(A previous version of this article was published on February 19, 2025. That version erroneously implied that the pension distributions were not available for withdrawal until age 73. The ordinance being considered by the City would allow eligible parties to delay the minimum distribution requirements for their pension until 73 if they should so choose. Lake Wales Daily apologizes for the error.)
Retirees from the Lake Wales police and fire departments may be able to delay receipt of the minimum distribution requirement of their pensions to 73 years of age if the City of Lake Wales approves a minimum age increase.
At their workshop meeting on Wed. Feb. 12, 2025, Lake Wales City Commissioners reviewed two ordinances pertaining to the city’s municipal firefighter’s and police officer’s pension plans. Both ordinances would raise the age requirement for which retirees would be able to receive their minimum benefits from 72 to 73.
These increases are in accordance with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden on Dec 29, 2022. According to the city agenda memo, this act “provides for an increase in ages for required minimum distributions from qualified plans.”
As the memo states: “For many years, retirees were required to begin receiving benefits once they had retired and reached age 70 ½. The first Secure Act, passed in 2019, raised that age to 72. Section 107 of the Secure 2.0 Act of 2022 has further extended the allowable tax deferral by again raising the age by which retired participants must begin to receive benefits.”
Commissioner Carol Gillespie inquired whether there was a choice in the matter. Human Resources Director Sandra Davis replied that retirees would have a choice of when to withdraw, until they reach the minimum age requirement. As for the City, he explained, it does not have a choice to increase the age requirement, as it is required through the Act.
City commissioners were to vote on the ordinance at their city commission meeting on Tues. Feb. 18. at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall, located at 201 W Central Ave.
Florida Highway Patrol responded to an overnight accident on SR-570 near Lakeland and Winter Haven. Here are the crash details:
Vehicle 1, a single unit box truck, was traveling eastbound on SR-570. Vehicle 2, a tractor-trailer, driven by a 51-year-old Tampa man, was traveling eastbound on SR-570 ahead of Vehicle 1. Near the 11.5 Milepost, Vehicle 2 reduced speed while Vehicle 1 did not. As a result, Vehicle 1 collided with the rear of Vehicle 2. Post-impact, both vehicles came to final rest in the outside lane with Vehicle 1 erupting in flames. Driver 1 suffered fatal injuries at the scene of the crash and has yet to be identified. Driver 2 was not injured during the collision.
Recently, mayoral candidate Curtis Gibson shared a video on his personal campaign Facebook page. The video included clips from a 2022 interview in which Sheriff Grady Judd made positive comments about Gibson.
However, after seeing the newly shared video, Sheriff Judd felt it gave the impression that he was endorsing Gibson for mayor. (It should be noted that Gibson included two paragraphs accompanying the video. The second paragraph explicitly states that this was not an endorsement. The Daily Ridge can confirm the original post did not have that information but was added after it was initially.)
Here is the original post information:
Initial post by Mayoral Candidate Curtis Gibson
In response, Sheriff Judd released a video clarifying that he did not endorse Gibson, stating, “I’m not going to endorse him… think about it!”
Here is the video that Sheriff Grady Judd felt was misleading:
From Curtis Gibson Facebook
As you can see candidate Gibson didn’t directly say Sheriff Judd was endorsing him, but we will leave it up to you to decide.
Here is Sheriff Grady Judd’s response. Again this video speaks for itself.
Video Provided By The Polk County Sheriff’s Office
For the reader’s benefit we are going ahead and sharing the “Straight Talk with Curtis Gibson” interview:
Full 2022 “Straight Talk with Curtis Gibson”
Editors Note: The Lake Wales Daily reached out to candidate Gibson and candidate Hilligoss for comment. At this time we have not received a comment by candidate Hilligoss. We have spoken to Gibson and he advised he made a facebook live to explain his position. Here is a link to that live video: Curtis Gibson Mayoral Candidate Lake Wales Florida
Editors Note: Both Candidate Hilligoss & Candidate Gibson have made arrangements to post political advertisements on the Lake Wales Daily news. As we have always maintained we as a media outlet do not endorse any candidates.
In December of 2024 Lakeland Police detectives received information of drug sales occurring in the 1300 block of Regan Avenue in Lakeland. After an intensive investigation, the primary suspect was identified as Sirwayman Foster (age 41). Information was developed that Foster was keeping drugs at his residence but using the Regan Avenue location for sales. On January 30, 2025, detectives served a search warrant at Foster’s address and seized 944 grams of powder cocaine, 96.06 grams of crack cocaine, 296.85 grams of cannabis, 43.7 grams of MDMA, 8 grams of heroin, 1.75 grams of Fentanyl, 3 handguns (2 stolen), 1 shotgun, ammunition, drug paraphernalia and over $29,000 cash.
Foster was arrested and charged with Armed Trafficking in Cocaine, Manufacture of Cocaine, Possession of MDMA over 10 grams, Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Sell within 1000 feet of a Church, Trafficking in Heroin 4 grams or more, Possession of a Structure/Vehicle for Sale of Drugs, Possession of Cannabis with the Intent to Sell within 1000 feet of a Church, Possession of Cannabis over 20 grams and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Great job to our detectives who work so very hard to keep our community safe!
During the February 3rd Davenport City Commission Meeting, city officials approved an addition to the local Wilson Park Splash Pad. This is no surprise, as Davenport’s 2024-25 budget set aside$511,000 for the attraction’s expansion. A company named Freeport Fountain ultimately won the bid to carry out this expansion. Though its initial plan went considerably over-budget with a cost of $683,000, the company eventually revised its plan into two more iterations, one that was underbudget, and another that met the budget exactly.
Render of Freeport’s proposed splash pad expansion. Please note this is not fully representative of the final project.
According to Freeport, “The existing 700 square foot splash pad will be expanded to 1,727 square feet of wet play area plus an additional 457 square foot overspray area.” Additional features include new sprays, dumping buckets, water cannons, and water shields. Bathrooms will also be expanded to accommodate the increased bathing load.
With a cost-efficient proposal that almost triples the original pad in size, city officials were quick to approve the measure. The only concerns were brought up by one official, wanting to make sure the new expansion would be open during the summer season for vacationing students to use; however, the question was left unanswered.
Does anyone love the Super Mario Bros. Movie? I did. You can read all about it in my movie review from two years ago: https://dailyridge.com/2023/04/19/welcome-world-travelers-the-super-mario-bros-is-okey-dokey/
Anyway, I really love the scene early in the movie where Mario and Luigi are having dinner with their family. The meal they’re having is a creamy pasta dish with mushrooms–something Mario hates but which will, ironically enough, help give him powers later in the movie.
I really like seeing different foods in movies. They’re so appetizing and it makes me want to eat it myself. So, since watching that movie, I’ve tried my hands at making similar pasta dishes.
The pasta dish Mario and his family eat looks like a spaghetti dish served with a white Alfredo sauce with mushrooms. So, this recipe will essentially prepare just that: spaghetti with alfredo sauce with sauteed mushrooms.
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This recipe makes for a good meatless meal. However, if you crave some meat, you can always grill some chicken and add it to your dish.
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Creamy Mushroom Pasta (from AllRecipies.com)
Ingredients
16. oz spaghetti or linguini noodles
8 oz. sliced mushrooms
1 onion, chopped and diced
1 tbsp. garlic, minced
1/2 cup butter
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 cups milk
6 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions
1) In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add pasta noodles.
2) Add cooking oil to a medium, non-stick saucepan. Add onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Cook until brown. Set aside in a small dish.
3) Melt butter in a saucepan. Add cream cheese and garlic powder, stirring with a wire whisk until smooth.
4) Add milk, a little at a time, whisking to smooth out lumps. Stir in Parmesan cheese and pepper. Thin with milk if needed.
5) When sauce reaches the desired consistency, add mushrooms and onions and stir, then remove from heat.
6) Either ladle sauce onto individual dishes of pasta noodles or mix the whole sauce into all of the noodles.
UPDATE: One swan thief in custody, detectives continue to search for second thief
Alfredo Casanova turned himself in at the Polk County Jail at approximately 1:30 AM on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 for his active arrest warrant for felony burglary and grand theft for stealing the swans. PCSO Agricultural Crimes detectives are still actively searching for the second suspect, Jordan Montoya. We encourage anyone with information on Montoya’s whereabouts to contact our Ag detectives at 863-534-7205 (8-5 M-F) or 863-298-6200anytime. Tips can be emailed to [email protected]. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways: CALL 1-888-400-TIPS (8477) DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone VISIT the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.comand click on “Submit A Tip” DOWNLOAD the free “P3tips” app on your
Make plans to be a part of the Lake Wales Arts Festival this weekend, Friday, Feb. 21 – Sun., Feb. 23, 2025 on the shores of Lake Wailes, 33 N. Lakeshore Blvd.
Kick off the LWAF with Art-B-Que: BBQ, live music, and fun by the Lake. Art-B-Que is an exciting event that combines mouthwatering BBQ, refreshing drinks, and live music, all set against the scenic backdrop of Lake Wailes. It begins at 5:00 p.m., offering an unforgettable evening of food, entertainment, and community spirit.
Enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner, two beverage tickets, and live music to set the tone for the weekend. Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, or simply looking for a fun night out, this event has something for everyone. Bring the whole family—kids 12 and under eat free! Seating is limited, so be sure to grab your tickets in advance as dinner tickets will not be available at the door. Happy Hour begins at 5:00 p.m, followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m., and live music from 7-9 p.m. A cash bar will be available.
This event marks the kick-off to the 54th Annual Lake Wales Arts Festival, a cherished 54- year tradition celebrating creativity and the arts. With over 60 fine artists and artisans showcasing their original work, the festival is a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and community.
Visitors can explore the festival grounds, discover one-of-a-kind art pieces, and enjoy the LWAF Tasting Trail, featuring local brews and wines from Florida-area breweries and wineries.
Amelia Updike, a founding member of the Lake Wales Arts Festival, said, “The Lake Wales Arts Festival is a true celebration of creativity, community, and the enduring legacy of the arts in our city. As a longtime member of the Lake Wales Chorale and a cantor at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, I have seen firsthand how the arts bring people together, inspire expression, and enrich lives. Supporting the arts has been a passion in my family for generations—beginning with my mother-in-law, Fran Updike, who was not only a talented painter but also a champion for local artists and a driving force behind the founding of the Lake Wales Arts Council. Her dedication to the arts shaped this community, and I am honored to continue that tradition by supporting this incredible festival. I encourage everyone to come experience the beauty, talent, and creativity that make the Lake Wales Arts Festival such a special event!”
The LWAF runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m on both Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025:
10 AM Festival Opens Student Art Show Awards; Location: Community Hospitality Tent
10 AM – 4 PM Hands-on Art Activities, Polk County Kids Tag Art, & Pottery Tryouts; Location: Family Art Activity Tent
3 – 4 PM Performance: Sandy’s Music Girls; Location: Community Hospitality Tent
4 PM Festival Closes
Lake Wales Arts Council Executive Director, Tommy Frank, says, “The tradition of the Lake Wales Arts Festival signifies this community’s longstanding commitment to creativity and the Arts. From its humble beginnings in the Publix Southgate shopping center to its sixteen year stretch in downtown Lake Wales to its move to Lake Wailes Park, the festival has evolved to become a beloved tradition for both locals and visitors alike.”
“The Arts Festival maintains a strong commitment to the artist exhibitors who are invited by creating a full weekend festival that entices visitors and patrons to do more than simply look at art. In the tranquil setting of Lake Wailes Park, patrons can hear great music from local performers, enjoy hands-on art activities for children, sip samples from the Tasting Trail and lounge comfortably while pondering a purchase from an artist. Oftentimes, giving folks a variety of reasons to stay helps to encourage would-be shoppers into art-loving purchasers, taking their new art piece to their home collection or adding it to the business office. We’ve even had teachers collect pieces to display in their classrooms for their students to enjoy.”
“Art-B-Que is one of the many events that I love during the Arts Festival weekend. It brings patrons and artists together who might not get to see each other but once a year. The barbeque served is always great; this year coming from Blackburns BBQ in Eagle Lake. The music is always lively; this year featuring performances from King Rab, Alina, Brittany Donaldson, Veelynnuh and music from DJ Fadez.”
Admission to the Festival is free. For more information or to purchase tickets to the Art-B-Cue, please call (863) 676-8426, visit www.lakewalesartscouncil.org, or email [email protected].
On 11/20/2024, a retail theft occurred at Walmart located at 2120 Highway 92 West, Auburndale, FL. The unknown White female suspect was seen entering the store through the front grocery entrance pushing a shopping cart. Suspect went to the clothing section and concealed multiple clothing items and household items inside her purse. The suspect then walked out of the store passing all points of sale without making any attempt to pay. She was seen leaving in a black SUV.
SUSPECT 1 – White female, with long brown hair, dark sunglasses on top of her head, brown/black/white pattern shirt, black pants, black slippers, and a large brown purse/bag.
If you have any information, please contact Officer Persaud at 863-965-5555 or by email at [email protected]
LAKELAND, FL (February 18, 2025) – On Monday, February 17, 2025, at approximately 9:09 p.m., officers responded to a crash involving a pedestrian near the 3300 block of US Highway 98 North. Based on witness statements and evidence gathered at the scene, prior to the crash, a pedestrian was attempting to cross US Highway 98 North in a westerly direction, not in a marked crosswalk, when he walked into the path of a 2016 blue 2-door Toyota sedan which was traveling southbound at a high rate of speed in the outside lane. The driver of the vehicle, 23-year-old Jason Jules, continued southbound on US 98 and then westbound on Griffin Road where he stopped and fled on foot into a nearby apartment complex.
The Lakeland Police Department Patrol Units, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department arrived on the scene and began life-saving measures. The pedestrian was transported to Lakeland Regional Health with critical injuries.
Jules returned to the scene 44 minutes later, accompanied by family members. Jules was arrested for Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Serious Bodily Injury.
Members of the Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The roadway was shut down for approximately four hours while the scene was processed for the ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Officer Travis Payne at [email protected].
