Mimi Hardman Collections and Research Center Celebrates Grand Opening With Dedication Ceremony

Lake Wales

-

January 25, 2021

0

Mimi Hardman Collections and Research Center Celebrates Grand Opening With Dedication Ceremony

by James Coulter

More than 25,000 historical items, many dating back to the 1850s, will be stored in a refurbished historic building named after the Lake Wales Historic Museum’s founder.

Mimi Hardman, the late Lake Wales museum director whose endeavors helped contribute to the city’s historic preservation, had her legacy honored through the naming of the Mimi Hardman Collections and Research Center.

The center resides within the former 1916 Seaboard Airline Freight Station. The building resided along the Seaboard Airline Railroad that helped bring people and resources to the city. It was later moved to its current location in 1994.

The former weigh station will now house the museum’s collection of more than 25,000 artifacts, documents, and other historical items, many dating as far back as 1852. As the center serves as an extension to the city’s history museum, it was named in honor of the person who founded.

“Mimi Hardman dedicated her life to the preservation of Lake Wales history and heritage,” the city’s website states. “As the founder of the history museum and champion for historic preservation throughout Florida, Mimi is the reason we now have an unparalleled collection of Lake Wales and Polk County materials in our collection, four historic buildings, three train cars, and five historic districts.”

Mimi Hardman and her legacy were honored during the officialdedication ceremony on Saturday morning. The event was hosted by museum staff and a few city officials, including head librarian Tina Peak.

Peak spoke on behalf of Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson, who was unable to attend due to him and other city commissioners being quarantined after City Mayor Eugene Fultz was tested positive for COVID-19.

As someone who has been tasked with aiding the city’s revitalization, Gibson knows that historic preservation is integralto any revitalization efforts, and thus how the local museum is vital in those efforts.

“Each of our historic building can tell its own story, and the combination of those stories can tell us our history, who we are,and where we came from,” said Peak, speaking on behalf of Gibson. “This building has its own story about our railroad heritage and how the railroads helped the development of the inland Florida peninsula in the early 20th Century.”

While the seaboard railroad tracks have since been uprooted and the sawmill and other settlements reliant upon those rails have since vanished without a trace, the weigh station remains as a reminder of the city’s past.

As such, it was only fitting that the building serves as the home for the many artifacts of the city’s history and heritage and named after the person who aided in the city’s historical preservation through the museum.

“I am sure Mimi would be proud and grateful for this moment and this very important dedication,” Peak said on Gibson’s behalf. “The collection and the research to be conducted in this building will help to preserve the other important stories which combine to form our history, who we are, and what brought us here to this moment in time. Thank you, Mimi. Your story continues.”

The center received more than $33,000 in donations from nearly 70 donors for its refurbishment, explained Travis Chapman with the Friends of the Museum, a local non-profit dedicated to supporting the city’s museum.

The new building is one of the many extensions and refurbishments accomplished through the museum within the past five years, thus indicating their mission to further the city’s historical legacy, explained Jennifer D’Hollander Museum Director.

“We are honored to report that we come out of a major transition stronger, better, and more dedicated ever to the historic preservation of Lake Wales,” she said. “Our goal is to enhance the historic preservation of the museum’s unique collections, facilities, and whole campus that protects Lake Wales heritage and develops the museum as a community anchor.”

JD Alexander, businessman and former Florida Republican politician from Lake Wales, mentioned how the new center exhibits the late Mimi Hardman’s dedication towards historical preservation. He spoke about how her love of the community drove her to preserve its history and heritage to bring the community closer together.

“I want to remind all of us to try and continue the legacy of Mimi Hardman in weaving together that fabric of community, of reaching out and supporting each other and trying to make this place not just a place on the map with a pretty building or a nice museum, but a true community, which is what Mimi Hardman was always about,” he said.

The Mimi Hardman Collections and Research Center is located at 104 S Scenic Hwy, Lake Wales, FL 33853. For more information, call 863-676-1759, or visit their website at: https://cityoflakewales.com/826/Mimi-Hardman-Collections-and-Research-Ce

Lake Morton Plaza Vaccinates Living Assistance Residents

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

-

January 25, 2021

0

Lake Morton Plaza Vaccinates Living Assistance Residents

by James Coulter

Peggy Snow is 90 years old. She may not expect to live 90 more years, but she does want to live long enough to see her family in person.

Like many living assistance residents at Lake Morton Plaza in Lakeland, she has remained on lockdown during the COVID-19 crisis to prevent herself and other residents from contracting the disease.

While she loves Lake Morton and considers its staff to be like family members, she yearns to see her other family members. She has seen her two daughters but no one else.

For this reason, Snow was more than eager to finally receive the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine during a mass vaccination event on Thursday and Friday at the living assistance apartment complex.

“It did not hurt at all,” Snow said.

She has lived at Lake Morton Plaza for the past six years. She loves the facility and its residents, but like everyone else, she would love to see her real family safely. Otherwise, she has been doing well, all things considered.

“[I enjoy] just living my life as I have been doing,” she said. “I love my life, and I love where I live.”

Snow was one of the many Lake Morton Plaza residents who received the vaccine last Thursday. As the building is 10-stories tall, half of the residents were vaccinated from the top five to six floors, along with half of the other staff. The other half of residents and staff received the remaining vaccines the next day, explained Ashely Hochadel, Administrator and Executive Director.

“Everyone has been vaccinated,” Hochadel said. “The vaccines went very smoothly. Everything went well. We had everything pre-planned. All the paperwork taken care of ahead of time, they knocked everybody out in three hours.”

The Pfizer vaccine was administered, as it was the brand provided through Walgreens, the pharmacy which Lake Morton Plaza partnered with to administer the vaccinations.

Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are administered through two doses. The second dose will be distributed to residents and staff 21 days later on Feb. 11.

As with most other vaccinations, side effects are expected to be minimal, with a sore arm and headache at the least and flu-like symptoms like fever, chills, and body aches at the worst, Hochadel said.

As such, many residents were hesitant about receiving the vaccine, mostly since it was relatively new. Nevertheless, most, if not all, residents were satisfied, if not finally relieved, to receive protection from an especially deadly virus for them.

“The overall feeling was excitement because this might mean the masks and lockdowns in the assisted living facility might end soon, [and] their families may be able to come and visit them soon,” Hochadel said. “They exceeded expectations. The pharmacists were very efficient. The residents were quick to get up there and in line, we are very happy.”

Signal88 Security Celebrates Grand Opening With Ribbon Cutting

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

-

January 25, 2021

0

Signal88 Security Celebrates Grand Opening With Ribbon Cutting

by James Coulter

If there’s something strange in the neighborhood, if there’s something weird and it don’t look good, who you going to call? No, not the Ghostbusters! Call Signal88 Security instead.

Whether you need someone to keep the peace during a big event or keep watch over your commercial or residential property, Signal88 Security is the private security firm that will keep an eye out for you.

Utilizing the latest technology, Signal88 Security has fitted their branded patrol vehicles with reflective graphics, LED lighting, and Wi-Fi communications technology. This state-of-the-art technology allows them to promptly respond to emergency calls when the need arises, thus providing them with “the strongest visual deterrent available in the security industry today.”

No matter what your security needs may be, whether it’s keeping guests safe during a large event or keeping your precious belongings and loved ones safe in the comfort of your home, Signal88 Security provides custom security services that are right for you.

“The vision of Signal 88 Security,” their website states, “is to provide a full suite of world-class and industry-leading security services for residential, commercial, retail, and institutional customers because, quite simply, safety is a basic human right and need.”

Founded in 2003, Signal88 Security recently opened its Lakeland location. George Rios, President and Owner, brings 21 years of military experience as a military patrol officer. His level of expertise, sharpened through the security industry and law enforcement, allows him and his staff to provide top-notch security to everyday civilians.

“All of my men are very well-trained,” he said. “We make sure everybody here is trained and give the clients the best thing in the industry, which is accountability. Our clients can expect accountability from us, top to bottom total professionalism from our guards and myself. The difference is that we can talk with me to get issues resolved.”

Whether patrolling hospitals, construction sites, apartment complexes, HOAs, and other such places, Rios and his team have the gung-ho to ensure that your place of work or home is safe in their accountable hands.

“Thank you for everybody showing up and showing their support,” he told attendees at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday. “After this, hopefully, you will know more about what we do, how we can help you, and how we can learn to help you, so you can come in and have a talk.”

The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce hosted the ribbon-cutting ceremony to help the new private security firm celebrate its Lakeland branch’s grand opening.

Jason Rodda, a member of the Chamber Board of Directors, wished the new business good luck with their endeavors and hopefully grow their business within their local community.

“On behalf of the board of directors here, we are super excited to have you all at your new location here, to be able to continue to grow and expand your business, and we are here to help you with however we can,” he said.

Signal88 Security is located at 5120 Florida Ave S Suite #301, Lakeland, FL 33813. For more information, call 813-812-0276, or visit their website at: https://signal88.com/locations/security-services-lakeland-fl/

22 Yr Old Plant City Man Killed In Early Morning Lakeland Crash.

Staff Reporter

-

January 20, 2021

0

22 Yr Old Plant City Man Killed In Early Morning Lakeland Crash.

At around 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, the PCSO Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call regarding a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on US 98 approximately one mile north of SR 471 in unincorporated Lakeland. The crash killed 22-year-old Christopher Wright of Plant City.

Wright was the driver of a black 2004 Pontiac G5.

The second vehicle involved was a white 2007 International box truck, driven by 50-year-old Darrell Black of Plant City.

According to the preliminary investigation so far, Wright was traveling northbound on US 98, while Black was traveling southbound. For unknown reasons, Wright drove his Pontiac G5 into the southbound lane and crashed into the front passenger side of the box truck.

Wright was ejected from the Pontiac and died at the scene.

Black was taken to Lakeland Regional Health where he was treated for minor injuries and released.

Wright was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

Black was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Speed and impairment do not appear to be factors in the crash.

US 98 was closed for approximately six hours during the investigation. The investigation is ongoing.

Lane Closures and Delays Expected Along Lake Silver Through Mid October

Staff Reporter

-

January 20, 2021

0

Lane Closures and Delays Expected Along Lake Silver Through Mid October

City of Winter Haven:

ROAD ALERT: Major construction will occur along South Lake Silver Drive from First Street North to Fifth Street Northwest now through Mid-October 2021. Expect intermittent lane closures and delays. Please contact Assistant Public Works Director Brittany Hart at (863) 412-0474 or [email protected] for more information.

Haines City Police Department Needs Public’s Help Locating Sex Offender Who Failed to Register

Haines City

Staff Reporter

-

January 20, 2021

0

Haines City Police Department Needs Public’s Help Locating Sex Offender Who Failed to Register

The Haines City Police Department continues to look for the public’s help locating a sex offender who has failed to register a permanent address.

Bernard Louis-Jean, 26, previously registered under a Haines City address in which he did not reside. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Anyone with information who wants to REMAIN ANONYMOUS and be eligible for a CASH REWARD is asked to call Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477) or log onto www.P3tips.com to submit your tip via the web.

For a secure and password protected mobile app for your smart device, go to the app store and download the free “P3tips” mobile app. No caller ID, no recorded lines, no tracking cookies, no saved IP addresses. Anonymity is GUARANTEED.

Polk County Sheriff’s Deputy Arrested For Written Threats Regarding United States Capital

Polk County

Staff Reporter

-

January 19, 2021

0

Polk County Sheriff’s Deputy Arrested For Written Threats Regarding United States Capital

Polk County, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested one of its own deputies. Twenty-nine year old Peter Heneen, a 6 year Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputy has been arrested for threats of violence in writing. According to Sheriff Grady Judd a fellow deputy was engaged in an online conversation with Haneen. During the conversation Haneen allegedly went from ranting about what happened in the United States Capital on January 5th, to making aggressive threats. According to the sheriff the suspect, Haneen, made a clear threat. At one point Haneen allegedly wrote “The streets need run red with blood”.

This is a developing story. We will update as more information becomes available.

Complete details and the complete specific written threats will be released.

“Florida Allegory” Exhibits Art Of Florida Flora And Fauna At Lake Wales Art Center

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

-

January 19, 2021

0

“Florida Allegory” Exhibits Art Of Florida Flora And Fauna At Lake Wales Art Center

by James Coulter

The sculptures of David Price and paintings of Jeff Ripple are currently on display, both in-person and virtually, at the Lake Wales Art Center. The exhibit, “Florida Allegory,” showcases Florida’s natural artistic beauty through the bronze sculptures of fauna and the oil paintings of flora.

“I think it is especially poignant because it is especially Florida,” said Amanda McCallister, Director of Programs at the Lake Wales Art Council. “It is Florida wildlife, Florida landscape, and we are in the heart of Central Florida, and it makes for a beautiful show that resonates with the people of our community.”

“Florida Allegory” celebrated its grand opening with a reception hosted last Friday. Guests were able to see the artwork and meet the artists inside the gallery and enjoy live music and food trucks outside.

Both the sculptures and the oil paintings accentuate each other in their luminous display of Florida wildlife. Furthermore, the audio landscape of chirping birds and other natural sounds help immerse guests into the spirit of the great outdoors.

“I want people to take away the harmony that we have with our natural landscapes and natural wildlife in Florida, how much they are a part of our life, and how fine art encapsulates our culture,” McCallister said.

David Price, Sculptor

As a young boy, David Price loved spending time in the woods and looking at animals. He especially loved studying the shapes and forms of both plants and animals. This love would inspire him to study botany.

His parents took him to Brookgreen Gardens in South Carolina, which has the largest outdoor collection of figurative sculptures. The outdoor flora and fauna and the display of art sculptures inspired him to gain an interest in sculpting.

“I wanted to be a sculptor and I wanted to work in a garden,” Price said. “Then I found myself working in Bok Tower Gardens and creating sculptures.”

His work at Bok Tower allows him to be out in nature and experience animals, many of which inspired him to craft his sculptures. It has also allowed him to meet other artists, as well as wildlife experts.

Price studies animals in their natural outdoor environment and recreates them in bronze. He strives to impart these animals’ emotions through their unique movements, gestures, and actions.

“Each animal, their body speaks to what they do,” Price said. “Osprey have incredible talons that are really sharp, and they have spikes in their feet for catching fish. The alligator is designed well to live in the water and to move and be a predator. I like to look at what animals do and how they are shaped and impart an emotion to the piece.”

Having lived in Lake Wales for more than 30 years, Price is more than proud to have such a large collection of his artwork showcased in his community, and he hopes that it inspires others the same way he was inspired.

“The art center is near and dear to my heart,” he said. “I have not had this many pieces in a show. I am glad to be able to share this with the community. Many people don’t have the opportunity to see my work, but I am happy to have this venue.”

Jeff Ripple, Oil Painter

From mangrove swamps to sandy beaches, Jeff Ripple has painted more than 26 oil paintings of outdoor scenery and landscapes. The outdoors, evidently, are his inspiration, while his influences are 19th century Luminous and Hudson River artists.

He loves their style, how the artists would, like him, go outdoors, be inspired by the scenery, and then go back inside to let their imaginations run wild upon the canvas, he said.

Ripple uses his inspiration from outdoor landscapes and scenery, as well as photographic and video references, and combines them in his head before re-arranging them onto the canvas for a unique art piece.

“I think what I enjoy the most is what the painting approaches a hope that I had for it,” Ripple said. “For every painting, there is hope that it is going to turn out as you wish.”

Ripple lives in Tallahassee, and he has been visiting Lake Wales for many years. He is close friends with Price, so he is more than honored to share a venue space with him and his artwork.

Accentuating his landscape artwork is the added dimension of the audio landscape, which he recorded himself the week before the reception. Walking through the show, guests can not only see the beauty of nature but hear it as well.

“I love Lake Wales,” Ripple said. “The place has a lot of good memories with great people, and I am glad to be able to do this with them.”

Lake Wales Art Center

Even despite these uncertain times, the Lake Wales Art Center has managed to gift the local community with the fine arts, primarily through their virtual exhibits. “Florida Allegory” can be viewed both at the art center and virtually on-line through their website, allowing guests to enjoy their artwork safely.

“I think we have done very well keeping our patrons in mind and keeping them at the forefront of our thoughts, so we are providing safe and socially distant environments and opportunities for people to come out and engage in the community and mix indoor and outdoor spaces,” she said.

The Lake Wales Art Council will be hosting the 50th Anniversary of the CB&T Lake Wales Arts Festival, hosted on the shores of Lake Wailes Park on Feb. 20-21, along with their annual Art-B-Q on Feb. 21.

“Florida Allegory” will be on display from Jan. 15 to Mar. 12 at the Lake Wales Art Center, located at 1099 SR 60 E, Lake Wales, FL 33853. For more information, visit their website at: http://www.lakewalesartscouncil.org/

Gary’s Grove Hosted Benefit For Bartender’s Medical Expenses

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

-

January 18, 2021

0

Gary’s Grove Hosted Benefit For Bartender’s Medical Expenses

by James Coulter

Ashley Hobson has been friends with JoAnne “Jojo” Simmons for five years. Jojo works as a bartender at Gary’s Grove in Winter Haven, and Ashley often visits her there.

“She is like the sister I never had,” Ashley said. “She is my heart. She is the reason we all giggle on bad days and laugh, and she is here for everybody.”

When Jojo suffered a brain aneurysm last month, Ashley and the others wanted to support her however they could. For that reason, her workplace hosted a benefit in her honor on Saturday.

The turnout for the benefit far exceeded Ashley’s expectations. Overall, she loved how so many people were willing to turn up to show their support and offer their donations to a beloved bartender.

“She would be here for all of us, and we want to be there for her and make sure she is taken care of,” Ashley said.

Nearly 100 people gathered together at Gary’s Grove to offer their support to JoJo during the bartender benefit on Saturday.

Kick Yo Butt BBQ, a local award-winning barbecue team, donated platters of barbecue pulled pork and chicken with baked beans, potato salad, and a roll to sell in exchange for donations.

Proceeds were also raised through raffles sold for various prizes, including “chests of cheer”, gift baskets, fishing gear, t-shirts, hats, and other memorabilia.

All proceeds from the event would help cover JoJo’s medical and living expenses upon leaving the hospital. After suffering from a brain aneurysm in December, she was required to undergo three surgeries in less than a week.

“We can’t wait to have her home,” said Nicole Brown, another friend of JoJo’s who organized the benefit. “The turnout has been amazing. We are so ecstatic that so many people love our girl and are willing to come out to show their support and love.”

Brown was thoroughly pleased by the turnout that evening. She knew that so many people, bar patrons and local alike, loved her best friends, and their participation that evening proved that they were willing to give anything to help her through her time of need.

“No donation is too small, and we will make sure that it gets to her,” Brown said. “We want to make sure that she knows how much she is loved and give back to her. We love the turnout. We are so excited about how many people came out.”

14 Yr Old Winter Haven Boy Shot Saturday Night

Staff Reporter

-

January 17, 2021

0

14 Yr Old Winter Haven Boy Shot Saturday Night

Winter Haven Police are investigating a shooting that occurred last night that resulted in a 14 year-old with non-life threatening injuries.

On 1-16-2021, calls were received around 9 p.m. regarding loud music and crowds in the area of MLK Bvld and 3rd St NE. Officers in the area heard gunshots fired and the crowds started dispersing quickly.

A 14 year-old boy ran up to one of the officers stating that he had been shot. The boy, who is not being identified, had a gunshot in the area of his armpit. He was taken to the hospital and is in stable condition with non-life threatening injuries.

During a canvass of the area, it was determined that three vehicles and a residential structure had also been struck. No additional injuries were reported.

Investigators continue to interview witnesses and ask if anyone has information regarding the incident contact Detective Maldonado at 863-401-2256.

Callers wishing to remain anonymous can call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers are guaranteed anonymity and could be eligible for a CASH reward of up to $3,000.

DailyRidge.comFast Factual Free News!

DailyRidge.comFast Factual Free News!