Week of December 18, 2024
Week of December 18, 2024
Two men were killed Monday after entering SR 60 into the path of a Freightliner tractor-trailer rig at the intersection of West Lake Road just west of the Lake Wales city limits. First responders responded to the crash scene at around 9:38 pm, where they found two men deceased in a white 2002 Chevy 2500 work van operated by Florida Degreasers, a restaurant service company. The preliminary investigation, based on evidence and witness statements, indicated that the Chevy van...
A Lake Wales teacher is facing three felony charges after a violent assault at a local home. Polk County Sheriff's deputies arrested 51-year-old Thomas Griffin, a middle school teacher at McLaughlin Middle-High School in Lake Wales, charging him with burglary with assault, false imprisonment, and battery by strangulation. According to witnesses, on December 14 Griffin arrived at the residence of a woman with whom he had a prior romantic involvement and began banging on the...
The purchase of 4,158 acres of land on the southwest side of Lake Wales by an active land-development company may be a harbinger of yet another major development proposal. The long-discussed 5-R Ranch property could potentially host many thousands of homes along with commercial and industrial uses if purchaser Richland Communities decides the time is ripe to develop the sprawling property south of Lake Wales Airport. Richland purchased the property for a local-record $50...
As an increasingly-serious drought has wilted crops and increased fire dangers across the region, the hope for rain may be atop the holiday wish list for many. It's a hope that may be answered. With little measurable rain across the area since the October 10 passage of Hurricane Milton, much of central Florida, including southeast Polk, is suffering from rainfall deficits and parched vegetation. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) lists central Florida as "abnormally...
One of central Florida's biggest annual music events happens this weekend when the annual Orange Blossom Revue opens in Lake Wailes Park. The festival will feature eight top touring bands who are expected to draw large crowds from across the nation to the annual lake-side performances. Headlined by JJ Grey and Mofro, the charity fundraiser also offers performances by The War and Treaty, Robert Earl Keen, Steep Canyon Rangers, Sam Grisman Project, Emily Nenni, Wyatt Ellis, and...
Frostproof's landmark, and perhaps haunted, Ramon Theatre is in serious trouble, and the volunteers who manage the venerable auditorium are turning to the community for help, pinning high hopes upon the success of a January 18 "Barn Bash." The Ramon is the cultural and entertainment soul of the southeast Polk Community. Built in 1925 at the height of the Great Florida Land Boom, the theatre hosts musical and theatrical performances around the year. The double-blows of...
The City of Lake Wales has earned the designation of Tree City USA, joining a list of more than 160 communities in Florida who have won that designation from the National Arbor Day Foundation. "This is a prestigious honor for our city," city Horticulturist Kevin Polk said. Polk now leads a team of parks employees who are planting and maintaining hundreds of trees and thousands of shrubs across the city. Lake Wales met all criteria to qualify for the designation by operating a...
As someone unfamiliar with the Wicked Broadway show or its source material, I approached this film with a fresh perspective. While many viewers were drawn to the familiar characters and iconic songs, I watched this not knowing anything. Based on Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel, Wicked offers a prequel to L. Frank Baum's classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the misunderstood "Wicked Witch of the West," and Ariana...
Before watching the sequel, I revisited the 2000 classic, Gladiator. It's a timeless masterpiece that catapulted Russell Crowe to stardom. The film's epic scale, powerful performances, and gripping story remain unforgettable. Gladiator 2 is a legacy sequel, set and filmed many years after the original. Directed once again by Ridley Scott, the film stars Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, and Pedro Pascal. Connie Nielsen reprises her role as Lucilla. The sequel introduces Lucius,...
Here is a technological marvel, a testament to the innovative spirit of filmmaker Robert Zemeckis. The same team behind the Academy Award winning Forrest Gump returns with a film that explores the enduring power of place. Set in a single location, the narrative traverses centuries, following the lives of various families who have called this spot home. While the specific location remains somewhat uncertain, certain clues make it seem to be in Pennsylvania. However, the true...
AdventHealth Lake Wales has launched a Vertical Bay Program within its Emergency Department, allowing patients faster access to the emergency room. This new program comes as emergency departments nationwide face growing challenges. Through AdventHealth Lake Wales' Vertical Bay Program, beds and rooms are available to the sickest patients who need them the most, and nearly every patient is seen and has their needs addressed quickly and efficiently. Patients who don't require...
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