Communication Builds Our Community
Communication Builds Our Community
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Persistence and patience paid off for one dedicated Lake Wales man after a request for a sports field for his children ended up benefiting hundreds of area youngsters who participate in the Lake Wales Soccer Club. Fields, a long-time resident of Lake Wales, recognized that area children wishing to participate in the increasingly popular sport had nowhere they could go. A small program at the YMCA was unable to meet the demand, so he began to speak up. "I went everywhere the...
Lake Wales High School's girls' basketball team advanced in their effort to win a state title at home Thursday night as the top seed Highlanders defeated 8th seed Zephyrhills in the Class 5-A District playoffs by a convincing 66-33 score. The Lake Wales squad is now 19-4 overall this season. The Lady Highlanders will face a stiffer challenge at 7:00 on Tuesday, February 15 as they face the Bishop Moore Hornets, who devastated their first-round opponent Tampa Robinson by a 59-1...
Florida Polytechnic University's Women's Powerlifting team is killing it in its inaugural year, and has already earned a spot on the national stage. The team is enjoying statewide and personal success during its inaugural year. Sophomore Madi Yonash, the team’s captain, is preparing to compete in the USA Powerlifting Collegiate National Championship on March 27-30 in Chicago, Illinois, after an outstanding showing last November at the USA Powerlifting Florida Collegiate S...
Even though the 2022 Olympics are on the other side of the globe, decisions made by governments, sponsors, and media organizations will be seen and felt here in Polk County The Olympics used to be a happy, friendly, celebration of amateur athletics. It was all about the games themselves and the great, human stories behind the athletes. Who can forget the fantastic story behind the 1988 Jamaican bobsled team that was loosely portrayed in the movie, Cool Runnings (1). But for...
With the recent rains and changing temperatures, fish are on the move around southeast Polk. Lakes large and small are seeing good activity. On Lake Kissimmee, always a hot spot, Bass have moved in shallow. When you think you're shallow, go a little bit shallower, into the pads and flags. Throw an Ol' Monster or Junebug for good reactions. On Walk-in-the-Water, Speck fishing is heating up at night using minnows. Drift with a light until you draw their attention. Bass are up...
The latest reports from area lakes are solid evidence that it's time to break out the tackle and head out. On Lake Walk-in-the-Water, specks being caught in the grass and around the lily pads on jigs. Bass are moving up into shallow water, and getting ready to spawn. Try throwing a "Boy howdy" top-water lure in the morning around isolated cover, switching over to a black blue Senko later in the day. On Lake Hatchineha you should try drifting with minnows out in the middle of...
It's that time of year when big bass are starting to come out to play. The current hot-spot seems to be Lake Walk-in-the-water, where several giants have been caught on shiners at mouth of the canal. Specks are also being caught by drifting minnows across the middle of lake. On Lake Hatchineha some of the local anglers are catching a few limits of speck in the "hour glass," but bass fishing has still been spotty at best. Folks are catching a few on swim baits in bluegill...
There's some action to be found on area lakes despite the unseasonable warmth this holiday period. Start your New Year out right with a fun advneture in pursuit of the perfect catch. Here are some of the specific lures that area fishermen are using with success around southeast Polk waters. On Lake Walk-in-the-water try trolling with a "shinee hinee" in orange and chartreuse in 6ft of water for the big specks. The bass are starting to move up into the shallows. Try keying in...
Changing weather and unseasonable warmth has made the fishing a bit unpredictable this season, but there's still plenty of action if you know where to look. On big Lake Walk-in-water, specks are moving into the grass first thing in the morning and late in evening. Go after them with minnows and a slip bobber. Bass are starting to move up into shallow water. Key in on pads and reeds throwing a spinnerbait or a watermelon red senko. For Lake Hatchineha try drifting jigs and...
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has directed staff to move forward with draft rules allowing for the production and sale of largemouth bass following discussion at its December meeting. Statutory changes made during the 2021 legislative session sanctioned the sale of Florida largemouth bass produced in aquaculture facilities for food. Staff worked with the legislature to incorporate genetic authentication standards into rule to ensure the continued...
The fish are biting in area lakes if you know where to go. Here are a few tips that will help you along. Walk-in-water - Speck bites should pick up this weekend with the full moon. Anglers drifting minnows at night are doing well under the lights. Bass bite picking up. Throw moving baits around isolated cover in shallow water. Hatchineha - First thing in the morning fish the outer grass lines for specks. Put out as many poles as possible with minnows. Bass should be scattered...
The fish are biting in area lakes if you know where to go. At Bridgemaster Fishing Products, also known as the Fisherman's Candy Store, we've got a few tips for you. At Lake Walk-in-water, try drifting minnows for speck (crappie). With cooler temperatures bass are starting to move up into shallow cover water, Try a moving bait such as a Ultravibe speed worm, swim jig, or swim bait. For Lake Hatchineha you may do best using Midsouth jigs on outside grass and pads for speck....
Hundreds of bass fishers, both men and women, are expected to descend on the Lake Wales area this weekend as Camp Mack Resort hosts the Bobby Lane Cup. Some of the top names in national competition will be present for the event, The Guy Harvey resort, located on Lake Kissimmee at 14900 Camp Mack Road will be hosting the 10th annual rendition of the tournament that draws top competitive bass stalkers from across the nation. The tournament will also see a drawing for a new...
The Lake Wales Highlanders advanced to the Class 6-A Regional semifinals after a solid game against the Port St. Lucie Jaguars Friday night, emerging victorious by a 35-0 score. Quarterback Trent Grotjan, a Junior, tossed two TDs in the first half to put the Highlanders in command of the game. The first score came on the squad's first offensive play when a toss to Carlos Mitchell covered 52 yards. Xavier Marlow carried the ball across the finish line in both the second and...
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....
After concluding their regular season play with an 8-2 wining record, the Lake Wales Highlanders advance as 6-A District 7 runners-up to the Florida High School Athletic Association playoffs, meeting the PSL Jaguars in Port St. Lucie Friday night. Their single loss to Auburndale by a 14-8 score left them with a 3-1 record in District play. The Jaguars finished their season with a 7-2 record, but remained undefeated with a 3-0 record in their Division play, giving them a home-f...
The Lake Wales High School Cross Country athletes ran in competition at Central Winds Park in Winter Springs on Saturday, October 30 in the FHSAA 3A District 3 Championship 2021. Three boys and three girls participated, so all had to run as individuals because they did not have five to complete a team. Cristal Gomez, a senior, finished 2nd place overall female with a time of 18:39.02 which is a personal record. She was the 1st place non-team finisher qualifying to run at...
A four-interception defense led the Lake Wales Highlanders to a 24-13 football victory over the Bartow Yellowjackets Friday night on a rain-soaked field in Bartow, leaving the local squad with an 8-2 record over all, and 3-1 in the essential district 6A-7 play. Three of those interceptions came into the hands of the game MVP, Courtney Brown. Lake Wales built an 18-0 lead early in the second quarter as Lake Wales' offense showed its promise for next year when Junior...
After a successful preseason tournament outing at Auburndale this week, the Lake Wales High School Boys Soccer teans are ready to start their regular season on Monday when they will host George Jenkins (Lakeland). November 8, 2021 Monday George Jenkins Home 6:30/8pm November 11, 2021 Thursday Freedom (Varsity Only) Away 7:00 PM November 12, 2021 Friday Bartow Away 6:30/8pm November 16, 2021 Tuesday Discovery (PCCL) Home 6:30/8pm November 18, 2021 Thursday McKeel (PCCL) Home 6/...
Wrapping up their District 7 play with a flourish, the Lake Wales Highlanders overwhelmed Kissimmee Gateway by a score of 58-0 Friday night. The win assures the local eleven a place in the playoffs with a 3-1 record in district play, their only loss coming to Auburndale by a 14-8 score. Multiple turnovers led to quick scores for the Highlanders this week, who built a 30-0 halftime lead after a scoreless first frame. Standout RB Marquish Seabon racked up another 200+ yard...
After seeing their District title hopes dashed in a 14-8 loss to Auburndale two weeks ago, the Highlanders came back to best the Palm Bay Heritage Panthers last week by a 37-30 score, setting up a final District 7 battle with Kissimmee Gateway for a possible ticket to the playoffs. Lake Wales is favored over the 2-6 Gateway, confusingly also nicknamed Panthers, who are winless in the tough District 7. The game will kick off at 7:30 pm. this Friday night in Kissimmee. The...
Hopes for a District 6A-7 championship faded Friday night for the Lake Wales Highlanders football squad lost a defensive battle, falling to the undefeated Auburndale Bloodhounds by a 14-8 score at Legion Field. Auburndale is now in control of the district race, sitting comfortably atop the standings at 3-0. The Highlanders fall to 1-1, with two important games remaining. The local team still has hopes of a playoff berth in the Region based upon final standings and scores...
In what is likely to be the deciding contest of the 2021 football regular season, the Lake Wales Highlanders will face off against the undefeated Auburndale Bloodhounds Friday night at Legion Field. The Bloodhounds have already dominated district rival Heritage Palm Bay by a 20-0 score, and Kissimmee Gateway 47-7. Lake Wales has yet to face either of those teams. The Highlanders have played only a single district game, a 43-27 victory over Melbourne Eau Gallie. There has been...
Returning to the form that marked the early games of the season, the Lake Wales Highlanders struck early and often against the Hardee Wildcats, running up a score of 21-0 barely halfway through the first quarter in a Friday night contest in Wauchula that was never in doubt. Hardee, a non-conference 5-A foe, came into the game with a 3-2 record. The Highlanders' first two touchdowns came on the strength of their explosive ground game led by running back Marquish Seabon, who...
A lighted football field proposed for Washington Park near US 27 is expected to make a big difference to hundreds of young people involved in two Lake Wales youth football leagues. The new facility is proposed to be built by Polk County Parks and Recreation using Community Development Block Grant funds. CDBG funds are restricted to projects serving underserved neighborhoods and communities. Among users of the new football facility are likely to be the Lake Wales Youth Football...
