(64) stories found containing 'hurricane'
Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 64
Central Florida and the Aftermath of Hurricane Ian - How Lake Wales Can Prepare for the 2023 Storm Season
Hurricane Ian is estimated to have caused more than $60 billion in private insured losses in Florida, effectively making it the second-largest disaster loss event on record,... — Updated 1/20/2023
NBA Great Amar'e Stoudemire Guest at McLaughlin Gym Groundbreaking
Thursday was an exciting day for both students and administrators of Lake Wales' McLaughlin Middle/High School as they broke ground for a new $15 million gymnasium, and welcomed... — Updated 12/21/2022
Polk Yard Waste Collection Still Not Complete Months After Hurricane Ian
Almost 10 weeks after Hurricane Ian struck Polk County on September 28, large piles of storm debris remain piled along some Polk County roads. Despite complaints, some residents'... — Updated 12/12/2022
Care Center to Renovate Crystal Lake Apartments After Purchase Finalized
The historic Crystal Lake will Apartments at 282 East Park Avenue are expected to undergo extensive remodeling and exterior refurbishment after their purchase by the Lake Wales... — Updated 12/12/2022
County Declares Emergency Over Garbage Collection Problems
Frustration among Polk County residents in the Lake Wales area spread this week to include the Board of County Commissioners, who have been deluged with complaints from residents... — Updated 11/24/2022
Nicole Passes Over Lake Wales, Limited Impacts Felt
One-time Hurricane Nicole passed over the Lake Wales area this morning, with the broad center of the storm positioned directly over the city at 7:00 am today. Despite gusty winds... — Updated 11/17/2022
Tropical Storm Conditions Expected Here Wednesday and Thursday as Nicole Transitions
The early morning forecast from the National Hurricane Center confirms that once Sub-Tropical Storm Nicole is transitioning to a Tropical Storm, and is likely to reach Hurricane... — Updated 11/10/2022
Sub-Tropical Storm Nicole Promises Much Wind, Rain for Lake Wales
The approach of Storm Nicole has many Lake Wales area residents on edge, but this system is unlikely to be much like what we would normally expect from a hurricane.. As a "sub-tropi... — Updated 11/8/2022
Forecasters Eyeing Potential Development in Bahama Waters
Despite the arrival of dry autumn-like weather, unseasonable warmth has left the door open for possible tropical storm development, and forecasters are now keeping an eye on the... — Updated 11/4/2022
Polk's Disaster Recovery Center Now Open to Assist Residents
Polk County's Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open and ready to provide assistance with FEMA applicant services, SBA, Housing, Department of Children and Family, and Hazard... — Updated 11/4/2022
Federal Disaster Assistance Available for Storm Damage Losses Through Small Business Administration
Lake Wales area homeowners and business owners are eligible for Federal disaster relief following a declaration of disaster by President Joe Biden. The Small Business... — Updated 10/19/2022
Polk Waste Collectors Working 12-Hour Days to Handle Hurricane Debris
Polk County's contracted debris haulers have been working seven days a week, from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., since Oct. 3 to clean up Hurricane Ian's debris. In 15 days of cleanup, AshBritt... — Updated 10/19/2022
Lake Wales Area "Dodges a Bullet" As Hurricane Ian Passes
Downed trees, power outages, and significant flooding were the primary impacts of Hurricane Ian locally. No deaths or injuries were reported to local authorities. The storm weakened... — Updated 10/14/2022
Help Sought to Landscape City Streets
A civic organization working to re-create a historic landscaping plan in Lake Wales is seeking community help. Lake Wales Heritage is a non-profit group working to re-plant the 1930... — Updated 10/9/2022
Hurricane Debris Hotline Available
Polk County residents with questions regarding hurricane debris are advised to call the Hurricane Ian Debris Hotline at (800) 375-0844. This is the only number that will be able to... — Updated 10/8/2022
President Biden's Disaster Declaration Extends Help to Polk
Individuals in Polk County can apply for FEMA Individual Assistance for home repairs, lost and damaged property, food assistance, and more. according to a statement issued by the... — Updated 10/8/2022
Warner University Unveils New Campus Safety Smartphone App
Last year school shootings rose to the highest number in two decades. but according to the U.S. Department of Education, the most reported crimes on college campuses are... — Updated 10/6/2022
Free Legal Hotline in English and Spanish Available to Hurricane Victims
A free legal help hotline is now available for Hurricane Ian victims in the affected counties that include Polk. The hotline is available to connect residents to free legal services... — Updated 10/5/2022
Several Polk Environmental Lands Sites Reopen to the Public
Several Polk County Environmental Lands sites have reopened to the public following Hurricane Ian, including Crooked Lake Prairie, Crooked Lake Sandhill, Gator Creek Reserve, Hickor... — Updated 10/5/2022
Despite Dry, Fall-like Weather, Gun-Shy Residents Keep Eye on Tropics
Unwilling to relax and call it a season, some Florida residents are keeping a close eye on the tropics as some models show a continuing parade of tropical waves moving off Africa... — Updated 10/2/2022
Polk State Opens Monday, Polk Public Schools on Tuesday
Polk State College's campuses and centers will reopen on Monday, including the collegiate high schools, spokesperson Madison Fantozzi reported Sunday. Kyle Kennedy, spokesperson... — Updated 10/2/2022
WEDNESDAY 5:00 PM UPDATE: IAN CARRIES 140 MPH WINDS AS IT HEADS TOWARD LAKE WALES AFTER LANDFALL
WEDNESDAY 5:00 PM UPDATE: NOAA Doppler radar imagery indicates that the eye of Ian has made landfall on the mainland southwest Florida peninsula just south of Punta Gorda near... — Updated 10/1/2022
TUESDAY 8:00 PM UPDATE - Hurricane Ian Predicted to Strike Lake Wales
TUESDAY 8:00 PM UPDATE: Hurricane Ian has continued to deepen as it moves toward Florida and model trends continue to shift the track toward the east, bringing the center of... — Updated 9/28/2022
Lake Wales Area Expected to Experience Direct Impact of Hurricane Ian
UPDATE: Hurricane Ian has continued its trek toward Florida, now with 125 MPH winds. Further intensification is expected during the next 24 hours. The storm is now a Category Three,... — Updated 9/28/2022
Hurricane Shelters Limited in Polk, Here's the List of Locations
There are no shelters designated to open in the Lake Wales area, according to Polk County and Polk School System officials. No explanation has been offered for that situation.... — Updated 9/27/2022