Communication Builds Our Community
Communication Builds Our Community
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The long-delayed completion of the Walesbilt Hotel redevelopment project is no doubt as frustrating for city officials as it is for many residents. Now it seems that personal frustrations stemming from that delayed project may threaten yet another potential redevelopment concept. When the City of Lake Wales finally gained clear title to the Walesbilt Hotel in 2007, it seemed that a solution to the long-vacant building was on the horizon. Yet city fathers bungled the opportunity, and whiffed on the chance to seriously consider...
One of the joys of being Director of Florida State Parks is getting to know the many places within parks where visitors can learn about our state's remarkable natural and cultural history. Florida's historic and cultural landmarks are diverse and worthy of our interest, and protecting and restoring the sites that tell stories of our past help bring people together At this year's Park Ranger Academy, living history reenactors in period dress showed how interpretive programs...
City of Lake Wales officials continue to restrict access to the condemned 1929 Seminole Hotel in downtown Lake Wales to the frustration of developer Ray Brown. A code enforcement officer and three police officers met Brown at the site Tuesday, April 30 and threatened him with arrest for trespassing if he entered the hotel building. Brown says he has a contract to purchase the hotel and notarized permission to enter by the current owner. Brown was there Tuesday to meet senior...
Bok Tower Gardens is offering free admission to moms on Mother's Day, Sunday May 12. The Gardens suggest treating mom to a special meal in the Blue Palmetto Café, which is offering a special smoked salmon salad and mimosas for purchase. Moms also can spin the prize wheel at The Shop for a chance to win extra discounts or a free plant. In collaboration with Bloom Box Floral, the Gardens will be selling special floral arrangements for $25 starting at 9 a.m. while they...
Three individuals, two businesses and one service organization will be honored Thursday, May 7 at the annual fundraising gala hosted by the Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council. The event theme is "Feeling Groovy," and many attendees are expected to dress in costumes from the 1970s. The event is scheduled from 6-9 p.m. in the Lake Ashton Banquet Hall. Tickets are $75 for individuals and $1,000 for a table of 8. Other sponsorship levels are...
Bok Tower Gardens has finished third in a USA Today reader's choice poll of Best Botanical Gardens in the nation conducted by USA Today and 10best.com. Bok Tower's famed Mountain Lake Sanctuary, actually older than the tower itself, was designed by the Olmsted landscape design firm. The term "landscape architecture" was coined by firm founder Frederick Law Olmsted, who was renowned for his designs of such landmark parks as New York's Central Park, the grounds of the US...
Johnny Newton, 79 of Lake Wales, passed away Saturday, April 13, 2019 at the Groves Center. He was born March 3, 1940. No services are scheduled at this time. Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales is in charge of arrangements....
William Allen Martin, III, 70, of Lake Wales, passed Wednesday, May 1 at the Lake Wales Medical Center. He was born September 10, 1948 in Montgomery, WV and he has been a lifelong resident of this area. William was a mechanic, loved his animals and was a veteran serving in the US Navy. Survivors include many close friends. No services are scheduled. Marion Nelson Funeral Home of Lake Wales is in charge of arrangements....
Here is a compilation of recent articles of relevance to our readers. I hope that's something just for you! From NPR.org: Are compassionate doctors better at their jobs? The short answer? Yes. In their new book Compassionomics, two physicians lay out their research findings about the win-win effects of compassionate care. When doctors take the time to make human connections that help end suffering, patient outcomes improve and medical costs decrease. It also helps health care...
Where Kathy Bangley sees rodent droppings, leaking water and rotten wood, Ray Brown sees a solid, old building with great potential. Where Kathy Bangley sees an old hotel in "horrific" condition, Ray Brown envisions new studio apartments. Where Kathy Bangley sees trash, Ray Brown sees treasure. Kathy Bangley is the pragmatic director of planning and development for the City of Lake Wales. Ray Brown is a visionary historic preservationist and developer. Brown wants to restore t...
A suggestion that Florida's capitol be relocated to Polk County got a rousing response at a dinner at Lake Ashton on Saturday. The proposal was floated by Rob Lorei, the long-time host of "Florida This Week," a political-affairs show aired on WEDU television. Complaining of the isolation of the Florida Legislature from the bulk of the state's citizens, Lorei said that elected officials count on the long distances and shrinking press coverage to pass measures on behalf of...
Lake Wales Family Literacy Academy friends and volunteers celebrated founders Deming Cowles and Gail Crum at a dinner Friday night, April 26. The Lake Wales High School orchestra, directed by teacher Meg Smith, performed a special concert for the event, closing with "You Raise Me Up," as a tribute to what Cowles and Crum do for others. Howard Kay, a longtime academy volunteer and board member, praised the commitment of Cowles and Crum: "I never dreamed of all the families...
Mary Ann Moore, 87 of Lake Wales passed away Wednesday, May 1 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. She was born January 12, 1932 in Perry, GA to the late Luther Wilburn Grant and Willie Stembridge Grant and she has been a lifelong resident of this area. She was an administrative professional and a homemaker. Mary was a member of the Westside Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Moore and her son Grant Moore Survivors include her daughter, Dedra LaSalle and her children, Jacob, Travis and Mikey...
Under the watchful eye of a neighborly alligator, a team assembled by Keep Polk County Beautiful recently dismantled and carted off a derelict houseboat just outside the Camp Mack boat ramp on the Kissimmee River at Camp Lester. KPCB Executive Director Katie Yoxall said the eyesore had plagued the area for at least 17 years. Yoxall said her organization doesn't really have the funds for derelict vessel removal, which can run thousands of dollars, but she was able to use a...
Sonny LaVigne, 83, of Lake Wales passed away Tuesday, April 30 at his residence. He was born March 14, 1936 in Miami to the late Walter and Lillie Mae LaVigne. He came to Lake Wales from Davie in 1999 and was a retired master electrician from the IBEW Local 349. Sonny was preceded in death by his daughter, Marcia Reckamp and sister, Dorothy Bexley. Survivors include his soul mate, Celia “Cookie” Bishop; daughter, Donna Sue Beach (Jeffrey) of West Palm Beach; son-in-law, Thomas Reckamp; five grandchildren, Tammy, Jared, Jef...
When it comes to love and money, tying the financial knot involves adjustments and compromise. By understanding expectations, setting common goals, and mapping out life as a couple, you can build a healthy financial foundation for the future, together. When two become one Creating a life together brings with it a whole new meaning to the word compromise: morning bathroom time, the "good side" of the bed, the TV remote, Saturday plans, and holidays with family. While you want...
Jazz fans are invited to enjoy a Tribute to the Modern Jazz Quartet at the Lake Wales Arts Council's Updike Hall in May. The concert will offer lively, upbeat, and soulful jazz music. The Modern Jazz Quartet was a jazz combo established in the early 1950s that played music heavily influenced by classical tunes and the blues. The group primarily consisted of John Lewis, Milt Jackson, Percy Heath, and Connie Kay. The tribute concert will feature Lake Wales Arts Center Executive...
Lake Wales Medical Center is seeking applicants for its Patient Advisory Council. "Having patients and family members give their perspective on their hospital experience provides invaluable information to us as a means to improve the overall patient experience," said Andrea Clyne, Chief Nursing Officer. "So we've formed this Patient Advisory Council to offer insights to us." Feedback received from the Council will be used to improve hospital operations, patient safety,...
Unique Destiny Learners Studio is soon to be established in the Bartow/South Lakeland area. Their focus is on hands-on learning services through project-based learning, tutoring, and exploratory-styled electives. They will be providing part-time and full-time educational resources for children of all ages. Unique Destiny is currently offering the following programs: Family & Me Academy (Ages 0-3), Little Explorers Academy (Ages 3-4), Unique Destiny Academy (Grades K-6), 1.5...
Charles H. “C.A.” Antley, 69, of Lake Wales passed away Saturday, April 27 at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center in Fort Pierce. He was born December 25, 1949 in Lake Wales to the late William Hubert Antley and Doshie Grace McCracken and has been a lifelong resident of the area. He was a self-employed building contractor and member of the Impact Church. He enjoyed spending time with his family and woodworking. Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Jenita Antley; son, Josh Antley; granddaughter, Jessica Wallace; and bro...
The Lake Wales Arts Council is excited to announce that Executive Director Andrew Allen will be performing a tribute to the Modern Jazz Quartet at 7 p.m. May in Updike Hall. We had a conversation with Andrew on his career, accomplishments, and inspiration. We hope you enjoy this interview! How has the Modern Jazz Quartet's music influenced your career as a musician? I first heard of the Modern Jazz Quartet when I was studying for my Bachelor of Music degree at the University...
Do not... And, I mean this... Do. NOT. Say: "But I have so much experience..." "I have 30 years' experience..." "You can't learn what I know just coming out of school..." Stop! Really, just stop. I know you worked your whole life to be this smart and able but using your experience to justify your value is a huge mistake in a professional culture that often equates the word "experience" with the words "has been." The one thing that used to count most for professional marketabil...
