Communication Builds Our Community

(50) stories found containing 'Crooked Lake'


Sorted by date  Results 26 - 50 of 50

Page Up

  • Hurricane Ian Closes All Polk Environmental Lands Closed Effective Monday

    Special to the News|Updated Sep 26, 2022

    In preparation for the approaching storm, all Polk County Environmental Lands sites and Natural Resources Stormwater Treatment Wetlands will be closed Monday, September 26, 2022 out of an abundance of caution and will remain closed until further notice. These sites include Circle B Bar Reserve, Crooked Lake Prairie, Crooked Lake Sandhill, Gator Creek Reserve, Hickory Lake Scrub, Lakeland Highlands Scrub, Marshall Hampton Reserve, North Walk-in-Water Creek, Peace River...

  • Polk Forever Provides a Way to Help Slow Runaway Development

    News Editorial Board|Updated Jul 29, 2022
    1

    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...

  • Catfish, Bass and Shell Crackers the Hot Targets Now

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Apr 25, 2022

    On Lake Walk-in-Water, anglers are catching limits of bluegill on crickets in among the lily pads. Bass are pulling back out to the outside edge of vegetation. Throw a watermelon red speed worm around to find them. On Lake Hatchineha, catfish are being caught in the canals when the water is released. Bass are roaming inside the grass lines, so try covering the water with a popping frog early, then try moving out as the day goes on. On Lake Kissimmee, shell cracker still being...

  • Fishing Has Heated Up, It's Time to Get On The Water!

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Mar 28, 2022

    Fishing is red hot at the moment, so don't miss this opportunity to get a hold of a bucket-mouth or a stringer of shellcrackers! On Lake Walk-in-the-Water, anglers are catching a ton of shellcrackers in the main lake and in the canals, using worms in the pads and grass. Bass are moving to outside edges and can be caught on a frog around the reeds and grass. On Lake Hatchineha, shellcrackers can be found in the lily pads on the east side of the lake with bluegill mixed in. The...

  • There's Fishing Action If You Know Where to Look

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Mar 21, 2022

    As the weather changes, so does the fishing, so stay informed about what's biting, and where you can find them! On Lake Walk-in-the-Water, there's action with blue gill and shell cracker, which are being caught in the pads. Some speckled perch are still being caught in the grass first thing in the morning. Bass up to 8.5 pounds are being caught in the reeds on a popping frog and Senko. On Lake Hatchineha, specks are still being caught in Gator Cove around scattered hydrilla on...

  • Crooked Lake Park Area to be affected by New Interlocal Agreement

    Robert Connors, Managing Editor|Updated Mar 11, 2022

    A new agreement being struck between the City of Lake Wales may result in fairer bills for sewer service. The plan comes after complaints from area residents after the county took over the operations of the sewer system in 2001, and the city purchased the water system. Those purchases came about after the original operator fell into default and was unable to operate the system, which had caused a spill of raw sewage into Crooked Lake, which is rated as Outstanding Florida...

  • High-Speed Fiber Optic Internet Coming to Lake Wales

    Robert Connors, Managing Editor|Updated Dec 22, 2021

    In a long-awaited development, Lake Wales is slated to begin receiving direct fiber-optics residential Internet service beginning in 2022. Fiber optics uses light rather than electrical impulses to transmit data, resulting in much faster speeds and higher data volumes. The new infrastructure is expected to provide an economic boost to the city as more people seek to work from home. A multi-million-dollar investment by Frontier Communications will employ "a small army of...

  • Fish Are Biting, If You Know Where to Try

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Dec 10, 2021

    The fish are biting in area lakes if you know where to go. At Bridgemaster Fishing Products, also known as the Fisherman's Candy Store, we've got a few tips for you. At Lake Walk-in-water, try drifting minnows for speck (crappie). With cooler temperatures bass are starting to move up into shallow cover water, Try a moving bait such as a Ultravibe speed worm, swim jig, or swim bait. For Lake Hatchineha you may do best using Midsouth jigs on outside grass and pads for speck....

  • New Fishing Column Added to Local Coverage

    Tom Paulson, City Editor|Updated Dec 6, 2021

    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...

  • Attorney Kent Lilly Offers Lesson in Value of Role Models

    News.Net Staff|Updated Nov 12, 2021

    By now a familiar voice to fans at Friday night football games, one local volunteer has made a highly successful career out of childhood inspiration, and a thread of football tradition runs through it. Local son Kent Lilly has become something of a legend in his own right. Lilly grew up in Lake Wales, and after Lake Wales High School went on to graduate from the University of Florida with a degree in accounting before heading off to law school at Florida State University,...

  • photo of Dr. Carol Daniel

    Approval Granted for Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program at Webber

    Robert Connors, Managing Editor|Updated Oct 26, 2021

    After a two-year process, Webber International University has been granted approval to offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program. The University has begun accepting applications for students to start their pre-nursing coursework beginning in January of 2022. The word of approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Florida Board of Nursing was welcomed by Dr. Carol Daniel, the program's Chief Nursing...

  • Charter Schools, Community Mourn Loss of Bok South Principal

    Chevon T. Baccus APR, Executive Editor|Updated Aug 20, 2021

    The Lake Wales Charter Schools and the local community are mourning the passing of Dr. Damien Moses, principal of Bok Academy South. "It is with our deepest sorrow that we inform you of the passing of our beloved principal and colleague, Dr. Damien Moses," said Superintendent Alricky Smith in a July 23 email announcing Moses' death. "Dr. Moses was a pillar with the Lake Wales Charter Schools system serving since its inception." Prior to being appointed principal of Bok...

  • Two Babson Park Men Sue Over Crooked Lake Sewage Spill

    Chevon T. Baccus APR, Executive Editor|Updated Mar 5, 2021

    Two Babson Park men have filed suit against the Crooked Lake Park Sewerage Company, claiming they suffered severe life and limb threatening infections after being exposed to raw sewage spilled into the lake last summer. On behalf of W. Trent Farrar and K. Douglas Morrison, attorney Kent Lilly filed the lawsuit March 3 asking for unspecified damages of at least $100,000. The suit claims the sewerage company unlawfully discharged an estimated 95,000 gallons of raw sewage into...

  • Letter to Our Readers as We Celebrate 1st Anniversary as Your Local News Site

    Chevon T. Baccus APR, Executive Editor|Updated Jan 10, 2021

    LakeWalesNews.net recently celebrated our one-year anniversary. During our first year we published more than 1,200 stories and about 1,500 photos. This online news site is still a volunteer venture. The editor, writers and photographers receive no compensation. Most of us consider it a public service and a labor of love. We hope you enjoy LakeWalesNews.net and will continue sharing it with others. For those of you with time on your hands (like, most of you) now is the time to...

  • Barbara Kwasny, 1935-2020

    Updated Nov 18, 2020

    Barbara Lou Kwasny, 85, passed away peacefully on Nov. 6, 2020 surrounded by her family. Born March 1, 1935 to Arthur and Lena Ohime in LaPorte, IN, Barb graduated from Stillwell High School, and, on November 7, 1953 married Raymond Kwasny. Ray and Barb moved to Lake Wales in 1979, where they established a thriving real estate business. Barb loved cooking and baking, gardening, water aerobics, and spending time with her family and many friends. She was a member of the local...

  • Free Crooked Lake Heritage Festival Feb. 1

    Updated Jan 28, 2020

    The annual Crooked Lake Heritage Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 1 to celebrate the rich history of Babson Park. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. lakeside on the campus of Webber International University at 1201 N. Scenic Hwy. in Babson Park. The event will feature live music, family fun, food trucks, history displays and art activities. The performance schedule includes: Bok Academy steel drums, 10-10:30 a.m.; Babson Park Elementary Chorus, 10:45-11:15;...

  • 6th Orange Blossom Revue Dec. 6-7 on the Shores of Lake Wailes

    Updated Dec 5, 2019

    Thousands of barbecue, craft beer and music lovers will converge on the shores of Lake Wailes this weekend for the 2019 Orange Blossom Revue. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Lake Wales, the event runs from 4:30-10:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 and noon to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. Admission is free and proceeds from food sales and raffles will support arts and education programs for Lake Wales area youth. The event, in its 6th year, grew out of an annual barbecue hosted by the club....

  • Meet Florida Highwayman Artist Al Black at Pop-Up Event and Sale Nov. 21

    Updated Nov 21, 2019

    Tilted Tiara events is hosting a Florida Highwaymen Pop-up Art Event and Sale Thursday, Nov. 21 in the Rhodesbilt Arcade in historic downtown Lake Wales. The one-day-only event, which includes a wine and cheese reception, is sponsored by Crooked Crown Antiques, Sugar Magnolia Salvage and Melange Antiques and Art Gallery. Al Black, one of the original Florida Highwaymen artists and Kelvin Hair, son of Highwayman Albert Hair, will be on hand from 2 to 8 p.m., bringing their...

  • Defenders of Crooked Lake Issue Health Warning After Heavy Rains Cause Sewage Overflows

    Updated Aug 20, 2019

    The Defenders of Crooked Lake are sounding a health and safety alarm since recent record rains have resulted in overflows of both raw and treated sewage. "Please use caution in the vicinity of standing water in the Crooked Lake Park area. The discharge of wastewater can result in increased concentrations of coliform bacteria and present a risk to human health," said an alert by Defenders President Jim Tully. Tully said the Babson Park area typically receives eight inches of...

  • Betty Jakeway, 1924-2019

    Updated Jun 4, 2019

    Betty Louise Jakeway, 94, of Lake Wales passed away Saturday, May 18 @ 5:35am, at Winter Haven Hospital. She was born June 12, 1924 in Benton Harbor, Michigan to the late Harold and Vernetta M. (Johnson) Harter. She has been a resident of this area since 1971, moving here from Los Angeles, CA, when her husband Dr. Wade Jakeway came to work for Warner Southern College, now Warner University. She coached softball at Warner and umpired for local recreation leagues, drawing from h...

  • Vanguard Given Big Kahuna Prize

    Cassie Jacoby, Staff Writer|Updated Apr 10, 2019

    Congratulations to "Team Planktons," winners of the third annual Big Kahuna Paddle Challenge on Saturday April 6 at Webber International University. Team members Jennifer Nanek, Richard Moody, Dan Hurst and Webber students, along with Bill Redmon at the helm, were victorious, but gave the winning prize to their competitor, The Vanguard School of Lake Wales. It's the third year for Nanek, Lake Wales city clerk, to compete in the event. "The secret to success is teamwork,...

  • Crooked Bass a Magnet for Food and Fun

    Robert Connors, Associate Editor|Updated Apr 9, 2019
    1

    Good food and fun are drawing crowds into the popular Crooked Bass Grill and Tavern, but there's also a fascinating bit of Babson Park history behind the success. Featuring a large and diverse menu and a full bar, the Crooked Bass is already a familiar dinner-time destination for folks in Babson Park and Frostproof, but as its reputation grows, people are making the drive from Lake Wales, Avon Park, Winter Haven, Haines City, and surrounding towns. The project of Tammy and...

  • Crooked Lake Heritage Festival April 6

    Updated Apr 1, 2019

    The 2019 Crooked Lake Heritage Festival will celebrate the rich history of Babson Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 6 at Webber International University. The free event includes live music, history displays, art activities, food trucks and performance by the Babson Park Elementary chorus. At 9 a.m. teams will compete in the Big Kahuna Paddle Challenge. Teams of 10-14 paddlers will race a 29-foot Voyager canoe around a buoy and back to earn the title "Big Kahuna."...

  • Genifer Redmon Chooses Kindness and Respect

    Updated Mar 5, 2019

    Genifer Redmon didn't start her career as a school teacher, but from the sounds of it, it's likely she might finish it as one. Redmon, a graduate of Webber International University, spent six years working as the office manager at a property management firm, but for a time as the university's cheerleading coach as well. It was that part of her work on Crooked Lake that inspired her to a new profession, and the title of Janie Howard Wilson Elementary School of Environmental...

  • Large Circle K Sent Back to Planning

    Jeff Roslow, County Editor|Updated Feb 11, 2019

    Polk County commissioners sent plans for a large gas station and convenience store back to the Polk County Planning Commission after hearing public concerns that the development is too large for the area and might harm Crooked Lake. The gas station – a Circle K is being planned By Atlantic Funding Limited – would be at the intersection of U.S. 27 and County Road 640 just outside Lake Wales. It was proposed to have 28 spaces to pump gas. There would be no overnight par...