Communication Builds Our Community

Articles from the June 29, 2022 edition


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  • Another 1,020 Unit Subdivision Planned for South Side of Lake Wales

    Robert Connors, Managing Editor|Updated Jul 29, 2022

    A 312-acre parcel expected to host the Mayfair development nearly two decades ago is now the proposed site of a 1,020-unit project dubbed Ridgecrest. The Lake Wales City commission on Tuesday will consider the application for a preliminary subdivision plat and a special exception use permit for a residential Planned Development Project (PDP). Ridgecrest is planned to be constructed in three phases and will fill in a large blank in the city's residential areas stretching from R...

  • McLaughlin Students Benefit From Grants, Enthusiasm

    Robert Connors, Managing Editor|Updated Jul 16, 2022

    The growing enthusiasm of staff, students and parents is lending a boost to McLaughlin Middle School as preparations are made to co-locate a high school on the campus. The results are showing up in positive ways. A new mural entitled "We Paint Our Path," featuring the school's phoenix mascot, was recently dedicated, the result of a week's effort by noted muralist Hamilton Glass. That project was the result of a grant from the Florida Education Association, the teachers' union....

  • Soto Seeks Grant to Support First Street Reconstruction

    Robert Connors, Managing Editor|Updated Jul 15, 2022
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    Efforts to re-imagine the urban core of Lake Wales as an attractive and shady pedestrian oasis filled with new businesses and restaurants continues to draw the support of both the public and private sectors. Congressman Darren Soto has announced that he is requesting a $1 million Federal grant to support street restoration in downtown Lake Wales. This project, one element of a multi-faceted effort, would revitalize 1st Street, which is a critical connector, unifying the...

  • Book Launch Event to Recognize Local Author

    Tom Paulson, City Editor|Updated Jul 1, 2022

    A Lake Wales author will be recognized at a special "book launch event" in honor of two recently-released works of historical fiction. "The Florida Saga" shares the surprising history of our state in two volumes by Robert James Connors. "They tell Florida's story through the eyes of the people who lived it," Connors said in response to questions. "Making history an enjoyable, living story with sympathetic characters rather than a dry retelling of facts" was his goal, he said....

  • Independence Day Festivities Offered in Lake Wales

    Robert Connors, Managing Editor|Updated Jul 1, 2022

    An Independence Day celebration in the best Lake Wales tradition is on tap this week as the City of Lake Wales rolls out a big effort to "bring out the community," according to City Recreation Coordinator Shay Irvis. Food, music, family fun and fireworks are all part of the celebration. The activities will begin in earnest at 3:00 with a host of "kid-friendly" games, according to Irvis. The celebration will conclude with a huge display of fireworks beginning at 9:00. "We'll...

  • Family Fun for the Fourth!

    Robert Connors, Managing Editor|Updated Jul 1, 2022

    An Independence Day celebration in the best Lake Wales tradition is on tap this week as the City of Lake Wales rolls out a big effort to "bring out the community," according to City Recreation Coordinator Shay Irvis. Food, music, family fun and fireworks are all part of the celebration. The activities will begin in earnest at 3:00 with a host of "kid-friendly" games, according to Irvis. The celebration will conclude with a huge display of fireworks beginning at 9:00. "We'll...

  • Florida Avenue Closures Intended to Alleviate School Traffic Issues

    Robert Connors, Managing Editor|Updated Jul 1, 2022

    A new traffic pattern for Janie Howard Wilson Elementary is hoped to relieve problematic congestion along North Scenic Highway during the coming school year. A plan developed by Lake Wales Police Department in coordination with school officials will see the temporary closing of Florida Avenue at Scenic Highway during the hours of school pick-up and drop-off. Drivers will be directed instead to approach the school from the south, using Lincoln Avenue and C Street. According to...

  • Bluegill a Fun Sport Fish

    Florida FWC|Updated Jul 1, 2022

    The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission want to invite you to just go fish! Here's a great suggestion for that youngster, or even the experienced pro, that will provide hours of fun. Featured Fish: Bluegill Size: This is one of the smallest of our popular game fish. The state record is 2.95 pounds. The Big Catch minimum qualifying sizes are 10" or 1.0 pound (see BigCatchFlorida.com). Appearance: The bluegill is easily identified by the black spot on the gill...

  • Ricardo T. Lopez, 1977-2022

    Whidden-McLean Funeral Home|Updated Jun 29, 2022

    Ricardo T. Lopez, age 44, passed away on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at his home in Eagle Lake. Born November 25, 1977, in Brownsville, TX, he was the son of the late Rogelio Meza Lopez and Evangelina Tejada Lopez. Ricardo worked in the construction industry for many years. He is survived by a loving family that includes his children: Emilio Lopez (Cheyenne Millwood) of Wahneta, Oscar Lopez (Alondra) of Winter Haven, Ricardo Alverado of Wahneta, Esmeralda Lopez (Zachary) of...

  • Low Water Presents Fishing Hazards on Lake Hatchineha

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Jun 29, 2022

    For the best local fishing action head to Lake Walk-in-the-Water, where bluegill and shell crackers may be found in lily pads around the lake. Look for the pads shaking, and drop a red worm on the bottom. There are a few bass roaming the shallows at day break and in the evening. Throw a "horny toad" in the junebug color to any isolated cover on the south end. Due to the extremely low water level, Lake Hatchineha is unsafe for boating and fishing, and it is advised to avoid...

  • Polk County Seeks Citizens to Serve on Panel

    Tom Paulson, City Editor|Updated Jun 25, 2022

    Polk County is seeking residents to serve on the Community Development Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC). The 15-member advisory committee assists the Housing and Neighborhood Development (HND) Office of Health & Human Services in reviewing and evaluating the applications for funding from the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). This program, funded through the US Housing & Urban Development (HUD), assists low to moderate income people struggling with housing...