Black Bear Surprises Early-Morning Walkers on Lake Wailes Trail
An endangered Florida Black Bear was spotted perched high in an oak tree by walkers using the popular Lake Wailes Trail Thursday morning. The bear was sitting on a high branch, and... — Updated 5/26/2023
Police Seek Driver of Cadillac in Crash That Claimed Two Lives
Police are seeking the whereabouts of a Haines City man who reportedly drove at high speed and ran a red light on US 27, resulting in the deaths of his two passengers. Lake Wales... — Updated 5/24/2023
Steeple Chase Proposal Delayed in Face of Commission Resistance
A 300-unit subdivision that would wrap around the northern and eastern sides of Ridge Manor has been delayed after the withdrawal of an application for a permit from the city. The... — Updated 5/25/2023
Fire at Quails Bluff Leaves Families Homeless
An early-morning fire that left Lake Wales firefighters battling the blaze until dawn left a gaping hole in a local apartment building, and in the lives of 23 residents of the... — Updated 5/22/2023
Lake Wales Man Dies in US 27 Traffic Crash
An apparent medical incident that left a driver partially incapacitated ended with a fatal rear-end crash on US 27 at Washington Avenue. The Medical Examiners investigation... — Updated 5/28/2023
Fitzgerald Denied Return to Commission Due to Move Outside District
Editor's Note: This story has been updated to include citation of a written opinion from City Attorney Chuck Galloway to city commissioners, released to the press today. April 17 -... — Updated 5/25/2023
Lake Wales Man Dies in Wrong-Way Motorcycle Crash on US 27
A Lake Wales man died in a head-on crash on US 27 just before sunset Saturday evening after driving his motorcycle northward in the southbound lanes of the six-lane highway. The... — Updated 5/14/2023
Two Haines City Men Dead After Driver Reportedly Ran Traffic Light on US 27
Two Haines City men are dead and a third hospitalized following an early morning crash on US Highway 27. Lake Wales Traffic Homicide Investigators determined that a car driven by... — Updated 5/25/2023
Second Fatal Incident in Same Day Takes Life of Orlando Woman
May 13- An argument and poor judgement led to the death of an Orlando woman Saturday night, only some three hours after the traffic death of a Lake Wales man nearby. According to... — Updated 5/15/2023
Kris Fitzgerald Reinstated to City Commission Seat
City Commissioner Kris Fitzgerald has been reinstated to her seat on the Lake Wales City Commission nearly two years after her suspension by Governor Ron DeSantis following her... — Updated 5/17/2023
- Large Hail a Threat For Southeast Polk Today
- Frostproof City Council to Consider Requiring Beach Parking Permits
- "Town Hall" Meeting on ADS Plant to Be Run By City
- Lake Clinch Parking to Remain Free, For Now
- Encephalitis Killing Horses in Polk, Poses Serious Threat to Humans
- ADS to Host Public Meeting Over Pipe Plant Concerns
- Greenways, Blueways, New Street and Neighborhood Designs Among Ideas Offered by Citizens at Hands-on Workshop
- Charette Work in Progress Review Will be Presented Tonight
- Apparent Murder-Suicide Takes Life of Teen, Stepfather
- City Commission Approves Correction of Impactful "Scriveners Error"
- Friday Night Public Reception to Begin Week of "Envisioned" Planning
- Marcus Kirby, former School Trustee, Granted Probation
- Lake Wales and Frostproof in Severe Drought, But Storm May Threaten
- Highland Park Manor Organizers Call a Second "Town Hall" Meeting
- Wildfire Threat Remains High For Polk After River Ranch Fire
- Zoning Board Rejects Change to Ordinance That Would Permit Expedited Approval of Plastic Plant
- Robin Gibson Wins Re-election, Keith Thompson Wins Seat 3 Race for City Commission
- Significant Ruling in Walesbilt Lawsuit Favors City of Lake Wales
- City Commission Gives Attorney "Unsatisfactory" Marks in Annual Review
- Bicyclist Dies After Colliding With Truck on Walk-in-the-Water Road
- Parks Master Plans to be Developed for Seven City Parks
- Travel Lanes to Shift Again on US 27
- Vietnam Veterans Still Feel Effect of War 50 Years Later
- New Shopping Center Site Approved for US 27 in Lake Wales
- Fiery Crash on Scenic Highway Claims Life of Frostproof Woman
- Standing Room Crowd Hears Lake Wales Envisioned Kickoff
- Eyesore Building Escapes Code Enforcement for Another Year
- "Unhappy Hour" Planned by Women's Group to Mark Gender Pay Inequality
- Lake Wales' Economic Development to be Topic For Noted Economist
- "State of the City" Good, Mayor Hilligoss Reports
- Old Furniture, Mattress Clutter at Home? Free City-wide Cleanup Day is This Saturday
- Saturday is Last Day to Request Vote By Mail Ballot for City Elections
- Construction Project to Address Dangerous SR 60 Intersection
- Monday "Envisioned" Events to Shape Future of Lake Wales
- Commission Candidate Forum Brought Few Surprises
- Final City Commission Candidate Forum Planned for March 28
- Wildfire Threat Continues in Polk, Extreme Caution Urged
- City Commission Meets "in the Shade" to Discuss Possible Settlement Terms for Walesbilt Hotel Lawsuit
- Winners of LakeWalesNews.net Treasure Hunt Game Celebrate Their Detective Skills
- Lake Wales Police Recover Stolen Property Valued At Over $400,000
- City Commission Considers Giving Plant Re-Zoning Authority Back to Staff
- West Park Avenue to Remain Closed for Lake Wales Connected Construction
- Governor DeSantis' Delayed Reinstatement of Suspended Commissioner Kris Fitzgerald Raised at City Commission Meeting
- March 20 "Envisioned" Events to Shape Future of Lake Wales in Face of Explosive Growth
- City Relaxes Controversial Policy On Public Comments at Commission Meetings
- Monday is Deadline for Voter Registration for Lake Wales City Election
- Excessive Speed a Factor in Saturday Death of Lake Wales Man in US 27 Crash
- US 27/SR 60 To Incur Another Major Traffic Snarl Next Week
- Mardi Gras 2023 Brightens the Streets of Lake Wales
- Construction Keeping Area Roads Closed
- Unpaid Court Fines Waived for One Day Only March 11
- Prizes Remain to be Claimed in News Treasure Hunt Game
- Public Input Sought for New Trail Connection for Kiwanis Park
- University Women to Host Commission Candidates Forum March 13.
- Congratulations to Our Winners, Three Prizes Still Unclaimed!
- City Planners Launch "Envision" Effort, Seek Citizen Input For Future Land Use Planning
- Sun Rail Seeks Your Opinion as it Considers Extension Into Polk
- Billion Dollar Water? Polk Regional Water Cooperative to Host Public Hearing
- Mardi Gras Lights Up the Night in Lake Wales
- Ballot Set for April City Commission Election
- Election Workers Sought at Special Meeting February 28
- Highlanders To Celebrate State Championship Season With Community Celebration at Kiwanis Park
- Proposed Plastic Plant Meets Another Roadblock After Hearing Cancelled
- Gibson vs. Gibson vs. Gibson? A Confusing City Election Looms
- Wild Shiners Kick Off Mardi Gras Celebrations in Lake Wales
- Lake Wales to be Featured at Congress for the New Urbanism
- Medium Density Residential Approved for First Street Property
- New Business Park Approved for Hunt Brothers Road
- Declining Housing Finds Help Through CRA Program
- Lake Wales News Contest Offers Great Prizes
- Walesbilt Hotel Lawsuit Inches Forward
- Frostproof Woman Struck, Killed by Truck on US 27
- Student Killed by Truck at School Bus Stop
- City Development Services Director Mark Bennett Resigning
- Crystal Lake Trail Project Drew Public Input, Support at Meeting
- Lake Wales Man Receives Eight Year Sentence for Child Pornography
- Reinvestment Bankers Find Much to Like During Tour of Lake Wales
- Rear-end Crash Destroys Vehicles, Street Lights on Scenic Highway
- South Lake Wales, Crooked Lake Park Residents Invited to Special Meeting on Sewer System Upgrades
- Electric Rates May Rise Again for Area Residents, Businesses
- Millions Could Flow to Lake Wales CRA if Expansion Plans Are Realized
- Chamber Hosts Meeting About ADS Manufacturing Plant
- Increasing Economic Activity is Goal of Downtown Mixed-Use District
- Roundabout Construction Project to Continue Through February
- Crystal Lake Trail Design to be Discussed at Public Workshop
- Major Manufacturing Plant Proposed for Hunt Bros. Road
- Lake Wales Connected Construction Launched With a Flourish
- New Water Use Standards Adopted by Lake Wales
- Lake Wales City Commission Tightens Rules on Public Speaking During Meetings
- Police Arrest Suspect in New Year's Shooting
- Old Bartow Road Roundabout Closing Extended Until February
- Suspect Trenton Shane Tillman Arrested in Theft of Guns, Two Alleged Accomplices Charged
- Dr. King Observances Offer Full Schedule of Events in Lake Wales
- Developer to Build Two New Roads to Serve Hunt Club Projects
- Mayor Orders Police to Clear Commission Chambers After Citizen Protest
- Police Searching for Armed Burglary Suspect After Theft of Weapons
- Theft of City-Owned Truck Leads to Arrest for Frostproof Man
- City, CRA Give Go-Ahead to $18.5 Million Bond Issue
- Televised Highlanders Championship Game or Take the Fan Bus
- Walesbilt Lawsuit Conclusion Chances Raised by City Commissioner
- Commissioner Fitzgerald Expected to Be Reinstated by Governor DeSantis
- Lake Wales Wins State Title in Heart-stopping Finish
- Amar'e Stoudemire Arrested in Miami Only Two Days After Lake Wales Visit
- Video Highlights: Lake Wales Kiwanis Christmas Parade Drew Thousands
- Roundabout Construction Road Closure Extended For Additional Month
- Frigid Blast Expected to Precede Christmas
- US 27 Southbound Lanes to Open Wednesday
- City Pledges $1 Million to Grove Manor Replacement, Approves Phasing Change
- A Tip to Police May Have Averted Tragedy
- Care Center to Renovate Crystal Lake Apartments After Purchase Finalized
- UPDATE: Highlanders Win, Advance
- Polk Yard Waste Collection Still Not Complete Months After Hurricane Ian
- Tennessee Man Apparent Drowning Victim Found in Crystal Lake
- County Declares Emergency Over Garbage Collection Problems
- Musical "Advertising" Leads to Wrong Customers
- Two Men Injured in Shooting, Police Seeking Help From Public
- Surplus Reported as City Finished Fiscal Year
- City Street Resurfacing Effort Takes Three-Mile Step Forward
- Video: Fire Department Warns Turkey Deep Fryers Are A Major Hazard
- "Evolve at Lake Wales" May Provide New Apartments Near Mall
- Contract Awarded, Construction to Begin on Park Avenue Streetscape
- Nicole Passes Over Lake Wales, Limited Impacts Felt
- Search for Human Remains Unsuccessful So Far
- Police Seize Cash, Drugs at Local Motel, Winter Haven Suspect Sought
- Warner University Initiates New Football Facility
- Hillpointe Apartment Project May Add 552 Dwelling Units
- Does Murder Victim Lie Under Lake Wales House? 1990 Cold Case Stirs Emotions at City Commission Meeting
- City Police, Contractor Prepare to Search for Human Remains in Missing Persons Case
- Sub-Tropical Storm Nicole Promises Much Wind, Rain for Lake Wales
- City Land Use Mapping Process to be Reassessed
- Tropical Storm Conditions Expected Here Wednesday and Thursday as Nicole Transitions
- Forecasters Eyeing Potential Development in Bahama Waters
- Agreement Clears Way for Redevelopment of Vacant Downtown Apartment Building
- County Tourism Tax Proceeds to Boost Local Cultural Activities
- Lake Wales Receives National Recognition as "Cultural Landscape"
- Former Commissioner Kris Fitzgerald Acquitted of All Charges
- Seminole Hotel Redevelopment Takes One Step Back, Two Steps Forward
- Polk Waste Collectors Working 12-Hour Days to Handle Hurricane Debris
- Voting Opportunities Abound in Polk
- Arts Center Exhibit Highlights Success of Polk Forever Referendum
- Polk's Disaster Recovery Center Now Open to Assist Residents
Highlander Softball Team Advances to State Championship Game Thursday
The Lake Wales High School Softball team is angling to bring back a second state championship in a single scholastic year after defeating Lemon Bay (Englewood) 5-0 in a semifinal... — Updated 5/25/2023
Highlanders Win State Championship Game
The women of the Lake Wales High School softball team were all smiles in Clermont Thursday afternoon after winning the state softball class with 7-2 a victory over Wakulla. The... — Updated 5/25/2023
TrophyCatch Research: Proper Bass Handling
We know anglers care about big bass, which means they also care about how they handle big bass. Especially in recent years, concerns have been voiced about how anglers handle bass... — Updated 5/12/2023
Dyer Difference Award Goes to Local Volleyball League
A $3000 grant has been awarded to a local athletic league that will allow them to continue to provide participation and support for local athletes wishing to participate in their... — Updated 3/28/2023
Lake Reedy Bass Tournament to Benefit Youth Activities
Increased numbers of boats and anglers are expected on Lake Reedy in Frostproof this Saturday, March 25, as the Frostproof Church of God hosts their 12th Annual Bass Tournament.... — Updated 3/22/2023
Lake Wales High School Weightlifters Win County Olympics Title
Lake Wales weightlifters won the Olympics-style county title while placing second to Lakeland in the traditional competition. In the Olympic competition, Lake Wales won with 53... — Updated 3/16/2023
Skydivers Build Massive Canopy Stacks at Lake Wales Airport
A team of skydivers from a dozen nations cooperated to build canopy stacks of a 54 and 65 persons at Lake Wales Airport this week while descending from well above 10,000 feet. The... — Updated 1/13/2023
Lake Wales Highlanders Top Daytona Mainland to Win Championship
The Lake Wales Highlanders have completed a perfect 15-0 season with a 32-30 win over Daytona Mainland to win their first state championship. After falling behind early by a 10-0... — Updated 12/17/2022
Highlanders Advance to State Championship Game With 37-7 Win
The Lake Wales Highlanders won their semi-final football game Friday night and will face the Mainland Buccaneers of Daytona Beach in the state Class 3S Championship game, which... — Updated 12/21/2022
Battle of the Lakes is New Trophy Bass Competition
Anglers: Compete in new trophy bass fishing competition, Battle of the Lakes! The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) invites you to participate in the Battle... — Updated 11/27/2022
Babson Park Student Wins Tag Art Contest
Babson Park Elementary student Grace Sullins now has the special honor of having her license tag design mounted on the front of Polk County Tax Collector Joe Tedder's truck.... — Updated 5/6/2023
Lake Wales Pre-School Teacher Helps Literacy Skills Soar With Poetry
Lake Wales preschool director and owner of Blessed Child Daycare Vivian Lewter Loydd understands the literacy dilemma in the United States, and resolved to do something about it.... — Updated 3/27/2023
Polk State College Enrollment Opens March 27
Enrollment for the Summer 2023 Semester and the Fall 2023 Term at Polk State College will start on March 27 with priority registration for students who have completed at least 50%... — Updated 3/7/2023
Bok Academy North Classrooms Near Completion, But Funding Remains an Issue
Lake Wales newest middle school campus is set to benefit from a $6 million construction project, but Lake Wales Charter Schools is working to find the resources to pay for the new... — Updated 3/13/2023
School Superintendent Rodolfich and Staff Read to 59 Classes in Marathon Effort
Teaching children to read is one of the most important steps in the life-long project of learning. Getting them started early is critical, many educators believe. Among those who... — Updated 3/3/2023
Polk County Schools Offers New Tutoring Program
Polk County Public Schools (PCPS) and Varsity Tutors have launched a new online tutoring partnership that brings live instruction and lessons to 40,000 students across the... — Updated 1/24/2023
Scholarships Offered By Elections Chief Lori Edwards to Area Students
Four $1,200 scholarships will be offered to Florida students in 2023 by Polk County Supervisor of Elections Lori Edwards. Edwards has offered the scholarships each year for a... — Updated 1/21/2023
Polk Schools Graduation Rate Falls
Polk County Public Schools’ graduation rate decreased to 78.3 percent in 2021-2022, according to the latest data released today by the Florida Department of Education. District... — Updated 1/15/2023
Polk State Classes Begin, But Enrollment Still Open
Classes have started at Polk State College, but there is still time to enroll for the Spring 2023 Semester. Registration continues for 12-week classes, which will start on February... — Updated 1/9/2023
Florida's Natural Growers Foundation Awards $4,000 to Victory Ridge Academy
A $4,000 grant from Florida's Natural Growers Foundation will support Victory Ridge Academy's School Wide Behavior Management System, school officials have announced. Victory Ridge... — Updated 12/26/2022
Lake Wales Chrysler's Mahalak Auto Group Raising Funds to "Conquer Cancer"
The 10th Annual "18 Aces to Conquer Cancer" golf event is sponsored by the Mahalak Auto Group, owners of a local auto dealership, to raise funds for pancreatic cancer research and... — Updated 5/5/2023
GreenPal Newest Business in Area, Offers "On Demand" Lawn Service
Lake Wales area homeowners who are tired of keeping up with the mowing, want to find a good lawn service, or just need a break from the chores now have a new option: the nation's... — Updated 4/25/2023
New Frostproof Restaurant Marks Growth of Town's Dining Choices
Frostproof's limited dining options will expand with the addition of one new choice Friday, March 31 as the highly anticipated Frostproof BBQ Company is slated to open. Although... — Updated 3/30/2023
LakeWalesNews.net Cited as Top Source for Area Information
A surge in readership and community reach is being celebrated as a reflection of the growing awareness and trust of LakeWalesNews.net among residents of the Ridge area. The... — Updated 3/29/2023
Lake Wales CDJR to Host Televised Agriculture Event
The Certified Agriculture Dealer (CAD) Program, and their partner RFD-TV, have selected Lake Wales Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram among eight Certified Agriculture Dealer locations as... — Updated 3/12/2023
Dyer Difference Award Recognizes Polk Sheriff's Charities
The Dyer Difference Award for February has gone to Polk Sheriff's Charities. Since 2006, Polk Sheriff's Charities have been supporting first responders and members of the community... — Updated 2/28/2023
CES Opens New Location in Longleaf Business Park
As Lake Wales grows it is attracting new businesses that cater to both builders and the public. City Electric Supply, or CES, opened recently in Longleaf Business Park, and held... — Updated 2/8/2023
CARFAX Top-Rated Lifetime Dealer Award to Lake Wales Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM
Lake Wales Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has just earned the title of 2022 CARFAX Top-Rated Lifetime Dealer, along with two other dealerships in Florida, also owned by the Mahalak... — Updated 2/12/2023
Maggie Mae's Ice Cream Shop Adds to Growing Downtown Variety
A growing business community in downtown Lake Wales got a bit stronger this week. The official ribbon-cutting for Maggie Mae's Ice Cream Shop attracted a crowd of fans and... — Updated 2/3/2023
Eric Edwards Promoted to General Manager at Mahalak Auto Group Fiat
Eric Edwards has been appointed General Manager at Alfa Romeo FIAT of Winter Haven, according to a statement issued by Mike Mahalak, president of the Mahalak Auto Group. "We are... — Updated 1/30/2023
Stormwater Management A Major Challenge for Many Local Governments
It's raining hard. You need to get to an important appointment. You're halfway to your destination when you hit a roadblock. The intersection is flooded, wind gusts have downed... — Updated 5/9/2023
Polk is Subject to Tornadoes Both Winter and Summer - Here Are Some Safety Tips
Did you know that, according to Florida State University's Climate Center, Florida is the state with the most tornadoes per 10,000 square miles? This means that, while other states... — Updated 5/2/2023
Endangered Florida Panther Sighting in Lake Wales
APRIL 21 - A Florida panther, an endangered and protected species, has been seen in Lake Wales overnight and during the early morning hours of Friday, April 21. The big cat was... — Updated 4/26/2023
Endangered Florida Panther Spotted in Lake Wales Area
An endangered Florida panther, a rare, protected species, has been seen by several members of the public in the vicinity of Lake Wales Country Club. Area residents are encourage to... — Updated 4/21/2023
Summer Lightning Season is Approaching - Know How to Stay Safe
Florida has long been known as the lightning capital of the United States. In 2022, Polk County led the way in central Florida with 285 lightning strikes per square mile. Lightning... — Updated 4/19/2023
Call Before You Dig Is Good Advice for Residents
With warmer temperatures and April kicking off the best time of year to plant, spring means more people are heading outdoors to upgrade their landscaping, install a fence and... — Updated 4/5/2023
Volunteers Needed to Watchdog County Environmental Lands Program
Following voter approval of Polk Foever, a new 20-year environmental land tax passed last November, Polk County is reactivating its long-standing citizen's committee that... — Updated 2/7/2023
Invasive Snakehead Fish a New Threat to Florida
A population of non-native aggressive, air-breathing fish known as the goldline snakehead (Channa aurolineata) was documented for the first time in the Gulf Coast region, according... — Updated 1/24/2023
District Asks Homeowners to "Skip a Week" of Irrigation this Winter
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is reminding residents who irrigate their lawns to "Skip a Week" or more of watering during the cooler months of January... — Updated 1/10/2023
Polk Seeks Volunteers to Direct Lake Access
Polk County commissioners are looking for volunteers who would like to serve on the county's Lake Access Advisory Committee. The Lake Access Advisory Committee studies how to... — Updated 12/27/2022
Enforcement Needed to End Carnage on Area Roads
A bloody toll of fatalities and serious injuries during the month of May has left multiple area families mourning their losses. The rash of deadly crashes is a clear call for... — Updated 5/18/2023
"Welcome Home" : Honoring Vietnam Veterans 50 Years Later Still the Right Thing to Do
Honoring those who have served to defend is a longstanding tradition in nations around the world, no less so in the United States. The freedoms we enjoy, so easily eroded from... — Updated 4/12/2023
Lake Wales Envisioned Offers Us Each a Chance to Protect Our Quality of Life
"Growth" is a word that means opportunity for some and strikes fear in the hearts of others. It has been the driver of both the economic health and the environmental destruction... — Updated 2/23/2023
EDITORIAL: Limiting Speech at Commission Meetings Is a Bad Idea
Stifling Dissent is Not a Solution The essential freedoms that we often take for granted as Americans set us apart from much of the world, where speaking out against a government... — Updated 1/4/2023
"Paddle On! Lake Wailes" Happens Saturday, Still Time to Join the Fun
It's not too late to gather your posse of friends to participate in a great event this Saturday to help persons with limited abilities, and have a good time doing it! The... — Updated 5/10/2023
MOVIE REVIEW "Sisu" is Bloody Good Fun
Sisu is a 2023 Finnish action film directed by Jalmari Helander. I saw this movie as part of mystery movie night at Regal Cinemas. The film stars Jorma Tommila as a solitary... — Updated 5/2/2023
Saturday "Family Fun" Day to Include Kids' Games, Bands, Beer Garden
A chance to relax in the shade, enjoy food from your favorite food truck, listen to four different bands, and let the kids burn off steam as they learn and play is expected to... — Updated 4/26/2023
"Bingo, The Musical" An Entertaining Evening of Laughter at Little Theatre
Having a passion for bingo can lead to lifelong friends and even enemies. This latest musical at Lake Wales Little Theatre takes you on a hilarious journey you don't want to miss.... — Updated 4/14/2023
"Tweens Invited to "Bad Art Night" to Create Their Own Artworks
A free "Bad Art Night" of creativity, designed for 'tweens 8-15 years old will take place at the Mary Norma Campbell Resource Center in Highland Park Manor on Friday April 21. The... — Updated 4/8/2023
Melanie's Seafood Company Offers a Special Dining Experience
A favorite of knowledgeable Lake Wales diners and a popular spot for lunch and dinner remains a bit of a hidden gem to many newcomers. Melanie's Seafood Company offers a rare... — Updated 4/5/2023
Lake Wailes Park Festival Grows Family Fun, Music, Food, and Games
Lake Wailes Park will again host a day of family fun on Saturday, April 29 as the city celebrates the annual Olmsted Day in the Park. This years' event promises to be bigger and... — Updated 4/20/2023
Movies: "65" Gets a Single Star For Weak Plot, Effects
Two survivors of a spacecraft travel through time to land on Earth 65 million years ago when there were dinosaurs just before the theoretical asteroid hits Earth that destroys the... — Updated 4/3/2023
Film Review- "Shazam 2: Fury of the Gods"
Overall this is just a fun movie. It's fun for the whole family and everybody can enjoy it. I rate it 3 out of 5 stars. Zachary Levi is back as Shazam, a teenager, who can turn... — Updated 4/3/2023
"Run Like You Care" Will Help Fund Meals On Wheels
Hundreds of runners and walkers of all ages are expected to participate in the annual "Run Like You Care" April 15. The event will be held in Lake Wailes Park to help generate... — Updated 3/7/2023
- Zany Times as LWLT Cast Gets "Lost (and Found) in Ikea
- KT'S Sunshine Foundation Brings BBQ and Music to Lake Wailes Park
- Christmas Parade Rolls Saturday at 6:00 pm
- Woman's Club Offers Traditional "Dickens Christmas" Experience
- Circle of Friends Thanksgiving Celebration Happens Saturday
- The Ball Brothers to Appear In Lake Wales November 30
- "The Outsider" Skewers Politics and Celebrates Democracy
Only One Public Shelter Will Serve Lake Wales & Frostproof Areas This Hurricane Season
Polk County Emergency Management has release the "Polk County Public Shelters" maps for 2023, revealing that there remains only a single shelter to serve the nearly 100,000... — Updated 5/28/2023
River Ranch Named Nation's "Best Glamping Spot" in USA Today Readers Poll
Westgate River Ranch, just east of Lake Wales, was named the No. 1 Glamping Spot in the nation in the annual USA Today 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards. The largest dude ranch East... — Updated 5/28/2023
Annual Orange Blossom Revue Set to Happen in Lake Wales December 1 and 2
An annual "celebration of music, community, and nature" is returning to Lake Wales for a ninth year and is expected to draw crowds of music-lovers to town for the early December... — Updated 5/26/2023
"StirringWaters" Offers Social Connections to Those Living With Disabilities
Disabilities affect a surprisingly-large percentage of the American population, and too often those physical limitations bring along an unnecessary set of social limitations. The... — Updated 5/22/2023
Avoid Stroke Risks and Identify Stroke Symptoms Fast
Like many people, you likely work hard to help keep yourself and your loved ones healthy. To help, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) reminds... — Updated 5/12/2023
Cindy Lilly of Babson Park Named "Woman of the Year"
Local resident Cindy Lilly has been honored as the "Woman of the Year" by the Babson Park Woman's Club. According to a statement issued by club vice-president Saundra Roach Turner,... — Updated 5/9/2023
Eye Care Essential for All Adults
Eye disease affects more than your ability to see the world clearly. People with impaired vision face an increased risk of falls, fractures, injuries, depression, anxiety,... — Updated 5/9/2023
Frostproof Rallies Around Woman Battling Cancer for the Third Time
In a tightknit community, one person's battle with cancer can become a community cause. Such in the case in Frostproof, where fundraising is ongoing for Alice Hollis Evans, who is... — Updated 5/5/2023
Polk HealthCare Plan May Be an Option if Medicaid Coverage Ends
Some low-income Polk County residents may soon find themselves at a healthcare coverage crossroad due to Medicaid changes, and the Polk HealthCare Plan may be able to help those... — Updated 4/21/2023
Paddle On! Lake Wailes To Benefit StirringWaters Park for Disabled
Finding a way to help persons with limited abilities to enjoy the same life experiences as others is the motivation for organizers of the first-ever Paddle On! Lake Wailes... — Updated 4/16/2023
- Olmsted Day Vendors, Sponsors Needed to Support Tree Planting
- Polk County Trails Network Continues to Expand
- Library Offers Community Resource Fair March 11
- Be Safe as You Work Outdoors
- Bennett Reflects on Years of Change
- New Year, New You: Making Resolutions You Can Keep For A Healthy 2023
- First Responders Honored at Chamber Luncheon
- Empty Bowls Raises Nearly $20,000 for Care Center Programs
- History Speaker Series to Feature Local Author
- A Stress-free Valentine's Day Wedding? Join Other Couples on the Steps of Historic Courthouse
- Bruce Stephenson to Present at Bok Tower Gardens
- Annual Empty Bowls Auction is January 31
- Central Florida and the Aftermath of Hurricane Ian - How Lake Wales Can Prepare for the 2023 Storm Season
- Registration Open for Polk Senior Games
- Quit Smoking in 2023, With Help From Your Friends
- AdventHealth Lake Wales Receives "A" Grade from Leapfrog
- 30th Annual Polk Senior Games Begin February 25
- Auditions This Monday and Tuesday at Lake Wales Theatre
- Three Ways A Medicare Advantage Fitness Plan Could Help Reduce Your Health Risks
- "The Outsider" Offers Needed Laughs at the Expense of Politics
- What You Think You Know About Homebuying Can Hurt You
- Students Can Earn Special Certificate on Lake Wales Patrimony
- Breast Cancer Foundation Receives Dyer Difference Award
- Polk County Clerk Offers New "Do it Yourself" Legal Filing Service
- Painting Raffle to Benefit AAUW Scholarship Fund
- Help Sought to Landscape City Streets
Charmayne Turner Marston, 1947-2023
Charmayne Turner Marston of Babson Park passed away Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at AdventHealth Lake Wales. She was born July 5, 1947 in Fort Thomas, Kentucky to the late Frank and... — Updated 5/28/2023
Mary S. Fillingim, 1932-2023
Mary S. Fillingim of Lake Wales passed away Monday, May 22, 2023 at her residence. She was born September 5, 1932 in Cadillac, Michigan to the late Eldon and Ellen Stroberg; she... — Updated 5/24/2023
Arthur R. Falconer, 1943-2023
Arthur R. Falconer, 79, died peacefully at his home in Lake Wales, Florida on May 8, 2023. He was born on October 5, 1943 in East Orange, New Jersey. Art was a teacher at... — Updated 5/24/2023
John Herbert Cofer,1929-2023
John Herbert Cofer of Frostproof passed away Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at his residence. He was born October 31, 1929 in Frostproof to the late Clifford and Bertie Cofer; he has been... — Updated 5/28/2023
Foy Livingston McKenzie, 1952-2023
Foy Livingston McKenzie of Lake Wales passed away Sunday, May 14, 2023 at his residence. He was born February 12, 1952 in Lyons, Georgia to the late James and Patricia McKenzie;... — Updated 5/15/2023
James Thomas "Tom" Walkup, 1946-2023
James Thomas "Tom" Walkup of Lake Wales passed away at Lakeland Regional Hospital on Friday, May 12, 2023 of complications after a traumatic injury. Tom was born March 19, 1946, in... — Updated 5/18/2023
Jerry Arthur Atkins, 1944-2023
Jerry Arthur Atkins, 78, of Frostproof, passed away at his home, May 10th. Born June 14, 1944 in Muncie, IN, to the late Lloyd and Ruth (Pence) Atkins, he moved to Frostproof in... — Updated 5/11/2023
Maximilian "Max" Smith, 1970-2023
Maximilian "Max" Smith, age 52 of Lake Wales passed away on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, in Lakeland. Max was born on July 3, 1970, in Detroit, Michigan. Max served in the U.S. Army and... — Updated 5/16/2023
William Richard Kahler, 1956-2023
Billy Kahler of Babson Park passed away Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at his residence. He was born January 30, 1956, in Lake Wales to the late Richard and Nancy Kahler; and he was a... — Updated 5/2/2023
Anthony Blake Caraway, 1972-2023
Anthony Blake Caraway, 50, of Lake Wales passed away Monday, May 1, after a long battle against cancer. He was born in Lake Wales and had been employed for many years as a glass... — Updated 5/10/2023
- Irene Hudson Heddon, 1937-2023
- Cathryn "Cathy" Sullivan Powers, 1949-2023
- Gordon E. Terry, unk-2023
- Iris Strader Karickhoff, 1938-2023
- Lucille F. Stanton, 1941-2023
- Dean Pitts, 1937-2023
- Leland K. Young, 1931-2023
- Juanice Lawson, 1928-2023
- Kathryn Fraiser Black, 1931-2021
- Harry Gilbert Waters, 1941-2023
- Robert Clifton Hannan, 1932-2023
- Reverend Thomas C. Seitz, 1952-2023
- Audie "Keith" Griffin, 1957-2023
- Noah N. Carbone, 1933-2023
- Robert "Bob" Burdett Kelly
- John Phillips Beck, 1931-2023
- Sharon Van Dyne Lawrence, 1938-2023
- Raymond Lee French, 1930-2023
- Reida Hansford Keen, 1952-2023
- Louise Ann Whittle, 1929-2023
- Darrell Lee Papproth. 1953-2023
- Allison Jennings McCance, 1942-2023
- Sir Richard V. Giordano KBE, 1934-2022
- Katherine Elizabeth Hart, 1964-2023
- Sukhni Meetoo, 1921-2023
- Lisa Marie Meneely, 1975-2022
- Donna Kosman, 1942-2022
- Christopher John Ellison, 1974-2022
- Agnes Green, 1919-2023
- Eusebio Irwin Salud, 1971-2022
- Rose Marie Wyrosdick, 1955-2022
- Carol Loretta Pirich, 1939-2022
- Robert Wayne (Bob) Peppel, 1940-2022
- Harriett Griffin Harris, 1934 - 2022
- Kenneth Roy Rogers, 1949-2022
- Andrea Garwood Littleton, 1952-2022
- Juan Trinidad Eliserio, 1951-2022
- Robert Alan "Bob" Decker
- Beverly Porter, 1945-2022
- Carol Benson Lassiter, 1931-2022
- Bette B. Ryan, 1934-2022