Home Blog Page 365

+29 Acres Annexed, 47 Acres Re-Zoned and Re-Designated, for Future Development near Hunt Brothers Road

Staff Reporter
-
0
+29 Acres Annexed, 47 Acres Re-Zoned and Re-Designated, for Future Development near Hunt Brothers Road

by James Coulter

 

More than 76 acres near Hunt Brothers Road and US Highway 27 have been prepared for future development now that the City of Lake Wales has approved the annexation of 29 acres and the rezoning and redesignation of 47 acres.

At their regular meeting on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve the second reading of three ordinances pertaining to preparing 76 acres of land for future development.

The first ordinance will annex more than 29 acres of land into the city limits. The second and third ordinances, respectively, would reassign the future land use and zoning from Business Park to Industrial.

The subject properties, according to the city agenda memo, are located “south of Hunt Brothers Road, west of Scenic Highway South, and east of US Highway 27.” While no development plans have been submitted, city staff expects these changes to help accommodate future development of these properties and potentially raise their property value.

As the city agenda memo states: “After coordinating closely with the Lake Wales Economic Development Council, it was determined that an Industrial zoning designation may be more attractive to potential manufacturing businesses and large employers.”

Lake Wales city commissioners gave preliminary approval of these three ordinances during their first reading at the regular meeting on Sep. 17, 2024. The Planning and Zoning Board had recommended and approved these ordinances on Aug. 27, 2024.

4+ Acres Annexed, Re-Zoned, and Re-Designated for Moving and Self-Storage Facility

Staff Reporter
-
0
4+ Acres Annexed, Re-Zoned, and Re-Designated for Moving and Self-Storage Facility

by James Coulter

A new U-HAUL moving and self-storage facility is planned to be built now that the City of Lake Wales has approved the annexation, rezoning, and redesignation of more than acres of land along US Highway 27.

At their regular meeting on Tuesday evening, January 7, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve the second reading of three ordinances related to more than 4 acres of land being considered for development.

The first ordinance pertained to the annexation of the land into the city limits. The second and third each pertained to amending the land use and zoning designation to Limited Commercial.

This annexation and amendments to the land use and zoning designations will help facilitate the development of a proposed moving and self-storage facility. According to the city agenda memo, this facility will include the construction of “one one-story 13,239SF building and loading dock, and one three-story 27,348SF (footprint – total GSF is 82,044) building.”

As the memo further elaborates: “The subject vacant property is located in unincorporated Polk County, east of US Highway 27 and adjacent to the Parc at Lake Wales multi-family development underway.”

All three ordinances have previously been given preliminary approval by the city commission at a previous meeting on Dec. 17, 2024. These ordinances have been recommended and approved previously by the Planning and Zoning Board.

Bicyclist Struck, Killed by Vehicle South of Ft. Meade

Staff Reporter
-
0
Bicyclist Struck, Killed by Vehicle South of Ft. Meade

PCSO – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Polk County Fire Rescue responded to a fatal crash that occurred between Fort Meade and Bowling Green Wednesday night, January 8, 2025, in which a bicyclist was killed.

Units were dispatched at 6:28 pm to the crash on US 17 at Bill Bryan Road.

Upon their arrival, they found the 58-year old male bicyclist deceased. The driver of the black 2012 Chevrolet Caprice that hit the bicyclist was not injured.

Based on evidence and witness statements, Traffic Homicide detectives determined that the bicyclist was northbound on US 17 when the Chevrolet, also northbound, hit the victim from behind.

The bicycle was not equipped with lights, and the victim was wearing dark clothing.

The northbound lanes of US 17 were closed for approximately three-and-a-half hours.

No charges are anticipated, but the investigation remains ongoing.

FDOT to Conduct Alternative Corridor Evaluation for a New Toll Road Through Part of Lake Wales

Staff Reporter
-
0
FDOT to Conduct Alternative Corridor Evaluation for a New Toll Road Through Part of Lake Wales

There are some potentially big changes proposed for a new roadway in Lake Wales, and residents will soon have the opportunity to find out more.

In a letter dated December 23, 2024, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) mailed out a letter that has been received by many Lake Wales residents, advising that its Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise has planned two meetings with the public to discuss the Alternative Corridor Evaluation (ACE) being conducted to “identify a potential corridor location for a new tolled, limited-access highway connecting SR 60 and US 17/92.”

An insert received by residents mapping out the proposed area of discussion (FDOT)

The letter, printed in both English and Spanish, was sent in part as an invitation to one of two public meetings to be held in the matter. There are three participation options:

  • January 14: online via computer, tablet or smartphone.
  • January 14: by telephone, audio only.
  • January 15: in person.

The virtual or online program scheduled for 6 PM on January 14, 2025, will utilize the GoToWebinar platform. You must register to participate in this meeting. Once registered, a confirmation email will provide instructions on how to join.

To be able to listen to the meeting, participants can call 1–562–247–8321 and use access code 407–440–138.

The in-person public meeting is scheduled for January 15, 2025, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, at the Tom Fellows Community Center, located at 207 North Blvd. W. in Davenport.

According to the letter from the FDOT, “The meeting will give interested persons an opportunity to learn about the project, ask questions, and provide comments concerning the potential, social, economic, and environmental effects of the proposed improvement… This letter is being sent to all property owners and tenants within the study area, and to public officials, regulatory agencies, organizations, and individuals interested in the project.

Persons wishing to submit written or verbal comments/questions may do so at the meeting or may contact the project manager, Jazlin Heywood, P.E. by email at [email protected], or by phone at 407-264-3298.

To register for the Corridor Alternatives Public Information Meeting, or for more information about the project, visit www.centralpolkparkwayeast.com.



Cold Weather Advisory Issued for Polk County

Staff Reporter
-
0
Cold Weather Advisory Issued for Polk County

Description

* WHAT…For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind chills as low as 28 expected. For the Frost Advisory, temperatures as low as 34 will result in frost formation.

* WHERE…Coastal Hernando, Inland Hillsborough, Inland Pasco, and Polk Counties.

* WHEN…From 4 AM to 8 AM EST Thursday.

* IMPACTS…Very cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure. Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered.

Action Recommended

Make preparations per the Description.

Affected Area

Polk

Issued By

National Weather Service

Photo source National Weather Service Tampa Bay

Sad Update on 6-Year-Old Who Suffered Gunshot Wound to the Head

Staff Reporter
-
0
Sad Update on 6-Year-Old Who Suffered Gunshot Wound to the Head

LAKELAND, FL (January 8, 2025) – On Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 3:44 p.m. Lakeland PD officers responded to report of a 6-year-old who sustained a gunshot wound to the head. The incident occurred in a vehicle which was parked at a residence in the 200 block of West Crawford Street. Prior to officers arriving, the child was transported via personal vehicle to Lakeland Regional Health (LRH).

Based on evidence thus far, detectives learned the Victim, six-year-old Major Smith, had been in the care of his father, Myron Smith Sr. and also in the company of his adult brother, Myron Smith Jr. just before the incident occurred. All three had just returned from the store and Myron Jr. remained in his rental vehicle (grey Nissan Altima) for a short time while Myron Sr. and Major got out and were sitting on the porch. 

Myron Jr. got out of his vehicle, closed the door and went into the residence briefly. Myron Sr. was still outside but making a phone call when Major was able to get into the Nissan and access the Glock 19X which was left between the driver’s seat and the center console.

Hearing the gunshot, Myron Sr. responded to find Major with an injury to his head and the firearm on the driver’s seat. Major was quickly driven to LRH in the rental vehicle by Myron Jr. for treatment. Myron Jr. stayed at LRH with Major whose injuries were severe and critical. On January 7, 2025, in the afternoon hours, Major Smith succumbed to his injuries at LRH.

No charges have been filed at this time; however, the case is still open and active. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Neal Robertson at [email protected].

The original article about the shooting can be found here: https://www.winterhavendaily.com/index.php/2025/01/06/6-year-old-boy-in-critical-condition-after-gunshot-wound-to-head/

Auburndale Police – Missing Endangered Person

Staff Reporter
-
0
Auburndale Police – Missing Endangered Person

MISSING ENDANGERED:

On 01/06/2025, officers responded to a report of a missing endangered person identified as APALONIA LAQUANA BRIMMER (Black Female, Date of Birth: 01/11/1990).

Brimmer requested an Uber to the Kissimmee Gateway Airport on 01/02/2025. Brimmer arrived safely at the airport however left a short while later.

Brimmer suffers from a mental health disorder and was currently on her medication; however, it is believed she stopped taking her medication on or just prior to her leaving the residence on 01/02/2025.

It is unknown what she was last seen wearing. Below is photograph of Brimmer. The only change to her appearance is her hair, which is currently in a short ponytail fashion. She has visible tattoos just above her left eye, on her chest and her right leg.

If you have any information, please contact Corporal Alfredo Marenco at 863-956-7755 or by email at [email protected]

In Loving Memory of David Spencer Waldrop, 55, of Lake Wales

Staff Reporter
-
0
In Loving Memory of David Spencer Waldrop, 55, of Lake Wales


David Spencer Waldrop of Lake Wales passed away suddenly Wednesday, January 1, 2025 while leading a FTA hike in the Bellini Preserve.

He was born May 18, 1969 in Lake Wales to John and Barbara Waldrop; he has been a lifelong resident of Lake Wales. David was the Information Technology Coordinator for the Lake Wales Charter Schools. He was a longtime member and dedicated volunteer of the Florida Trail Association. David’s passion for the Florida Trail and his tireless contributions over the years have made a lasting impact on the community. His history with the Florida Trail is immense, having served as a board member and integral volunteer for many years. He was the prior Board of Directors for the Florida Trail Association and was a past President of the Heartland Chapter of the Florida Trail.

David was preceded in death by his father, John Spencer Waldrop. He is survived by his mother, Barbara Ann Waldrop of Lake Wales; sister, Diane Nave of Winter Haven; aunt, Betty Van Dellen; uncle, James Waldrop; niece, Ashlee Nave; nephews, Matthew Nave and Tyler Nave; great-nieces, Everlee and Alaina; and several cousins.

A memorial service will be held 3:00 PM, Friday, January 10, 2025 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales with Rev. Dr. Bill Fisackerly officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his honor can be sent to the Florida Trail Association (www. floridatrail.org/contribute/). 

Lakeland Fire Department Responds to House Fire That Could Have Been Prevented

Staff Reporter
-
0
Lakeland Fire Department Responds to House Fire That Could Have Been Prevented

Lakeland Fire Department:

Our firefighters, unfortunately, ran this call already this week; we definitely don’t want any more. Please do not throw hot embers, ashes, or coals into a trash can. It seems harmless, but it is one of the leading causes of preventable house fires.

Whether from a backyard fire pit, a charcoal grill, or even a fireplace, improperly discarded embers can smolder for hours before igniting nearby combustible materials.

Trust us, you don’t want the Lakeland Fire Department showing up to your house uninvited!

Here’s what can happen:
-Slow Smoldering: Even if embers look cool, they can stay dangerously hot inside for up to 24 hours.

-Ignition Risk: A trash can filled with paper or plastic turns into the perfect fuel for those lingering embers.

-House Fire: Once the trash can catches fire, it can spread quickly to walls, furniture, or even the entire home.

Prevention Tips:
-Always place embers and ashes in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid and store it away from your house.
-Let ashes cool completely for at least 24-48 hours before tossing them.
-Pour water over hot embers to ensure they’re fully extinguished.
-Never use plastic or paper bags for ember disposal.

Fatal Crash Blocking Northbound Hwy 17 In Bowling Green

Carl Fish
-
0
Fatal Crash Blocking Northbound Hwy 17 In Bowling Green

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Polk County Fire Rescue responded to a fatal crash that occurred between Fort Meade and Bowling Green Wednesday night, January 8, 2025, in which a bicyclist was killed.

 

Units were dispatched at 6:28 pm to the crash on US 17 at Bill Bryan Road.

 

Upon their arrival, they found the 58-year old male bicyclist deceased. The driver of the black 2012 Chevrolet Caprice that hit the bicyclist was not injured.

 

Based on evidence and witness statements, Traffic Homicide detectives determined that the bicyclist was northbound on US 17 when the Chevrolet, also northbound, hit the victim from behind.

 

The bicycle was not equipped with lights, and the victim was wearing dark clothing.

 

The northbound lanes of US 17 were closed for approximately three-and-a-half hours.

 

No charges are anticipated, but the investigation remains ongoing.

1...364365366...1,387Page 365 of 1,387