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Volunteers Welcome for Sandhill Habitat Improvement at Bok Tower Gardens February 18

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Volunteers Welcome for Sandhill Habitat Improvement at Bok Tower Gardens February 18
Photo credit: outreach.myfwc.com

Take part as a volunteer in planting native grasses and forbs into an area of the sandhill restoration area at Bok Tower Gardens on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The opportunity comes from the Florida Wildlife Commission, more commonly known as the FWC. This event is a part of their outreach program.

The Mountain Lake Sandhill Site is located at Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. According to myFWC.com, participants will be working in sandhill habitat, roughly ¼ mi. from the dirt parking area. 

The goal for the workday is to target and plant areas of the restoration site with native species, and visibly reduce coverage of natal grass with minimal ground disturbance. 

Participants are encouraged to bring plenty of water and snacks; some snacks will be provided. Long pants, closed-toed shoes, hat and sunscreen are highly recommended. Also, working gloves and your favorite work tools are welcome. Insects are usually not a problem but bring bug spray if desired.

This event is a partnership between Bok Tower Gardens and Ridge Rangers volunteers. It has become a continuous project because of the successful efforts of previous Ridge Rangers.

To register for this event, use the following link by Feb. 17, 2025: https://outreach.myfwc.com/events/register.aspx?id=1935735&itemid=d0c9e35b-1acf-4125-ae1e-62f0f98511b2

For more information, contact Jonathan Floigno at [email protected] or call 863-991-0198

In Loving Memory of James “Andy” Anthony Brewer, 67, of Lake Wales

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In Loving Memory of James “Andy” Anthony Brewer, 67, of Lake Wales

James “Andy” Anthony Brewer, 67

James “Andy” Anthony Brewer of Lake Wales passed away Monday, February 3, 2025 at his residence.

He was born November 29, 1957 in Lake Wales to the late James and Betty Brewer. Andy was a union pipe welder and was a member of the Lake Wales Moose Lodge. He played the guitar in a band and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being outdoors. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Andy was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Greg McMaster. He is survived by his son, Brent Brewer and wife Jena of Lake Wales; sister, Theresa McMaster of Winter Haven; brother, Bobby Brewer and wife Cheryl of Winter Haven; and grandchildren, Carly and Maddie.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales. 

Make a UV Resin Heart Pendant Free at Lake Wales Public Library Feb. 13

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Make a UV Resin Heart Pendant Free at Lake Wales Public Library Feb. 13
Example of a UV heart pendant

The Lake Wales Public Library will host a free class on UV Resin on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, this initial resin class will show you how to make a resin heart pendant for yourself or someone you love! Participants must be at least 18 years of age.

Sign up on Eventbrite here.

Woman Brutally Attacked and Murdered in Auburndale

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Woman Brutally Attacked and Murdered in Auburndale

Arrest Update:
Andrew Alan Ridgeway remains in custody in Georgia awaiting extradition.

If you have any details that may be pertinent to this case, please contact Detective DiGennaro at 863-528-7946 or by email at [email protected]. All tips will remain confidential.

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Original post:

On Thursday, February 6th, 2025, the Auburndale Police Department (APD) initiated a missing person investigation. Stacy Ann Powell (DOB: 04/26/1976), the missing person, had not logged into her work computer since Tuesday, February 4th. Officers responded to Stacy’s residence at 505 Alleria Court in Auburndale and encountered a handyman who had been hired to perform cabinet repairs. The handyman reported, the residents were not home.

While officers were speaking with the handyman, Stacy’s boyfriend, Andrew Alan Ridgeway (DOB: 12/21/1978), contacted him by phone to inquire about law enforcement’s presence at the property. During a phone conversation with the investigating officer, Andrew claimed he was in North Carolina with Stacy’s grandmother. He further stated that Stacy had taken an Uber to Orlando International Airport on February 5th and flown to Jamaica to visit her ill father. However, investigators quickly determined that Andrew’s statements were false. Stacy’s father resides in North Carolina, not Jamaica, and Stacy’s father had also contacted law enforcement after being unable to reach his daughter for two days.

At approximately 7:12 PM on February 6th, Auburndale detectives executed a search warrant at the residence on 505 Alleria Court. Inside, they discovered evidence indicating that Stacy had been brutally attacked and murdered.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of APD detectives and the Polk Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) Crime Scene Technicians, who worked tirelessly until early this morning, the PCSO Identification Section, made a positive identification of Stacy Powell.

This morning, February 7th, at approximately 10:45 AM, Andrew was apprehended in Augusta, Georgia, while driving Stacy’s Dodge Ram pickup truck. He is currently facing charges in Florida for providing false information to law enforcement and homicide.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Sheriff Grady Judd and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for their invaluable assistance in processing the crime scene and supporting this investigation.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with Stacy’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time as they begin to heal and navigate through this painful journey of losing a loved one in such an unnecessary and horrific manner.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Auburndale Police Department at 863-965-5555.

In Loving Memory of Connie Faye Emlyn Hood, 73

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In Loving Memory of Connie Faye Emlyn Hood, 73

Connie Faye Emlyn Hood, 73 

Connie Faye Emlyn Hood of Sebring passed away Monday, February 3, 2025, at Winter Haven Hospital.

She was born November 24, 1951, in Tampa to the late Woodrow and Ruby Emlyn; she has been a resident of Polk and Highlands County for many years. Connie was a retired regional manager for Waters Edge Dermatology. She enjoyed making people happy through her cooking. She also enjoyed gardening and traveling. Overall, Connie loved her family, especially her grandchildren.

Connie was preceded in death by her nephews, Christopher Emlyn and Chuck Emlyn. She is survived by her daughter, Gina Reynolds of Sebring; son, Roger Hood, Jr. and wife Michelle of Purcell, Oklahoma; brothers, Terry Emlyn and wife Maria of Plant City and Charles Emlyn of Florida; grandchildren, Kayla, Ryan, Kaden, Maelani; and former husband, Roger Hood, Sr.

Enjoy “An Evening with Muriel Anderson” at Bok Tower Gardens Feb. 11

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Enjoy “An Evening with Muriel Anderson” at Bok Tower Gardens Feb. 11

Muriel Anderson is a guitarist, harp-guitarist and composer who embraces music from all over the world with grace, joy and gentle humor. If you’re not already familiar with Muriel, you will find yourself smiling when you feel the joy of her music shining through an array of styles.

Anderson is performing at Bok Tower Gardens on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at
7:00 p.m.

The performance is free for members, $20 for non-member adults, $10 for non-member children ages 6-17, and free for kids 5 and under. No registration is required.

Ticket price includes general admission to the Gardens. Tickets are available for purchase at boktower.org, in person at the Visitor Center or by phone at 863-734-1222.

Two Juveniles Arrested in Connection with Last Week’s Shooting Near Scenic Hwy.

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Two Juveniles Arrested in Connection with Last Week’s Shooting Near Scenic Hwy.

Two juveniles have been arrested and charged by Lake Wales Police Department in a shooting incident that occurred on January 28, 2025 near Scenic Highway and Osceola Avenue in Lake Wales.

According to the two arrest affidavits provided to Lake Wales Daily, Dontrell Jones, DOB 8/3/2008, and Isaiah Guzman, DOB 10/18/2007, were allegedly in the area of the Tip Top Food Mart, located on Scenic Hwy., on said date.

Mug shot of Dontrell Jones, one of two suspects arrested and charged in the Jan. 28, 2025 Lake Wales shooting. Photo from polksheriff.org.

Several moments after being observed in the area, according to Jones’ affidavit, “(REDACTED) heard multiple gunshots near the area where the juveniles were located at. (REDACTED) described an older model White in color Buick four door (sic) as possibly being a target of the fired shots.”

This affidavit further states that Jones fled from the scene after being lawfully commanded to approach members of law enforcement. As he fled, Jones is said to have thrown “a bag on the train tracks in attempt to discard evidence.” He was ultimately apprehended at that time.

Jones has been charged with one count of Tampering with Physical Evidence (F3), one count of Resisting Officer without Violence (M1), one count of Under 18 Years of Age Unlawful Possession Firearm (M1), and Accessory After the Fact 1st Degree Felony (F2).

According to his arrest affidavit, 17-year-old Guzman was observed by law-enforcement, as they were responding to the scene, walking towards Seminole Avenue.

Mugshot of Isaiah Guzman, the second suspect arrested and charged in the Jan. 28, 2025 Lake Wales shooting incident. Photo provided by PCSO.

A witness, whose information is redacted in this report, is said to have personally known Guzman, was the driver of the Buick in question, and saw Guzman “firing a handgun directly at his vehicle.”

The report states that the “vehicle did not appear to have been struck by any of the rounds.”

“The firearm was later recovered and identified as a Polymer P80 9mm. 9mm shell chasing (sic) were located in the grass directly where Guzman was (REDACTED) firing the firearm“.

Guzman was charged with Discharge of a Firearm on School Property, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Person Under 18 Years Old, Discharge of a Firearm in Public, and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon Without Intent to Kill.

Lakeland Linder International Airport Scheduled for Emergency Exercise on February 11, 2025

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Lakeland Linder International Airport Scheduled for Emergency Exercise on February 11, 2025

Lakeland, FL – Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) will host a full-scale emergency exercise on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This comprehensive simulation evaluates the airport’s emergency response capabilities and ensures effective coordination among community response teams during an aviation-related incident. Regular airport operations will not be affected.

Signage will be prominently placed at the Don Emerson/Drane Field Intersection and the Drane Field/Airfield Ct E intersection to notify the public of the training exercise. Residents and travelers may notice increased emergency vehicles and equipment entering and exiting Drane Field Road and Airfield Court East, near Fire Station 7 and the LAL Terminal Building. There is no cause for public concern as this is a planned training exercise.

The primary goal of this Full-Scale Exercise (FSE) is to allow the Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) community to thoroughly test components of CFR Part 139 in conjunction with additional preparedness, response, and recovery protocols, plans, and procedures, specifically for a downed aircraft incident. This exercise complies with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, which mandate that CFR Part 139-certificated airports conduct a full-scale emergency exercise every three years. These exercises are essential to ensure preparedness and the ability to effectively coordinate among airport staff, tenants, and local response agencies.

This year, an additional component will be added to the day’s schedule- Avelo’s Reunification Plan Tabletop Exercise (TTX). This collaborative exercise, scheduled to take place following the Full-Scale Exercise (FSE), is a timely and valuable addition. With the launch of commercial flights by Avelo Airlines at Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL), the exercise addresses the heightened operational complexity involved with safely and efficiently reuniting individuals separated during an emergency or crisis.

This exercise is not open to the general public; however, members of the media are welcome to attend and cover the event. A designated media observation site will be provided for your convenience. For additional details or to arrange access, please contact Stephanie Lewis, the Lakeland Fire Department’s Public Relations and Information Manager at [email protected].

Lakeland International Airport Avelo Airlines

Public Notice: Caring for our Cemeteries in Winter Haven

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Public Notice: Caring for our Cemeteries in Winter Haven

To ensure our cemeteries remain clean, accessible, safe, and welcoming for all who visit to honor loved ones, the City of Winter Haven will conduct its quarterly cemetery cleanup on February 26, 2025.

During this process, any items that do not comply with cemetery rules and regulations (Ordinance – Chapter 15, Article V) will need to be removed. This includes items not placed in a fixed vase attached to a monument.

If you’ve left personal items you’d like to keep, we kindly ask that you remove them before this.

We appreciate your understanding and support as we work to maintain a peaceful and respectful space for all. If you have any questions or need clarification, please feel free to reach out to us at (863) 291-5761.

Thank you for helping us care for these special spaces.

It’s February: Time to Get Your Spring Edible Garden Started

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It’s February: Time to Get Your Spring Edible Garden Started

Ready to start your spring garden? Thinking about fresh herbs and vegetables? There’s nothing like a fresh cucumber off the vine. Know what, and more importantly, when to plant:.

In Central Florida, these are the plants that can be started from seed or begin being transplanted:


Easily transplant: arugula, beets, boniato, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, collards, eggplant, endive, gingers, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, peppers, sugarcane, Swiss chard, tomatillo, and tomatoes.

Transplant with care: celery, mustard, pineapple, potatoes, spinach, and sweet potatoes.

Use seeds: beans (bush, lima, pole), cantaloupes, carrots, corn, cucumbers, okra, onions (bunching), peas (English, southern), radish, squashes, turnips, and watermelon.

If you’re new to gardening, remember that weather and temperatures can always be unpredictable. By starting transplants too early or too late you can end up with weak plants or late harvests.

Prepare to start seeds indoors or in greenhouse trays 4-8 weeks before the suggested outdoor planting dates.

For larger plants, like watermelon, squash, and pumpkin, you might transplant in as little as four weeks. Similarly, if you are starting plants in small containers, four weeks may be all it takes for them to be ready to move outdoors.

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