Orange and Crystal Avenue are planned to receive upgrades to their sewer and water lines along with their streetscape work if the City of Lake Wales approves an addendum to a task order.
At their workshop meeting on Wed. Feb. 12, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed an ordinance for an addendum to a task order for the Orange and Crystal Avenue streetscape.
In 2021, the City of Lake Wales had previously approved an agreement with Chastain Skillman for upgrades to Orange Avenue, Crystal Avenue, and Market Street. The task order would include upgrades to storm and water lines.
As the city agenda memo states, the proposed task order will cost $49,700 and “produce construction drawings and a permit application package for the water line and storm upgrades in the vicinity of the Orange, Crystal, and Market Street Streetscape Project.”
The memo further states: “Much of this area has already been mapped by surveyors, but additional mapping will be required for the water line upgrades in the alleys and near the water plant.”
City commissioners will vote on the ordinance at their upcoming city commission meeting on Tues. Feb. 18. 2025 at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall, located at 201 W Central Ave.
Vehicle 1, a Genesis GV80, driven by a 28-year-old Orlando man, was traveling on southbound US-98. Vehicle 2, a Kia Soul, driven by a 51-year-old Lakeland man, was traveling northbound on US-98. South of Stranton Hall Drive, Vehicle 1 attempted to pass another vehicle, entered the path of and struck Vehicle 2. Post-impact, Vehicles 1 and 2 rotated to final rest in the travel lanes and shoulder respectively. Driver 2 suffered fatal injuries at the scene of the crash. Driver 1 and two passengers traveling in Vehicle 2 were transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.
Charles Ronald McCranie, a Tallahassee resident, passed away the afternoon of February 12, 2025, while he was biking, one of his favorite pastimes. He was born in Lake Wales, Florida 74 years ago and was a graduate of Florida State University.
He is survived by Phyllis, his wife of 35 years; his son, Ryan (Mackenzie); stepsons, Allen and Craig (Paige) Thomas and four grandchildren, Cole, Anna, Nathan and Liam. He is also survived by his two younger sisters, Carol Simmons and June Newcomer (Chuck). All will sorely miss him.
Visitation will be held at Lifesong Funeral Home. 20 S. Duval Street, Quincy, FL at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, February 15, 2025.
Jeep enthusiasts, mark your calendars for February 21-23, 2025, as the annual Jeepin’ With Judd event returns to Clear Springs Ranch in Bartow, Florida. This three-day, family-friendly gathering offers a variety of activities tailored for Jeep owners and admirers alike, with all proceeds benefiting Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc.
Picture From PCSO
Event Highlights:
• Trail Rides and Obstacle Courses: Participants can navigate through stock, moderate, and advanced trails designed to challenge drivers of all skill levels. The event also features obstacle courses that test both driver and vehicle capabilities.
• Show-N-Shine: On Friday, February 21, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, downtown Bartow will host the Show-N-Shine event. Attendees can explore local restaurants and shops while enjoying live music. This gathering is open to everyone, providing a vibrant atmosphere for Jeep enthusiasts and the general public.
• Camping: For those looking to immerse themselves fully in the experience, camping is available from Thursday through Saturday nights. Whether you prefer a single night under the stars or the entire weekend, the event accommodates various camping preferences.
• Cheep Jeep Raffle: Don’t miss the chance to win a 2021 Jeep Gladiator Sport S 3.6L V6 4WD, generously donated by Kelley Buick GMC. With a fair market value of $35,500 as of April 16, 2024, this raffle offers an exciting opportunity for attendees. The drawing is scheduled for February 23, 2025, at 3:00 PM.
• Pistol Raffle: For firearm enthusiasts, a commemorative Polk County Sheriff’s Office Ruger Vaquero .45 is up for grabs. With only 2,000 tickets available at a $10 donation each, this limited raffle is sure to attract attention.
Registration and Participation:
While spectators are welcome to attend free of charge, Jeep owners wishing to participate in trail rides and obstacle courses must register their vehicles. The entry fee is $200 per Jeep, granting access to all event activities over the three days. Please note that camping fees are separate, and specialty trails may require additional passes.
Photo from PCSO
Family-Friendly Environment:
Jeepin’ With Judd prides itself on being an alcohol-free event, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for attendees of all ages. Pets are not permitted on the premises, except for certified service animals. Children can look forward to the Power Wheels trail, a dedicated area where young Jeepers can embark on their own adventures.
Location:
Clear Springs Ranch is situated near the intersection of Cox Road and Ledley Ware Road in Bartow, Florida. For detailed directions and additional information, visit the official event website.
Whether you’re a seasoned off-road veteran or new to the Jeep community, Jeepin’ With Judd 2025 promises an unforgettable experience filled with camaraderie, adventure, and the chance to support a worthy cause.
For a sneak peek of what to expect on the trails, check out this preview of the SAFARI moderate trail:
On Saturday, February 15, 2025, the city of Frostproof, Florida, will host its annual Valentine’s Street Dance, a cherished community event that brings residents and visitors together for an evening of celebration and entertainment. The festivities are scheduled from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM on East Wall Street, transforming the heart of downtown into a lively dance floor.
Attendees can look forward to a variety of attractions designed to create a memorable experience. The evening will feature live music by the Outta Hand Band, known for their engaging performances that span multiple genres, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Complementing the live music, DJ JMoney will keep the energy high with a dynamic mix of tunes throughout the night.
A selection of popular food trucks will be on-site, offering a diverse array of culinary delights to satisfy all tastes. For those looking to capture the evening’s memories, a photo booth will be available, providing fun props and backdrops for attendees to commemorate the occasion. Additionally, beer and wine will be available for purchase, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The Valentine’s Street Dance is a family-friendly event, welcoming attendees of all ages to join in the fun. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor seeking a vibrant community celebration, Frostproof’s Valentine’s Street Dance 2025 promises an evening filled with music, dancing, and heartfelt memories.
Harrison School for the Arts Musical Theatre department is excited to present Curtains on Friday, February 28 and Saturday, March 1 at 7:00 p.m. as well as Sunday, March 2 at 2:00 p.m. in the main theatre.
Curtains is a hilarious, backstage, whodunit musical set in Boston, Massachusetts in 1959. When the talentless leading lady of a floundering theatre troupe mysteriously dies on stage, the cast and crew become suspects. Police Lieutenant Cioffi, an avid musical theatre fan, must solve the case and restore the show in time for its Broadway debut. As secrets are revealed and production numbers are rehearsed and rewritten, the body count rises.
Opening on Broadway in 2007, Curtains received 8 Tony nominations, with a win for David Hyde Pierce in the leading role. The Wall Street Journal hailed it as “a charming and witty homage to musical theatre”. Indeed, though written recently, the musical has all the hallmarks of a classic: glamorous dance numbers reminiscent of Fred and Ginger, larger-than-life characters, and a toe-tapping score that the audience will leave humming. Among all the mystery and intrigue, relationships are reconciled, love is found, and the resilience of the troupe shines through.
Tickets are $18 adults, $16 students/seniors and are available at www.harrisonarts.com/tickets. Harrison School for the Arts is located at 750 Hollingsworth Rd., Lakeland, FL 33801.
On February 9, 2025, the Lake Wales Police were conducting speed enforcement at the intersection of S.R. 60 and Hwy 27 around 10 p.m. An officer reportedly clocked a pickup truck traveling at 68 MPH in a 40 MPH zone. The vehicle was pulled over, and the driver advised that he did not have a driver’s license and instead provided a Mexican passport.
The driver, Primitivo Alvarez (DOB: 6/10/89), was charged with speeding and driving without a license. During the stop, the officer smelled a strong odor of alcohol. Alvarez also appeared to have watery eyes and slurred speech. Additionally, he had three juveniles in the vehicle, ages 12, 9, and 8.
LWPD officers conducted a field sobriety test, which Alvarez reportedly failed. At that point, he was arrested. According to the affidavit, Alvarez refused a breathalyzer test:
“After completing the field sobriety tasks, Alvarez was asked if he would be willing to provide a sample of his breath using the Intoxilyzer 8000 device. He refused to submit to the breath test.”
The suspect was read an implied consent warning but still refused the breathalyzer.
Alvarez was transported to the Polk County Jail and charged with DUI with passengers under 18, driving without a license, and speeding.
Lowell Lee Scott of Rabbit Hash, Kentucky passed away Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at AdventHealth Lake Wales.
He was born February 1, 1940 in Rabbit Hash, Kentucky to the late Jewell and Sarah Scott; he moved to Lake Wales from Kentucky three years go. Lowell was an avid Nascar fan and an engineer who used to build race engines for Nascar.
Lowell is survived by his daughters, Alexis Scott of Fort Bragg, California and Stacie Scott; son, Branden Scott of Lake Wales; sister, Judy Caudill of Florence, Kentucky; and two grandchildren.
TECO Energy is upgrading infrastructure by replacing power poles with underground lines, requiring temporary lane closures. These projects are not overseen by the City of Winter Haven—The City is sharing this update to keep residents informed.
Work will take place in the South Lake Howard Drive area over the next two weeks from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. During this time, lane closures will likely occur. Flagging systems will be in place to facilitate the movement of traffic. No full road closures are anticipated by TECO.
Following the initial two weeks, intermittent shoulder closures may occur while the project is wrapped up.
A serious crash on Hwy 17 at Motorpool Rd has all northbound Hwy 17 lanes blocked starting at Ave. W. Drivers should avoid the area and consider alternate routes. There will be a landing zone for medical helicopter at Champions Church on Havendale Blvd.
