Communication Builds Our Community
Communication Builds Our Community
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Wielding spades and smiles, some two dozen volunteers planted 30 young trees along Fourth Street South in Lake Wales Saturday morning, the first of more than 1,000 trees Lake Wales Heritage intends to plant over several years to complete a historic landscape plan. "People don't know much about Olmsted," volunteer Preston Troutman told a group of 15 students from Lake Wales High School. The students, members of the school's Interact Club, had just help complete the first...
The Lake Wales History Museum will honor Gladys Howell as the 2021 Lake Wales Pioneer of the Year as part of the 45th Annual Pioneer Days Festival at Lake Wailes Park. The recognition celebration will be held during the festival on Saturday, October 23 at 10:00 am. The Lake Wales History Museum's Pioneer Days Festival is synonymous with Lake Wales history and culture, and celebrates the heritage of the greater Polk County community. The two-day event will feature 50 craft &...
Plans and proposals for new housing developments in Lake Wales have come in waves during 2021 and show no sign of abating. More than 8,300 new dwellings are now "visible" on the planning documents at the City of Lake Wales Development Services. Those residences are likely to house more than 23,000 new citizens, an expected population increase of some 140%. "Everybody wants to come where we are," said City Commissioner Robin Gibson, when asked about the growth spurt. "It's a...
Joan Elizabeth Drewel of Lake Wales passed away Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Winter Haven Hospital. She was born August 27, 1938 in Zolfo Springs to the late Harold and Wistalone Licht; she moved to Lake Wales from Stone Mountain, Georgia in 1999. Joan was a retired controller for Edwards Pie Company and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Lake Wales. Joan is survived by her husband of 64 years, Don L. Drewel; daughter, Beverly Joan McVean (Scott) of Bozeman,...
The Lake Wales History Museum will celebrate the community's history and heritage through the 45th Annual Pioneer Days Festival on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 23 & 24. The free community festival held along the shores at Lake Wailes Park features a heritage village that includes dozens of historical demonstrations of pioneer camps and early American trades. Activities are planned from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The public is welcome to experience, learn, share and buy...
A fatal crash between a light pickup truck and a Freightliner resulted in an afternoon-long blockage of US 27 in Lake Wales Saturday. Edwin McMillan, 62, of Lake Wales was southbound on US 27 at 1:15 pm when his Nissan Frontier collided with the left turning truck driven by Sterling Robles of Fresno, California, who was uninjured. The crash occurred at the intersection of Washington Avenue, which has signalized left-turn lanes. If remained unclear which driver had the...
Some viewed his email as a threat to withhold future funding, but Henry McCance says that's not what he intended. The largest donor to Lake Wales Charter schools, McCance says he just wants officials to know that he expects them to show "leadership" to ensure students can safely attend school in-person this year. His recommendation: Mandatory vaccines for all teachers and staff and mandatory masks for students, teachers and staff. "I feel strongly enough about these issues...
Despite a gathering of supporters, a contingent speaking on his behalf, and the endorsement of the mayor, deputy mayor and a number of Republican elected officials, Al Goldstein on July 20 lost his bid to return to his former seat to fill the vacancy created by the suspension of newly elected Lake Wales City Commissioner Kris Fitzgerald. After Fitzgerald defeated him April 6 by just 32 votes, Goldstein lashed out in a media interview, citing racism as a factor, suggesting the...
As of July 19 only three people had expressed an interest in filling the temporary vacancy created by the governor's suspension of newly elected City Commissioner Kris Fitzgerald. Former Commissioner Al Goldstein, who lost to Fitzgerald by 32 votes in the April 6 city election, and rental property owner Richard DeLoach Sr. notified City Clerk Jennifer Nanek they would like to be considered. A third candidate, child care worker James Loydd, submitted a resume July 19. Commissio...
Lake Wales City Commissioners at their July 20 meeting will consider naming a temporary replacement for suspended Commissioner Kris Fitzgerald. The city charter requires commissioners to vote to select a new commissioner within 30 days of a vacancy. Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Fitzgerald July 7, little over a month after she was arrested on felony charges. Interested applicants are asked to submit to City Clerk Jennifer Nanek a resume and letter explaining why they want to...
Despite objections from nearby Ridge Manor residents, the Lake Wales City Commission July 6 approved preliminary plans for an 84-home subdivision on Lake Belle. City Attorney Chuck Galloway said denying the project could subject the city to litigation since the Belle Lago project obtained approval of the city's Planning and Zoning Board and met or exceeded the city's requirements for such a development. Attorney Shelby Loveless, who lives in the area, cited concerns about...
The Lake Wales Little Theatre teen production of Jukebox Diner opens Friday, June 4 for a two-weekend run. Directed by Rob Fritz, performances are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students. They can be purchased online at lwlt.org or by calling 863-676-1266. The box office also is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays at the theatre, which is located at 411 N. 3rd St. in Lake Wales. To see gallery of photos by...
Lois Ruth Jackson, 76, of Lake Wales passed away Monday, March 22, 2021 at her residence. She was born December 3, 1944 in Ransom, KS to the late Robert and Anna Squires; she moved to Lake Wales from Decatur, IL over 30 years ago. Lois was a retired legal secretary. Lois was preceded in death by her sister, Shirley Troxel. She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Bernie Jackson; daughter, Renee; son, Robert Short of Mountain Grove, Missouri; brother, Robert Squires of Decatur, Illinois; eight grandchildren; and several...
Sarah "Sally" Strife Cashel, 89, died peacefully at home on March 8, 2021. She was dearly loved by her husband of 62 years and her large family. She was born on July 11, 1931 in New York, NY, the daughter of the late Dr. Cyril Frederick Strife and Edith Murphy Strife of Hartsdale, NY. She attended Sacred Heart Convent in Albany, NY, and graduated from Sacred Heart Convent in Greenwich, CT. She received her BA degree from Rosemont College, Philadelphia, PA. She also completed...
James Daniel Townson, 75, of Babson Park passed away Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021 at Advent Health Orlando. He was born November 10, 1945 in Oak Ridge, TN to the late Clarence and Velma Townson. James was an electrician for Florida's Natural for 30 years and was still actively working. He loved to fish, watch sunsets, and ride his motorcycle. He enjoyed going to the beach and was a Pastor. James was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters and a granddaughter, Lea Henderson....
Judy Elaine Connelly, 71, of Fort Pierce, formerly of Lake Wales, passed away peacefully Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021 at her residence. She was born January 20, 1949 in Dothan, AL to the late Edlow and Emma Alice Bowden. She was a lifelong resident of Lake Wales until four years ago when she and her husband moved to Fort Pierce to be closer to their daughter. She was a strong Christian woman and a member of Christ Church on the Move. During her professional career worked as a...
This is the twelfth installment in the Lake Wales Renaissance series. Lake Wales City Commissioner Robin Gibson serves as Deputy Mayor and Chairman of the city's Community Redevelopment Agency. Frederick Law Olmsted Sr. is recognized as the founder of the profession of landscape architecture. In the late 1800s he set a standard of excellence that continues to influence landscape architecture today. His two sons carried on and expanded the legendary work of the Olmsted firm wel...
Marjorie Jane Chandley of Atlanta, GA, age 91, passed from this life surrounded by loving family on Sunday, March 1, 2020. Marjorie, daughter of Edgar Reason Chandley and Myra Althea Curtis Chandley, was born in Lake Wales, FL on Sept. 17, 1928. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her sons Charles Edward Chowning, Jr. of Dallas, GA, and Christopher Dru Chowning of Atlanta; grandsons Charles Edward Chowning III (Chelsea) and Justin Grady Chowning; great-grandchildren Jacie...
Marion Wagner, 96, of Lake Wales passed away Monday, Sept. 14, 2020 at her daughter's residence in Winter Haven. She was born July 14, 1924 in New London, CT to the late Rocco and Mary DiPaulo. She moved to Lake Wales from Parsippany, New Jersey in 1978. Marion was the manager for the Mountain Lake 11th Tee Snack Bar for 30 years and she enjoyed visiting friends and shopping. Marion was preceded in death by her husband, Beverly "Bill" Wagner; and eight brothers and sisters....
A vision of restored brick streets and sidewalk cafes under the shade of umbrellas and spreading Live Oaks changed many viewers' ideas of the future of downtown Lake Wales Thursday evening. Those images were among many shared during a 90-minute presentation by consultants and engineers hired by the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to create the "Lake Wales Connected" plan. The plan is designed to attract crowds, and thus business investment, to the neighborhood...
This is the tenth installment in the Lake Wales Renaissance series. Lake Wales City Commissioner Robin Gibson serves as Deputy Mayor and Chairman of the city's Community Redevelopment Agency. Best Bang for the Buck Trees are the best. Their mere presence improves individual property values. Collectively they improve the town's tax base as a whole. The improved value comes from the purchaser's desire to buy the advantages of appearance and aesthetics. Not only do trees...
Lake Wales Arts Council Executive Director Andrew Allen supports the philosophy "when life hands you lemons, make lemonade." Instead of canceling summer arts camp due to COVID-19 concerns, Allen and his staff found a way to move it 100 percent online and to make it free for all. Despite cutting enrollment in half, spending thousands of dollars and countless hours developing plans to keep the children and staff safe, Allen finally realized the increasing numbers testing...
Lake Wales has long been known as "The Crown Jewel of the Ridge," but that didn't happen by accident. It took the efforts of Edward Bok and Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. While many are familiar with Bok, the name of Olmsted, arguably the more significant historic figure, is an enigma. It was Olmsted who designed Bok's famous gardens, as well as Mountain Lake, and scores of private landscapes there. It was Olmsted who designed the Colony House, and our familiar Town Clock. And it...
Pastors, church leaders and other concerned people plan to assemble near the gazebo at Lake Wailes Lake at 7 a.m. Tuesday, June 9 to pray for the city, state and nation. Lake Wales City Commissioner Curtis Gibson presented the idea to Pastor Walter Nelson of IMPACT Church, who immediately started spreading the word. Rather than choose specific people to offer prayers, Nelson sent out an email, providing a corporate prayer for all assembled to use. He suggested bringing the...
This is the fifth installment in the Lake Wales Renaissance series. Lake Wales City Commissioner Robin Gibson serves as Deputy Mayor and Chairman of the city's Community Redevelopment Agency. Dover, Kohl & Partners is an internationally known town planning firm working out of South Miami. Among their many achievements are nationally recognized revitalizations of traditional communities much like Lake Wales. Victor Dover is co-author of the definitive work on the subject...
