Q&A With Tammy James Mayoral Candidate for City of Lake Wales

Lake Wales

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March 28, 2022

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Q&A With Tammy James

by James Coulter

Tammy earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Georgia State University and working on the certificate to Master’s degree in Public Administration at the University of South Florida. She has over twenty years of experience in the Private and Nonprofit sectors leading Finance and Operations teams.

She is currently working as a Strategic Advisor with World Wildlife Fund, concentrating on financial stability and sustainability, conservation impact, and development coaching. Tammy James and her husband, Stephen, purchased a family friend’s home in 2016. Stephen is the third generation to call Lake Wales home.

Tammy James is currently running for mayor of Lake Wales against Jack Hilligoss and Curtis Gibson. We recently sat down with her to ask questions about pertinent local issues and her position on them. Here is what she had to say:

Q: The City of Lake Wales is predicted to triple in size in the next 10 years with 8,500 new homes approved in the city limits. What are your plans for the city to facilitate this growth?

A: Lake Wales has been discovered as an extraordinary place, something we’ve known all along. Rapid growth is a significant challenge, and we will need to take a strategic approach to managing future development. Additional services are needed for our city to remain the place we love to live in. It will require us to set, and enforce, high development standards. Lake Wales is the beneficiary of the vision of Edward Bok and Frederick Olmsted who helped make us a City in a Garden. To ensure that new development meets that standard, as mayor I will ensure the coordination of the Development Services department, the CRA, Mainstreet, and the Chamber of Commerce to partner with developers to ensure they are sharing and supporting that vision.

Q: Concerns have been raised about waiving impact fees, especially in light of the approval of new development. These fees are necessary to fund any potential infrastructure. How do you think the city should address this issue?

A: Impact fees are necessary and provide the funding for new infrastructure required by growth, so that current residents aren’t asked to subsidize new ones. Consideration is given to those who are redeveloping areas with pre-existing infrastructure. The city is currently considering adding a “mobility” fee” to help pay for transportation impacts, a move I support. Impact fees rates are continuously reviewed and have been recently increased, but remain lower than in the surrounding areas.

Q: Another prescient concern is education, especially about potential overcrowding and understaffing. How will overcrowding be addressed? Will developers be required to set aside “so much” land for schools? Will you put pressure on the Polk County School Board to allocate funds to the Lake Wales Charter Schools?

A: While the Mayor and Commissioner do not have direct authority with the Charter School system, education is an essential element of a “livable city.” Strengthening the partnership with the County and the school system is necessary. The City can set requirements for large projects, and setting aside acreage for school sites is a serious possibility. The understaffing of schools is not unique to Lake Wales. and uniting the community behind the Charter School system ensures that they can continue to provide an excellent education for our students.

Q: Finally, there’s infrastructure. Many citizens have voiced concerns about Chalet Suzanne Road and their desire to see a sidewalk there. Others want existing streets to be repaved such as the road in front of Spook Hill Elementary. What plans and priorities towards infrastructure do you want the city to implement?

A: Mobility is a required element of a livable city and providing access to mobility is a factor in assuring that our housing remains affordable as well. Mobility includes the issues of safety, congestion, maintenance, and various modes of transportation walking, driving, public transportation, and vehicles. Partnering with county, state, and Federal governments to seek funding for new sidewalks, turn lanes, and similar projects. Strategic planning for infrastructure that will be needed for the future is essential and should be continuously reviewed. I recently attended a luncheon with business leaders where the message was “The best way to predict the future is to create it yourself.”

Lake Wales Man Sought In Brutal Beating Of Elderly Man

Winter Haven

Carl Fish

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March 28, 2022

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Lake Wales Man Sought In Brutal Beating Of Elderly Man

*** UPDATE ON WARRANT FOR DON WALKER ***

43 year-old Don Ray Walker of Lake Wales has turned himself in at the Polk County Jail this morning.

**Original Release **

Winter Haven Police have obtained a warrant for the arrest of 43 year-old Donald Walker (DOB 12/1/78, 6163 Lakeview Dr., Indian Lake Estates, FL) in the brutal beating of a 73 year-old man outside of Publix.

Walker has been identified as the driver who almost struck the victim as he walked out of Publix on Saturday. The victim yelled to the driver and a verbal altercation ensued. Walker then stopped his truck, approached the victim and struck him in the head. The victim told Walker that he was calling police and as he had his cell phone in his hand, Walker approached the man again and knocked him to the ground punching him multiple times. He then grabbed the man’s phone throwing it causing it to shatter and preventing him from calling police.
Video obtained from the China Buffet captured Walker and his family dining and walking out just before the incident occurred.

Numerous tips were received identifying Walker as the suspect. Detectives worked around the clock to obtain a positive ID and have searched for Walker, but he has not been located.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Detective Haynes at 863-287-9459.

Previous Article https://winterhavendaily.com/en/2022/03/26/man-pummels-73-year-old-man-in-publix-parking-lot/

Frostproof Teen Being Charged With Attempted Murder After Allegedly Attacking Ex-Girlfriend and Stabbing Her New Boyfriend Multiple Times

Carl Fish

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March 25, 2022

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Frostproof Teen Being Charged With Attempted Murder After Allegedly Attacking Ex-Girlfriend and Stabbing Her New Boyfriend Multiple Times

Frostproof, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested David Martinez (DOB: 10/27/2002), of Frostproof, and charged him with Attempted Murder and Aggravated Assault.

The following is an arrest affidavit from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by A law enforcement agency. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Daily Ridge does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions) :

“On 03/25/2022, at approximately 1300 hours, the defendant, David Martinez (DOB: 10/27/2002, W/M), did violate the laws of the State of Florida, insofar as follows;

“The defendant did commit the criminal offense of “Attempted First Degree Murder”, an intentional, unlawful act to do violence to the person of another, wherein the defendant did intentionally engage in an act of violence known by the average person to be dangerous, and the act itself was done with malice with no care for human life. The defendant’s actions caused injuries that would result in death or great bodily harm to the victim, VICTIM 1 – REDACTED.

The defendant did also commit the criminal offense of “Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon”, an intentional, unlawful threat by word or act to do violence to the person of another, coupled with an apparent ability to do so, and doing some act, which creates a well-founded fear in the victim, VICTIM 2 – REDACTED, that such violence is imminent.

Specifically:

The defendant had been in a short-term physical relationship with VICTIM 2 prior to the incident date for less than one week.

On 03/25/2022, the defendant met with VICTIM 2 and VICTIM 1, and was informed that VICTIM 2 was re-kindling her relationship with VICTIM 1, ending her relationship with the defendant. The defendant was acquainted with both victims for several years. The defendant returned home, obtained a pocket knife and learned that both victims, and friend REDACTED (witness) would be at Wall Street Park located at 15 Magnolia St. North, in Frostproof, Florida. He then left his residence and went to Wall Street Park, where he encountered the two victims and witness. The defendant approached victim 2, stating that, “I’m crazy” and “I thought you loved me”, and produced the knife from his pocket. The defendant then lunged towards victim 2 with the knife, causing her to be in fear of being cut. VICTIM 1 then stepped between the defendant and victim 2, in an attempt to deescalate the situation and speak to the defendant, which further enraged the defendant, who then began to stab VICTIM 1 repeatedly with the knife. The defendant, while stabbing VICTIM 1, accidently cut himself on the right hand and dropped the knife, and VICTIM 1 grabbed him to prevent him retrieving the knife. VICTIM 2 took possession of the knife to keep it away from the defendant.

The event was witnessed by REDACTED, who was also in the park at an adjacent park bench with her children. REDACTED provided your affiant with a sworn recorded statement, as did REDACTED, friend of VICTIM 2, who also witnessed the attack.

Law enforcement arrived and took the suspect into custody. VICTIM 1 suffered numerous deep and serious stab wounds to his body and was transported from the scene by Polk County Fire Rescue.

VICTIM 1, in a sworn recorded statement, stated to your affiant that he believed that the defendant, by his actions, intended to kill him, and that as a result of the defendant’s actions, feared for his life. The victim further stated that defendant’s unlawful actions were undertaken against the victim’s will. The victim further stated that he thought that the defendant was going to severely harm or kill him.

VICTIM 2, in a sworn recorded statement, stated to your affiant that she believed that the defendant possessed the intent and opportunity to place her life in jeopardy. The victim further stated that defendant’s unlawful actions were undertaken against the victim’s will. The victim further stated that she thought that the defendant was going to severely harm or kill her.

FCIC/NCIC check revealed no prior felony convictions of the defendant.

The defendant was placed under arrest, and transported to the Sheriff’s Processing Center without incident. VICTIM 1 suffered several deep stab wounds requiring immediate surgery.”

Polk Sheriff’s Deputies Investigating An Assault In Frostproof

Carl Fish

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March 25, 2022

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Polk Sheriff’s Deputies Investigating An Assault In Frostproof

Frostproof, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating an assault in Frostproof, Florida. The incident took place sometime afternoon on Friday March 25th. The high concentration of law enforcement was in the area around Wall Park near Wall St. in Frostproof. According to Carrie Horstman, public information officer, with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office some kind of assault occurred and a victim was either slashed or stabbed. We have no further details of the exact cause of the victims injuries. According to Horstman, a suspect has been apprehended and there is no current danger to the public.

This is a developing story and we will update as information becomes available.

Lakeland man with six prior DUI arrests and a suspended license arrested again for DUI after single-vehicle crash

Lakeland

Carl Fish

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March 25, 2022

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Lakeland man with six prior DUI arrests and a suspended license arrested again for DUI after single-vehicle crash

On Thursday, March 24, 2022, PCSO deputies arrested 55-year-old Kevin Patrick of Lakeland for DUI and other charges following a single-vehicle crash. Patrick has had six prior DUI arrests and his license has been suspended for the past nine years.

According to the affidavit, around 6:10 a.m., PCSO deputies responded to a single–vehicle crash on Creekwood Run in unincorporated Lakeland. When deputies arrived they found a bronze 2019 Kia Sportage laying on its roof and the driver’s side rear door was open. On the ground outside the opened door was an open container of alcohol. The vehicle was unoccupied.

Patrick, wet and covered in grass and dirt, was found walking eastbound on Creekwood Run about a mile from the crash site. As deputies approached him, Patrick dropped a small black object on the ground. Deputies retrieved the object, which was the key to the Kia Sportage involved in the crash. Patrick told deputies he found the key and was “thinking someone on Facebook would report it missing” and then he’d give it to that person.

Patrick changed his story and told the deputies that the Kia belonged to his roommate, who is currently incarcerated.

Deputies smelled the odor of alcohol on Patrick and observed his eyes to be bloodshot and watery. He would frequently blink his eyes and spoke with a slur.

Inside Patrick’s jacket was a receipt for gas at the Circle K (10704 US 98 N) in Lakeland. Detectives reviewed the security video at the store which showed the Kia, driven by Patrick, enter the parking lot at around 5:50 a.m. After purchasing gas, he left the store and traveled southbound on US 98. The vehicle failed to stop before entering the intersection and turning left onto Rockridge Road. He then drove north toward the crash location. Deputies spoke to the store clerk, who said Patrick is a frequent customer, who frequently purchases alcohol, and that he asked her that morning if it was too early for him to buy any. He’s also been known to drive the black Kia.

“When someone gets behind the wheel of a vehicle drunk, they have no regard for life. Thank God he didn’t hurt or kill anyone when he was driving under the influence on Thursday. With six prior DUI arrests, Patrick has been given chance after chance to change. Not to mention he’s not even supposed to be behind the wheel of a car because he doesn’t have a valid license. He needs to stay locked up.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Patrick was arrested for:

· DUI 4^th or Subsequent Offense (2 counts) (F3)

· Failure to Give Information at a Crash (F3)

· Refuse to Submit Breath Alcohol Level Test (M1)

· Knowingly Driving with a Suspended License (2 counts) (F3)

· DUI with Property Damage (M1)

He is currently in the Polk County Jail being held with no bond. Patrick’s driver’s license was suspended in 2013. His criminal history includes 7 felonies and 15 misdemeanors for DUI (6 prior arrests), burglary, trespassing, aggravated assault, DUI with property damage, attempted escape, and multiple driving with a suspended license.

Q&A With Jack Hilligoss

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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March 25, 2022

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Q&A With Jack Hilligoss

by James Coulter

Jack Hilligoss has lived and pastored in the city of Lake Wales for a total of 29 years— the first four when he attended Warner Southern College, the last 25 after he returned in 1997 to pastor what is now HighPoint Church. Jack has been married to his wife, Jenelle, for 35 years and they raised three children here in Lake Wales.

His church has grown from a constituency of less than 100 to reaching several hundred every week. HighPoint Church has invested deeply in the city of Lake Wales in the last 25 years. HighPoint has led community-wide efforts to serve the city and schools. They have given thousands of dollars and many thousands of volunteer hours to paint buildings, clean up streets, resource schools and classrooms, help equip emergency responders, and feed students. They have twice been recognized by the city of Lake Wales through proclamation for their service and for the financial savings it created.

In early 2022, HighPoint completed a relocation project to a new location on North Scenic Highway in Lake Wales. The process took over three years and resulted in a win/win for the church and the city as the church’s old location was repurposed as the permanent home of Victory Ridge Academy, a school for special needs students in Lake Wales, which is a great asset to the city.

In 2021 Mr. Hilligoss was appointed to the City Commission of Lake Wales to fill the seat vacated by Commissioner Kris Fitzgerald. He has served in that capacity since and has also served as the Lake Wales Representative to the Polk County Transportation Planning Committee.

Recently, we sat down with Mr. Hilligoss to ask him a few questions concerning his positions on hot button issues. Here is what he had to say:

Q: The City of Lake Wales is predicted to triple in size in the next 10 years with 8,500 new homes approved in the city limits. What are your plans for the city to facilitate this growth?

This is THE ISSUE facing our city at this time. My response to this is “Locally Controlled Growth.” Growth is coming, it cannot be ignored or stopped, so the decision to be made is, “Who will be in charge of it? Who will be in control?” This is why I have been encouraged by and have backed the efforts of our city staff to work with landowners and developers who have sought annexation into our city. The more of this we do the more we control the quality of the development that takes place. Not to mention receiving the financial benefits of growth.

When landowners and developers are working with us rather than the county, we can make sure the development is high quality, provides plenty of green space, reduces monotony, and limits as much as possible the impact on our infrastructure. All of the new developments we have approved aim for these goals and meet these standards and they will need to continue to do so.

If we refuse to take control, if we choose to leave this in the hands of others, the development will simply grow up around us under the supervision and standards of the county. It is that reality, however, that makes me want to work harder as Mayor to facilitate stronger and more cooperative working relationships between the 17 municipalities of Polk and our County Government. I would explore how we can use the League of Cities and other groups like it to create more collegial and cooperative relationships so we can be less reactive and more proactive in planning.

Also, this year, our city staff initiated a year-long land-use study and I am anxious to see what comes of that. I am hoping it will provide a template we can use in future annexation and growth decisions.

One final concern I would share however is we need to be careful how we communicate about growth. There is a great difference and a great deal of time between 8,500 homes being “approved” and them actually being built. “Approved” means different things, there are different levels of “approval”-and a large percentage of development “approved” by any city is never built. Even if all 8500 units are built it will not happen in the next decade and will not triple the population in that time.

I don’t share this to deny that we are growing rapidly and need to deal with it responsibly. I do so because I have read a lot of sensational and irresponsible reporting on this issue in the local Lake Wales paper and, while that may grab readers, it creates a lot of unnecessary apprehension in our citizens.

Q: Concerns have been raised about waiving impact fees, especially in light of the approval of new development. These fees are necessary to fund any potential infrastructure. How do you think the city should address this issue?

In my time on the City Commission, the idea of waiving impact fees has never been raised or considered. I do not anticipate they ever will be. I would not be in favor of it.

The only place that may happen is when we are making an investment in the defined “opportunity zone” or “core development area” of Lake Wales (historic downtown and the Lincoln Ave. historic district) and I see great upside to that with no or minimal impact on the infrastructure of our city.

Q: Another prescient concern is education, especially about potential overcrowding and understaffing. How will overcrowding be addressed? Will developers be required to set aside “so much” land for schools? Will you put pressure on the Polk County School Board to allocate funds to the Lake Wales Charter Schools?

Whenever a development reaches a certain stage of “approval”-and remember not all of these thousands of homes are close to this-Polk County performs a concurrency study to assess if there is the need for future schools.

So, that concern is addressed again at the county level. However, our city staff does use the formulas of the county on their own to try and stay ahead of the curve on those needs.

Polk County currently owns land in Lake Wales that is set aside for the building of future schools should they become necessary and some developers, like the Winter Haven Corporation, which is heading up the largest single development in our area, do work with the city to set aside a piece of their development for future schools. It is always something we can negotiate.

When it comes to funding for the LW Charter Schools, I would be happy to lend whatever help I can, but that is an issue that is completely outside the realm of City Government responsibility.

Q: Finally, there’s infrastructure. Many citizens have voiced concerns about Chalet Suzanne Road and their desire to see a sidewalk there. Others want existing streets to be repaved such as the road in front of Spook Hill Elementary. What plans and priorities towards infrastructure do you want the city to implement?

Citizen concerns about Chalet Suzanne and Thompson Nursery Road are certainly justified. The short, but frustrating, answer to that these are County Roads and not under the jurisdiction of the City of Lake Wales.

Having said that, it doesn’t mean we cannot do anything. I voiced our concerns over these roads to the County Transportation Planning Board in late 2021. Groups of citizens from Lake Ashton have also gone to county meetings and advocated for these needs and concerns. We can also try to get neighborhoods and municipalities to work together to advocate for these needs at the county level.

Just this year an expansion of Thompson Nursery Road was green-lighted as well as the design and installation of a traffic light at a neighborhood entrance on that road. I think neighborhood advocacy played some part in that.

As far as city streets are concerned. Lake Wales adopted a five-year repaving plan and was implementing it consistently up until COVID hit us. In response to that crisis, the City Manager scaled back spending to some degree. However, several city streets are currently slated for repair and repaving this year and next.

Haines City Police Asking For Public’s Help In Catching Robbery Suspect

Haines City

Carl Fish

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March 24, 2022

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Haines City Police Asking For Public’s Help In Catching Robbery Suspect

UPDATE: The man has been identified as Christian Rios, 22, and was arrested on Thursday night in Orlando. We worked with the Orlando Police Department to make the arrest. Thank you to everyone who helped spread the word!

HAINES CITY, FL – The Haines City Police Department is looking for the public’s help in identifying a man who stole money and other items from a local gas station early Thursday morning.
The man pictured arrived at 7-Eleven, 1690 E. Hinson Ave., at about 2:45 a.m. He walked around the store until other customers left before going behind the counter and demanding that employees give him money out of the cash register.

The man had a pocketknife with a four-inch blade that later fell out of his pocket. He was given money
by the cashier and grabbed other items before leaving the scene.

He is described as a clean-cut Hispanic man in his early- to mid-20s with light facial hair. He stands
about 6-foot-0 to 6-foot-2 and weighs between 170 and 180 pounds.

At the time, he was wearing a black hooded shirt, black pants and worn mid- to high-top shoes. He
spoke with a heavy Spanish accent and struggled with his English.

Anyone with any intormation is asked to contact the Haines City Police Department at 803-421-3036
Io remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at I-800.
226-8477 (TIPS) or via the web at www.p3tips.com.

Haines City Bank Robbery Suspect Identified & Arrested

Haines City

Carl Fish

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March 23, 2022

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Haines City Bank Robbery Suspect Identified & Arrested

Haines City, Florida – According to the Haines City Police Department Thomas Wayne Ricks, 55, has been arrested on charges of robbery with a weapon and robbery with a mask — both first-degree felonies.

Ricks entered Citizens Bank & Trust, 36250 U.S. 27, after 11 a.m. on Monday. With his hand in his waistband to insinuate that he was reaching for a weapon, Ricks told the teller to give him money, so that no one would “get hurt”.

He was given cash and left the scene in a white Chrysler minivan. Ricks was arrested on Wednesday afternoon at his home on Watson Lane and transported to the Polk County Jail.

Previous Release:

HAINES CITY, FL – The Haines City Police Department is looking for the public’s help in identifying a man who robbed a local bank after threatening tellers with violence
An older white man wearing a plaid shirt, khaki pants, sunglasses, a surgical mask and a ballcap entered Citizens Bank & Trust, 36250 U.S. 27, after I1 a.m. on Monday. Bank employees told police that the man demanded money and warned that no one would get hurt if the teller complied.
The teller handed the man an undisclosed amount of cash. He grabbed the money, left the location, and ran south. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses showed the man running southwest through the parking lot at McDonald’s, 36204 U.S. 27, toward Maxcy Plaza where what appeared to be a white Chrysler minivan was parked.
He ultimately entered the van and drove from the area. Detectives believe that the man was traveling
south on U.S. 27 before arriving at the location. The investigation is ongoing.
The Haines City Police Department is asking for anyone with any information to call Detective Carlos
Dominguez at 863-421-3636, ext. 2239. To remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward, contact
Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-8477 (TIPS) or via the web at www.p3tips.com.

Lakeland’s Original Sewing and Quilt Expo

Lakeland

Allison

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March 23, 2022

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Lakeland’s Original Sewing and Quilt Expo

by James Coulter

The past two years have provided people with plenty of free time at home. For many, they passed their time sewing and quilting. Such an increased interest in quilting has led to a steady increase in visitors at Lakeland’s Original Sewing and Quilt Expo.

Hosted at the RP Funding Center last week, Lakeland’s Original Sewing and Quilt Expo showcased several dozen vendors and exhibits from boutiques across the county and state, as well as classes and workshops offering lessons on how sewers, quilters, and machine embroiders can improve their craft and technique.

The Original Sewing and Quilt Expo started in 1995 at Kissimmee. It has since moved to Clearwater, and later to Tampa. The event has taken residence in Lakeland since March 2021. Despite starting during a pandemic, attendance for the event has continued to double, explained Mark Ingram, Director of the Event.

“We are more than double last year,” he said. “We did [start] in the pandemic, each time we doubled, and if we come back next year, we will double again.”

As the pandemic has offered copious free time, both for lifelong quilters and sewers, and those starting the craft for the first time, it has allowed for a growing interest that has led to growing attendance, and he hopes that interest and attendance continue to grow, Ingram said.

“I think more people are sewing today than ever,” he said. “This is a real boon in the sewing industry. It is when we have a lot of users and consumers. We have new technology and products introduced. So, when the two come together, it is an inspirational moment. So if you are just starting out getting back into sewing, or you are a seasoned lifetime maker picking up the latest gizmos and gadgets here at the expo, it is where you want to be.”

Sharon Beckett and Mary Goodin of the Ladies of the Lake Quilting Club were one of the many vendors who attended that week. As a local quilting club that supports many causes and endeavors, they attend events such as this whenever given the opportunity.

For Sharon, this was her eighth time visiting the expo, while Mary only visited the expo once. Even then, she was impressed by what it had to offer. “I only been here today, but it is a very big crowd here,” she said. “More than we had in the past, but they are coming back. We most love the variety.”

Stacie Catena runs Inspired Quilting and Sewing in Plant City. She attended the expo representing both the Quilt Store and Kangaroo Sewing Cabinets. She has attended the expo many times throughout the years, and she was happy that this year’s event was larger with more space.

As for what keeps her coming back time and again: “All our customers are here, bringing in a lot of new customers, and getting an opportunity to present new stuff. Just being able to talk to customers, and hear what they like, what they don’t like, what we can bring new next year.”

K & E Little Smokers Wins Chili on the Ridge

Haines City

Allison

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March 21, 2022

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K & E Little Smokers Wins Chili on the Ridge

by James Coulter

What do you get when you combine chicken, pork, and meatballs? You get the winning chili recipe at the annual Chili on the Ridge event, hosted by Haines City Rotary last Saturday.

James Golden of K&E Little Smokers and his team won first place at the annual chili competition. Rather than prepare traditional homestyle chili, Golden decided to offer something slightly more unique.

“The chicken is roasted, the pork is smoked, and the meatballs are the Italian meatballs I sell in my food truck all week,” he said.

Golden originally owned and operated an Italian eatery in Davenport. He has since moved his business into a food truck, which he frequents at various local events such as this.

Not only was he proud to win first place, but he was also humble enough to donate all of his prize money directly to the Haines City Rotary and its proceeds. As for his secret to his success, he owes it to his experimentation.

“[It’s] trying a lot of times and finally hitting it…and trying different recipes until you land on something that works,” he said. “It feels better than third place last year…Looking forward to winning first again.”

K&E Little Smokers won first place. Second and third place went to Straight Up Smokin and Straight Up Green respectively.

Gary Peacock of Pappy Gen 3 won People’s Choice for his chili. Though he was not as boastful as to share his secret, he owes his success to his team and his lovely wife.

This year was his first time attending the annual chili competition. He was inspired to attend after hearing about it on the radio. For his first time attending, he was especially proud to win people’s choice.

“Wonderful,” he exclaimed. “It affirms what I wanted to do.”

Chili on the Ridge is one of the two signature events hosted by the Rotary Club of Haines City. Both are hosted as fundraisers to raise proceeds for scholarships to local high school students.

Hosted at Lake Eva Park, this year’s event received the largest turnout since they first started many years ago, said Rotary President Steve Tiner. More than 250 people attended this year’s event, including more than a dozen teams and several craft vendors.

Tiner owed the overall turnout to the great weather that day. The clear skies and sun were a welcome contrast to last year’s event, which received heavy rain and thunderstorms. That, along with the event serving as a community staple, drew in a much larger crowd than previous years, he said.

“We do this every year, and it benefits the community,” he said. “I think the big story is that all of the money raised goes directly towards scholarships to high school students. We are not sending this out anywhere. We are keeping it in the community. And we look forward to hosting our next big event…and for everyone to come out.”

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