Communication Builds Our Community

Articles from the June 15, 2022 edition


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  • Polk Forever Provides a Way to Help Slow Runaway Development

    News Editorial Board|Updated Jul 29, 2022
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    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 conveys many rights. Landowners are aware that resources are limited, and that commitments for water and sewer capacity are best reserved well in advance of their need. The deluge of annexations and platting doesn't mean all those new homes will be built anytime soon, but that's small comfort to area...

  • CRA Moving Forward With Bonds to Fund Connected Plan

    Robert Connors, Managing Editor|Updated Jul 15, 2022

    Money to fund the extensive Lake Wales Connected plan has not been threatened thus far by rising interest rates, according to a presentation to the city commission sitting as the board of the Community Redevelopment Agency. The CRA is anticipating issuing bonds to raise about $18.5 million to fund the transformational project. After hearing a report from Will Reid, representing the city's bond counsel firm of Ford and Associates, commissioners had plenty of questions about...

  • CRA Withdraws Offer for "Clark's Corner," Balks at Environmental Study

    Robert Connors, Managing Editor|Updated Jun 26, 2022

    Plans to create a "gateway" sign and landscaping on a parcel at the intersection of SR 60 and West Central Avenue are on hold after a preliminary environmental inspection revealed evidence of potential contamination on the site. The parcel, known locally as "Clark's Corner," was formerly a gasoline service station. The Community Redevelopment Agency had previously agreed to purchase the site for $60,000, but questions about the deal were raised in a story on...

  • Lake Wales' Carl Hadden Named as Regional Director of Small Business Development Center

    Stacy Dodd, University of South Florida|Updated Jun 16, 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 Florida. "We are excited to welcome Carl in the role as Regional Director of the Florida SBDC at USF," GJ de Vreede, PhD, Associate Dean at Muma College of Business, said. "He has been an excellent interim regional director and we look forward to his continued leadership at the helm of the largest S...

  • Rodney Wiley Hill, 1942-2022

    Updated Jun 13, 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 Hill. Rodney and Judy, his wife of almost 59 years, met in high school and quickly became sweethearts. Rodney grew up on a farm, loved raising cattle, and was a proud member of Future Farmers of America. Even though he and Judy were truly opposites, he could depend on his sweet Judy to save a seat...

  • Low Water Presents Hazards for Fishers, But Catches Being Made

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Jun 13, 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 concealed shoals, sandbars, or other obstacles that would normally be safely passed over. On Lake Hatchineha, b e especially careful. With the full moon this week, expect to catch shellcrackers in the lily pads across from the port. Bass are schooling at the mouths of canals. On Lake Walk-in-Water, check...

  • Work Underway on SR 60 East of Lake Wales

    Robert Connors, Managing Editor|Updated Jun 13, 2022

    The Florida Department of Transportation is heavily involved in improvements to area highways, and motorists are advised to use caution through the construction areas, which include a portion of SR 60 from west of Dude Ranch Road to east of Rattlesnake Road. The area is expected to see work ongoing until next summer. The work in that area includes resurfacing SR 60 and side street entrances and removing acceleration lanes for safety, according to the FDOT. It will also...

  • New 12" Water Main Expected to Enhance Supply, Fire Protection

    Special to the News|Updated Jun 13, 2022

    New housing development in the Northwest Neighborhood, an area receiving significant upgrades and improvements through the Lake Wales Connected effort, will also get improved an water supply as a result of city commission action. "We've seen consistent growth in the area in response to the City's affordable housing program," City Manager James Slaton said. A new 12-inch water main will link together two additional 12-inch water mains previously installed. CHA Engineering is...