Communication Builds Our Community
Communication Builds Our Community
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CORRECTION: This story has been updated to reflect that the Lake Wales Fire Department was not involved in fighting this residential fire which took place outside city limits. A raging fire that sent flames leaping dozens of feet into the air and alarmed many area residents destroyed a Lake Wales residence shortly after 5:30 Monday afternoon. The emergency call was received by first responders at 5:28 p.m. and within minutes at least 13 fire rescue and medical team vehicles...
A fatal crash involving a bicyclist has added to the horrific tally of roadway deaths in southeastern Polk County in recent weeks. According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office and Polk County Fire Rescue, a fatal crash occurred between Fort Meade and Bowling Green Wednesday night. Based on evidence and witness statements, traffic homicide detectives determined that a bicyclist was northbound on US 17 at Bill Bryan Road when he was struck from behind by a motorist driving a...
Lake Wales police have arrested a private school substitute teacher for showing sexually explicit photographs to her elementary students. Park Avenue Private School administrators contacted Lake Wales Police and told them they had terminated substitute teacher Gayle Wessel on November 7, 2024, after students reported that she had shared explicit photos on her phone. Wessel, 60, Wessel of Babson Park, is now facing six counts of showing obscene material to minors and one count...
The popular Lake Wales Jazz Connection returns Saturday evening to the Lake Wales Arts Center for a special tribute concert to two of the greatest figures in jazz history, and tickets are still available. An enchanting tribute to Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald will fill the beautiful Arts Center with the sounds of the urbane and supremely talented Lake Wales Jazz Connection, under the expert direction of drummer Paul Gavin. "Let the timeless jazz classics and soulful...
Restaurant choices for Lake Wales area residents continues to increase as four new operations are poised to begin serving in January. Two are well-known national chains while two are locally-owned. The city's sparkling reimagining of the downtown area, known as Lake Wales Connected, is attracting new investment in the form of two new restaurants, both in an extensively-remodeled building just across from the US Post Office. The Thirsty Dragon will open in a matter of weeks at...
David Spencer Waldrop of Lake Wales passed away suddenly Wednesday, January 1, 2025 while leading a FTA hike in the Bellini Preserve. He was born May 18, 1969 in Lake Wales to John and Barbara Waldrop; he has been a lifelong resident of Lake Wales. David was the Information Technology Coordinator for the Lake Wales Charter Schools. He was a longtime member and dedicated volunteer of the Florida Trail Association. David's passion for the Florida Trail and his tireless...
In a move that will open the door to obtaining additional historic preservation program funding, grants, training, and technical assistance, Polk County has been designated a nationally Certified Local Government Program by the United States Department of the Interior. In addition to access to resources for the county, the designation will also be a tool to help Polk County property owners who are seeking historical designations, according to Polk officials. "Polk County's...
