Communication Builds Our Community

Articles from the February 14, 2024 edition


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  • Multiple Questions Raised About $1.2 Million City-Funded Incubator

    News Research Staff|Updated Feb 29, 2024
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    A "business incubator" operating under a three-year, $1.2 million contract approved by the Lake Wales City Commission appears to be operating in violation of several laws, a five-month-long LakeWalesNews.net investigation has determined. Among questionable practices identified within a web of interconnected businesses are business activity lacking county and city occupational permits, apparent violations of Florida's registered agent law, plagiarism, faked testimonials, and a...

  • Lake Wales Arts Festival Happens February 24 and 25

    Diego De Jesus, News Staff Writer|Updated Feb 22, 2024

    An annual event that draws thousands of art lovers from Lake Wales and around the state, the 53rd Annual Lake Wales Arts Festival ill be happening Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 24 and 25 at Lake Wailes Park, preceded by a special event for artists and patrons on Friday evening. Hosted by the Lake Wales Arts Council, this year's festival will be enhanced as 70 artists have been accepted into the juried show to display their creative works. The show attracts submissions from...

  • Carol Gillespie First to Qualify for One of Two Lake Wales City Commission Seats Up For Election

    News Staff Reports|Updated Feb 22, 2024

    Carol Gillespie was a prompt qualifier for the April 2 Lake Wales City Commission Seat 4 on Monday as qualifying opened for a pair of three-year terms on the board representing seats 2 and 4.. Gillespie is challenging incumbent Commissioner Danny Krueger in the non-partisan city-wide vote. Krueger had not yet turned in his qualifying packet as of late afternoon on Monday, the first day of qualifying. Both Gillespie and Krueger are residents of Lake Ashton. Seat 4 candidates...

  • Donald Gene Clingenpeel, 1939-2024

    News Obituary Service|Updated Feb 17, 2024

    Donald Gene Clingenpeel of Haines City passed away Thursday, February 16, 2024 at his residence. He was born September 5, 1939 in Stillwater, Oklahoma to the late James Earl and Claire Alva Clingenpeel; he moved to Haines City from Alabama 37 years ago. Donald was a manager. He was a hobby enthusiast and enjoyed shrimp boating and playing computer games. Donald was preceded in death by his son, Steve Clingenpeel. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Martha Clingenpeel;...

  • Lorey Blackwelder, 1970-2024

    News Obituary Service|Updated Feb 15, 2024

    Lorey Blackwelder of Frostproof passed away Thursday, February 8, 2024, at her residence. She was born July 18, 1970 in Winter Haven to the late Alvin and Mary Meadows; she was a lifelong resident of the area. She was a homemaker and attended the First Presbyterian Church in Frostproof. She loved being with her family and enjoyed football. Survivors include her husband of 28 years, Alan Blackwelder; daughter, Savanna Blackwelder of Frostproof; son, Joshua Alan Blackwelder and...

  • Sally Ann Boyer, 1942-2024

    News Obituary Service|Updated Feb 15, 2024

    Sally Ann Boyer of Lake Wales passed away Thursday, February 15, 2024 at AdventHealth Lake Wales. She was born March 27, 1942 in New Castle, Pennsylvania to the late Paul and Martha Shannon. She moved to Lake Wales from Pennsylvania in 1983. Sally was an administrative secretary for Lake Wales Hospital for 27 years. She was a member of High Point Church and loved to sew and cook. Sally was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Shannon. She is survived by her husband,...

  • City Commission, CRA Considering Sale of City Park For Apartment Complex

    News Staff reports|Updated Feb 15, 2024

    A "pocket park" lying in a quiet neighborhood of single-family homes on the near north side of the city may be converted to a parking lot to serve a new housing complex, Lake Wales News has learned. The Lake Wales City Commission approved a "consent agenda" item on January 16 transferring ownership of the 3.566 acre Lake Alta Park to the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency. The city commission also sits as the CRA board. That body can negotiate property sales directly to...

  • "Good Grief," is a Heartfelt Exploration of Friendship and Discovery

    Jennifer Nanek, News Film Critic|Updated Feb 15, 2024

    I recently had the opportunity to watch Dan Levy's directorial debut, Good Grief, on Netflix. Dan Levy is best known for his comedy Schitt's Creek. I love that show, it's hilarious. When he entered into a deal to create content with Netflix I was and still am looking forward to anything he does. "Good Grief," is a heartfelt exploration of grief, friendship, and self-discovery. While it may not land every comedic or dramatic beat perfectly, it offers a tender, character-driven...

  • Children Removed From Alturas Home, Parents Arrested

    News Staff Reports|Updated Feb 15, 2024

    Polk County Sheriff's deputies have arrested a couple and removed a 7-month-old baby and a 7-year-old child who lived in the home in Alturas. Deputies had responded to a call from the Department of Children and Families to the home, located in the 8000 block of Alturas Babson Park Cutoff Road, to find "a total disaster," according to Polk Sheriff Grady Judd. The children were living with their parents, Tawnya White, 43, and her husband, 39-year-old Devin White, in deplorable...

  • 100 Years Ago: The Lake Wales Highlander

    News Research Staff|Updated Feb 15, 2024

    Among stories making the front page of the Highlander 100 years ago was a report on the progress of the new State Road 8 which was planned to run to Palm Beach through Okeechobee. The "Conners Highway" is named after the man who was advancing $200,000 towards the project, which was hoped would eventually include a bridge over the Kissimmee River, replacing the ferry that was in temporary use. The road was expected to be in "passable" condition by later that...

  • Dr. Alexander "Fleet" Ryland, III, 1946-2024

    News Obituary Service|Updated Feb 12, 2024

    Dr. Alexander “Fleet” Ryland, III, 77, of Lake Wales, passed away on Monday, February 5, 2024, surrounded by loved ones at AdventHealth in Lake Wales. Born on April 5, 1946, in Richmond, VA, Fleet was the cherished son of the late Alexander and Brennan Ryland. Growing up primarily in Sarasota, Fleet attended Riverview High School before proudly serving in the Navy. It was during this time that he found his lifelong companion, Theresa, whom he married in 1969. Pursuing his pas...

  • Lake Wales High's Class of '74 Planning Trip Down Memory Lane

    Special to the News|Updated Feb 6, 2024

    High school reunions are still a part of American culture and life experience that can offer a way to reflect on a lifetime of work and achievement. The Lake Wales High School Class of 1974 is going back...back to where it all began. On Friday, March 15, 2024, the class will be taking a trip down memory lane celebrating 50 years. It's not unusual for classes to celebrate 50 years, but this class is somewhat unique. They hold the bragging rights of being the last class to...

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