A traffic accident in Lake Wales last night resulted in the arrest of a driver who should not have been behind the wheel.
A vehicle crash was reported at Alturas Babson Park Cutoff Rd. and Lake Buffum Rd. in unincorporated Lake Wales on November 17, 2024. The call was dispatched from Polk County Sheriff’s Office at about 6:54 p.m.
Brian Bruchey, Public Information Officer for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, says the call was reported to be a single vehicle crash involving a red Ford Ranger.
“The driver was uninjured,” says Bruchey. The driver was arrested though because he was driving despite having his license revoked two years ago.
The cause of the crash is unknown at this time.
Able Lopez, (DOB 1-18-95) of Lake Wales, was charged with DWLSR (Driving While License Suspended or Revoked) and resisting arrest.
A noticeable difference has been observed among drivers and police officers alike now that the City of Lake Wales is considering placing red light cameras in school zones.
At their next meeting on Tues. Nov. 19, 2024, Lake Wales city commissioners will be considering the second reading of an ordinance that will authorize the implementation of traffic infraction detectors, red light cameras, and school zone speed limit detection systems in school zones.
In previous meetings, Lieutenant Ed Palmer, Patrol Commander with the Lake Wales Police Department (LWPD), mentioned how traffic infractions, accidents, and even fatalities have increased within the city limits, especially near school zones.
However, since the discussion about red light cameras at school zones began, Lt. Palmer has noticed a significant difference within the city, with drivers driving more cautiously and law enforcement officers becoming more aware of driving habits and potential infractions.
“These cameras are meant to change driving behaviors,” he said. “After all questions were posed, it started to change driving behavior because we [LWPD] are already looking for it. So the fact that we are talking about it has presented things about [vehicles] going through a red light. It reduces it. It does not take away all the crashes, but it reduces traffic crashes.”
If red light cameras were implemented, these cameras would monitor school zones for potential traffic violations. When a violation is detected, a vendor will have 30 days to review it. If approved, a citation will be sent to the violator, who will have 60 days to either pay the fine or fight it.
At a workshop on Wed. Nov. 13, Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson claimed that not much has changed as far as traffic violations are concerned. He averred the only changes were with technology and attitude.
“The attitude was that the officer was cheating not that the driver was speeding,” he said. “I do not have any sympathy for someone who runs a red light and I am not going to be influenced by folks who say it is cheating.”
Some concerns have been raised about whether these cameras would detect vehicles going over the stop bar or turning right on red rather than simply going through a red light.
“We are looking for people going through a red light, not going over the stop bar,” Lt. Palmer said.
Commissioner Keith Thompson inquired about turning right on red. To which, Lt. Palmer assured him that a vehicle merely needed to come to a complete stop and proceed with caution. The cameras would only monitor for vehicles going straight through a red light, as those incidents cause accidents.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit investigated another fatal traffic crash in unincorporated Winter Haven over the weekend, involving a motorcycle and a pickup truck. The motorcyclist suffered fatal injuries.
The crash occurred Saturday night, November 16, 2024, around 10:10 p.m. in the intersection of Cypress Gardens Blvd. SE and Cypress Gardens Road. A 46-year-old Babson Park man was heading east on Cypress Gardens Blvd. on a 2004 Harley-Davidson approaching the intersection, and so far during the investigation it is confirmed that he had a solid red light. Meanwhile a 2015 Ford F-150 truck being driven by a 40-year-old Winter Haven woman was stopped at her light facing Cypress Gardens Road north. When her light turned green, she proceeded out onto Cypress Gardens Blvd to turn west (left) onto that road. The two vehicles collided in the intersection, and the motorcyclist was ejected. He was not wearing a helmet. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his significant injuries shortly thereafter. The woman driving the truck was not injured. Both motorists were the only occupants of their vehicles. No other vehicles were involved.
There was no evidence that the motorcycle attempted to brake or avoid the collision. The investigation is ongoing, and the intersection was shut down completely for approximately four hours.
Get ready for an enchanting evening of holiday cheer at the 13th annual Make It Magical! The event will be held from 5 – 9PM. The event is presented by Lake Wales Arts Council and Lake Wales Main Street.
Stroll through a winter wonderland as historic Downtown Lake Wales transforms into a festive paradise. The night will be filled with holiday shopping, local crafts, live music, and dazzling holiday décor to get you in the spirit!
Event highlights include a live jazz concert; enjoy performances by Paul Gavin Music and the Lake Wales Jazz Connection, featuring festive jazz renditions of your favorite holiday tunes.
Vendors will be offering items that can serve as holiday gifts; many treasures will be available.
Holiday activities and crafts will provide fun for the whole family, with seasonal crafts and activities that can spark creativity and joy.
Don’t miss a special appearance by Santa Claus! And yes, there will be snow! Experience a magical snowfall that could only happen in Lake Wales.
This event is FREE and perfect for the whole family. Bring your friends, enjoy a hot cocoa, and create lasting holiday memories amidst twinkling lights and joyous music.
On November 16, 2024, the members of the Lake Wales Highlander Band, led by band director Meagan Delacerda, participated in the Florida Marching Band State Championship, held in Palm Beach, FL.
After earning a spot in the state competition, and making superiors at MPA last weekend, Delacerda is demonstrating pride once again for their performance yesterday through a social media post:
“In July, our leadership got together and made goals for themselves: Make it to State. Get superiors. Today they made their goal. Marching out on that state field. They did it and did not get last place but 11th place in the state competition,” says Delacerda.
Now that the season has ended, she’s taking time to reflect on how the band has come.
“(The members of the band) work everyday to perfect their craft and it shows. They are constantly thinking of ways to get better and better…AND managed to entertain all of Lake Wales through this season. They have mixed dedication, heart and passion with hard work and you can see that.
Photo credit: Mr. Tommy Wunker
“This show has made me push myself more than I ever have as a band director. These students have shown me what pouring into them looks like and the staff I get to work with everyday shows me how much love I am surrounded by.
“I’m sad to see this show go but I will cherish all of the memories we have made. Here’s to 2024 and the future of the Highlander band program!
Shortly after 9:30pm a dispatch call went out to the Lake Wales Fire Department and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office regarding a fire in one of the rooms at the Hampton Inn at 22900 Hwy 27 in Lake Wales.
Lake Wales Fire Department crews entered the building and determined the fire to be out and were allowing guests back into the building. The 4th floor where the room was on fire is still not accessible to guests. Crews are trying to clear smoke. The building had previously been completely evacuated.
The initial details suggest that the room may have been set in fire.
We will update this information as soon as it’s available.
The same old brunch menu week after week can become tiresome and dull. It’s bland, boring and your tastebuds get used to the same flavors repeatedly.
It’s time to add something new to the table with fresh ingredients and simple instructions to enhance your weekend spread.
Try this recipe for an Easy Brunch Quiche that is sure to have your senses swirling with every bite. This quiche is layered with many tastes and a variety of ingredients to give it crave-worthy flavor.
To create this dish, start with one package of broccoli and cheese then microwave it for 5 minutes until heated through.
Add 12 slices of chopped bacon to a skillet. While cooking, add 1/2 cup of green onions. Cook for 2 minutes then add 1 cup of mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 4 minutes and drain the grease.
In a small mixing bowl, combine four eggs and 1 cup of milk. Whisk together. Add egg mixture to the broccoli and cheese. Also add 1 cup of shredded cheese and stir the ingredients together.
In two separate pie shells, spoon in the bacon mixture then pour the egg and broccoli mixtures over the top. Sprinkle with a little more cheese then bake for 35-45 minutes at 350 F.
With a range of ingredients from broccoli to bacon, this quiche is a brunch hero. While baking, the cheese gets all melty, and with every bite the mushrooms add texture and earthy flavor. The ingredients combine together to make something warm, hearty and fresh.
Easy Brunch Quiche
Serves: 12
1 package (10 ounces) frozen broccoli with cheese
12 slices of bacon, chopped
1/2 cup green onions, sliced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
4 eggs
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese, divided
2 frozen deep dish pie shells (9 inches each)
Note: To keep edges of crust from burning, place aluminum foil over pies for first 20 minutes of cook time. Remove after 20 minutes and allow to cook uncovered until completed.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a two-vehicle crash that occurred on Friday night, November 15, 2024, in unincorporated Winter Haven that resulted in the death of one of the drivers. The crash occurred on Dundee Road at the intersection with Overlook Drive around 6:00 p.m.
The driver of a 2014 Honda CRV was heading west on Dundee Road and attempting to turn left onto Overlook; he had a yellow flashing arrow. At the same time, a 1999 Dodge Ram 3500 truck was heading east on Dundee Road, going straight through the intersection with a green light. As the Honda entered into the truck’s path, the truck struck the Honda on its passenger side, propelling it 150 feet east. The 28-year-old driver of the truck, a Lake Wales man, came to a stop and was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. He was wearing a seat belt.
The 46-year-old Winter Haven man driving the Honda was critically injured and transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. It does not appear that he was wearing his seat belt.
Both men were the only occupants of their vehicles. The eastbound lanes of Dundee Road were closed for approximately four hours last evening. The investigation is ongoing
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Media Relations Administrator, Carrie Horstman, released a statement today with regard to a fatal traffic collision that involved a man from Lake Wales last night:
“The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a two-vehicle crash that occurred on Friday night, November 15, 2024, in unincorporated Winter Haven that resulted in the death of one of the drivers. The crash occurred on Dundee Road at the intersection with Overlook Drive around 6:00 p.m.
“The driver of a 2014 Honda CRV was heading west on Dundee Road and attempting to turn left onto Overlook; he had a yellow flashing arrow. At the same time, a 1999 Dodge Ram 3500 truck was heading east on Dundee Road, going straight through the intersection with a green light. As the Honda entered into the truck’s path, the truck struck the Honda on its passenger side, propelling it 150 feet east. The 28-year-old driver of the truck, a Lake Wales man, came to a stop and was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. He was wearing a seat belt.
“The 46-year-old Winter Haven man driving the Honda was critically injured and transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. It does not appear that he was wearing his seat belt.
“Both men were the only occupants of their vehicles. The eastbound lanes of Dundee Road were closed for approximately four hours last evening. The investigation is ongoing…”
The names of the two men involved in the crash have not been released.
Pauline Marie Merrell of Frostproof passed away on Monday, November 11, 2024, at Somers Hospice House.
She was born October 15, 1940, in Filmore, New York to the late Stanley and Edith DeGroff; she moved to Frostproof from New York 23 years ago. Pauline was the owner of an Employment Agency. She enjoyed crocheting and gardening.
Pauline was preceded in death by her husband, George Merrell; brothers; and sisters.
She is survived by her daughter, Janine Mason of New York; sons, David Merrell of Florida and Daniel (Susie) Merrell of Florida; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
