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  • photo of Robbie Shields wearing his favorite sports gear

    Lake Wales Soccer Club Serves Hundreds of Area Youth

    Robert Connors, Managing Editor|Updated May 17, 2022

    Persistence and patience paid off for one dedicated Lake Wales man after a request for a sports field for his children ended up benefiting hundreds of area youngsters who participate in the Lake Wales Soccer Club. Fields, a long-time resident of Lake Wales, recognized that area children wishing to participate in the increasingly popular sport had nowhere they could go. A small program at the YMCA was unable to meet the demand, so he began to speak up. "I went everywhere the...

  • There's Some Hot Fishing Action on Area Lakes

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Jan 17, 2022

    With the recent rains and changing temperatures, fish are on the move around southeast Polk. Lakes large and small are seeing good activity. On Lake Kissimmee, always a hot spot, Bass have moved in shallow. When you think you're shallow, go a little bit shallower, into the pads and flags. Throw an Ol' Monster or Junebug for good reactions. On Walk-in-the-Water, Speck fishing is heating up at night using minnows. Drift with a light until you draw their attention. Bass are up...

  • Big Bass Are Getting Active on Area Lakes

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Jan 15, 2022

    The latest reports from area lakes are solid evidence that it's time to break out the tackle and head out. On Lake Walk-in-the-Water, specks being caught in the grass and around the lily pads on jigs. Bass are moving up into shallow water, and getting ready to spawn. Try throwing a "Boy howdy" top-water lure in the morning around isolated cover, switching over to a black blue Senko later in the day. On Lake Hatchineha you should try drifting with minnows out in the middle of...

  • Big Bass Are Biting Now, So Let's See Where the Action Is

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Jan 3, 2022

    It's that time of year when big bass are starting to come out to play. The current hot-spot seems to be Lake Walk-in-the-water, where several giants have been caught on shiners at mouth of the canal. Specks are also being caught by drifting minnows across the middle of lake. On Lake Hatchineha some of the local anglers are catching a few limits of speck in the "hour glass," but bass fishing has still been spotty at best. Folks are catching a few on swim baits in bluegill...

  • The Fish Aren't Taking A Holiday on Area Lakes

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Dec 27, 2021

    There's some action to be found on area lakes despite the unseasonable warmth this holiday period. Start your New Year out right with a fun advneture in pursuit of the perfect catch. Here are some of the specific lures that area fishermen are using with success around southeast Polk waters. On Lake Walk-in-the-water try trolling with a "shinee hinee" in orange and chartreuse in 6ft of water for the big specks. The bass are starting to move up into the shallows. Try keying in...

  • This Week's Fishing Report Shows Where the Action Is

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Dec 20, 2021

    Changing weather and unseasonable warmth has made the fishing a bit unpredictable this season, but there's still plenty of action if you know where to look. On big Lake Walk-in-water, specks are moving into the grass first thing in the morning and late in evening. Go after them with minnows and a slip bobber. Bass are starting to move up into shallow water. Key in on pads and reeds throwing a spinnerbait or a watermelon red senko. For Lake Hatchineha try drifting jigs and...

  • Photo of largemouth bass

    Largemouth Bass May Become Commercial Fish

    News Staff|Updated Dec 16, 2021

    The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has directed staff to move forward with draft rules allowing for the production and sale of largemouth bass following discussion at its December meeting. Statutory changes made during the 2021 legislative session sanctioned the sale of Florida largemouth bass produced in aquaculture facilities for food. Staff worked with the legislature to incorporate genetic authentication standards into rule to ensure the continued...

  • The Weekly Fishing Report Will Guide You To 'Em

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Dec 14, 2021

    The fish are biting in area lakes if you know where to go. Here are a few tips that will help you along. Walk-in-water - Speck bites should pick up this weekend with the full moon. Anglers drifting minnows at night are doing well under the lights. Bass bite picking up. Throw moving baits around isolated cover in shallow water. Hatchineha - First thing in the morning fish the outer grass lines for specks. Put out as many poles as possible with minnows. Bass should be scattered...

  • 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....

  • Bass Fishing Tournament Draws Hundreds to Camp Mack Saturday

    Tom Paulson, City Editor|Updated Dec 3, 2021

    Hundreds of bass fishers, both men and women, are expected to descend on the Lake Wales area this weekend as Camp Mack Resort hosts the Bobby Lane Cup. Some of the top names in national competition will be present for the event, The Guy Harvey resort, located on Lake Kissimmee at 14900 Camp Mack Road will be hosting the 10th annual rendition of the tournament that draws top competitive bass stalkers from across the nation. The tournament will also see a drawing for a new...

  • Lake Wales Defeats Port St. Lucie to Advance to Regional Semifinals

    Tom Paulson, City Editor|Updated Nov 20, 2021

    The Lake Wales Highlanders advanced to the Class 6-A Regional semifinals after a solid game against the Port St. Lucie Jaguars Friday night, emerging victorious by a 35-0 score. Quarterback Trent Grotjan, a Junior, tossed two TDs in the first half to put the Highlanders in command of the game. The first score came on the squad's first offensive play when a toss to Carlos Mitchell covered 52 yards. Xavier Marlow carried the ball across the finish line in both the second and...

  • Highlanders Fall in Regional Semi-finals

    Tom Paulson, City Editor|Updated Nov 20, 2021

    After a strong showing this season, the Lake Wales Highlanders season came to a close in Ocala Friday night as they fell short 24-13 in a defensive battle with traditional powerhouse Vanguard. The game was locked at seven-all at halftime after each team posted quick opening touchdown drives. The game was determined on the strength of defenses as four interceptions, three by Vanguard, made the difference. The Vanguard Trojans also blocked a Lake Wales field goal attempt....

  • Highlanders Face Port St. Lucie in Playoff Opener

    News Staff|Updated Nov 20, 2021

    After concluding their regular season play with an 8-2 wining record, the Lake Wales Highlanders advance as 6-A District 7 runners-up to the Florida High School Athletic Association playoffs, meeting the PSL Jaguars in Port St. Lucie Friday night. Their single loss to Auburndale by a 14-8 score left them with a 3-1 record in District play. The Jaguars finished their season with a 7-2 record, but remained undefeated with a 3-0 record in their Division play, giving them a home-f...

  • Lake Wales High Track Team Makes Impressive Showing at Meet

    Updated Nov 8, 2021

    The Lake Wales High School Cross Country athletes ran in competition at Central Winds Park in Winter Springs on Saturday, October 30 in the FHSAA 3A District 3 Championship 2021. Three boys and three girls participated, so all had to run as individuals because they did not have five to complete a team. Cristal Gomez, a senior, finished 2nd place overall female with a time of 18:39.02 which is a personal record. She was the 1st place non-team finisher qualifying to run at...

  • Highlanders Defeat Rival Bartow, Prepare for Playoffs

    Sports Staff, LakeWalesNews.Net|Updated Nov 6, 2021

    A four-interception defense led the Lake Wales Highlanders to a 24-13 football victory over the Bartow Yellowjackets Friday night on a rain-soaked field in Bartow, leaving the local squad with an 8-2 record over all, and 3-1 in the essential district 6A-7 play. Three of those interceptions came into the hands of the game MVP, Courtney Brown. Lake Wales built an 18-0 lead early in the second quarter as Lake Wales' offense showed its promise for next year when Junior...

  • Highlanders Soccer Team Ready to Start Their 22-game Regular Season

    Robert Connors, Managing Editor|Updated Nov 6, 2021

    After a successful preseason tournament outing at Auburndale this week, the Lake Wales High School Boys Soccer teans are ready to start their regular season on Monday when they will host George Jenkins (Lakeland). November 8, 2021 Monday George Jenkins Home 6:30/8pm November 11, 2021 Thursday Freedom (Varsity Only) Away 7:00 PM November 12, 2021 Friday Bartow Away 6:30/8pm November 16, 2021 Tuesday Discovery (PCCL) Home 6:30/8pm November 18, 2021 Thursday McKeel (PCCL) Home 6/...

  • Highlanders Crush Kissimmee Gateway to Assure Playoff Spot

    Tom Paulson, City Editor|Updated Oct 30, 2021

    Wrapping up their District 7 play with a flourish, the Lake Wales Highlanders overwhelmed Kissimmee Gateway by a score of 58-0 Friday night. The win assures the local eleven a place in the playoffs with a 3-1 record in district play, their only loss coming to Auburndale by a 14-8 score. Multiple turnovers led to quick scores for the Highlanders this week, who built a 30-0 halftime lead after a scoreless first frame. Standout RB Marquish Seabon racked up another 200+ yard...

  • After Win Against Palm Bay, Highlanders Face Kissimmee Gateway Friday Night

    News Staff|Updated Oct 27, 2021

    After seeing their District title hopes dashed in a 14-8 loss to Auburndale two weeks ago, the Highlanders came back to best the Palm Bay Heritage Panthers last week by a 37-30 score, setting up a final District 7 battle with Kissimmee Gateway for a possible ticket to the playoffs. Lake Wales is favored over the 2-6 Gateway, confusingly also nicknamed Panthers, who are winless in the tough District 7. The game will kick off at 7:30 pm. this Friday night in Kissimmee. The...

  • Highlanders Fall Short in Important District Game

    News Staff|Updated Oct 16, 2021

    Hopes for a District 6A-7 championship faded Friday night for the Lake Wales Highlanders football squad lost a defensive battle, falling to the undefeated Auburndale Bloodhounds by a 14-8 score at Legion Field. Auburndale is now in control of the district race, sitting comfortably atop the standings at 3-0. The Highlanders fall to 1-1, with two important games remaining. The local team still has hopes of a playoff berth in the Region based upon final standings and scores...

  • District Title Showdown Happens Friday Night in Lake Wales

    Robert Connors, Managing Editor|Updated Oct 16, 2021

    In what is likely to be the deciding contest of the 2021 football regular season, the Lake Wales Highlanders will face off against the undefeated Auburndale Bloodhounds Friday night at Legion Field. The Bloodhounds have already dominated district rival Heritage Palm Bay by a 20-0 score, and Kissimmee Gateway 47-7. Lake Wales has yet to face either of those teams. The Highlanders have played only a single district game, a 43-27 victory over Melbourne Eau Gallie. There has been...

  • Highlanders Strike Early To Top Hardee, Move to 5-1

    Robert Connors, Managing Editor|Updated Oct 13, 2021

    Returning to the form that marked the early games of the season, the Lake Wales Highlanders struck early and often against the Hardee Wildcats, running up a score of 21-0 barely halfway through the first quarter in a Friday night contest in Wauchula that was never in doubt. Hardee, a non-conference 5-A foe, came into the game with a 3-2 record. The Highlanders' first two touchdowns came on the strength of their explosive ground game led by running back Marquish Seabon, who...

  • Bass Fishing? Try the Classic Plastic Worm

    Florida FWC|Updated Oct 10, 2021

    The more things change, the more they stay the same! One result from the TrophyCatch Hall of Fame 100 survey not shown above is that the plastic worm caught more HOF bass than any other lure! Despite newer lures and the fact that bass have been seeing plastic worms for over 150 years, the plastic worm is still a top bass producer. And for good reason. First, worms are easily rigged weedless, letting you reach bass a crankbait can't touch. They're also fairly economical, so whe...

  • Kids and coaches on Legion Field grass

    New Lighted Football Field May Serve Youth Football Leagues

    Robert Connors|Updated Oct 6, 2021

    A lighted football field proposed for Washington Park near US 27 is expected to make a big difference to hundreds of young people involved in two Lake Wales youth football leagues. The new facility is proposed to be built by Polk County Parks and Recreation using Community Development Block Grant funds. CDBG funds are restricted to projects serving underserved neighborhoods and communities. Among users of the new football facility are likely to be the Lake Wales Youth Football...

  • You Can Help Improve Sports Fishing

    Fish and Wildlife Commission staff|Updated Oct 4, 2021

    The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) wants your help improving data on catch-and-release fishing, especially for redfish, snook and spotted seatrout caught in areas of southwest Florida that are currently catch-and-release only due to the impacts of red tide. "Anglers fishing these areas have their finger on the pulse of what is happening out there," said FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Program Administrator Luiz Barbieri. "By using the iAngler...

  • Lake Wales Highlanders Open Their Title Campaign

    Robert Connors|Updated Oct 2, 2021

    Riding on their 3-1 season record and seeking to repeat as district champs in their new higher classification, the Lake Wales Highlanders football squad will face the Melbourne Eau Gallie Commodores this week. It will be their first district game of the year. Lake Wales enters the game with its powerful ground game intact, with a triple threat of quarterbacks Trent Grotjan and Nick Young and an explosive running back in Marquish Seabon. Corey Harris, Devin Hardy and Carlos...

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