Communication Builds Our Community

Articles from the June 12, 2024 edition


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  • Scenic Highway Closure, Detour to Last 30 Days, FDOT Says

    Robert Connors|Updated Jun 20, 2024

    A busy stretch of South Scenic Highway in Lake Wales will be closed for at least 30 days beginning Monday, June 17 between Winston Avenue and Alvina Avenue, a distance of about four blocks. Florida Department of Transportation crews have closed Scenic Highway from Grove Avenue to Hillcrest Avenue. The closure will require a detour for motorists using the roadway, routing traffic along South 4th Street to avoid construction. The Florida Department of Transportation will be...

  • Blue-Green Algae Warning Extended, Use Caution in Area Lakes, Peace River

    News Staff Reports|Updated Jun 18, 2024

    The Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk) is once again cautioning the public about the presence of blue-green algae in several area lakes. Although none has been reported in Ridge-area lakes, not every lake is tested, so boaters, swimmers, and fishers should be aware of the potential and take precautions. Water samples taken from Scott Lake, Lake Van, Lake Hancock, Lake Gibson, and Lake Conine on May 23 detected blue-green algae that have the potential to...

  • City's New "Turf Manager" J.C. White Eager to Put Athletic Fields in Top Condition for Area Sports Leagues

    Eric Marshall|Updated Jun 18, 2024

    Keeping fit and active is important for thousands of Lake Wales residents, so the City of Lake Wales is now making an extra effort to see that the sports facilities they use are in top shape. J.C. White is now in charge of making the town's many sports fields look their very best. White is Lake Wales' new Athletic Turf Superintendent, which places him in charge of bringing the athletic fields 'up to snuff,' where they deserve to be. With 16 baseball and softball fields and sev...

  • Joan Carole Brown, 1942-2024

    News Obituary Service|Updated Jun 18, 2024

    Joan Carole Brown of Frostproof passed away Friday, June 7, 2024 at Treasure Cove Hospice in Fort Pierce, Florida. She was born February 6, 1942 in Perrysburg, Ohio to the late Edwin and Maxine Kohl; she moved to Frostproof from Ohio in 1997. Joan was a fine arts teacher for Arlington School then a photographer for Life Touch. She enjoyed woodworking and had a sixth sense when it came to gardening. She had a special place in her heart for cats, antiques and orchids and was...

  • Ethan Kendrick Powell, 2004-2024

    News Obituary Service|Updated Jun 16, 2024

    Ethan Kendrick Powell, age 20, passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2024. He was born April 14, 2004 in Springfield, MO. Ethan was a graduate of Polk State College and preparing to begin his junior year at Florida Southern College. He graduated from high school at The American International School of Muscat. Ethan loved hanging out with his friends and family in Florida and Missouri. He had loved ones across several continents after spending his middle school and high school years...

  • Deanna Dawn Spiller, 1979-2024

    News Obituary Service|Updated Jun 16, 2024

    Deanna Dawn Spiller, age 44, passed away Saturday, June 8, 2024. She was born September 16, 1979 in Bartow, FL to James and Delila Mercer. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Gary Faust and Roy Phillips. Deanna is survived by her children Keely Vanlanot of Haines City, Daniel Spiller of Fort Meade, Alana Spiller of Bartow, Cameran Spiller of Auburndale and Zachary Spiller of Auburndale, grandson Dusten "DJ" Davis, Jr, siblings Rebecca Mosher, James...

  • Lake Wales Development Promises Economic Benefits

    Maricruz Gutierrez Mejia|Updated Jun 15, 2024
    1

    (Editor's note: This story introduces a new series addressing the economic impacts of real estate development in the Lake Wales and east Polk County area.) Lake Wales has a need for economic development, and it can only be achieved through responsible growth. Attracting new businesses will provide greater opportunities for the community. In recent years, Polk County has experienced a fast growing population which has stimulated developments across the area. According to the U....

  • Movie Review: 'Am I Ok?' A Sweet Exploration of Friendship and Self-Discovery

    Jennifer Nanek, News Film Critic|Updated Jun 14, 2024

    Am I Ok?" is a charming new dramedy from directors Tig Notaro and Stephanie Allynne, starring Dakota Johnson. It recently landed on Max after premiering at the Sundance Film Festival and other film festivals in 2022. I watched this because I love the director and guest star of the movie Tig Notaro. Notaro is a chief engineer on Star Trek Discovery. She is very funny in that part. This film is a bit more heartfelt. This story centers on Lucy (Johnson) and Jane, best friends...

  • Junior's Fish Market Closing, May Become Trulieve Dispensary

    Howard Davies|Updated Jun 9, 2024
    1

    After over two decades serving the Lake Wales community, Montella's Fish Market is closing its doors for good. Owners Lisa and Mike "Junior" Montella have decided that they will retire after running successful fish markets in Florida for 37 years. The property at 1341 SR 60 East may be in for a big change. "The buyer is going to lease it," Montella stated. "He's an investor." Lake Wales News sources indicate that the purchaser of the property scouts, purchases and leases...