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$223K+ in Additional FDOT Funding Approved for Lake Wales Airport Renovations

Staff Reporter
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$223K+ in Additional FDOT Funding Approved for Lake Wales Airport Renovations

by James Coulter

 

Renovations to the airport’s hangars, signage, lighting, and airstrip markings will soon be underway once the City of Lake Wales secures more than $223,00 in funding from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

At their meeting on Tues. Mar. 18, 2025, Lake Wales City Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the three resolutions authorizing amendments to agreements with FDOT to provide additional funding for airport renovations.

The first resolution authorizes $49,665 in additional funding to rehabilitate the apron connected to the t-hangar taxilane on the north side of the airfield. This additional funding brings the total revised cost of the project to $74,665. It is fully funded by FDOT.

The second resolution authorizes $12,224 in additional funding for the rehabilitation of T-hangar taxilane and taxilane bravo. This additional funding will increase the total cost of the project to $96,710. It is a 10 percent match by FDOT with the other 90 percent funded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The third and final resolution authorizes $162,000 in additional funding to update signage to LED lighting, rehabilitate lighting with new base cans, LED light fixtures, and transformers, and facilitate the remarking of the runway. It is a 10 percent match by FDOT with the other 90 percent funded by the FAA.

 

Former LWPD Captain and Vietnam Veteran, Wayne Helm, to be Honored for His Service To City and Country

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Former LWPD Captain and Vietnam Veteran, Wayne Helm, to be Honored for His Service To City and Country
Photos provided with permission by LWPD

Final inurnment will take place for former Lake Wales Police Department Captain Wayne Helm on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL where he will receive Military Honors.

Representatives from Lake Wales Police Department will be travelling to the service; anyone in the community that wishes to be a part of the escort is welcome to meet at the station on Tillman Ave. The procession will leave for Bushnell at 10:00 a.m.

Due to the lengthy distance to the cemetery, the group will not proceed with flashing lights. Those joining the caravan may stop and travel at their own pace.

The service will begin promptly at 1:30p.m.

Thank you to Chief Chris Valasquez and all of the officers for their roles in honoring Captain Helm.

For those who may have missed it, below is Captain Wayne Helm’s obituary:

Wayne Helm, 76

Wayne Helm of Lake Wales passed away Saturday, February 22, 2025 at his residence.
He was born October 20, 1948 in Lake Wales to the late Elmer and Lola Helm; he has been a lifelong resident of Lake Wales.

Wayne was a retired Captain for the Lake Wales Police Department and served with the United States Army in Vietnam. He and his wife, Laura, were fans of the band Alabama and the University of Florida Gators. Before becoming ill, Wayne loved his cigars, going fishing, and playing golf.
Wayne was preceded in death by his wife, Laura Helm; and brother, Gary Helm.

He is survived by friends, Don Williams and Hurley “Sonny” Jones; brother-in-law, Kenneth Waski; many special nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews; and his cats, Peabody and Sherman.

Bunny Trunk Hop & Egg Hunt at Christ Community Church

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Bunny Trunk Hop & Egg Hunt at Christ Community Church

Join us at Christ Community Church in Winter Haven for a FREE family-friendly event that’s perfect for all ages! Enjoy an evening filled with fun, featuring creatively decorated trunks offering candy and prizes.

Time: 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 12, 2025

The event will also include exciting games, photo opportunities, and plenty of giveaways. As the event comes to a close, join in the excitement of an egg hunt to wrap up the festivities. It’s a fun-filled event designed to create lasting memories for families, so don’t miss out! Mark your calendars and bring the whole family for an unforgettable evening of treats, games, and prizes.

Christ Community Church is located at 1895 Overlook Dr, Winter Haven, FL 33884.

Starbucks Confirms New Details on Lake Wales Location

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Starbucks Confirms New Details on Lake Wales Location
BlackBerry Sage Refreshers, currently on the Starbucks menu

Looks like Lake Wales is a step closer to Blackberry Sage Refreshers and Iced Lavender Cream Oatmilk Matchas.

Progress on the new Starbucks location at 23270 US Hwy. 27 in Lake Wales includes the block walls under construction as of March 18. The store is located just north of Slim Chickens on Hwy. 27.

“Starbucks is always looking for great locations to better meet the needs of our customers, and we are happy to confirm that we are pursuing a new location,” states an email received from a Starbucks spokesperson.

“While we don’t have an opening timeframe to share just yet, we are excited to serve the community in the future.”

This store will employ between 20-25 partners (employees), according to the spokesperson.

Lake Wales Daily has requested a rendering of the storefront, but Starbucks has not yet provided one.

Winter Haven Man Arrested After Firing Gun and Threatening to Kill During Argument

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Winter Haven Man Arrested After Firing Gun and Threatening to Kill During Argument

25-year-old Coleton Smith from Winter Haven was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on Monday, March 17th, after losing his temper during an argument. At approximately 5:50 p.m., deputies responded to a report of gunshots and threats to kill at a residence on Overlook Drive.

By the time deputies arrived, Smith had already fled the scene. It was later determined that he was the suspect, having gotten upset during the argument, stormed outside, and shot at a screen door while threatening to kill everyone.

A detective reached out to Smith by phone, but he refused to disclose his location, stating he wouldn’t be going back to jail.

Haines City police later received an anonymous tip that Smith’s vehicle was at Miracle Toyota on US 27. Officers responded, apprehended Smith, and recovered his handgun.

Smith refused to cooperate with the investigation, and he was booked into the Polk County Jail, facing multiple charges, including the use of a firearm during a felony, two counts of aggravated assault, improper exhibition of a firearm, discharging a firearm in a residential area, and culpable negligence.

Victims Dashcam Video Confirms Hit & Run Vehicle- Driver Arrested For DUI & Drug Possession

Carl Fish
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Victims Dashcam Video Confirms Hit & Run Vehicle- Driver Arrested For DUI & Drug Possession

Lake Wales Police Department arrested 31-year-old Cory Alexander Butler on multiple charges, including DUI, possession of cannabis with intent to distribute, and hit-and-run with property damage. The incident occurred around 7pm on March 11, 2025.

Authorities responded to a call regarding a hit-and-run at the intersection of Highway 27 and State Road 60. Witnesses described the suspect vehicle as a gray Honda sedan with front-end damage, fleeing northbound on Highway 27. Detective Raines, while traveling north on Highway 27, observed a vehicle matching that description approach at high speed before cutting him off. Noticing the front-end damage, Det. Raines initiated a traffic stop at Highway 27 and Eagle Ridge Drive.

Upon stopping the vehicle, officers noted that Butler was not in the driver’s seat. They also reportedly detected a strong odor of marijuana from inside the vehicle. A visual inspection revealed a large sum of money in the driver’s seat and a portable ashtray containing what appeared to be a blunt with a green leafy substance. A search of the vehicle uncovered four large plastic bags of cannabis, empty plastic baggies, an empty beer can, and Swisher Sweet cigarillos. A box containing prepackaged cannabis was also found in the glove compartment.

Meanwhile, Butler had been located and detained in the back of a patrol vehicle. Officer Jerome confirmed that dashcam footage from the victim’s vehicle identified Butler’s car as the one involved in the hit-and-run.

Suspecting impairment, officers administered Standard Field Sobriety Tests, including the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, Walk and Turn, and One-Leg Stand. Butler showed signs of impairment on all tests. Additional Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) tests further indicated impairment.

Following his arrest, Butler was transported to Advent Health Hospital in Lake Wales for medical clearance before being booked into the Polk County Processing Center. A breath test yielded results of 0.106 and 0.121, both over the legal limit of 0.08.

Cory Alexander Butler now faces multiple charges, including DUI, hit-and-run with property damage, possession of cannabis over 20 grams, possession of drug paraphernalia, DUI with a blood alcohol level above 0.08, and possession of cannabis with intent to sell or distribute. The case remains under investigation.

Over a Dozen Crews Respond to Evening Structure Fire in Lakeland

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Over a Dozen Crews Respond to Evening Structure Fire in Lakeland

On March 18, 2025, several crews including Polk County Fire Rescue responded to a structure fire on Broken Arrow Trail in Lakeland. 

Over a dozen crews responded. The crews were dispatched at 8:18 p.m. and upon arrival found a fully involved shed-like structure. They quickly had water on the fire and had it under control at 9:00 p.m.

Nathaniel Gale, PIO for Polk County Fire Rescue confirmed there were no reported injuries to either crews or civilians. 

Tickets On Sale Now for “Vintage Hitchcock: A Radio Play” at Lake Wales Little Theatre March 28 – April 13

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Tickets On Sale Now for “Vintage Hitchcock: A Radio Play” at Lake Wales Little Theatre March 28 – April 13

Lake Wales Little Theatre presents, “Vintage Hitchcock: A Radio Play” by Joe Landry, March 28 – April 14, 2025 at LWLT, located at 411 N. 3rd St. in Lake Wales. The show is directed by Lesley Wasson.

Spies, murder, love, and other trademarks of Alfred Hitchcock come to life in the style of a 1940s radio broadcast of the master of suspense’s earlier films. With The Lodger, Sabotage and The 39 Steps, Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play is a triple feature, complete with vintage commercials, that recreates a daring train chase, a serial killer’s ominous presence, and a devastating explosion through the magic of live sound effects.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $14 for students. The program begins at 7:30 p.m. on performance evenings.

To purchase tickets, please visit https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?actions=4&p=1, or purchase from the box office during specific times.

In Loving Memory of Freda Catts Stone

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In Loving Memory of Freda Catts Stone

Obituary for Freda Stone

Life Summary

Freda Catts Stone was born June 19th, 1945 in Ingram County Michigan. Freda was one of 12 children. She was a faithful and dedicated employee of Westgate Resorts, where she was employed for over twenty years.

Freda was preceded in death by her parents Arlie and Dorothy Catts, as well as her brothers Orville, Charles and Vernon and sister Audrey Catts. Also her son Jeffery Stone and husband Albert Stone.

Freda leaves to cherish her memory: 8 sisters Juanita, Thelma, Barbara, Rosie, Ruby, Jewell and Janice. 5 children, Roger, Loretta, Lisa, Kevin and Nathan. Daughter-in-laws Cheryl and Bethany. Son-in-laws Bob and Richard. 12 Grandchildren Augusta, Aiden, Lily, Britney, Heather, Susan, Melissa, Kristin, Albert, Alexandria, Tiffany and Jefferey. 

As well as a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and many loving friends. 

Funeral and service will be held at Holmes Funeral Home in Haines City on Friday 21st at 11am. 

Medical Emergency Leads to Serious Injury Crash on SR-557

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Medical Emergency Leads to Serious Injury Crash on SR-557

Medical Emergency Leads to Crash on SR-557

Polk County, FL – March 18, 2025

A two-vehicle crash on State Road 557 late Tuesday afternoon resulted in serious injuries for one driver after he suffered a medical emergency behind the wheel.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 5:30 PM, north of Old Lake Alfred Road. A 48-year-old man from St. Cloud was driving a Toyota Camry southbound when he lost control due to a medical episode. His vehicle collided with the rear of a Dodge Ram pickup, which was stopped in traffic.

The Camry’s driver sustained serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. The pickup’s driver, a 50-year-old Winter Haven man, was uninjured. However, a 27-year-old male passenger in the pickup sustained minor injuries and was also taken to a hospital.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident, and no further details have been released.

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