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Articles from the October 5, 2022 edition


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  • Federal Disaster Assistance Available for Storm Damage Losses Through Small Business Administration

    Special to the News|Updated Oct 19, 2022

    Lake Wales area homeowners and business owners are eligible for Federal disaster relief following a declaration of disaster by President Joe Biden. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is preparing to render federal disaster assistance as quickly as possible to Polk County's small business owners and critical disaster relief to homeowners. Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners...

  • Evelyn Levine, 1925-2022

    Updated Oct 10, 2022

    Evelyn Levine of Lake Wales passed away Sunday, October 9, 2022 at her residence. She was born March 23, 1925 in Poland to the late Morris and Jean Fox; she moved to Lake Wales from Miami 10 years ago. Evelyn was a former volunteer for a hospice center in Miami. She loved to read, knit, paint, and sculpt. She was an amazing cook. Evelyn was proceeded in death by her husband, Daniel Levine; and sister, Lois Pomerantz of Fort Lauderdale. She is survived by her sons, Howard Kay...

  • Hurricane Debris Hotline Available

    Special to the News|Updated Oct 8, 2022

    Polk County residents with questions regarding hurricane debris are advised to call the Hurricane Ian Debris Hotline at (800) 375-0844. This is the only number that will be able to provide answers for all debris-related questions. Polk County's Waste & Recycling Division does not collect and dispose of debris from hurricanes. Your typical residential garbage, recycling, yard and bulk waste will need to be placed curbside separate from hurricane debris Residents are urged to...

  • President Biden's Disaster Declaration Extends Help to Polk

    Robert Connors, Managing Editor|Updated Oct 8, 2022

    Individuals in Polk County can apply for FEMA Individual Assistance for home repairs, lost and damaged property, food assistance, and more. according to a statement issued by the office of Congressman Darren Soto, who represents the Lake Wales area. Soto recently welcomed FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell "to assess damages and thank our first responders for their continued rescue and recovery efforts," he said. Soto expressed gratitude "for our first responders, who have...

  • City Curbside Pickup Postponed

    Robert Connors, Managing Editor|Updated Oct 7, 2022

    The Fall Curbside Cleanup scheduled for the City of Lake Wales residents on Saturday, October 8, has been postponed and rescheduled for early December. Dealing with thousands of cubic yards of storm debris from fallen limbs and trees has taken precedence over the voluntary refuse that residents keep in their garages, backyards and attics. The rescheduled event will provide a for the collection of furniture, old appliances, and similar junk. The free service takes place on...

  • Warner University Unveils New Campus Safety Smartphone App

    Special to the News|Updated Oct 6, 2022

    Last year school shootings rose to the highest number in two decades. but according to the U.S. Department of Education, the most reported crimes on college campuses are burglaries, sexual harassment and motor vehicle thefts, Now more than ever, it's important for schools to use the best tools available to help keep campus safe. In response, Warner University and 911Cellular have launched a new smart phone app called "WarnerShield," designed to protect students and staff...

  • Diane Ferrio, 1957-2022

    Whidden-McLean Funeral Home|Updated Oct 5, 2022

    Diane Ferrio, age 64 passed away on Monday, October 3, 2022, at her home in Bartow. Born November 25, 1957, in Leesville, LA, she was the daughter of the late David and Melvina (Hall) Cochran. Mrs. Ferrio retired from Publix after many years of service as a Product Development Supervisor. Along with her parents, she is also preceded in death by two sons: David Ray Duncan and Allen P. Pippin. She is survived by a loving family that includes her sons: Darrell G. Jones...

  • Free Legal Hotline in English and Spanish Available to Hurricane Victims

    Special to the News|Updated Oct 5, 2022

    A free legal help hotline is now available for Hurricane Ian victims in the affected counties that include Polk. The hotline is available to connect residents to free legal services in qualifying counties who cannot afford an attorney. Residents can call (866) 550-2929 or go to https://www.americanbar.org/groups/committees/disaster/resources/disaster_legal_hotlines/. Hotline callers may get help with legal issues like: ● FEMA and SBA financial benefits ● Home repair contracts...

  • Several Polk Environmental Lands Sites Reopen to the Public

    Special to the News|Updated Oct 5, 2022

    Several Polk County Environmental Lands sites have reopened to the public following Hurricane Ian, including Crooked Lake Prairie, Crooked Lake Sandhill, Gator Creek Reserve, Hickory Lake Scrub, Lakeland Highlands Scrub, Sherwood L. Stokes Preserve and SUMICA. While these sites are open, visitors are advised to use caution and follow the posted trail closures. Sections of trails may be under water and portions of trails may be closed, due to excessive downed trees and debris....

  • John Richard Seymour, 1949-2022

    Updated Oct 4, 2022

    John Richard Seymour of Lake Wales, FL died on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at his residence. He was 73. He was born on May 20, 1949 in Danville, Illinois. He had been a resident of Lake Wales since 1952. Mr. Seymour was retired from Bok Tower Gardens and was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Wales. He is preceded in death by his father, Charles Seymour; mother, Kay Seymour; and brothers, Mickey Seymour, and Thomas Seymour. He is survived by his...

  • Cancer Patients Benefit From "Cleaning for a Reason"

    Special to the News|Updated Oct 4, 2022

    As Breast Cancer Awareness month is observed in October it draws attention to a treatable disease that remains one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States. Facing a diagnosis of cancer and the effects of treatment is a challenge for thousands of Florida residents, including many in the Lake Wales area. The challenge of maintaining a home while undergoing treatment is overwhelming for many, especially for those who live alone, but there is n affordable source...

  • Travis Michael Wilbanks, 1995-2022

    Updated Oct 4, 2022

    Travis Michael Wilbanks of Lake Wales passed away Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at AdventHealth Lake Wales. He was born March 13, 1995 in Winter Haven. Travis was the manager at Bonefish Grill and loved to work on cars. He loved music and played the guitar. He enjoyed working out, especially running and was in the High School Band. Travis loved his family and his brothers; he was caring and compassionate. Travis is survived by his mother, Dedra LaSalle; father, Michael Wilbanks...

  • Voter Registration Deadline Fast Approaching

    Special to the News|Updated Oct 3, 2022

    Polk Supervisor of Elections Lori Edwards is reminding new residents and those who may have been purged from voting rolls to check their registration status now, as time is running out to be sure you are eligible to vote in the in the November 8th General Election. Polk County residents who wish to change their residence address or other information must do so by October 11th. Multiple important issues, include races for US Senator and Florida Governor, local races,...

  • Despite Dry, Fall-like Weather, Gun-Shy Residents Keep Eye on Tropics

    Tom Palulson, City Editor|Updated Oct 2, 2022

    Unwilling to relax and call it a season, some Florida residents are keeping a close eye on the tropics as some models show a continuing parade of tropical waves moving off Africa and marching across the Atlantic. Unusually warm water temperatures across the basin are continuing to sustain the potential for development. The Lake Wales area has enjoyed delightful fall-like weather in the aftermath of the passage of Hurricane Ian, which brought up to two feet of rain and high...