Communication Builds Our Community

Articles from the May 17, 2023 edition


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  • Lake Wales Man Dies in US 27 Traffic Crash

    News Staff Reports|Updated May 28, 2023

    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 revealed Mr. Wulff died from a medical episode unrelated to the crash. This was not a traffic homicide as no other persons, to include Mr. Wulff, died as a result of the crash. According to police reports, at approximately 1:18 p.m Monday a 2008 white Chevy panel van driven by Thomas Wulff, 75, of Lake...

  • Fitzgerald Denied Return to Commission Due to Move Outside District

    Robert Connors, Managing Editor|Updated May 25, 2023

    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 - In a surprise twist, former city commissioner Kris Fitzgerald has been denied a return to her open seat on the Lake Wales City Commission despite her sudden reinstatement by Governor Ron DeSantis last week. Lake Wales City Attorney Chuck Galloway read a statement at the opening of Tuesday night's...

  • "StirringWaters" Offers Social Connections to Those Living With Disabilities

    Robert Connors, Managing Editor|Updated May 22, 2023

    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 limited ability to enjoy the water, a Florida tradition, is one that can have a solution. A fully and intentionally inclusive water adventure area for those with disabilities, planned for construction at Lake Aurora just east of Lake Wales, is a vision shared by several non-profit groups. Two local...

  • James Thomas "Tom" Walkup, 1946-2023

    News Obituary Service|Updated May 18, 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 Warren, Ohio to James Frederick and Anna Mae (Woods) Walkup, both now deceased. He had two siblings: Joel Frederick Walkup (deceased) and Peggy Ann Walkup. He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Mary, and four children: James Troy Walkup with wife, Tonya, of King, North Carolina, Jennifer...

  • Enforcement Needed to End Carnage on Area Roads

    News Editorial Board|Updated May 18, 2023

    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 increased law enforcement presence on area streets and highways. So far in this month, at least five people have been killed in four fatal accidents in the Lake Wales area. Three of those occurred in two crashes at the single intersection of US 27 and Washington Avenue. Earlier this month two Haines City...

  • Foy Livingston McKenzie, 1952-2023

    News Obituary Service|Updated May 15, 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; he has been a lifelong resident of the area. Foy was a fruit receiver for Citrus World. He enjoyed spending his time in nature fishing and camping; over all else he loved his family. Foy was preceded in death by his daughters, Pamela Diane Branch, and Margaret Ann Smith. He is survived by his wife of...

  • Lake Wales Man Dies in Wrong-Way Motorcycle Crash on US 27

    News Staff Reports|Updated May 14, 2023

    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 7:58 pm crash took the life of 60-year-ol Gary Restifo of Lake Wales. There was no explanation of why he was driving on the wrong lanes of the busy highway. The Polk County Sheriff's office is investigating the incident. Restifo was passing north of Dundee Road (CR 542) when he was struck by a...

  • Avoid Stroke Risks and Identify Stroke Symptoms Fast

    NAPSI|Updated May 12, 2023

    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 everyone that stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. About 800,000 people in the country have a stroke each year. The good news is, when treated quickly, survival is possible and damage can be greatly reduced. That's why understanding your risk for stroke, knowing signs...