Many who are familiar with Lake Wales Care Center have taken part in its various fundraisers at one point or another.  Care Center is well known for hosting an annual charity golf tournament, Run Like You Care 5k/10k, and its annual Empty Bowls auction. For the first time, however, Care Center hosted a clay shoot on Saturday, March 19^th. The event was sponsored by The Story Companies, and lunch was provided by Weikert Ford. In total, 60 shooters participated in 15 different teams.

The event began early Saturday morning at the FFA Training Center in Haines City. Shooting stations were hosted by Catfish Creek Sporting Clays, which is one of the few clay shooting ranges in the area. Shooters took their places at ten different stations, each featuring a different style of clay shooting. For example, one station would throw two clay pigeons one after the other, while another station would throw them simultaneously. The setup of these stations, in combination with the various levels of difficulty, paralleled a golf tournament in some respects.

The winners of the tournament were broken into two categories: best team and best individual. The winning team was from the Polk State College Foundation, including Mike Huff, Tracy Porter, Robbie Manikis, and Keith Hartsfield. The best individual shooters were Tracy Porter (93 out of 100 shots) and Dr. Mark Shabla (95 out of 100 shots). Winners received a commemorative stainless steel tumbler and, of course, an invitation to next year’s tournament.

“I think it was a great first-time event. We hope to make it an annual event,” event sponsor Vic Story said of the event. “I hope that it exposed more people to the mission of Care Center and I had a good time doing it.” The event raised over $10,000 toward Care Center’s ministries.

For more information on how to take part in Care Center’s next special event, visit their website, www.lakewalescarecenter.com, or follow them on Facebook @lakewalescarecenter.

Polk State College Foundation
Mike Huff
Tracy Porter
Robbie Manikis
Keith Hartsfield
With tournament sponsor – Vic Story

Tracy Porter – high score female – 93 out of 100
Dr Mark Shabla – high score male – 95 out of 100
Tournament sponsor – Vic Story

The 90th Annual Easter Sunrise Service at Bok Tower Gardens takes place Sunday, March 27th under a canopy of majestic oak trees as the sun rises over Iron Mountain.

Bok Tower Gardens will present the 90th annual Easter Sunrise Service on Sunday, March 27 at 7 a.m. with free admission from 6 to 8 a.m. An annual tradition since 1926, worshipers are invited to experience the majesty of the sun rising over the horizon atop Iron Mountain. Accessible parking, shuttle service, and seating for guests will be available. The Entrance Gate, Visitor Center and Gift Shop will open at 6 a.m. Donations are suggested.

Gardens’ carillonneur Geert D’hollander will begin the celebration at 6:30 a.m. with a selection of seasonal music performed on the 60-bell Singing Tower carillon.

This year’s service will feature inspirational music presented by the Parkview Christian Life Center “Sounds of Judah Mass Choir,” led by choir director Lekia Johnson. Pastor Henry Babers, of the Parkview Christian Life Center, will deliver an Easter sermon. The service will conclude with a half-hour concert performed by carillonneur Geert D’hollander on the 60-bell Singing Tower carillon.

Following the service, the Blue Palmetto Cafe opens at 8 a.m. for Easter breakfast buffet – $10.95 per adult, $7.95 per child (under 12).

Menu Items Include:

• Scrambled eggs
• Spanish eggs
• Bacon & sausage
• Grits
• Homestyle potatoes
• Assorted pastries
• Fresh fruit
• Beverages (including regular and decaf coffee)
• Florida’s Natural orange juice

At 1 and 3 p.m., D’hollander will perform hymns and other seasonal carillon music for the occasion. Visitors can watch the 30-minute concerts on a video monitor in a special seating area located behind the Peace Lantern near the Tower and meet D’hollander by the Information Booth after the concerts.

After 8 a.m. general admission to the Gardens is $12 for adults and $3 for children ages 5-12. Members and children under 5 are admitted free. Pinewood Estate will be open from 10 a.m. – 4p.m. for an additional fee.

Lake Wales, Florida – According to multiple witnesses an accident currently has S.R.60 blocked eastbound coming into Lake Wales.  The accident is on S.R. 60 and Airport Rd. A vehicle appears to be under a semi tractor-trailer.  We will update as more information comes in.