Home Blog Page 5

Polk County High School Football Week 11 Preview 

Ethan Jones
-
0
Polk County High School Football Week 11 Preview 

It is hard to believe we have already reached Week 11 of the Polk County high school football season. What started as a new year full of excitement, expectations and fresh opportunities has brought us to the final week of the regular season, where teams will look to finish strong and build momentum heading into the postseason. Last week, I went a perfect 3–0 on my game picks, and I am looking to carry that momentum into one final week of regular-season action. Covering Polk County high school football throughout this season has been an honor and a privilege. From the exciting matchups and statement victories to the close finishes and unforgettable Friday night moments, it has been a rewarding experience to highlight the players, coaches and programs that make high school football in Polk County so special. With the regular season coming to a close, every game carries added importance as teams look to secure their postseason positions, build confidence and prove they are ready for the challenges ahead. As we head into Week 11, there is no better time for teams to leave everything on the field. The road to a championship is about to begin, and the final Friday night of the regular season will give Polk County teams one last opportunity to make a statement before the stakes get even higher. Let’s take a look at the biggest matchups, the keys to victory, and my predictions for one final week of regular-season football. The first matchup to keep an eye on is going to be (8-1) Lakeland vs. (7-1) First Academy. This will be a matchup between two heavyweights as Lakeland closes its regular season. This will must watch football between these two teams as Lakeland is ranked #11 in the state and nationally ranked #51 and first academy is ranked #8 in the state and #96 nationally. Both teams are coming into this game off impressive wins as Lakeland won their last game against Lake Gibson 35-10 and First Academy won theirs against Ambassador Christian 42-20. If each team wants to come away with a win, there are some key things they will need to focus on. For Lakeland if they want to win, they are going to want to limit First Academy’s top weapon on offense Deuce Woods, who has a very impressive freshman season at quarterback as he has thrown for 10 touchdowns and rushed for 10 touchdowns. His dual threat ability has made him dangerous against opposing defenses, so Lakeland will have to keep this in mind when facing him. For First Academy if they want to win, they will need to try to limit Lakeland’s explosive plays on offense as Lakeland has been to score 35 points or more in the last five games so First Academy will want to try to limit Lakeland’s offense from getting in a rhythm. With all things considered, I believe that it is going to be a shootout where I have Lakeland winning. 

Prediction: Lakeland 37, First Academy 34 

The next game for this Fridays slate of games to watch will have to be (7-1) Lake Wales vs. (6-3) Bartow. This will be a great rivalry game between two great Polk County teams that are playing for more than just playoff positioning but bragging rights for the next year. Both teams are coming off wins as Lake Wales beat Kathleen handily 51-8 and Bartow beat Osceola in a close contest 16-13. As both teams are looking to get a win to close out their regular season, there are some key things that they will need to focus on. If Lake Wales wants to win, they will want to establish Kamari Smith in the rushing attack as he has averaged 140.9 rushing yards per game and has proven time and time again to be a game changer for the Highlanders. For Bartow if they want to win, they will need to find a way to have quarterback Amire Hall have a big game. The biggest key for Bartow is getting quarterback Amire Hall going early. Hall threw for 205 yards and rushed for 51 yards and a touchdown in the Yellow Jackets’ 16–13 win over Osceola. His dual-threat ability gives Bartow an opportunity to challenge Lake Wales in multiple ways. If Hall can make plays with both his arm and legs, the Yellow Jackets will have a much better chance of keeping pace. With all things considered I have Lake Wales winning this game. 

Prediction: Lake Wales 38, Bartow 27 

The last game I have for this week’s slate of games would have to be (8-0-1) Lakeland Christian vs. (2-7) Northside Christian. This game will be a good game to see if Lakeland Christian can play with the level of dominance that they have played with all season or to see if Northside can pull off the upset. Both teams are coming off wins as Lakeland Christian won their last matchup 41-7 against Victory Christian and for Northside Christian, they won 20-10 against Indian Rocks Christian. If both teams want to win, there are some key things that they will want to focus on. For Lakeland Christian they will want to focus on getting their running game going early with AJ Truedell as he has averaged 93.4 rushing yards per game and 19 touchdowns on the year. For Northside Christian they will need to Get Christopher Butler Jr. involved early. The biggest key for Northside Christian is establishing its rushing attack behind sophomore Christopher Butler Jr. He rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown in the Mustangs’ 20–10 victory over Indian Rocks Christian. If Butler can find running room and consistently move the chains, Northside can control the clock and keep Lakeland Christian’s explosive offense off the field. With all things considered with this game I Have Lakeland Christian winning. 

Prediction: Lakeland Christian 48, Northside Christian 12 

As we head into the final week of the regular season, the excitement around Polk County high school football continues to build. With playoff positioning, momentum and one last opportunity to make a statement on the line, teams will be looking to finish strong before turning their attention to the postseason. Last week, I went 3–0 on my picks, and I’m hoping to carry that momentum into Week 11. From the Lakeland Dreadnaughts taking on The First Academy to the rivalry matchup between Bartow and Lake Wales, there are plenty of exciting games to watch this Friday night. It’s been an incredible journey covering Polk County football this season, and I can’t wait to see how the regular season comes to a close. Let the final Friday night lights of the regular season shine!  

Polk County Week 11 high school football poster showing three games: Lakeland Dreadnaughts vs First Academy Royals; Lake Wales Highlands vs Bartow Yellow Jackets; Lakeland Christian Vikings vs Northside Christian Mustangs, with dates and venues.
#image_title

Trooper Seriously Injured After Driver Fails to Move Over in Active Work Zone

Staff Reporter
-
0
Trooper Seriously Injured After Driver Fails to Move Over in Active Work Zone

FHP Press Release:

~FHP urges motorists to Move Over to protect those who protect us~

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. ~ The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that occurred on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at approximately 9:12 P.M. in the southbound lanes of State Road 429 at mile marker 6 in Bay Lake, Orange County.

Picture provided by FHP

According to preliminary information, a 2026 Toyota Tundra was traveling southbound in the outside lane as it approached an active construction zone. Ahead in the outside lane, a Florida State Trooper in his marked FHP patrol car was stationary with emergency lights activated as part of a lane closure operation.

Picture provided by FHP

The driver of the Toyota Tundra failed to move over, despite the visible emergency lights and the active work zone warnings. The front of the truck collided with the rear of the Trooper’s vehicle.

The driver of the Toyota, a 53‑year‑old man from Davenport, was transported to Celebration Hospital with non‑life‑threatening injuries.

The Trooper sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to HCA Osceola Regional Medical Hospital. He remains in stable condition. This crash remains under investigation and charges are pending.

“Unfortunately, over the years we have seen far too many law enforcement officer, first responders, Road Rangers, and motorists killed or seriously injured because of preventable actions on our roadways. We are grateful for the Trooper’s service and are keeping him in our thoughts as he recovers from his injuries. His experience is a powerful reminder of the risks law enforcement and emergency personnel face every day while working to protect our communities. The simple act of moving over gives them the space they need to work safely and significantly increases safety for everyone on Florida’s roads,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner.

In 2025, there were 215 crashes and more than 17,300 citations were issued for motorists failing to move over in Florida.

FHP would like to remind motorists that under Florida law, vehicles are required to Move Over a lane for an emergency, service, utility, and disabled vehicles stopped on the side of the road, or slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit if it is not safe to move over.

As of January 1, 2025, Florida’s Move Over law has been expanded to include any vehicle parked on the side of the road with hazard lights flashing, emergency flares, or visible emergency signage. Even disabled vehicles or a vehicle with a flat tire is protected under the law.

Violating the Move Over law will result in a fine, fees, and points on your driving record.  For more information, see section 316.126, Florida Statutes..

Picture provided by FHP
Picture provided by FHP

Seminoles Bully Bulls In 10-1 Preseason Win 

Ethan Jones
-
0
Seminoles Bully Bulls In 10-1 Preseason Win 

By Ethan Jones

It was a beautiful day for baseball at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Florida, as the Florida State Seminoles and South Florida Bulls faced off in a 12-inning preseason matchup. With the 2026–27 college baseball season approaching, both programs had one of their final opportunities to evaluate their rosters, build confidence, and prepare for the challenges ahead. For Florida State and USF, the afternoon offered more than just another game on the schedule. It was an opportunity to sharpen their skills, work through challenging situations, and build momentum heading into the new campaign.

The Seminoles threatened early in the top of the first inning when John Stuetzer lined a single through the middle of the infield. However, Stuetzer was caught trying to advance to second base. Florida State continued to find ways to reach base as Brody DeLamielleure and Marvin Montenegro followed with slow-rolling infield singles to third base. Despite putting together several hits, the Seminoles were unable to turn their early opportunities into runs, leaving two runners stranded to end the inning. Florida State broke through in the top of the second. Genson Veras reached base after being hit by a pitch and advanced to second when a throwing error occurred on a pickoff attempt. A groundout moved Veras to third, setting the stage for Cooper Malamazian to deliver the game’s first run. Malamazian drove a double down the left-field line, bringing Veras home and giving the Seminoles a 1–0 lead.

#image_title

The Seminoles continued to create opportunities in the top of the third inning. Ty Peeples drew a walk to reach first base before stealing second, advancing safely when the catcher’s throw failed to reach its intended target. Montenegro later joined Peeples on the bases after drawing a walk of his own. Once again, however, Florida State could not capitalize on the opportunity, leaving both runners stranded as the Bulls escaped without allowing another run. Florida State added to its advantage in the top of the fifth inning. Malamazian opened the sequence with a single into the gap in center field, continuing his productive afternoon at the plate. Jace Estes followed with a sacrifice bunt, successfully moving Malamazian into scoring position at second base.

Peeples then came through with a single that brought Malamazian home, extending Florida State’s lead to 2–0. The Seminoles continued to apply pressure offensively, using timely hitting and smart baserunning to create scoring opportunities. While they had left runners stranded earlier in the contest, Malamazian’s double in the second and Peeples’ RBI single in the fifth gave Florida State something to build on as the game progressed. With both teams using the preseason matchup to prepare for the upcoming season, the extended contest provided an opportunity to test their depth, manage different game situations, and compete in a close battle between two Florida programs. 

The South Florida Bulls struggled to generate offense as Florida State extended its lead with a solo home run from Coy Clements in the sixth inning. The Bulls scored their first run in the seventh, but the Seminoles responded with a big eighth inning, adding five runs to take an 8–1 lead. Florida State continued to build its advantage, scoring in the ninth and tenth innings to go up 10–1. Despite a late effort from USF, the Bulls could not capitalize on their opportunities, and Florida State held on to win the 12-inning preseason matchup. Here is how the game stacked up by the numbers. For the Seminoles, they had 12 hits and 0 errors, and for the Bulls they had 3 hits and 1 error.

#image_title

After the game concluded, me and other members of the media headed to Florida State’s Dugout and asked head coach Link Jarrett about his thoughts on the game. When asked about trying to figure out the pitching rotation as the preseason comes to an end this is what coach Jarrett had to say “We have a lot to try to sort out in the next three months really and today just continued to show me that there’s a lot of guys that look like they can lengthen and throw multiple pitches with command if that’s what you are looking for in starter than clearly I think we have it.” Although Florida State came away with a convincing 10–1 victory after 12 innings, both the Seminoles and South Florida Bulls will look to use this preseason matchup as a learning experience before the start of the 2026–27 regular season.

Florida State will continue preparing for the upcoming campaign with its next scheduled game being the annual Garnet & Gold All-Star Game, an intrasquad matchup that will give the Seminoles another opportunity to evaluate their roster and fine-tune their play. Meanwhile, USF will turn its attention to its upcoming matchup against Florida Southern on November 1, where the Bulls will look to build momentum and continue preparing for the season ahead. With the regular season approaching, both programs will aim to learn from their preseason performances, strengthen their lineups, and enter the new campaign ready to compete. 

#image_title
#image_title

CrossFit Winter Haven Hosting Trunk or Treat Event October 29

Allison
-
0
CrossFit Winter Haven Hosting Trunk or Treat Event October 29

CrossFit Winter Haven will be hosting a Trunk or Treat event on Thursday, Oct 29 at their location.

Here are the event details:

Bring the kids, wear your costumes, and join us at CrossFit Winter Haven for an evening of Halloween fun!

Cool cars and decorated trunks

Candy for the little trick-or-treaters

Food & drinks

Fun for the whole family!

📅 Thursday, October 29
⏰ 6–8 PM
📍 CrossFit Winter Haven

Everyone is welcome- you don’t have to be a gym member to join the fun!

Address: 26 Spirit Lake Rd, Winter Haven

Source CrossFit Winter Haven

Discovery High School Hosting Trunk or Treat on Halloween

Allison
-
0
Discovery High School Hosting Trunk or Treat on Halloween

On Saturday, October 31 join Discovery High school for a trick or treat event. It will be a fun and safe place to spend your Halloween!

There will be candy, activities and hot dogs.

Time: 5-7 pm

640 Evenhouse Rd in Lake Alfred

Source Discovery High School

The Meadows at Cypress Gardens to Host Trick-or-Treat Event Friday

Allison
-
0
The Meadows at Cypress Gardens to Host Trick-or-Treat Event Friday

Families are invited to celebrate Halloween with an evening of treats and community fun at The Meadows at Cypress Gardens on Friday, Oct. 30.

The assisted living and memory care community will host its Trick-or-Treat at The Meadows event from 6 to 8 p.m. at 3050 Woodmont Ave. in Winter Haven.

Children and families are welcome to walk around the community, visit with residents and enjoy Halloween treats. Costumes are encouraged.

The event offers an opportunity for families to enjoy Halloween festivities while connecting with residents and sharing in the holiday spirit.

Source The Meadows

ADVERTISEMENT OF SALE

Staff Reporter
-
0
#image_title

Notice is hereby given that Lake Wales Storage intends to sell the property described below to enforce a lien under the Florida Self Storage Facility Act, Statutes (section 83.80-83.809). The owner will sell at public auction on or after December 9, 2026 at 10:00 am at storageauctions.com 

Units belonging to the following:

Ronnette Michelle Caldwell Unit 364

This sale will be continued on such succeeding sale days thereafter as may be necessary to be completed. Unless otherwise noted units contain household items. 

In Loving Memory of James Daniel “Danny” Brantley

Carl Fish
-
0
In Loving Memory of James Daniel “Danny” Brantley


James Daniel “Danny” Brantley, 71, of Lake Wales, Florida, left this earth peacefully with his wife by his side on October 26, 2026. Born on July 8, 1955, in Winter Haven, Florida, Danny lived a life rooted in faith, family, hard work, and a deep love for the Florida outdoors.


Danny was a man who believed in working hard, standing up for what mattered, and making the most of the life God had given him. He never asked for a handout and would give you the shirt off his back. He graduated from Mississippi State University, where he rode bulls and graduated with a degree in animal science, going on to build a career as the owner of Branco Excavating. But some of his greatest passions were found beyond his work—in the outdoors, on the water, and in the company of those who shared his love for hunting, airboating, and Florida’s natural beauty. He was also a proud Florida Gators fan and no stranger to wagering a football bet or playing poker with his friends.


For Danny, the outdoors was more than a pastime. It was a way of life, a place where memories were made, friendships were formed, and traditions were passed from one generation to the next. He believed those experiences should be available to everyone, and he devoted much of his life to making that possible.


A passionate and tireless advocate for Florida’s sportsmen and conservation community, Danny spent decades working to preserve and expand public access to the lands and waterways he loved. He served as president of the Kissimmee River Valley Sportsmen’s Association (KRVSA) for 14 years, the longest tenure in the organization’s history. He also served many years on its board of directors and was later honored with a lifetime honorary board membership. He was a past member of the Lake Region Sportsman Club.
Danny served on the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes Advisory Committee, helping develop proposals to establish public boat ramps on county-owned properties where lake access was limited. He also worked alongside the South Florida Water Management District’s Kissimmee Chain of Lakes committee to expand shoreline access and create additional airboating opportunities in Gardner Marsh and surrounding areas.


For decades, Danny served on the boards of the Florida Wildlife Federation and the Florida Airboat Association, lending his time, knowledge, and unwavering determination to causes close to his heart. In 2018, he helped establish the Sportsmen’s Trust Group, bringing conservation organizations together to strengthen partnerships and expand recreational access to federal wildlife lands. Through those efforts, he helped make possible new hunting opportunities across South and Central Florida, including the establishment of a unique alligator hunting program at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge.
He was a proud Eagle Scout and believed in doing his part to leave things better than he found them. Because of his persistence and dedication, countless families, hunters, anglers, and airboaters will continue to enjoy the beauty and freedom of Florida’s outdoors for generations to come. That is a legacy he was proud of.


Yet, Danny’s most meaningful legacy lives in the people who loved him. He was larger than life. A husband, father, son, brother, uncle, grandfather, and loyal friend. His life was shaped by his faith, the values he held dear, and the deep relationships he built along the way. He didn’t just live life; he barreled through it. Those who knew Danny will remember his strong will, his commanding presence, his sharp wit, his boisterous laugh, his love of the outdoors, and the unmistakable mark he left on the people and places around him.
Danny is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Jennifer Brantley; his daughter, Daisy Marx, and her husband, Ron Marx; his son, Hunter Brantley; his mother, Martha Sue Brantley; his brothers, Johny Brantley, Bobby Brantley; his grandchildren, Logan Mundy, Alyssa Balliet, Dylan Marx, and Connor Marx; and his son-in-law, Nick Mundy.
He was preceded in death by his father, John Brantley, and his beloved daughter, Brandy Mundy, with whom he is now reunited.


While his passing leaves an immeasurable space in the hearts of those who loved him, Danny’s legacy is one that will continue to live on. It can be found in the waterways he helped open, the land he fought to preserve, the traditions he helped protect, and, most importantly, in the family and friends who will carry his memory forward.
Whether you knew him as Dad, Brother, Danny, Branco, Big Gobbler, Uncle Danny, or Papa Bear, he made an impact on everyone he met. 
A life well lived is not measured only by the years we are given, but by what we leave behind. Danny leaves behind a lifetime of memories, family and friends who love him, and a lasting legacy in the Florida outdoors he cherished so deeply.

Well done, Danny. Well done. 


Services will be held Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 10:00 am, at Highpoint Church of Lake Wales, with Rev. Scott Thompson officiating. There will be a Danny Brantley memorial airboat ride announced in the near future through the KRVSA Facebook page.

Auburndale Resident Bringing Halloween to Life with 90-Plus Animatronics at Haunted Yard This Saturday

Allison
-
0
Auburndale Resident Bringing Halloween to Life with 90-Plus Animatronics at Haunted Yard This Saturday

Auburndale Resident Bringing Halloween to Life with 90-Plus Animatronics at Haunted Yard This Saturday
by James Coulter
 
Many people go all out for Halloween, decorating their yards, porches, and homes with spooky displays. But one Auburndale resident takes Halloween decorating to another level.
 
Not only does Matthew Reynolds, 20, transform both the front and back yards of his family’s home, but he also fills the interior with more than 90 animatronic figures as part of a sprawling attraction he opens to the public each Halloween night.
 
Reynolds, a college student who works with Spirit Halloween’s corporate office, has been collecting animatronics for more than a decade. His fascination began as a child through visits to the seasonal retailer, where he purchased the first pieces of what would become an extensive collection.
 
Today, he owns roughly 80 to 90 animatronic figures, with a particular fondness for vintage models from the early 2010s. But collecting is only part of the hobby. Over the years, Reynolds has taught himself how to repair animatronics, a skill he hopes will help him pursue a career as a ride technician or engineer at a major theme park such as Universal Orlando Resort.
 
“My hobby spans way beyond collecting animatronics,” he said. “I am a huge theme park enthusiast. I love Universal and Disney and dark rides and animatronics. I’ve learned how to repair those figures and learn how they work. I learned about different ride systems and operations. And my ideal career is ride tech and engineering.”
 
Since moving to their Auburndale home in 2013, Reynolds’ parents have incorporated his collection into their Halloween decorations. Over time, they handed creative control to him, allowing the annual attraction to grow larger and more elaborate.
 
“I make it an initiative every year to make the walkthrough very similar to anything you see at Halloween Horror Nights,” Reynolds said. “Something immersive, not generic, not just putting animatronics into a field. Everything is immersive and themed with different sets and movie scenes.”
 
That commitment to immersion is reflected in this year’s display, which features four new large-scale set pieces, several new themes, and additional animatronics. Among the latest additions are figures inspired by popular horror properties such as Five Nights at Freddy’s and Poppy Playtime.
 
The attraction engages multiple senses with detailed scenery, lighting, sound effects, and hidden details designed to reward repeat visitors.
 
“For first-time guests, it’s a very memorable experience, and a lot of our guests, if not most of them, probably 95 percent return for next year and all the next coming years,” Reynolds said. “You can almost spend hours in there looking at the different pieces and different easter eggs, hidden things in the display.”
 
The Haunted Yard will take place at 136 Patterson Drive in Auburndale, FL, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 31, 2026.
 
Reynolds recently appeared on the Chattin’ on the Ridge podcast to discuss the Haunted Yard and his animatronic collection. The full episode is available on Acast and Spotify: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/episodes/ep-92-2026-auburndale-haunted-yard-wmatthew-reynolds

City of Winter Haven Fire Department Now Hiring

Allison
-
0
City of Winter Haven Fire Department Now Hiring

City of Winter Haven – The City of Winter Haven Fire Department is hiring a Firefighter I/EMT! Make a difference in the community by joining our team and helping protect our residents.

Starting at $19.64/hour
Benefits include health insurance, paid leave and holidays, retirement, and tuition assistance.

If you’re passionate about serving the community, protecting lives, and making an impact, the city encourages you to apply! https://ow.ly/Ecrn5101in4

1...456...1,395Page 5 of 1,395