A woman walking along Interstate 4 was struck and killed early Tuesday morning near the 27 milepost.
Sergeant Steve Gaskins with the Florida Highway Patrol said the crash happened around 2:35 a.m. when a Kia Forte driven by a 64-year-old Lakeland woman was heading eastbound on I-4. As the vehicle approached the area, a 24-year-old Tampa woman entered the roadway and moved into the path of the car.
Gaskins said the driver was unable to avoid the pedestrian, who suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene. No additional injuries were reported.
The investigation remains active as troopers work to determine what led the pedestrian to be on the highway at that hour.
One Movie Later: In Your Dreams Was Surprisingly Pleasant
by James Coulter
Netflix animated movies are a real mixed bag. Sometimes you get animated gems like Over the Moon or K-Pop Demon Hunters. Other times, you get real duds like Spellbound or Fixed. But then you have movies like In Your Dreams.
Have you ever started watching a movie expecting it to be terrible, only to find that while it doesn’t impress at first, halfway through you realize it’s actually better than you anticipated—even offering some surprisingly profound moments, despite still not being a great film overall?
That’s what In Your Dreams was for me: a real diamond in the rough, something that shows real promise even though it’s still rugged and unpolished. So, what made me reverse my initial impression of this movie from bad to just kinda, sorta okay?
In Your Dreams follows Stevie, a young girl whose family life fractures (or so she claims) after the birth of her brother, Elliot. The siblings find a magic thrift-store book that lets them share each other’s dreams. Guided by a ragged childhood toy called Baloney Tony, they journey through the dream world to find the Sandman and ask for one wish: to hold their family together. Will they be able to overcome the evil Nightmara and have the Sandman make their dream come true?
What initially turned me off from the movie was its animation. Although the animators have clearly stated that no generative AI was involved in the production—particularly as the project began before the widespread use of such technology—the visuals nonetheless possess an over-polished quality reminiscent of AI-generated imagery. That uncanny smoothness, at times, diminishes the sense of intimacy in certain scenes and renders some aspects of the dream world comparatively generic.
However, some sequences proved rather striking: Baloney Tony looks and moves with the tactile awkwardness of a puppeted felt toy. The animatronics within the Chuck E Cheese knock-off Pizza Polly nail that slightly uncanny, cheap-animatronic look. And a brief anime-styled scene proved to be really cute. Those moments show the animators taking bold, playful risks.
Where the film falters are with the story and premise. Dreamscapes have endless possibilities for creative potential, with the only limit being the animator’s own imagination. However, the movie’s overall scope appears rather limited. Some of the more creative uses of dream logic are relegated to montages rather than woven into sustained, inventive sequences, and the world-building is often safe instead of surprising.
But where the movie shines most is with the story. No spoilers, but as can be expected, the movie delves into the topic of dreams—about whether or not we really want our dreams to come true, whether or not it’s worth having them come true at the expense of others, and whether or not people who claim the ability to grant your heart’s desires truly have your best interests in mind.
Are these novel topics? Not at all. Does the movie do its best to explore these topics uniquely or creatively? Perhaps not. But they are still profound subjects that I was surprised were tackled as well as they were.
Overall, In Your Dreams falls somewhere in the middle—not the greatest film, but certainly not the worst either. Much like Elio, it’s just okay. Kids are likely to enjoy it, and their parents might, too. Some may realize, as I did, that this isn’t just another silly children’s movie; at times, it even offers meaningful insights.But if you want to watch a better animated movie on Netflix, there’s always K-Pop Demon Hunters.
Lakeland — A shooting in the 1000 block of North Brunnell Parkway sent one person to the hospital Monday afternoon, according to information confirmed by the Lakeland Police Department.
LPD spokesperson Stephanie Kerr advised that officers were working an active shooting investigation in that area and that details remain limited. One individual had been shot and was transported to Lakeland Regional Health for treatment. No condition update has been released.
Our news partners at Eye In The Sky News – Polk County were on scene shortly after the incident unfolded. Their team observed a large police presence surrounding a residential area, along with crime scene tape and detectives processing evidence. Polk County Sheriff’s Office helicopter and drone units were also assisting in the search of the area.
As of this time, Lakeland Police have not released any information regarding a suspect or the circumstances that led to the shooting.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Lakeland Police Department or Heartland Crime Stoppers.
Daily Ridge will provide updates as soon as additional details are released by law enforcement.
Lakeland, Florida – Harrison School for the Arts will welcome the community to its annual Music of the Season concerts on Friday, December 12 and Saturday, December 13 at 7:00 p.m. inside the Harrison Theatre.
The event will feature holiday classics performed by the school’s choral and orchestra departments. Each year these performances draw large crowds, and the school encourages families to secure their seats early.
Reserved seating is available online only at harrisonarts.com/tickets. Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for students and seniors. These concerts traditionally sell out, so advance purchase is strongly recommended.
Harrison School for the Arts is located at 750 Hollingsworth Rd., Lakeland, FL 33801.
This year’s Music of the Season is proudly sponsored by SouthState Bank, whose continued support helps make these community performances possible.
The magic of the holidays is getting ready to shine in Davenport as the city prepares for its Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. This beloved tradition brings the community together for an evening filled with music, cheer, and festive spirit.
The celebration takes place Wednesday, December 3rd at 6:30 PM at the Tom Fellows Community Center, located at 207 North Blvd W., Davenport, FL 33837. Families, friends, and neighbors are invited to gather as the community lights up the night and officially welcomes the season.
Whether you come for the glow of the tree, the joyful atmosphere, or simply to kick off December with those you love, this event offers a warm and memorable way to start the holidays in Davenport.
Bring the family, soak in the season, and help make the night shine.
A minor traffic crash occurred at around 8:38 pm, on Sunday, November 23rd, on US 98 South at East Ethelene Street in Bartow (near Ruby Tuesday’s).
Fortunately, there were no injuries…not that one of the drivers seemed to care; 37-year old Francisco Marin-Matildes of Mexico immediately fled the scene in his 2007 Ford Edge following the crash.
As luck would have it, the crash occurred right in front of a PCSO deputy.
The deputy conducted a traffic stop on Francisco’s Ford.
That is when the deputy discovered that Francisco had no driver’s license, and he was in the United States illegally.
Francisco Marin-Matildes was arrested and taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center. He was charged with Driving without a Valid Driver’s License and Leaving the Scene of a Traffic Crash without Injuries.
Due to Francisco’s illegal alien status, both of his charges were enhanced one degree, so both 2nd degree misdemeanor charges were elevated to 1st degree misdemeanors.
Welcome, World Travelers! Take A Look At Disney’s Newest Cruise Ship: The Disney Destiny
by James Coulter
The Disney Destiny set sail on its maiden voyage on Nov. 20., 2025, after being christened on Nov. 10. The ship is the seventh ship built by the Disney Cruise Line and the third ship in its Wish class, following the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure.
At approximately 1,119 feet long and weighing 144,000 gross tons, the Disney Destiny is designed to accommodate 4,000 passengers with approximately 1,256 cabins.
The ship will port at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fl., with trips in the Western Caribbean at ports in The Bahamas, Mexico, and Disney’s private islands like Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay.
Here’s a sneak peek at some of the exclusive offerings this new cruise ship has to offer:
Disney Heroes and Villains Theme
The Disney Destiny has a heavy emphasis on heroes and villains from both Disney and Marvel. That theme is displayed with the ship’s name, along with a sculpture of Spider-Man with his Spider bots, located near the ship’s stern.
The ship’s theme is also showcased within the ship’s grand hall, which, as the Disney Parks Blog states, “transports you into a world of heroes and villains from the moment you step on board.”
The Grand Hall takes heavy inspiration from Marvel’s Black Panther with “thoughtful design details crafted by Walt Disney Imagineers.” This striking three-story venue will serve as a gathering space and entertainment hub for guests, with opportunities to meet many hero and villain characters alike.
Themed Adult Bars
Adult passengers will be able to let loose their heroic or villainous sides with the ship’s many themed bars and lounges.
For those feeling rather villainous, De Vil’s provides a “perfectly wretched” lavish lounge and piano bar styled after the iconic villain from 101 Dalmatians.
Those feeling a little bit more heroic can visit The Sanctum, themed after Marvel’s Doctor Strange. The bar and lounge will feature many unique themed drinks, including a cocktail served in “a special glass that reacts to touch.”
Dinner Entertainment and Stage Shows
One of the biggest productions to be hosted onboard will be a Broadway-style stage show based on Disney’s Hercules. The show will feature larger-than-life performances with larger-than-life props, including a large puppet version of the many-headed monster Hydra.
Those seeking dinner and a show can visit Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King, which Disney Parks Blogs describes as “a first-of-its-kind family dining experience” featuring a colorful ensemble bringing to life the beloved story and music of the animated classic.
Villain Mountain Water Ride
Guests seeking thrilling adventure can hop on board the AquaMouse, a two-seater water slide with 760 feet of twisting tubes and water fun.
This ship’s attraction will be themed as “Villain Mountain”, with the launch hill showing whimsical animated scenes with Mickey and Minnie turning many scenes with iconic Disney villains on their head.
Calling it a “wonderful invention,” the article describes the machine’s capability: “…whoever has spoken or whoever may speak into the mouthpiece of the phonograph, and whose words are recorded by it, has the assurance that his speech may be reproduced audibly in his own tones long after he himself has turned to dust. The possibility is simply startling.”
“Speech,” the publication continued, “has become, as it were, immortal.”
Photo source Bettmann Archive Getty Images
Edison stumbled on the phonograph—one of his great inventions—while working on a way to record telephone communication at his laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey. His work led him to experiment with a stylus on a tinfoil cylinder, which, to his surprise, played back the short song he had recorded, “MARY HAD A LITTLE LAMB.” Public demonstrations of the phonograph made the Yankee inventor world famous, and he was dubbed the “Wizard of Menlo Park.”
Edison set aside this invention in 1878 to work on the incandescent light bulb, and other inventors moved forward to improve on the phonograph. In 1887, Edison resumed work on the device, using the wax-cylinder technique developed by Charles Tainter. Although initially used as a dictating machine, the phonograph proved to be a popular tool for entertainment, and in 1906 Edison unveiled a series of musical and theatrical selections to the public through his National Phonograph Company. Continuing to improve on models and cylinders over the years, the Edison Disc Phonograph debuted in 1912 with the aim of competing in the popular record market. Edison’s discs offered superior sound quality but were not compatible with other popular disc players.
During the 1920s, the early record business suffered with the growth of radio, and in 1929 recording production at Edison ceased forever. Edison, who acquired an astounding 1,093 patents in his 84 years, died in 1931.”
LAKELAND, FL | The City of Lakeland Water Utilities will begin the next phase of the Western Trunk Gravity Sewer Line upgrade next week, affecting Highland Street. This critical infrastructure project is part of our commitment to enhance wastewater capacity, bolster public safety, and deliver long-term service reliability.
Construction Area & Traffic Impacts Beginning Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, Highland Street will be closed to all traffic for approximately three (3) weeks. During this time:
Traffic will be detoured to Josephine Street via Southern Avenue and Pinewood Avenue, with clearly marked digital message boards and traffic signage.
The nearby park will remain open during its regular hours, and all scheduled activities will continue as planned. Park access will remain via West Highland Street only; residents will not be able to access the park from the east side.
Construction activities will include increased equipment presence and daytime noise as crews work in the right-of-way adjacent to the park.
Scope of Work
This phase will include:
Installation of a new 42-inch gravity trunk sewer line
Construction of a modern wastewater pump station
New force mains and collector lines These upgrades will replace aging infrastructure that dates to the 1980s and will significantly improve system performance and emergency response capabilities.
Why This Work Matters
Increased Capacity: Replaces undersized, deteriorating pipe to meet current and future demands
Improved Public Safety: Mitigates system vulnerabilities and supports efficient emergency response
Enhanced Reliability: Upgrades to modern standards that reduce the risk of service disruptions
Stay Informed
The City is committed to keeping the public informed. Updates will be shared through:
Bartow is remembering the life and legacy of Clifton P. Lewis, a beloved community leader and champion of Black history, who passed away Sunday at the age of 82 after a long battle with cancer. For more than 20 years, Lewis served as the director of the L.B. Brown Heritage Festival, a role that allowed him to preserve and share an important piece of Bartow’s history.
Photo source Clifton P. Lewis Facebook page
In the late 1990s, Lewis stepped in to save the L.B. Brown House from demolition. He not only secured its restoration but helped transform the home—built by former slave Lawrence B. Brown—into a museum and gathering place that celebrated the rich heritage of Black Americans. Thanks to his tireless work, the L.B. Brown House is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized in the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture.
This past summer, the City honored Lewis by proclaiming August 5 as Clifton Paul Lewis Day, celebrating his decades of service and his unwavering dedication to Bartow.
Bartow has truly lost a visionary—one whose work will continue to inspire for generations.
