Communication Builds Our Community
Communication Builds Our Community
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An unusual "annexation agreement" covering 932-acres of citrus groves owned by Sarasota-based Gardinier Florida Citrus and PCGP, LLC will be considered by the City Commission this week, yet another major block of land that is being brought under the control of city planners. The lands in question lie east of Scenic Highway and north of Masterpiece Road at Starr Lake. Most of the property is not being targeted for quick annexation or development, but will eventually be brought...
Polk State's Lake Wales campus, located entirely in the two-story JD Alexander Center on Central Avenue, has doubled its student population. Enrollment has grown from 600 to 1,200 students in the past five years, despite being limited to five classrooms. Campus Director Dr. Andy Oguntola described the innovation that was key to the growth, and how the relatively small building houses multiple classes. Under a concept he introduced, students attend classes one day a week in...
The inspiration of hard-working parents who wanted their children to have a better life has led their son to "pay it forward" by leading others to higher callings through Polk State College. Dr. Andy Oguntola is the Director of the college's Lake Wales campus in the JD Alexander Center on Central Avenue downtown. He also serves as Dean of Workforce Development for the multi-campus institution. Under his five-year watch enrollment at the local campus has grown from 600 to...
Citing private property rights and the current broad wave of development interest around Lake Wales, the City Commission is faced with a tough balancing act: allowing rapid growth while seeking to protect the city's "small town feel." That desire has been voiced by at least three commissioners in recent meetings, none more vocal in their sentiments than Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson, who has delayed discussion in agenda 'workshop' meetings to repeat his opposition to "urban...
In a tribute to the very concept of restoration, a portion of Florida's Kissimmee River that was once reduced to a single canal carrying contaminated water has been approved for status as a Wild and Scenic River under legislation passed by the US Congress. The river fell victim to a misguided flood control effort by the US Army Corps of Engineers following repeated floods after hurricanes dumped record rains across central Florida. The project turned a 103-mile meandering rive...
As anyone who has spent time following the Florida sports betting saga will know, it now appears to be moving slowly towards an end. Rows in the state legislature have persisted for well over a year but there appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel as sports betting has finally been legalized in the state – although, as yet, it’s not quite ready to go. For gamblers, this signals time to think about a key new question: what sports betting app will be the best for cust...
Leota Kroeger, age 92, passed away peacefully at her home in Lake Wales, Florida. She was born August 8, 1929 in Bathe County, Kentucky. Daughter of Earlie and Grace (Bohanan) Hunt. Leota was preceded in death by her parents, loving husband Dale; brothers, Jewell, Tom, Earl, and Robert; half-brother, Clarence; sisters, Clairine, Pauline, Alice, and Juanita; and sons, Mark, Richard, Ronald, and Donald. Leota is survived by her daughter, Lynda; sons, Richard, Jr., and Brian...
A detailed project to restore the original windowed façade to a 100-year-old building is underway as workers begin the meticulous work of chipping away hundreds of square feet of black stucco. The work is expected to reveal much of the original design of the one-time department store. The project is being funded by local attorney Robin Gibson, who also serves as the chair of the Community Redevelopment Agency and purchased the building recently with the intent of completing...
A Christmas event that recalls the era of Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and Ebenezer Scrooge, complete with Victorian-Era costumes, caroling, and a tree lighting. The evening will be a memorable one for fans of the simpler times portrayed in Charles Dickens' classic tales, including his 1843 novella entitled simply "A Christmas Carol," which features the familiar characters. The first-ever event will happen Saturday night, November 27 at the GFWC Woman's Club of Lakes Wales as they...
A land use change on 24.66 acres of the site from LDR Low-Density Residential, to MDR Medium-Density Residential will allow for the construction of hundreds of townhomes as part of the new Hunt Club new development. The City Commission approved the change as part of a busy agenda Tuesday that featured several other significant development-related items, part of a wave of growth that has arrived during a nearly nationwide housing shortage. The project, planned for a 234-acre...
In hopes of "accelerating" the implementation of an ambitious plan for sidewalk construction and tree canopy creation in the long-neglected Northwest Neighborhood the City of Lake Wales applied November 1 for Community Development Block Grant funds. In an apparent sign of confidence, Commissioners will contemplate the hiring of the engineering firm of Chastain-Skillman, Inc. to create the construction documents. The cost of the project is estimated to total $1,193,660, with...
The public is invited to a free concert this Friday featuring covers of classic rock and roll, country, and classic pop songs by "I-4 North" at 7:30 pm in Library Park. That show will be preceded by an opportunity for Karaoke fans to practice their licks starting at 6:00. pm. The family event will feature food trucks, including Retro Rush, and coffee and other beverages by Cuppa Joe on the Go. Beer and will will be available for donations, provided by Rotary on the Ridge. The...
A local woman is in critical condition after being found badly beaten in an apartment early Saturday morning. Lake Wales Police responded to a call of an individual expressing suicidal thoughts, but the investigation soon discovered the victim, who was unconscious on the floor of her nearby apartment. The incident unfolded at 3:25 am at a location on North First Street, and led to the nearby apartment on West Sessoms Avenue, which the police report described as "completely...
Brett Ashley Lang of Lake Wales passed away Tuesday, November 9, 2021. He was born September 2, 1963 in Miami to Albert and Eleanor Lang. He was an electrician. Brett was preceded in death by his father, Albert L. Lang. He is survived by his mother, Eleanor Lang of Lake Wales; brother, Jeff Lang of Lakeland; and niece, Dana Lang. No services are scheduled at this time....
After a strong showing this season, the Lake Wales Highlanders season came to a close in Ocala Friday night as they fell short 24-13 in a defensive battle with traditional powerhouse Vanguard. The game was locked at seven-all at halftime after each team posted quick opening touchdown drives. The game was determined on the strength of defenses as four interceptions, three by Vanguard, made the difference. The Vanguard Trojans also blocked a Lake Wales field goal attempt....
Motorists can expect more changes to traffic patterns in coming weeks thanks to the massive bridge-replacement and intersection redesign underway at the US 27/SR 60 crossing. Beginning November 29, 2021, Central Avenue at US 27 will be closed to allow crews to pour concrete in the center of the intersection. The disruption at the intersection will last for approximately two weeks, according to the Floridea Department of Transportation. US 27 will continue to have two open...
(NAPSI)-Each year, the average American family of four loses $1,500 to uneaten food-that's about 1,160 pounds of food. At holiday or any time, it's a good idea to think about how you can keep household food waste in check. Thanksgiving may be different this year, but we can still have a special celebration with a few adjustments, while, at the same time, reducing food waste. As the USDA Food Loss and Waste Liaison, I would like to share with you a few tips that can help...
Leta Mitchell Wright, 97, retired educator, volunteer, and champion of her hometown passed away Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at her home in Fort Meade. Mrs. Leta Wright, or "Mama Leta", as she was lovingly called by her grandchildren and numerous friends, was born in Fort Meade, Florida, on January 12, 1924 to Elbert Franklin and Belle Hendrix Mitchell. She graduated from Fort Meade High School before moving to DeLand, Florida to attend Stetson University where she earned her...
John L. Anderson Jr. went home to be with the Lord on Monday, November 15th. John, known by many of his students as "Mr. A" enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a Vocal Music Teacher in Polk County Schools and Polk State College as well as serving as Minister of Music in several area churches and Cast Choir Director for Disney's Candlelight Processional (1990's). He is survived by his wife, Margaret "Margie" Anderson; son, John N. Anderson; sister, Joyce Oliff; and many...
Bok Academy South students turned out in force Saturday morning to add their contribution to a city-wide effort to recreate a historic landscape plan for Lake Wales. Led by educator Nicole Sealey, students and a few parents helped to clear grass and re-bank "wells" around each of thirty young trees planted last month along Fourth Street. Many of the young trees showed fresh growth, and a few were surprising project leaders by showing signs of going into bloom. The plantings...
As part of a busy agenda, a new subdivision plan was approved by the City Commission Tuesday on Tangelo Street. The site plan required a special exception to allow 50-foot wide lots instead of the 60-foot required by the designated zoning. Under the City's comprehensive plan the site could have been zoned for Medium density development of up to 12 units per acre, allowing as many as 336 homes or apartments on the site. The site plan presented by Sloan Engineering on behalf of...
Donald Earle Sheppard, 77, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away Thursday, October 14, 2021, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 33 years, Ann (Muffet) Sheppard, his brother, David Sheppard, and his parents, Albert John and Jennie Deborah Moore Sheppard, and stepfather Omar “Pops” Williams. Don is survived by his daughters, Teresa Kauf Booth of Woburn, Massachusetts, and Trinity Sheppard Herrera (Julio) of Jacksonville, Florida, his...
Theresa “Tess” Stewart of Lake Wales passed away Friday, November 12, 2021 at AdventHealth Lake Wales. She was born January 4, 1961 in Sharon, Connecticut; she moved to Lake Wales from West Palm Beach 15 years ago. Tess was a convenience store clerk. Tess was preceded in death by her husband. Charles F. “Charlie” Francis; and father, Robert Stewart. She is survived by her stepson, Aaron Francis of West Palm Beach; mother, Linda McDonald of Babson Park; brother, Robert Stewart...
Dorothy L. Pagach of Lake Wales passed away Monday, November 15, 2021 at Palm Gardens Nursing Home. She was born May 16, 1926 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the late Jacob and Mary Schraeder; she moved to Lake Wales from Hobe Sound in 2005. Dorothy was a retired manager at Turtle Creek Country Club. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Steve A. Pagach. She is survived by her daughters, Anita Kabana of Stuart, Stephanie Anderson of Babson Park, and Karen Mackail of Lake...
