Lake Wales, Fla. (Feb. 2, 2022) – The City of Lake Wales Commission approved an agreement with Cobb Site Development, Inc. to perform the construction of the city’s new Park Avenue Connector Trail.
The trail will connect Lake Wailes Park with the historic downtown district at Scenic Highway and East Crystal Ave.
“This is an exciting addition to the Lake Wales trail system,” said Michael Manning, Assistant to the City Manager. “The trail will provide residents and visitors a convenient connection to the historic downtown district from one of our most frequented parks,” Manning noted.
The construction of the 3,000 foot multi-use trail is anticipated to start this spring. Plans include narrowing Park Ave. and closing a section of Third Street to accommodate the trail. Parallel parking will be added to Park Ave.
The Park Avenue Connector Trail is the city’s first step in establishing a network of trails linking residents to parks and area establishments.
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It is the goal of the City of Lake Wales to ensure that the services we provide are as accessible for individuals with disabilities as they are for individuals without disabilities. If this correspondence or any attachments provided do not address your specific needs, please email us and we will work to provide the information to you via alternative means. If you have questions or require additional information, please contact the City Clerk at [email protected]. City of Lake Wales e-mail and web site domain name have changed to Lakewalesfl.gov. E-mails to cityoflakewales.com addresses will no longer be delivered. NOTICE: Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public-records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this department by phone or in writing.
Lake Wales, Florida – On December 9, 2021, Victory Ridge Academy was awarded a $2,500 Gratitude Grant from Elks National Foundation, Inc. and East Polk Elks #2882. All funding received from the Foundation will go towards purchasing equipment for VRA’s newly developed outdoor classroom.
In light of the 2020 pandemic, Victory Ridge converted an outdoor area, previously used for equine therapy, to an outdoor classroom. The outdoor classroom is under a large 40’ x 40’ shade, and contains a concrete perimeter with ADA compliant bleachers beneath it. The school will be using funding awarded from Elks National Foundation to purchase picnic tables and swing sets.
Both staff and students at Victory Ridge Academy would like to thank the Elks National Foundation, Inc. and East Polk Elks #2882 for their generous donation.
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the U.S.A.’s mission is to inculcate the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to recognize a belief in God; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its Members; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship; to perpetuate itself as a fraternal organization, and to provide for its government, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America will serve the people and communities through benevolent programs, demonstrating that Elks Care and Elks Share.
Victory Ridge Academy is a Title 1, 501 (c) (3) non-profit public charter school that exclusively serves children and adolescents with special needs. Victory Ridge Academy is based on the belief of the administration, staff and Board of Trustees that early intervention is crucial to helping children and young adults with special needs to cultivate healthy lifestyles and grow into well-adjusted persons. It is the school’s belief that students need a safe, positive and nurturing learning environment to develop communication skills, social skills, academic and technical skills in order to build their self-confidence and become productive members of society.
For more information about Victory Ridge Academy, please visit the Academy’s website at www.victoryridge.org
Haines City, Florida- The Haines City Police Department is currently investigating a shooting which occurred in front of a Polk County Fire Rescue station in Haines City. The shooting suspect is in custody. The name of the suspect is Robert Earl Greer III.
The following is a long exerpt from the Haines City Police Department affidavit and specifically (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Haines City Police Department. 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) :
Note we have two sets of victims. The first REDACTED/VICTIM is the person directly shot at by suspect. The REDACTED/PCFR VICTIMS that were at the EMS station. Remember as victims their identity and location is protected by Marsy’s Law.
“On Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at approximately 1937 hours, REDACTED/PCFR VICTIM(S) contacted the Polk County Emergency Communications Center (ECC), in reference to a shooting in front of ADDRESS REDACTED, Haines City police officers were dispatched and arrived within minutes to find several spent shell casings in the roadway. The Emergency Medical Services personnel were able to provide a description of the vehicle and its direction of travel. No County personnel or equipment was affected.
While attempting to gather information, the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a call from REDACTED/VICTIM indicating he was shot at. Officers responded to 10th Street and Avenue E, where contact was made with REDACTED/VICTIM.
Officers maintained the crime scenes until detectives arrived. At approximately 2037 hours, I, Detective Stoudemire arrived on scene and assumed the investigation. Upon arrival I was briefed and proceeded to contact REDACTED/PCFR VICTIM(S) who advised they were REDACTED when they heard multiple shots fired.
REDACTED/PCFR VICTIM advised she looked outside the door of the garage to see what was going on, and observed the driver of a black vehicle fire three rounds. REDACTED/PCFR VICTIM advised she was unaware of what or who he may have fired at because she immediately ran for cover. Detective Turner later responded to the scene proceeded to 10th and Avenue E where contact was made with the REDACTED/VICTIM was observed near the intersection. Crime scene tape was placed around the victim’s vehicle and officers secured the integrity of the scene. An inspection of REDACTED/VICTIM’s vehicle, a REDACTED, was conducted. The inspection revealed what appeared to be a single gunshot to the front left quarter panel. Contact was made with REDACTED/VICTIM who agreed to be interviewed. Via a sworn recorded statement REDACTED/VICTIM said the folowing: He was travelling on Hinson Avenue in congested traffic. Due to the trattic, he turned onto 9th Street and drove north. The vehicle in front of him began to drive erratically and began to slam on the brakes.
REDACTED/VICTIM started as the vehicles continue north towards Lily Avenue, the black Toyota Camry in front of him continued to slam on the brakes. REDACTED/VICTIM stated he attempted to go around the vehicle, but could not due to the driver’s erratic behavior. While at the intersection of 9th street and Lily Avenue, the driver of the Camry exited the vehicle told me he recognized the driver to Robert Earl Greer III, whom he has known most of his life. REDACTED/VICTIM told me he asked Greer III if he was okay and indicated he did not want any problems. REDACTED/VICTIM stated Greer III stated, “I’m going through something today.” REDACTED/VICTIM stated he did not exit his vehicle and both vehicles continued onto Lily Avenue and stopped near 10th street. REDACTED/VICTIM revealed that he and Greer exited their vehicles where words were exchanged. At some point during the exchange, it became physical with both men fighting. stated he “got the best of Greer III.” As Greer III proceeded to his vehicle, REDACTED/VICTIM recalled Greer III stating; “You gone die tonight.” REDACTED/VICTIM advised he continued to his home and didn’t think much of it. REDACTED/VICTIM told me he drove to Publix on Hinson Avenue sometime later to pick up dinner. While en route back to his home, he observed the black Camry and followed the vehicle in an attempt to canture the tag number. REDACTED/VICTIM followed Greer III east on Hinson Avenue, where both vehicles proceeded south on 10th Street. REDACTED/VICTIM stated Greer III turned onto ADDRESS REDACTED and drove west. While following the vehicle, Greer III completed a U-turn. As Greer III’s vehicle was next to his, Greer III fired a shot at his vehicle. REDACTED/VICTIM stated he continued west and observed Greer III stop near the EMS station. REDACTED/VICTIM stated Greer III exit the vehicle and fired another 5 rounds towards his car.
The information provided by REDACTED/VICTIM was consistent with the casings located at the scene and with the information provided by EMS personnel. Due to intimate knowledge of Greer III, deputies proceeded to Greer’s listed address in Dundee, Florida. Greer III was not located however, his parents were. No information his whereabout was readily available. Later during this investigation, Greer III’s mother contacted the Polk County Sheriff’s Office advising Greer III turned himself into the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. Contact was made with Sergeant Frias of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office and learned Greer III was being detained. During his detention in Osceola County, it was learned that the vehicle involved in this incident was left at REDACTED ADDRESS.
A criminal history check revealed Greer III has prior felony convictions for Attempt Throw Shoot into building (02/19/2019) and Possession of Controlled Substance (10/02/2019).
Based on the information provided during this investigation, your affiant finds probable cause to charge Robert Earl Greer III, in violation of Florida State Statutes 784.021(1(A).. – Aggravated Assault Deadly w/o Intent to Kill, 790.19. – Shoot into an Occupied Vehicle, 790.15(2) -Discharge Firearm from Vehicle and 790.23(1)(A). Possess Firearm Convicted Felon.”
Missing Lakeland woman’s body found after YouTube group locates her vehicle in a lake
On Wednesday, February 2, 2022, a YouTube group who specializes in searching for vehicles in bodies of water located a 2012 Kia Soul connected to a missing Lakeland woman’s case. The group had been contacted by the family of Margaret “Jan” Smith, who was 59-years old when she was reported missing to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on April 2, 2021.
The group attempted searches at several bodies of water in the area of Ms. Smith’s south Lakeland home, but were unsuccessful. A PCSO deputy informed the group that Ms. Smith had been involved in a minor crash at Socrum Loop Road North and Old Polk City Road in Lakeland the night she went missing. The crash investigator told detectives that she had driven west from the crash scene, although she eventually got turned around because the Kia was discovered in a retention pond north of the crash scene.
With the information about the crash, the group made one last attempt at one of several retention ponds around the Hunters Crossing subdivision and located it completely submerged near the middle of the pond where the water was seven feet deep.
PCSO’s Underwater Search and Recovery Team (USART) pulled the vehicle from the pond, and a female body was discovered in the Kia.
Positive identification remains to be made.
“This was a tragic accident, and our prayers are with the family. We’re grateful for “Adventures with Purpose” working with us in locating the vehicle.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
ORIGINAL NEWS RELEASE:
Date: Wed Feb 02, 2022 17:07:23
From: Polk County Sheriff’s Office
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a death investigation near Victoria Road (near the intersection of Grady Mock Road and Old Polk City Road) in unincorporated Lakeland.
Deputies responded to the area on Wednesday morning, February 2, 2022, at around 10:33 AM, following a report of a vehicle submerged in a retention pond.
The PCSO Underwater Search and Recovery Team (USART) entered the water and confirmed that a brown 2012 KIA Soul was in the water. After the vehicle was removed from the water, a body was recovered from within.
The identity of the victim has not yet been verified, but the vehicle is related to a missing persons case from 2021.
Bartow, Fla. (February 2, 2022) — A Haines City sewer main relocation project will close Johnson Avenue (County Road 580) from U.S. Highway 17/92 to N. 18th Street to traffic for one month starting Monday, February 7. Westbound traffic on Johnson Avenue will detour south along N. 18th Street, then west on Summit Avenue to U.S. Highway 17/92. Eastbound traffic will detour south onto U.S. Highway 17/92, then east on Summit Avenue to N. 18th Street. While detours are short, travel delays and heavy congestion are expected during peak-hour commutes. Motorists should add extra time to trips through the area or consider alternate routes to avoid delays. Contact Bill Skelton with the Polk County Roads & Drainage Division at 863-535-2200 for further details.
HAINES CITY — Qualifying for City Commission Seat No. 2 takes place later this month.
Qualifying will last from Monday, Feb. 14 at 8 a.m. until Friday, Feb. 18 at 12 p.m. Candidates must be residents of Haines City of at least one year and registered voters.
Those interested in running for City Commission must provide photo identification and proof that he or she is a registered voter. Qualifying documents will be accepted by City Clerk Erica Anderson at 620 E. Main St. City Commissioners serve four-year terms and are paid a salary of $11,581 annually. There is a filing fee of $25 and 1% of the annual salary ($115.81), which comes to a total of $140.81.
The municipal election takes place on Tuesday, April 5. In the event that none of the candidates receive greater than 50% of the vote, a run-off election will be held on Tuesday, May 3. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Voters in precincts 402, 407 and 408 will vote at Oakland Neighborhood Center, 915 Ave. E. Voters in precincts 306, 405, 409 and 410 will vote at Haines City Community Center, 555 Ledwith Ave.
The deadline to vote in the regular election is March 7. Should there be a run-off election, the deadline is April 4. To request a mail-in ballot, contact the Polk County Supervisor of Elections at 863-534-5888 or visit www.polkelections.com.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a death investigation near Victoria Road (near the intersection of Grady Mock Road and Old Polk City Road) in unincorporated Lakeland.
Deputies responded to the area on Wednesday morning, February 2, 2022, at around 10:33 AM, following a report of a vehicle submerged in a retention pond.
The PCSO Underwater Search and Recovery Team (USART) entered the water and confirmed that a brown 2012 KIA Soul was in the water. After the vehicle was removed from the water, a body was recovered from within.
The identity of the victim has not yet been verified, but the vehicle is related to a missing persons case from 2021.
That is all we have at this time, and we expect to have more information to release tomorrow.
On Tuesday, February 1, 2022, the Polk county Sheriff’s Office arrested 34-year-old Desmond James Walker II of Haines City on fraud charges. He electronically deposited a county payroll check into his bank account and then, a day later, cashed the check at an Amscot store.
The investigation began on December 7, 2021, when the Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Division contacted PCSO detectives to report a possible payroll fraud incident. During the investigation detectives learned that in October of 2021 Walker had accessed his online employee payroll information using his assigned username and password to make changes to his direct deposit banking institution.
According to policy, when an employee makes this type of change, as an internal security control, the payroll department confirms with the bank, and then on the next paycheck the employee is issued a physical check. Issuing a physical check allows the payroll department to intervene without resulting in a financial loss in the event the change was not made or approved by an employee.
After making changes to his direct deposit information, Walker received his next paycheck of $2,772.06 on November 19, 2021 as a physical check. The same day, Walker deposited the paycheck into his bank account as an online mobile deposit.
The next day (11-20-21), Walker took the physical check, which had already been electronically deposited into his bank account, to Amscot Financial Services in Haines City where he cashed the check, receiving cash minus the check cashing fee.
Amscot attempted to deposit Walker’s paycheck twice; each time was unsuccessful as it had already been negotiated as a deposit into Walker’s bank account. Amscot then sent a letter to the Board of County Commissioners office stating Amscot had sustained a monetary loss as a result of this incident.
Detectives were provided a photo-copy of the check from Amscot that includes a thumb print of the person who cashed the check. The thumbprint was confirmed as belonging to Walker.
Walker admitted to detectives that he spent both the deposited money in his bank account and the cash he received from Amscot for bills and vacation expenses. He also admitted to discovering a missed call from Amscot on his cell phone, but did not return the call. He admitted to deputies that he did not contact his bank, Amscot, the county payroll office, or his supervision about the double payment.
“Those who work in public service are held to a higher ethical standard. Walker will be held accountable for his actions.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Walker was arrested for Scheming to defraud a Financial Institution (F2), Grand Theft (F3), Fraud (F3), and Cashing a Worthless Check with intent to Defraud (F3). He is currently in the Polk County Jail being held on $8,000 bond.
For inquiries concerning his employment status, please contact the Polk County Board of County Commissioners.
Bartow, Fla. (Feb. 1, 2022) — Polk County Waste and Recycling customers experiencing delays in their solid waste collection now have the option to self-haul their residential waste to the North Central Landfill at no additional charge.
Those wishing to self-haul must first call Waste and Recycling’s customer service center at (863) 284-4319 to report their missed collection. At that point, a customer service agent will log their information, verify the missed collection and provide instructions on where to take the items in their missed waste collection.
Only items verified as missed in regular collection pick-up will be allowed to be self-hauled. After the verification process, customers will be contacted by customer service and given a Resident Recovery Service Request number, which will only be valid from the time it is issued until the customer’s next regularly scheduled collection day. Separate numbers will be given for missed residential waste and recycling materials.
Jacqueline (Stidham) Engleman, 84, Mooresville, passed away January 8, 2022, at Franciscan Hospice House, after a lengthy illness. Mrs. Engleman was born August 7, 1937, in Pierceton, Indiana, to the late Lawrence and Bessie (Taulbee) Stidham. She married the love of her life Dr. Jack L. Engleman, DDS on January 30, 1958, and he preceded her in death on December 20, 2018.
Jackie graduated with honors from Parkview College School of Nursing in 1957. She was a registered nurse and worked in her husband’s oral surgery practice for many years. She was a longtime member of the Southport Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis and also the First Presbyterian Church in Haines City, Florida where Jack and Jackie wintered for many years and where they ultimately retired. They also taught AWANAs there for several years. Jackie enjoyed cooking, golfing, playing tennis, reading (especially historical pieces) as well as Bible study. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. Her memory will be cherished by a loving family and many friends.
In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Lowell Stidham, Leah Kay Martin, and Linda Carmichael.
Survivors include her son, Dr. Eric Engleman and wife Janet; daughters, Dr. Erin Wittrig and husband Dr. Matthew, Pastor Eden Pfotenhauer and husband Dr. David, Elana Engleman; seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Private services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Franciscan Hospice House. Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the family. Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
