On Sunday, September 1, 2024 a vehicle crash occurred at Recker Hwy and Coleman Road in Winter Haven.
Polk County Fire Rescue and Polk County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the scene at 5:10 p.m.
It was reported to dispatch that the crash involved 2 vehicles – a white 2016 Nissan Frontier and a maroon 2013 Cadillac Escalade.
One of the vehicles came to a rest on its side (the white Nissan).
Polk County Fire Rescue Public Information Officer (PIO) confirmed that they transported two individuals via ambulance to local medical facilities as trauma alerts.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office PIO stated that their injuries did not appear to be life-threatening.
“This Tuesday (9/4/24), a tropical wave is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms over Hispaniola and portions of the central Caribbean Sea. This system is expected to move westward, and a tropical depression could form when it reaches the western Caribbean Sea and the southwestern Gulf of Mexico late this week or over the weekend. It has a near zero chance of formation in the next 48 hours and a medium (40 percent) chance in the next 7 days.
Eastern Tropical Atlantic Ocean: A tropical wave over the far eastern Atlantic is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Environmental conditions are forecast to become a little more conducive for development, and a tropical depression could form later this week while the disturbance moves slowly west-northwestward or northwestward over the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean. This system could produce locally heavy rains and gusty winds across portions of the Cabo Verde Islands in a day or two. It has a low (10 percent) chance of formation in the next 48 hours and a medium (40 percent) chance in the next 7 days.
Central Tropical Atlantic Ocean: Another tropical wave located about midway between the west coast of Africa and the Lesser Antilles is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Some slow development is possible during the next couple of days while the system moves west-northwestward. By the end of the week, however, environmental conditions are expected to become unfavorable for additional development. It has a low (10 percent) chance of formation in the next 48 hours and the next 7 days.”
We will update this article if any new information arises that may impact our area. For now, weather experts are just keeping an eye out for potential development. No threats for us as of now.
More Than 3+ Acres Northeast of Buckeye Loop Road Being Considered for Development of 32 to 44 Residential Units
by James Coulter
Between 32 or 44 multi-family residential units could be constructed northeast of Buckeye Loop Road in Winter Haven if two ordinances are approved by the Winter Haven City Commission.
At their regular meeting on Mon. Aug. 24, Winter Haven City Commissioners considered the first reading of two ordinances related to amending the zoning and future land use map designation of a 3.68+ acre parcel of land located at the northeast corner of Buckeye Loop Road and Palm Nut Drive.
The first ordinance would amend the future land use map designation of the parcel from Neighborhood Support Future Land Use to Neighborhood Suburban Future Land Use.
The second ordinance would rezone a parcel from Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning district to Multi-Family Residential- Low Density (R-3) zoning district.
The parcel of land, located northeast of Buckeye Loop Road and Palm Nut Drive, had been annexed into the city on Jan. 22, 2018 and was assigned the current zoning and future land use designations on Apr. 25, 2022. Since then, the parcel has remained undeveloped.
TBBP Holdings, LLC, which had petitioned the proposed rezoning and designation changes, plans to utilize the land to build 32 multi-family residential units–or, at the most, to the maximum number of 44 units at 12 dwelling units per acre, as permitted under the proposed R-3 zoning district.
Upon reviewing the requests, city staff has yielded the following conclusions:
• The proposed Neighborhood Suburban Future Land Use and R-3 zoning district is consistent with surrounding uses and designations; and
• There is sufficient public infrastructure capacity to accommodate the proposed development, as well as the maximum theoretical development, under R-3.
City Commissioners did not vote on the first reading of either ordinance. Both ordinances will be voted upon at their second reading at the city commission meeting on Mon. Sep. 10.
Signage is up at the location of Robin’s Run subdivision Photo by Maria Iannucci
by James Coulter
Approximately 156 single-family residential units could be built in Lake Wales with a 40-acre plat of land being considered for a proposed subdivision.
At their workshop on Wed. Aug. 28, Lake Wales City Commissioners considered the final plat approval for phase one of the proposed Robin’s Run subdivision.
The 40-acre plat is located at the southwest corner of Sunset Drive and Buck Moore Road, and across Buck Moore from the Sunset Pointe Subdivision.
Autumn Cochella, City Growth Management Director, wrote in the agenda item memo that, “the northern-most 20 acres were annexed into the City by petition from the property owner in 2021 and assigned a Future Land Use designation of Low-Density Residential, and a Zoning designation of R-1A.”
The 40-acre plat is part of Robin’s Run, a 156-lot subdivision proposed by KB Home Orlando, LLC. and greenlit by the City Commission through a preliminary subdivision plat and special exception use permit approved in Aug. 2021.
The first 102 lots are to be platted and constructed within Phase I, while the final 54 lots will be platted in Robin’s Run Phase II.
The planned subdivision will enable the construction of 156 single-family homes. With an estimated average of $200,000 in taxable value per unit, the subdivision, according to Cochella, “could potentially result in over 31 million in taxable value, and generate over $212,000 in ad valorem taxes.”
The City of Lake Wales may be upgrading its aging computer network, as city commissioners are considering purchasing new devices for approximately $82,000.
At their workshop meeting on Tues. Aug. 27, Lake Wales City Commissioners considered a resolution to authorize the one-time expenditure of $82,483 to purchase new network devices.
Kevin Sunderland, Chief Information Officer, in the city agenda memo, warned that the city’s network infrastructure was aging and that devices needed to be replaced.
He claimed these purchases could be made utilizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, ” as allowed by Section 2-403(D) of the City’s Code of Ordinances.”
“The City’s existing network infrastructure is nearing the end of its useful life and requires replacement,” he wrote. “These devices will enhance the performance and reliability of the critical core network, extending its operational lifespan to five years.”
Commissioner Keith Thompson inquired about the current age of the devices being utilized by the city’s network. City Manager James Slaton said the devices in question were nearing five years old, and that these devices needed to be replaced every five years.
Slaton averred that the device was “a critical item that needs to be replaced every five years.” He assured the commissioners that the funding for its replacement would come from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) fund and not the city’s general fund.
Many of us are home today, preparing to fire up the grill, jump in the pool, or head to a barbecue. But what does Labor Day really celebrate? If you have a job, no mater what you do, or how many hours you work, it’s meant to celebrate…you, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Here’s a little history:
“Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.
Early Adopters
“Before it was a federal holiday, Labor Day was recognized by labor activists and individual states. After municipal ordinances were passed in 1885 and 1886, a movement developed to secure state legislation. New York was the first state to introduce a bill, but Oregon was the first to pass a law recognizing Labor Day, on February 21, 1887. During 1887, four more states – Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York – passed laws creating a Labor Day holiday. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday.
McGuire v. Maguire: Who Founded Labor Day?
“Who first proposed the holiday for workers? It’s not entirely clear, but two workers can make a solid claim to the Founder of Labor Day title.
“Some records show that in 1882, Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, suggested setting aside a day for a “general holiday for the laboring classes” to honor those “who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold.”
“But Peter McGuire’s place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that machinist Matthew Maguire, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday.
“Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, New Jersey, proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York.
“According to the New Jersey Historical Society, after President Cleveland signed the law creating a national Labor Day, the Paterson Morning Call published an opinion piece stating that “the souvenir pen should go to Alderman Matthew Maguire of this city, who is the undisputed author of Labor Day as a holiday.” Both Maguire and McGuire attended the country’s first Labor Day parade in New York City that year.
The First Labor Day
“The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.
“By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September of each year a national holiday.
A Nationwide Holiday
“Many Americans celebrate Labor Day with parades and parties – festivities very similar to those outlined by the first proposal for a holiday, which suggested that the day should be observed with – a street parade to exhibit “the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations” of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day.
“Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.
“American labor has raised the nation’s standard of living and contributed to the greatest production the world has ever known and the labor movement has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pays tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership – the American worker.
More Resources
Labor Hall of Honor “Curious about America’s labor leaders? Check out the Labor Hall of Honor to learn more about the men and women who have improved working conditions, wages, and quality of life for America’s working families.
Hall of Secretaries “Twenty-nine people have served as Secretary of Labor. Visit our Hall of Secretaries to learn more about how their leadership influenced work in America.”
Grab a paintbrush and corkscrew; there’s no better way to enjoy the cooler autumn weather than by taking a sip of your favorite wine and giving your paintbrush a dip at your attempt at fine art.
The Lake Wales Arts Council is expecting to have a special permit approved for its upcoming Paint and Sip events, to be hosted at the Lake Wales Family Recreation Center.
At their workshop on Tues. Aug. 27, Lake Wales City Commissioners reviewed a request by the Lake Wales Family Recreation Center for three events planned for later this year.
The special permit will not only allow the events to be hosted at the recreation center but also allow alcohol to be served at those events.
The upcoming Paint and Sip events have been scheduled for Sat. Sep. 28, Sat. Nov. 9, and Sat. Dec. 14. All events will be from 4 PM – 6 PM.
The Lake Wales Family Recreation Center began partnering with the Lake Wales Arts Council to host its Paint and Sip events.
These events allow attendees to bring their bottles of wine and try their hands at painting their own “masterpieces” through the instruction of an art instructor with painting supplies provided.
The Lake Wales Arts Council began hosting these Paint and Sip these events earlier this year. Previous events have been priced at $35 per person for guests ages 21 and older.
For more information about upcoming events, visit their website at: https://www.lakewalesartscouncil.org/
The Florida Highway Patrol is currently investigating a fatal crash in Highlands County. According to Lieutenant Gregory S. Bueno, Public Affairs Division of the Florida Highway Patrol an ATV (driven by a 26 Yr Old Lake Placid man) was traveling south on the southbound lane of Highlands Boulevard, approaching the intersection of Cumberland Street.
At that same time a pickup truck was traveling north on the northbound lane of Highlands Boulevard, north of the intersection of Cumberland Street.
Reportedly the ATV traveled across the centerline and entered the path of the pickup. The front left area of ATV collided with the front left area of pickup. The ATV driver was pronounced deceased on scene.
The crash remains under investigation.
The Florida Highway Patrol per Marsy’s Law does not release the names of victims.
“After searching throughout the night, Marine Unit deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office located Aaron Tillman, deceased, at about 5:12 this morning, in an area of Lake McLeod that was about 13-feet deep. Please continue to keep his family and friends in your prayers during this incredibly difficult time.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
——Original Press Release——-
Polk County Sheriff’s Office, FWC, and Polk County Fire Rescue searching Lake McLeod for missing 18-year old
The Marine Unit from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently searching Lake McLeod for a missing 18-year old Eagle Lake man.
PCSO deputies were dispatched to the scene at about 3:05 pm Sunday, September 1, 2024. Polk County Fire Rescue and FWC also responded and joined in the search.
The victim has been identified as Aaron Tillman of Eagle Lake, a student at Ambassadors Christian Academy of Winter Haven, and a member of the football and wrestling teams.
PCSO detectives were told that Tillman and a 19-year old woman were kayaking approximately 150-yards from shore, in water that was about 12 to 15-feet deep.
According to the early stages of the investigation, neither Tillman nor the woman were wearing personal floatation devices. Family members said that Tillman could not swim, and has never been on a kayak before.
The woman told deputies that she jumped into the water from the kayak to swim, but when she resurfaced she saw Tillman in the water and struggling to stay above water. She told detectives that she did not know if he fell or intentionally got into the water.
Despite the efforts of the woman and a nearby witness who went into the water to help, Tillman disappeared in the water.
“We have had several boats from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, FWC, and Polk County Fire Rescue looking for this young man, and we will remain on scene until he is found. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Tillman’s family and friends, and we’re going to look for him like he was one of our own relatives.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a Firearms Safety Course on Saturday, September 7, from 8 AM to 12 noon at the PCSO Burnham – McCall Training Center, 2201 Old Bartow Eagle Lake Road in Bartow.
The firearm safety course is the same course required by the Florida Dept. Of Agriculture as part of an application to obtain a concealed weapons permit.
Seats must be reserved in advance. Call 863–298–6242 to reserve your seat for the class. The cost of the class is $45; all proceeds go to Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc.; the cost is non-refundable.
Requirements for the class can be found at www.polksheriff.org.
