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Highlanders Get Their Revenge! Lake Wales Defeats Orlando Jones 28-6

Carl Fish
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Highlanders Get Their Revenge! Lake Wales Defeats Orlando Jones 28-6

The Lake Wales Highlanders picked up one of their biggest victories of the season Thursday night, defeating Orlando Jones 28-6 in a rain-soaked district matchup in Orlando.

The victory improved Lake Wales to 6-1 overall and 3-0 in Class 4A, District 7, putting the Highlanders in control of the district championship race.

It was also a measure of revenge for Lake Wales, which lost twice to Jones last season, including a 24-10 defeat in the regional playoffs that ended the Highlanders’ season. 

Heavy rain created difficult playing conditions throughout much of Thursday’s game. Both teams struggled with wet footballs, fumbles and mishandled snaps, but Lake Wales eventually took control behind its defense and a strong second-half performance from sophomore quarterback Kingston Loydd.

The Highlanders led 8-0 at halftime after senior running back Kamari Smith scored on a 2-yard touchdown run. Lake Wales added a safety when a bad Jones snap went into the end zone.

Jones briefly made things interesting early in the second half, capitalizing on a Lake Wales interception to cut the deficit to 8-6.

However, the Highlanders responded.

Loydd directed a scoring drive that included several strong runs by Smith and a 17-yard completion to Ja’quez Robinson. Loydd finished the possession with a 16-yard touchdown run to extend the lead.

Kingston Loydd connects with Ja’quez Robinson for a 17-yard gain during Lake Wales’ 28-6 victory over Orlando Jones Thursday night.

Lake Wales continued to capitalize on Jones mistakes, recovering another fumble before Loydd connected with senior receiver Kaneilius Purdy for an 8-yard touchdown.

The Highlanders added another touchdown in the fourth quarter when Loydd found Purdy again, putting the game out of reach. 

Lake Wales’ defense was particularly impressive against a Jones team that entered Thursday riding a four-game winning streak.

Lake Wales’ biggest stars certainly showed up when they were needed, but Thursday night’s victory was very much a team effort. The Highlanders’ defense was outstanding, special teams helped create multiple turnovers, and once the offense found its footing, Lake Wales took control of the game. That was especially impressive considering just how difficult the conditions were. Heavy rain left the field soaked and made simply handling the football a challenge at times, but the Highlanders adjusted to the conditions, took advantage of Jones’ mistakes and made big plays in all three phases of the game.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, Jones fumbled eight times, with Lake Wales recovering six of them. The Tigers struggled to establish any consistent offense against the Highlanders’ defense. 

Purdy goes up high to catch a Loydd pass.

The victory was Lake Wales’ sixth consecutive win since a season-opening 35-34 loss to DeLand.

During that winning streak, the Highlanders have defeated Sebring, Winter Haven, Lake Region, Osceola, Brandon and now Jones.

Thursday’s victory was particularly significant because Jones had become a difficult opponent for Lake Wales. The Tigers defeated the Highlanders 48-22 during the 2025 regular season before eliminating them from the playoffs in November.

This time, Lake Wales came away with the victory.

The Highlanders will return home to Legion Field on Thursday, October 22, to face Kathleen in another district matchup.

A victory would complete an undefeated district schedule for Lake Wales. 

Lake Wales Museum Funding Question Lingers as City Extends Contract Through Year’s End

Allison
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Lake Wales Museum Funding Question Lingers as City Extends Contract Through Year’s End

Lake Wales Museum Funding Question Lingers as City Extends Contract Through Year’s End
by James Coulter
 
Will the City of Lake Wales continue funding its history museum for another year? Or should the museum prepare to raise its own money moving forward? City commissioners expect to settle that question during a three‑month extension of the museum’s annual contract.
 
At their regular meeting on Tues., Sept. 22, 2026, Lake Wales city commissioners voted 3–2 to extend the contract through year’s end. The consent agenda originally included a proposed renewal that would have provided the museum $175,000 for another year.
 
Commissioner Terri Miller pulled the item for discussion, questioning whether additional funding was justified given what she described as lackluster facilities and services. The museum is now led by new executive director Tish Sheesley, who brings over 30 years of leadership experience.
 
Miller acknowledged the museum is in a transition period but said she remained concerned about its performance: “I just don’t see it in the budget that they have a robust plan to create this new income that they need for operations.”
 
She pointed to limited operating hours, a lack of educational programs listed online, and no recent membership announcements. Miller also noted volunteers run the museum entirely despite the contract requiring two full‑time employees, staffing she argued would allow longer hours.
 
Miller further criticized the museum’s promotion of Pioneer Days, saying the 50th‑anniversary event had received little advertising. Last year’s festival, she said, cost $16,000 but generated only $15,000.
 
“It is no longer a fundraiser if it is not raising funds,” she said.
 
Commissioner Carol Gillespie pushed back, arguing that the museum plays a vital role in preserving Lake Wales’ identity. She pointed to the city’s multi‑million‑dollar agreement to restore the Historic Walesbilt Hotel as evidence of its commitment to local history.
 
“We have a history, we have it in place, and we are hoping it will draw interested people into the city,” she said.
 
Miller clarified her issue was not with the museum’s mission but with its use of city funds: “I have an issue with having the same presentation over and over, and no results have happened.”
 
City Manager James Slatton outlined three options: approve the contract, reject it, or table it for amendments. Commissioner Keith Thompson suggested a middle ground: extending the contract for three months to give commissioners more time to determine a long‑term plan.
 
“For me, personally, Lake Wales is on the cutting edge of supporting the history and museum,” he said. “No other city in the county does it with the generosity the City of Lake Wales has shown.”
 
Commissioner Daniel Williams argued the city had an obligation to honor the funding commitments it made to the museum and other nongovernmental organizations during the budget process.
 
“So, to come back now and say something different, I believe we neglect another one of our responsibilities, which is just being fair,” he said
 
Gillespie also advocated for continued funding, explaining that the museum cannot manage operations and simultaneously raise enough money to sustain itself.
 
“It’s a lot to ask them to run a museum and then raise enough money to afford that museum,” she said. “I still think we are asking too much.”
 
With the extension approved, the museum will remain under its current contract through Dec. 31, 2026.

Motorcyclist Killed in Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash; Lakeland Man Wanted on Warrant

Allison
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Motorcyclist Killed in Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash; Lakeland Man Wanted on Warrant

This man, 30-year-old Carlos Alberto Escobar Gonzalez of Lakeland, has a Polk County Warrant for his arrest for leaving the scene of a crash causing death and no valid DL causing death.

Gonzalez has been positively identified as the suspect who was driving on Wabash Avenue at Parker Street West (which is not far from his house) on Wednesday, September 30th, who fatally struck a motorcyclist then fled the scene.

Gonzalez was driving a red Chevrolet Suburban and pulled into the path of the motorcycle in that intersection, causing the motorcyclist’s death. Gonzalez was seen getting out of the SUV, looking at the victim, then getting back into the SUV and leaving. He abandoned the Suburban on a street just north of the crash site.

According to PCSO, he is possibly in the country illegally, and has never had a valid driver’s license. He was arrested in 2024 for driving on a suspended license. It was suspended indefinitely in 2021 for other traffic-related offenses.

Detectives believe Gonzalez has fled the state and we are seeking the public’s help to find him. Contact Detective S. Tidwell at 863-668-3106 if you have any information.

If you have information on his whereabouts and wish to remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:

📍CALL 1-888-400 TIPS (8477)
📍DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone
📍VISIT the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
📍DOWNLOAD the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.

You will always remain anonymous and you may be eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.

John Conner Updike Junior | June 5, 1951 – October 5, 2026 | Obituary

Staff Reporter
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John Conner Updike Junior | June 5, 1951 – October 5, 2026 | Obituary

John Conner Updike Junior

Lake Wales

John Conner Updike Junior, born June 5, 1951, in Lake Wales, Florida, passed away October 5, 2026. Mr. Updike attended Lake Wales High School where he played in the band, was drum major, and graduated in 1969. He graduated from Washington and Lee University in 1973, with a degree in Commerce. He was in the Sigma Nu Fraternity. Mr. Updike was a citrus grower, and worked in the family business, Alcoma, throughout his life. He continued work in the industry through the Citrus Research and Development Foundation, where he served as board member for many years. He had a deep love for his family and throughout his life, he enjoyed nature, hunting, fishing, traveling, and hiking the North Carolina Mountains.

Mr. Updike is survived by his family, children Abigail Updike Skipper (Alan), John Conner Updike, III (Margaret), Maria McKay Updike, Letta Updike Young (James), and Susan Penelope Updike and 11 grandchildren, Emily Abigail, Katherine McKay, Elizabeth Conner, Anna Claire Radford, Ella Grace, Riley Jean, Dylan Conner, Hannah Maria, Jesse James, Tristan Cathcart, and Gryffin Updike. He is also survived by his sisters, Letta Updike Taylor, Peggy Updike Knight, and Kay Updike Clegg. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Conner Updike; and his beloved wife, Penny McKay Updike.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 9, 2026 at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Wales.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made in John Conner Updike Junior’s honor, to the Lake Wales Care Center, Victory Ridge Academy, and the Church of the Good Shepherd. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.

Pair Of Alleged Crooks Facing Multiple Charges After Tide Pod Theft Leads Deputies To Stolen Vehicle

Carl Fish
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Pair Of Alleged Crooks Facing Multiple Charges After Tide Pod Theft Leads Deputies To Stolen Vehicle

Polk County Sheriff press release

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested two people on Monday, October 5, 2026, following an investigation into two retail thefts and a stolen vehicle spanning Poinciana, Kissimmee, and Davenport.

The investigation began Sunday, October 4, 2026, after deputies were dispatched to the Publix located on U.S. Highway 27 in Davenport in reference to a theft. A Publix employee told detectives that she witnessed a suspect leave the store with a shopping cart containing Tide and Gain detergent pods without paying. The employee also reported that the suspect left the area in a black Ford. Through surveillance video, detectives identified 46-year-old Jessica Knight as the suspect and obtained a warrant for her arrest, charging her with felony petit theft due to her multiple prior theft convictions.

The following day, Monday, October 5, deputies were notified of a stolen 2013 black Ford Focus observed in the area of Marigold Avenue and Walnut Street in Kissimmee. The vehicle matched the description of the Ford seen leaving the scene of the Publix theft. The Ford was reported stolen to the Kissimmee Police Department on October 4th just prior to it being used by the suspect during the Publix retail theft — it was stolen from the parking lot of Osceola Regional Medical Center. 

Deputies located and stopped Knight while she was driving the vehicle and arrested her on the active warrant. A check of Knight’s driver’s license also revealed that it had been revoked since 2014.

Additionally, Knight was charged in connection with a retail theft that occurred at the Dollar General located on Palmetto Street in Kissimmee shortly before deputies stopped her.

A Dollar General employee reported that she saw a suspect take multiple items and leave the store without paying. After reviewing surveillance footage, detectives identified Knight as the suspect. When Knight was stopped, she was wearing the same clothing seen in the surveillance video. Deputies also found a basket containing the stolen merchandise in the rear seat of the stolen Ford. The total value of the merchandise stolen from Dollar General was $124.67.

“Through good investigative work and cooperation between our deputies, detectives, and local businesses, we were able to quickly identify the suspect and recover a stolen vehicle and merchandise. Jessica Knight has proven that if she’s not locked up, she’s stealing. We will continue to hold those who steal from our community and businesses accountable for their actions.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.

Knight was arrested and charged with driving with a suspended license (M2), two counts of felony petit theft (F3), and grand theft of a motor vehicle (F3).

Also arrested was 50-year-old Marshall Callahan, who was a passenger in the stolen vehicle at the time of the arrest. Callahan was charged with trespassing (M2) and violation of probation.

Knight’s criminal history includes five felony convictions and five misdemeanor convictions. Her offenses include robbery, burglary, theft, criminal mischief, fraud, traffic offenses, narcotics offenses, and battery.

Callahan’s criminal history includes two felony convictions and four misdemeanor convictions. His offenses include aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, battery, assault, violation of a domestic violence injunction, and narcotics offenses.

In Loving Memory of Deshawn Christopher Smith

Allison
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In Loving Memory of Deshawn Christopher Smith

Obituary For Deshawn Christopher Smith

Deshawn Christopher Smith
07/03/2000 – 10/05/2026

Memorial Service for Deshawn Christopher Smith of Haines City is Saturday October 24, 2026 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Claude E. Holmes Sr. Memorial Chapel.

*obituary from Holmes Funeral Directors

601 Claude E. Holmes, Sr Ave. Haines City, FL33844

In Loving Memory of Adinaluz Prieto Oyola

Allison
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In Loving Memory of Adinaluz Prieto Oyola

Obituary For Adinaluz Prieto Oyola

Adinaluz Prieto Oyola
08/08/2010 – 10/05/2026

Visitation for Adinaluz Prieto Oyola of Winter Haven is Thursday October 8, 2026 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Claude E. Holmes Sr. Memorial Chapel.

Funeral Mass is Friday October 9, 2026 three hours before noon at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Winter Haven.

*obituary from Holmes Funeral Directors

601 Claude E. Holmes, Sr Ave. Haines City, FL33844

Catch a Flick and Make a Creature at WHRCC October 8

Allison
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Catch a Flick and Make a Creature at WHRCC October 8

Families can enjoy a fun afternoon of movies and creativity this Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Winter Haven Recreation and Cultural Center (WHRCC).

The center will host a showing of Creature from the Black Lagoon (G), while attendees can craft their own creatures using air-dry clay. The movie and craft activity will run from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

The event is designed to be fun for the whole family.

Catch a flick. Make a creature!

The WHRCC is located at 801 MLK Blvd. NE, Winter Haven.

Flyer source Winter Haven Public Library

Lake Wales History Museum Names Nancy Turnquist 2026 Pioneer of the Year

Allison
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Lake Wales History Museum Names Nancy Turnquist 2026 Pioneer of the Year

LAKE WALES, Fla. – The Lake Wales History Museum has named Nancy Martin Turnquist the 2026 Pioneer of the Year, recognizing more than five decades of volunteer service, civic involvement, and commitment to the Lake Wales community. A lifelong resident and member of a multigenerational Lake Wales family, Turnquist has spent much of her life supporting local schools, organizations, and institutions while raising her family in the community she has always called home.

Born in Lake Wales in 1950, Turnquist attended Polk Avenue Elementary School, Lake Wales Junior High School, and Lake Wales High School, graduating in 1968. She attended Polk Community College before completing her education at Newberry College in Newberry, South Carolina, where she earned a degree in speech and drama. In August following her graduation, she married Lee Turnquist and returned to Lake Wales, where they built their life and raised their family.

Education and literacy have been an important part of Turnquist’s community service. She volunteered as a tutor with the Literacy Academy of Lake Wales, helping local students and families with reading, vocabulary, grammar, and communication skills. She also served as a substitute teacher at McLaughlin Middle School and was president of her children’s Parent Teacher Organization at Hillcrest Elementary School. Her commitment to education extended to the Lake Wales Library Association, where she served as president for 11 years, helping support the library and its programs.

Turnquist has also given her time to a number of charitable and civic organizations throughout Lake Wales. She has served on the board of the Lake Wales Care Center and continues to volunteer with the organization. She was involved in the early development of the Lake Wales Family YMCA, serving two terms on its board while also volunteering, fundraising, and participating in its programs and activities. She has been a longtime member and supporter of Bok Tower Gardens and has been an active member of P.E.O., a philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing women’s educational opportunities, serving twice as president.

Much of Turnquist’s service has taken place quietly, without seeking recognition. Friends and community members have long known her as someone willing to give her time, energy, and support wherever it is needed.

Her connection to Lake Wales is also deeply rooted in family history. Turnquist was born here, as were her mother and grandmother, and she raised her two daughters, Ann and Laura, in Lake Wales. Ann is married to Travis Vollendorf, and they are the parents of Sarah, Ryan, and Kaite Vollendorf. Laura is married to Andy Bennett, and they are the parents of AJ and Rilee Bennett. One branch of her family can be traced four generations to the area once known as Enterprise, better known locally as Sick Island, just west of Lake Wales. Her family’s history is also reflected in local landmarks and roads, including Ray Martin Road and Lewis Griffin Road.

Turnquist’s contributions have been recognized throughout the years. In 1994, she and her husband, Lee, were named Co-Citizens of the Year by the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce. In the early 1980s, she was elected Queen of the local Beta Sigma Phi sorority. She received the 2020 Larsen-Miller Award from the National Agricultural Aviation Association in recognition of her contributions to her local community and the 2024 Franklin Williams Memorial Award for her years of service and contributions to the Southeast agricultural industry. In May 2026, the Florida State Genealogical Society formally recognized Turnquist as a seventh-generationdescendant of Florida pioneers Aaron Vickers, Rebecca Vickers, and Noah Whidden following her submission of documented family history.

“Nancy has spent her entire life in Lake Wales, and throughout those years she has consistently found ways to give back to the community,” said Brandon Alvarado, President of the Lake Wales History Museum Board of Directors. “We are honored to recognize Nancy as the 2026 Pioneer of the Year.

Across more than five decades, Turnquist has been a familiar presence in Lake Wales. Through both her public service and the many contributions made quietly behind the scenes, she has helped strengthen the community she has called home throughout her life.

The Pioneer of the Year award will be presented to Nancy Turnquist during the 50th Annual Lake Wales Pioneer Days Festival on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Lake Wailes Park. The annual festival, presented by the Lake Wales History Museum, celebrates the people, stories, traditions, and history of the Lake Wales community. The public is invited to attend and join the museum in honoring Turnquist as the 2026 Pioneer of the Year.

About the 50th Annual Pioneer Days

The Lake Wales Pioneer Days Festival is a free, family-friendly heritage festival celebrating the history, people and traditions of Lake Wales and Polk County. The 50th Annual Pioneer Days will take place Oct. 24-25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lake Wailes Park, 499 E. Park Ave. in Lake Wales. The two-day festival features historical demonstrations, an artisan craft market, live entertainment, traditional festival foods, hands-on children’s activities and the annual Pioneer of the Year Award. Established in 1976, Pioneer Days has become a beloved community tradition, bringing people together to celebrate the history of Lake Wales while creating new memories for future generations. For more information, visit lakewaleshistory.org/pioneerdays.

About the Lake Wales History Museum

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, the Lake Wales History Museum preserves and shares the stories of Lake Wales and the communities that surround it. Housed in the city’s historic 1928 Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Depot, the Museum connects residents and visitors with local history through its collections and exhibits, as well as tours, educational programs, special events and hands-on learning experiences. The Museum is located at 325 S. Scenic Highway in Lake Wales and is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdaythrough Saturday. Admission is free. For more information, visit lakewaleshistory.org.

Tracy Lee Britt | December 29, 1966 – October 1, 2026 | Obituary

Staff Reporter
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Tracy Lee Britt | December 29, 1966 – October 1, 2026 | Obituary

Lake Wales, Florida

Man wearing a protective helmet with sunglasses on top, indoors, front-facing, smiling; dark T-shirt with Britt's Landscaping Supplies logo.
#image_title

Tracy Lee Britt, 59

Tracy Lee Britt, a lifelong resident of Lake Wales, Florida, passed away on October 1, 2026. He was born on December 29, 1966, in Lake Wales, Florida.

Tracy was a hardworking and generous man who believed in helping others whenever he could. He owned Britt’s Landscaping Supplies and Trucking and also worked at Alcoma for 20+ years, carrying the same strong work ethic and dedication with him throughout his life. He proudly served his community as a volunteer firefighter and was always willing to lend a helping hand to someone in need. Tracy had a special place in his heart for the youth in his community and often gave back through donations and support, never looking for recognition in return. Generosity came naturally to him, whether he was helping a friend, supporting a local cause, or simply doing something kind for someone who needed it.

Tracy was also known for his sense of humor and his ability to make a joke out of just about anything. He loved making people laugh and could bring a smile to those around him even during difficult times. He was of the Baptist faith, and Lake Wales was always home. It was the community where he worked, served, gave back, built lifelong relationships, and made countless memories. Tracy will be remembered not only for how hard he worked, but for his giving heart, his humor, and the many ways he showed up for others throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife, Tonda Britt. Tracy is also survived by his mother, Ann Britt. He also leaves behind his daughter, Tori Britt Doughty, and her husband, Chandler, of Babson Park; his daughter, Taylee Britt, and fiancé Mac Updike of Lake Wales; and his son, Travis Britt, and his wife, Areli, of Sebring; and his son, Stanley Shawn Britt of Lake Wales. Tracy is also survived by his brother, Ricky Britt, and his wife, Tina, of Lake Wales; and brother, Troy Britt, and his wife, Tammy, of Auburndale. His memory will also be cherished by his granddaughter, Tristan (Elexis) Britt, and grandson, Wyatt Britt.

He was preceded in death by his father, Stanley William Britt. Tracy Lee Britt will be remembered with love by his family and by all who knew him. His life was rooted in faith, family, and the Lake Wales community he called home for all his years.

Services will be held on October 10, 2026, at 11 AM at the First Baptist Church Lake Wales.

338 E Central Ave

Lake Wales, FL 33853

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

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