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Since You Asked; How to Apply for a Lake Wales Public Library Card

Staff Reporter
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Since You Asked; How to Apply for a Lake Wales Public Library Card

Don’t have a library card? You’re missing out on some great benefits; here’s what you need to know about applying for a Lake Wales Public Library card:

Library membership is provided to individuals, without charge, who meet the following criteria:

  1. Own or rent business or residential property within Polk County, Florida or;
  2. Possess a valid public library card, (in good standing), from the Osceola County Library System or any of the eligible libraries in the Tampa Bay Library Consortium reciprocal borrowing cooperative, (www.tblc.org) or;
  3. Possess a current student identification, or a current validated registration, from any Florida institution of higher learning or technical school

Restrictions:

  1. A child age zero through 13 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to register for a new library card. The parent or legal guardian must provide photo
    identification with their correct physical address, (or see below for alternative proof of address). The parent or legal guardian must sign as the responsible party for all fines and fees including the replacement cost of lost or damaged
    library materials.
  2. Any new applicant must possess photo identification with their correct physical address. If the correct physical address is not verifiable or listed on the photo
    identification the following items will be accepted to verify residence:
  3. Utility bill with the name and physical address listed;
  4. Rent receipt or lot rental receipt with the name and physical address listed;
  5. Current student identification;
  6. Current payroll stub with the name and physical address listed;
  7. Deposit slip or check with name and physical address listed;
  8. Notarized statement from landlord, mortgage holder or employer verifying address;
  9. Current auto registration, tax bill with name and physical address listed or
  10. Voter’s Registration with name and physical address listed.
    Each applicant must provide the library with two ways to contact them. This can be a reference name and telephone number, a home, business or cell phone number and/or
    a valid email address. The reference cannot reside with the applicant or the adult signing for the applicant.

Non-Resident Library Cards
Library memberships are available to non-Polk County residents. Free cards are available to applicants who can prove residence from a county or municipality that current participates in a reciprocal borrowing agreement with the Polk County Library
Cooperative. Counties currently reciprocating services with PCLC include Osceola County, Florida and member counties or agencies participating in the Tampa Bay Library Consortium’s Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement. A complete list of these libraries is
available at http://tblc.org. A reciprocal borrowing applicant must present a valid library card for one of our reciprocal partners AND a photo ID with a valid and correct address.

Applicants who do not qualify for a reciprocal borrowing card with the Polk County Library Cooperative will be assessed a family membership at $50 annually. A single card will be issued to the family. All restrictions and policies currently enforced for a
single membership will apply to the family card.
The Polk County Library Cooperative’s BMail, Books by Mail service is not available to anyone who resides outside of Polk County.

For more information about the Lake Wales Public Library, please visit https://www.cityoflakewales.com/DocumentCenter/View/576/Circulation-Policy-PDF

SPCA Florida Distributing 47,000 Lbs of Free Pet Food Nov. 10

Staff Reporter
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SPCA Florida Distributing 47,000 Lbs of Free Pet Food Nov. 10

SPCA Florida has 47,000 lbs of free pet food to be distributed Sunday, November 10, from 9am – Noon on our campus at 5850 Brannen Rd, S. Lakeland, FL 33813.


Every Polk County Family will receive up to: 4 lg Bags of dog food, 1 lg bag of cat food, bone broth, box of litter, and a bag of dog treats, while supplies last.

The Lakeland Fire Department (LFD) and SPCA Florida proudly continue their partnership to save lives in Polk County.

Together, we can touch their lives and give them a chance to provide years of unconditional love. Please support the seven LFD fire stations and SPCA Florida in our mission of care.

Suspect Caught on Camera Stealing Drone from Auburndale Walmart

Staff Reporter
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Suspect Caught on Camera Stealing Drone from Auburndale Walmart

Auburndale Police Department-

ATTEMPT TO IDENTIFY:

A past occurred retail theft on 10/5/2024, took place at Walmart located at 2120 Hwy 92 W., Auburndale FL.

An unknown White male was seen on video surveillance putting a Sky Flow Drone in his backpack and then left the store passing all points of sale without attempting to pay.

The suspect was observed leaving Walmart riding a black bicycle with a trailer attached to the rear of the bicycle.

SUSPECT – White male, short dark hair, dark beard, last seen wearing a black t-shirt, black shorts, and black tennis shoes.

If you have any information, please contact Officer Cruz at 863-965-5555 or by email at [email protected]

Polk County Deputy Involved Shooting Leaves One Suspect Dead & Victim Hospitalized

Carl Fish
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Polk County Deputy Involved Shooting Leaves One Suspect Dead & Victim Hospitalized

The Officer-Involved Deadly Incident (OIDI) task force for the 10th Judicial Circuit is investigating a deputy-involved shooting and violent domestic battery investigation that occurred on Saturday, November 9, 2024. 

At approximately 6:50 AM, PCSO was dispatched to a domestic battery call in the Eagle Lake area of Polk County. The victim, a 61-year-old female, reported that she was being violently beaten by her husband, Charles Franklin Edwards Jr. (DOB 1/3/1972). The 9-1-1 operator could hear Edwards beating the victim, and the victim was begging the operator for help.

When D/S Christopher Johnston arrived on scene, he heard the victim screaming for help. When he went inside, he saw the suspect attacking the victim with a large hammer. Johnston gave multiple commands to Edwards to drop the weapon and surrender, which he ignored. D/S Johnston then deployed his Taser. The suspect pulled out the Taser probes and aggressively ran towards D/S Johnston with the hammer raised and attempted to strike our deputy. D/S Johnston was forced to shoot at the violent and enraged suspect who was struck at least two times. Deputies performed life-saving measures until Polk County Fire Rescue arrived on the scene. 

Both the suspect and victim were transported to the hospital. The suspect was declared deceased at the hospital. The victim is being treated for significant injuries and is expected to survive. 

Charles Edwards Jr. has an extensive criminal history dating back to 2003 in the states of Tennessee, Michigan, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. His prior charges include:
   Possession with intent to sell narcotics (WV, MI and TN)
   Resisting arrest (MI)
   Assault (MI x2)
   Tampering with evidence (MI)
   Obstructing law enforcement (MI)
   Escape/flight from law enforcement (MI)

“Domestic violence calls are one of the most dangerous situations law enforcement officers respond to. This is a sobering reminder of how dangerous domestic violence calls can end. This violent, enraged suspect was intent on killing his wife and was prevented from doing so by our deputy. We are praying for the victim to recover from her significant injuries.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff 

D/S Johnston has been with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for 7 years.

Per standard protocol, there are four investigations currently underway: an independent investigation by the 10th Judicial Circuit’s Officer Involved Deadly Incident (OIDI) Task Force; an internal investigation by the PCSO Administrative Investigations Unit; the Polk County Medical Examiner conducts the autopsy to determine the manner and cause of death; and all investigative findings are forwarded to the 10th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office for their investigation and review.

Lake Wales Publix Supermarket Establishes Partnership with Victory Ridge Academy to Provide Vocational Education

58 Yr Old Lakeland Resident Killed In Semi Vs Sedan Crash In Lakeland

Carl Fish
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58 Yr Old Lakeland Resident Killed In Semi Vs Sedan Crash In Lakeland

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on Friday, November 8, 2024, at approximately 12:40 PM. The two-vehicle crash occurred at the intersection of Old Soldier Road and Highway 98 North in Lakeland, and involved a semi-truck and a sedan (Toyota Corolla).

 

PCSO deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue responded to the scene. The Florida Department of transportation also responded to assist in shutting down all lanes of Highway 98 North. The road was closed at approximately 12:40 PM and remained closed for about 5 hours, until 6:00 PM.

 

The stretch of Highway 98 North on which the crash occurred is currently under construction. The semi-truck was carrying a trailer of metal pipes from a construction area and was executing a left turn from Old Soldier Road in to the northbound lanes of Highway 98 North. The Toyota Corolla was travelling south on Highway 98 North and collided with the rear end of the semi-truck while it was executing its turn. The driver of the Toyota, a 58-year old from Lakeland, was killed.

 

The PCSO Traffic Homicide detectives responded to the scene assumed the investigation. The Traffic Homicide Unit investigates all fatal crashes. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

In Loving Memory of Joseph Franklin, 95, Indian Lake Estates

Staff Reporter
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In Loving Memory of Joseph Franklin, 95, Indian Lake Estates

Joseph Franklin, 95

Joseph Franklin passed away on November 1, 2024 at the age of 95 at a home in Indian Lake Estates, FL. He was born on September 27, 1929 in Buckingham Township, PA to Titus and Mary (Balling) Franklin. He married Marjorie Smith on March 28, 1954. They had two children: daughter, Debra J. Schieber (Mark Schieber}, and son, John E. Franklin (Valorie Franklin).

Joe went to school in Buckingham township and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he attained the rank of sergeant. He was in the Marine Corps from September 1947 until September 1951. During that time Joe served overseas in the Korean War, leaving the service with an honorable discharge.

Joe and Marjorie settled in Furlong, Pennsylvania to raise their family. Joe held various jobs until he found his passion in woodworking. He started his own business as an antique dealer, opening the Mayfair House in Lambertville, NJ. Joe was a very successful dealer, traveling all over the east coast in search of American and English antiques for his clientele. Joe enjoyed sales, and many of his customers became great friends over the years.

After he sold his business, Joe and his wife moved to Florida, where he enjoyed years of golfing and fishing. Prior to retiring to Florida, Joe also enjoyed spending time in Potter County, PA at his hunting cabin, and fishing at Lac du Fils in Quebec, Canada.

He was preceded in death by his parents Titus and Mary, and eight of his siblings (Dorothy, Ruth, Sara, Martha, Paul, Mark, John, Bud).

He is survived by his wife Marjorie, daughter Debra, son John, four grandchildren (Heather, Amanda, Kelsie, Aubrey}, four great-grandchildren (Michael, Cayden, Leighton, Madison) and youngest brother Dennis.

Joe was one of a kind and always lived life to the fullest and by his own rules. Family and close friends knew they were loved even if it wasn’t said out loud all the time. He’s left his mark on so many and will not be forgotten.

No local service is scheduled at this time. Interment will be held in Doylestown, Pennsylvania at a later date.

Lake Wales Public Library Offers Certain College Level Online Courses Tuition Free Through Local Bullard Trust

Staff Reporter
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Lake Wales Public Library Offers Certain College Level Online Courses Tuition Free Through Local Bullard Trust

The Lake Wales Public Library offers the business and adult learner community the opportunity to take community college level continuing education courses through their link, https://www.lakewalesfl.gov/309/Library.  

Through the Lake Wales Library Association – Friends of the Library’s Dell Bullard Trust for Vocation Education a variety of business, recreational and educational courses are available, tuition free, to any Lake Wales Public Library card holder.

Dell Bullard was a pioneer businesswoman in Lake Wales, Florida.  She, along with her husband, Doug Bullard, began a successful insurance agency that remains a vital part of the Lake Wales business community today.  

Mrs. Bullard believed in the importance of learning throughout a lifetime; a concept Gale Courses continues to promote.

Gale Courses offers a wide range of highly interactive, instructor led courses that you can take entirely online.   As a library card holder in good standing, you are entitled to these courses at no cost. Courses run for six weeks and new sessions begin every month.

List of available class subjects

How to Enroll:

1. Find courses by browsing through the categories on the left of your screen or by using the search bar above.  Click “Enroll Now” next to the course of your choice.

2. Select your course start date and click “Continue.”

3. Create a free Gale Courses account, or sign in to an existing ed2go account. 

  • New Students – Enter your email address in the New Student area and click “Create Account.” Complete the “Account and Student Information” page and then click “Continue.”
  • Returning Students – Enter your account email and password and then click “Sign In.”

You will use your Gale Courses account email and password to log in to the My Classroom area to view your lessons once your session begins.

4. Enter your library barcode in the box labeled Submit.  Then click “Use Library Card” to complete your enrollment.

https://education.gale.com/l-lwpl/

Fire Crews Battle Fully Involved Vehicle Fire at Amazon Fulfillment Center in Auburndale

Staff Reporter
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Fire Crews Battle Fully Involved Vehicle Fire at Amazon Fulfillment Center in Auburndale

On November 8, 2024 around 5:30 p.m. Polk County Fire Rescue responded to a call about a vehicle on fire at the Amazon Fulfillment Center located at 676 C Fred Jones Blvd in Auburndale.

Upon arrival the crew found a fully involved SUV. They worked quickly and extinguished the fire. 

We reached out to Polk County Fire Rescue Public Information Officer (PIO) Nathaniel Gale and he was able to confirm no injuries/no transports.

Auburndale Police Department took over the call. We will update this article if more information becomes available regarding the fire investigation.

In Loving Memory of Fresnel Matieu

Staff Reporter
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In Loving Memory of Fresnel Matieu

Fresnel Matieu

May 7th, 1956 – October 22nd, 2024

Fresnel Mathieu, 68, passed away on October 22, 2024. Fresnel was born on May 7, 1956 in Léogâne, Ayiti to Emilice Mathieu and Manoune Lamercie. He spent his early years in Léogâne where he developed a deep love for travel, eventually leading him to the United States. Over the years, he held roles across various industries, but his true passion emerged in the culinary world, where he became a distinguished 5-star chef. His skill and dedication left an indelible mark on both his colleagues and the culinary field.

In 1994, Fresnel married Evelyne Civil, and together they created a welcoming home filled with laughter, support, and understanding. He took great pride in his role as Father and was unwavering in his support, encouragement, and devotion to his family. He was a beloved parent to Fredline Mathieu, Ruth Mathieu, Phoebe Mathieu, Sophia Mathieu, and Naftania Mathieu, a cherished grandparent to Xena Olita Dieudonne, Zuri Ava Dieudonne, Yara Ellie Dieudonne, and Joseph Ezekiel Trujillo-Bini, and a loyal friend to many. 

Known for his infectious humor, generosity, and joyful spirit, Fresnel made a lasting impact on everyone he met. He was deeply involved in his church, Tampa Gospel Kingdom, giving back to the community by volunteer work and leadership roles in the church. He took special joy in gardening, caring for his farm animals, studying the word of God, playing music, volunteering, and his dedication to his wife, children, and grandchildren was a true inspiration to others. Some of Fresnel’s most cherished memories included the birth of his children and grandchildren, traveling, and worshiping the Lord. His legacy of kindness, resilience, and generosity will live on through those who knew and loved him. 

Fresnel is predeceased by his mother, Manoune Lamercie, his father, Emilice Mathieu, and his siblings, Eli-Scint Andrè Mathieu, DeLouange Mathieu, Claude-Terre Mathieu, Camelia Mathieu, and Charleus Mathieu. 

A funeral service honoring Fresnel’s life will be held on November 9, 2024 at Hurst Chapel AME Church located at 875 Ave O NE, Winter Haven, FL 33881, where family and friends are invited to share stories and celebrate the many beautiful memories they created together. Fresnel will be remembered with immense love and admiration by all who knew him.

“Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” – Genesis 5:24

“Enòk te pase tout vi l ap mache byen ak Bondye. Li te gen twasanswasannsenkan (365 an) lè l disparèt, paske Bondye te pran l avè l.” – Jenèz 5:24

Polk County Fire Rescue Responds to Overnight Crash in Winter Haven

Staff Reporter
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Polk County Fire Rescue Responds to Overnight Crash in Winter Haven

Just after midnight on November 8, 2024 Polk County Fire Rescue and Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a vehicle crash at the intersection of Recker Hwy and Coleman Road in Winter Haven. The call came in around 12:20 a.m.

Two vehicles were reportedly involved in the crash, both 4-door sedans, colors unknown.

We reached out to Polk County Fire Rescue Public Information Officer Nathaniel Gale regarding the injuries, and he confirmed one patient was transported from the scene via ground to a local hospital.

The scene was cleared roughly an hour after the crash was called in.

This is the same intersection where last month, a man extricated from a crash later died at the hospital. Here are the details from that October crash: https://www.winterhavendaily.com/index.php/2024/10/24/trauma-alert-patient-who-was-extricated-and-transported-after-vehicle-crash-in-winter-haven-later-dies/

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