A call to law enforcement about excessive noise leads to the discovery of a victim of a stabbing in Lake Wales this week.
Special Investigations and Traffic Commander Lieutenant Emmanuel Figueroa of the Lake Wales Police Department has stated that, on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at around 9:45 p.m., a call was received with regard to a noise disturbance in the area of Washington Ave. and Jewel St. in Lake Wales.
When officers arrived to the area in question, Figueroa states they were notified by at least one bystander that there was a person hurt on the ground nearby. A male victim was discovered on the sidewalk with stab wounds. Medical assistance was requested and first responders arrived quickly to render aid.
The lieutenant says that, to his knowledge on Thursday afternoon, the victim was in stable condition.
Figueroa would not confirm whether a suspect is in custody at the time of our request for information, as this is an open investigation.
We will update this article as soon as more information is available.
This fantastic 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, built in 2023, offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Located in a desirable area, this home boasts a spacious 2-car garage and a host of modern features that are sure to impress. Key Features: 3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms 2-Car Garage Modern Kitchen & Bathrooms with stylish backsplashes , Open Floor Plan with a spacious kitchen/family room combo and dedicated eating space in the kitchen Ceiling Fans throughout for added comfort Private Primary Bedroom with a large walk-in closet, thoughtfully separated from the other rooms Additional Amenities: Included Appliances: refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, offering ultimate convenience. Internet Access included, ensuring you stay connected. Access to Community Pool & Dog Park, perfect for relaxation and recreation. Exterior & Grounds Maintenance covered, along with sewer and trash services. This home is move-in ready and offers a lifestyle of comfort and ease. Whether you’re looking for your first home or an upgrade, this property checks all the boxes. Dont miss out on this must-see home in Lakeland. Schedule a showing today!
Elizabeth Martinez, affectionately known as Chavela, touched the lives of many with her boundless generosity and compassionate heart. She believed deeply in the joy of giving, always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. A devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great grandmother, Chavela’s kindness and warmth were felt by all who knew her.
Her radiant smile could light up any room, and her zest for life was truly inspiring. She found joy in the simple pleasures – walking along the beach, dancing with abandon, and exploring new places. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family and friends, creating memories filled with love and laughter.
Though Chavela may no longer be with us, her spirit lives on in the hearts of those she touched. Her love, kindness and beautiful soul will be remembered forever.
The City of Winter Haven is considering updating its official seal, which will remain similar to the current seal with the addition of its incorporation year.
At their regular meeting on Mon. Feb. 10, Winter Haven City Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the first reading of an ordinance to have the official city seal updated.
An update to the city seal was recommended by city staff, who have reported that the current embosser for official city documents has aged and needs to be replaced.
As the city memo states: “The original brass die plates have become flattened through the years, distorting the letters on one embosser and the tree on the other. Additionally, the vintage embossers are heavy and cumbersome to operate when sealing a large volume of documents, which is a slow, inefficient process.”
As the embosser requires replacing, staff has likewise recommended that the seal itself be updated along with the machinery. The new seal would resemble the current seal with the addition of the city’s incorporation year of 1911.
The new electronic embosser and custom plates have been estimated to cost between $1,295 to $2,700, which has been budgeted by the City Clerk, and which, as the city memo explains, “would be paid from account 001-00-105-5101 Office Supplies.”
The City Commission will review and vote on the ordinance during its second reading to be hosted at the next scheduled meeting on Mon. Feb. 24.
Officer Carol Bradley dedicated 30 years to serving and protecting the citizens of Winter Haven, leaving a lasting impact on the community.
Officer Carol Bradley dedicated 30 years to serving and protecting the citizens of Winter Haven, leaving a lasting impact on the community. Her career is marked by an unwavering commitment to public safety, community engagement, and mentorship.
After serving in the U.S. Army from 1980 to 1983, Officer Bradley began her law enforcement career in 1986 as a Correctional Officer at Polk Correctional Institution.
In 1991, she made history as the first African American Female Community Service Officer for the Winter Haven Police Department (WHPD), working to strengthen relationships between officers and the community.
In 1993, she transitioned to a sworn officer, earning multiple commendations throughout her career. She was promoted to Patrol Officer II in 1997 and achieved the rank of Master Officer in 2017. Her dedication was recognized with the Chief’s Commendation in 2001, the Optimist Club Award, a Bureau Commendation in 2010 for protecting residential property, and a Letter of Commendation from the community in 2009.
Officer Bradley’s influence extended far beyond traditional law enforcement. In 1998, she became Winter Haven’s first HUD and Homeless Coalition Officer, implementing programs to support individuals experiencing homelessness. From 2006 to 2018, she served as a School Resource Officer, mentoring students and fostering a safe school environment. She also played a significant role in the D.A.R.E. program, educating and inspiring young people throughout Winter Haven.
She received the Circle of Love Award from Ridge Career Center for her work with single mothers and those in need. She also mentored youth in the Orrin Circle neighborhood and remains active in community service through her church.
Beyond her remarkable career, Officer Bradley is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She and her husband, Terry Bradley, have three children—daughters Latisha and Zorita and son Antonio. She is also a proud grandmother to Allure and Nova and mother-in-law to Lamont.
After an extraordinary career, Officer Bradley retired in December 2021, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, compassion, and service. The City of Winter Haven proudly honors her as a local hero, recognizing her profound contributions and the lasting impact she has made on the community.
The Family Business: While there are fewer of them around then there used to be, Polk County is fortunate to have one particular group of dealerships owned by one family. We’re even more fortunate to have the Mahalak family of dealerships because of their great commitment to community, OUR community.
To tell the story of your Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, and Ram dealerships properly, we must take a journey back to 1966 in Michigan. Here, this popular family-owned business was first founded by Ralph Mahalak Sr.
Over the last 59 years, their customer-focused business plan has gradually expanded to establish Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram dealerships in Winter Haven, Lake Wales, and Davenport; they serve Polk County today, and far beyond.
We know they sell quality vehicles, offer parts, and provide great service.
But that’s not all.
Because the Mahalak team’s dedication to local residents, regardless if they are customers, they have found many ways to serve communities in Polk County on a scale that few are aware of:
St. Jude’s: From January 25 – February 25, 2025, the Low Payment Kings are teaming up with 97.5 WPVC for the St. Jude Radioathon to help raise donations to help treat and defeat childhood cancers. The company will make a donation to St. Jude’s on your behalf for every test drive or service visit made at one of their locations.
Jeepin’ with Judd: Jeepin’ With Judd 2025 will be held February 21-23, 2025 at Clear Springs Ranch in Bartow, Florida . Jeepin’ With Judd is a family friendly, Jeep-only family-friendly event. The Low Payment Kings are Sheriff level sponsors again this year and will have a tent set up selling Jeep accessories, as well as various giveaways and raffles.
All proceeds from this event will be donated to Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc. PSCI was officially formed in December 2006, is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization. Its ultimate formation was a result of the tragic murder of Deputy Matt Williams and K-9 DiOGi after a routine traffic stop. The community’s outpouring of emotional and monetary support after that tragic event ultimately demonstrated how a charity like PSCI would be supported, and The Low Payment Kings are proud to support local law enforcement.
Heart of the Badge: Along those same lines, Ralph Mahalak found another way to support our brave first responders through Heart of the Badge. It’s his way supporting first responders; they have window clings at their stores available to the community and a Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/HeartoftheBadge/, offers more information.
18 Aces to Conquer Cancer: 18 Aces is a charity golf event to be held February 24, 2025. The Mahalak Auto Group’s Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund aims to bring awareness of pancreatic cancer, while donating proceeds to the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute for Pancreatic Cancer Research.
Pancreatic cancer spreads rapidly and is seldom detected in its early stages, which is a major reason why it’s a leading cause of death from a cancer diagnosis. Signs and symptoms may not appear until the disease is quite advanced, and surgical removal isn’t possible.
This year’s unique event will be held at The Country Club of Winter Haven, 4200 Country Club Rd. S., Winter Haven. Sponsors can win a Jeep/Ram lease with every hole-in-one; $30 million worth of cars may be given away! One golfer will have a chance to win $1,000,000; 6 golfers have the opportunity to bank $100,000. And all the while, funds will be raised to support pancreatic cancer research.
ARCA Sponsorship: The Low Payment Kings are the Official Safety Vehicle Supplier of the ARCA Safety Initiative at Racetracks Across America (c) including Flat Rock & Toledo Speedways, Daytona International Speedway, and Michigan Speedway.
EPSON Tour: The Low Payment Kings are sponsoring the Central Florida Championship February 24 – March 2, 2025 at Country Club of Winter Haven, which benefits LPGA*USGA Girls Golf.
The Mahalak family business at Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Fiat of Lake Wales, Winter Haven and Posner Park, as well as their dealerships in Monroe, MI, including Monroe Superstore, Buckeye Superstore in Shelby, OH, and LPK Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Defiance in Defiance, OH, is a leader in demonstrating that service to the community is a valued responsibility. All are encouraged to participate and support these, as well as the many other charitable causes across Polk County. Taken care of each other is what it’s all about.
For more information of these upcoming events, or to find out how you can help your community, call Alex Mahalak at 863-412-7476 or visit https://www.low-payment-kings.com/
As of 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, voters in the City of Lake Wales may have at least three candidates to consider on the ballot in April.
Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk for the City of Lake Wales, says that three candidates have filed to run for mayor this far; Jack Hilligoss, Curtis Gibson and Kasen Hampton have each files the initial paperwork.
Both Hilligoss and Gibson have qualified to run, while Hampton has until Friday, Feb. 14 at noon to do so, Nanek says.
Steps to qualify to run for the office include several forms to be filled out, 25 nominating petitions and the filing fee of $161.08.
The formal instruction on qualifying to run for the office of Mayor of Lake Wales is as follows:
File the following forms with the City Clerk during qualifying period, no earlier than 12:00 noon on February 10, 2025 and no later than 12:00 noon on February 14, 2025. (i.e., 11:59 on February 10 is too early, and 12:01 on February 14 is too late):
Appointment of Campaign Treasurer DS-DE 9 (This form must be turned in first before any nominating Candidate Petitions are circulated)
Statement of Candidate, DS-DE 84, Section 106.023, F.S. (If not turned in already), but it must be within 10 days of Filing DS-DE 9 with City Clerk
Candidate Oath required by Florida Statutes Section 99.021
Disclosure of Financial Interests CE FORM 1 confirmation
Qualifying Fee and Election Assessment Total: $161.08 Commissioner Candidates (Make payable to: City of Lake Wales) – (Check must be signed by Treasurer or Deputy Treasurer).
f. Nominating Petitions
g. Acceptance of Nomination
h. Candidate’s Oath, City Code Chapter 8-40
i. Loyalty Oath
j. Notice of Pre-election Test of Machines
Mayor Jack Hilligoss, the current mayor, has been in office since April 2022 and is seeking reelection.
Former City Commissioner Curtis Gibson is also the mall manager at Eagle Ridge Mall and has also begun his campaign.
Kasen Hampton is 18 years old and would be seeking office for the first time.
Any new unregistered candidates seeking to run for the mayor’s office have until noon on Friday, February 14, 2025 to submit all necessary documentation.
In loving memory of Keri Robinson, who passed away at the age of 28 on February 10, 2025, in Lakeland, Florida. Keri was born on August 22, 1996, in Lakeland, and her presence blessed the community with warmth and kindness.
Keri will be remembered as a caring and compassionate individual who embodied strength and resilience. She was dedicated to her role as a mother, and her love for her daughter Faylin was evident in every moment they shared. Professionally, Keri worked as a truck driver for Eastern Metal, where her determination and hard work left a lasting impression. Outside of work, she enjoyed passions such as baking and playing softball, often devoting her time to helping others and bringing joy to those around her.
She joins her grandmother, Ruth Bost, in eternal rest. She is survived by her father, Andrew Robinson; mother, Kristina Robinson; husband, Joshua Edwards; daughter, Faylin Edwards; stepbrother, Chancelor Fields and grandparents Judith and Jasper Elbertson.
Friends and family are invited to gather for a visitation on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Keri’s compassionate spirit will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Tammy Sue Singleton of Lake Wales passed away Friday, February 7, 2025 at AdventHealth Lake Wales under the care of Vitas Hospice.
She was born October 26, 1963 in Batesville, Mississippi to the late James and Sandy Tuttle. Hunting and fishing with her family in Mississippi always brought her joy. She moved to Lake Wales from Byhalia, Mississippi 35 years ago. Tammy was a loving and caring woman whose greatest pleasure was taking care of her family and her home. She lived her life in full color and could always be found with a smile on her face, looking for ways to spread her happiness to others. In her free time, Tammy enjoyed doings crafts, especially ones that required woodworking. She never missed an opportunity to share her faith in God with anyone who was around her.
Tammy was preceded in death by her brother, Tim Tuttle. She is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, Michael Singleton; son, Justin Singleton of Lake Wales; and sisters Debbie Weathers of Byhalia, Mississippi and Lori Wilson of Byhalia, Mississippi.
