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Bartow Christian Books & Gifts Celebrates 50 Years of Faith, Service and Love

Allison
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Bartow Christian Books & Gifts Celebrates 50 Years of Faith, Service and Love

For 50 years, Bartow Christian Books & Gifts has been more than a bookstore. It has been a place where people have found books, gifts, encouragement, a listening ear and, most importantly to owners Bo and Sandy, a place where they could serve God by serving others.

On Thursday, October 1, the Bartow business will celebrate five decades at 326 East Main Street, marking 50 years of faith, family, friendship and service to the community.

For Sandy, the story of how it all began is one she believes was directly inspired by the Lord.

She remembers Bo coming home one day and saying, “I’m depressed.”

Her first thought?

“Who isn’t? It’s Monday.”

Their son was just 2 years old at the time.

Sandy said she told Bo, “OK, so make a change.” She initially thought perhaps he wanted to go into ministry. Bo left the room, then came back and told her:

“I want to open a Christian bookstore.”

Sandy said there was no elaborate business plan or years of experience behind the idea. The inspiration simply came to Bo.

“He got up, walked out, walked back in and knew what he wanted,” she recalled.

The couple knew virtually nothing about running a bookstore.

“We had no store, no money, no knowledge,” Sandy said.

But they believed God was opening the doors.

“I truly believe that God put this in Bo’s mind/heart on a Monday afternoon after work in July of 1976,” Sandy said.

And, according to Sandy, every door seemed to open.

They quickly learned how to order books and gifts, with sales representatives from various companies helping them along the way. One woman even taught Sandy how to think about displaying gifts.

Sandy also took a job teaching 2-year-olds at First Methodist Preschool, which helped provide for their personal finances rather than requiring them to take money from the new business.

“God had it all planned,” she said.

Service became their foundation

Before the store even opened, Bo established what would become the foundation of their business.

“The only thing we have to sell that is different is service and we will live by that.”

That philosophy has remained with them for five decades.

They also quickly learned another important rule during their first week:

“What is said in here, stays in Here!”

Over the years, that commitment has allowed Bartow Christian Books & Gifts to become a place where people could come not only to shop, but to talk.

Sandy said there are far too many memories to list, but some of the most meaningful have involved people who came through the doors simply needing someone to listen.

There have been opportunities to celebrate special occasions with customers, help people learn more about the Bible, share their faith and encourage people through difficult moments.

“Every day is truly a gift from God!” Sandy said.

That same spirit of service extends to customers traveling from other towns. If someone calls to say they are running late while driving to the store, Bo and Sandy will stay if they are able. If they have an obligation and must leave, Sandy said they are simply honest about it.

A love story of its own

The 50th anniversary isn’t only a celebration of the bookstore. It is also a celebration of Bo and Sandy’s life together.

The couple met and decided to get married within three hours.

They ultimately waited five months to marry because, as Sandy put it, “our folks were a mite shook.”

But after all these years, Sandy says being together has never been a problem.

In fact, she described their relationship in one particularly beautiful way:

“No matter what happened the day before, every morning I would wake up and fall toe curling in love again.”

Their love and partnership carried into their business as well. The two spent their days working together and serving others, and retirement simply never became a priority.

“We were having so much fun we just never thought about retirement,” Sandy said. “The joy of serving Him each day as we served others just kept us going!”

50 years of blessings

Sandy said the couple has been “greatly honored” by the upcoming celebration, which was started by their granddaughter in honor of their 60th wedding anniversary.

As they look back on the journey, Sandy said the gratitude is overwhelming.

“Look up in amazement and grateful to God that we are still able to serve Him each day as we serve others,” she said.

After 50 years, their approach hasn’t changed much.

“We’ll just keep on keeping on till God lets us know its time to quit.”

Come celebrate

Bartow Christian Books & Gifts will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Thursday, October 1, with store hours from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The celebration will include signature cupcakes provided by Cookie Jar Bakeshop while supplies last, a $50 gift certificate giveaway, and other surprises from close friends, family and the Bartow Chamber of Commerce.

The store is located at:

Bartow Christian Books & Gifts

326 East Main Street

Bartow, FL 33830

863-533-2991

Regular hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

For Bo and Sandy, 50 years in business is ultimately about much more than a milestone.

It is about the people they’ve met, the lives they’ve touched, the faith they’ve shared and the opportunity to wake up each day and continue serving.

And their message to those who have supported them throughout the years is simple:

“Thank you so very much. And we sincerely mean it when we say God Bless you, have a wonderful day!”

5th Annual Saving Lives Matter Fundraiser Being Hosted at Tanner’s Lakeside on Sat. Oct. 3

Allison
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5th Annual Saving Lives Matter Fundraiser Being Hosted at Tanner’s Lakeside on Sat. Oct. 3

5th Annual Saving Lives Matter Fundraiser Being Hosted at Tanner’s Lakeside on Sat. Oct. 3
by James Coulter
 
Five years ago, her fiancé passed away suddenly from cardiac arrest. In the aftermath of that loss, she turned grief into action, launching a mission that has since placed over 100 AEDs across the county.

Now, Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation is gearing up for its fifth annual Saving Lives Matter fundraiser, a community event dedicated to expanding access to emergency equipment and preventing families from experiencing the same devastating loss.
 
Melanie Brown Culpepper has been a familiar presence in Winter Haven for nearly four decades, ever since she opened her hair salon, Melanie’s Cutting Edge, 37 years ago. Since 2014, she has deepened that connection by actively supporting the community, organizing and hosting fundraisers, charity drives, and other local events.
 
However, her life changed forever in July 2020. She walked into her Winter Haven home to find her fiancé, Michael Culpepper, lying face‑down and unresponsive on the floor. She called 911 immediately, and paramedics rushed him to the hospital but by the time she arrived, she was told Michael had passed away.
 
“They said he was gone; there was no life in him,” she said.
 
Melanie later obtained the 911 recording and played it on repeat. One question from the dispatcher haunted her: Did she have a defibrillator? She didn’t and that realization became the catalyst for everything she would do next.
 
“So that’s what triggered in my mind right then: to be able to raise money to put AEDs all over,” she said. “I wanted him to know that he did not die in vain. I wanted him to know that I was out to honor his name. I was hoping to save somebody because I couldn’t save him.”
 
Since Michael’s passing, Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation has installed over 100 AEDs across Polk County. Their 100th placement at Bok Tower Gardens stands out to Melanie as one of the organization’s most meaningful milestones.
 
Beyond donating AEDs, the foundation also awards three annual scholarships to students pursuing careers as firefighters or emergency medical technicians, helping equip the next generation of lifesavers.
 
Her upcoming fundraiser, Saving Lives Matter, is set for Saturday, Oct. 3, at 11 AM at Tanner’s Lakeside, where guests can enjoy live music from a variety of local bands and performers. Headlining the event is Tristian Tritt, a rising rock musician and the eldest son of country icon Travis Tritt.
 
“It’s my first time having somebody famous, basically,” she said. “I am so proud to have Tristian support us, because he’s always about helping the community, and I am honored that he’s coming down.”
 
Other festivities that day include live and silent auctions, 50/50 raffles, a photo booth, and a kid’s zone. Even the honorable Sheriff Grady Judd himself will attend to serve ice cream.
 
For Melanie, the fundraiser is about far more than music and celebration. She cherishes how it unites people from across the community, all rallying to protect one another and prevent anyone else from facing the loss she suffered.
 
“That’s what means so much to me,” she said. “I’ve never seen a town more than this town right here in Winter Haven that shows there’s support for each other. We have each other’s backs, and we are there for each other…I love our little town and Polk County because we all are there where we need them the most.”
 
Melanie recently appeared on the Chattin on the Ridge podcast to discuss her upcoming fundraiser, her organization, and her life’s mission. Listen to the full podcast on Spotify, Acast, and Amazon Music: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/episodes/ep-90-saving-lives-matter-2026-wmelanie-brown-culpepper

Havendale Christmas Parade Important Dates and Reminders

Allison
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Havendale Christmas Parade Important Dates and Reminders

City of Auburndale- The Havendale Christmas Parade is coming up on Friday, December 4, 2026, at 7:00 P.M. Whether you are planning to enter a unit or participate as a walker, please review the important information below!

📅 ENTRY DEADLINE:
Thursday, November 5, 2026, or sooner if the parade reaches capacity. All applications must include a detailed unit description, and no changes will be accepted after the deadline.

📍 MANDATORY MEETING:
Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 7:00 P.M.
Lake Ariana Park, 2220 Lake Ariana Blvd., Auburndale, FL 33823
All parade units must attend. Staging information, walking wristbands, and parking information will be provided at this meeting.

💰 ENTRY FEE:
$50 per unit, non-refundable, due with your application.

🎄 PARADE ROUTE:
The parade is approximately 3.1 miles. The official start is at 14th Street and Havendale Boulevard, near the Social Security Office, and the parade will travel west along Havendale Boulevard, ending just before 42nd Street near Wells Fargo Bank. All units will continue to the Winn-Dixie/Harbor Freight parking lot for unloading and tear-down.

🚗 STAGING:
Units will stage either behind Spring Lake or at Spring Haven Retirement Center. All units must be in their assigned staging location by 6:00 P.M. Final staging assignments will be provided at the mandatory meeting.

🎅 WHAT CAN YOU ENTER?
Eligible units include professional floats, homemade floats, monster trucks, public official vehicles, decorated vehicle clubs, animals, marching bands, and walking units without floats. All applications and unit types are subject to approval by the Parade Committee.

🚶 WALKING UNITS:
Walkers without floats must be 12 years or older. Monster truck walkers must be 18 years or older, with three walkers on each side. Walking units must maintain a slow, continuous pace throughout the parade.

✨ DECORATIONS:
There is no set theme for this year’s parade. We encourage festive and creative Christmas decorations! All floats and wheeled units, including towing vehicles, must be decorated with lights and Christmas-themed, weatherproof materials. Your organization’s name must also be visible on your unit.

🚫 IMPORTANT RULES:

  • No candy, beads, trinkets, pamphlets, or other items may be thrown or handed to spectators.
  • No unit may stop along the parade route.
  • Santa and Mrs. Claus have their own official parade float and may not ride on participating units.
  • Music and costumes must be family-friendly and Christmas-appropriate.
  • Units may not exceed 15 feet tall or 12 feet wide.
  • Every unit must carry a fire extinguisher.
  • No open flames or spark-producing devices are permitted.
  • No alcohol or smoking is permitted on parade units or anywhere along the parade route.
  • Strollers, wagons, and motorized/battery-operated scooters or bikes are not permitted.
  • All motorized vehicle operators must have a valid driver’s license.
  • An adult spotter, age 18 or older, is required for each entry in addition to the driver.

🏆 AWARDS:
Units will be eligible for four awards: Spectacular Sparkle, Silver Bell, Spirit of Havendale, and the Rodger McCoy Award.

📸 Units are encouraged to take a group photo before the parade. Photos may be used when award winners are announced publicly.

Please remember that all applications are subject to review and approval by the Parade Committee.

LINK TO FULL APPLICATION: https://tinyurl.com/2689v3v9
Link to Rules & Regulations: https://tinyurl.com/47n5xa4d

Questions?

Auburndale Chamber of Commerce: 863-967-3400 | [email protected]
City of Auburndale Parks & Recreation: 863-965-5545
City of Winter Haven Parks & Recreation: 863-291-5656

🎄 We look forward to celebrating the holiday season with you at the 2026 Havendale Christmas Parade!

Lakeland Runs Away With It: Rushing Attack Fuels 49-14 Rout of Auburndale

Ethan Jones
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Lakeland Runs Away With It: Rushing Attack Fuels 49-14 Rout of Auburndale

By Ethan Jones

Friday night brought another important district matchup to Polk County as the Lakeland Dreadnaughts welcomed the Auburndale Bloodhounds to Thomas Bryant Stadium. Both teams entered the night with a 3-1 record, making this a game with plenty on the line as the district race continued to take shape.

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Lakeland came into the matchup looking to continue its momentum after back-to-back wins over Osceola and American Heritage. While Auburndale was looking to build off its 27-9 victory over Kathleen to pick up its first district win of the season.

With two teams looking to make a statement, there was plenty to keep an eye on once the opening kickoff arrived. The Dreadnaughts and Bloodhounds battled throughout the night, but when it was all said and done, Lakeland was the team that made the plays when it mattered most.

From start to finish, the Dreadnaughts controlled the matchup, coming away with a dominant 49-14 victory over Auburndale.

Before this dominant performance, the Dreadnaughts were already coming into the game having put together dominant performances in previous games, having outscored their opponents by an average of 19.5 points a game.

Lakeland’s offense has turned into a fine-tuned machine, having won three out of five games this season by 34 points or more.

Home is where the heart is, and that couldn’t be more true when it comes to the Dreadnaughts. They have won 10 of their last 12 games at home, which gives them a .833 winning percentage during that span and improves their record to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in district play this season.

Lakeland’s offensive dominance goes without saying, but a big part of their success during their 10-2 record at home has been a result of their suffocating defense, having only allowed 13.2 points on average during that stretch at home.

For Auburndale, Friday night’s loss drops the Bloodhounds to 3-2 overall and 0-2 in district play. The loss also continues a difficult stretch on the road, with Auburndale now having lost three of its last four road games.

Now, with that being said, here are some of the top performers from this game.

Starting out for Lakeland, there were several players who made an impact as the Dreadnaughts’ running game was on point. Lakeland had rushing touchdowns from four different players.

Stewart Butler scored on a 25-yard rushing touchdown, while Ahnarri Cooper added a 5-yard rushing touchdown. Xavion Mitchell found the end zone on a 4-yard run, and Matwoin Bryant scored on a 1-yard rushing touchdown.

Auburndale also found the end zone through some big plays of its own. Adonis Cuyler provided one of the game’s biggest plays for the Bloodhounds when he returned a kickoff 70 yards for a touchdown. Hayden Leade also scored a rushing touchdown for Auburndale.

Both teams will be back at home next week as they look to move forward from Friday night’s result.

Lakeland, now 4-1 overall and 2-0 in district play, will host SFA (2-4) at 7:30 p.m. Auburndale, now 3-2 overall and 0-2 in district play, will welcome Haines City (3-2).

For Lakeland, Friday night’s performance was another statement that the Dreadnaughts are continuing to build momentum as district play moves forward.

For Auburndale, the focus now shifts to responding and finding a way to get back on track at home next week.

After the game, I had the opportunity to talk to Lakeland head coach Marvin Fraizer and ask him about his thoughts on the game.

Coach in a white shirt stands on the sideline of a football field, with players on the field and bleachers full of spectators in the background.
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When I asked Coach Frazier about the dominant performance of his team and, since it was such a well-rounded performance, if there were any players he was especially impressed with, this is what he had to say

“The whole team, man, to God be the glory because this was a rough week where we had a bunch of injuries and illnesses behind the scenes. These guys were able to show up and put out their best effort, so I have to give it to the whole team.”

With that being said, this was another important district matchup that showed just how competitive Polk County high school football can be.

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Both Lakeland and Auburndale had their moments throughout the night, but when the game reached its biggest moments, the team that made the necessary plays was able to come away with the victory.

For Lakeland, the win gives the Dreadnaughts another important victory as they continue to work toward their goals for the rest of the season.

For Auburndale, there is still plenty of football left to be played, and the Bloodhounds will have an opportunity to learn from this game and respond moving forward.

As the season continues to move along, every district game becomes more important, and both teams will now turn their attention toward the next challenge.

The road ahead is only getting tougher, and there is still plenty left to be decided under the Friday night lights.

Florida Rolls Out Newly Designed Driver Licenses Beginning Wednesday

Carl Fish
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Florida Rolls Out Newly Designed Driver Licenses Beginning Wednesday

Florida residents getting a new or renewed driver license will begin seeing a different design starting Wednesday.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles announced that newly designed Florida driver licenses and identification cards will begin being issued at service centers statewide on Sept. 30.

The new cards feature several pieces of Florida history and imagery, including the Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine on the front of the card. A Florida orange is incorporated into the word “Florida,” while a manatee and alligator are also included in the design.

The back of the card features Space Shuttle Discovery in recognition of Florida’s Space Coast. The shuttle flew 39 missions before making its final landing in Florida in 2011.

The new cards also include updated security features intended to help prevent fraud and strengthen identity verification.

One thing Florida residents do not need to do is rush out and replace their current license.

According to FLHSMV, all currently valid Florida driver licenses and identification cards will remain valid until they expire. The older cards will gradually be phased out as residents renew or replace them.

The newly designed cards will initially be available at driver license service centers beginning Wednesday. FLHSMV expects the new design to become available for online orders by early November.

The change applies to both Florida driver licenses and state identification cards.

Polk State College Hosting FallFest October 10

Allison
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Polk State College Hosting FallFest October 10

Polk State College – FallFest, the word conjures up a cool autumn day on Polk State College’s Winter Haven Campus, filled with happy families enjoying a variety of activities. Thousands trek to the campus each second Saturday in October to enjoy the event that features a craft show, the Kids Zone, music, police and EMS demonstrations, the Pumpkin Patch, food, the Haunted House, and more.

Source Polk State College

Some northerners schedule visits to Central Florida this time of year just so they can take in FallFest. FallFest takes place on Oct. 10, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 999 Ave H NE, Winter Haven.

Many visitors have their particular favorite FallFest events or discover new ones. And, FallFest wouldn’t be FallFest without the hundreds of handmade crafts on display. The craft show is the foundation of Fallfest. The fall event has grown considerably in the years. From popular crafts to other exciting events, thousands enjoy the festival each year.

FallFest is a fundraiser with proceeds going to various student organizations and the Polk State College Foundation. The Polk State College Foundation supports the College’s educational mission in many ways, including establishing scholarships and purchasing equipment for students. Fees from craft booths and other sales go to the Polk State College Foundation to benefit our deserving students.

Polk State College always strives to be a world-class college, whether it’s in the classroom or in service to our community. The collaboration of Polk State’s student and employee volunteers and participating groups make FallFest the pleasurable event that it is.

For further details about this free, rain-or-shine event, send an e-mail to [email protected].

Source: Polk State College

ADVERTISEMENT OF SALE

Staff Reporter
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ADVERTISEMENT OF SALE

Notice is hereby given that Lake Wales Storage intends to sell the property described below to enforce a lien under the Florida Self Storage Facility Act, Statutes (section 83.80-83.809). The owner will sell at public auction on or after October 14, 2026 at 10:00 am at storageauctions.com

Units belonging to the following:

Domingo Pantoja Unit #424

Destiny Walker Unit #328

This sale will be continued on such succeeding sale days thereafter as may be necessary to be completed. Unless otherwise noted units contain household items.

Winter Haven Approves $6.1K Commissioner Raise, $6.5K for Mayor

Allison
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Winter Haven Approves $6.1K Commissioner Raise, $6.5K for Mayor

Winter Haven Approves $6.1K Commissioner Raise, $6.5K for Mayor
by James Coulter
 
In lieu of a 3 percent cost‑of‑living bump for all city employees, Winter Haven’s elected leaders are getting raises of $6.1 thousand for commissioners and $6.5 thousand for the mayor.
 
At their regular meeting on Tues. Sept. 15, 2926, Winter Haven city commissioners approved the pay hike in a 3–2 vote, with Mayor Brian Yates and Mayor Pro Tem Tracey Mercer dissenting.
 
The adjustments raise commissioners’ salaries to $24,180 (an increase of $6,129.21) and boost the mayor’s pay to $28,053.96 (up $6,509.76). This is in lieu of receiving the same 3 percent cost of living increase city employees will receive.
 
In total, the raises amount to $24,516.84 for the four commissioners and a combined fiscal impact of $31,026.60.
 
According to Commissioner Davis, who proposed the raises, these raises would bring commissioner pay more in line with the growing demands created by Winter Haven’s rising population and expanding responsibilities.
 
Commissioner Chad Davis proposed the pay increase. He argued the raise was overdue, noting commissioner pay hasn’t changed in 15 years even as Winter Haven’s population has surged, doubling the workload and expectations placed on elected officials.
 
In a May 17 memo, Davis said his review of compensation across Polk County and comparable cities showed Winter Haven commissioners earn less than many peers and fall well below the county average.
 
Davis noted that commissioners currently earn $13,000 in base pay, plus a local expense allowance that brings their total compensation to about $17,000—lower than what commissioners make in many comparable cities.
 
“For a city of our size, our growth, and our responsibilities, that figure is not aligned with reality,” he said. “We are the second largest in the county, yet our compensation is lower than Haines City, Bartow, and Lake Wales. That is not rational, and it is not reflective of the work that is expected of us.”
 
His analysis found that countywide per‑capita compensation averages $0.4757 for commissioners and $0.6250 for mayors. These rates would put Winter Haven salaries at $27,557 for commissioners and $36,201 for the mayor, increases of roughly 36.4 percent and 42.2 percent.
 
He argued commissioner pay should reflect the scope of the job, from overseeing a $370 million budget to shaping policy for tens of thousands of residents and guiding long‑term growth in one of the county’s fastest‑growing cities.
 
“Expecting commissioners to do that work as volunteers is not responsible,” he said. “Those who oppose paying them believe government should be free. It isn’t. Quality government requires qualified people, time, preparation, and accountability.”
 
He also pushed back on criticism that framed the raise as “wasteful spending” or “personal enrichment,” arguing that commissioners deserve pay that reflects the work they perform.
 
“This measure is not about indulgence or self‑interest,” he said. “It’s about ensuring Winter Haven’s elected officials are compensated in line with the work we do, the size of the city we serve, and the standards of the county we belong to. For this reason, I support this adjustment and believe it is a rational and responsible choice for Winter Haven.”
 
The pay increase will be added tos the city’s newly approved $377.5 million budget, funded through a 6.5900 millage rate. This rate projects an increase of $1,551,326 in ad valorem revenues for the general fund, bringing the total to $32,753,796. At that rate, residents will pay about $6.59 in city property taxes per $1,000 of taxable value. A homeowner would owe roughly $1,647.50 in property taxes for a home valued at $150,000 with no homestead exemption.
 
Adding uncertainty is Florida Amendment 3, which goes before voters in November. If approved, it would expand the non‑school property tax exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. Such a change is expected to slash local property taxes by $45.8 billion over five years and reduce local revenue by about $12 billion, according to Florida TaxWatch and the Florida Policy Institute.
 
Mayor Yates had previously opposed the raise, saying the mayor’s role is a service to the community, not a job driven by financial interest. He reiterated that stance at the meeting, standing by his vote against the increase.
 
“I’ve been a no on this from the beginning and will still be a no tonight,” he said. “For me, serving my hometown in this capacity is the honor of a lifetime.”
 
At a previous meeting, Davis proposed a provision allowing commissioners to decline the raise if they opposed it, but no one moved to adopt it.
 
“That tells me that even those who disagree with the policy are still willing to accept the compensation,” he said, “which underscores the practical need to align our salaries with the responsibilities of the office.”

Dog Killed On U.S. 27 During Incident At Loves Truck Stop In Lake Wales, Suspect Facing Multiple Charges

Carl Fish
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Dog Killed On U.S. 27 During Incident At Loves Truck Stop In Lake Wales, Suspect Facing Multiple Charges

A dispute between a couple at the Love’s Travel Stop along U.S. 27 turned into a chaotic arrest Monday morning that involved a Lake Wales Police K-9, a medical helicopter and the death of a dog that ran into traffic.

The incident unfolded at approximately 11:31 a.m. Monday, according to information obtained by Daily Ridge.

According to Daily Ridge contacts with the Lake Wales Police Department, officers were originally called to Love’s regarding a dispute involving a man and woman. Other sources advise it was a traffic stop gone bad, however law enforcement officers we spoke with did not characterize it that way.

While officers were speaking with the female victim, police reportedly developed probable cause to arrest George Freeman Jr., DOB: 08/21/71.

George Freeman Jr., DOB: 08/21/71 – Photo Credit PCSO 2018 Mugshot

When officers attempted to take Freeman into custody, he allegedly resisted arrest.

According to information provided to Daily Ridge, two dogs inside a vehicle (believed to be with Freeman) at the truck stop became part of the confrontation, with Freeman allegedly using the dogs as shields while officers attempted to take him into custody.

Lake Wales Police eventually deployed K-9 Hunter, who was used to help apprehend Freeman.

During the incident, one of the two dogs allegedly being used as a shield got loose and ran onto U.S. 27, where it was struck and killed by a vehicle. Daily Ridge does not currently have information regarding the condition or whereabouts of the second dog.

Freeman was injured during the incident as officers attempted to take him into custody. A medical helicopter was called and Freeman was airlifted to a hospital.

Daily Ridge has been told that, following evaluation at the hospital, Freeman was not believed to have suffered severe injuries. The exact nature of his injuries has not yet been released.

Our preliminary information indicates Freeman is facing multiple charges, including kidnapping, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and resisting arrest. Those charges should be considered preliminary until Lake Wales Police releases its official arrest information or Freeman is formally booked.

Daily Ridge has requested additional information from the Lake Wales Police Department, including more details about what led officers to develop probable cause for Freeman’s arrest, the circumstances surrounding the alleged kidnapping charge, and additional information about the dogs.

This is a developing story and will be updated as additional information becomes available.

$1.2 Million Sidewalk Project Brings Improvements to Historic Northwest Lake Wales Neighborhood

Carl Fish
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$1.2 Million Sidewalk Project Brings Improvements to Historic Northwest Lake Wales Neighborhood

City of Lake Wales Press Release

Residents in the historic northwest neighborhood of Lake Wales have access to safer sidewalks on Orange Avenue, Wetmore Street, Sessoms Avenue, Seminole Avenue, Seaboard Avenue, Dorsett Avenue, B Street and C Street. 

 

The construction included rehabilitating preexisting sidewalks and placing new sidewalks along established streets without sidewalks. It’s action step number 11 in the City’s Lake Wales Connected Plan.

Seminole Avenue

 

City staff applied for and acquired a $1.2 million-dollar grant administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

 

“Sidewalks tell a story about a community’s priorities. The northwest sidewalk project demonstrates Lake Wales values connectivity, accessibility and safety for our residents,” Deena Drumgo, City of Lake Wales assistant city manager said.

 

The first phase of construction, which included portions of Florida Avenue, Lincoln Avenue, Washington Avenue, E Street, F Street, Harding Avenue and Dr. J.A. Wiltshire Avenue was completed in 2025. New landscaping and street trees are scheduled to be installed in select areas.

Seaboard Avenue

 

Safer sidewalks are one of the many enhancements in the northwest neighborhood. City staff worked with Duke Energy to install new street lighting and illuminated bus stops. Additionally, ridership has increased significantly on the new Lake Wales Circulator bus service, powered by the Citrus Connection. It transports residents to food suppliers and health services, such as Publix, Walmart, Eagle Ridge Mall, J.P. Austin Community Center and the Health Department.

Dorsett Avenue
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