Commissioners Unanimously Choose Pastor Hilligoss to Fill Temporary Vacancy
After hearing from supporters of the four applicants, Lake Wales City Commissioners unanimously voted to appoint Jack Hilligoss to the temporary vacancy created by the suspension... — Updated 8/3/2021
Charter Schools, Community Mourn Loss of Bok South Principal
The Lake Wales Charter Schools and the local community are mourning the passing of Dr. Damien Moses, principal of Bok Academy South. "It is with our deepest sorrow that we inform... — Updated 7/29/2021
Major Donor to Local Schools Calls for Mandatory Masks, Vaccines
Some viewed his email as a threat to withhold future funding, but Henry McCance says that's not what he intended. The largest donor to Lake Wales Charter schools, McCance says he... — Updated 7/30/2021
19 from Lake Wales Included in Operation Bell Gang Drug Arrests
Following a 16-month undercover investigation, Polk County Sheriff's Office undercover Narcotics detectives and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force made 29 arrests... — Updated 7/29/2021
Pastor Hilligoss Seeks Temporary Appointment to City Commission
Pastor Jack Hilligoss has added his name to the list of people interested in filling the city commission vacancy created by the suspension of newly elected Commissioner Kris... — Updated 7/31/2021
Celebration of Life July 31 for Bok South Principal Damien Moses
A celebration of life for Bok Academy South Principal Damien Moses is scheduled for noon, Saturday, July 31. The event will take place at the Lake Wales High School gymnasium and... — Updated 7/29/2021
Former Commissioner's Wife Now Wants Appointment to His Seat
The wife of former Lake Wales City Commissioner Pete Perez has indicated her interest in filling his old seat, which is vacant now due to the suspension of newly elected... — Updated 7/31/2021
Former Commissioner Wojcik Offers to Return to City Service
Former Lake Wales City Commissioner Betty Wojcik has applied to fill the temporary vacancy created by the suspension of newly elected Commissioner Kris Fitzgerald. Commissioners... — Updated 7/31/2021
Lake Wales Police Start Body Camera Pilot Implementation
It was a "bumpy start" as Lake Wales rolled out one-fourth of their new police worn body cameras Monday, July 26. Police Chief Chris Velasquez said the department will use the... — Updated 7/29/2021
Dyer Difference Award Recognizes Peace River Center
Life is challenging in so many ways, and sometimes it's a comfort to know that there is a place you can go filled with people who are committed to helping engage, restore, and... — Updated 7/29/2021
First United Methodist Celebrates Organist of 50 years, Caroline Reddick
The congregation of First United Methodist Church will celebrate Caroline Reddick of Lake Wales for 50 years of faithful service to the church and to God as Church Organist with... — Updated 7/29/2021
Hometown Hero and Former Police Chief Helm Remembered
Retired Lake Wales Police Chief Gary Helm died July 29 after a lengthy illness and hospitalization. He was 74. Many people in Lake Wales remember him as a community hero, who as a... — Updated 7/31/2021
Andrew Allen Leaving Lake Wales Arts Council
Andrew Allen has resigned as executive director of the Lake Wales Arts Council. His last day is Aug. 5. Board Chair Rusty Ingley announced Allen's planned departure with "both... — Updated 7/30/2021
Polk Commissioners Choose Randy Mink as Next County Attorney
The Polk County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the selection of Randy Mink as the next County Attorney. Mink will succeed current County Attorney Michael Craig... — Updated 7/29/2021
Library Displays Artistic Book-Related Banners
The Lake Wales Public Library is home to a unique new exhibit of public art. In partnership with the Lake Wales Arts Council and the Lake Wales Library Association the Book Bounce... — Updated 7/29/2021
Auditions Scheduled for September Children's Play at LWLT
Auditions are scheduled July 27 and 29 for children who would like to perform in the upcoming Theatre Tots and Children's Show at the Lake Wales Little Theatre. Directed by Leslie... — Updated 7/29/2021
Rosemary Barbieri, 1946-2021
Rosemary P. Barbieri, 74, of Lake Wales went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 25, 2021 at her home. She was born December 30, 1946 in Bronx, NY to the late Louis and Marie... — Updated 7/29/2021
Dick Chandley, 1930-2021
George Dixon (Dick) Chandley, age 90, passed away on Thursday, July 15, 2021 in Lake Wales. He was born December 12, 1930, in the Lake Wales Hospital, the son of Myra and Ed... — Updated 7/29/2021
Silvio Carmen Fazzini, Infant
Silvio Carmen Fazzini of Winter Haven passed away Thursday, July 22, 2021 at Nemours Children’s Hospital. He was born July 6, 2021 in Winter Haven to Silvio Fazzini and Jordana Wojnowski. Silvio is survived by his parents,... — Updated 7/29/2021
Bill Metcalf, 1933-2021
William W. “Bill” Metcalf, 88, of Lake Wales passed away Sunday, July 25, 2021 at Brookdale Assisted Living in Lakeland. He was born February 20, 1933 in Pittsburg, PA to the late William and Kathryn Metcalf; he moved to Lake... — Updated 7/29/2021
Yul Gaines, 1971-2021
Yul M. Gaines, 49, of Lake Wales, died July 26, 2021 at Advent Health Hospital in Lake Wales. He was born Oct. 31, 1971. Services are incomplete. Epps Memorial... — Updated 7/29/2021
Geraldine Valtinson, 1937-2021
Geraldine Ann Valtinson, 83, of Indian Lake Estates passed away Monday, July 26, 2021 at Advent Health Celebration. She was born September 10, 1937 in Bottle, SD to the late Harry... — Updated 7/29/2021
Roderick Parker Sr., 1951-2021
Roderick Thomas Parker SR, 70, of Lake Wales passed away Tuesday July 27, 2021. He was born June 25, 1951, in Windsor, VT; he moved to Lake Wales in 1981. Roderick was a retired laborer for the city of Lake Wales, and was a... — Updated 7/29/2021
Sandra Massey, 1934-2021
Sandra Turner Massey, 85, of Shellman, GA passed away at her residence on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. Mrs. Massey was born on December 8, 1934 in Lake Wales, the daughter of the late Irby Lee and Buena Mae Norman Turner. She was a... — Updated 7/29/2021
Kay Shively, 1941-2021
Kathryn Lynn “Kay” Shively, 79, of Lake Wales passed away Monday, July 26, 2021 at Lifecare Center of Winter Haven. She was born December 16, 1941 in Akron, OH; she moved to Singer Island from Ohio 26 years ago, then to Lake... — Updated 7/29/2021
Betty Wilcox, 1931-2021
Betty L. Wilcox, 90, of Lake Wales passed away Friday, July 30, 2021 at Advent Health Lake Wales. She was born June 30, 1931 in Batavia, NY, to the late Raymond and Catherine Buckland. Betty was a retired citrus grader for Alcoma... — Updated 8/3/2021
