On August 23, 2026 at approximately 11:22 a.m., Winter Haven officers responded to a residence on Giorgio Dr. in Winter Haven regarding a suspicious person in a residential yard. The victim stated that roughly 30 minutes earlier, she received a Ring notification that someone was in her yard. After observing the footage, the victim observed 32 year-old Natalie Adou Adjo (DOB 11-8-93, 4056 Giorgio Dr., Winter Haven) walking towards the front of the residence and into the driveway where two vehicles were parked.
The victim reported that Adjo pulled on the door handle of the first vehicle, to find it locked. She attempted to open the second vehicle’s door to also find it locked. Adjo subsequently walked away from the residence.
Officers canvasing the area located Adjo who matched the description of the image obtained from the Ring video. Adjo was wearing the same clothing as in the photo. After being shown the photo, Adjo confirmed it was her. When asked why she was attempting to enter vehicles, she said that she wasn’t trying to get into vehicles – she was only looking for cigarettes. It should be noted that Adjo lives along the same street as the victim.
Natalie Adou Adjo was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with two counts of Attempted Burglary of an Unoccupied Vehicle (F3).
“This is another case where ensuring that car doors were locked, kept this victim from possibly losing their property,” said Police Chief Vance Monroe. “I applaud the victim for taking this step to prevent crime, and encourage all of our citizens to do the same.”
Each month we feature bestselling, award-winning, and highly acclaimed authors from around the world. These featured writers and thought leaders cover a wide range of fiction and nonfiction genres. Join the conversation! Participants have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the author. All presentations are available on demand after the live event. Registration is required.
Brought to you in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium and made possible through the generous support of the Friends of the Winter Haven Public Library.
Event: When Trees Testify: Reclaiming America’s Black Botanical Legacy with Beronda Montgomery
Tuesday, Aug 25 from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Join us for a riveting conversation with award-winning biologist Beronda Montgomery as we discuss her book, When Trees Testify: Science, Wisdom, History, and America’s Black Botanical Legacy.
The histories of trees in America are also the histories of Black Americans. Pecan trees were domesticated by an enslaved African named Antoine; sycamore trees were both havens and signposts for people trying to escape enslavement; poplar trees are historically associated with lynching; and willow bark has offered the gift of medicine. These trees, and others, testify not only to the complexity of the Black American narrative but also to a heritage of Black botanical expertise that, like Native American traditions, predates the United States entirely.
In When Trees Testify, award-winning plant biologist Beronda L. Montgomery explores the ways seven trees, as well as the cotton shrub, are intertwined with Black history and culture. She reveals how knowledge surrounding these trees has shaped America since the very beginning. As Montgomery shows, trees are material witnesses to the lives of enslaved Africans and their descendants.
Combining the wisdom of science and history with stories from her own path to botany, Montgomery talks to majestic trees, and in this unique and compelling narrative, they answer.
Register today for this insightful discussion about Black history and botanical mastery.
About the Author:
Beronda L. Montgomery, PhD, is a writer, researcher, and scholar who pursues a common theme of understanding how individuals perceive, respond to, and are impacted by the environments in which they exist. Her primary laboratory-based research has been focused on the responses of photosynthetic organisms (i.e., plants and cyanobacteria) to external light cues. Additionally, Beronda pursues this theme in the context of effective mentoring and leadership of individuals, and the role of innovative leaders in supporting success.
Beronda is author of two books When Trees Testify: Science, Wisdom, History, and America’s Black Botanical Legacy (2026, Henry Holt and Co.) and Lessons From Plants (2021, Harvard University Press).
Winter Haven City Commissioners Give Preliminary Approval to Fire Assessment Study by James Coulter
Should Winter Haven calculate fire assessment fees based on the fire department’s average call volume? Or should it adopt a new two‑tier system that evaluates buildings by size and property value? That’s the question the city hopes to answer through a new fire assessment study.
At their regular meeting on Aug. 10, 2026, Winter Haven city commissioners voted unanimously to authorize the scope of work with a consultant for a fire study and bring forward an Initial Assessment Resolution for consideration.
Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc. has been hired to conduct the study. In the first phase, the firm will develop the methodology and produce preliminary assessment calculations in a draft report for commissioners to review. That phase is expected to be completed before the end of the year.
Commissioners will then vote on which method to adopt. Their decision will launch the second phase, which includes drafting ordinances and resolutions, notifying residents, holding adoption hearings, and preparing the final assessment roll. This phase is expected to take four to five months.
The study will evaluate two methodologies. The first is the standard “call‑for‑service” approach, which bases fees on call volume trends, dispatch data, and geographic response times.
The second option is the “availability method,” a two‑tier system that applies a per parcel flat fee on all parcels and then a cost based upon size and value.
“The two-tier fee component looks at the value of the buildings on a property, and it scales for every five‑thousand‑dollar increment of building value that you have,” said Joe Williams, Raftelis Senior Manager. “It does result in a more progressive fee, similar to how you’re currently collecting funds through ad valorem.”
Commissioner Tracy Mercer inquired about the assessment process for vacant lots. Williams explained that each vacant property would pay the same base fee as all others under the availability method.
Commissioner Nathaniel J. Birdsong, Jr. asked whether the assessment would apply to all buildings within city limits. Williams confirmed it would, noting the city could choose to exempt nonprofit properties.
City Manager T. Michael Stavres clarified that exempting certain properties would not cause higher fees for others. Instead, any uncollected revenue would be treated as “lost revenue” that the city would need to replace through other municipal sources.
He added that the study is being advanced to help evaluate alternative revenue, an important step if Florida Amendment 3 passes in November, expanding property tax exemptions and reducing local government revenue.
Mayor Brian Yates praised the study’s value regardless of the amendment’s outcome. If Amendment 3 passes, the findings will help the city make “educated decisions” about how to continue funding public safety. If it does not, the study could still identify opportunities to reduce the millage rate, he explained.
“For me, this study is about having all of this information so we can make the most informed decision going forward,” he said.
“If we were to go down this road, as I have said before, I would not be in favor of supplementing any loss due to Amendment 3 solely by a fire assessment fee,” he further elaborated. “For me, the fire assessment fee could potentially be used as one of the many pieces to the puzzle to put this thing together. I think there is some potential to make changes within the city budget, make some cuts and adjustments.”
If approved, the new fire assessment is expected to generate revenue for the November 2027 tax bills, Williams said.
The time that everyone has been waiting for is finally here: Week 1 of high school football is here! The offseason is over, and it’s time for the toe to once again hit the pigskin. With that being said, here are some games that are going on around Polk County this week that you should keep an eye out for. Starting off, we have Lakeland at Kathleen. In this game, you can expect plenty of excitement, as there are several star players on both teams to watch, including Lakeland quarterback Kelin Hendrix, Lakeland edge rusher Santana Harvey, Kathleen running back Xavion Mitchell, and Kathleen outside linebacker Akeelynn Rumph. Hendrix is coming off an impressive 2025 season in which he threw for 1,796 yards and 22 touchdowns, making him one of the players to watch heading into this matchup. The reason why this game is a must watch is because it’s a Lakeland match up as well as a measuring stick game for both teams. Even though historically Lakeland has been the better team, they still set a high standard for themselves heading into the season. For Kathleen, this game is an opportunity to prove themselves after a disappointing 2–8 season in 2025. The Red Devils will be looking to start the new season on the right foot against one of the biggest programs in the area.
Prediction: Lakeland 41, Kathleen 20
I have the Lakeland Dreadnaughts winning by a fairly large margin despite playing on the road. The biggest reason is the talent advantage Lakeland has, especially on defense. I expect the Dreadnaught defense to create problems for Kathleen throughout the game.
Tampa Bay Tech at Lake Gibson
The next game you will want to watch out for is Tampa Bay Tech at Lake Gibson. This game has some star players playing in it such as Lake Gibson Linebacker Malachi Moore, Lake Gibson quarterback Caleb McFarlane, And Lake Gibson wide receiver Jase Severit. This game is a must watch because of the fact that it is an early and great challenge for Lake Gibson after their opponent finished last season 9-3 and finished first in their district. For Lake Gibson, they are trying to prove to themselves and their fans that they have what it takes and that they have improved. After having a 5-7 season, Lake Gibson is eager to turn the page and get the new season underway.
Prediction: Lake Gibson 25, Tampa Bay Tech 20
I’m going with Lake Gibson to pull off the upset. Besides home-field advantage, I like Lake Gibson because they come into this season with something to prove and have experienced playmakers returning. Tampa Bay Tech enters the matchup with much higher expectations after its successful 2025 season, while Lake Gibson has an opportunity to flip the script. If the Braves can avoid turnovers and make enough big plays on offense, I think they have a legitimate chance to pull off the upset.
Lake Region at Winter Haven
Lastly, my last recommendation for games to watch this week would have to be Lake Region at Winter Haven. Heading into this game some players that you should watch out for would have to be Lake Region quarterback/wide receiver Jayden McCutchen, and Lake Region linebacker Jaquarius Lucas. For Winter Haven I would say keep an eye out for Running back Jakari Faniel, and offensive lineman Jedgar Otero.
Prediction: Winter Haven 31, Lake Region 0
The reason why I have Winter Haven winning the game is because of their most recent history with Lake Region having won their last eight match ups against the Thunder and in their last seven of those eight being consecutive shutouts where they outscored Lake Region 296-0. Overall, these are my predictions for this week’s upcoming games.
Final Predictions:
Lakeland 41, Kathleen 20
Lake Gibson 25, Tampa Bay Tech 20
Winter Haven 31, Lake Region 0
Overall, Week 1 should give us a great look at where these Polk County teams stand heading into the 2026 season. Whether you’re looking for a potential blowout, a measuring-stick game, or an upset opportunity, there’s plenty of football to watch this week.
On August 21st, 2026, the Auburndale Police Department responded to a dangerous shooting in the area of Timothy Street and Ernest Drive.
At approximately 11:45am, Danford Thornton-Swain (DOB: 01/27/2006) was involved in a domestic disturbance with his girlfriend. During the incident, Thornton physically struck the victim, took her phone and damaged it, preventing her from contacting Law Enforcement. As the victim was running away from Thornton, while holding her young child, Thornton fired two rounds from a handgun in the victim’s direction. Neither the victim nor the child was struck by the gunfire.
Following the incident, Thornton fled the area toward Motel 92 along Highway 92 W. Officers located and apprehended him a short time later.
Thornton was charged with Attempted Murder (2 counts), Battery (Domestic), Improper Exhibition of a Firearm, Discharging a Firearm in Public, Witness Tampering, Criminal Mischief, and Robbery without a Firearm.
A 47-year-old Lakeland man was killed Wednesday night after the motorized scooter he was operating was struck by a Hyundai SUV on US-301 in Sumter County.
According to the crash report, the collision occurred around 10:55 p.m. on August 20 at the intersection of US-301 and CR-470.
The 47-year-old man was traveling southbound on US-301 on a motorized scooter and had stopped at the intersection of CR-470.
An 18-year-old Port Charlotte man was also traveling southbound on US-301 in a Hyundai SUV when, according to authorities, he failed to stop and collided with the scooter.
The Lakeland man suffered fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Residents in Polk County will have the opportunity to take home a free tree during an upcoming community tree giveaway.
The East Polk County Tree Giveaway will take place on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Dundee Veterans Memorial Park, located at 124 Dundee Road.
The event is offering 90 free trees, with a limit of two trees per household or vehicle. Trees will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, so residents are encouraged to arrive early while supplies last.
Attendees will check in with event staff, who will help match them with their tree. Available varieties include:
Lime
Mango
Mulberry
Crape Myrtle
Sycamore
Red Maple
Once residents receive their trees, staff will assist with loading them into their vehicles. Participants can then take their trees home and plant them.
The giveaway is presented by Keep Polk County Beautiful, with support from Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful and Republic Services.
Event Details: 📅 Saturday, August 22, 2026 ⏰ 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. 📍 Dundee Veterans Memorial Park 124 Dundee Road 🌳 90 free trees available 🌳 Two-tree limit per household/vehicle ⚠️ First come, first served — limited quantity
The high school sports calendar is beginning to fill up across Polk County, and Thursday night offers volleyball fans several opportunities to follow teams from around the county.
While football may command much of the attention as the fall sports season gets underway, girls volleyball is already giving Polk County sports fans plenty to follow.
For Ridge Sports Network, Thursday’s schedule also provides an opportunity to begin something we hope becomes routine throughout the season: giving volleyball players, programs, parents and fans a place to find out what’s happening around the county.
Here are some of the varsity matches involving Polk County teams that we were able to verify for Thursday, Aug. 20.
Lake Wales at McKeel Academy
Lake Wales heads to Lakeland Thursday evening to face McKeel Academy of Technology.
The varsity match is scheduled for approximately 7:30 p.m., following the junior varsity match scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
McKeel has already faced a significant early-season test, hosting Montverde Academy on Tuesday. Lake Wales will continue its schedule Monday when it hosts Sebring before welcoming George Jenkins to Lake Wales on Wednesday.
George Jenkins at Osceola
George Jenkins travels outside Polk County Thursday for a matchup against Osceola High School in Kissimmee.
The varsity match is scheduled for 7 p.m., with junior varsity scheduled for 6 p.m.
The Eagles opened their schedule last week against Lakeland and will return home Tuesday for another challenging matchup when Plant comes to Lakeland.
All Saints’ Academy at Winter Haven
Another all-Polk County matchup takes place in Winter Haven tonight as All Saints’ Academy visits Winter Haven High School. The varsity match is scheduled for 7 p.m., following the JV match at 5:30 p.m.
All Saints enters the new season after finishing 17-10 last year. Winter Haven is led by Dylan Sechrest, who was recognized as The Ledger’s Polk County girls indoor volleyball Coach of the Year following last season. The matchup gives local volleyball fans an early look at two Winter Haven-area programs as the 2026 season gets underway.
Polk County Volleyball Season Gets Underway
Thursday is only one night in what will quickly become a busy volleyball schedule across Polk County.
Programs from Lake Wales, Winter Haven, Bartow, Auburndale, Davenport, Lakeland, George Jenkins, McKeel, Lake Region, Lakeland Christian, Victory Christian and other schools across the county will be competing throughout the fall.
Lakeland Christian, for example, is preparing for the SSAC Tournament Friday and Saturday at the AdventHealth Field House.
The season ultimately has a distinctly Polk County destination as well. The 2026 Florida High School Girls Volleyball State Championships are scheduled to be played at the Polk State College Winter Haven Health Center in November.
Ridge Sports Network plans to continue following volleyball throughout the season, including schedules, results and stories from teams and athletes around Polk County.
Coaches, parents and players who have schedules, results, statistics, photos or information about their teams are encouraged to send them to Ridge Sports Network facebook page or Daily Ridge as we work to expand our coverage of high school athletics throughout Polk County.
For over 30 years, Toy Story has remained Pixar’s most enduring franchise. What began as a groundbreaking film about talking toys grew into a trilogy that seemed to conclude perfectly, followed by a fourth entry that, while not terrible, felt more like an unnecessary epilogue than a true continuation. So, when Disney announced Toy Story 5, many fans (myself included) questioned whether the series had anything left to say.
So, how is Toy Story 5? Did the franchise earn a fifth installment? Or should it have ended with three movies? With four not counting? And five being right out?
With Woody gone, Jessie and Buzz now lead Bonnie’s toys. Trouble arrives when Bonnie receives Lilypad, a tablet that quickly becomes her new favorite “toy.” The other toys fear they’ll be abandoned, echoing concerns voiced by neighborhood toys who’ve already been tossed aside in favor of screens. Will Jessie succeed in separating Bonnie from the screen? Or are she and the toys doomed to the donation bin?
I’ll be honest: I wasn’t looking forward to Toy Story 5. I wasn’t even planning to watch it. Not only did I think the movies should have ended with the third one, but I’m rather cynical about Disney’s current glut of sequels and remakes—and I don’t feel like enabling a bad habit.
But to my surprise, Toy Story 5 is not only better than expected, it’s better than Toy Story 4, and a genuinely enjoyable addition to the series.
The premise didn’t help my initial cynicism. Early marketing leaned heavily on a “toys versus tech” conflict, suggesting a cranky, old‑man‑yells‑at‑clouds story about kids abandoning toys for screens. It looked like a retread of the first film’s dynamic: new toy threatens old toy, only with Jessie and a child‑friendly tablet named Lilypad standing in for Woody and Buzz.
This setup could have been shallow, but the film treats the premise as a springboard rather than the central conflict. Technology isn’t portrayed as evil; in fact, several devices become sympathetic characters, and Jessie’s initial distrust of tech grows into something more nuanced. Lilypad herself is not a villain. She’s just misguided, convinced she’s helping Bonnie by keeping her entertained with games and apps. Her arc mirrors Buzz’s from the original film: an antagonist who grows once she realizes her worldview is flawed.
The film’s strongest element is Jessie’s character development. For years, her backstory—being abandoned by her original owner, Emily—has lingered in the background without full exploration. Here, it becomes central. Jessie’s new role as the new “sheriff” of Bonnie’s toys forces her to confront old wounds and insecurities, especially as Lilypad unintentionally threatens her sense of worth.
A late‑movie revelation reframes Jessie’s trauma in a way that feels earned rather than saccharine, giving her the emotional growth she’s long deserved. With Woody largely out of the picture, Jessie finally steps into the spotlight, and the film is better for it.
Buzz and Woody still appear, though they’re no longer the emotional core. Unlike Toy Story 4, which sidelined nearly every character in favor of Woody’s arc, this film gives Buzz and Woody meaningful roles without overshadowing Jessie. Their subplot complements the main story rather than competing with it.
There’s also a third subplot involving a group of Buzz Lightyear dolls stranded on a deserted island, convinced they must reach Star Command. It’s admittedly superfluous, but it’s entertaining and ties into the larger narrative just enough to justify its inclusion.
Did Toy Story 5 need to exist? Probably not. The first three films formed a near‑perfect trilogy, and the fourth already stretched the franchise’s thematic boundaries. And yes, Disney’s current obsession with sequels and remakes remains frustrating, especially when original films like Hoppers and Hexed struggle for attention.
But despite my skepticism (and my initial plan to skip this movie entirely) it won me over. It’s not on the level of the original trilogy, but it’s heartfelt, funny, and far more thoughtful than its marketing suggested. It proves the franchise still has creative potential even three decades later.
And with Toy Story 6 already announced, who knows? If Pixar continues down this more character‑driven path, the next installment might surprise us too.
If you’re looking for live music and a good time around Winter Haven this weekend, several local venues have music lined up from Friday through Sunday, with an extra performance Thursday night to kick things off.
Cypresswood Pub
Cypresswood Pub will have live music throughout the weekend at 1099 Clubhouse Road.
Thursday, Aug. 20: Vandal Eyes- Joe & Katie 6-9 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 21: B. Haven Band 6-9 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 22: Gerry Williams Band 6-9 p.m.
Tanners Lakeside
Tanners Lakeside (1006 S Lake Howard Dr) also has a full weekend of entertainment planned:
Friday, Aug. 21: Karaoke
Saturday, Aug. 22: 99 in the Shade 7-10 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 23: Mitch Stewart 2-6 p.m.
B. Haven Band — Three Stops This Weekend
B. Haven Band will keep busy with three performances around the area.
As mentioned above, the band will kick off the weekend at Cypresswood Pub on Friday, Aug. 21, from 6-9 p.m.
On Saturday, Aug. 22, B. Haven will perform at Pigs ’n’ Planes, an Alzheimer’s benefit at Winter Haven Airport, from noon-2 p.m.
The weekend wraps up at Twisted Prop on Sunday, Aug. 23, from 2-5:30 p.m.
Looking Ahead
The music continues into Monday, Aug. 24, when Sid & Duke will perform at the Bartow Chamber Taste of Polk at the Bartow Civic Center from 5-8 p.m.
Whether you’re looking for live bands, karaoke or an afternoon of music, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy some local entertainment this weekend.
If you’d like to be featured in our weekly music posts, please email your schedule to [email protected] and be sure to include LIVE MUSIC in the subject line.
