The Polk County Fire Rescue is currently on scene of a commercial structure fire at Pizza Connection in Auburndale. According to initial reports the incident was called in at 9:02pm. One person was still inside as fire rescue arrived and may need medical attention.
The fire is active and they are currently putting water on it. Flames shooting from the roof.
The address is listed as 220 Lake Ave E. Please avoid the area at this time.
The restaurant is typically closed on Sundays, but appears one person was inside the restaurant at the time of the call.
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, the 39th president and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, passed away today at the age of 100 in his hometown of Plains, Georgia.
Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Carter graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946 and served in the Navy until 1953, when he returned to Georgia to manage his family’s peanut farming business. His political career began with his election to the Georgia State Senate in 1962, followed by his tenure as Governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975. In 1976, he was elected the 39th President of the United States, serving from 1977 to 1981.
Carter’s presidency was marked by significant achievements, including the Camp David Accords, which led to a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. However, his term also faced challenges such as the Iran hostage crisis and economic difficulties. After leaving office, Carter dedicated himself to humanitarian efforts, notably through the Carter Center, which he founded in 1982 to promote human rights and alleviate human suffering. His post-presidential work earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
In recent years, Carter faced health challenges and entered hospice care in February 2023. He celebrated his 100th birthday in October 2024, becoming the longest-lived U.S. president.
Carter’s legacy is characterized by his commitment to peace, human rights, and public service. He is survived by his family and a grateful nation that honors his contributions to both the country and the world.
It’s the end of the year. Rather than spend it going out to the theaters, I’ve decided to catch up on watching films I missed out on earlier this year.
That’s probably a good decision since there are not many “good'” movies out right now. I refuse, on principle, to watch the live-action Lion King prequel. Same with Kraven the Hunter. And while Sonic 3 looks good, I still haven’t watched the first two Sonic movies.
So, what movies have I decided to watch instead? Well, I could catch up on seeing the second Joker movie or The Crow remake, but, personally, a root canal without anesthesia would probably be a more enjoyable experience.
In the end, I’ve opted to watch an indie film that’s considered to be the funniest movie of the year–and chances are, most of y’all have never heard of it. That movie is: Hundreds of Beavers.
Never heard of it? I don’t blame you. It’s an indie film that ran the rounds on the indie film circuit earlier this year. It was later released onto video-on-demand, but it’s currently available to watch for free on Tubi and YouTube.
But is this indie comedy worth the hype? Is Hundreds of Beavers worth the hundreds of accolades and praise it has received? Or is it a real groaner that’s worth only hundreds of groans and sighs?
Hundreds of Beavers is an indie slapstick filmed in black-and-white, styled after the comedy flicks of the early 20th Century. The story follows the misadventures and misfortunes of an applejack salesman named Jean Kayak. After his orchard and home are comically destroyed, Jean is forced to brave the cold, unforgiving winter.
To survive, Jean becomes a fur trapper, catching rascally varmints to trade for supplies. Eventually, he falls in love with the merchant’s daughter. But the merchant, being a stern father figure, insists that the only way Jean can have his daughter’s hand in marriage is if he collects the fur of…hundreds of beavers. (Cue title drop!)
Hundreds of Beavers is one of those movies where the most ringing endorsement I can give is to simply watch the movie. Go ahead. Watch it! It’s free to stream on Tubi and YouTube. It really is that good.
As mentioned before, the movie is filmed in black-and-white in the style of classic silent movies. The characters never speak any dialogue, only the occasional grunts, moans, and sighs. The only time dialogue appears is with old-timey title cards.
Otherwise, this movie is pure slapstick. The entire film is a series of comedic vignettes that pits man against nature in the most SNAFU way possible. Poor Jean has to survive the winter with only the clothes on his back–and sometimes barely with that. And anything that can go wrong for him not only goes wrong but spectacularly so.
Essentially, the entire film is a live-action cartoon, with the comedy undoubtedly reminiscent of Looney Tunes. After all, the plot focuses on a dimwitted hunter who’s constantly outsmarted by forest creatures. Evidently, Elmer Fudd and Bugs Bunny were huge inspirations.
So, if this film is essentially a cartoon, why film it in live-action than in animation? Because it makes the wacky shenanigans all the wackier, obviously. If this film were animated, the Looney Tunes-esque antics would have been too commonplace. Having it filmed in live-action makes the slapstick and cartoon-style antics stand out even more and therefore come across as funnier in comparison.
As I said, the most ringing endorsement I can give this film is to simply watch it for yourself. If you’re looking for a laugh riot of a movie to watch, Hundreds of Beavers is guaranteed to be up your alley.
Update: Haines City Police Department’s vehicle of interest involved in last night’s homicide.
The vehicle appears to be a dark colored, 4-door sedan.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Haines City Police Department or Heartland Crime Stoppers if they wish to remain anonymous.
Vehicle of Interest
Update: Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida is now offering a $5,000 reward for anyone with information regarding last night’s homicide.
Original Article
The Haines City Police Department is providing an update on the shooting that occurred on the evening of Friday, December 27, 2024. Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene and assumed the investigation.
The victims have been identified as a 33-year-old black female and a 41-year-old black female. Despite the efforts of medical staff, the 33-year-old female died as a result of her injuries. The 41-year-old female is in stable condition and is expected to recover from her injuries.
At this point in the investigation, it appears the two victims were traveling together in a vehicle when they were shot from behind. Evidence gathered so far in the investigation suggests the vehicle they were driving was intentionally targeted. There is currently no suspect in custody, however, the Haines City Police Department believes this was an isolated incident and there is no immediate threat to the public.
Police Chief Greg Goreck stated “Our hearts are with family of the victims during this difficult time. We are committed to identifying those who are involved and ensuring justice is served for their loved ones. In moments like these, it is vital we come together as a community, offering support and standing united against senseless acts of violence. We encourage any members of our community who may have any information to come forward and assist in the investigation, as every detail can make a difference in bringing justice to the family.”
Detectives are still requesting anyone with information regarding the incident contact Heartland Crime Stoppers or the Haines City Police Department.
Update: Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida is now offering a $5,000 reward for anyone with information regarding last night’s homicide.
HAINES CITY, FL – The Haines City Police Department is currently investigating a shooting that occurred in the area of Dr Martin Luther King Jr Way within the city limits of Haines City.
On December 27, 2024, at approximately 1822 hours, dispatch received a 911 call from a female stating she had been shot. When officers arrived on scene, two adult female victims were located with apparent gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to local hospitals for medical care.
Police are actively looking for any witnesses or anyone with information regarding the incident and are encouraged to contact Heartland Crime Stoppers or the Haines City Police Department.
This is an active investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
**Update: One Of Two Woman Shot In Friday Night Dies From Her Injuries- Details Click Here
The sixth case of rabies in Polk County this year has been confirmed in the area of Oak Avenue, Fort Meade.
On Thursday, December 19, 2024, a dead bat was found inside a kennel with three Alaskan huskies – the dogs’ owner does not know if one of the dogs killed the bat or not. All three dogs are vaccinated.
The bat was sent to the State Laboratory in Tampa; test results were received at Animal Control today, confirming the bat tested positive for rabies.
“Luckily this family’s pets are vaccinated against this dangerous disease. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you come into contact with sick, injured, or deceased wildlife.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Please do not approach any animal that is acting in an unusual or suspicious manner. If you think you or your pet has had an “exposure,” please contact the PCSO Animal Control Section at 863.577.1762.
The Haines City Police Department arrested Jordan F. Simmons after he allegedly took a shower, slept on bed, stole personal items including a handgun and ate food out of the station refrigerator. The incident took place on December 7th.
The following is a redacted, but unedited portion of the Haines City Police Department arrest affidavit (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Haines City Police Department. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Daily Ridge does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions. A suspect is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.) :
“On 12/7/2024, I Det. Vasquez, responded to the Haines City Fire Department (Station #1) in Haines City, Florida in reference to a subject trespassing in the restricted common area of the fire department. Upon my arrival, I walked into the common area and observed two firefighters conversing with a white male who I later identified via Florida Driver’s license as Jordan Frazier Simmons W/M DOB: 2/6/1979 (Arrested). The firefighters were later identified as Haines City Firefighter REDACTED (Victim) and Haines City Firefighter REDACTED (Witness #1).
I began to gather initial information, and the subject made mention he had permission to be there from a former employee he was related to. I later dispelled this information and ultimately Jordan was detained.
REDACTED notified me the subject had taken a bag belonging to him and loaded his own keys and multitool into the bag as if to claim the bag as his own. Within the bag was miscellaneous clothing to include clothing and a Glock 19 with 15 9mm rounds contained within a magazine. There was no round in the chamber. REDACTED notified me Simmons had taken his bedding from his locker and laid in his bed, soiling his linens and his pillow.
The bag was a brown in color London Fog handbag valued at $200.00. REDACTED learned the subject was wearing his black Nike socks (valued at approximately $20.00) upon learning he was missing his own. I walked out to the patrol car and advised Simmons of his Miranda Warning via an agency issued Miranda Warning card. Post Miranda, Simmons admitted to taking the socks from the bag and putting them on.
REDACTED stated his towel was hanging in the bathroom, and after learning Simmons had showered he went to check the bathroom. Once in the bathroom, REDACTED discovered his towel was wet and used, presumably by Simmons.
Positioned next to the recliner where Simmons was seated comfortably and upon discovery of his presence, was his dirty clothing, a hat, shoes, and a large hatchet approximately 10 inches in length.
REDACTED confirmed via a sworn recorded statement that no one was given permission to open his bag, temporarily deprive him of his personal belongings, or wear his clothing.
I confirmed with Battalion Chief REDACTED that no one had permission to enter the premises or the restricted area within.
At this time a point of entry could not be established, as review of the camera system was not available at this hour.
Upon my arrival at the Police Department to conduct a sworn recorded interview, Simmons declined to speak with law enforcement. Simmons made spontaneous utterances that I was “colluding” against him and putting my career in jeopardy. Simmons went on to inform me he was eating ranch dip from the fire station, which did not belong to him. A criminal history check revealed no prior convictions for theft or burglary.
Simmons was charged accordingly and transported to booking by Officer Armstrong #H1582.”
James Gunn is the GOAT! He directed the best Marvel movie, Guardians of the Galaxy. The only film better than that was the second, GOTG: Vol. 2. (GOTG: Vol. 3 wasn’t as great, but it was still pretty good.)
The Guardians movies proved so popular that Warner Bros. decided to make their own version for their DC Comics movie franchise: Suicide Squad—which flopped hard! In fact, it was only after Gunn joined Warner Bros. and directed the sequel/reboot, The Suicide Squad, that the formula finally worked for them.
Now Gunn is set to helm the DC Comics Universe (DCU) moving forward. Next year will officially kick off this new series of comic book movies with a Superman reboot. (And if the teaser trailer is any indicator, it looks awesome!)
Until then, DC Comics has released a new animated series created by Gunn for the Max streaming service: Creature Commandos. But will this series be a graveyard smash of a monster mash? Or…oh, who am I kidding? James Freaking Gunn made it. It’s going to be gold!
When a small European kingdom gets invaded by the evil enchantress Circe, Rick Flag Sr. assembles a band of incarcerated monsters on a rescue mission to save the princess. His team includes the Bride (as in the Bride of Frankenstein), GI Robot (a WW2-era robot with a love for killing Nazis), Weasel (who’s literally a giant weasel), Doctor Phosphorus (a flaming irradiated skeleton), and Nina (a gender-swapped version of the Creature from the Black Lagoon).
While this year hasn’t been great for superhero movies—looking at you Madame Web and Kraven the Hunter!—it has undoubtedly been good for animation. The first animated hit, of course, was X-Men ’97. And now Creature Commandos appears to be the next great thing. As of this review, only four of the seven episodes have been released on Max. However, James Gunn’s animated series appears to be so far, so good.
The animation for both this and X-Men ’97 proves that detailed, comic book-like art styles are not dead. While the current trend of simplistic art styles in animated shows like Steven Universe and Owl House is good, nothing beats animation that looks like comic books come to life.
As for the plot, if James Gunn is good at anything, it’s taking a band of misfits, putting them into over-the-top action scenes, having them bounce witty banter off of each other, and giving them a healthy dose of character depth. It’s what made the Guardians movies great. And it’s what makes this series good.
As always, Gunn effortlessly balances blue humor and gratuitous violence and sex that entices the adolescent sensibilities of viewers with plenty of emotion that makes for sincerely heartfelt moments. Each of the characters gets their own backstory which reveals the humanity within these “monsters.”
The Bride was literally created to be the bride of Frankenstein, but ended up having complicated feelings toward her creator which caused tension in their relationship. GI Robot was designed
solely for killing Nazis during WW2, and struggled to find purpose after the war when there were no more Nazis to kill. And as for Weasel? Well, no spoilers, but Gunn wasn’t kidding when he explained the episode was the saddest thing he’s written.
I’ve managed to binge-watch all of the episodes so far in one sitting, and I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the remaining episodes to be released. I have not been excited about an animated show—or really, any show—in a long time (with the notable exception of Delicious in Dungeon). And if this show is any indicator, the DCU is in capable hands with James Gunn. Godspeed!
On Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at approximately 7:39 p.m., officers responded to a crash involving a pedestrian near the 2100 block of East Edgewood Drive. Based on witness statements and evidence gathered at the scene, prior to the crash, a pedestrian was attempting to cross East Edgewood Drive in a southerly direction when they walked into the path of a 2015 BMW that was traveling eastbound. The driver of the vehicle, 26-year-old Shakur Dexter, stopped and remained at the scene as first responders were en route.
The Lakeland Police Department Patrol Unit, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department arrived on the scene and began life-saving measures. The pedestrian, later identified as William Crede, age 69, was transported to Lakeland Regional Health. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Crede succumbed to his injuries.
Members of the Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The roadway was shut down for approximately two hours while the scene was processed for the ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Officer Travis Payne at [email protected].
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Polk County Fire Rescue were on scene of an accident on Shinn Blvd/17/92 and Cummings St. Multiple vehicles were involved and multiple people injured. A total of 4 ambulances were on scene and one person was airlifted for medical care.
According to initial reports the accident occurred at 12:43pm. The vehicles involved appear to be a dark blue or black pick-up and a reddish Toyota car.
The roadway was totally blocked, but we do not have an update yet if it’s cleared.
We will update this article as more information is provided.
