According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Sergeant Steve Gaskins, an early evening crash last night took the life of a 49 year old man.
According to Gaskin’s a Honda CRV, driven by a 49-year-old Clermont man, was traveling southbound on SR-33. At the same time a tractor trailer, driven by a 31-year-old Lake Alfred man, was traveling northbound on SR-33. Near the intersection of Voyles Loop Road, the CRV attempted to pass slower traffic and entered the path of the tractor trailer. As a result, the two vehicles collided nearly head-on and traveled to final rest along the outside where tractor trailer struck a utility pole and guide wires. The tractor trailer driver was uninjured during the incident while Honda CRV driver suffered fatal injuries at the scene of the crash.
The Florida Highway Patrol does not release names of victims per their interpretation of Marsy’s Law. No additional information will be released.
Lake Wales Public Library Renovations for Proposed Multipurpose Rooms and Young Adult Resource Center Approved by City Commission
by James Coulter
The Lake Wales Public Library is one step closer to adding new rooms to its main building now that the City Commission has approved a proposal with a local engineering firm.
At their regular meeting on August 6, City Commissioners approved an item in the consent agenda that approved a proposal for full architectural engineering services to renovate the city library.
By passing this consent agenda item, the city has approved a “Design Professional Fee Proposal with Parlier + Crews Architect, P.A. for $25,200” and “authorize the City Manager to execute the appropriate documents on the City’s behalf,” as outlined in the city agenda memo.
The proposed renovations would remodel the main stacks (west end) inside the main library building. This remodeled area will facilitate the addition of a young adult center, two multipurpose rooms with folding partitions, and an additional office/storage space.
“Currently, the library struggles to find storage space for our supplies,” wrote Belle Reynoso, Library Director, in the city agenda memo. “While we make use of closet space to the fullest potential, many of our related supplies are spread throughout the building, because we do not have access to a large central area where we can store everything needed.”
These renovations will be carried out by Parlier+CrewsArchitects, P.A., which had submitted its proposal for full architectural engineering services. They will also coordinate with the Library Interiors of Florida to relocate the books and move the shelving units to prepare for these renovations.
“Due to significant business and residential growth within the city, there has never been more demand for extra space than there is this year,” Reynoso wrote. “These new, improved multipurpose and Young Adult rooms will provide welcome privacy for discreet work and study. Our singular meeting room is so often booked that the library staff must refuse five or more requests for it a month.”
Brandon Alvarado, President of the Lake Wales History Museum, presenting an award to Bill Redmon, 2023 Pioneer of the Year. Credit: Earnest J. Odom, werlostboys media collaborative.
According to a press release, The Lake Wales History Museum has opened up nominations for the 2024 Pioneer of the Year Award. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals who have shown outstanding commitment to the Lake Wales community and enhanced its quality of life for over half a century. The Pioneer of the Year Award recognizes the contributions of those who have played a pivotal role in shaping Lake Wales.
Residents are invited to nominate fellow community members who have resided in Lake Wales for more than 50 years and have made lasting contributions through their service, enthusiasm, and commitment.
Nominators are asked to submit narratives outlining the exceptional contributions made by their nominees. These narratives, which should be up to 500 words and offer a unique opportunity to recognize the nominee’s enduring impact on the community. Additionally, nominators are asked to provide at least three high-resolution images that showcase the nominee’s involvement and dedication to the community over the years.
The deadline for nominations is Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 5:00 PM. Nominations can be submitted online by visiting https://www.lakewaleshistory.org/pioneer-of-the-year.
The celebration of this award will take place during the annual Pioneer Days Festival. The award will be presented at the Pioneer Hour ceremony on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 10:00 AM. “The Pioneer of the Year Award celebrates those whose lifelong dedication and service have significantly enriched the Lake Wales community,” said Brandon Alvarado, President of the Board of Directors for the Lake Wales History Museum. “We invite the community to recognize the heroes among us who have dedicated their lives to improving Lake Wales.”
The Lake Wales History Museum invites everyone to participate by submitting nominations and joining in the celebration of Lake Wales’ remarkable pioneers. For further details on how to submit a nomination or to learn more about the Pioneer of the Year Award, please visit www.lakewaleshistory.org.
Teachers who are getting ready for a new school year often pay for some of their classroom supplies out-of-pocket. They may be able to get some of that cost back by taking advantage of a special tax break for educators.
History of the Deduction
Before 2018, employees who had unreimbursed out-of-pocket expenses could potentially deduct them if they were ordinary and necessary to the “business” of being an employee. A teacher’s out-of-pocket classroom expenses could qualify and be claimed as a miscellaneous deduction, subject to a 2% of adjusted gross income (AGI) floor. That meant that only taxpayers who itemized deductions could enjoy a tax benefit, and then only to the extent that their eligible expenses exceeded the 2% floor.
For 2018 through 2025, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) has suspended miscellaneous itemized deductions subject to the 2% of AGI floor. Fortunately, qualifying educators can still deduct some unreimbursed out-of-pocket classroom costs using the educator expense deduction.
Back in 2002, Congress created this above-the-line deduction, which means the deduction is subtracted from your gross income to determine your AGI. It can be claimed even if you don’t itemize deductions.
For 2024, qualifying elementary and secondary school teachers and other eligible educators (such as counselors and principals) can deduct up to $300 of qualified expenses. (This limit will rise in $50 increments in future years, based on inflation adjustments.) Two eligible married educators who file a joint tax return can deduct up to $600 of unreimbursed expenses, limited to $300 each.
Qualified expenses include amounts paid or incurred during the tax year for books, supplies, computer equipment, related software, services, and other equipment and materials used in classrooms. The cost of certain professional development courses may also be deductible. However, homeschooling supplies and nonathletic supplies for health or physical education courses aren’t eligible.
Some additional rules apply to this deduction. If you’re an educator or you know one who might benefit from this tax break, feel free to contact the office for more details.
Heartland Crime Stoppers – On August 1st, just before midnight, the suspect in this video broke into Decks & Dice Tournament Center at 4863 US 92, east of Lakeland, and stole numerous trading cards and games (Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Magic: The Gathering).
The same suspect returned the following night and stole more merchandise.
The suspect is believed to be an older white male and used what appeared to be a white sedan.
If you have any information regarding this investigation, please contact Detective Fitzgerald at 863-499-2400 or [email protected].
If you wish to remain anonymous AND be eligible for a reward, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:
CALL 1-888-400 TIPS (8477)
DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone
VISIT www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
DOWNLOAD the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet
American Legion’s Winter Haven Tag Agency Permanently Closes
By Allison Williams
A lot of local citizens are unclear on what exactly happened with theWinter Haven Legion Tag Agency.
A few days ago, it was posted in a local Winter Haven Facebook group that there was a sign on the outside of the tag agency’s building stating “The Winter Haven Tag Agency is closed.”
Photo taken by Jeffrey Bablitz
This brought up a lot of questions, speculation and confusion. Is it closed temporarily? Is it closed for good? Why?
The Tax Collector for Polk County cleared things up with its recent announcement of the permanent closure of the Winter Haven Tag Agency.
The Winter Haven Tag Agency served community members and citizens in the Winter Haven area for nearly 70 years.
The American Legion is now focusing its efforts more on what they call the “traditional American Legion initiatives” and is leaving the tag agency chapter behind.
Joe G. Tedder, Tax Collector for Polk County, says “The Legion has been an amazing asset for auto dealers, the people of Winter Haven, and the residents in East Polk County for many years. When I became the Tax Collector in January of 1997, I was excited about the public/private relationship with the Legion and was honored to have a small part in helping that outstanding organization.”
Over the past few years, the fee structure that’s in place has made it very difficult for the Winter Haven Tag Agency to successfully serve the citizens.
Under Florida law, there has been a fee structure in place that has remained unchanged over a long period of time. This has caused a challenge for the Winter Haven Tag Agency. According to the tax collector website, “By state statute, the fees the Legion and the Tax Collector’s Office receive to run its operations have not changed in 40 years.”
Tedder made the point that no organization is able to survive off of a revenue stream that has remained unchanged for so long. With the fees being the same today as they were many years ago, it just wasn’t feasible anymore.
Also according to the tax collector website, “Under a unique state law created in the 1950s, all vehicle registration and title work outside of Bartow was authorized to be conducted by local American Legion Posts in the remainder of Polk County. It is a testament to the Veterans at the Winter Haven American Legion Post 8, including staff, that their service to the public well exceeded the longevity experienced by similar civic organizations.
The Post 8 Executive Committee and Post Commander Dave Dershimer came to this difficult decision after great consideration of their options, including the opportunity to operate under a private tag agency model, as established under Florida Statutes in 2022.”
The Tax Collector’s Office is doing its best to look at the available alternative options to serve the Winter Haven community and its residents.
Here is a list of other operating service locations in the area:
Bartow Service Center – 430 East Main St
Davenport Service Center – 2000 Deer Creek Commerce Ln
Lake Alfred Service Center – 200 Government Center Blvd
Lake Wales Service Center – 658 State Road 60
Lakeland Service Center – 916 N Massachusetts Ave
First Lakeland Tag Agency (FLTA) – 4130 Florida Avenue S
FLTA Davenport Dealer Only Service Desk – 2000 Deer Creek Commerce Ln
Note: Dealers are directed to use First Lakeland Tag Agency locations.
Charles Joseph Lamore, Jr. of Frostproof passed away Friday, August 9, 2024, at AdventHealth Orlando.
He was born December 24, 1950, in Cohoes, New York to the late Charles and Edith Lamore; he moved to Frostproof in 2017. Charles was a retired chef and served with the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Era.
Charles is survived by his sister, Catherine Sharp of North Carolina; brother, William Lamore (Sue) of New York; several nieces and nephews.
Welcome, World Travelers! Here Are 8 Big Announcements about Disney World from D23!
by James Coulter
From Disney villains getting a whole land to themselves, to Encanto and Monsters Inc. getting their own attractions, to a brand-new nighttime parade coming, several big announcements were recently made that promise a great big beautiful tomorrow for the Happiest Place on Earth.
This weekend, the bi-annual D23 Expo was hosted at Disneyland’s hometown in Anaheim, CA. During the event, the Walt Disney Company made several announcements about upcoming projects for their animated and live-action movies, Star Wars and Marvel properties, and especially their theme parks.
On Saturday evening, Josh D’Amaro, Chairperson of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, took to the stage during the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase to announce several new rides, attractions, and themed lands coming to Disney Parks around the world within the next decade.
These upcoming projects are part of an initiative by the Walt Disney Company to invest $60 billion into their theme parks worldwide over the next 10 years. CNBC reports this proposed investment by Disney as, “a key part of its strategy to keep the parks fresh and relevant in a competitive segment.”
“About 70% of that money will go toward new experiences in domestic and international parks, along with cruise lines,” CNBC reports. “The other 30% will go toward technology and infrastructure, including maintenance of existing attractions.”
Fittingly enough for D23, more than 23 new rides and attractions were announced for Disney parks worldwide including Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Of course, plenty of new experiences are coming to the parks in California and Florida.
Here are eight of the biggest announcements about new rides and attractions planned for Walt Disney World in Florida:
#1: Villains at Magic Kingdom
Rumors about a land themed to the Disney Villains have been circulating for decades. Two years ago, those rumors were teased when blue sky concept art revealed several new lands “Beyond Thunder Mountain” at Magic Kingdom. One of those lands appeared rather dark looking, almost as if it was the “Dark Kingdom” Villain-themed land that fans have long speculated about.
Now, those rumors have been proven true with the announcement of Villains at Magic Kingdom. The concept art for the proposed land, which is speculated to be located somewhere “beyond Thunder Mountain”, reveals a dark and twisted landscape ideal for Disney’s most dark and twisted characters.
Several notable landmarks include a dark foreboding castle, Chernabog’s mountain from Fantasia, and a forest of dark thorns with Maleficent in her dragon form. That area in particular includes rollercoaster tracks, perhaps hinting at the land’s big e-ticket rollercoaster-type attraction.
#2: Monsters Inc.-Themed Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Seven years ago, Disney’s Hollywood Studios opened its first land themed to a Pixar movie with Toy Story Land. Now, seven years later, a new land themed to another popular Pixar movie will be arriving soon—and it’s sure to be a scream.
A Monsters Inc.-themed land was announced for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The land will allow guests to visit Mike, Sulley, and their other monster friends in their home city of Monstropolis.
The big attraction will be a suspended roller coaster—the first ride of its kind at any Disney Park—based upon the hanging doors sequence from the first movie.
#3: Encanto and Indiana Jones at Animal Kingdom
After Primeval Whirl shut down in 2020, many fans speculated that Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama, along with the rest of Dinoland USA, would soon go the way of the dinosaurs and become replaced with a new themed land.
Those rumors seemed confirmed with blue sky concept art revealed two years ago showing attractions based on Moana and Zootopia. Now, two years later, new concept art shows that Encanto and Indiana Jones will be moving in once the dinosaurs move out.
A new Tropical America’s land will be replacing Dinoland USA, with new attractions based on Encanto and Indiana Jones. The centerpiece of the land will be Pueblo Esperanza (“Village of Hope”) based on the setting of Encanto, and the main attraction will be a ride inside the magical Casita.
The land will also include a new attraction based on Indiana Jones. While the ride will be similar to those in Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, the ride itself is promised to be unique to Disney World, especially with its proposed Mayan-themed setting and show building.
#4: Cars-Themed Land at Magic Kingdom
Two years ago, D23 unveiled blue sky concept art showing themed lands that expanded beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad–thus having the proposed expansion named “Beyond Thunder Mountain.”
One of those lands was a Villains-themed area, which has since been confirmed as Villains at Magic Kingdom. The other two lands appeared to have attractions based on Coco and Encanto.
With Encanto rides now planned for Animal Kingdom, these new areas “Beyond Thunder Mountain” have now been unveiled to be home to another big franchise: Cars.
Yes, apparently, Frontierland will expand beyond Thunder Mountain with two new attractions based on Pixar’s Cars. Both rides appear to be trackless with vehicles based on the Cars characters. One of these rides very well may be similar to Radiator Springs Racers at Disney’s California Adventure. Only time will tell.
#5: Disney Starlight Nighttime Parade at Magic Kingdom
The Magic Kingdom’s signature nighttime parade SpectroMagicended its decades-long run in 2010. The last nighttime parade to perform there was the Main Street Electrical Parade, which ended its run in 2016. Since then, the Magic Kingdom has been without a nighttime parade.
A new nighttime parade had been planned for Disney World’s 50th Anniversary, with theme music allegedly based on “Trip A Little Light Fantastic” from Mary Poppins Returns. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic starting in 2020, plans for such a parade were apparently put on hold to comply with health and safety requirements.
That all changes soon! A new nighttime parade is set to make its debut in the Magic Kingdom soon. The parade will be called Starlight, with concept art showing floats and characters from movies like Frozen 2, Moana, and Encanto.
#6: Zootopia Show at Animal Kingdom
Two years ago, blue sky concept art revealed a new themed land in Animal Kingdom based on Zootopia. Many fans speculated the new land would be similar to the Zootopia land in Shanghai Disneyland, which recently opened earlier this year.
The bad news is that, with the new area in Animal Kingdom now being themed to Encanto and Indiana Jones, the new Zootopia land no longer seems like a reality.
The good news, however, is that Zootopia will be coming to Animal Kingdom in the form of a new show that will be hosted in the Tree of Life, thus replacing the park’s opening attraction of It’s Tough to be a Bug. Zootopia fans rejoice! A Bug’s Life’s fans sigh!
#7: Mando and Grogu at Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
When Galaxy’s Edge opened five years ago in Disneyland and Disney World, the Star Wars-themed land was strictly themed to the sequel film trilogy with characters like Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren.
However, following the closure of the Galactic Starcruiser hotel last year, Galaxy’s Edge has eased up upon its internal lore, featuring meet-and-greet characters from other points in the Star Wars timeline.
Two of the most popular characters were The Mandalorian and The Child from the hit Disney Plus streaming series The Mandalorian, who started making appearances a few years ago.
Now, Mando and Grogu will apparently star in a side mission for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run. This new alternate version of the ride will most likely premiere alongside Mando’s and Grogu’s upcoming big-screen appearance in The Mandalorian & Grogu in 2026.
#8: Pirates and Spaceship Earth Themed Lounges
Finally, two new lounges will be opening their doors next year in Walt Disney World. The first is a tavern themed to the Pirates of the Caribbean, which will be located somewhere in the Magic Kingdom. The other will be a Spaceship Earth-themed lounge opening in Epcot, most likely in the former corporate lounge adjacent to Spaceship Earth itself and overlooking World Celebration.
Bok Academy South chapter members at the state convention in June 2024 to receive premier chapter for State of Florida and Florida’s Finest. Front row left to right: Addison Kinney, Amelia Taylor, Blake Hodach Back row left to right: Josiah Bolden, Lillan Sheppard, Marlee Goodman Wyatt Keene
The Florida FFA (Future Farmers of America) Association, an agricultural education program that provides a well-rounded, practical approach to learning, has announced the finalists and rankings in the 2024 National Chapter Award Program. A hometown school is at the top of that ladder.
Bok Academy South, led by agricultural instructor, Emilyn Sharpless, has earned Premier Status for their chapter, an achievement at a national level of competition.
Building a reading garden at Babson Park Elementary
The FFA educates students through three components: classroom education, hands-on supervised agricultural career experiences, and FFA, which provides leadership opportunities and tests students’ agricultural skills, as is noted on the FFA website.
The National Chapter Award program is designed to award FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. Sharpless explains what it takes to have gotten this far.
“So to apply for national chapter we had to complete 15 different community service projects through the year in three different categories, five for each category,” says Sharpless.
“They are building communities, growing leaders and strengthening agriculture. Then with in each category we have to list the five we completed and select three from each section to go into detail.”
Ag Literacy visit at Janie Howard Wilson Elementary
Sharpless credits the efforts of her team with the high honor bestowed on Bok’s chapter.
“My members worked hard this year putting together those service projects and events and helping with the process. We then have to enter all the information in the application which is 24 pages long. Then it goes to Florida FFA to be judged to see if it will move on to National FFA. So we really have to work hard to explain all our goals, accomplishments and projects well with in this application because it’s what they see.
“At the FFA State Convention in June 2024 we were recognized as Premier chapter, along with Florida Finest status. That was the indicator that our application would be pushed on to National FFA.”
“On Friday, we got the results and we are a three star gold chapter, which is the highest you can get within the star ranking, and then we were premier within the building leadership portion of the national chapter application so we are ranked in the top 10 in the US for our chapter. The next step in the process is our officers will be doing an interview via Zoom with national FFA judges to see where we fall within the top 10 and we will find out those results at national convention in October. So we’re really excited!”
Wings, Water, and Wild Things, where FFA members have the opportunity to speak to over 2,000 second graders across Polk County about agriculture
According to Sharpless, “Our Chapter’s next step will be getting students to National Convention. Last year, our officer team set out to complete the National Chapter Award. After 20+ community service projects, 24 pages and many edits, we were named one of Florida’s finest chapters and started setting our next goal for Nationals. (Friday), we were named Premier Chapter, which means our chapter is ranked in the Top 10 with National FFA. We are the first Lake Wales Charter School chapter to earn this honor.
“Now, we are looking for community sponsorship and help to get us to Indianapolis, Indiana for the National Convention. We have a few fundraisers planned in the months ahead. If you would like to help, please let me know. Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years and helped our program grow!”
Bok Academy South’s principal, April Barnhardt, expresses great pride in the agricultural program at the school, as well as the accomplishments achieved.
“I’m so very proud of the direction this agricultural program has takes,” says Barnhardt. “The student’s dedication to the program has been exemplary and I’m proud of our agricultural family.”
Sharpless expresses great pride and gratitude for what her Chapter members have helped to accomplish.
Wings, Water, and Wild Things, where FFA members have the opportunity to speak to over 2,000 second graders across Polk County about agriculture
“I’m so proud of that because it’s from the support of my students, my FFA members, administration, fellow staff, parents, community members, and our Lake Wales FFA alumni that have given us support through this whole journey for us to be where we are today. I’m so thankful for everyone who has poured into my life for me to be where I am today. My ag teachers, my parents and everyone within the Lake Wales community and also those who have put so much into the chapter and my members because they see what we can be and what we are becoming, and it’s amazing to me to know that I have that kind of support.
“I became an ag teacher because I had two amazing ag teachers who pushed me more than ever required of them. It made such a big impact on me. I wanted to give back to my students they way they did for me and hopefully spread the love of agriculture and FFA to the next generation.”
City of Lake Wales Authorizes $192,950 to Expand Lake Wales Memorial Gardens Cemetery by 5 Acres
by James Coulter
The Lake Wales Memorial Gardens Cemetery will soon undergo an expansion of five additional acres now that the city has approved a task order for engineering services by a local firm.
At their regular meeting last Tuesday evening, the Lake Wales City Commission approved a consent agenda item for a task order on the expansion of the Lake Wales Cemetery expansion.
The task order (referred to as Master Consulting Agreement #20-471 Task Order #8) was made with Hoyle, Tanner & Associates, Inc. to provide engineering services to expand the Lake Wales Cemetery by five additional acres.
In 2007, the City of Lake Wales purchased approximately fifty acres of land located at Hunt Brothers Road and Lake Bella Road. Since then, 20 acres have been set aside for the creation of Lake Wales Memorial Gardens cemetery.
“The first five (5) acres were designed and constructed for use in July 2013, with the site being ready to receive internments in 2015,” Mark Calvert, Public Works Operations Manager wrote in a city memo. “Staff is now proposing to begin the design for the next proposed five (5) acre expansion. The City has asked Hoyle, Tanner & Associates, Inc., who is currently under contract with the city for engineering services, to propose services for the next five (5) acre expansion.”
These expansions have been underway because the city’s other cemeteries are either at capacity (Willow Lawn Cemetery at approximately ten acres) or near capacity (Lake Wales Cemetery approximately twenty-eight acres).
The engineering services for the new Lake Wales Memorial Gardens Cemetery will be provided by Hoyle, Tanner & Associates, Inc. for $192,950. The City had placed $250,000 in this fiscal year’s Capital Improvements Plan “to begin the design for the next five (5) acres associated with the phase 2 expansion,” Calvert said.
