Home Blog Page 760

Welcome, World Travelers! Strange World is Strangely Entertaining

Staff Reporter
-
0
Welcome, World Travelers! Strange World is Strangely Entertaining

Welcome, World Travelers! Strange World is Strangely Entertaining

by James Coulter

If you’ve never heard of this movie, despite it premiering more than a month ago in theaters, you’re not alone. Strange World received little to no marketing before or during its theatrical release. Not surprisingly, the film only earned a meager $19 million in its 5-day domestic box office and lost more than $100 million in its theatrical run.

Strange World flopping at the box office is sadly unsurprising. Historically, Disney has had a bad track record with animated action-adventure films: Atlantis: The Lost Empire, Treasure Planet, Raya and the Last Dragon. All of them performed poorly in the box office, with Treasure Planet being Disney’s worst box office disaster.

However, while these animated action-adventure flicks may not have succeeded in theaters, following their home media release, most of them (especially Atlantis and Treasure Planet) have since become cult classics. And now that Strange World has risen to the top as the number one most-streamed movie on Disney Plus in the past month, it very well may gain a similar cult following.

So, the question remains: did Strange World fail at the box office because of Disney’s lack of advertising, or is this movie really that bad?

Strange World takes place in the, well, strange world of Avalonia, a city surrounded by an unscalable, impenetrable mountain range. A daring explorer, Jaeger Clade, sets off with his young son, Searcher, to scale the mountains and explore the unknown realm that lies beyond. However, Searcher discovers a mysterious energy-filled plant and suggests they return home to learn more about it. Unfortunately, Jaeger insists on continuing his expedition and leaves his son behind to venture into the unknown.

Twenty five years pass, and Searcher has settled down with a wife and son to cultivate the plant, Pando, whose energy is utilized as Avalonia’s sole power source. Unfortunately, the plant’s energy starts to mysteriously wane, and now Searcher must embark on an expedition to discover the source of the problem. He is unwillingly joined by his teenage son, Ethan, who dreams of becoming an adventurer like his grandfather, much to Searcher’s chagrin. And the two of them stumble upon the long-lost Jaeger (also much to Searcher’s chagrin). Will these three generations of explorers find the solution to the problems facing their world and family?

Let’s start with the film’s most obvious positive: its setting. The movie’s world is highly-imaginative. Even its “mundane” city setting overflows with creative detail. Similar to how Treasure Planet combined the traditional Georgian era with futuristic sci-fi, the city of Avalonia combines retro-1930s aesthetics with a modern twist: flying dieselpunk vehicles powered by electricity, vintage clothing designed with modern flair, and swing/jazz music remixed with electronic dance.

Undoubtedly, the most breathtaking setting is the realm that lies beyond and underneath its mountainous borders. Words cannot begin to describe the imaginative landscape and its flora and

fauna, all of which defy and even exceed description. The animators evidently had fun designing this world and everything in it, from its breathing trees to the amorphous creatures flying in streamlined patterns and the living landscape that can separate and move on its own. There’s a major twist concerning this world, and those who pay close attention to the details may figure out what it is.

Strange World evidently draws heavy inspiration from the 1930s adventure genre, especially comic books, pulp stories, and film serials. The prologue is animated in an art style like comic books of its time, complete with transatlantic narration and a lively jingle singing the praises of the heroic Jaeger Clade.

Also spectacular is the movie’s representation. Most of the characters are people of color of various ethnicities. Perhaps most laudable is Ethan, who truly deserves to be given the honor of being called the first openly-gay protagonist in an animated Disney film. His sexual orientation is made explicitly clear through his boyhood crush on another same-sex (albeit minor) character.

Strange World’s message is two-fold. The first is environmental. The central crux of the plot involves a power source that is quickly becoming depleted and, as is discovered later in the movie, is inevitably damaging the world. So obvious allegory about climate change and the energy crisis is obvious.

The second, as has been the case with many recent Disney movies like Encanto and Turning Red, is generational trauma. The movie involves two father figures who must contend with their respective son not living up to their expectations and learning how to let them set the course of their own lives.

Unfortunately, despite these positive elements, the overall movie feels messy and unfocused. Personally, while watching it, though I was awe-struck by the visuals, I struggled to pay attention or even care about what was happening on-screen.

Overall, despite its stunning visuals, imaginative setting, excellent representation, and lofty message, Strange World did not quite make the landing. The movie is not bad, and in many instances, comes across as mildly entertaining, but despite its grand expectations, it fell short of becoming a great movie. It makes for a good watch but is by no means the greatest movie ever.

Polk County Native Eli Mosley Playing at Southern Sunshine BBQ & Music Festival

Staff Reporter
-
0

Polk County Native Eli Mosley Playing at Southern Sunshine BBQ & Music Festival

by James Coulter

Country musician Eli Mosley has toured extensively nationwide. Currently, he is performing in Texas. He will soon be heading to Florida, where he will be visiting his favorite venue: his home of Polk County.

Eli Mosley and his band will be one of the many musical acts performing at this year’s Southern Sunshine BBQ & Music Festival in Lake Wailes Park in Lake Wales on Jan. 13 and 14.

Born and raised in Polk County, Mosley graduated from Southeastern University in Lakeland with his music business degree and from the Contemporary Music Center in Nashville, Tenn. He served as a U.S. Marine from 2009 to 2015. He comes from a long line of armed servicemembers, with his grandfather having served in World War II, his father having served in Vietnam, and his brother serving alongside him in the Marines.

He fell in love with music listening to artists like Tracy Byrd, George Strait, Brooks and Dunn, and Alan Jackson. But his real inspiration comes from the heart through the love of his hometown of Bartow.

“Living life is a great inspiration,” he explained. “Most of what I write is what I have been through with personal life experiences…I am running a ranch outside of Bartow. It is working on a ranch, that is a great inspiration for country music.”

His music career started with him playing local bars and barbecue festivals right here in Polk County. Often, he would perform regularly at places like Duke’s Brewhouse and 1916 Pub. His time to shine arrived when he was invited to play at Party on the Pines, a festival in North Florida supporting headliners like Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert.

After that, he was invited to play big shows and concerts, performing for audiences ranging from 45 to 45 thousand people, he said. Currently, he is a national-touring country music artist who has been extensively traveling across the country for the past seven years. He has received rave reviews from many of the venues where he performed, many of which are highlighted on his website.

“His combination of his own hits as well as covers to well-known country standards was a real crowd pleaser,” wrote Pat Bryan, Entertainment Chair, Grant Seafood Festival. “Eli and his band are seasoned musicians who “bring it” in every way.”

“Eli engages the audience with stories of his background in music as well as his personal life,” wrote Mike Brown, Owner, 12 Spies Vineyards. “He has the ability to read the guests and make the adjustments to ensure the audience is receiving the highest level of enjoyment and experience.”

When not touring, he is writing and producing music in Nashville. His latest single, “When It Comes to a Woman,” written by a close friend, Chris Choto, focuses on the heartbreaking details

of “falling in love and breaking up,” Mosley explained. Another single, releasing later this year, highlights the highs and lows of the time during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“[It’s about] the country being shut down by COVID and being off the road and actually some of the good parts that came out for that..[like] spending more time with your family that you don’t normally get to spend with your busy career,” he explained.

His latest single is #77 on national Music Row charts. His music is played on radio stations nationwide, including WWOJ in Sebring.

Of all the places where he has performed, he is most excited about returning to his home of Polk County and playing for a local event like the Southern Sunshine BBQ & Music Festival. He enjoys returning to his roots and playing where his career began.

“I am excited to play Polk County again,” he wrote. “When I got the call, I was super excited. I am ready to play Polk County again, and we will have a lot of fun…So this will be a good time, and I am excited to see people and friends and family members and get to have them see what we have been doing.”

The Southern Sunshine BBQ & Music Festival will be hosted in Lake Wailes Park in Lake Wales from Fri. Jan. 13 from 5 – 10 PM and Sat. Jan 14 from 10 AM – 10 PM. To learn more, visit: https://www.ktsunshinefoundation.com/

To learn more about Eli Mosley, visit his website at: https://elimosley.com/

Q&A With New Eagle Ridge Mall Manager Curtis Gibson

Staff Reporter
-
0

by James Coulter

Last year, Eagle Ridge Mall transformed from a dying ghost town to a lively shopping area with nearly a dozen stores opening and the re-opening of its bowling alley and entertainment center.

With 95 units available for lease, 56 stores have since taken residence, as previously reported on the Daily Ridge. Some of these new businesses include a toy store, comics and collectibles shop, a juice bar, a tattoo parlor, and a young girl’s store.

The mall’s transformation was due in part to the hard work and dedication of former mall manager, Charles Caraway. He has since stepped down from his position and handed the reigns of the mall over to its new manager, Curtis Gibson.

Gibson first moved to Lake Wales at age 13. Upon graduating from Lake Wales High School in 2003, he went on to obtain his bachelor’s degree from Keiser University, his associates from Bryant and Stratton College, and complete police academy at South Florida State College.

Gibson previously served the Lake Wales community as a city commissioner in 2017 and was re-elected in 2019. He currently works as an insurance adjuster with Geico. He and his wife, Danielle, have five children. Curtis is a charter member of Rotary on the Ridge and has been active in other community groups and coaching youth sports.

Now that he has assumed the role of the new manager at Eagle Ridge Mall, Gibson has big plans moving forward to continue the momentum created by the last manager. We recently sat down with Gibson to discuss those plans in an interview. Here is what he had to say:

Q: What made you decide to take up the role of manager for Eagle Ridge Mall?

A: I have always been a supporter of the mall and know how important it is to our city. The mall is the heart of the city, the largest structure in the area, that provides opportunities for entrepreneurs to live their dreams, and by providing jobs to people in our communities. We (the community) have to support the mall to support our local businesses within the mall. I am willing and able to see this journey through.

Q: What makes you qualified for your new role?

A: I have a degree in business administration, experience in property management, and a background in retail, but what qualifies me most for this job is my willingness to work hard to promote Eagle Ridge Mall. I have built a strong network of people who will support our efforts. The best is yet to come!

Q: What potential do you see with Eagle Ridge Mall? What are your overall expectations?

A: Our city is going to see rapid growth in the next few years. In fact, the city of Lake Wales stated that over 10,000 homes will be built in the next 10 years, which will triple our population. That will increase the customer base and networking capabilities working in collaboration with the City Of Lake Wales and the Economic Development Council (EDC). We have more than 60 stores open, and they are vital to the economy, more people are wanting to open, and the owners are committed to occupying all the units. We will focus on facility and ground improvements, adding new tenants, having all stores open during mall hours, and bringing people to the mall with special events and promotions. The owners (and I agree that we want a 1st class mall, this will not happen overnight) will take a community partnership to make sure we support the businesses in the mall.

Q: What are some challenges you foresee with your new position, and how do you plan on overcoming them?

A: There’s two challenges that I see; 1. Finding qualified workers, we have seen some turnover within the last 2 years. My goal is to build a great team to serve the purpose of the mall to ensure that the presentation is meeting company standards, which will ultimately keep the customers happy and coming back to shop at Eagle Ridge Mall. 2. In 2020, there was a pandemic that hit our country, and impacted people’s health. With that happening it impacted the businesses within the mall. The owners were very understanding, and did what they could to help tenants out. Now, more people are getting out of the house and we are seeing activity again in the mall. We have high hopes that it will only get better.

LWHS Student Wins #1 in KnockOut Christmas Classic Wrestling Tournament

Staff Reporter
-
0

LWHS Student Wins #1 in KnockOut Christmas Classic Wrestling Tournament

by James Coulter

Jennah Mustafa, 16, spends most of her free time training as a wrestler. Her hard work has since paid off now that she won the title of champion at the Knockout Christmas Classic tournament.

Jennah achieved first place in the Knockout Christmas Classic this season. At 145 lbs., She is currently unbeaten with a record of 19-0. Last season, she became the first girl to ever place in the Wrestling State Tournament for Lake Wales High School.

This is the second year Jennah competed in KnockOut, which is advertised as the toughest high school wrestling tournament in the Southeast United States. She reached the state finals in her freshman year. Last season, when Girls Wrestling was sanctioned, she became the first girl to win district and region and place third place at the FSHAA state wrestling tournament, Al Mustafa said.

“She became the first girl at 145 lbs. to win her district,” Al said. “She also became the first girl at that weight to win the regional championship, and she took third place at the FHSAA state wrestling tournament last year.”

Originally, Jennah started practicing jujitsu. She enrolled in wrestling to improve her athletic abilities in jujitsu, but inevitably, she grew to love wrestling more and stuck with it, her father said.

Al coaches her in the off-season and has supported her through her training. Being able to see her reach and win the state championship is a real honor for him as a father, he said.

“I am a proud father,” Al said. “It makes me proud to watch her work so hard and the results of her winning these tournaments and championships.”

Jennah owes her success to her many sacrifices. When not studying for school or working at her father’s business at Dunkin Donuts, most of her free time is spent practicing, whether at home, at the gym, or at the club. While many people would relax during the off-season, Jennah instead decides to push her limits and keep herself active.

“A lot of people like to take breaks in winter and spring and Thanksgiving, but you have to keep working,” she said. “You cannot take breaks off. You have to train harder than your opponents. You always have to practice all the time, when you get home, morning, night, everything.”

Her achievements have made that time more than well utilized, she insisted. Overall, the best part about wrestling are the friendships she makes through it, she said. She has met interesting people, both on and off the mat, and forged close bonds with them, she said.

“I love meeting new people and creating new friendships,” she said. “You create bonds with people that you do not create with anyone else. It is a lifestyle in general. It is not like any other sport.”

Jennah’s aspirations remain high. She expects to wrestle in more national tournaments and to become a multiple-time All-American. She also aspires to finish her high school career as a two-time state champion. She plans on competing in college, but as a Junior in high school, she remains focused on her current tournaments.

“We still have a long season ahead of us,” Al said “And she is putting in the training and hard work, she is sacrificing what she needs to sacrifice and I think she is going to be ready this time around.”

“It takes a lot of hard work, and there are times you want to quit, but you have to keep going because the end result is worth it,” she said.

Three Teenage Girls Injured In Two Drive-By Shootings In Lake Wales

Staff Reporter
-
0

Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigating 2 similar shootings in unincorporated Lake Wales, early Monday morning, 17 minutes apart

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating two similar shootings in unincorporated Lake Wales that happened 17 minutes apart early Monday morning, January 2, 2022.

At around 2:52 a.m. deputies responded to a drive-by shooting that happened in the Highland Park Manor Subdivision. The suspects used two different firearms and shot at a home in the subdivision. Fifty-nine ammunition casings were recovered, 30 of which struck the home injuring a 19-year-old female who was asleep in a bedroom. She was taken to a local hospital where she is being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

It appears this shooting happened at the intended address.

Seventeen minutes later, at around 3:09 a.m.deputies responded to a residence in the Lake Pierce Ranchettes subdivision for a reported shooting where two girls (14 and 12-years-old) were injured. So far in the investigation, detectives believe three people with firearms drove into the neighborhood, got out of a vehicle and shot at the home. Thirty-seven ammunition casings were found of which 27 struck the house, most striking the bedrooms.

The 14-year-old girl was struck in the thigh and buttocks. The 12-year-old was shot in the arm. Both were taken to a local hospital where they were treated for their injuries and later released.

It is believed the suspects targeted the wrong house within the subdivision. This shooting is believed to be related to a summer of 2022 shooting which was investigated by the Lake Wales Police Department.

“These thugs won’t be happy until they are all in prison, and we need the public’s help to accommodate these worthless, violent criminals. Please, if you have any information about either of these shootings, contact Heartland Crimestoppers and you will be eligible for a cash reward of $3000.” Grady Judd – Sheriff

36 Year Old Sebring Man Killed In Lake Wales ATV Crash

Staff Reporter
-
0

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash involving an ATV that happened New Year’s morning, January 1, 2023, in unincorporated Lake Wales that resulted in the death a Sebring man.

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and crews from Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched at about 3:20 a.m. to the 300 block of Lake Kotsa Drive.

Upon arrival, they found 36-year-old Christopher Mears deceased.

Based on evidence and statements taken at the scene, it was determined that Mr. Mears had been driving a 2017 Honda ATV in the area with friends. He traveled southbound on Lake Kotsa Drive and failed to negotiate a right hand curve causing the ATV to enter a drainage ditch. Mr. Mears was thrown from the ATV and landed in the shallow water of the ditch where it appears he drowned.

Deputies found an empty beer can at the scene, and there was a strong smell of alcohol on Mr. Mears.

Excessive speed and impairment appear to be factors in the crash.

The roadway was closed for approximately three hours during the investigation, which remains on-going. I do not have a photo from the scene.

36 Year Old Sebring Man Killed In Lake Wales ATV Crash On New Years

Allison
-
0
36 Year Old Sebring Man Killed In Lake Wales ATV Crash On New Years

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash involving an ATV that happened New Year’s morning, January 1, 2023, in unincorporated Lake Wales that resulted in the death a Sebring man.

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and crews from Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched at about 3:20 a.m. to the 300 block of Lake Kotsa Drive.

Upon arrival, they found 36-year-old Christopher Mears deceased.

Based on evidence and statements taken at the scene, it was determined that Mr. Mears had been driving a 2017 Honda ATV in the area with friends. He traveled southbound on Lake Kotsa Drive and failed to negotiate a right hand curve causing the ATV to enter a drainage ditch. Mr. Mears was thrown from the ATV and landed in the shallow water of the ditch where it appears he drowned.

Deputies found an empty beer can at the scene, and there was a strong smell of alcohol on Mr. Mears.

Excessive speed and impairment appear to be factors in the crash.

The roadway was closed for approximately three hours during the investigation, which remains on-going. I do not have a photo from the scene.

Barbara Walters Dead At 93

Carl Fish
-
0
Barbara Walters Dead At 93

Barbara Walters, the trailblazing television news broadcaster and longtime ABC News anchor and correspondent who shattered the glass ceiling and became a dominant force in an industry once dominated by men, has died. She was 93.

Walters joined ABC News in 1976, becoming the first female anchor on an evening news program. Three years later, she became a co-host of “20/20,” and in 1997, she launched “The View.”

In a career that spanned five decades, Walters won 12 Emmy awards, 11 of those while at ABC News.

She made her final appearance as a co-host of “The View” in 2014, but remained an executive producer of the show and continued to do some interviews and specials for ABC News.

“I do not want to appear on another program or climb another mountain,” she said at the time. “I want instead to sit on a sunny field and admire the very gifted women — and OK, some men too — who will be taking my place.”

Barbara Jill Walters was born in Boston on Sept. 25, 1929, to Dena and Louis “Lou” Walters. Her father worked in show business as a booking agent and nightclub producer, and discovered comedians Fred Allen and Jack Haley, who would go on to star as the Tin Man in the classic film “The Wizard of Oz.”

Growing up around celebrities taught a young Barbara a lesson that she relied upon throughout her career.

Complete Article Here: Barbara Walters, trailblazing TV icon, dies at 93 – ABC News

23 Yr Old Lake Wales Man Charged With Murdering His Brother

Staff Reporter
-
0

On December 28, 2022, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Puerto Rico Police Department arrested 23-year-old Jeremy Otero Marrero of Lake Wales on a Polk County Warrant for First Degree Murder.

The warrant is the result of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigation of the murder of 35-year-old Luis Contreras Marrero ofLake Wales, who was fatally shot around 11:30 p.m. Christmas Eve, December 24, 2022, at his home in the Enchanted Grove Mobile Home Park on North Scenic Highway in unincorporated Lake Wales. Detectives arrested 23-year-old Fernando Vega Mangual of Dundee for providing False Information during a Capital Felony Investigation (F3) and 30-year-old Tasha Cintron of Lake Wales for providing False Information during a Criminal Investigation (M1) during the initial stages of the investigation. Both Magual and Cintron lied to and misled detectives during the investigation.

Jeremy Otero Marrero is the victim’s brother. Marrero is currently being held in Puerto Rico and will be extradited to Polk County.

“Our detectives did a great job putting together the information and evidence to arrest Marrero. We sincerely appreciate the professionalism of the Puerto Rican Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service in helping to bring Marrero to justice.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

The PCSO Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a 911 call at 9:02 p.m. on December 25th, where the caller reported finding a dead person at a residence in Enchanted Grove Mobile Home Park. When deputies arrived, they found Contreras Marrero deceased and lying just inside the front door of his residence with a gunshot wound. 

Through their investigation, deputies discovered that two men, Magual and Marrero, left a gathering at Marrero’s house and traveled to the Enchanted Grove Mobile Home Park, where Marrero shot his brother, killing him. 

Detectives later found evidence in Marrero’s vehicle linking him to the murder. Both men have made admissions linking them to the homicide.

Mother & Two Young Children Found Dead In Car That Submerged In Lake Wire

Allison
-
0
Mother & Two Young Children Found Dead In Car That Submerged In Lake Wire

LAKELAND, FL (December 30, 2022) – On Friday, December 30, 2022, at approximately 5:26 a.m., Unform Patrol was dispatched to a reported submerged vehicle along the west side of Lake Wire. Upon arrival, the officer found a vehicle submerged in the water approximately 15 feet from the shoreline. Members of the Lakeland Fire Department and the Dive Team were dispatched to the location to ready the vehicle to be removed and searched. As the divers began removing the vehicle from underwater, they noticed the front driver’s side window down and at least one adult inside the vehicle. After the car was pulled from the lake, two children were also located inside the car.

Stock Image

Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division and members of the Forensic Services Unit responded to the area and began processing the scene. Preliminary information indicates that this was not a traffic crash, and there were no apparent signs of trauma on any of the people in the vehicle. Detectives believe the persons found are a 35-year-old mother and her two sons, ages 4 and 9. The bodies were transported to the Polk County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause of death. 

This is still very early in the investigation, and no additional information will be available this weekend. An update will be provided after the Medical Examiner’s Office completes its examination. 

The names of the deceased are being withheld while next-of-kin notifications are made.

1...759760761...1,394Page 760 of 1,394