The Lake Wales Mardi Gras, a vibrant celebration rooted in community spirit, has been a cherished tradition since its inception in 1984. It began as a heartfelt tribute to Vinton Davis, the lively proprietor of Vinton’s New Orleans Restaurant, whose passion for Mardi Gras inspired his family and friends to bring the festive spirit of New Orleans to Lake Wales. The inaugural parade was a modest affair, featuring just two krewes—the Royal Order of the Red Swans and the Loyal Order of Wild Shiners—and a handful of enthusiastic participants. Over the years, this humble beginning has blossomed into a grand event, drawing thousands of spectators and participants annually.
This year marks the 41st annual Lake Wales Mardi Gras, promising to be more spectacular than ever. Festivities kick off on Friday, February 28, 2025, with live music from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Lake Wailes Park. The evening also features the popular 5K Glow Run at 6:00 PM along the scenic Lake Wailes Trail. The celebration continues on Saturday, March 1, with music starting at noon and the highlight of the weekend—the Mardi Gras Parade—stepping off at 3:00 PM. The festivities culminate with a dazzling fireworks display at 8:15 PM.
Attendees can look forward to a family-friendly atmosphere filled with live entertainment, diverse food and craft vendors, a beer garden, and a variety of children’s activities. The parade will showcase an array of elaborate floats, colorful costumes, and spirited performances, embodying the rich traditions of Mardi Gras. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, the Lake Wales Mardi Gras offers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of community celebration.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of a time-honored tradition that brings joy and excitement to all who attend. Mark your calendars and join us in Lake Wales for a Mardi Gras celebration like no other!
EōS Fitness is set to make a significant impact in Davenport, Florida, with the announcement of a new 40,500-square-foot gym in Posner Village. Set to open in 2026, this highly anticipated fitness center will offer state-of-the-art strength and cardio equipment with memberships starting as low as $9.99/ month.
Meeting Community Demand
Residents of Davenport have expressed the need for a nearby gym. Intram Investments, the developers behind Posner Village, have acknowledged this demand since the project’s inception. Randy Hodge, Executive Vice President of Intram Investments, emphasized the importance of catering to local needs while ensuring the success of commercial tenants. The introduction of EōS Fitness is a direct response to these community requests, aiming to provide a convenient and comprehensive fitness solution for Davenport residents. Currently Anytime Fitness is the only available gym to Davenport residents.
Posner Village, Davenport, Florida
State-of-the-Art Amenities
EōS Fitness is renowned for offering premium amenities at accessible prices, and the Posner Village location is no exception. Members can look forward to:
• MOVEōS Cinema: A unique workout space where members can engage in their fitness routines while enjoying full-length feature films, making workouts both entertaining and effective.
• The Backyard: A 2,500-square-foot outdoor training zone designed for functional fitness and strength training, allowing members to diversify their workouts in an open-air environment.
• Recovery Room: Equipped with massage chairs, this area provides a space for members to relax and rejuvenate post-workout, emphasizing the importance of recovery in overall fitness.
• Kids’ Club: Understanding the challenges parents face, this dedicated space offers a safe and engaging environment for children, enabling parents to focus on their fitness goals with peace of mind.
• Refresh Zone: Featuring amenities such as a cold plunge, hot tub, and infrared sauna, this zone is designed to enhance recovery and overall well-being.
Additionally, the gym will operate 24/7, providing members with the flexibility to work out at their convenience, regardless of their schedules.
Economic and Community Impact
The establishment of EōS Fitness in Posner Village is poised to bring substantial economic benefits to Davenport. Each EōS Fitness location represents a $10 million investment and is expected to create between 40 to 60 new jobs, contributing to local employment opportunities. This development not only enhances the community’s access to health and wellness resources but also stimulates economic growth and vitality in the region.
EōS Fitness’s Expansion Strategy
EōS has 175 locations currently open or on the way. As of today, the company currently has 114 open locations across AZ, CA, FL, TX, NV and UT. The company currently has 14 gyms open in the state.
The Davenport facility is a key component of this strategic growth, reflecting EōS Fitness’s commitment to making high-quality fitness centers accessible to a broader population.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested and charged an illegal alien from Guatemala for capital sexual battery on a minor and child abuse, and those felonies are enhanced and upgraded one degree per FSS 775.0848 due to the fact that the suspect is here illegally in the country. Alvaro Alfaro Jimenez, DOB 09/17/1992, was taken into custody on February 24, 2025 – he was living in Mulberry.
“This is the first case so far in our county, and maybe even the state, where we are able to increase the severity and penalty of felonies committed by a suspect who is in our country illegally. Not only is he here illegally, his crimes are the worst of the worst – he has been sexually abusing a girl for several years, since she was just 12 years old. This brave young victim reached out for help, and we will make sure she receives all the resources available to be able to recover from this terrible abuse.” -Grady Judd, Sheriff
The victim contacted the Sheriff’s Office for help, and with the aid of a Spanish speaking deputy and detective, she reported that she was brought to the United States illegally by the suspect in 2019, where they first went to Michigan and South Carolina. Her mother remained in Guatemala.
Since 2023 the suspect has not enrolled the victim in school, and has kept her enslaved inside the home in Mulberry, where he repeatedly sexually abused her for approximately three years, since she was 12 years old. The victim was immediately taken to a local hospital to be examined and treated for abdominal pain. The Florida Department of Children and Families has taken custody of and is caring for the victim.
The suspect, Alvaro Alfaro Jimenez, was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with four felonies, including capital sexual battery by a custodial figure. He is being held in the Polk County Jail on no bond.
Pursuant to Florida State Statute 775.0848the criminal charges are upgraded one degree due to the suspect’s specific illegal entry into the United States and the state of Florida. According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Jimenez unlawfully entered the United States in 2019.
HAINES CITY, FL– On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, Haines City Police Officers received a report of a juvenile who had been molested.
During the investigation, members of the Haines City Police Department Criminal Investigations Division obtained several electronic devices belonging to the suspect, 52-year-old Martin Jose Rojas Collazo. A search warrant executed on the first device revealed over 100 explicit images of children. Rojas Collazo admitted to officers that he was attracted to young girls and had a problem with often seeking child pornography. Rojas Collazo advised he did not think his actions were harmful as he believed the young girls in the photos were from other countries. Rojas Collazo was taken into custody and charged with one count of lewd or lascivious molestation and 100 counts of possession of child pornography.
“The subject may not think his actions were harmful, but we take this type of crime seriously,” said Deputy Police Chief Jay Hopwood.
“Every image represents a victim, and we are dedicated to ensuring this individual is held accountable for every count and his actions.”
Due to devices still requiring forensic review, the estimated count of possession of child pornography charges is anticipated to increase.
When it comes to health, men often take more risks than women. Studies show that men are more likely to smoke, drink too much alcohol, skip regular checkups, and make risky lifestyle choices. But the good news? Small changes can make a big difference in living a longer, healthier life.
Take Charge of Your Health
Consult with your Doctor
Even if you feel fine, visiting a doctor regularly is key. Many serious health conditions don’t show symptoms early on, so regular checkups can catch problems before they become serious.
Healthy Habits for a Stronger You
Exercise
Want to improve your health today? Start with these simple steps: ✅ Eat well and stay active – A balanced diet and regular exercise keep your body strong. ✅ Drink responsibly – If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation. ✅ Quit smoking – It’s never too late to stop and improve your lung and heart health. ✅ Know your family history – Some health conditions run in families, so awareness can help with early detection. ✅ Get health screenings – Regular tests can catch issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer early. ✅ Stay up to date on vaccines – Immunizations protect you from serious diseases like the flu and pneumonia.
Taking charge of your health doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, smart choices today can lead to a healthier future. Don’t wait—start now!
2025 is shaping up to be a big year for Central Florida theme parks, from a whole new immersive park celebrating its grand opening to several newer attractions being created for other parks. Here’s a breakdown of everything new coming this year.
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#1: Epic Universe (Universal Orlando Resort)
Undoubtedly, the biggest development in theme parks will be the grand opening of Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, Epic Universe.
Located 12 miles from the main Universal Orlando Resort, this innovative 750-acre park will be home to five immersive lands themed to Nintendo, Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon, and the Universal Monsters. The park is scheduled to open to make its grand debut on May 22, 2025.
Perhaps the most awaited of these lands will be Super Nintendo World, which will feature attractions based on the Super Mario Bros. video game franchise, including the state-of-the-art Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, as well as interactive features throughout the game-themed land.
Another highly-anticipated land will be Dark Universe, themed after the classic Universal Monsters franchise. The main attraction will be Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, a state-of-the-art attraction utilizing Kuka robocoaster technology like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Islands of Adventure.
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#2: Magic Kingdom (Walt Disney World)
The Magic Kingdom is set to make its evenings more magical as millions of glimmering shimmering lights will cast a spell of light and color with the park’s new nighttime attraction, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away.
Set to premiere this summer, this will be the first nighttime parade to perform at the park since the Main Street Electrical Parade ended nearly a decade ago. The new parade will utilize a blend of innovative lighting techniques and whimsical custom fabrics to bring to life scenes from popular Disney films like Moana, Encanto, Peter Pan, and so much more.
Opening later this year will be the Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern. The new themed bar and eatery will open in Adventureland right next door to the namesake attraction. Guests of all ages can expect to enjoy a diverse menu of grogs and grub that will allow them to eat like pirates.
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#3: EPCOT (Walt Disney World)
A new take on an old favorite will be set to open later this summer with the newly refurbished Test Track. The refurbished attraction will feature a new storyline and queue inspired by the former World of Motion attraction, with an emphasis on the past, present, and future of transportation. The attraction’s exterior and ride vehicles will also receive a cutting-edge facelift to better reflect the future of Future World.
Meanwhile, a new lounge will be opening over at Spaceship Earth later this spring. Located at the former Siemens corporate lounge, the new Spaceship Earth Lounge will offer guests a panoramic view of the World Celebration, especially at night during the evening’s fireworks and light show. Moreover, its overall theme and aesthetics will celebrate the history of Spaceship Earth and EPCOT.
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#4: Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Walt Disney World)
While guests will have to wait years for Disney to open its new Villain-themed land in Magic Kingdom, they can celebrate the bad guys they love to hate with a new live show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Opening later this summer, and replacing Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy at Sunset Showcase Theater, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After will be a musical celebration of Disney’s most notorious villains. The show will be hosted by the Magic Mirror from Snow White and feature dozens of villain characters, with special performances by Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent.
Another show opening this summer will be The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure. The replacement for the Voyage of the Little Mermaid, the newly-reimagined stage show will feature innovative effects to help bring the music and scenes from the animated classic to life.
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#5: Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Walt Disney World)
The bad news is that Animal Kingdom has officially called the exterminator with the closing of its opening day attraction It’s Tough To Be a Bug in the Tree of Life. The good news is that the location will be home to a new show inspired by the hit animated film Zootopia.
Set to debut later this winter, Zootopia: Better Together will be a new 4D show set in the fictional furry world of Zootopia. Join Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as they give guests a tour of the animal metropolis, which will feature 4D effects and even an animatronic figure of the chubby cop Clawhauser.
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#6: SeaWorld Orlando
Set out on an expedition to the frosty tundra of the Arctic with SeaWorld’s newest immersive Arctic Theater Experience. Set to open this spring, this attraction will be a fully immersive flying theater experience with cutting-edge visuals and dynamic special effects. Soar over icy
landscapes and dive deep beneath the frozen waters as you explore the Arctic’s icy environment and wildlife.
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#7: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Little explorers will have an entirely new interactive realm to explore and play in when Busch Gardens opens Wild Oasis later this spring. In this immersive, kid-friendly land, small guests can climb through a four-level climbing structure, splash around a splash pad, take a dive down a 35-foot drop tower, and be able to see and interact inside a multispecies habitat filled with capybaras, giant anteaters, squirrel monkeys, and tropical birds.
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#8: LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Don’t worry, Polk County residents. New and exciting things are coming to your own backyard at LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven.
The biggest new attraction will be Sea Life Florida. Opening on May 23, this underwater-themed attraction will allow guests to see more than 3,000 animals in approximately 150,000 gallons of water. This aquarium-style attraction will include 25 interactive exhibits including a freshwater gallery, a stingray bay, and an invertebrate touch pool. LEGOLAND will celebrate the attraction’s opening with a park-wide scavenger hunt of LEGO sea creatures.
For guests staying overnight, the LEGOLAND Resort Hotel will feature new rooms and suites themed to LEGO DUPLO, LEGO NINJAGO, and LEGO Friends. These rooms will be available to book later this year.
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Question: What new attraction are you looking forward to the most this year? Which one are you most excited for? Leave your answer in the comments on Facebook.
27-year old Jordan Montoya of Homestead surrendered to Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies on Friday night, February 21, 2025, at around 11:30 pm.
Montoya, along with 29-year old Alfredo Casanova of Homestead, are accused of stealing two black swans and six eggs from the Highland Village neighborhood in Lakeland on February 12th.
Casanova was booked-in to the Polk County Jail on February 19th.
Both men have been charged with burglary of a structure (with an enhancement for crossing county lines) and grand theft.
PCSO deputies recovered the swans and eggs and returned them to their home on February 17th.
Original Release: https://dailyridge.com/2025/02/17/polk-sheriffs-office-searching-for-two-suspects-who-reportedly-stole-two-black-swans-swan-eggs/
There are many things I miss about no longer living in Florida. Right now, the one thing I miss most (aside from its lack of snowstorms) is being able to attend Lake Wales Mardi Gras.
I’ve been covering the annual celebration for many years. I’ve even participated in it with the Daily Ridge on their parade unit. I love the food. I love the beads. And overall, I love the atmosphere.
Sadly, since I no longer live in Florida, I won’t be able to attend the event this year. So, to make up for it, I’m going to celebrate Mardi Gras my own way through some good old-fashioned Creole cooking.
I’ve prepared gumbo several times before. I love the flavorful broth prepared with Cajun seasoning with heaping helpings of shrimp and andouille sausages. And poured over rice? It’s…chef kiss.
This year, I plan on preparing the dish for the family for a special Mardi Gras dinner with rice, potato salad, fried okra, and Kings Cake. It may not be as good as attending Lake Wales Mardi Gras, but it’s the next best thing.
Laissez les bons temps rouler! Let the good times roll!
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Shrimp & Sausage Gumbo (from Delish)
Ingredients
4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, chopped
2 stalks celery, finely sliced
12 oz. andouille sausage, sliced into 1/2″ rounds
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 Tbsp. Cajun seasoning (without salt)
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 (15-oz.) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 bay leaf
1 lb. medium shrimp, peeled, deveined
3 scallions, sliced
Cooked white rice, for serving
Directions
1. In a large, deep skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter, then add flour. Cook, stirring constantly, until roux is dark caramel colored, 12 to 15 minutes.
2. Add onions, peppers, and celery and cook, stirring, until softened, about 8 minutes. Stir in sausage, garlic, and Cajun seasoning; season with salt and pepper. Stir in broth, tomatoes, and bay leaf and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 1 hour.
3. In the last 6 minutes of cooking, add shrimp. Once the shrimp is pink and cooked through, taste and adjust the seasonings. Stir in scallions, reserving some for serving.
4. Divide rice among bowls. Spoon gumbo over. Top with reserved scallions.
With over 20 billion devices connected to networks this year, cybersecurity has become a critical concern. Cybercriminals are expected to exploit these connections, costing businesses over $6 trillion in damages. Given this alarming reality, organizations must take proactive steps to protect their networks and mitigate cybersecurity threats.
Cyber for Profit
No One-Size-Fits-All Solution
Cybersecurity isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Each organization requires a custom-tailored security strategy based on its specific business needs. However, cybersecurity frameworks like NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) provide a structured method for identifying and mitigating risks.
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework
The NIST framework consists of five key functions:
Identify – Determine what assets are in the environment.
Protect – Implement safeguards to prevent cyber threats.
Detect – Monitor and recognize cybersecurity events.
Respond – Take action to contain and mitigate an incident.
Recover – Restore systems and improve resilience.
Step 1: Identify Cybersecurity Risks
1. Asset Identification
Manufacturing Assets
To protect a network, organizations must first understand:
What devices are connected.
Where these devices are located (business or production environment).
The criticality of each asset.
For industrial environments, disruptions can halt production and impact supply chains, making risk assessment even more crucial.
2. Governance and Risk Assessment
Once assets are identified, companies must establish governance policies and rules of engagement to protect sensitive environments. A risk assessment helps in categorizing threats and determining whether devices need:
Patching
Replacement
Additional security measures
Tools for Asset Inventory and Vulnerability Management
Several cybersecurity tools help organizations identify and manage vulnerabilities:
Tripwire
Rapid7
Claroty
Nessus
These tools provide detailed insights into:
Hardware and operating systems (Windows, Linux, Unix).
Industrial control systems (Siemens, Honeywell, Rockwell).
Firmware versions and security vulnerabilities.
Overcoming Challenges in Cybersecurity Management
Many businesses, from small to enterprise-level, struggle with paralysis by analysis—being overwhelmed by the vast amount of security data. To avoid inaction, organizations can seek third-party expertise to help:
Prioritize vulnerabilities.
Develop a step-by-step risk mitigation plan.
Implement security walls and fortifications.
Final Thoughts
The first step in cybersecurity is understanding what you have and where your risks lie. Without a clear inventory of assets, businesses cannot effectively protect or defend their infrastructure.
For organizations seeking guidance in implementing cybersecurity strategies, professional consultations can help in assessing risks, identifying vulnerabilities, and building strong defenses.
About the Author:
Kip Kirchberg is an international cybersecurity expert with extensive experience in building and leading cybersecurity teams, as well as collaborating with Fortune 500 organizations to enhance their security posture.
His expertise includes, but is not limited to:
Developing and implementing SIEM platforms
Endpoint security solutions
Managing third-party remote access securely
Securing industrial control systems (ICS)
Deploying and optimizing next-generation firewalls
Assisting organizations in identifying cybersecurity risks
Generating actionable reports that drive informed security decisions
Building and maintaining incident response teams
Drafting and adopting corporate cybersecurity governance policies
Conducting internal and external penetration testing
With a proven track record in cybersecurity strategy and risk management, Kip is dedicated to helping organizations proactively defend against evolving cyber threats.
Davenport Man convicted of Lewd Battery and Traveling to Meet a Minor. On August 13th, 2022, Jonathan Restrepo, 25, traveled to meet a 14-year-old victim in Daytona Beach. The two met each other through a social media app. Restrepo took the victim to his home in Polk County where they engaged in sexual intercourse. After learning the victim was listed as a missing person, Restrepo drove the victim back to her home in Daytona Beach. Restepo was recently convicted by a Polk County Jury of Lewd Battery and Traveling to Meet a Minor. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 10th. State Attorney Brian Haas thanks Assistant State Attorney Dakota Griffenkranz and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for their work on this case.
