Communication Builds Our Community
Communication Builds Our Community
Sorted by date Results 1 - 13 of 13
Two horses have died in Polk County's Green Swamp area from Eastern equine encephalitis, a mosquito-transmitted illness. The horses reportedly did not have EEE vaccinations. At this time, there have been no reported or confirmed mosquito-borne diseases in humans in Polk County. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus is "spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Only a few cases are reported in the United States...
APRIL 26 - A surprise announcement by the West Central Florida YMCA group that they are ending a contract allowing them to operate the Lake Wales Family YMCA has caught facility owner City of Lake Wales by surprise. The group issued a letter to the city stating they would be "closing" the facility, even though it is city property. "They delivered me notice of a six-month contract cancellation yesterday afternoon," City Manager James Slaton told LakeWalesNews.net. "I informed...
APRIL 25 - A public "town hall" meeting about the proposed ADS plastic pipe plant scheduled for Wednesday evening will be chaired by Lake Wales Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson, it was announced this week. The meeting will offer residents an opportunity to ask questions about the operations and impact of the facility. "They asked the city to be in charge of things," Gibson told LakeWalesNews.net, and specifically suggested that Gibson should chair it. "I told them 'If you want that,...
APRIL 26 - A caution from the National Weather Service warns of the likelihood of severe weather today that is expected to include "large to very large hail," along with the potential for very strong downburst winds from thunderstorms. All areas of eastern Polk County are included in the alert. The strong storms will be generated by very cold air aloft and a dip in the jet stream creating a "vort max," or a vortex-type bend in the jet that causes rapid ascension of heated air...
APRIL 27 - A powerful thunderstorm that descended on the Lake Wales area Wednesday night left many residents cleaning up fallen limbs and damp walls and floors. LakeWalesNews.net had shared a warning of the potential for a hailstorm only 12 hours before it struck. The storm, which grew to severe proportions over the Green Swamp are of northern Polk County, dropped south down the Lake Wales Ridge, striking Haines City and Dundee before passing over Lake Wales with one-inch...
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 leader in on-demand lawn mowing has just launched its service in Lake Wales. GreenPal, which has been described as "Uber for lawn care," is already being used in 48 states by more than 1 million homeowners. With the Corona Virus and its variants still lingering and social distancing remaining a...
Problems with parking and litter that has plagued Frostproof's popular Lake Clinch Beach drew plenty of public comments at a Monday workshop. The meeting followed a suggestion that the city reinstate parking pass requirements, a step which has not been enforced in several years. Both parking permits and trash collection will require further discussion which will take place at the next city council meeting on Monday, May 1, at 5:00 pm. Mixed opinions and a variety of...
APRIL 22 - An early spring and nearly summer-like temperatures have already led to parking problems at Frostproof's Lake Clinch Beach, and the Frostproof City Council is poised to do something to attempt to correct the situation. The agenda for a scheduled 5:00 pm public workshop on Monday, April 24 includes discussion of the possible implementation of parking permits for the Lake Clinch beach area. The Council unanimously agreed to hold a workshop at their April 17 meeting...
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 seen by residents of Lake Wales Country Club. According to reports and photos posted by the public, a second panther has been seen in an area near US 27 between Lake Wales and Frostproof. That cat is apparently a mother of kittens. The males of the species tend to wander long distances in search of mate...
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 draw crowds to Lake Wailes Park Saturday. The 10:00 am to 8:00 pm event will include a kite festival, a family-feud style trivia game, nature walks, a giant inflatable obstacle course, nature walks, a "fishing pond," and a wide variety of games and prizes for adults and kids. A silent auction and gift...
Richard Andrew Riley, 102, of Frostproof, FL, passed away Tuesday, April 18th, at his residence. He was born April 5, 1921, in Greenville, SC to the late Walter and Sarah (Chance) Riley. He earned his bachelor's degree from Clemson in 1943. He worked as a fruit and vegetable inspector for the USDA, moved to Frostproof then went to work for Latt Maxcy. He owned Riley Pump and Supply in Wauchula for five years. He returned to Frostproof and became Plant Manager for the Ben Hill...
Jim Lefils, 79, of Babson Park passed away, Thursday, April 20, 2023, at AdventHealth Lake Wales after a short illness. Jim is survived by his wife of 59 years Carolynn "Dede" Watson LeFils. He recently retired from Watson Pharmacy, Frostproof, where he was the co-owner and pharmacist for 50 years. Jim served in the U.S. Air Force and was a graduate of the University of Florida School of Pharmacy. He was a licensed airplane and glider pilot. Jim and Dede were avid travelers,...
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 who no longer qualify for Medicaid. Since the beginning of the COVID 19-related public health emergency, Florida has provided continuous Medicaid coverage and has not disenrolled ineligible recipients. Medicaid eligibility is again being determined through normal processing. Florida will have up to 12...
