Communication Builds Our Community

Articles from the August 14, 2024 edition


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  • Robert A. Bell, 1936-2024

    News Obituary Service|Updated Aug 18, 2024

    Robert A. Bell, age 88, of Fort Meade passed away Friday, August 16, 2024. He was born May 9, 1936 in Fort Meade, FL to Adrian & Katherine Bell. He graduated from Fort Meade High School. Robert went to the University of Florida where he played in the Gator Marching Band. He then joined the US Army. Robert was the Owner/Operator of Bell Typewriter Sales & Service in Fort Meade, he was honored to provide typewriter repair services for all schools in Polk, Hardee, Highlands,...

  • Francis Donald Hodge, 1937-2024

    News Obituary Service|Updated Aug 15, 2024

    Francis Donald Hodge of Frostproof, Florida passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at his residence. He was born August 18, 1937 in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania to the late Julia Hodge; he has been a resident of the area since 1984. Don loved to fish, work on cars, sing karaoke, and tell jokes. He enjoyed playing cards, especially poker, and having coffee with his friends and family. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, and sisters. He is survived by his...

  • Site Development Underway for Belle Lago Subdivision on South Side of Lake Wales

    Robert Connors|Updated Aug 15, 2024

    Site work has begun on the site of Belle Lago, an 84-home subdivision on Lake Belle on the south side of Lake Wales. The project is one of several housing projects now underway across the city. The city Lake Wales City Commission approved preliminary plans for the project in July, 2021 after it received the nod from both city planners and the Planning and Zoning Board. The project is immediately south of and adjacent to a portion of the Ridge Manor subdivision, an enclave of...

  • Pioneer Days Coming, Annual Pioneer Award Nominations Due

    Special to the News|Updated Aug 15, 2024

    The annual Pioneer Days is set to happen in Lake Wailes Park and it's now time to submit nominations for the accompanying Pioneer of the Year Award, according to officials with the non-profit Lake Wales History Museum, which hosts the popular annual festival. The two day event will take place on October 26 and 27, typically drawing several thousand people to witness the displays and exhibits while enjoying the free entertainment. The award has recognized the contributions of...

  • City of Lake Wales May Purchase Family Elder Law Building to Provide Additional Police Department Space

    Robert Connnors|Updated Aug 15, 2024

    A nimble move from the City of Lake Wales has brought a contract to purchase the newly-vacant offices of Family Elder Law on East Tillman Avenue to host additional space for the over-crowded Lake Wales Police Department. City Manager James Slaton brought the purchase of the 5,500 square-foot structure before the City Commission at Wednesday's workshop as a signed contract. The $775,000 purchase price, Slaton said, was well below the $870,000 appraised value of the building,...

  • CRA Board Turns Down New Lake Alta Proposal

    Robert Connors|Updated Aug 14, 2024

    The Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency board Tuesday rejected a proposal to reconsider higher-density development at a site near Lake Alta Park. Area residents had battled a previous plan for months earlier this year. City Commissioners, sitting in their roles as the CRA board, voted 4-1 against the concept, brought before the board by Chairman Robin Gibson. Gibson made a lengthy pitch to fellow commissioners to draw support but came up empty. The concept plan would...