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Three Arrested For Defrauding Republic Services Of Over $150,000

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Three Arrested For Defrauding Republic Services Of Over $150,000
Three Arrested For Defrauding Republic Services Of Over $150,000
PCSO Press Release:
On Monday, July 15, 2019, PCSO detectives working with the Office of the Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution arrested 40-year-old Jason Sawyer of Plant City, and “Scrap It” in Mulberry managers 53-year-old Angela Delao & 56-year-old Maria Rosado, for grand theft and defrauding Republic Services in Apopka of over $150,000.00.
In September of 2018, Republic Services became aware of missing dumpers/metal containers from some of their facilities. They began investigating, and learned that a repairman for 2J Fabrications – Jason Sawyer – who was paid to do dumpster repairs for Republic, was seen driving his personal Ford truck and flatbed trailer loaded with dumpsters, heading westbound on I-4.
Republic Services contacted Sawyer, and he told them he had been “given” the dumpsters by someone who worked there, and that he had been scrapping them to Scrap It metal recyclers in Mulberry.
Republic Services’ company policy is that they do not sell their dumpsters, and that they scrap dumpsters themselves. They also do not allow anyone to transport their dumpsters with their own personal vehicle. They contacted PCSO to investigate.
During the investigation, Scrap It provided records showing 23 separate transactions with Sawyer where he was paid a total of $10,788 for the 42 dumpsters he scrapped. The paperwork showed that Sawyer provided expired out-of-state identification for each transaction, and that they paid him an amount over the current scrap price.
The managers of Scrap It were in violation of FSS 538.19 metal recycler not maintaining proper records; FSS 538.26(4) metal recycler purchasing from seller without proof of ownership; and FSS 538.09 (1) acting as a second hand recycler without registration, for each of these transactions.
After paying Sawyer for the dumpsters, Delaow allowed him to come back and paint over the “Republic Services” logos on them. Delao and Rosado then sold the dumpsters for $1,000 each to local businesses.
“These three suspects were pretty bold – Sawyer drives away with 42 dumpsters belonging to a business that trusts him to do repair work, meanwhile these metal recyclers are breaking all kinds of laws related to how they’re supposed to conduct business. We have a great working relationship with most of the secondhand metal dealers and scrappers in the county, but these two just proved to us that they cannot be trusted, and shouldn’t be managing a business.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Sawyer‘s criminal history includes 5 previous felony charges, including a 1999 arrest for 2 counts bank robbery, two 2002 arrests for armed robbery and vehicle theft, and a 2003 arrest for vehicle theft.
He was arrested and charged with:
  • Obtaining property by fraud (F-1)
  • Dealing in stolen property (F-1)
  • Grand theft $100,000 or more (F-1)
  • Cheating or gross fraud (F-3)
Delao and Rosado were both arrested and charged with:
  • Obtaining property by fraud (F-3)
  • Dealing in stolen property (F-2)
  • Cheating or gross fraud (F-3)
  • Acting as a secondhand dealer without registration (M-1)
  • Metal recycler purchasing from seller without proof of ownership (M-1)
  • Metal recycler failing to maintaining proper records (M-1)
Delao was additionally charged with Tampering with evidence (F-3) for allowing Sawyer to come back after the transaction and paint over the Republic Services logo so they could be re-sold.
The following is an excerpt from their affidavits, and is self-explanatory:
The investigation has confirmed that Jason Sawyer removed the dumpsters/containers without the consent and/or permission of Republic Services. Sawyer then transported the stolen property from Apopka, Florida to Angela Delao and Maria Rosado (Scrap It Metal Recyclers) in Mulberry, Florida. Sawyer then sold the stolen property to Angela Delao and Maria Rosado at Scrap It. Sawyer received cash money from Scrap It for at least 23 transactions totaling $10,788.00 in money Sawyer received from the sale of the containers. Angela Delao and Maria Rosado would pay Sawyer over current daily scrap metal prices and then would re-sell the stolen property to outside parties in the same condition they were brought in.  
The investigation also confirmed Delao and Rosado accepted an invalid Identification from Sawyer for all the transactions. Delao and Rosado also never took the required steps to confirm Sawyer’s ownership of the property.  The condition of several of the dumpsters/containers were clearly not in scrap condition. Delao also allowed Sawyer to return to Scrap It in order to cover up any labels that had shown Republic labels on the dumpsters/containers.
The total loss to the victim located in Polk County was determined to be an estimated $150,016.00.
 

Lake Wales Bicyclist Dies After Being Struck By Two Vehicles Near Lakeland

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Lake Wales Bicyclist Dies After Being Struck By Two Vehicles Near Lakeland

Lake Wales Bicyclist Dies After Being Struck By Two Vehicles Near Lakeland

PCSO Press Release:

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a crash on North Galloway Road in Lakeland, involving two vehicles and a bicycle Tuesday morning, July 16, 2019. The crash occurred around 5:23 a.m., when the bicyclist was struck by the two vehicles.

The bicyclist, 35-year-old Mitchell Johnson of Lake Wales, suffered head trauma from the crash, and was transported to Lakeland Regional Health. He passed away shortly after arriving.

The two drivers involved in the crash were 24-year-old Hilda Sanchez-Matos of Lakeland, who was driving a black 2008 Lincoln MKZ, and 47-year-old Eric Partlow of Lakeland, who was driving a gray 2005 GMC Envoy. Neither driver was injured.

According to the preliminary investigation, Johnson was riding his bike on the far right of the northbound lane of Galloway Road near Apollo Court, when he was struck from the rear by the Lincoln driven by Ms. Sanchez-Matos.

Johnson was ejected from the bike, rolled across the hood of the Lincoln, and fell into the southbound lane of Galloway Road. Mr. Partlow’s Envoy was travelling south on Galloway Road at the time and struck Mr. Johnson.

Neither driver showed any signs of impairment. Speed nor driver distraction are believed to be a factors in the crash, but the investigation is ongoing.

The area of the road has no street lighting. Mr. Johnson was wearing dark clothing and had no lighting on his bicycle.

North Galloway Road was closed in both directions for approximately four hours as the crash was being investigated.

Tech Tuesday: Multi-Factor Authentication

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Tech Tuesday: Multi-Factor Authentication

Tech Tuesday: Multi-Factor Authentication

By: Kip Kirchberg

Over 10% of users utilize the same top 20 highly unsecure passwords. Cyber criminals do not even need to steal passwords to gain access to accounts. Simply by trying the top 20 most common passwords attackers have at least a 10% chance of gaining access to an account.

The number one password utilized today is “123456” and the second most popular is “password”. While the Cyber Security community has worked hard to convince users to utilize strong passwords. It has become a harsh reality that this has created other complex issues and challenges for users.

To add fuel to the fire cyber criminals are able to leverage cloud technologies such as AWS and Azure to build computer resources powerful enough to crack 10-character passwords. A 10-character password has approximately 3.76 quadrillion possible combinations and can be cracked in approximately 30 seconds.

The Information Technology and Cyber Security Industry feel strongly that some type of multi-factor authentication practice is the most effective way to control and protect personal or enterprise user accounts and data.

Multi-factor authentication is a secure authentication method in which users are required to show more than one type of identification to gain access to user or data resources.

  1. Something the user would know – like a password
  2. Something a user would not know – like a PIN or code they receive on a mobile device or hardware token.

For the individual users you can utilize programs such as Authy to enable 2-factor authentication for your favorite websites such as paypal, facebook, amazon, gmail, plus much more. In short Authy is an application that can be used on a desktop, multiple mobile devices, and even be backed up and secured offline. You can find more information at Authy.com.

For the enterprise there are several different ways to secure your Active Directory environment. Some of the simplest on the market are Cisco’s Duo Security or Microsoft’s Azure AD. I’m sure there are plenty of other good options, however, these are a couple that I have had great success with.

Implementing multi-factor authentication for the enterprise will come at an additional costs and investment. Plus there are some items that must be taken into consideration when deploying a solution in every environment. Thinking that Multi-factor for AD is a simple plug and play solution could have devastating affects if not properly planned out and implemented.

Overall the implementation of Multi-Factor for both personal and business is well worth the nuisance of installation in the long run. When launched in your environment you will have a renowned sense of peace knowing that your accounts are better protected and safer from Cyber Attackers.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out at [email protected] or at 863-734-8060 to setup a custom consultation.

St. Mark’s Episcopal Unveils New Youth Program At Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

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St. Mark’s Episcopal Unveils New Youth Program At Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

St. Mark’s Episcopal Unveils New Youth Program At Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

by James Coulter

More than 60,000 youth are incarcerated in juvenile jails and prisons across the country; even worse, African American youth are five times more likely than white youth to become incarcerated, according to data from the Department of Justice.

The more young people have the skills to succeed in life and stay out of trouble, the less of them will fall prey to the criminal justice system. This is the intent of a new youth program that was unveiled at St. Mark Episcopal Church in Haines City.

On Thursday afternoon, the church hosted an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony for its new Life Center, a facility which will offer programs and services to the local Haines City community.

One of the programs to be offered at the Life Center will be its new Rising Stars Rites of Passage, a youth program that will train children with vital life skills such as problem-solving, conflict management, and effective communication.

The 12-month program will be provided to young people ages 8 to 15, with classes to be hosted at the church’s life center on the first and third Saturday of every month. Reverend Angela Ifill hopes that the skills taught to children will enable them to successfully transition into adulthood.

“The same challenges that we face, the same thoughts that we have about what is going on in the community [and] in the world, is the same that young people experience, many of whom do not have the skills to deal with what is going on,” she explained.

Sheriff Grady Judd has especially expressed interest in the program, as it will ensure that many of the children who attend it will hopefully not end up within the criminal justice system, Rev. Ifill said.

Rising Stars Rites of Passage will be one of many community programs and services at the Life Center through Isaiah Initiatives, a local non-profit organization of which Rev. Ifill is founder and CEO.

Rev. Ifill started as the interim rector for St. Mark Episcopal Church earlier this year in April. Since then, she and church staff have been visioning and considering ways for their church to be more proactive within the local community.

“One of those ways is reimagining our ministry so that we can be better known in the community,” she said. “The church belongs in the community, and that is what we are working toward.”

Aside from the many programs offered through the life center, the church will also be utilizing portions of its property to be set aside for a community garden and prayer garden. One garden will grow plants and other vegetation through the effort of local community members, while the prayer garden will allow community members to come and pray during after church hours.

“We all have a lot on our minds, we are living in a challenging world, and it is good to have a place away from home, away from the kids, to be quiet,” she said.

Such a focus on community services proves compatible with many of the plans by the Haines City Commission to refurbish portions of the downtown area into community spaces to better facilitate local residents, explained Derrick Feacher, City Manager.

Feacher mentioned how he and other city officials are working on proposals to redevelop the downtown area, especially with their recent acquisition of the old plaza across the street from the church where the former Hungry Howie’s eatery once resided.

“You will see change taking place over the next couple years to redevelop this downtown area, and your congregation in this church will be a part of that, so when people come here, you can invite them into your family here at St. Marks,” he said.

Karen Tiner, a board member with the Northeast Polk County Chamber of Commerce, echoed Feacher’s sentiments, explaining how the church’s involvement plays an important role with the redevelopment of Downtown Haines City.

“I am excited about this on many levels,” she said. “The city itself is trying hard with CRA to make the most out of this community and the downtown area. We are very excited because St. Mark’s has a new mission with this life center…With all this going on, we have a lot of energy going on in the downtown area, so we are thrilled this is going on with St. Marks Church.”

St Mark’s Episcopal Church is located at 102 S 9th St, Haines City, FL 33844. For more information, visit their website at: https://www.stmarkshc.com/

Sheriff’s Office Investigating Pedestrian Involved Fatality Crash On Galloway Rd.

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Sheriff’s Office Investigating Pedestrian Involved Fatality Crash On Galloway Rd.

Lakeland, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a pedestrian involved crash on Galloway Rd near Apollo Ct. According to Brian Bruchey, Public Information Officer with the PCSO, the crash occurred at 5:23 am.

The roadway was closed for several hours, but is now opened.

We will update as more information is available.

More Than 60 Paddleboarders Arrive For 4th Annual SUP Invitational

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More Than 60 Paddleboarders Arrive For 4th Annual SUP Invitational

More Than 60 Paddleboarders Arrive For 4th Annual SUP Invitational

by James Coulter

William Corsi has been involved in many sports: swimming, bowling, basketball, and softball. He also loves paddleboarding. As such, he’s more than willing to travel more than 60 miles from Tampa to Winter Haven to compete.

This was his second year attending the Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) Invitational in Winter Haven, hosted by the Special Olympics of Polk County.

He joined nearly 60 other participating athletes in taking to the waters of Lake Silver and paddling around the lake for an opportunity to win prize ribbons.

Not only was he able to paddle the course laid out within the lake, but he also walked away with a first prize ribbon for one of the many races hosted that Saturday morning.

“I had fun today,” he said. “I love to have fun and compete. I love being among athletes and cheering them on to win the gold medal.”

The fourth annual invitational was attended by 60 athletes from six counties: Polk, Citrus, Pasco, Pinellas, Hernando, and Hillsborough. Each of the athletes competed for a chance to qualify and attend the state games in August.

Since starting four years ago, the annual event has more than doubled in size, with the athlete’s abilities increasing tenfold, explained Sherri Henry, team management director.

Helping with the attendance this year was the beautiful weather Saturday morning, as it was neither too sunny nor too cloudy, offering the most ideal conditions for competing on the water, she explained.

“The turnout was absolutely awesome,” she said. “The weather behaved so well. It wasn’t too sunny. It wasn’t too hot. Our athletes had a great day. They were out on the water going real fast, much better times than they had in the past.”

Henry loves hosting the event, as it has become more efficient in recent years thanks to the hard work of dedicated volunteers and staff. This year’s event more than exceeded initial expectations, and she hopes that next year’s event will exceed expectations set this year, she said.

“My favorite thing about events such as this is getting to see athletes beat their times, do better than they had, push past their personal goals, and seeing the smiles on their faces when they pass the finish line,” she said.

The Polk County Lake Riders were one of the many teams that attended the invitational, serving as the host team for Winter Haven. The team has been attending every year since the invitational first started, and their own team has grown since then, explained Coach Kami Rickert.

“Since this is an invitational, if you can make it, you can race, so we have multiple teams joining in each year,” she said. “[I love] the camaraderie between athletes and teams. We have a lot of athletes cheering on other teams. Everybody makes it a fun day, and we get a lot of volunteers to come out cheer everyone on. It has succeeded once again.”

Help Winter Haven Police Department Identify Vehicle Burglary Suspect

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Help Winter Haven Police Department Identify Vehicle Burglary Suspect

Help Identify Vehicle Burglary Suspect

On 7/13/19 at approximately 4 a.m., the suspect in this video attempted to enter a truck and then made entry to a car in the driveway of a home on Broad St. in Winter Haven.
Check out the video and if you recognize him, call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers are guaranteed anonymity and could be eligible for a CASH reward.

Suspect Apprehended After Initially Refusing To Comply With Deputies In Lakeland

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Suspect Apprehended After Initially Refusing To Comply With Deputies In Lakeland

Lakeland, Florida – The Polk County Sheriffs Office is currently on scene of a situation near the Interstate Battery Center On Hwy 92 in Lakeland. According to Brian Bruchey, Public Information Officer with the PCSO, the suspect was wanted in a domestic violence investigation. He was cornered by deputies, but refused to exit his car. Deputies set a perimeter near 2855 US Hwy 92 E in Lakeland. The suspect refused to come out and showed signs of being suicidal. The situation appears to have started prior to 8pm.

Around 8:30 pm, Bruchey advised the suspect was in custody and the situation quickly resolved. No injuries..

Bellies-2-Babies LLC, a Safe Space for Expectant Families

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Bellies-2-Babies LLC, a Safe Space for Expectant Families

Bellies-2-Babies LLC, a Safe Space for Expectant Families
By Allison Williams



Bellies-2-Babies LLC was created by local Janet Farmer, Certified Birth Boot Camp Instructor and Certified Birth Boot Camp Doula. She is also a Postpartum Doula and Certified Breastfeeding Specialist. Farmer has a ton of experience in this field.


“I have taught Childbirth Classes for over 25 years, but recently decided to re-certify with a different company,” Farmer said. “I chose Birth Boot Camp for my most recent training and certification. I love their materials and how they really include and prepare the partner as much as the mom. The Class Field Manual is beautiful and interesting, and the curriculum taught in class is interactive and comprehensive – so NO MORE BORING BIRTH CLASSES! These classes will really help you dial in to what to expect during the labor and birth process and help you be able to develop a plan of action for your personal experience.”



Farmer has a close connection with Lake Wales and its community, and the quaintness and beauty of the historical buildings downtown are what drew her to open her space there. She spent time organizing and preparing the space for its grand opening.

“I chose the color for the walls because I wanted something calming,” Farmer said. “I wanted families to come in here and just relax so they could feel like this is a safe space to talk about birth and pregnancy, and just want to spend time here. I just felt like it was a beautiful environment to teach childbirth classes and offering different types of support groups for moms to come and meet here.” Children are also welcome in this cozy space. The idea is to be a safe, homelike space, rather than a classroom or office type space.
“I wanted to make the Bellies-2-Babies gathering place kid friendly as well, so that’s why I have toys and the rug and the little bench,” Farmer added. “I wanted little ones to be able to be in this space with their moms and be comfortable too.”

 

After hard work and preparation to open her space, Farmer hosted a grand opening with an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony at the end of March this year.

Farmer offers a variety of classes and workshops at her new space in Downtown Lake Wales so whether you are preparing for a Hospital or Birth Center delivery or need help preparing for life at home with a newborn, she can help you feel calm and confident. 

Upcoming classes/meetings:

– Postpartum mom’s meeting – Thursday, July 18 at 6 p.m. Sponsored by Beloved Birth. Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/2668831199812279/. This is a time for moms to come together to bond and share their postpartum experiences. Babies 1 and under welcome to join.
– Doula Meet Up – Sunday, July 21 from 3-5 p.m. Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/2206867392766199/. This is a time for new and aspiring doulas to meet up and collaborate.
– Birth Prep Workshop – Sunday, July 28 from 1-6 p.m. and Monday July 29 from 6-9 p.m. Visit www.bellies-2-babies.com to register today! Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/433325320599503/. Topics covered in the birth prep workshop include: 

-What the birth process is really like
-Having a natural birth
-Signs you are in labor
-When the right time to go to the hospital is
-C-sections
-How partners can help mom cope with labor

Farmer also offers a comprehensive class. “My best class is my Comprehensive Childbirth Class, which is offered in a five week or 10 week session,” Farmer said. “They will learn everything, from starting with prenatal nutrition to exercise to stay healthy. The comprehensive class is awesome.” Farmer recommends starting this class prior to 28 weeks gestation.



“My classes speak to them about where they are planning to give birth, so if they are planning a hospital birth, I have a series of classes that teaches to that type of birthing,” Farmer said. “If they are planning a birth center or home birth I have a set of classes that teach to that.”

Farmer teaches these classes, but is also a Doula (provides professional labor support) and has helped with numerous births. She believes that by being present during the labor and birth process to help encourage her clients, they have a greater opportunity to ask their provider questions so they can make truly informed decisions about their care and they seem to manage the whole process with a calm resolve. Their experience is often totally different if they haven’t had a good birth class or hired a Doula and this is part of the reason Farmer believes that the services she provides really does make an impact and difference for the family’s overall satisfaction with their birth. 

“This is one of the most important life experiences you’ll go through and it’s often really hard work,” Farmer said. “I hope people will come to understand why this is so important and why they should take a class.”

Farmer continuously receives feedback from her clients about the space, classes and services offered by Bellies-2-Babies LLC.

“Clients that take my birth classes leave class with a real understanding of what lies ahead of them in regards to labor, birth and life at home with a newborn, and because they know what to expect, and what is possible, they feel calmer, more prepared and even more excited to have their baby,” Farmer said. “Then after the birth, they tell me how much it truly helped them through the labor and birth process. They were able to make informed decisions about their care and recognized what was normal and okay and if something was maybe not quite normal. They felt educated and empowered because of it.”

Clients have told her that previously if they did the birthing process without education or a doula that they felt they were just pushed through the process and not really in control of anything that was happening to them. 

The birth experience is going to last in their memory and hearts forever. They are never going to forget what they went through. An experience is usually better if they’ve been educated. We can’t control birth, birth is unpredictable, but we can certainly prepare for the unpredictability of birth.

The services Bellies-2 Babies LLC offer are for any and all expectant mothers and families. She has helped first time parents who are totally new to the experience, families who did not have a good experience the first time around, and even families where the mom has children but it’s her partner’s first time experiencing the birthing process. Farmer is ready to help any family that walks through her doors no matter what stage in life they are in.

Farmer also offers birth plans.

“If they just want to meet with me and have a birth plan drawn up we can do that,” Farmer said. “It’s usually a 2-3 hour process. We can meet once or twice depending. I can help them put a birth plan together if they are short on time and not able to get a class done.

If you are looking for a positive, comforting experience so you can feel prepared and confident during the child birthing process, then look no further than Bellies-2-Babies LLC. They are ready to answer your questions and help you make a plan that works for you.
 
For additional events and details visit https://www.bellies-2-babies.com/events.html.

Bellies-2-Babies LLC is located at 229 E Stuart Ave, Suite 8, Lake Wales, FL 33853

Circle Of Friends Celebrates Grand Re-Opening Of Treasured Friends Gift Shop

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Circle Of Friends Celebrates Grand Re-Opening Of Treasured Friends Gift Shop

Circle Of Friends Celebrates Grand Re-Opening Of Treasured Friends Gift Shop

by James Coulter

Whether you are looking for antiques or jewelry, greeting cards or home decor, knick-knacks or any other various novelty items, Circle of Friends Ministry has a little bit of everything to offer everybody at their Treasured Friends Gift Shop in Downtown Lake Wales.

Located along East Stuart Avenue, this small shop offers a quaint and cozy shopping environment with a down-to-earth small-town atmosphere. Best of all, the store is being used to train children and young adults with special needs, allowing them to do everything from sales to inventory, explained Mertice Kelley, retired owner and manager.

As the new store operates within the former location of the Lake Wales Senior Center, it hopes to continue the legacy of the old center by facilitating its senior citizen customers through a special discount.

“[We want to] help the seniors anyway we can help a senior citizen out, and it is a wonderful place for a senior to come out and volunteer,” Kelley said.

Katie Kinloch, a local resident, has been purchasing many gifts from the store for several years. Many of her favorite capes and tops have been purchased there, as have at least 50 of her favorite sashes, she said.

“I have been buying things for years, so [it is] a great place to buy gifts for your friends and family,” she said.

The newly refurbished storefront recently celebrated its grand re-opening on Wednesday, hosted by the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce. The small ceremony featured a ribbon cutting with refreshments served inside, allowing guests to see the store and its merchandise selection for themselves.

Robin Gibson, Assistant Mayor, commended the store for re-opening, offering yet another small business in Downtown Lake Wales. In doing so, its opening coincides with plans for upcoming renovations within the next few years, he said.

“On behalf of the city, I want to welcome everyone here, and certainly welcome this facility behind me,” Gibson said. “I think it is coming during a wonderful time as far as the city is concerned…It is a wise decision to make a move like this at this time.”

For more than 20 years, Circle of Friends Ministry, a local non-profit organization, has been providing job and life training for children with special needs, offering them the life skills that they need to provide for themselves and live comfortably on their own in spite of their disabilities.

Nearly five years ago, Circle of Friends moved to their current location 105 E. Stuart Avenue in Downtown Lake Wales, where their students receive job training by helping to run the store and snack stop and even providing deliveries to local downtown businesses.

During that time, the ministry also formed a partnership with the neighboring Senior Center, allowing their organization to utilize its facilities for further job and life skill training while also assisting the senior citizens there.

However, since then, many of people in charge of the senior center have either moved or passed away, and the storefront used for its facility has remained closed and vacant for nearly a year, Kelley explained.

One day, while surveying the building and trying to figure out what to do with it, Kelly and a few other members were greeted by Pamela Lambert, who arrived at the old building to make them an offer.

“Pamela walked in and she offered to go into consignment with us,” Kelley said. “We don’t even have anybody to open the store. She said that she is very interested. She has come in here and has been here for about two months. She has worked and worked to remodel it and make it beautiful.”

Since then, the store was remodeled within two months and has been up and running. Now the storefront has been restored to life and is being used to sell novelty gifts, cards, and art, offering discounts to senior citizens and valuable training for students, Kelley said.

“The main thing is so our young people will have a place where they can job train,” she said. “That is mainly what it is for, for our young people.”

Kelley has high expectations for the newly refurbished store, especially now that it is under good hands with Lambert. If anything else, the store provides yet another thriving small business to the downtown scene, she said.

“It is a happy place, one of the happiest places in town,” he said. “We have good deals, good prices. So when you buy things from here, you will be helping support our young people. We hope for it to boom and to make Lake Wales more beautiful than what it was.”

Circle of Friends Treasured Friends Gift Shop is located at 129 E Stuart Avenue, Lake Wales, Fl 33853. For more information about Circle of Friends, call 863-679-2507, or visit their website at: https://circleoffriendsministry.org/

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