LakeWalesNews.net - Communication Builds Our Community

As the City of Lake Wales and Polk County prepare to finalize their annual budgets and set tax rates for the new fiscal year, both are benefitting from a substantial rise in... — Updated 8/5/2022

The August 23 "Primary" election will be the "final" election for candidates in four heated Polk School Board races, as well as those seeking judicial slots. Voters are encouraged... — Updated 8/5/2022

City Manager James Slaton on Friday terminated his recently-hired Deputy City Manager Joanna Abernathy. She had been on the job for about 12 weeks. News of the firing swept through... — Updated 8/4/2022

Faced with a expected wave of new development after approving more than a dozen new housing projects in less than a year, the Lake Wales City Commission on Tuesday unanimously... — Updated 8/4/2022

On a split vote, Lake Wales City Commissioners Tuesday evening voted themselves an annual raise of $2,400 intended to pay for the cost of local travel and expenses. City Manager... — Updated 8/4/2022

While the 2022 Hurricane Season has so far seemed quiet from our vantage point in Lake Wales, weather forecasters are warning that this is expected to be an above average season.... — Updated 8/4/2022

A $1.2 million contribution from the City of Lake Wales will empower a new business incubator designed to increase the number of new businesses and entrepreneurs in Lake Wales.... — Updated 7/29/2022

Construction is progressing rapidly on the Park Avenue Connector Trail, a 3000-foot multiuse trail being constructed by the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency. The project... — Updated 8/4/2022

Lake Wales Public Library is asking the public for assistance in locating historic photos of downtown Lake Wales, particularly any that may include one particular build. Perhaps... — Updated 7/29/2022

For the best local fishing action head to Lake Walk-in-the-Water, where bank fishermen are catching limits of bluegill and shell crackers from the Indian Lake canals. Lake levels... — Updated 7/5/2022

For the best local fishing action head to Lake Walk-in-the-Water, where bluegill and shell crackers may be found in lily pads around the lake. Look for the pads shaking, and drop a... — Updated 6/29/2022

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission want to invite you to just go fish! Here's a great suggestion for that youngster, or even the experienced pro, that will... — Updated 7/1/2022

Despite the onset of near-daily rains, the upper Kissimmee chain, including Lake Hatchineha, remains very low. Boaters are urged to use extreme caution to avoid running into... — Updated 6/13/2022

The passing of the season's first tropical system left precious little rain in area gauges, so water levels in area lakes are continuing to suffer, with some still headed lower.... — Updated 6/8/2022

Although the summer rains are starting, they have still been spotty and fishing is in a transitional time with low water levels in some area lakes. On Lake Walk-in-Water, bluegill... — Updated 5/30/2022

The beginning of the wet summer season is upon us, and that means lots of changes in fishing patters. The dry spring has left some lakes very low, which also means that boaters... — Updated 5/24/2022

On Lake Walk-in-Water, anglers are still catching bluegill on crickets in the pads and grass. Bass are up shallow morning before the heat and wind picks up, and evening if the... — Updated 5/10/2022

Area college and high school students with a penchant for sports have an opportunity to earn some career creds by providing coverage of their favorite local teams, according to... — Updated 5/2/2022

On Lake Walk-in-Water, bluegill action is heating up for those who are using crickets in the lily pads. Throw a Gambler Big EZ or Houdini lure first thing in the morning for bass.... — Updated 5/4/2022

In the aftermath of the ongoing surge in school shootings nationwide, Polk County Schools plan to conduct random "screenings" of students during the coming school year, which... — Updated 8/4/2022

Students heading back to school will get a welcome boost as 700 backpacks full of school supplies are given away to students from kindergarten through college age. The event marks... — Updated 7/28/2022

The growing enthusiasm of staff, students and parents is lending a boost to McLaughlin Middle School as preparations are made to co-locate a high school on the campus. The results... — Updated 7/16/2022

AdventHealth clinicians and Bond Clinic in partnership with 10 Polk County high schools provided annual sports physicals to more than 500 pre-registered student athletes to make... — Updated 6/4/2022

Quickly advancing plans to co-locate a new high school on the campus of McLaughlin Middle School, administrators brought some 60 parents, students, teachers, and staff together... — Updated 6/1/2022

Open enrollment for Fall 2022 Semester classes at Polk State College will begin on June 6. Currently enrolled students can register now for fall classes in Passport. Prospective... — Updated 5/24/2022

Polk State College is launching two opportunities for individuals seeking education and training in Human Resources Management – a concentration within the Bachelor of Applied... — Updated 5/25/2022

It's time to raid your art supply closet – the 19th Annual Water Conservation Art Contest is open for entries. The contest is open to all Polk County students from kindergarten... — Updated 3/23/2022

In an amazing display of business acumen, a group of Webber International University students recently swept virtually every top honor in District III Future Business Leaders of... — Updated 2/17/2022

Polk County Supervisor of Elections Lori Edwards announced today that the Florida Supervisors of Elections (FSE) will award four $1,200 scholarships to Florida students in 2022.... — Updated 1/21/2022

The gradual expansion of the Lake Wales Business Community is receiving another boost as the Dyer Auto Group prepares to open their new Chevrolet dealership on US 27 North across... — Updated 5/14/2022

Do you like country music? Maybe you're a Keith Urban fan? Or maybe you're just feeling a bit lucky and could use some extra cash? If so, here's a great opportunity: The "Low... — Updated 5/14/2022

The Florida Farm Show is Florida's largest agricultural trade show. The show features live music, over 200 local vendors, heavy equipment retailers, great food, family fun and... — Updated 3/20/2022

Some 100 guests and supporters of the Lake Wales Main Street gathered Monday morning for a 90-minute session and left filled with not only lunch but inspiration. City planner Ed... — Updated 3/25/2022

Dining choices in Lake Wales have expanded recently, and the official grand opening of one new restaurant drew a happy crowd of diners to celebrate. Wales Pointe, already a popular... — Updated 3/13/2022

Lake Wales Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (CDJR) will host a live, nationwide television broadcast on National AgDay, March 22. The dealership was selected by the Certified Agriculture... — Updated 3/21/2022

A festive February evening and pleasant weather drew hundreds of pedestrians to fill the sidewalks of downtown for the Lake Wales Mainstreet Winedown event. Some two dozen... — Updated 2/11/2022

A unique and colorful specialty shop is holding a grand opening Saturday in the Rhodesbilt Arcade on Stuart Avenue downtown when "Modern Day Tiffanys" opens their doors to the... — Updated 2/11/2022

Business is booming for many local enterprises, no less so for Lake Wales entrepreneur Chad Riedel, who grown his operations beyond the capacity of several facilities since... — Updated 12/22/2021

If you are a lover of nature and wildlife, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission would like to invite you to learn how to attract wildlife to your yard by planning... — Updated 8/4/2022

There's nothing quite like a bird in flight but Florida's butterflies have their own appeal. Over 190 butterfly species have been recorded in Florida, the most of any state east of... — Updated 8/1/2022

Did you know that over-watering can weaken your lawn's roots, and stimulate the growth of fungus and other lawn diseases? Despite near-daily rains during the summer, many residents... — Updated 6/19/2022

Depictions of the beauty and diversity of Polk's county-managed environmental preserves are the focus of a juried art competition being organized by Polk Forever, a local... — Updated 6/29/2022

(NAPSI)-It's likely you see one of the most common sources of plastic pollution everyday-on the ground, in parking lots, in gutters or at the beach-cigarette butts. This is not... — Updated 5/25/2022

Researchers from the University of Florida are using butterflies as a way to measure the health of ecosystems in a new effort that may have far-ranging uses. In 2017, a group of... — Updated 5/6/2022

Florida celebrates a special day for gopher tortoises for very important reasons. The gopher tortoise plays a significant role in many of Florida's ecosystems and deserves our... — Updated 3/31/2022

Highlands Hammock State Park has a full lineup of activities and special events for the month of March including nature hikes, "Firefly Nights" tram tours, and a Music in the Park... — Updated 3/14/2022

Saturday night is when we will turn our clocks ahead one hour. The time change is also a good time to make sure irrigation system timers are set correctly to ensure that the... — Updated 3/8/2022

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) volunteer program helps Floridians get directly involved with conservation and restoration projects across the state.... — Updated 3/2/2022

The crush of development pressure that has been applied to Lake Wales by the owners of large tracts surrounding the city has raised alarm in many quarters. Ownership of land... — Updated 7/29/2022

As the campaigns that will shape the election of a mayor and city commissioner come to a close, some have asked whether our editorial board will endorse any of the five candidates.... — Updated 4/2/2022

Lake Wales has been blessed by the creation of the Lake Wales Charter Schools system nearly two decades ago. Now representing seven schools educating students in grades 1 through... — Updated 3/19/2022

As Russian tanks roll into Ukraine and global energy supplies are pinched, rising prices are driving home the point that dispersed sources of renewable energy are critical to our... — Updated 3/18/2022

Symbols of Success and Failure Long recognized as the dominant symbol of downtown Lake Wales, the eleven-story Walesbilt Hotel is now among the dominant topics of conversation in... — Updated 1/19/2022

The energy demands of the Sunshine State are rising apace of our booming population. New homes, schools, and businesses need electricity in plenty. The problem for Florida is that... — Updated 1/18/2022

Democracy relies upon "the consent of the governed" to function. Consent implies an understanding of the questions of importance to the populace, which in turn requires an educated... — Updated 12/13/2021

An Independence Day celebration in the best Lake Wales tradition is on tap this week as the City of Lake Wales rolls out a big effort to "bring out the community," according to... — Updated 7/1/2022

"Bloody Murder" isn't normally anything to laugh about, but when interpreted by a cast of characters in the current production at Lake Wales Little Theatre you'll find yourself... — Updated 4/3/2022

Lovers of beauty and the arts expect a breezy and beautiful weekend for the Lake Wales Arts Festival which opens Saturday morning March 12 in Lake Wailes Park for a two-day show.... — Updated 3/14/2022

A zany parade featuring colorful floats, marchers and faux royalty will fill the streets of downtown Lake Wales with thousands of revelers this weekend as the traditional Lake... — Updated 3/7/2022

The Junior League of Lake Wales is kicking off their organizational efforts with a splash as they host country music star Aaron Tippin, who will headline a musical performance and... — Updated 2/2/2022

The Carnival season has returned to Lake Wales, and the annual Mardi Gras event is once again expected to draw tens of thousands of spectators and participants to a zany and... — Updated 1/26/2022

A festive evening of colorful costumes, dance music, food and fun is in store for guests at a special Mardi Gras themed party hosted by the Lake wales Woman's Club. The party,... — Updated 1/12/2022

An evening of often hilarious one-upmanship between roommates with a dash of Halloween flair is the basis of plenty of great gags as Lake Wales Little Theater (LWLT) presents... — Updated 1/15/2022

Wales Pointe is the city's newest restaurant and is already proving to be yet another bright spot downtown. Located at 207 East Park Avenue across from the well-known town clock,... — Updated 1/21/2022

Live theatre offers a great alternative to pre-recorded television shows, and that "anything can happen" excitement makes for some surprising moments. The opportunity to take in... — Updated 1/12/2022

A Lake Wales author will be recognized at a special "book launch event" in honor of two recently-released works of historical fiction. "The Florida Saga" shares the surprising... — Updated 7/1/2022

The concept of "community service" is alive and well in Lake Wales, as evidenced by an award presented to one of three local Rotary Clubs this week. Rotary on the Ridge received a... — Updated 6/23/2022

TAMPA, Fl. – The Muma College of Business at University of South Florida announced Carl Hadden, MBA, CME, as the new regional director of the Florida SBDC at University of South... — Updated 6/16/2022

Fearing damage due to Florida's summertime temperatures and humidity, the Lake Wales History Museum is reaching out to supporters and potential donors to raise funds to improve the... — Updated 6/4/2022

(NAPSI)-A dedicated group of moms has deployed across the country to help families with children of all ages figure out how to make important decisions around mitigating the risk... — Updated 5/25/2022

You are invited to join a host of others in an opportunity to get some fresh air and exercise this week. The Lake Wales Care Center is encouraging area residents to take part in... — Updated 5/24/2022

After five years of rising success in the film and television industry, Lake Wales actor and screenwriter Jeff Herman will undoubtedly be there in person Monday night for the... — Updated 5/7/2022

AdventHealth Lake Wales has achieved a "B" patient safety grade by the prestigious Leapfrog Group. The safety grade is awarded based on a hospital's performance in preventing... — Updated 5/15/2022

Lake Wales area residents dealing with foot ailments due to the effects of diabetes should know that it is a serious health problem that demands treatment, according to Dr. Prerna... — Updated 4/14/2022

Some 100 persons gathered at noon Friday in Lake Wailes Park to walk "The Way of the Cross," a shared Christian tradition marking the passion of Christ. Cooled by a slight breeze,... — Updated 4/16/2022

Joan Frances Nicoletti of Frostproof passed away Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at AdventHealth Sebring. She was born October 26, 1963 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late Gerald... — Updated 8/5/2022

Harry John Burns, Jr. of Lake Wales passed away Sunday, July 31, 2022 at his residence. He was born November 7, 1939 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Harry and Blanche Burns; he... — Updated 8/2/2022

Alfredo Gonzalez of Lake Wales passed away Friday, July 22, 2022 at Winter Haven Hospital. He was born October 25, 1935 in Havana, Cuba to the late Justo and Gertrudis Gonzalez; he... — Updated 7/28/2022

Ann Wagner Geils, born July 7, 1928, in Summit, New Jersey, passed away at her home in Highland Park, Florida on July 6, 2022, just one day shy of her 94th birthday. She will be... — Updated 7/10/2022

Helen Marie O'Donnell, age 93, passed away Thursday, June 30, 2022. She was born August 24, 1928 in Lake Hamilton, FL to W.E. & Bertie Slocumb, Marie was a Nurses Aide for 20... — Updated 7/7/2022

Ricardo T. Lopez, age 44, passed away on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at his home in Eagle Lake. Born November 25, 1977, in Brownsville, TX, he was the son of the late Rogelio Meza... — Updated 6/29/2022

Franklin, NC - Rodney Wiley Hill passed from this life on June 5, 2022. Born in Lake Wales, Florida, on December 12, 1942, he was the only child of Reason Wiley and Clora Robbins... — Updated 6/13/2022

Patricia "Pat" Schafstall passed Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at Mercy Hospital, Oklahoma City, OK. She was 74. Pat was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many souls on... — Updated 6/4/2022

The beloved Sephia B. Royer passed away peacefully on June 1, 2022 while in hospice care in Melbourne. Born Josephine Tampa Brees on November 2, 1938, her father gave her the... — Updated 6/10/2022

Richard Wagoner Sr. was born in LaFollet, Tn. on January 29, 1931. His mother Lottie Long Wagoner, father Joshua Wagoner, and son David preceded him in death. Dick graduated from... — Updated 6/7/2022