It’s tonight! Get ready for a Spirited Evening of Craft Beer and Heritage Celebration!
The Lake Wales History Museum proudly presents Beers with Pioneers, an event that seamlessly blends the rich history of Lake Wales, our downtown small businesses, and local craft beers. In partnership with Lake Wales Main Street and Lake Wales Live, this brew crawl invites you to explore downtown Lake Wales on the evening of October 25th to savor exceptional beers and raise a glass to our pioneering past and future.
Event Highlights:
Craft Beer Crawl: Embark on a delightful journey through downtown Lake Wales, where historic landmarks and local businesses await. Sample a curated selection of specialty and craft beers from various breweries.
Live Music: Groove to live tunes by Lake Wales Live as you sip your way through the heart of the city. Their talented musicians will keep the energy high and bring the best vibes.
Complimentary Tasting Cup: Each participant will receive a keepsake cup to commemorate the evening.
Vintage Photo Station by werlostboys: Capture the spirit of the past with a fun photo session at the museum.
Food and Wine: Alongside the brews, indulge in delectable bites from local businesses. And for those who prefer wine, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Tickets can be purchased in advance from centralfloridatix.com or in-person on October 25th until 8pm.
Redeem your ticket and pick-up your wristband, cup, and virtual map from the Lake Wales History Museum.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a vehicle crash that occurred in unincorporated Lakeland early this morning, during which a 16-year-old teenaged boy was killed. No other parties involved were injured. Preliminary information is as follows:
Around 6:15 a.m. on Friday, October 25, 2024, a blue 2008 Toyota Corolla was heading south on County Line Road, being driven by a father taking his two sons, ages 14 and 16, to school at George Jenkins High. As the driver of the Corolla made the turn to head east (left) onto Ewell Road, his car was struck by a burgundy 2018 Ford F150 that was heading north on County Line Road. The Corolla had a solid green light but not a green turn arrow at the intersection; the truck had a solid green light. It was dark at the time of the crash, and the driver of the Corolla told deputies it was slightly foggy/hazy.
The impact occurred on the right rear passenger side of the Corolla where the 16-year-old was sitting and seat-belted in. His injuries were significant, and he was transported to Tampa General Hospital, where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
Two other vehicles that were at the intersection were slightly impacted after the crash occurred: the Corolla spun after being struck by the truck and either debris from the car, or the car itself, struck a black Kia that was stopped in the middle lane of westbound Ewell Road; the Ford truck was redirected after impact, and glanced off of a Dodge Journey that was stopped in the right turn lane of westbound Ewell Road.
The investigation is ongoing. The roadways in the area were shut down for approximately five hours.
—————
UPDATE
Roadways are back open
—————
Travel Advisory – Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently on the scene of a serious multi-vehicle crash in Lakeland on County Line Road between Ewell and Coronet Roads. NB County Line and EB Ewell are shut down until further notice. Please use alternate routes.
The crash occurred earlier this morning (October 25, 2024) just before 6:30 a.m.
Four vehicles were involved. We will update this article as more information comes in from PCSO.
Town of Dundee: Volunteers at Dundee Town Hall will greet you this Saturday starting at 12 noon with free Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) and water to help you with the loss of food from Hurricane Milton. Drive thru pickup will take place in the parking lot behind the library.
Only 200 food packages will be given away while supplies last. Thanks to Dundee resident, Merissa Green, for connecting our community’s needs with the resources provided by the United Way of Central Florida. Thank you #unitedway and volunteers!
On Thursday, October 24, 2024 at approximately 2 PM, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a family disturbance on Sunset Circle Lake in Lake Alfred. The suspect, Ronald Beasley Jr.(age 35), set the residence on fire and fled the scene. Patrol deputies observed a large amount of smoke emitting from the residence upon their arrival.
They immediately established a perimeter, evacuated the neighboring residences, and ensured that all the occupants of the home that was on fire were evacuated. Deputies attempted to use their fire extinguishers to put out the blaze, but it was too large to be contained. Polk County Fire Rescue arrived shortly thereafter and battled the blaze, which was ultimately extinguished, with a great deal of damage to the home.
PCSO detectives responded to the scene to begin their investigation. The victim told detectives that she and Beasley Jr. got into an argument over his drug addiction. A 4-month old baby and a cat were inside the residence during this incident. The victim locked herself in the bathroom with the baby in an attempt to escape the altercation with Beasley Jr. He broke into the bathroom, and fled outside after the victim threatened to call 911. The victim locked the front door to prevent the suspect from reentering the home. The victim heard a loud boom from outside the residence, and a witness observed residence on fire and hollered for the victim to exit the residence. A witness/neighbor stated that they observed the suspect exiting the backyard of the residence, and he stated “you need to go get the baby from inside the house because I just set it on fire”. The victim was able to escape the home with the baby. The cat did not escape and was found deceased inside once the fire was extinguished. Beasley Jr. was located a few streets away from the home and immediately taken into custody.
“This violent suspect’s actions put innocent lives in serious danger, and we are grateful that the victims made it out safely. Setting a fire in a home with a baby and family pet inside is not only reckless but shows a complete disregard for life. We are committed to pursuing justice for the victims and ensuring this suspect is held fully accountable for his actions.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Ronald Beasley Jr. has been charged with Attempted First Degree Murder (F1), Animal Cruelty (M1), False Imprisonment (F3), and Tampering with a Witness (F2). He has also been charged with First Degree Arson (F1) by the State Fire Marshall. Their investigation is still ongoing.
Ronald Beasley Jr. has previously been convicted of Possession of Methamphetamine, Felony Battery, and Throwing Deadly Missile into Vehicle, and Domestic Violence.
Virginia Lee Welcher of Lake Wales passed away on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at her daughters residence in Lake Wales.
She was born May 7, 1941 in Geneva, Alabama to the late Jimmie and Mary Reeves; she moved to Lake Wales from Midland City, Alabama in 1954. Virginia was a retired quality assurance lab technician for Florida’s Natural and she previously attended Grace Life Family Church. She enjoyed reading, doing puzzles, and coloring. She always loved cooking for her family, especially when it included shelling peas.
Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Welcher in 2022; and sister, Martha Barber. She is survived by her daughters, Mary Freeman Scalise (Richard) of Deltona and Cindy Ann Hill (Bobby) of Lake Wales; grandchildren, Alex Scalise, Britni Long (Mike), Austin Scalise, and Autumn Appiah (Foster); and six great-grandchildren.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until the funeral service at 6:00 p.m., Monday, October 28, 2024 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales with Pastor Darrell Alexander officiating.
Winter Haven Public Safety Department has pushed out the Flood Warning statement that was issued this evening (October 24, 2024) at 8:53 p.m. by the National Weather Service.
Specific impacts to Polk County: Peace River At Bartow affecting Polk County…For the Peace…including Bartow, Zolfo Springs at SR 17, Arcadia at SR 70…Minor flooding is forecast. * WHAT…Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE…Peace River at Bartow. * WHEN…Until further notice. * IMPACTS…At 8.0 feet, Private roads downstream flood.
Here is the flood warning statement:
“…The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Florida… Withlacoochee At US 41 Dunnellon affecting Levy and Citrus Counties. Withlacoochee River At Croom affecting Sumter and Pasco Counties. Withlacoochee At SR 200 Holder affecting Citrus County. Withlacoochee At US 301 Trilby affecting Hernando and Pasco Counties. Cypress Creek At SR 54 Worthington Gardens affecting Pasco County. Peace River At Bartow affecting Polk County. For the Withlacoochee…including US 301 Trilby, Croom, SR 200 Holder, US 41 Dunnellon…Major flooding is forecast. For the Cypress Creek…including SR 54 Worthington Gardens…Minor flooding is forecast. For the Peace…including Bartow, Zolfo Springs at SR 17, Arcadia at SR 70…Minor flooding is forecast. * WHAT…Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE…Peace River at Bartow. * WHEN…Until further notice. * IMPACTS…At 8.0 feet, Private roads downstream flood. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS… – At 8:15 PM EDT Thursday the stage was 8.5 feet. – Bankfull stage is 8.0 feet. – Recent Activity…The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 8:15 PM EDT Thursday was 8.6 feet. – Forecast…The river is expected to remain steady above flood stage at 8.5 feet. – Flood stage is 8.0 feet. – Flood History…This crest compares to a previous crest of 8.5 feet on 09/24/1947.”
A 24-year-old Winter Haven woman was placed behind bars after allegedly stabbing a man with a fork, and then shortly after stabbing his car tire with a knife. The incident unfolded because allegedly the victim received a phone call from another woman. The defendant admitted that she took his keys and stabbed his tire because she was mad that he was “playing” her.
The incident occurred in the middle of the night on October 12, 2024 at a residence in Winter Haven.
The suspect was identified as Talia Grant of Winter Haven. She was charged with Aggravated Assault Deadly Weapon WO Intent Kill and also Criminal Mischief GT $200 and LT $1000.
Talia Grant of Winter Haven arrested
It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by Winter Haven Police Department. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. Winter Haven Daily does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to your own conclusion.
“On 10/12/2024 at approximately 0338 hours, I responded to a disturbance involving a weapon.
Upon my arrival, I observed the defendant (Talia Grant, B/F, DOB: 11/16/1999) in an irate state, yelling and screaming. The defendant was then detained due to not cooperating with officers and placed in my vehicle.
I then made contact with the victim REDACTED, who stated that the defendant came to his house out of the blue intoxicated. The victim advised that they hung out for a little bit, and he then took her back to her residence. The victim stated that he then received a phone call from another female who showed up on his vehicle’s dash, which the defendant observed. She then began to strike his radio system and yank his keys out of the ignition. The victim stated that the defendant then took his keys in the residence or threw them. He wasn’t sure what she did with it. The victim then stated that the defendant had returned from the residence with a fork and aggressively went towards him and swung the fork, striking him in his left arm. The victim then advised that once the defendant realized that she couldn’t cause damage to the tire with the fork, she went back to her residence, and the victim observed the defendant come back with a knife stating, “Back the f*** before I stab your bitch ass” The victim advised that the defendant held the knife in an upright position, with the knife facing him. The victim advised that the defendant then struck his tire with the knife, causing it to lose air. The victim then stated that the defendant got back into his vehicle and started attempting to break things in the interior. The victim advised that he tried to take the defendant out of the vehicle, but the defendant began to swing at him with the knife approximately three times, which he dodged. The victim stated that he was finally able to get the defendant out of the vehicle. Once the defendant was out of the vehicle, the victim stated that the defendant began to chase him and threw the knife in his direction, missing him. The defendant stated that once she no longer had the knife, she ran toward him and began to strike him in the face with a closed fist approximately three times.
The victim informed us that the tire cost was approximately $250.00.
Contact was made with the defendant, and Miranda Rights were read off of my agency’s issued Miranda Rights card. The defendant stated she understood and agreed to speak to us.
The defendant stated that she received a message from the victim concerning her, which was why she went to his house. The defendant admitted that she took his keys and stabbed his tire because she was mad that he was “playing” her.
I did observe the victim had an abrasion on his lower lip as well as a slight cut on his hand and forehead.
A query was conducted on FCIC/NCIC to see if the defendant had any prior battery convictions, which concluded negatively.
The defendant is being charged with aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and criminal mischief (FSS:784.041(1)(a)2..,784.021(1)(a).,806.13(1)(b)2…”
Dick Howell receives the Lake Wales Chamber 2024 Citizen of the Year award
The Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce hosted its 8th annual Chamber Gala & Awards Ceremony on Thursday, October 24, at The Sugar Barn in Lake Wales. The annual event was billed as an evening of celebration to recognize and honor local businesses and community leaders. This year’s theme was “Jewel in the Garden Gala”.
Lake Wales Chamber Gala, Oct. 24
Skip Alford, Chamber President, served as master of ceremonies. The 2024 honorees are as follows:
The Durso Award for Large Business was awarded to Central Florida Health Care, Inc.
Representatives of Central Florida Health Care, Inc.
The Durso Award for Small Business was awarded to Bok Tower Gardens.
David Price of Bok Tower Gardens was presented with the Durso Award for Small Business
The Public Servant of the Year was awarded to Travis O’Bryant.
The Jerry Miller Community Leadership Award was awarded to Michelle Hurst.
Michelle Hurst received the Jerry Miller Community Leadership Award
The Community Service Organization Award was awarded to the Lake Wales History Museum.
Angela Rosado accepts the Community Service Organization Award for the Lake Wales History Museum
The Citizen of the Year, who has also been named Pioneer of the Year by the City Of Lake Wales, is Dick Howell.
Dick Howell receives the Citizen of the Year award
A call was received at 2:45 PM this afternoon with regard to a structure fire at 5301 Dude Ranch Rd. in Lake Wales. Polk County Fire Rescue arrived on scene approximately seven minutes later.
The fire involved a shed, and it is reported that the fire was extinguished by 3 PM. While smoke could be seen by witnesses from nearby roadways, the fire was quickly under control, and no injuries were reported.
