deputies were asked to be on the lookout for a 2024 black Dodge dually pickup truck connected to a homicide investigation. The suspect, identified as Leosbey Cuesta De Armas, was wanted on charges of Second Degree Murder and First Degree Burglary with Battery from an incident that occurred the previous day, November 8, in Lee County.
Hardee deputies began patrolling the southern part of the county and soon located the pickup parked on Dallas McClelland Road. As deputies approached, the vehicle fled. A pursuit began as the suspect drove north, evading several attempts by deputies to use stop sticks. The chase continued on US Highway 17, passing through Zolfo Springs, Wauchula, Bowling Green, and Fort Meade.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office was notified as the pursuit crossed into their jurisdiction. Polk deputies and aviation units joined in as the truck continued northbound.
As the pursuit entered the southern area of Bartow, Polk deputies successfully deployed stop sticks, deflating the front left tire. The suspect struck a Polk County patrol vehicle but continued north. Moments later, the truck veered left near Martin Luther King Jr Avenue, crossed the median, and struck a light pole, bringing the chase to a stop.
Power lines were actively sparking in the roadway after the collision, and deputies quickly removed the suspect from the truck for safety. Leosbey Cuesta De Armas was turned over to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and transported by EMS to a nearby hospital for treatment. Hardee County deputies obtained a warrant for Fleeing to Elude related to the pursuit.
No other injuries or additional vehicle damage were reported.
Authorities from three counties were involved in the incident, which resulted in the safe capture of a homicide suspect who is expected to face charges in multiple jurisdictions.
Polk County Commissioners Approve $50+ Million GMP for Northeast Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility Expansion
by James Coulter
The Northeast Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility (NERWWTF) will receive a new return pump station and electrical building now that a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) has been approved for the expansion.
At their regular meeting on Tues. Nov. 4, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) approved an addendum to the GMP and Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contract for the NERWWTF, which amounts to $50,825,822.00.
That fixed sum covers the construction of the Phase B-Headworks, Return Pump Station, and Electrical Building No. 3, all of which have already completed preconstruction design and bidding services.
Photo source Polk County Government Florida
The expansion plan, originally approved Dec. 5, 2024, increases plant capacity from 6 to 9 million gallons per day to meet rapid growth in the service area. County officials said the GMP will allow capacity to be raised incrementally as designs and GMPs for later phases are finalized.
Earlier phases were approved in two separate GMPs: $41,644,133 on Dec. 17, 2024 for deep bed filters, chlorine contact chambers, dewatering, and a chemical feed building; and $30,421,036 on Feb. 28, 2025 for electrical and communications upgrades, including generator replacements to convert from medium voltage to low voltage.
Homeland Heritage Park will host Christmas Notes, a free family event, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, from 5 to 8 p.m. at 249 Church Ave. in Homeland.
Families are invited to enjoy an evening filled with holiday cheer, including photos with Santa, cookie decorating, crafts, festive photo spots, games, and activities. Light refreshments will also be provided.
The event offers a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the spirit of the season in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Bring the whole family and make lasting memories at this joyful holiday celebration.
“❗️Attention, customers! Please read. ➡️Postal Service Disruption Delays Taxpayer Payments.
▪️The Tax Collector is aware of postal service issues causing delays for Polk County citizens with their property tax payments, registration renewals, and other items through the USPS.
▪️Some customers have reported having their payments come back as returned mail.
▪️USPS officials have informed the Tax Collector of an error in their processing as the cause of this.
“Paying taxes and registrations is already challenging enough although we strive to make it as effortless as possible for people,” Tax Collector Joe G. Tedder remarked, “but when the U.S. Post Office struggles to deliver mail, it becomes extremely frustrating for both our customers and our office.”
▪️The USPS claims to have fixed the problem.
▪️Now, USPS instructs anyone who received returned mail to place their items in a new envelope with a stamp and resend it to the Tax Collector’s Office if they still wish to submit their payments by mail.
