Communication Builds Our Community
Communication Builds Our Community
Sorted by date Results 477 - 501 of 678
Dear Editor, As a medical professional, I can vouch that the priority for all of us in the field is the quality, accessibility, and affordability of the care available to our patients. In Florida, all that is being threatened by a wave of meritless and expensive medical malpractice lawsuits. Right now, there are ill-intentioned lawyers across the state that file vague and unclear claims in an attempt use our state’s loose malpractice standards to win overblown legal fees in court or through settlements. All these lawsuits m...
November is designated a time when American's recognize our nation's veterans for their service. Throughout the month, communities schedule special ceremonies to honor the men and women who have served in the military. While these honors are important, many may not realize that veterans could have emotional and physical service-related conditions that require consideration beyond expressions of gratitude. For example, veterans who served in World War II experienced different...
I am happy to be a Lake Wales resident and City Commissioner. I was born in Rochester NY, and moved to Lake Wales at the age of 12. I fell in love with Lake Wales less than a year after moving here in 1998. I started going to First Assembly of God, which is Impact now. My mentor was Pastor Shawn Rudy who took me in as his own child. I learned so much and gave a lot of my time back to my community. I never thought about becoming a city commissioner, but I knew Lake Wales needed...
We as elected officials need to mind our Ps and Qs in order to deliberate action. We need to be knowledgeable on issues that we face and day-to-day challenges in our respective cities. I make it my business to advocate for the things we need to better ourselves and to seek fairness across the board. Meeting with officials from other cities helps me learn and grow as a commissioner. The City of Lake Wales is a member of the Florida League of Cities (FLC), and National League...
Since I became a Lake Wales City Commissioner in May of 2017 I have always fought for the little people. This summer of 2019 I came up with a concept that would give lower paid city employees a higher percentage increase in their pay. What the city manager was introducing was a 3 percent raise across the board that amounted to just $609 for the city's lowest paid full-time employee, but it would give the highest paid employee, not counting the city manager, an increase of...
The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd will present its 77th annual Christmas pageant at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. The pageant tells the story of the nativity and features many of the parish family children. The Rev. Tim Nunez will narrate and the choir will sing at this special event. This event is open to the public and there is no charge. The church is located at 221 S. Fourth St.in Lake Wales....
CenterPoint Community Church will hold its annual Christmas Festival from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. The church invites all families in the community to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas at the festival on the church grounds at 6950 Eloise Loop Road in Winter Haven, just around the corner from Chain of Lakes Elementary School. The free event will include Christmas carols, crafts, games, activities, the Christmas Story, photo opportunities and a jump house. Hot...
Thirty-two colorful and unique wreaths remain on display at the Polk History Center in Bartow through Dec. 12. Local businesses, individuals and organizations donate them for the annual Festival of Wreaths, with auction proceeds going to support History Center programming. The History Center, located at 100 E. Main St. in Bartow is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The interested in the wreaths can view them and place bids or purchase them online at...
Circle B Bar Reserve volunteer guides on Dec. 13 and Dec. 20 will be taking visitors on a personalized tram tour through the marsh to view and learn more about alligators. The American alligator is a keystone species of the reserve, located at 4399 Winter Lake Road in Lakeland. This will be a great time of year to observe alligators and learn some facts about them and their behavior. To register, stop by the reception desk or call (863) 668-4673 ext. 205. This tour is limited...
Jolly old St. Nick and Mrs. Claus will take time out of their busy schedule to pay a visit to Central Florida's Visitor Information Center (CFVIC) in Davenport on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring your camera to capture a photo with the bearded one during this free, pet-friendly event. In addition to meeting Mr. and Mrs. Claus, the event will include refreshments and holiday crafts for the kids, as well as a scavenger hunt throughout the center where kids can...
Dr. James Nelson, who has practiced Family Medicine in Lake Wales for more than three decades, will be honored at a retirement reception to celebrate his contributions to the community. The reception will be held at 2 pm. Sunday, Dec. 8, in the hospital cafeteria. The afternoon will include a special video presentation, comments from the hospital COO, remembrances from former patients and office staff, and a proclamation from the City of Lake Wales. The community, particularly patients and former patients, are invited to atte...
The Lake Wales Family YMCA will hold its annual 5K Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot leaving from 160 E. Park Ave. downtown. Pre-registration ended Nov. 24. Race day entry fee is $35 for adults and $15 for students. Registration is at 7:30 a.m. with the race start at 8 a.m. The race is bib chip timed, family and walker friendly. Participants receive a T-shirt and finisher medal....
United Way of Central Florida President and CEO Christina Criser Jackson has announced the upcoming retirement of Chief Operating Officer Penny Borgia in March 2020. "I cannot thank Penny enough for the countless hours of hard work and the passion she has poured into this organization," Criser Jackson said. "A United Way without Penny is hard to imagine but I'm confident she has set us up for success. Her transformational community impact initiatives will strengthen our...
The Southwest Florida Water Management District is offering six easy ways to prepare for your holiday meals and parties without running up your water bill. During the holidays, water plays a role in everything from food preparation to the cleanup process. Here's how to incorporate water conservation into your holiday preparations: • Defrost frozen foods in the refrigerator or the microwave instead of running hot water over them. • Rinse vegetables and fruits in a sink or pan...
As everyone was preparing to honor Veterans for Veteran's Day, the GFWC Woman's Club of Lake Wales was gearing up to carry on their traditions and dedication to serving the Veterans in the Community through some very special means. On Wednesday, Nov. 6 the Woman's Club House began to smell heavenly with the delicious aromas of spaghetti sauce and garlic bread. The tables were decorated in red, white, and blue and awaited the guest who were to fill them for the "Take A Vet to...
The Lake Wales Arts Council put out an all-call for artwork for its Inaugural Fine Art Show and Juried Competition received 124 submissions. Fifty works from Florida artists, including across Polk County were chosen for the exhibit. The show will open to the public at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 with a catered reception and open bar at the Lake Wales Arts Center, 1099 SR 60 East. The artists will be celebrated and 10 awards totaling $1,400 will be presented. Awards include $500...
The U.S. Marines Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program of Polk County continues to accept family and non-profit applications for toys. The deadline is Nov. 15. In 2018, due to the generosity of Polk County residents, businesses, and volunteers, the Toys for Tots program provided new toys to over 12,362 needy children in Polk County. Once the application is submitted, the applicant will receive a email acknowledging the application. Applicants must follow all instructions in the...
Dr. Muhammad Rashid knows from experience what a difference education can mean in a person's life. As a first-generation college graduate, he sees his own struggles and concerns reflected in many of the students he encounters at Florida Polytechnic University, where he is professor and chair of the electrical and computer engineering department. That's why he and his wife decided to make a $100,000 gift to the University to create the Drs. Muhammad H. and Fatema Rashid Future...
The GFWC Woman's Club of Lake Wales joins the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC) in recognizing all Veterans past and present in recognition of Veterans Day The GFWC Woman's Club of Lake Wales will hold their November General Meeting at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 7 at 275 E Park Avenue, downtown Lake Wales, and all ladies are invited to attend. This meeting is dedicated to honoring our Veterans both fallen and living. The program will be include the Color Guard from...
The Lake Wales Literacy Council is celebrating 30 years of service to the community Oct. 24 with a competitive WordPlay: Literacy in Action Dinner. The benefit event begins at 5:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church's Family Life Center, 16 N. 3rd Street, Lake Wales. Tickets are $20 per person, or an 8-person team is $140. Participants will work together in teams, tackling questions and challenges, in an effort to be "crowned" the champion of 2019 WordPlay: Literacy in...
The Green and Gold Foundation Nov. 2 honored retired school teacher Gladys Howell for her dedication and contributions to the Lake Wales community. Howell was surprised with a tribute at the foundation's gala, which raised funds for the B Street Community Center. Howell and her school teacher husband, Robert, moved their family to Lake Wales in 1964. She started her local career at Roosevelt High School and then taught at Polk Avenue Elementary, retiring in 1992. She earned...
Sellers and buyers alike have a special opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Ridge Scenic Highway Scenic corridor Saturday, Nov. 2 while hunting for bargains along the 39-Mile Scenic Highway Yard Sale. The Lake Wales History Museum at 325 S. Scenic Highway is one of seven official locations, hosting 30 booths along with music and food. Tables will line the Scenic Highway from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Other official locations are the Lake of the Hills Community Clubhouse, Krewe of...
The Green & Gold Foundation will host a Black & Gold Gala to raise funds to support the B Street Community Center. The Gala will include an enjoyable evening of dinner and music from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Lake Ashton Ballroom. Tickets are $65 each or $500 for a VIP table of eight. Tickets or sponsorships can be purchased online at www.bstreetcommunitycenter.org. Sponsors also are needed for the event. Sponsor levels are: $150 for Sparkle, which includes one gala tic...
Nowadays, the drug world is far more dangerous. Addicts now have to be cautious about buying fake pills that look exactly like the ones you get at your local pharmacy. They might think they are buying a Xanax, Oxycodone, or maybe an Adderall even. But in reality, they are buying something that is deadly. Dealers are mixing concoctions and pressing them with a little machine to make something that they think will be way more addicting and less costly. They are putting fentanyl...
The Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE) in Lakeland is holding a contest to design the graphics and paint scheme for a modified Zenith 750, which will be named the "Spirit of Lakeland." ACE is partnering with Able Flight, a unique organization that shares a similar belief that learning to fly is a life changing experience. This partnership will enable those with physical disabilities an opportunity to earn their Light Sport Pilot Certificate in a customized aircraft that...
