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In Loving Memory of Maria J. Barrett

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In Loving Memory of Maria J. Barrett

Maria J. Barrett

February 3rd, 1954 – September 24th, 2025

In Loving Memory of Maria J. Barrett

Maria J. Barrett, 71, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, in Haines City, FL surrounded by her family.

Maria is preceded in death by her parents Celestino and Emelia Quiroz, her 3 brothers, and husband Rodney Barrett. She is survived by her sister, Maria Lou (Ronnie) Story, her 3 brothers in the Philippines, daughter Cathy (Jeff) Baker, granddaughters Lindsaia (Anthony) Johansmeyer, Sommer (Jared) Mueller, and Caydee Baker, and great grandchildren Colt and Reagan Johansmeyer.

Maria was born in Bagac Bataan, Philippines and grew up there with her 6 brothers and sister. She met her husband at the U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay Philippines in the commissary where she worked and he served as a U.S. Marine. They married on June 22, 1974 and later brought their beautiful daughter into the world. The family moved to Camp Le June, North Carolina in December of 1975 where he was stationed and retired in 1976. From the years of 1976-1991 the family lived in Pennsylvania, and later moved to Florida.

She worked as a seamstress her entire career.Maria was known as “Lola” which is grandmother in Tagalog. She loved her family deeply and enjoyed preparing everyone’s favorite meal, pancit and lumpia. She loved to shop, and purchased anything that had her favorite color purple! She loved to listen to karaoke, and was always excited to tell you about an upcoming television episode or a new movie that you had to watch! Her favorite shows were the daily soap operas, cooking channels, and WWE Smackdown.

Though she was tiny, she sure was mighty! She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. They are at peace knowing that she is now reunited with her husband, and walking the streets with Jesus.

Things to Do in Polk County This Weekend: October 2–4

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Things to Do in Polk County This Weekend: October 2–4

Polk County is packed with events this weekend, offering something for everyone—from family fun and fitness to food, festivals, and cultural celebrations.

October 2–4

World Wake Association Championship at Lake Silver in Winter Haven brings top athletes for an action-packed weekend on the water.

Friday, October 3

October First Friday Cookie Carnival in Downtown Lakeland’s Munn Park, 6–9 p.m., featuring sweet treats, vendors, and community fun.

Saturday, October 4

Mayor’s 5K in Haines City kicks off at 7:30 a.m.

Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art Fall Family Festival in Lakeland, 10 a.m.

Hispanic Heritage Festival at Spence Park in Mulberry, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Winter Haven Fire Station Open House, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Winter Haven Library Saturday Matinee showing Jurassic World: Rebirth (PG-13), 11 a.m.

Camp Wingmann Fall Family Festival in Avon Park, 11 a.m.

Mid Florida BBQ & Brews Festival at Eagle Ridge Mall, 1–8 p.m.

Whether you’re looking for fitness, food, or family activities, Polk County has it all this weekend.

Want your event featured on Daily Ridge? Email [email protected]

2025 Mayor’s 5K in Haines City October 4

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2025 Mayor’s 5K in Haines City October 4

Haines City Parks & Rec-

2025 Mayor’s 5K, presented by AdventHealth Heart of Florida
Saturday, October 4, 2025
7:30 AM
Lake Eva Park

Reminder: The Mayor’s 5K is this Saturday. Runners will be on the following course from 7:30AM to approximately 9:30AM.
There will be minimal impacts to traffic during the race. HCPD will be controlling traffic along Peninsular Drive with a rolling road block.

5K Race Route:

3rd St – Wood Ave
Wood Ave – S 1st St
S 1St – Peninsular Ave
Peninsular Ave – Peninsular Dr
Peninsular Dr – Alta Vista Dr
(Runners will be past this point by approx. 8:15 AM)
Alta Vista Dr – S 10th St
S 10th Street – Wood Ave
Wood Ave – S 8th St
S 8th St – Johns Ave
Johns Ave – S 9th St
S 9th St – Lake Eva Park Trail
Finish on the Great Lawn

Graphic source Haines City Parks & Rec

Public Notice of Fictitious Name

Staff Reporter
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Public Notice of Fictitious Name

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned pursuant to the fictitious name statutes 865.09 Florida statues will register with the division of corporations of the state of Florida upon receipt of proof of publication of this notice the fictitious name to wit Dawg On The Run under which we are or intend to do business as in Polk County Florida that parties interested in said business enterprises are as follows Names or officers Thomas Hahn.

Sumter County Crash Leaves Lakeland Man Injured and Plant City Woman Dead

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Sumter County Crash Leaves Lakeland Man Injured and Plant City Woman Dead

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. – A fatal crash occurred Wednesday evening, October 1, 2025, on County Road 471, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The crash happened around 5:15 p.m. when a Jeep Wrangler, driven by a 55-year-old Plant City woman, was heading southbound. For reasons still under investigation, the Jeep entered the northbound lane north of Main Line Road and collided with a trailer being towed by a tractor-trailer. The tractor-trailer was driven by a 57-year-old man from Lakeland.

The impact caused the Jeep to overturn, ejecting the driver onto the roadway. The tractor-trailer veered off the road and struck a tree. The Plant City woman was transported to a nearby hospital but later died from her injuries.

Polk County Solid Waste Disposal Fees Increased

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Polk County Solid Waste Disposal Fees Increased

Polk County Government Florida:

New disposal rates have taken effect at the Polk County North Central Landfill and Transfer Station.

Under the new rate structure, garbage disposal fees will increase to $46 per ton. This will also apply to construction and demolition debris. Yard trash disposal will now be charged at $36.50 per ton. Additionally, all transactions will be subject to a minimum fee of $10.

These rate adjustments reflect the increasing operational costs and infrastructure maintenance requirements necessary to maintain high-quality waste management services for county residents and businesses.

The Polk County Solid Waste Division remains committed to providing efficient, environmentally responsible waste disposal services. These rate adjustments will support ongoing improvements to facilities and operations, ensuring that the county’s waste management needs continue to be met effectively.

Polk County Solid Waste Division is hosting a disposal event from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Oct. 25

Staff Reporter
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Polk County Solid Waste Division is hosting a disposal event from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Oct. 25
Disposal Event Oct 25 Bartow Senior High School

Polk County Solid Waste Division is hosting a disposal event from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Bartow Senior High School located at 1270 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830, entrance will be from E. Georgia Street.

Acceptable materials include, but are not limited to:

Auto and Boat Batteries

Household Batteries

Fuel and Gas Cylinders

Filters, Used Oil and Antifreeze

Pesticides

Mercury and Fluorescent Lights

Flares

Paint

Used Cooking Oil

https://www.polk-county.net/events/household-hazardous-waste-march-disposal-event

For more information, please contact Polk County Solid Waste Division at (863) 284-4319.

Sherwood L. Stokes Preserve Offers Scenic Wildlife Experience in Haines City

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Sherwood L. Stokes Preserve Offers Scenic Wildlife Experience in Haines City

Address: 8649 Lake Marion Creek Rd., Haines City

Sherwood L. Stokes Preserve, managed by Polk County Parks & Recreation, is a hidden gem for bird lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This natural preserve protects rare species, vital water resources, and diverse habitats while offering the public a chance to enjoy Florida’s wild beauty.

Photo source Polk County Parks & Rec

Visitors can explore natural walkways winding through forests, marshes, scrub, and hammocks, making it an ideal spot for hiking and nature walks. Birdwatchers will be thrilled with the opportunity to observe more than 70 species, from songbirds to raptors, throughout the year. In addition to birds, wildlife sightings may include deer, turkey, and even the occasional feral hog.

Polk County Parks & Rec

Whether you’re an avid birder, a photographer, or simply looking for a peaceful escape in nature, Sherwood L. Stokes Preserve provides a tranquil setting to connect with the outdoors and appreciate Polk County’s rich natural heritage.

Brooks Law Group Launches Billboard Design Contest

Staff Reporter
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Brooks Law Group Launches Billboard Design Contest

$1,000 cash prize and real-world exposure for winning creative

Tampa and Winter Haven, FL — October 1, 2025 — Brooks Law Group announced today the launch of its Billboard Design Contest, inviting graphic designers and creative enthusiasts to submit bold, high-impact concepts for a chance to win $1,000 and see their work featured on a real highway billboard.

“Great outdoor creative earns attention in seconds,” said Stephen K. Brooks, attorney and founding partner of Brooks Law Group. “This contest celebrates designers who can distill a powerful message into a single, memorable billboard—and we’re excited to showcase the winning concept in the real world.”

Key details

  • Prize & exposure: $1,000 to the winner, plus publication of the design on an actual billboard.
  • Who can enter: Open to graphic designers and creative enthusiasts.
  • Creative approach: Minimalist, high-contrast billboard design optimized for quick roadside readability and explicitly targeted to truck crash victims (clear message, empathetic tone, and visuals that speak to commercial trucking collisions).

A panel from Brooks Law Group will review entries and select the winner based on clarity, impact, and adherence to the specifications above.

How to enter

Visit the contest page, review the full brief and terms, and submit your design files:
brookslawgroup.com/about-us/community/fall-billboard-contest/

About Brooks Law Group

Brooks Law Group is a Florida-based personal injury firm with a specialty focus on trucking and commercial vehicle accidents, including semi-trucks, box trucks, delivery vans, construction vehicles, and other commercial fleets. The firm is committed to advocacy, education, and community engagement, and brings deep experience investigating complex commercial vehicle crashes, coordinating with industry experts, and pursuing full accountability for victims. Through public initiatives like the Billboard Design Contest, Brooks Law Group supports creative talent while elevating safety awareness on Florida roads.

Lakeland Woman Sustains Serious Injuries in Fatal Crash on I-75

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Lakeland Woman Sustains Serious Injuries in Fatal Crash on I-75

Fatal Hillsborough County Crash I-75

September 30, 2025 | 7:20 PM

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – A deadly crash occurred Tuesday evening on I-75, leaving one driver dead and others seriously injured, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The incident happened around 7:20 p.m. when a Nissan Rogue, driven by a 38-year-old Lakeland woman, was traveling northbound in the outside lane at a very slow speed for reasons still under investigation.

A Mitsubishi Mirage, driven by a 67-year-old man from St. Petersburg, struck the rear of the Rogue. The impact forced the Nissan onto the shoulder where it collided with a barrier wall. The Mirage then spun into the path of a tractor-trailer, driven by a 43-year-old Loganville, Georgia man, which collided with the vehicle.

Both the Nissan and Mitsubishi drivers suffered serious injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals. The St. Petersburg driver later died from his injuries. The tractor-trailer driver was not hurt.

The crash remains under investigation.

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