As we approach the fall season, it’s hard to imagine that the holidays are just a few months away. If you’re looking for something full of holiday spirit to do this December, here’s a great option for the whole family, and tickets are on sale now.
The Florida Railroad Museum is in Parrish, Florida, about a 90 minute ride from Lake Wales. Today, the museum open tickets sales for their North Pole Express train, a holiday excursion that you won’t want to miss.
When you arrive at the train station prior to boarding, a full-size train will be waiting for your arrival, covered in lights. There is a 35 minute ride from the time you embark, until the time you arrive at the North Pole Station.
Once arriving at the North Pole, Santa will be waiting to visit with every child that wishes to see him. During your stay, a number of activities, entertainment, campfires, and all of the hot chocolate and cookies you care to eat or included with every ticket. Food is also available for sale for those that need more than cookies.
The entire experience last about 3 1/2 hours, starting and ending with a 35 minute train ride to and from the North Pole. Dates, times, and availability very, and it’s best to check the website for all of this information.
For more information on the Florida Railroad Museum, The North Pole Express, or to purchase tickets, visit www.frrm.org or call 941-776-0906.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Lakeland man on July 31, 2024 for stealing a trailer filled with nearly $70,000 worth of items inside. The suspect was identified as Robert Reynolds of Lakeland.
It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by Polk County Sheriff’s Office. 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.
“Robert Reynolds (Defendant) did violate F.S.S. 812.014(2)(B) grand theft more than $20,000 dollars but less than $100,000 dollars.
On 07/15/2024, REDACTED (Victim) contacted the Polk County Sheriffs Office in reference to REDACTED black enclosed trailer being stolen from REDACTED.
REDACTED did not report it sooner due to being out of the country at the time. The victim advised that REDACTED does not have the VIN number for the trailer at the time due to never registered it in REDACTED’s name.
The victim advised that REDACTED had “Meter Toledo metal detector” worth approximately $12,000 dollars, a “Flow Wrapp” worth approximately $21,000 dollars, and a “Vertical conveyor with a detector coder” worth approximately $35,000 dollars. The total value is approximately $68,000 dollars.
On 07/31/2024, I made contact with REDACTED (Witness 1) and REDACTED (Witness 2) and conducted sworn recorded statements with both subjects. Both witness 1 and witness 2 stated that they were with the defendant on 06/12/2024 when he picked up a black enclosed trailer from REDACTED. Both witnesses stated that the defendant told them his boss left the trailer for him. Approximately two weeks after the trailer was taken, the defendant told both witnesses that he actually stole the trailer.
When asked about the equipment that was inside of the trailer, witness 1 stated that it was currently located at REDACTED in Wesley Chapel, FL. Witness 1 advised that he went to the location with the defendant on 06/13/2024 to do a job and while he was there, the defendant asked him to help him unload the contents from a trailer. Witness 1 provided me with a detailed description of where the items were located on the property. He advised that they were on the west side of the residence behind a pond and in the bushes.
I responded to REDACTED along with Detective Foster #5068 with the Pasco County Sheriffs Office.
Upon my arrival, I located the items exactly where witness 1 described they would be. I photographed the equipment and sent it to the victim and he confirmed that it is his stolen equipment.
Due to taking the victim’s property valued at approximately $68,000 dollars and depriving him of it without his permission, the defendant violated F.S.S. 812.014(2)(B).”
Sample of an image produced by cutting-edge technology. Credit: LWPD
The following is a press release from the Lake Wales Police Department with regard to new technology being used to investigate fatal collisions in Lake Wales:
The Lake Wales Police Department acquired a new laser scanner to help investigate major crime scenes and traffic crashes resulting in serious bodily injury or death. The technology drastically reduces the amount of time needed to investigate fatal car accidents. It enables one officer to map out millions of points in under an hour.
Image produced by FARO System. Credit: LWPD
The old process took officers approximately four hours to map out hundreds of measurement points by hand.
“The sooner we get the roadway back up and running and clear for traffic, the lower the likelihood of seeing secondary crashes caused by drivers who are distracted by the original accident,” Deputy Chief Troy Shulze said.
The FARO Focus scanner. Credit: LWPD
The laser scanner is made by FARO Technologies. The system produces 2-D and 3-D images that help investigators recreate a scene from beginning to end. Originally priced around $75,000, the department acquired the system at a discounted rate of $63,969.
Map of the area to be annexed. Graphic is from the 8/20/24 City Commissioners’ meeting.
Proposal to Annex 558+ Acres of Land West of Lake Wales Given Preliminary Approval with Unanimous Vote by City Commissioners
by James Coulter
Approximately 558+ acres of land located on the western edge of Lake Wales may be annexed into the city now that the city has given preliminary approval of the proposal.
At their meeting on Tuesday evening, Lake Wales City Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve the first reading of four ordinances concerning the annexation of 558+ acres of land at the western edge of the city and contiguous to the incorporated City limits.
These ordinances would:
• Annex the land into the Lake Wales city limits.
• Change the future land use map designation of this land from “County Agriculture/Residential Rural (A/RR) & Industrial” to “City MU Mixed Use.”
• Change the zoning map designation of this land from “County Agriculture/Residential Rural (A/RR) & Industrial” to “PDMU Planned Development Mixed Use.”
• Approve a Master Development Plan (MDP) for the above-mentioned parcels contingent upon the adoption of the other ordinances.
A rendering of Lake Wales Commons, as depicted at the 8/20 City Commissioners’ meeting
The 26 subject properties, which have a combined acreage of approximately 558+ acres, are located north of SR 60, 12 miles east of Bartow, and directly adjacent to the City of Lake Wales jurisdiction boundary.
The future land use and zoning map designation amendments had been approved by the Planning and Zoning Board at their regular meeting on July 23, 2024, where they determined, according to the agenda item, that “the recommended Future Land Use designation is consistent with the City Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Regulation.”
Shelton Rice, an attorney with Peterson and Myers, representing the owner of most of the land being considered for annexation, claimed that the proposal had been “worked on” for years and that it would be a net plus for Lake Wales.
“This is a project we have worked on for years,” Rice said. “We believe it is a real opportunity for the city.”
Conceptual master plan exhibited at the 8/20 City Commissioners’ meeting
Mayor Jack Hilligoss agreed, claiming that the reason for the proposed annexation was visibly plain on the map itself: the additional land would bring additional opportunity and growth for the city.
“Why would we annex this? The map tells the tale of that,” he said. “Because if we do not annex it, someone else will, which means we will not get the benefits of running water lines out there…That is why we annex these properties. That is why I am approving this annexation. I think it is a marvelous project. I cannot wait to start moving dirt out there.”
However, a few city residents raised questions and concerns about the annexation. Charlene Bennett took to the stand for public comments to address the annexation and raise her concerns about it.
She mentioned that potential water use on the land could serve as a problem for the state aquifer, especially with many other cities tapping into it. She also remained skeptical about the land itself, as it was not mostly citrus as allegedly depicted on the map.
“Most of this land is not citrus grove property,” she said. “I drove out there. It is mostly fields and trees. So, you cannot take the applicant’s word for future needs. You need someone independent for an analysis.”
She also raised the concern that the land annexation would only lead to the land being sold, which would only raise overall costs and thus devalue the property.
“That is what appears to me,” she said. “It is a big land speculation project. He [the owner] will probably sell to someone else. It is a thing that makes money for one or two people but it raises the price of the property for everyone. Why would you want to facilitate this with an annexation? And it is about annexation, not property rights.”
Skip Olfred, President and CEO of the Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Council, claimed that his organization voted unanimously to approve the annexation. He claimed it would be nothing less than a benefit to the city.
“These developments are used as an alternative for sprawl to control sprawl so we can control it,” he said. “It will give us revenue for what the city needs. So, this is a good thing for Lake Wales. It will help bring the jobs and revenues. It gives our kids a better future and better quality of life.”
The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement for Polk County:
Action Recommended
Avoid the subject event as per the instructions
Issued By
Tampa Bay/Ruskin – FL, US, National Weather Service
Affected Area
Polk County
Description
…A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT WEST CENTRAL POLK AND NORTHEASTERN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTIES THROUGH 345 PM EDT… At 316 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Plant City, moving east at 15 mph. HAZARD…Wind gusts up to 40 mph. SOURCE…Radar indicated. IMPACT…Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Locations impacted include… Lakeland, Plant City, Bartow, Lakeland Linder Airport, Fussels Corner, Medulla, Combee Settlement, Polk City, Seffner, Highland City, Dover, Gibsonia, Plant City Airport, Winston, Crystal Lake, Lakeland Highlands, Kathleen, and Thonotosassa. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. MAX HAIL SIZE…0.00 IN; MAX WIND GUST…40 MPH
We have added the weather statement that was issued about the same time for the Winter Haven area. Lasting until 4 PM.
Severity: Moderate
Possible threat to life or property
Weather Event Onset
3:13 PM (EDT), August 20
Description
At 313 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over Winter Haven, moving east at 15 mph.
HAZARD…Wind of 40 to 50 mph.
SOURCE…Radar indicated.
IMPACT…Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include…
Winter Haven, Haines City, Bartow, Lake Wales, Auburndale, Jan Phyl Village, Fussels Corner, Poinciana, Lake Alfred, Dundee, Davenport, Eagle Lake, Lake Hamilton, Inwood, Cypress Gardens, Winter Haven Airport, Bartow Municipal Airport, Wahneta, and Waverly.
Action Recommended
Execute a pre-planned activity as instructed in the Description.
On the evening of August 19, 2024 Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting at Jan Phyl Park in Winter Haven. Witnesses stated that there was a fight between several people and then one subject began firing shots. The shooter was identified as Antayveous Williams. He was charged with six counts of Attempted Murder, Possession of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony, Improper Exhibition of a Firearm, Discharging a Firearm in a Residential Area, Culpable Negligence, Tampering with Evidence, and armed false imprisonment.
It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by Polk County Sheriff’s Office. 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 08/19/2024 at approximately 7:24 P.M., the Polk County Sheriff’s Office was contacted in reference to a shooting at the Jan Phyl Park, located at 50 Coleman Road, Winter Haven, FL 33880. During the initial investigation, D/S Brabant #9192 made contact with witnesses who advised a group of people were fighting when suddenly one subject began shooting. Deputies then made contact with the victims, REDACTED, REDACTED, REDACTED, REDACTED, REDACTED, REDACTED at REDACTED Winter Haven, FL 33880 and learned the following.
REDACTED advised that she attends school at New Beginnings High School. REDACTED advised on 08/19/2024, she got into an argument with a subject by the name of REDACTED. REDACTED advised several hours later, she posted on social media that she and her friends were at the Jan Phyl Park located at 50 Coleman Road, Winter Haven. REDACTED advised at approximately 6:15 P.M., she and her friends were sitting within the parked vehicle facing the entrance of the park.
The victims then observed a grey Dodge Challenger with chrome accents enter the park, maneuvered a u-turn, and park in front of their vehicle ultimately blocking the right of way. The victims observed the driver of the Dodge Challenger get out of the driver’s seat of the vehicle and brandish a firearm. REDACTED then began driving away from the park with the other victims in the vehicle. REDACTED and the other occupants of the vehicle observed the driver, whom they know as “baby” then point the firearm in their direction and fire the gun approximately 5 times. REDACTED then drove away from the scene and later called 911. This placed all 6 victims in a well-founded fear that serious bodily injury or death was imminent.
A photo lineup was conducted at which time victim #1, REDACTED, positively identified “baby” as Antayveous Williams. A second photo lineup was conducted at which time victim #2, REDACTED, positively identified “baby” as Antayveous Williams. Sworn taped statements were obtained from each victim.
Antayveous Williams
A search through law enforcement databases revealed a possible address for Antayveous to be REDACTED, Winter Haven, FL. Patrol arrived at the residence to locate the suspect. While on scene they observed the silver Dodge Challenger covered with a tarp. Contact was made with Antayveous Williams’s father, Antonio Williams who is the owner of the residence. Patrol conducted a sweep of the inside of the residence in an attempt to locate Antayveous. While inside, a gun safe was observed in a room identified by the father as Antayveous’s bedroom. The father advised patrol Deputies he owns multiple guns and ammunition, however was unaware why law enforcement was at the residence.
Antayveous was then observed walking to the residence and was detained. A heavy odor of a cleaning agent was emitting from his person. While Antayveous was detained, an interview was conducted. Post Miranda, he advised when he arrived to the residence he changed clothes. Antayveous advised that he changed out of the clothing he wore during the incident and took a shower, leaving the clothing in his bedroom. Antayveous then stated he did not know where the firearm was located. The firearm was later located in brush a few blocks away from Antayveous’s residence. Security camera footage from the residence shows Antayveous attempting to conceal the Dodge Challenger with a blue tarp after the incident.
At this time of the investigation, Antayveous is charged with six counts Attempted Murder, Possession of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony, Improper Exhibition of a Firearm, Discharging a Firearm in a Residential Area, Culpable Negligence, Tampering with Evidence, and armed false imprisonment.”
The west end of Park Avenue (1st St.) looking east towards Scenic Highway. Photo by Maria Iannucci
Parking on Park Avenue in Lake Wales is a thing again.
At 11 AM today the barriers were removed and the newly renovated western half of Park Avenue between Market Street and First Street was opened for parking and driving. While the east section of the road remains under construction, Park Avenue is now a two-way street.
Credit: G’s Vintage Market, Lake Wales
Eric Marshall, Communications and Engagement Director for the City of Lake Wales, offers this statement on the opening of the roadway and subsequent replacement of engraved bricks from Market Plaza.
Credit: G’s Vintage Market, Lake Wales
“City staff appreciates everyone’s patience as we focused on pedestrian safety as construction crews used Market Street to transport mechanical vehicles and materials. Park Avenue and Market Street are accessible to motorists from First Street and Orange Avenue. Market Plaza is anticipated to open in September.
Credit: Kelly Geniott, City of Lake Wales
“The original engraved bricks that were located outside the Market Place Cafe have been relocated to accompany the newly engraved bricks, all of which are now interwoven/grouped together in a designated area in Market Plaza. Get ready to visit the area to locate your personally engraved brick(s). The year-long window to purchase engraved bricks closed at the end of March 2024.
“The construction on the east section of Park Avenue between Market Street and the intersection of Scenic Highway will be completed this year. Both sides of the sidewalks are accessible to foot traffic, so citizens may frequent the stores and restaurants.”
Credit: G’s Vintage Market, Lake Wales
Stores and businesses on Park Avenue remained open throughout the construction. among them, Gordon Broadhead, of G’s Vintage Market, posted this on their Facebook page today:
“It has finally happened… after 273 days East Park Ave. has re-opened from Market St. to 1st Street! Yahoo!!! From Scenic Highway 17, you will have to come in on Orange Ave. and turn left onto Market St. and then right onto East Park Ave. It is now traffic in both directions. You can also come in from 1st Street. Come in and see us!”
Credit: G’s Vintage Market, Lake Wales
While foot traffic is still a little slow today, Broadhead is staying positive and looking forward to good times ahead.
“I’ve been through two hurricanes here and a pandemic,” says Broadhead. “We should be good to go now.”
LAKE WALES – During the Lake Wales Charter School Board of Trustees Work Session and Financial Meeting on Monday (Aug. 19), Robin Gibson announced he is “moving on” from his position as the System’s General Counsel.
After Gibson’s update of the System’s outstanding legal matters, he said he would be leaving.
“I won’t go into detail personally, but my wife and I have been through a tough time, and I have had a kind of epiphany and a change in lifestyle so I will be moving on,” he said.
He went on to say that prior to the meeting he had informed each board member of his decision.
He also mentioned the concern of a conflict of interest that some had with him representing Lori Cunningham, a long-serving Polk County School Board member.
However, he maintained his commitment to the LWCS System.
“I will stay on as long as you want me to. I don’t know how you are going to get a lawyer to do this job. This is really a unique animal that’s been created here. There is nothing like it in the state of Florida,” he said. “I know you will go through a selection process. I will be glad to work with the individual to help them. I am committed to the Charter schools.”
Since Gibson had spoken to each Board member, no one made a statement after his announcement except Danny Gill, Chairman, LWCS Board of Trustees.
“I’d like to thank you, Robin, for the foresight to develop the system and the determination to see it through the difficult years of growth …,” Gill said.
Originally from Miami, Gibson graduated from Miami Edison Senior High School in 1955; the University of Florida in 1959; and the University of Florida College of Law, LL.B. in 1962 (replaced by J. D. 1967).
Since 1973, Gibson has been the principal member of the Gibson Law Firm in Lake Wales and was the Chairman of the first LWCS Board of Trustees.
Gibson served as General Council to the Governor of Florida and is the principal drafter of the provision in the Florida Constitution creating the governance structure for the state’s university system.
He has handled a number of important cases at the trial and appellate levels and is the recipient of numerous awards and honors.
He and his wife, Jean, have four children and have been married since 1961.
Winter Haven Public Safety Department- Anyone who happened to be traveling on Hwy 17 at Ave. M NW (in front of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church) Sunday morning (Aug. 18) right after midnight may have information regarding this crash. Winter Haven officers were dispatched to the intersection just after midnight to a vehicle engulfed in flames. When officers responded, they couldn’t locate anyone in the vehicle or around the vehicle. A witness saw the crashed car already on fire and called 9-1-1. The Winter Haven Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire. It appears the blue Hyundai Sonata was traveling north and slammed into the traffic light pole which caused the car to burst into flames. The lights at the intersection were out for roughly four hours until the pole could be repaired. Attempts to locate the registered owner have been unsuccessful. Anyone who happened to be in the area at the time and possibly saw the driver leave or the crash itself is asked to contact the Winter Haven Police Department at 863-401-2256.
The first incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 18, 2024: the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single-vehicle crash on Saddle Creek Road, near Saddle Creek Park in Lakeland. The driver of the vehicle was 47-year old Evelyn Ross of Auburndale.
The responding deputy made contact with Ross in her vehicle, which had collided with a utility pole and was still running. It was immediately apparent to the responding deputy that Ross was intoxicated; her eyes were bloodshot and watery, and he detected the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on her person. She admitted to the deputy that she had made a bad choice and had had a lot to drink. After failing field sobriety tests, she was arrested and transported to a local hospital to be checked out. She was treated and released, then transported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Processing Center without further incident.
Ross’ two BACs (blood alcohol concentration, which is the amount of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream) were 0.197 and 0.190. The legal threshold is .08. She was subsequently charged with DUI over 0.15 (M2) and DUI with Property Damage (M1).
