Communication Builds Our Community
Communication Builds Our Community
Sorted by date Results 51 - 75 of 105
Beautifying Lake Wales has been a theme of multiple efforts for more than a year, and the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency has now offered a new twist. The CRA is actively seeking proposals to create a huge outdoor mural using the underpass of Scenic Highway below SR 60. The four-lane bridge offers more than 3,000 square feet of concrete "canvas" for an ambitious artist. The announcement seeks a "talented, experienced and original artist." The offer includes a...
EDITOR'S UPDATE: Dr. P.J. D'Aoust has withdrawn from the selection process after being selected as one of the finalists for Charter Schools Superintendent. After a lengthy and contentious final meeting, a recommendation has been sent to the Lake Wales Charter School Board of Trustees from the ten-member Citizen's Superintendent Search Committee. In a nearly two-hour meeting, the committee members submitted their final choices to be forwarded to the board. Coming out on top...
Lake Wales High School Principal Donna Dunson has notified the Lake Wales Charter Schools Board of Trustees that she is retaining an employment attorney to represent her "because of the systemic harassment that has been in play for over a year." The action is further evidence of the polarization that has disrupted the local seven-school system, which has been previously recognized for striking improvements in local schools. Dunson, a popular local school leader who has been a...
A dangerous and often congested intersection of Scenic Highway and Mountain Lake Road on the near north side of Lake Wales is expected to become a bit safer after the Florida Department of Transportation completes the installation of a traffic signal. Traffic is frequently backed for left turns from northbound Scenic to westbound Mountain Lake, while left turns onto northbound Scenic are even more difficult. Protected left turns are expected to be a feature of the new signal....
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 aerial demonstration at a benefit performance on Saturday, February 12. Tippin is a well-known country artist with a musical career spanning twenty-five years who will be performing with the Aaron Tippin Trio, as well as the Tippin Family Trio with his wife Thea and son Tom. The event will take...
The historic Friedlander Department Store building has been purchased by Lake Wales investor Tammy James and her husband Stephen James. The building at 101 East Park stands at the corner of Park Avenue and First Street. It was the location of True Value Hardware until 2019, but has been vacant since that time. "We're excited about the changes happening downtown," Tammy James said. "With (new restaurants) Wales Point, Melanie's, and now an ice cream parlor, and The Ranch, it's...
A "family fun event" this spring will recognize the legendary figure who created the city's original streetscapes, as well as Bok Tower Gardens and Mountain Lake. The all-day event will feature bands, food, games and contests, awards, plus plant and vendor sales. "Olmsted Day in the Park" will be held April 30 in Lake Wailes Park, part of a nationwide celebration in honor of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed many of America's most...
Multiple paid positions are open to help run the elections process in Polk County this election year, according to Supervisor of Elections Lori Edwards. Polk County residents are invited to apply to become election workers during an informational meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February 2nd. "These are paid positions working at polling places on Election Day," explained Edwards. The informational meeting will be held beginning at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, February 2nd at the...
Exposure to the Covid-19 virus among members of the cast and crew at Lake Wales Little Theatre have interrupted the current schedule of performances, causing the cancellation of three shows this Friday through Sunday, February 21-23. ":Due to an exposure to our cast and crew, and out of an abundance of caution, we regret having to cancel the three shows of this weekend's scheduled performance of "Ripcord." a special statement issued by the theatre said. The normal schedule is...
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, Wales Pointe occupies space that formerly housed Tres Jolie, a French café restaurant. A few outdoor tables offer dining "al fresco." Serving a varied menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Wales Pointe also hosts a great Sunday brunch that offers a late breakfast menu into the afternoon. Designed to h...
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. Applicants must be: - Registered to vote in the State of Florida - Be a Citizen of the United States - Enrolled as a full-time student in a senior college or university in Florida - Majoring in Political Science/Public or Business Administration or Journalism/Mass Communications Applicants must also...
One historic downtown hotel has become city property even as city commissioners wrestle with a development proposal on another. City Attorney Chuck Galloway reported to the board at Tuesday night's meeting that the deed to the Seminole Hotel would be recorded today, Wednesday, and that he would soon prepare documents transferring the title again, this time to the Community Redevelopment Agency. The announcements was met with nods from commissioners. The hotel was acquired afte...
Construction of the first of two new bridges designed to carry traffic on SR 60 over US 27 took a major step forward over the weekend despite a spate of inclement weather. Crews managed to lift fifteen steel I-beams weighing nearly 30 tons each, placing and securing them to massive concrete bases during a 54-hour window created by the temporary closing of US 27. Numerous police officers were on duty at traffic chokepoints. Heavy rains early Sunday, about 40 hours into the...
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, slated for Saturday, February 19, comes exactly a week ahead of the climactic day of the Lake Wales Mardi Gras, when area "krewes" will parade through the streets of the city showing off their best costumes and floats. The party will be the first return to a long tradition of krewe costume balls that...
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 live play in Lake Wales is back as Lake Wales Little Theatre presents "Ripcord" beginning this Friday night. The intimate theatre offers great views from every seat, and tickets may be purchased in advance online. "Ripcord" offers a different twist on the roommate problems you may remember from your ow...
Staffing shortages have forced the Lake Wales Public Library to reduce hours, said Library Director Tina Peak in a notice issued Sunday. The reduced hours will be effective immediately, through at least January 15. Temporary hours of operation will be 9:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. Saturdays. "The Lake Wales Public Library has been impacted by staffing shortages," Peak said. "We trust the public will understand this temporary...
Construction is expected to start in a matter of weeks on 55 new homes in the second phase of Scenic Bluffs. The City Commission approved the final plat of the subdivision at Tuesday's meeting. The development is being built on a site of approximately 17 acres just west of Lake Wales High School. It follows the completion of the completion of the adjacent Scenic Bluffs Phase One. The last homes are nearing completion there. The project, owned by Clayton Properties Group, Inc....
Got a team of seniors who want to win a title? Or perhaps you're just feeling competitive yourself? Why not consider taking part in the Senior Games? The annual games are modeled after the Olympics and offer an opportunity to test your skills and stamina against others in your own age group. Polk Senior Games are an annual two-week series of Olympic-style sports and games for men and women 50 years of age and over, held at various locations throughout Polk County. The Senior...
A brawl that erupted on the campus of Lake Wales High School Wednesday ended with Lake Wales Police putting six students in handcuffs. Two of the students involved were over age 18. One had a concealed weapon in his backpack. All six students have been transported to the appropriate facilities. Police arrested 18-year-olds Courtney Brown and Nicholas Young, both of Winter Haven. A search of Brown's backpack led to the discovery of a loaded Glock 26 handgun. The gun had not bee...
Area boaters and fishers using the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes east of Lake Wales may wish to speak up as plans are made for the future management of the public waters. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking public input on their draft Lake Management Plans for the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. The plans cover management activities within the FWC's jurisdiction, including habitat protection, restoration and enhancement, fish management, and invasive...
In a year where a shortage of Christmas trees is a looming nationwide problem, hardy individuals are fortunate to have another affordable solution available: cut your own at the Walk-in-the Water tract of the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest. In a program offered annually at the nearby public lands, Lake Wales area residents are able to cut their own tree, but they have to use a hand-saw to do the work. No power tools are allowed in the forest. A tree-cutting permit costs only...
The City of Lake Wales will apparently acquire the Seminole Hotel as a result of a deal reached during court-ordered mediation on November 12. The terms of the settlement were discussed by the City Commission at Wednesday's workshop meeting. "When it becomes ours, we're going to do the cleaning up," said Commissioner Terrye Howell. The deal will be closed with a vote next Tuesday. The property, built in 1929, has been the target of long-running code liens that quickly...
Lake Wales isn't known as a fishing capital for nothing. The wide variety of lakes, each with unique habitats for a wide range of species, make our part of Florida a magnet for those seeking a trophy bass, or the limit of other fish. The Lake Kissimmee chain, including Lakes Hatchineha and Rosalie, or the big water of Lake Walk-in-the-Water, offer plenty of opportunity, as do other area waters, such as Crooked Lake. Whether fishing from a boat, or just casting from a pier of...
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...
Funding for a clean-up effort that could pave the way for the construction of a traffic roundabout connecting Scenic Highway with Burns Avenue and Washington Avenue has been requested by the City of Lake Wales. The roundabout was recommended in the Lake Wales Connected plan, and has been included in the City's five-year Capital Improvements Plan (CIP). The draft resolution seeks half a million dollars from the Environmental Protection Agency. It was prepared by Cardno, which...
