During the February 3rd Davenport City Commission Meeting, city officials approved an addition to the local Wilson Park Splash Pad. This is no surprise, as Davenport’s 2024-25 budget set aside$511,000 for the attraction’s expansion. A company named Freeport Fountain ultimately won the bid to carry out this expansion. Though its initial plan went considerably over-budget with a cost of $683,000, the company eventually revised its plan into two more iterations, one that was underbudget, and another that met the budget exactly.
Render of Freeport’s proposed splash pad expansion. Please note this is not fully representative of the final project.
According to Freeport, “The existing 700 square foot splash pad will be expanded to 1,727 square feet of wet play area plus an additional 457 square foot overspray area.” Additional features include new sprays, dumping buckets, water cannons, and water shields. Bathrooms will also be expanded to accommodate the increased bathing load.
With a cost-efficient proposal that almost triples the original pad in size, city officials were quick to approve the measure. The only concerns were brought up by one official, wanting to make sure the new expansion would be open during the summer season for vacationing students to use; however, the question was left unanswered.
Does anyone love the Super Mario Bros. Movie? I did. You can read all about it in my movie review from two years ago: https://dailyridge.com/2023/04/19/welcome-world-travelers-the-super-mario-bros-is-okey-dokey/
Anyway, I really love the scene early in the movie where Mario and Luigi are having dinner with their family. The meal they’re having is a creamy pasta dish with mushrooms–something Mario hates but which will, ironically enough, help give him powers later in the movie.
I really like seeing different foods in movies. They’re so appetizing and it makes me want to eat it myself. So, since watching that movie, I’ve tried my hands at making similar pasta dishes.
The pasta dish Mario and his family eat looks like a spaghetti dish served with a white Alfredo sauce with mushrooms. So, this recipe will essentially prepare just that: spaghetti with alfredo sauce with sauteed mushrooms.
#image_title
This recipe makes for a good meatless meal. However, if you crave some meat, you can always grill some chicken and add it to your dish.
***
Creamy Mushroom Pasta (from AllRecipies.com)
Ingredients
16. oz spaghetti or linguini noodles
8 oz. sliced mushrooms
1 onion, chopped and diced
1 tbsp. garlic, minced
1/2 cup butter
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 cups milk
6 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions
1) In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add pasta noodles.
2) Add cooking oil to a medium, non-stick saucepan. Add onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Cook until brown. Set aside in a small dish.
3) Melt butter in a saucepan. Add cream cheese and garlic powder, stirring with a wire whisk until smooth.
4) Add milk, a little at a time, whisking to smooth out lumps. Stir in Parmesan cheese and pepper. Thin with milk if needed.
5) When sauce reaches the desired consistency, add mushrooms and onions and stir, then remove from heat.
6) Either ladle sauce onto individual dishes of pasta noodles or mix the whole sauce into all of the noodles.
UPDATE: One swan thief in custody, detectives continue to search for second thief
Alfredo Casanova turned himself in at the Polk County Jail at approximately 1:30 AM on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 for his active arrest warrant for felony burglary and grand theft for stealing the swans. PCSO Agricultural Crimes detectives are still actively searching for the second suspect, Jordan Montoya. We encourage anyone with information on Montoya’s whereabouts to contact our Ag detectives at 863-534-7205 (8-5 M-F) or 863-298-6200anytime. Tips can be emailed to [email protected]. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways: CALL 1-888-400-TIPS (8477) DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone VISIT the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.comand click on “Submit A Tip” DOWNLOAD the free “P3tips” app on your
LAKELAND, FL (February 18, 2025) – On Monday, February 17, 2025, at approximately 9:09 p.m., officers responded to a crash involving a pedestrian near the 3300 block of US Highway 98 North. Based on witness statements and evidence gathered at the scene, prior to the crash, a pedestrian was attempting to cross US Highway 98 North in a westerly direction, not in a marked crosswalk, when he walked into the path of a 2016 blue 2-door Toyota sedan which was traveling southbound at a high rate of speed in the outside lane. The driver of the vehicle, 23-year-old Jason Jules, continued southbound on US 98 and then westbound on Griffin Road where he stopped and fled on foot into a nearby apartment complex.
The Lakeland Police Department Patrol Units, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department arrived on the scene and began life-saving measures. The pedestrian was transported to Lakeland Regional Health with critical injuries.
Jules returned to the scene 44 minutes later, accompanied by family members. Jules was arrested for Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Serious Bodily Injury.
Members of the Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The roadway was shut down for approximately four hours while the scene was processed for the ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Officer Travis Payne at [email protected].
Bartow, Fla. (Feb. 18, 2025) – The Polk County Board of County Commissioners approved funding for 75 additional Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) Firefighter Paramedic/Emergency Medical Technician positions during today’s board meeting in an effort to reduce department overtime.
The 75 additional positions will cost an estimated $9.2 million annually and the positions will help the county reduce overtime for PCFR field operations personnel.
Editors note:Overtime was estimated at around $10 million last year. This may not save the county any money, but fire rescue personnel should have a day or two less per month to work. It doesn’t sound like much, but retention for the department is very bad and it in part is due to the extra days working. They work 24 hour shifts and they are sometimes working back to back days. Sure pay is great, but being all set with plans and then you get stuck working another 24 hour shifts can be stressful.
An additional benefit is to create a better work life balance for Polk County Fire Rescue personnel.
“On behalf of Polk County Fire Rescue, I want to thank the Polk County Board of County Commissioners for approving 75 additional positions during today’s board meeting,” said Deputy County Manager of Public Safety Joe Halman Jr.
“It is my privilege to oversee the Fire Rescue team. I value and commend their tireless dedication to this county’s residents. By minimizing the need for excessive overtime, we can ensure they have the time to rest and recover, which in turn enhances their ability to deliver the highest level of service to our community.”
Haines City, Florida, is poised for significant growth with the upcoming development of the Crossroads Village Center, a comprehensive mixed-use project set to transform the local landscape. Strategically located at the southwest corner of the US Highway 17-92 and US Highway 27 interchange, this 120-acre development aims to seamlessly blend residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, offering a holistic living and working environment for residents and visitors alike.
Photo of TSCG Proposal
A standout feature of the Crossroads Village Center is its expansive retail component, encompassing over 300,000 square feet of space. This area is designed to attract a diverse array of businesses, from national retailers to local boutiques, ensuring a vibrant shopping experience. Notably, the development is set to welcome Haines City’s first Target store, serving as a major anchor and signaling the project’s potential to draw both local and regional shoppers.
Zonda Housing Study
Beyond retail, the Crossroads Village Center is committed to fostering a sense of community through thoughtfully designed residential areas. These neighborhoods will offer a variety of housing options, catering to different lifestyles and preferences. The integration of green spaces, pedestrian-friendly pathways, and communal areas underscores the development’s emphasis on creating a cohesive and engaging environment.
The project’s significance extends beyond its physical footprint. In June 2021, the establishment of the Crossroads Village Center Community Development District (CDD) marked a pivotal step in the project’s progression. This special-purpose government entity, authorized by Chapter 190 of the Florida Statutes, is tasked with overseeing the planning, acquisition, and maintenance of community infrastructure within the development. The CDD structure ensures that the community’s facilities are developed to high standards and maintained effectively, providing long-term benefits to residents and stakeholders.
The introduction of the Crossroads Village Center is anticipated to have a profound economic impact on Haines City and the surrounding areas. The influx of new businesses and residents is expected to stimulate job creation, boost local commerce, and enhance the city’s appeal as a destination for both living and leisure. Moreover, the development’s strategic location at a major transportation nexus positions it as a convenient hub for regional connectivity.
As the Crossroads Village Center progresses, it embodies Haines City’s forward-thinking approach to urban development. By harmoniously integrating commercial vitality with residential comfort and community-oriented spaces, the project is set to redefine the city’s landscape and serve as a model for future developments in the region.
The developers have a completion goal of the Summer of 2026. – Link to developers website: Crossroads Village Center TSCG
AADT Numbers For Haines City – *AADT stands for Annual Average Daily Traffic, a measurement of how much traffic uses a road or highway in a year. It’s a key metric used in transportation planning and engineering.
The Polk County Fire Rescue & Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently on scene of a mass casualty level 1 crash on Marigold Ave & Cypress Parkway in Poinciana. The call came in around 6:39pm. The crash involves multiple vehicles and involves 8 injured patients.
According to the units on scene non of the injured are trauma alerts and helicopter evacuation is not needed. A total 5 ambulances are enroute to the scene.
Please avoid the area. This is a developing story. We will update if more information is released.
*A mass casualty level 1 is when there are between 5-10 injuries that overwhelms responding units.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is searching for two known suspects who have Polk County warrants for their arrests for stealing two black swans and swan eggs from the Highland Village neighborhood in Lakeland on Thursday, February 13, 2025.
At approximately 5:00 AM on February 13, the caretakers of the swans (Luna and Sturling) found them missing from the property and called deputies. PCSO Agricultural Crimes (Ag) detectives responded to the scene to begin an investigation.
Thanks to a tip from a concerned citizen, Luna, Sturling, and their eggs were located safely in Miami-Dade County. PCSO Ag detectives retrieved the missing birds on Monday, February 17, 2025, and returned them home to Highland Village.
“I’m thrilled that these swans were quickly and safely found and will soon be back home. My sincere thanks to this member of the community for doing the right thing by reaching out to us upon discovering they had been stolen. We couldn’t accomplish these good outcomes without the support of outstanding citizens.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
PCSO agricultural detectives have identified Alfredo Casanova, age 29 of Homestead, FL and Jordan Montoya, age 27 and also of Homestead, FL as the thieves. They both have arrest warrants for felony burglary and grand theft for stealing the swans. We are actively searching for these suspects and encourage anyone with information on their whereabouts to contact our Ag detectives at 863-534-7205. Tips can be emailed to [email protected]. Alfredo Casanova was previously convicted of grand theft (and other charges) out of Monroe County, and spent over 2 years in state prison. Jordan Montoya does not have a criminal history in Polk County.
If you have information regarding the whereabouts of these suspects and wish to remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:
The Polk County Fire Rescue & Polk County Fire are currently working a multiple vehicle crash on C.R. 547 (Old Lake Wilson Rd.) & Bowen Rd. As many as 5 vehicles may be involved. The accident occurred at 5:24pm and emergency responders arrived shortly after.
One person is trapped inside a vehicle and will be listed as a trauma patient. The PCFR has requested helicopter evacuation and it will be landed at Davenport School of the Arts. Multiple additional injuries, but not trauma patients.
This is a developing story and we will update as more information is received. Motorists are advised to avoid the area. This is a two lane road and it is completely blocked per readers.
A local company stepped forward to “pay it forward” and have an automated external defibrillator (AED) donated to a local Moose Lodge.
On Monday evening, Wauchula Moose Lodge #1487 was the proud recipient of the 59th AED donated by Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation (CCF), a local non-profit dedicated to spreading awareness for heart health and donating AEDs to local establishments.
#image_title
The AED was donated thanks to a generous sponsorship made by National Industrial Solutions, which agreed to “pay it forward” to have the device installed at the Wauchula Moose Lodge.
Melanie Brown Culpepper, CCF founder, was contacted by Celena Bolin Goode, a lodge member who inquired about an AED. Celena had known Melanie personally for 25 years. As such, she recommended an AED from CCF to be installed at the Lodge.
“I think that CCF is an amazing Foundation and they are going to do big things for lots of people,” Celena said. “CCF is a movement to save lives and I am so proud to have been involved and spreading the word.”
Melanie replied that CCF’s waiting list was already booked full; however, a donation could be made within a month if someone agreed to “pay it forward.”
#image_title
“I knew Celena and her husband Stan from 25 years ago as I used to do their hair at Melanie’s Cutting Edge,” Melanie wrote on Facebook. “She got a message from her friend, Eddie Pence to say that his company, National Industrial Solutions, was going to sponsor their AED as a Pay It Forward.”
Celena was likewise impressed by another friend being willing to make such a generous donation to facilitate another generous donation to their organization.
“I think Eddie Pence is a generous person by reaching out to answer a need for an AED to help protect our members and friends at our lodge,” she said.
Audie Grantham, President of Wauchula Moose Lodge #1487, was honored to have an AED donated to his organization’s facility. He was especially pleased by how a friend of a member was able to step forward to help “pay it forward” to make the donation happen.
Moreover, following the installation of the AED and a demonstration by a local fire rescue technician, the Lodge proudly presented a check to CCF to help “pay it forward” for an AED at the Arcadia Moose Lodge #1327.
“Our membership had expressed a desire to get an AED for our Lodge,” Grantham explained. “Not only has Eddie been instrumental in making this happen but without him we wouldn’t have been able to pay it forward…The whole event was extra special for us. It’s something that we hope we never have to use but the fact that we have it if we need it is priceless. Thanks to CCF and Eddie from the bottom of our hearts.”
#image_title
Melanie started CCF nearly four years ago following the untimely passing of her late fiancée, Michael Culpepper, who had suffered cardiac arrest.
Not wanting anyone to suffer a similar fate, she started her non-profit organization to raise proceeds to donate AEDs across Polk County.
Since its inception, CCF has donated nearly 60 AEDs to businesses, restaurants, and other establishments across Polk County, including Tanner’s Lakeside, Old Man Frank’s, and Caribbean Bay.
“Thank you everyone and our community so very much, as without our community support, we could not make this all happen,” Melanie wrote on Facebook. “With community support, we hope to place a defibrillator on every city block. We may be the closest First Responder. It could be your friend your own family or even YOU [that] you’re saving.”
For more information, visit CCF’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/honoringculpepper
