The Polk County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved Ryan Taylor to serve as the next county manager during its meeting Tuesday, Oct. 6. Taylor will succeed Bill Beasley and begin serving as county manager on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2027.
“I truly appreciate the opportunity and the confidence the board has placed in me,” said Taylor. “I’m grateful for the strong working relationship I’ve developed with each of the commissioners, and I look forward to continuing to work together in the years ahead. I’m equally grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting Mr. Beasley, learning from him, and leaning further into this role as I prepare for what comes next. When the time comes, it will be an honor and a privilege to serve the residents of Polk County in this new role.”
Beasley, who has been with the county for 20 years, the last nine years as county manager, will retire on Jan. 15, 2027.
Taylor has served in leadership roles with Polk County since 2017, when he joined the county as an assistant county manager responsible for strategic initiatives, special assignments and organizational analysis.
In 2019, Taylor became the Deputy County Manager of Infrastructure, a position he held for five years before moving into his current role as Deputy County Manager of Support and Human Services.
Prior to joining Polk County, he served as Town Manager for the Town of Dundee for four years and as City Manager of Davenport for three years from 2004 and 2007.
As county manager, Taylor will oversee the administration of the county and execute the Board of County Commissioners’ policy direction. His responsibilities will include managing the county budget and staffing resources, engaging in community relations, fostering economic development, coordinating land use planning and ensuring regulatory compliance.
He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and has completed coursework for his master’s degree in Public Administration at the University of South Florida. He is also a Certified Public Manager through Florida State University.
City of Winter Haven – Winter Haven is known as the “Chain of Lakes City” due to the chain of 18 lakes connected by navigable canals. These lakes power our economy, bring in tourism, offer peace to our residents, create habitats for wildlife, and so much more.
However, they are in need of rescue! Due to storm runoff, water rushes over our rooftops, streets, and other surfaces, then carries litter, oils, and other pullutants right into our lakes.
In the face of growing pollution, the Lake Defenders League was founded in effort to rally the community, clean up our waters, and stop pollution at its source. Join the LDL, a symbolic alliance of animals, lakes, and everyday heroes.
Adopt-a-Lake Program
We’re looking for individuals, companies, or organizations to adopt each of the 50 lakes in or touching Winter Haven City Limits! Similar to the Adopt-A-Road program, you will be committed to hosting an annual clean-up event at your lake and reporting the amount collected.
Oct. 5, 2026 – It was an exciting morning at the Lake Wales Public Library as city officials, staff and residents gathered to celebrate the completion of the library’s newly improved space with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Source City of Lake Wales
Library Director Belle Reynoso thanked everyone who played a role in bringing her vision for the space to life, with a special thank-you to the community.
“Libraries exist for the people they serve, and every decision in this project was made with you in mind,” Reynoso said.
The project was designed to create additional community space, provide more areas for studying and help make the library more open and accessible to everyone.
Among the improvements is a brand-new teen room connected to the Youth Services Library. Library staff said the space has already been popular, with the room packed with teenagers after school since it opened.
Sheriff Grady Judd provided an update Tuesday morning on the fatal early morning crash October 5 involving a school bus in Winter Haven. The information is current approximately 25 to 27 hours after the crash, and the investigation remains ongoing.
According to Sheriff Judd, a Chevrolet Malibu crossed the double yellow line and struck the school bus near the tandem wheels in the rear. The impact caused the bus to lose a tire and forced the energy of the crash across the westbound lanes.
The bus was then forced into a Jeep traveling in the opposite direction, resulting in a head-on collision. The driver of the Jeep, identified as Deshawn Smith, 26, of Haines City, was killed. Judd said Smith was on his way to work and had no opportunity to avoid the crash.
“You see how quickly death occurs in a horrible crash, “ Judd said.
He added, “It happened in the blink of an eye.”
He said there was no time for the drivers to react before the vehicles collided.
“It was a horrible set of circumstances,” Judd said.
Sheriff Judd showed bus camera footage of the crash during the briefing, including footage from inside the bus.
The bus was carrying 37 students, along with the driver and the driver’s 9-year-old child. Fire and EMS transported 35 patients to several hospitals following the crash. Three people remain hospitalized, and all are expected to make a full recovery.
Sheriff Judd praised the actions of the bus driver, who was injured and pinned inside the bus following the crash.
The driver, identified as Jessica Dye, 34, was able to free herself from being pinned inside the bus and immediately returned to help the students, despite her own injuries. Her 9-year-old child was also on the bus.
Sheriff Judd called the dedication of the bus driver incredible.
The sheriff also addressed a previous minor crash involving the bus driver in which she rear-ended a car and received a citation. He said he brought it up because the current crash footage clearly shows she was not speeding, was traveling in her lane and was not at fault in this crash.
“One event has absolutely nothing to do with the other,” Sheriff Judd said.
The driver of the Malibu was identified a nursing student, Maria Jimenez, who was traveling to Lakeland Regional Health. *The name spelling has not been confirmed. She reportedly cooperated with investigators, provided a voluntary blood draw and surrendered her cell phone. She told investigators she did not remember what happened. She was treated and released from the hospital.
A Kia Forte was also involved in the crash after striking the rear of the Malibu. The occupant of the Kia suffered minor injuries and was transported to the hospital.
Judd said everyone involved was traveling below the posted speed limit.
Student Killed in Crash Identified
PCPS Superintendent Fred Heid identified the student who died as Adinaluz Prieto Oyola, a 10th-grade student at WHHS.
Heid said Adinaluz was loved by everyone at the school and was scheduled to attend her first cheerleading practice on the day of the crash. Her belongings were returned to her parents Monday night.
Her older brother graduated from Winter Haven High School last year, Heid said. He also noted that her phone was filled with messages from loved ones.
The crash has affected students both physically and emotionally, school officials said.
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing. Authorities said the information released Tuesday reflects what investigators know approximately 25 to 27 hours after the crash.
A portion of Old Eagle Lake Winter Haven Road in Eagle Lake is scheduled to close nightly at 8 p.m. beginning on Wednesday, Oct. 7for utility infrastructure improvement work.
Old Eagle Lake Winter Haven Road will be closed for approximately 850 feet between the 3200 and 4000 blocks until utility infrastructure improvement work is completed. The roadway is expected to reopen at 6 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 9.
Traffic will be detoured on Old Eagle Lake Winter Haven Road, State Road 540, State Road 620 and Lake Shipp Drive South. Residents are asked to plan alternative routes as needed.
The closure is part of a Primoris Services Corporation (PSC) project.
*All dates/times listed above are subject to change due to circumstances occurring in the field.*
Winter Haven, Florida – State Rep. Jon Albert is offering assistance through his Winter Haven district office to families affected by Monday morning’s deadly school bus crash on Lucerne Park Road.
Albert, who represents Florida House District 48, issued a statement Monday following the crash that claimed two lives, including a Winter Haven High School student.
“This morning’s school bus crash on Lucerne Park Road is every parent’s worst fear,” Albert said. “We are heartbroken by the loss of two lives, including a Winter Haven High School student.”
The crash occurred Monday morning on Lucerne Park Road and involved a Polk County Public Schools bus and other vehicles. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd later confirmed that two people were killed, including a 10th-grade Winter Haven High School student.
Albert said his prayers are with the families of those killed, the injured students and their families, the bus driver and everyone affected by the crash.
He also thanked deputies, firefighters, paramedics, doctors, nurses, school staff and others who responded to the scene and continue to care for those affected.
Albert said families impacted by the crash who need assistance dealing with a state agency or locating other resources can contact his Winter Haven District Office at (863) 500-8310.
“My staff will pick up the phone and work through it with you,” Albert said.
One Movie Later: 2026 Summer Blockbuster Blowout – Here’s How the Summer’s 8 Hottest Movies Rank!
by James Coulter
If you’ve been following my One Movie Later reviews, you already know I packed my summer with moviegoing: some hits, some misses, and a few surprises in between.
But if you’re here for the quick version, here’s the fast‑and‑furious rundown of how this summer’s biggest flicks stacked up:
The Mandalorian and Grogu
Already gave this movie a full review. TL;DR: It was decent two to three episodes of a steaming show cobbled together into a full-length feature.
Read the review here: https://dailyridge.com/2026/07/09/one-movie-later-the-mandalorian-and-grogus-big-screen-debut-is-not-so-big/
Masters of the Universe
I’m not a lifelong He‑Man fan, but I respect the franchise enough to wish this movie were better.
Its biggest misstep is Jared Leto’s Skeletor: he plays the villain with such grim menace that the character’s essential camp never lands, turning Skeletor into a stiff, humorless Horned King knockoff.
The film itself suffers from an identity crisis after years in development hell, mimicking Marvel’s tone without understanding why Marvel’s humor works. Jokes repeatedly undermine the heroes instead of the villains, making the movie feel insecure about its own mythology.
It’s more faithful than the 1987 film, but far less entertaining. Instead of finding the power, Masters of the Universe mostly finds dullness.
I didn’t watch this film in theaters. A real shame! I actually like the Supergirl character, and I even thought James Gunn’s take on Superman was refreshing. Maybe I’ll catch this flick on streaming to see if the “discourse” surrounding it was warranted or not.
Toy Story 5
I wasn’t excited for Toy Story 5. I thought the series should’ve ended with the third film, and Disney’s sequel‑heavy phase didn’t inspire confidence.
But the movie is far better than expected—stronger than Toy Story 4 and surprisingly thoughtful.
Marketing teased a shallow “toys versus tech” plot, yet the film treats technology with nuance, turning Lilypad into a sympathetic, Buzz‑like antagonist.
Jessie finally gets the character arc she’s long deserved, confronting her abandonment trauma while stepping into a leadership role.
Buzz and Woody support the story without overshadowing it, and even the island of stranded Buzz Lightyear toys adds charm.
The film didn’t need to exist, but it proves the franchise still has creative life.
I didn’t even bother watching this movie, let alone reviewing it. Then again, did I need to? Did you see the original animated Moana movie? Then you saw this version, only it’s in live-action and not as good.
The Odyssey
The Odyssey is technically impressive, gorgeous IMAX cinematography, a stacked cast, and Christopher Nolan’s signature precision.
It delivers striking reinterpretations of myth, from the shadow‑stalked cyclops to Circe’ body‑horror transformations and the sirens’ muffled terror. The suitors’ brutal comeuppance is cathartic.
Yet despite these highlights, the film feels oddly bland. Its washed‑out palette and gritty realism drain the wonder from gods and monsters, stretching three hours into a slog.
The A‑list cast turns in surprisingly lifeless performances that match the movie’s muted aesthetic.
Fans of Nolan or Greek myth may enjoy it, but stronger adaptations exist—like the 1997 miniseries.
For me, this beautifully crafted epic left me wishing for lotus to forget the time I spent watching it.
Reviewing a Spider‑Man movie almost feels redundant, he’s one of cinema’s most reliable heroes and Brand New Day continues that trend.
Already a box‑office giant, the film stands out by balancing sequel, soft reboot, and MCU setup all at once.
Its core strength is Peter’s identity crisis: erased from memory, he must rebuild himself while grappling with mutated powers that echo real neurodivergent experiences, especially sensory overload.
His dynamic with the Punisher adds sharp, lived‑in chemistry, and the morally gray antagonist sets the stage for future MCU conflicts.
It doesn’t reach Raimi or Spider‑Verse heights, but it’s far better than Spider‑Man 3 or the Amazing films.
Energetic, thoughtful, and engaging, it proves Spidey still belongs at the MCU’s center.
Coyote Vs. Acme
Coyote vs. Acme arrives with a saga worthy of Looney Tunes: shelved for a tax write‑off, rescued by Ketchup Entertainment, and ultimately a surprise box‑office success.
The film thrives by embracing Wile E. Coyote’s silent expressiveness, pairing him with Will Forte’s weary lawyer and a lively supporting cast including Lana Condor and John Cena.
Its Roger Rabbit‑style blend of animation and live action is stylish and full of clever cameos.
Beneath the slapstick lies a sincere story about failure, persistence, and taking risks, plus sharp corporate satire that unintentionally mirrors the film’s real‑world drama.
It’s funny, charming, and socially aware, a movie that deserved far better than studio limbo and proved itself against the odds.
UPDATE- Lucerne Park Road back open in both directions.
—————
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd provided an update Monday morning on a fatal crash involving a Polk County school bus and multiple other vehicles in Winter Haven.
Judd spoke during a 10 a.m. media briefing at the AdventHealth Fieldhouse following the crash, which occurred around 6:15 a.m. on Lucerne Park Road (State Road 544), west of Jacaranda Avenue (Brookhaven Village community) on the northeast side of Winter Haven.
According to Sheriff Judd, school bus No. 1819 was traveling eastbound on Lucerne Park Road when a white Chevrolet Malibu traveling westbound crossed the center line and struck the bus’s tandem rear wheels causing the bus to lose traction. The school bus then crossed over into the westbound lane of traffic and struck a silver Jeep head-on. Another vehicle was also involved but that car wasn’t described at the time of the briefing. The exact reason the Malibu crossed into the eastbound lane is under investigation.
At this time, authorities have confirmed three other vehicles and the school bus were involved in the crash.
Sheriff Judd clarified the bus did not catch fire. The jeep however did.
There were 39 people aboard the school bus, including 37 high school students who were traveling to Winter Haven High School, the bus driver and the driver’s 9-year-old daughter.
A 10th-grade girl was killed in the crash while aboard the school bus. A second person, who was inside the silver Jeep, also died.
Judd said approximately five to seven people were transported as trauma alerts by helicopters, ambulances and private vehicles. One person remains in critical condition, while several others are still being treated. Some injured individuals have already been treated and are expected to be released.
“To have one fatality is to have one too many,” Judd said.
Lucerne Park Road has remained closed in both directions throughout the morning as investigators work at the scene.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit continues to investigate the crash. More definitive details are expected to be released as the investigation continues.
Sheriff Judd did add that the Malibu driver was on the way to work and the investigation is ongoing. The driver is cooperating with the investigation.
Lucerne Park Road remains closed and will be closed until further notice. Please use alternate routes and avoid the area if possible.
Media staging is currently taking place and we will update as more information becomes available.
Source PCSO
Original report:
A major multi-vehicle crash involving a Polk County Public Schools bus has shut down a portion of Lucerne Park Road Monday morning as a large emergency response remains underway.
The crash was reported shortly after 6:10 a.m. Monday in the Lucerne Park Road/Wildflower Drive area of Winter Haven.
Initial Polk County Fire Rescue dispatch traffic described the incident as a vehicle versus a school bus and indicated the bus had overturned. A subsequent dispatch transmission reported that the school bus was on fire. Daily Ridge has not yet received official confirmation regarding the extent of the fire or damage to the bus.
Multiple Polk County Fire Rescue and Winter Haven emergency units responded. Dispatch traffic also indicated additional medical units and a medical helicopter were requested.
PCFR’s active incident information showed multiple units involved in patient transports. A Polk County Fire Rescue chaplain was also listed among the units on scene.
Polk County Public Schools has confirmed that one of its school buses was involved in the crash. Authorities have not yet released information regarding how many people were aboard the bus or the number and severity of injuries.
Winter Haven Police said Lucerne Park Road is closed in both directions from Old Lucerne Park Road to the Walmart Distribution Center because of the major multi-vehicle crash.
Police said the closure is expected to remain in place for a significant amount of time. Drivers are being asked to avoid the area and take alternate routes.
** This is a major developing story. The media staging area will be the Advent Health FieldHouse located at 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd. **
Fire Station 1 is opening its doors, and you’re invited! Join the City of Winter Haven for a morning of family fun, games, refreshments, station tours and fire engines, plus a bounce house!
When: Saturday, October 10 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Where: Fire Station 1 Ave G SW, Winter Haven 33880
Come explore, play and meet the firefighters who help keep our community safe!
