Home Blog Page 300

In Loving Memory of Alfred Alonzo Lanier, Sr. 78, of Frostproof

0

Alfred Alonzo Lanier, Sr. of Frostproof passed away Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at Wedgewood Healthcare in Lakeland.

He was born November 4, 1946 in Frostproof to the late George and Mary Lanier; he has been a lifelong resident of Frostproof. Alfred was a retired truck driver and was of the Christian faith. He proudly served as a machine gun operator with the United States Army in the Korean War. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and working outside. 

Alfred was preceded in death by his wife, Rose Lanier; and brothers, George Lanier and Junior Lanier. Survivors include his daughter, Mary Spradley; son, Alfred Lanier, Jr.; granddaughter, Rosemary Fuqua and husband Lee; great-grandchildren, Gabby, Carlton, Nathaniel, and Francis.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Monday, April 7, 2025 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Frostproof with Brother Joe Esquivel officiating. Interment will follow at Silver Hill Cemetery. 

Carillon Bell Tower Coming Soon to Winter Haven

City of Winter Haven:

Coming soon to South Central Park—a Carillon Bell Tower, a generous donation from Tom Oldt. The largest bell will be inscribed, and a plaque will be placed at the project site memorializing the Oldt donation in honor of the late Mr. and Mrs. Oldt, parents of the donor, and Jeri Oldt, his late wife. Along with the Carillon, a decorative fence and landscaping will be installed along its perimeter.

Thank you, Tom Oldt, for your generous donation to our community!

LW Main Street Offering Wine Downtown in Lake Wales April 10

by James Coulter

 

Spring is upon us. The weather is getting warmer. And the flowers and trees are blooming.

What better way to enjoy the spring weather than by taking a stroll downtown with a glass of wine?

You’ll be able to do just that at the upcoming Wine Downtown event on Thur. Apr. 10, 2025 in Downtown Lake Wales.

At their workshop on Wed. Mar. 26, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed an agenda item on the upcoming Wine Downtown event being hosted by Lake Wales Main Street.

The agenda item would approve a permit request to permit the serving of alcohol at the event, which, according to the agenda item, will be “in the downtown on Stuart and Park Avenue and Scenic Hwy. and First Street.”

Wine Downtown, as the name implies, will allow participants to stroll through the scenic downtown area and sample wines from various downtown businesses, which will remain open late during the event.

Not only is the event expected to draw attention and traffic to local businesses within the downtown area, but also help showcase the recently completed revitalization of Park Avenue and Market Plaza, which includes new landscaping, lighting, and wider sidewalks.

The Lake Wales City Commission will review and vote upon the agenda item, along with the rest of the consent agenda, at their next meeting scheduled for Tues. Apr. 1 at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall.

Wine Downtown is scheduled to be hosted within the downtown area on Thur. Apr. 10, 2025, from 4 PM to 8 PM. For more information, visit the Lake Wales Main Street website at: http://www.lwmainstreet.com

Interruption in Water Service Expected for Those Living Around Lake Elbert

City of Winter Haven:

Starting March 31st, 2025, water crews will be making necessary water service line connections to the updated water main line around Lake Elbert. This work is scheduled to be completed on April 11, 2025.

During this time, residents around Lake Elbert may experience having no water periodically. These interruptions are expected to only occur between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. These connections will start on the southeast side of Polk State College and end at Dundee Road.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding.

Road in Downtown Winter Haven Temporarily Closed Friday for Special Event

City of Winter Haven:

Temporary Road Closure Notice

Ave A NW (between 4th St & 5th St) will be closed on Friday, March 28th, from 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM due to Relay for Life special event.

Please follow posted detours for safety.

Quick Response Clears Canal Obstruction Between Lake Eloise and Lake Winterset

Quick Response Clears Canal Obstruction Between Lake Eloise and Lake Winterset

On March 26, 2025, the Lake Region Lakes Management District received a call about an obstruction in the canal connecting Lake Eloise and Lake Winterset. Their crew quickly responded, reaching the site and efficiently removing the blockage.

The district encourages residents to report similar issues. For assistance, contact them at (863) 293-1441 or through their Facebook page.

Lake Wales Live: Daniel Burns Band and More March 28

Head down to Market Plaza, Downtown Lake Wales, on Friday night and make plans to enjoy a fun night in a great space.

Get ready for a lively night of Southern roots rock music, delicious food, and community fun at Lake Wales Live: Daniel Burns Band, from 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Market Plaza, located at 199 Market St. in Lake Wales.

This exciting event is brought to you through a partnership between the City of Lake Wales, Lake Wales Main Street, and the Lake Wales Arts Council.

Head downtown for an unforgettable evening as the Daniel Burns Band takes the stage with their electrifying Southern rock sound. Groove to their vibrant blend of soulful melodies and rock rhythms that are sure to get you dancing in the streets.

While you’re enjoying the music, indulge in tasty treats from a variety of food trucks offering everything from BBQ to tacos to sweet desserts.

Plus, explore local craft vendors showcasing unique, handmade goods that are perfect for finding that special gift or keepsake. Don’t forget to visit the downtown restaurants offering special dining experiences for event-goers.

Whether you’re bringing the whole family or a group of friends, this FREE event promises an evening filled with great music, delicious food, and the vibrant spirit of Downtown Lake Wales.

Two Young Lakeland Men Face Multiple Charges Stemming From Vehicle Burglary

Polk Sheriffs Office Press Release

21-year old Bradley Shaw and 20-year old Caiden Kirkland (both of Lakeland) got #ArrestedByThePolkCountySheriffsOffice at around 3am on Wednesday, March 26th.

The two were up to no-good in the May Grove Village (off of Gibsonia-Galloway Road in Lakeland), and thanks to a man who saw something and immediately said something to the PCSO, it was all stopped.

A man noticed the brake lights lighting up on his neighbor’s parked car. Then he noticed Bradley and Caiden opening car doors. The pair then came across the street and opened a car that belonged to the witness, and he confronted the two young burglars. Caiden and Bradley ran.

911 was called, and the witness began following the duo as they fled in a golf cart.

Deputies caught up to Caiden and Bradley as they tried to ditch their masks and gloves.

Both were arrested and taken to the Polk County Jail and each was charged with: Unarmed burglary of an occupied dwelling (3 counts) (mask enhancement), trespassing (2 counts), loitering and prowling (6 counts), conspiracy to commit burglary, possession of burglary tools, tampering with physical evidence, resisting arrest without violence, burglary of a conveyance, petit theft 2nd offense, and unlawful possession of personal identification.

Bartow Motorcyclist Arrested After Allegedly Fleeing Scene

0

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

Some days, you’re lucky.

And some days, you’re like 31-year old Taron Todd of Bartow.

On Wednesday, March 26th, just before 3pm, a minor crash occurred between a Toyota sedan and a motorcycle at Transport Road and US 17 in Winter Haven. The motorcycle fled from the scene, but the Toyota driver called 911 and followed the motorcycle.

When a deputy caught up to the motorcycle, he recognized the driver as Taron.

The deputy tried to perform a traffic stop, but Taron was committed to his attempt to get away.

His attempt slowly sputtered. Or more accurately, the motorcycle engine sputtered…as if the bike was out of gas.

As the motorcycle began to slow, Taron threw his arms up in the air, then pulled over and dismounted from the bike.

As the deputy exited his patrol car, Taron threw his hands up in disgust again and shouted, “”****, man, I barely hit that guy, I was trying to get away from him, he was chasing me, then you got behind me and I was like ****.” Dude began and ended that sentence with the same word.

Taron was #ArrestedByThePolkCountySheriffsOffice and taken to the Polk County Jail where he was charged with: Aggravated Fleeing the Scene of a Crash with Damages, Littering, Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Property Damage, Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia, Driving without a Valid License, Resisting, Driving an Unregistered Vehicle, and Operating a Motorcycle without a License.

In Loving Memory of Susan Marie Andrews

0
OBITUARY

Susan Marie Andrews

JUNE 7, 1950 – MARCH 19, 2025

Susan Marie Andrews, age 74, of Winter Haven, Florida passed away on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. She was born on June 7, 1950 in Allegan Michigan. Susan moved to Lakeland FL. and studied nursing and radiologic technology at Lakeland Regional Hospital. She married Richard Andrews at First Presbyterian Church in 1971. They settled in Winter Haven in 1975. She raised three children, and supported Grace Lutheran Church community in many ways, including caring for young children in daycare. Susan worked as a x-ray technician for over 20 years in Winter Haven. She traveled widely throughout the United States with her husband in their airstream, and later in life, explored many foreign countries with her family – including Guatemala, Australia, Serbia, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia and Italy. Susan was beloved by her family and loved by all her friends.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Wilfred V. Sandahl and Marian A. Sandahl (nee Dunfield), and two brothers, Richard and Edward Sandahl. Shie is survived by her husband, Richard Spears Andrews, her children: Todd Andrews (Shateel Bin Salah), Julie Beasley (Kevin Beasley), and Sarah Andrews, brothers: James, Charles, and Joseph Sandahl, and grandchildren: Grace Beasley, Gabriel Beasley, Daniel Beasley, Susana Beasley, Elizabeth Beasley, Chloe Beasley, and Myah Beasley.

A memorial service for Susan was held Friday, March 21, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Grace Lutheran Church, 327 Avenue C SE, Winter Haven, FL. A graveside service occurred Monday, March 24, 2025 at 11:30 AM at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Grace Lutheran Church.