Domino Delight Brings Free Game Day Fun to Winter Haven
Adults ages 18 and older are invited to enjoy an afternoon of friendly competition and social fun at Domino Delight, a free dominoes event taking place from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24.
The event will be held at the Wilfred Smith Resource Center, located at 135 Ave. Y NE in Winter Haven, and is hosted by Polk County Parks and Recreation.
Participants can expect a relaxed atmosphere centered around classic domino games, with food, drinks, and all necessary supplies provided at no cost. Whether attendees are longtime domino enthusiasts or simply looking to meet new people, the event is open to players of all skill levels.
Space is limited to 50 participants, and advance registration is required.
For more information or to register, interested individuals should call (863) 298-7898.
Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation (CCF) marked another milestone in its lifesaving mission with the placement of its 82nd automated external defibrillator (AED) at Laugh Out Lounge. The AED was installed as part of a pay-it-forward donation by Tanner’s Lakeside Bingo for a Cause #7, continuing the foundation’s effort to expand access to critical emergency equipment throughout the community. Allison Rollins, Manager at Tanner’s Lakeside has been with the organization since Melanie Brown Culpepper started it in February 2021 after the passing of Michael Culpepper in July 2020.
Laugh Out Lounge owner Mike Lee shared his background and the story behind the venue, saying, “I’ve been a professional actor, comedian, and radio host since I was 19. After touring the country for years, I settled in Winter Haven in 2004. I was the morning co-host on Max 98.3 FM from 2010 – 2025. I opened Laugh Out Lounge in November of 2021.”
Lee expressed gratitude for being selected as an AED location, noting, “We were honored to be chosen for this. It’s a great cause, and while we hope we never need it, we’re glad to have the equipment in case of emergency.”
He also praised CCF Founder Melanie Brown Culpepper and the foundation’s ongoing work, stating, “I’ve known Melanie for years, and she’s always doing good things. This newest venture shows how much she cares and wants to help people. Winter Haven is lucky to have her.”
“Laugh Out Lounge is a growing downtown location where friends meet for a good time and lots of laughs,” Rollins said. “We feel it is important to have a number of AEDs at various locations around town. You never know who may need one.”
As part of the placement, an AED demonstration and training were conducted by Eric Shimcus. Lee highlighted the experience, saying, “Eric was fantastic. He kept the presentation interesting, was very knowledgeable and was quick to answer any questions my team had.”
Reflecting on the overall impact, Lee added, “I hope everyone gets a chance to do this. It’s a great feeling having the AED in your establishment, and knowing your team has been trained on how to use it.”
Rollins added, “This is such a good cause that helps people of every age and race. It helps the whole community and is adding a much needed service to the county.”
The event underscores CCF’s continued commitment to public safety and preparedness across the region.
For more information about the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation, visit CulpepperAED.com.
Thank you for helping support CCF as Saving Lives Matters.
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Week, the Winter Haven Public Library will host a special screening of the film Boycott (PG) on Friday, January 16, at 2 p.m.
Released in 2001, Boycott powerfully depicts the events surrounding the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a defining moment in the Civil Rights Movement. The film centers on Rosa Parks, whose courageous decision on December 1, 1955, to refuse to give up her seat in a “whites only” section of a public bus sparked a citywide protest that would ultimately reverberate across the nation and the world.
That single act of defiance halted buses, galvanized a community, and helped elevate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a prominent leader in the fight for civil rights. Through its moving portrayal of resistance, unity, and leadership, Boycott offers viewers an opportunity to reflect on the enduring legacy of the Civil Rights Movement and the ongoing pursuit of equality.
The screening is free and open to the public. Community members are encouraged to attend and take part in this meaningful MLK Week observance at the Winter Haven Public Library.
CRIME: GRAND THEFT CRIME SCENE: MAYFAIR WAY & CREWS LAKE RD, LAKELAND POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE CASE 25-51136
On the morning of December 16, 2025, a school student was waiting near Mayfair Way and Crews Lake Rd in Lakeland for the school bus. The student had set his school-issued laptop (in a case) on the ground, and was walking around while waiting.
A black sedan (possibly a Hyundai Elantra) stopped, and a man got out, grabbed the laptop case, then fled from the area.
The victim described the suspect as a white or Hispanic male, and about 18-25 years of age.
If you have any information about this crime, or the suspect, please contact Detective Creekmore at
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned pursuant to the fictitious name statutes 865.09 Florida statues will register with the division of corporations of the state of Florida upon receipt of proof of publication of this notice the fictitious name to Central Florida Aquaculture and Wetlands Farm under which we are or intend to do business as in Polk County Florida that parties interested in said business enterprises are as follows Names or officers Amber Innis.
HAINES CITY – Long-time City Attorney, Fred Reilly, resigned during last night’s City Commission meeting.
Citing serious health issues, Reilly addressed the Board by telephone, with his remarks broadcast to those in attendance.
“Over the past four years I have fought stage four prostate cancer,” he said reading from an email he sent the Commissioners about his resignation. “On Jan. 12, I will begin a clinical trial I’m hopeful will place the cancer back in remission.”
He said his condition has deteriorated rapidly over the past month.
While noting that he is not at “death’s door,” Reilly explained that he needs to focus the next two months on a scheduled trial treatment.
”Due to the severity of my situation, I need to completely focus on my health” he said. “If I don’t take care of myself I’m not going to be here much longer.”
Reilly suggested the Commission begin the procedures to hire another City Attorney. He also said that he would like to be considered as outside council to assist in the transition.
Reilly has served as City Attorney since 2012.
Former City Commissioner Ken Kipp addressed the Commission, praising Reilly’s professionalism and years of service to the city. Kipp also led a prayer for Reilly’s healing.
Each of the current Commissioners individually thanked Reilly for the guidance, counsel, and support he consistently provided during their terms.
In addition to his role with the city, Reilly is the owner of Reilly International Law Firm, P.A., based in Haines City. He is licensed to practice law in Florida, California, and the District of Columbia, and is also a Solicitor of the United Kingdom. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of International Trade.
Reilly is a graduate of Haines City High School and Purdue University, where he earned a degree in management. He later received a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Business Law from the London School of Economics and Political Science, as well as a Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University.
In 1995, Reilly was honored as International Individual of the Year by the Polk County Economic Development Council. He received the Courage Award from the American Cancer Society in 2013 and was named Citizen of the Year by the Haines City Chamber of Commerce in 2017.
Reilly’s father, Andrew “Andy” Reilly, also served the city as City Attorney from 2000 to 2004.
Reilly said people always ask what they can do. “Please keep me in your prayers,” he said. “I’m in a fight for my life and I need all the support I can get.”
Turning your living room – the hub of seasonal entertaining – into a winter retreat can be simple with a few thoughtful updates. From the color palette and textiles to lighting and subtle seasonal accents, these ideas can help you create a space that feels warm and inviting, even on the “chilliest” of Florida days.
Embrace a Winter Color Scheme
Start with a warm, neutral color palette featuring creams, taupe, ivory, beige and soft grays then layer in deeper greens, muted blues or charcoal for contrast. Accent pieces such as pillows, throws and vases in matching rich tones or muted metallics can help the room feel like a cozy retreat without overwhelming your existing decor. Stick to your chosen color palette but vary texture and mix solids with subtle patterns like stripes or checks.
Layer Cozy Textiles
One of the easiest ways to dial up winter comfort is layering textiles. Drape knit or faux fur throw blankets over sofas and chairs, stack extra blankets in a basket or on a ladder shelf near the seating area and switch out lighter pillow covers for winter-friendly fabrics such as velvet, wool or sweater knit.
On the floor, layer a smaller, softer rug over your existing area rug.
Create a Seasonal Focal Point
Your coffee table is the perfect focal point for winter decor. Start with a tray or shallow bowl then mix in a candle or two and other decorative elements such as books, wooden beads, pinecones or glass jars filled with fairy lights.
Keeping the arrangement simple allows the table to remain functional for everyday use while still feeling seasonally intentional.
Set the Mood with Lighting
Shorter winter days mean less natural light floods your living space. Sotten the glow with warm white bulbs in floor and table lamps then layer candles – real or flameless – on the mantel, coffee table or console for a cozy atmosphere.
Add a Touch of Nature
Bringing a touch of the outdoors in can give decor a fresh, grounded feel. Consider incorporating bare twigs, eucalyptus and dried stems for an understated nod to the landscape beyond your windows. Pair these natural elements with a grouping of houseplants in woven baskets, wood trays or stone pots to complete the organic, wintery look.
Looking for great live music around Winter Haven this weekend? Check out these local spots and plan your nights with friends!
Thursday – Kick Off the Weekend
Head over to Cypresswood Pub at 1099 Clubhouse Rd, Winter Haven, FL 33884 for the Curt Beasley Duo from 6–9 PM. Great food, drinks, and acoustic tunes to start your weekend right!
Friday – Friday Night Vibes
Keep the good vibes going back at Cypresswood Pub with Dave Smith live from 6–9 PM. Perfect for dinner and music with friends!
Saturday – Saturday Sounds
Swing by Cypresswood again for Acoustic Dose on Saturday from 6–9 PM — mellow, melodic music in a relaxed setting.
Ongoing Weekly Music
Don’t forget Sage Cocktail Lounge at 99 3rd St NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881 hosts Sage Sessions every Tuesday night — an intimate evening of rotating live artists and craft cocktails.
☀️ Sunday Afternoon Tunes
Wrap up the weekend at Tanners Lakeside — 1006 S Lake Howard Dr, Winter Haven, FL 33880 — with Kai7en performing Sunday from 2–6 PM, lakeside!
Get out and support local music talent while enjoying some of Winter Haven’s best food and drink!
BARTOW, FL – Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd issued a forceful defense of federal immigration agents Tuesday, sharply criticizing Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey’s response to an officer-involved shooting during an ICE operation and warning that suspects who use vehicles as weapons against law enforcement should “expect to be shot.”
In a video statement recorded from his office and circulated to media outlets, Sheriff Judd addressed the Minneapolis incident while directing pointed criticism at city leadership for what he characterized as premature and unprofessional commentary about the confrontation. Link to Mayor Video
“Accountability starts with the mayor,” Judd said in the video, accusing Minneapolis’ top official of using “filthy, uninformed talk” in public remarks about the incident. “Shame on you. That is a lack of professionalism toward your city, your state, and our nation.”
Satire: Grady Judd addressing Mayor Frey Using Foul Language in Press Conference.
The Polk County sheriff was responding to an incident in Minneapolis where ICE agents discharged their firearms during an immigration enforcement operation. While acknowledging the investigation is ongoing, Judd based his comments on widely circulated video footage of the encounter.
According to Judd’s account of the video, federal law enforcement officers and ICE agents were attempting to remove the occupant of a vehicle when the situation rapidly escalated. “During this encounter, the vehicle backed up and then drove directly at the ICE agent,” Judd explained, describing the car as “a two-ton deadly weapon.”
The sheriff characterized the driver’s actions as a “deadly assault on a law enforcement officer” and said the use of force was a predictable response to the threat posed.
“They should have expected to be shot when you commit a deadly assault on a law enforcement officer,” Judd stated. He expanded the warning beyond the Minneapolis incident, saying anyone who violently resists arrest and commits “felonious assaults with two-ton weapons” should anticipate officers will respond with deadly force.
Beyond defending the federal agents’ actions, Judd used the opportunity to call for unified messaging from Minnesota leadership. He said Mayor Frey, the Minneapolis police chief, the local sheriff, and Governor Tim Walz should all be delivering the same message to residents: cooperate with law enforcement, do not resist, and do not violently resist.
“Let’s send out the message loud and clear,” Judd said, urging officials to support officers tasked with managing dangerous situations rather than second-guessing their split-second decisions before investigations conclude.
The statement reflects Sheriff Judd’s longstanding approach of offering blunt criticism of leaders he believes undermine law enforcement while providing vocal support for officers who use deadly force when facing perceived threats.
The Minneapolis incident has reignited national debates over immigration enforcement, use of force by federal agents, and the role of local officials in commenting on active investigations. Sheriff Judd’s comments inject a strong law-and-order perspective from Central Florida into the controversy.
As of publication, the investigation into the Minneapolis shooting remains ongoing, with federal authorities reviewing the incident and body camera footage.
For more local news and updates from Polk County, visit dailyridge.com.
With electric bikes becoming increasingly popular, especially after the holiday season, Winter Haven Public Safety is reminding residents to take extra precautions to protect these valuable investments from theft.
According to the Winter Haven Public Safety Department, criminals are actively targeting electric bikes due to their high value and resale potential. Residents who received an e-bike for Christmas—or who regularly ride standard bicycles—are encouraged to follow several safety tips to reduce the risk of theft.
Officials recommend always securing bikes to a sturdy object that is securely bolted to the ground. Using two locks when possible—one for the frame and one for the wheels—can provide added protection. Riders should also ensure locks are kept off the ground to make them more difficult to tamper with.
In addition, bike owners are urged to record their bicycle’s serial number and keep it, along with a photo of the bike, in a safe place. Considering a tracking device placed discreetly on the bike may also help in recovery if it is stolen.
Winter Haven Public Safety stresses that taking a few extra steps now can help prevent the loss of an expensive asset later.
