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In Loving Memory of Dr. Phillip A. Pitts of Haines City

Allison
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In Loving Memory of Dr. Phillip A. Pitts of Haines City

Dr. Phillip A. Pitts

June 17th, 1951 – October 15th, 2025

Dr. Phillip A. Pitts, of Haines City, FL, went to be with the Lord on October 15, 2025. He was born on June 17, 1951, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to Eugene Glen and Imogene Faye Willhite Pitts. Phillip moved to Florida in 1974 and dedicated his life to Christian service at Landmark Baptist Church, where he was a devoted member. He served as principal for 25 years and as a Bible professor for 26 years, in addition to volunteering faithfully in the church’s bus ministry.

Phillip was a faithful servant to his Savior who loved spending time with his wife and family. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gardening. He was a sports fan of the Rays, Bucs, Chiefs, and Royals. Phillip loved barbecuing, had a wonderful sense of humor, and was known for being selfless, hardworking, forgiving, kind, disciplined, wise, and loyal.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Phillip is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Julie Pitts; children, Sonja (Mark) Burdon, Elizabeth Pitts, Rebecca (Corbett) Watson, Andrew (Savana) Pitts, Nathan (Nicole) Pitts, and Emily Pitts; siblings, Ronald (Sue) Pitts and Gary Pitts; and twenty beloved grandchildren: Britni Burdon, Lillian Burdon, Taylor Burdon, Mya Ervin, Clay Ervin, Callie Ervin, Madisyne Stealy, Mason Stealy, Ashlynn Pitts, Eli Watson, Emma Grace Watson, Candayce Pitts, Nona Pitts, Audreyana Pitts, Maverick Pitts, Shaylee Pitts, Taryn Pitts, Charlize Pitts, Everthett Pitts, and Callan Pitts.

A visitation was held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., followed by a service at 3:00 p.m., all at Landmark Baptist Church in Haines City, FL. His final resting place will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Haines City, FL.

Donations can be made in his honor to Landmark Baptist Church Bus Ministry.

Cooking on the Ridge: Roasted Squash Soup

Allison
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Cooking on the Ridge: Roasted Squash Soup

Cooking on the Ridge: Roasted Squash Soup

by James Coulter

Autumn brings a bounty of seasonal produce: apples, pears, root vegetables, pumpkins, and squash. This roasted squash soup was my first time cooking with butternut, and it taught me a few valuable lessons.

The recipe calls for cutting up the squash into inch large chunks. Sounds easy, right? Well, it wasn’t.

Cutting the squash in half was the toughest part. My knife didn’t cooperate, and actually halving the squash took longer than I expected. And then I had to cut it into pieces.

I was told by a friend on Facebook that they simply cut the squash in half, roast it, then cut it up into pieces. Perhaps, I’ll try that next time.

Actually, halfway into cooking this meal, I realized I could have easily substituted the squash for sweet potato. Cutting up potatoes is much easier than cutting up squash. Again, maybe I’ll try that next time.

All things considered, the effort was worth it. The soup turned out creamy and hearty, lifted by onion, garlic, bacon, and warming spices. The cumin especially offered an almost taco or curry flavor.

Either way, it made for a good warm bowl of soup. Whether you prepare it from squash, pumpkin, or sweet potato, it’s sure to warm you up as the days get cooler.

 

***

 

Roasted Squash Soup

Ingredients

• 3 to 4 cups of squash or pumpkin, cubed

• 4 slices of bacon, chopped

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

• 3 cloves of garlic, minced

• 3 cups of chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

• 1 tsp. salt

• ½ tsp. pepper

• ½ tsp. ground cumin

• ½ tsp. paprika

• 1 tbsp. olive oil

 

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F

2. Cut squash or pumpkin in half, brush with oil, and sprinkle with salt.

3. Cook in oven for 25 to 35 minutes, or until flesh is caramelized and tender.

4. Let cool, then cut and peel into 1–2-inch cubes.

5. In a large pot, cook bacon until crisp, then reserve a few pieces for garnish.

6. Add chopped onion and sauté for 6-8 minutes or until soft and translucent.

7. Add minced garlic and cook for a minute or until fragrant.

8. Add roasted squash, cumin, paprika, pepper, and salt, then cook for 1-2 minutes.

9. Pour in stock and cook for 8-10 minutes to simmer.

10. Remove from heat and blend until smooth, either with immersion blender or in a countertop blender.

11. Return to pot and add cream. Stir and bring soup to simmer or until all ingredients are well-blended.

12. Ladle into bowls and garnish with remaining bacon. Add chopped chives or parsley.

Florida Babysitter Accused of Poisoning Infant with Antifreeze

Allison
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Florida Babysitter Accused of Poisoning Infant with Antifreeze

OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, Fla. – A 59-year-old babysitter from Okeechobee County has been accused of poisoning an 11-month-old boy with antifreeze.

According to records obtained by People, Anna Adamo faces multiple charges, including aggravated child abuse, attempted first-degree murder, and poisoning food, water, or medicine with intent to kill or injure.

Investigators say the incident occurred on February 12, when the infant—reportedly in good health upon being left in Adamo’s care—later showed symptoms consistent with ethylene glycol (antifreeze) poisoning. The baby reportedly was rushed to the hospital and went into cardiac arrest. CPR was performed for 10 minutes, and thankfully the child survived.

Adamo was arrested in Georgia, extradited to Florida, and formally charged on October 11. Court documents show she was later released on a $600,000 bond.

The case was first reported by News 6.

Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation Places 76th AED at Avon Park Moose Lodge in ‘Pay It Forward’ Initiative

Staff Reporter
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Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation Places 76th AED at Avon Park Moose Lodge in ‘Pay It Forward’ Initiative

Avon Park, FL – October 22, 2025 – The Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation (CCF) continues its lifesaving mission across Central Florida with the placement of its 76th automated external defibrillator (AED) at the Highlands County Moose Lodge #2494 in Avon Park. This donation, made on October 9, was facilitated through the foundation’s “Pay It Forward” program, courtesy of the Arcadia Moose Lodge #1327.

Founded by Melanie Brown Culpepper Beilke in honor of her late husband, Michael Culpepper, the nonprofit organization has been dedicated to increasing access to AEDs in Polk County and surrounding areas since its inception. The foundation places at least two AEDs per month in community locations, often in collaboration with local businesses and organizations, to help prevent sudden cardiac arrest tragedies.

The “Pay It Forward” initiative allows recipients of previous AED donations to nominate and support the placement of a new device at another site. In this case, the Arcadia Moose Lodge, which received an AED from CCF back in March, chose to extend the gesture to the Highlands County Moose Lodge.

William Walker, Administrator of the Arcadia Moose Lodge, shared insights into the decision the Administrator of the Arcadia Moose Lodge. Walker has been a member for 22 years and Administrator for 3 years.

Explaining the choice, Walker noted, “We chose Highlands County Moose Lodge because they were the only Moose Lodge in our district that did not have an AED. Our district consists of 5 lodges: Arcadia, Highlands County, Lake Placid, Sebring, and Wauchula.”

The event included an AED demonstration led by Eric Shimcus, which Walker described positively: “The training was informative, professional, and he spoke at a level that non-healthcare persons could understand.”

As a retired firefighter and paramedic with 36 years of experience, Walker emphasized the critical role of AEDs in emergencies. “As a retired Firefighter/Paramedic working in the field for 36 years, I know the importance of having an AED available and applaud the efforts of the CCF,” he added.

The Highlands County Moose Lodge, located at 1318 W Bell St. in Avon Park, serves as a community hub with events, entertainment, and gatherings. This new AED enhances safety for members and visitors, aligning with the Moose Fraternity’s commitment to community welfare.

CCF’s efforts have now resulted in over 76 AED placements, including recent donations to locations like Youth For Christ of Polk County and Winter Haven High School’s baseball team. The foundation also provides scholarships and raises awareness about cardiac health.

For more information on Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation or to support their initiatives, check out there Facebook Page. Saving lives matters, and through partnerships like this, communities in Florida are becoming safer one AED at a time.

81st Bartow Community Halloween Parade & Carnival

Allison
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81st Bartow Community Halloween Parade & Carnival

Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce –

GET READY FOR THE 81ST BARTOW COMMUNITY HALLOWEEN PARADE & CARNIVAL!

Get your costumes ready, Bartow! The 81st Bartow Community Halloween Parade & Carnival is set to make Thursday, October 30th, 2025, a night to remember. This cherished event, originally started by the Crickette Club of Bartow and kept alive by Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, Junior Service League, Zonta Club and Engage (the Community Halloween Parade and Carnival Committee) since 2020, promises a ghoulishly good time for all.

A SPOOKTACULAR PARADE

FILL OUT THIS FORM TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PARADE! The fun kicks off at 4:30 p.m. as the parade lines up on First and Second Avenue, right across from the iconic Chicken Shack. Expect a dazzling display of floats, costumes, and local talent as the parade winds its way through town, ending at Mosaic Park. Don’t forget to hydrate as past parades have been known for their warm and humid conditions.

CARNIVAL FUN AWAITS

Once the parade concludes, the carnival begins in earnest at around 5:30 p.m. at Mosaic Park. Expect a vibrant mix of carnival games scattered around the park and a mouthwatering array of food trucks. You can even use your credit/debit card to purchase game and ride tickets, so no need to carry cash!

COSTUME CONTEST EXTRAVAGANZA

Think your costume has what it takes to wow the judges? Registration for the costume contest is free and begins at 5:30 p.m., with the first contest kicking off at approximately 6:30 p.m. So don your best spooky, silly, or spectacular outfit and join in the fun!

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!

We need your help to make this event a haunting success! Volunteers can assist with a variety of tasks, including running game booths, helping out with lost and found, directing traffic, and clean-up. Plus, it’s a great way to earn community service hours. Interested? Send an email to [email protected] to sign up.

PARADE DETAILS

  • Route: Begins at Main St and First Ave (across from the Chicken Shack), heads west on Main St, and then south on Broadway Ave, concluding near the Bartow Civic Center, at Mosaic Park.
  • Line-Up: Line up begins at 2:00 PM, with the parade starting promptly at 4:30 PM.
  • Rules: Remember, no throwing candy from floats! Candy can be handed out by walkers aged 12 and up. Decorate your units in a family-friendly manner, and keep up with the flow to avoid gaps and ensure everyone’s safety.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

  • Rain or Shine: The event will go ahead no matter the weather, so come prepared.
  • Bathrooms: Available at the Bartow Civic Center; and port-a-johns around the park.
  • Safety First: Stay hydrated and follow all parade rules to keep the event safe and enjoyable for everyone.

PARADE PARTICIPATION

FILL OUT THIS FORM TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PARADE!

There is a fee for entry: $25 for individuals, groups, and businesses, and $50 for politicians and political groups. Sponsorships are also available, first come, first served (and first in line!) Some exemptions apply, particularly for non-profits, government agencies, public schools, and churches. Be sure to check the guidelines for more details.

So mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and join us for a night of Halloween magic at the 81st Bartow Community Halloween Parade & Carnival!

FREE Women’s Basic Self Defense* and Personal Safety* Class Scheduled for November 1

Allison
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FREE Women’s Basic Self Defense* and Personal Safety* Class Scheduled for November 1

The next Polk County Sheriff’s Office Women’s Basic Self Defense* and Personal Safety* class is scheduled for Saturday, November 1st from 10am – Noon.

Join our Crime Prevention Unit for a couple of hours to learn some basic moves and information that could help keep you safe in a bad situation.

The class is FREE of charge and designed for ladies 13 years and older. Those under 18 will need a parent present to sign a waiver at the start of class.

Each class is approximately one hour long unless more than 30 women attend. For every additional 10-15 females, 15 minutes are added to the time frame.

The class consists of lecture (approximately 15 minutes) and hands-on techniques (approximately 45 minutes). Attendees will demonstrate all of the techniques on a body opponent bag (B.O.B.) which we will supply.

NEXT CLASS:
Saturday, November 1, 2025
PCSO Sheriff’s Operations Center
1891 Jim Keene Blvd, Winter Haven
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

If you wish to attend, please RSVP to
[email protected], and please include your name and phone number.

Better Sleep While Traveling: How to Make Rest a Priority While on the Road

Allison
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Better Sleep While Traveling: How to Make Rest a Priority While on the Road

From crossing time zones to adjusting to new surroundings, getting quality sleep while traveling can be a challenge. Whether traveling for business or leisure, between long flights and packed itineraries, travelers often struggle to get the rest they need to wake up refreshed.

Sleep plays a vital role in supporting both physical and mental health, mood and overall resilience.

Making a few simple choices can set the stage for deeper, more restorative sleep that supports overall wellbeing.

Pack Your Comfort Cues

Travel can disrupt routines, which may affect both sleep and mental wellbeing. Bringing small reminders of home that signal bedtime, such as an eye mask, cozy socks or a tamiliar scent, can help ease the mind, reduce stress and settle into a new environment. If you forget these items, select hotels offer dedicated sleep kits available for guests to add-on to their stay, including items like herbal tea, aromatherapy roll-ons and more.

Simple rituals like these can reduce travel-related stress and support both relaxation and peace of mind.

Keep a Consistent Rhythm

Disrupted sleep patterns can impact mood, focus and clarity, making it harder to fully enjoy a trip or pertorm well while on the road. Maintaining steady bed and wake times, even when traveling, can help stabilize both your body clock and mental state. Dimming the lights before bed, putting away screens and practicing mindfulness can help your body and mind recognize when it’s time to rest.

Unwind with Soothing Sounds

Sometimes the quickest way to calm the mind is through relaxing audio. Across more than 450 participating Hyatt hotels, guests can enjoy exclusive access to five Sleepcasts on in-room TVs, created by Headspace with travelers in mind.

Each 45-minute track is inspired by a unique destination and theme, such as tropical serenity at Alila Villas Uluwatu, island twilight at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa or misty mountain at Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono. These immersive story-based audio journeys blend gentle narration with ambient soundscapes, designed to help travelers release tension, quiet busy thoughts and drift into healthy, restful sleep.

Look for Rest-Ready Stays

Not all hotel rooms are designed the same. If you struggle to sleep well while on the road, look for accommodations that tailor guestrooms with sleep in mind, such as customized sleep suites with extras like pillow menus, blackout curtains or responsive beds that adapt to individual sleep patterns. Choosing accommodations that put wellbeing at the forefront can help ensure a more balanced, restful experience while away from home.

Tap into Wellbeing Resources

Some hotels are expanding offerings to help travelers get quality rest and support their mental wellbeing. Many provide complimentary in-room or digital tools you can access on your phone.

Travelers can also prepare ahead of a trip with resources like Hyatt and Headspace’s science-backed sleep series, available on the World of Hyatt app and at participating hotels, offering sleep tips for pre-, during and post-trip.

For a more immersive experience, wellbeing resorts such as Miraval provide dreamwork and sleep science coaches who offer personalized strategies to cultivate deeper and more restorative sleep. These resources not only support healthy sleep but also promote relaxation and help travelers return home feeling more refreshed.

Whether you are traveling for leisure, business or a mix of both, getting a good night’s rest is essential to making the most of your trip. Visit Hyatt.com to explore more ways to relax, recharge and care for your wellbeing while on the road.

Spooky Fun Awaits at Ridge Community High School’s Trunk or Treat

Allison
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Spooky Fun Awaits at Ridge Community High School’s Trunk or Treat

Get ready for a frightfully fun evening at Ridge Community High School’s Trunk or Treat on October 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 500 Orchid Drive. This family-friendly Halloween celebration will feature a Haunted House, Boo Trail, delicious food trucks, and a festive costume competition.

Guests can stroll through creatively decorated trunks, collect candy, and enjoy a safe and exciting night of Halloween fun.

The event is open to all ages, but please note — no masks for adults. Whether you’re looking to show off your costume, grab some tasty treats, or enjoy spooky entertainment, this event has something for everyone. Bring your family, friends, and Halloween spirit for an unforgettable night!

For more information, contact [email protected]. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate Halloween with the Ridge Community!

Medical Call Leads to Patient Being Charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Firefighter

Allison
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Medical Call Leads to Patient Being Charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Firefighter

Bartow, Fla. (Oct. 20, 2025) — Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) and Haines City Fire Department (HCFD) displayed exceptional professionalism and heroism in a potentially dangerous situation as the first responders disarmed a naked, combative patient on Monday, Oct. 20. Their quick thinking helped avoid a disastrous situation.

Crews arrived on scene of a medical call on Kalogridis Road where they found a patient on the floor. During the treatment, the patient became combative and grabbed a firearm. Through a combined effort from PCFR Firefighter/Paramedic Brandyn Harris and HCFD Engineer Justin Keene, they were able to neutralize the patient and grab the firearm.

The first responders told Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputies the patient was actively trying to pull the firearm’s trigger. After securing the firearm, Keene safely unloaded the weapon and placed it out of reach from the patient. The first responders then requested support from law enforcement to help with the situation.

The combative patient was transported to a local hospital. PCSO is investigating the incident.

PCFR and HCFD are pressing charges over this incident. The patient has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a firefighter.

Haines City Parks & Recreation Hosts Boogie and Boo Family Costume Bash

Allison
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Haines City Parks & Recreation Hosts Boogie and Boo Family Costume Bash

The Haines City Parks & Recreation team has been hard at work this month, preparing an exciting new event for the community — the Boogie and Boo Family Costume Bash! This free, family-friendly celebration will take place on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Oakland Auditorium (915 Ave. E, Building C).

Families are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite costumes and enjoy an evening full of music, refreshments, and festive fun. The event promises activities and entertainment for all ages, making it the perfect way to celebrate the Halloween season together.

The Recreation staff can’t wait to welcome everyone for a night of dancing, laughter, and community spirit. Mark your calendars and get ready to boogie — it’s going to be a spooktacular time in Haines City!

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