Home Blog Page 504

Board Approves 5-0 To Settlement Agreement With Former LWCS Superintendent

Carl Fish
-
0
Board Approves 5-0 To Settlement Agreement With Former LWCS Superintendent

By Anita Todd, Special Articles

LAKE WALES – The Lake Wales Charter School Board of Trustees voted unanimously to accept a proposed agreement for termination “with cause” and apology from former Superintendent Dr. Wayne Rodolfich at a regular Board Meeting on Monday.

Rodolfich was terminated after the Board heard the results of an investigation into complaints he had created a hostile work environment and racially discriminated against at least one employee.

Robin Gibson, Special Council, LWCS, briefed the Board at a Special Meeting prior to the monthly meeting regarding the details of the proposed agreement.

Upon acceptance of the agreement, Rodolfich will receive 14 weeks of compensation minus any deductions such as taxes and other withholdings.

According to his employment contract – obtained by the Daily Ridge – his annual salary was $175,000. The agreement of 14 weeks – before any deductions – would be approximately $47,000.

“‘Without cause’ termination would have been 20 weeks,” Gibson reminded the Board of the detail from Rodolfich’s contract.

Also, Rodolfich will sign a letter of apology concerning the reason for termination, something that hasn’t been made public entirely at this time.

Rodolfich was hired in 2022 as the Superintendent and, until these allegations, had never had a complaint filed against him.

In other items at the meeting, the Board voted unanimously to hire Gregory Lewis as the Edward W. Bok Academy North principal.

Editors Note: We will have a future article about Principal Lewis.

Other agenda items voted on were the 2024-25 budget; Reading Plan; ESE Policy and Procedures; Mental Health applications; Hazel Health; Contractor Background Screenings; Good Cause Policy for Athletes; School Safety Policy; and Public Records Management. They all gained unanimous approval. The minutes from the three June meetings were also approved.

The next meeting will be Aug. 19 at 4 p.m. in the LWCS High School auditorium.

Taking It For Granted – Much Has Changed In Lake Wales Over The Past 30 Years

Carl Fish
-
0
Taking It For Granted – Much Has Changed In Lake Wales Over The Past 30 Years

By Mayor Jack Hilligoss

    In 1997 The Lakeland Ledger reported our city had adopted a new motto-“Progressive Vision, Vintage Charm”.  They also reported the initial actions taken in pursuit of the motto. The city had ordered new letterhead and street signs with it emblazoned on them. “Progressive Vision” may have been the motto, but status quo was the reality. That was fine because Lake Wales was surrounded by rolling hills covered with healthy citrus groves as far as we could see. Not much happened, not much changed, and not much needed to.

    A lot has changed in the nearly three decades since then. The rapidity of the change has increased in the last five years. The Citrus Industry has been stricken and reduced and hundreds of thousands of people have moved to Polk County. Many of those are arriving in Lake Wales. These twin realities make it very apparent that, if Lake Wales is to maintain any of its “vintage charm” we must be serious about adopting and pursuing a “Progressive Vision”. 

    Our City Commission, Administration, and citizens have taken on that challenge proactively and optimistically. About five years ago, City leadership begin investing in a series of long-range plans to grab the reins of our future. 

    The process began with Lake Wales Connected; a strategic plan to recapture the historic vision of the founders of Lake Wales and turn Lake Wales into “A City in a Garden”.  While that plan focused on restoring our historic downtown to the vision of its founding and creating “A City in a Garden.”

    The next planning investment was a long-range land use strategy. In this process, we concentrated on creating a “footprint” for the growth and development of Lake Wales over the next several decades. What would be the city limits? How should work with landowners to strategically annex, zone, and develop? How could we encourage higher-quality and unique development? How could we maintain a scenic distinction between city and country? These concerns were all a part of the development and adoption of “Lake Wales Envisioned”, an award-winning, plan, and one of the most unique visionary pieces for a city I have ever seen.

     Along with these “big picture”, strategic plans, our City Manager has taken the initiative in the last few years to invest in a strategic plan for the development of Parks and Recreationwhich proposes a $28 million dollar investment in our parks and will likely be presented and adopted for implementation this year. We have a plan for creating affordable housing options. He has also engaged us in a retail economic development strategy that has resulted in several new restaurants relocating and developing in Lake Wales. We learned just this month that Chick-Fil-A, Chipotle, Panera Bread, and Starbucks will all be coming to Lake Wales. 

    We also are finishing up a long-term economic development plan for our city. That is a strategic plan to bring businesses to Lake Wales. 

    This professional, diligent, investment in planning for the future, and the serious pursuit of the implementation of those plans, is the only way we will avoid most of the dangers and capture most of the opportunities growth brings our way. It also pays off in another, very tangible way. 

    GRANTS.

     When a municipality creates good plans and invests time and effort into implementing those plans, it attracts the attention of people with grant money to invest. This has been happening in a big way in Lake Wales. Here are some examples:

• A $90,000 grant from South State Bank for down payment assistance for affordable homes the city partners to build.

• A $1.2 million CDBG grant to place all new sidewalks, landscaping, and lighting in our historic, northwest, neighborhood.

• A $980,000 grant from the Polk Transportation Planning Organization for work on trails and paths on our portion of the Scenic Hwy 17 corridor.

• A $200,000 grant which funded the Park Avenue Connector Trail

• An $800,000 grant from the Department of Transportation to repave, rehab, and repurpose Orange and Crystal Avenues.

• A $750,000 grand from HUD to do a complete streetscape renovation of a portion of 1st Street

• A $750,000 grant from CDBG to rehabilitate housing in our historic northwest neighborhoods

• A $48,000 grant from T-Mobile to invest in the ongoing development of our terrific linear park.

• A $174,000 RTP grant to develop the Kiwanis Loop Trail

• A $50,000 grant from FRDAP to invest in a “Northwest Sports Complex”

• A $200,000 FRDAP grant to invest in the Lake Wales Soccer Complex

• A $50,000 FRDAP grant to update and improve our seven parks.

• A $109,481 grant to purchase an emergency generator for City Hall

• A $277,000 grant to extend our water lines and force mains on Buckmoore Road

• A $500,000 grant to replace water lines and mains in our historic northwest neighborhood.

• A $240,000 grant to develop a Master Drainage Plan for our city

• A $25,000 grant to do a wildlife hazard assessment

• A $1million grant from FDOT to create a new, modern, fuel farm at our municipal airport

• An $80,000 FDOT grant for airport fencing and security

• $984,000 FDOT grant for rehab of airport T-hangars and taxilanes

• $149,500 FDOT grant for airport lighting and signage.

• A $40,000 grant from Florida Commerce for an Economic Development Plan.

     Then, at the end of June, we received a $22.9 million RAISE grant to continue our work on our historic downtown on First Street, Central Avenue, Lincoln Ave. and “A” Street.

    This, incredibly generous grant is the direct result of the planning and $18 million investment our city has already made on the Park Avenue and Market Plaza project.

   That is nearly $31million dollars in grant money that has come to Lake Wales just in the last few years. We have never had that level of investment in our city. By the way, that isn’t every grant we have received but I felt it would be sufficient for this article.

    Sometimes we don’t do a good job recognizing and celebrating these sorts of achievements. My goal in writing this series of articles was to respond to sincere questions you asked about our city, attempt to help you understand how city government works and who is responsible for what, and, hopefully, to inspire you with the “good news” of Lake Wales. This “good news” unfortunately doesn’t find its way into most local outlets and isn’t given attention on social media. It is easy to take for granted.

     So, once again, “Thank you” to Carl Fish for generously providing me this forum. And, once again, I invite your questions. My email is [email protected]. I have an office to use at City Hall, so if you’d like to visit with me, just call for an appointment and I will meet you there. 

    Oh, one more thing. When I was elected Mayor, a little girl named Laci told her mom to ask me to get a Chick-Fil-A in our city. And, even though I really didn’t have much to do with it, I would like to take this moment to say, “Laci, you are welcome.”

This is one of a series of articles by Lake Wales Mayor Jack Hilligoss. Here are the others:

This & That: What’s Going On With Lake Wales Parks & Recreation, Streets , & The Walesbuilt Hotel

Taking Care Of Business – Economic Development In Lake Wales

Racehorses & Mules

City of Winter Haven Has Urban Forestry Advisory Board Seats Open

Staff Reporter
-
0
City of Winter Haven Has Urban Forestry Advisory Board Seats Open

City of Winter Haven, FL –

The City of Winter Haven currently has two vacant seats for the Urban Forestry Advisory Board! If you are city resident, or own a business within City limits – and have a passion for urban forestry in our town, apply today via the form linked below (or visit the City Clerk’s page on our website)! Applications due by 8/6/2024.

Apply here: https://ow.ly/zwhg50SIAAH

In Loving Memory of Samuel Torres-Martinez, 86

Staff Reporter
-
0
In Loving Memory of Samuel Torres-Martinez, 86

Samuel Torres-Martinez, 86

Samuel Torres-Martinez of Lakeshore passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at Lakeland Hospice House.

He was born April 27, 1938 in Manati, Puerto Rico to the late Enrique and Andrea Torres; he moved to Lakeshore from Puerto Rico 13 years ago. Samuel was an air conditioning repair man and a veteran of the United States Army. He enjoyed playing dominos, riding motorcycles, and dancing with his wife.

Samuel was preceded in death by his son, Jorge Luis Torres-Sifuentes in November of 2022. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dámaris Sifuentes-Reyes; son, Samuel Torres-Sifuentes; sisters, Rosa Amalia Torres-Martinez, Maria Magdalena Torres-Martinez, Carmen Cruz Torres-Martinez, Aida Luz Torres-Martinez, and Elizabeth Torres-Martinez; brothers, Jaime Enrique Torres-Martinez and Emeladiz Torres-Martinez; and five grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales. Interment will follow at Lake Wales Memorial Gardens. 

Samuel Torres-Martínez, 86
Samuel Torres-Martinez de Lakeshore falleció el miércoles 17 de julio de 2024 en Lakeland Hospice House.

Nació el 27 de abril de 1938 en Manatí, Puerto Rico, hijo del fallecido Enrique y Andrea Torres; se mudó a Lakeshore desde Puerto Rico hace 13 años. Samuel era reparador de aire acondicionado y veterano del ejército de los Estados Unidos. Le gustaba jugar dominó, andar en motocicleta y bailar con su esposa.

A Samuel le precedió en la muerte su hijo, Jorge Luis Torres-Sifuentes, en noviembre de 2022. Le sobreviven su esposa durante 55 años, Dámaris Sifuentes-Reyes; hijo, Samuel Torres Sifuentes; hermanas, Rosa Amalia Torres-Martínez, María Magdalena Torres-Martínez, Carmen Cruz Torres-Martínez, Aida Luz Torres-Martínez y Elizabeth Torres-Martínez; hermanos, Jaime Enrique Torres-Martínez y Emeladiz Torres-Martínez; y cinco nietos.

El velorio se realizará a partir de las 11:00 a.m. hasta el funeral a las 12:00 p. m. del miércoles 24 de julio de 2024 en Marion Nelson Funeral Home en Lake Wales. Seguirá el entierro en Lake Wales Memorial Gardens.

In Loving Memory of Rick “Rb” Brian Hartley, II

Staff Reporter
-
0
In Loving Memory of Rick “Rb” Brian Hartley, II

Obituary for Rick “Rb” Brian Hartley, II

June 18th, 1994 – July 8th, 2024

In Loving Memory of Rick “Rb” Brian Hartley, II

Rick R.B. Brian Hartley age 30 died in a tragic accident on July 8th, 2024. He is survived by his parents Rick Brian Hartley, father, Carol Ann Sullo, mother, Mathew Joseph Sullo, brother, Brooke Hartley, sister, Lorenzo Anthony William Hartley, son, Joan Sullo, maternal grandmother, William Hartley, paternal grandfather, nieces Maci, Briella, Kendalynn and nephew Bowen. He is survived by many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

R.B was a loving son, father ,brother & amazing friend to many people including the softball community. R.B. loved to golf, which he learned from his grandfather Tony at a young age. R.B. is one of the most generous happy-go, fun-loving guy with a contagious smile to everyone he came in contact with. R.B. Worked in the plumbing industry for 9 years with Daughtry Plumbing. 

Local Non-Profit Assisting Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Seeking Financial Assistance

Staff Reporter
-
0
Local Non-Profit Assisting Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Seeking Financial Assistance

By James Coulter

Photos provided by Crystal Higbee

For nearly 25 years, Circle of Friends have helped low-income individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Lake Wales. Now they’re seeking financial assistance to help pay off the mortgage to their new facility.

 In 2022, Circle of Friends, a local non-profit in Lake Wales, having reached full capacity with its staff and students, moved to a larger facility located at 333 Lime Avenue. Their new facility includes a kitchen, dining hall, classrooms, offices, and a much larger space to facilitate future growth.

 That growth includes a summer program called P.O.P. Tots, which recently started for children with intellectual and developmental differences ages 10 to 18. Another new addition is their virtual program, which connects IDD adults to their peers for lessons and activities of their choice.

Hanging out at the Bocce Olympics

 Perhaps their most ambitious project is Friends Village, with plans to provide affordable housing in a supported living community just for the IDD population. Since the new facility has buildable property, Circle of Friends had begun planning to provide housing for IDD individuals in need.

 However, a larger building also comes with a larger mortgage, placing them in serious need of financial support. They are asking the community to provide whatever assistance they can offer.

Property at 333 Lime Street

 “We took a huge leap of faith when we sold our old building to begin our lease to own on the new facility and property,” explained Crystal Higbee, president of Circle of Friends. “It took every last bit of money that was made from the sale of the old building to secure the loan for the remaining costs to purchase the new facility. We are currently sitting at approximately $850,000.00 to be able to pay this debt off and move forward with our plans. Without the support of our community, we risk losing our new facility altogether. We just cannot reasonably keep up with such a large overhead and still provide resources at almost no cost to our low-income students.”

 Circle of Friends is a local non-profit organization that, according to their website is dedicated to “equip, empower, and provide inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences.”

David at Night to Shine

“[Our vision] is to one day become the provider of a set of complete resources that will help uplift and sustain a good standard or quality of life for the IDD residents living in our community,” their website states. “The vision includes supported living housing that is affordable, sustainable, and that has options for purchase to bring security and peace-of-mind to the residents and their families.”

 The organization was started by Mertice Fehringer, a local mother of a daughter with developmental disabilities during a time when resources for such individuals proved scarce. Wanting to facilitate the change she sought for her community, Mertice started Circle of Friends in 1999 in the Sunday school room of a local church.

 Over the next few years, their group outgrew their small classroom, requiring them to find a larger facility. Circle of Friends found that larger space at Stuart Avenue in Downtown Lake Wales. They purchased that building for only a dollar and moved into it in 2001.

 During that time, they developed their Proclaiming Our Potential (P.O.P.) Day Program, a life skills development (LSD) program to help instill in their students the life and job skills necessary to live independently.

“Our goal is to equip the students at a younger age so when they are ready to graduate, they are more readily capable of competing with peers for entry-level jobs and can spot and stop any abuse or exploitation that they may face at home from caregivers who want to keep them dependent for their benefits,” Higbee explained. “Our program is structured to graduate these individuals into an independent life of the highest degree possible.”

By 2022, the organization was “bursting at the seams” with new students and their old building had been worn away with age and storm damage. Further complicating matters were downtown renovations, which would have forced them to lose the front side of their facility, which would have affected the accessibility of their students.

 After creating a task force, they scoped the area for a new location, which they discovered in the former Westside Baptist Church at Lime Street. Last year, they moved into their new facility, but by doing so, incurred a significant mortgage which they now need help paying off.

 

“It was fantastic, but that price tag was real hefty,” Higbee said. “We had the option to buy with a stringent time frame. We had 18 months to purchase this building. We sold the building we were in. We got those funds. We lost several students due to finances. The economy turned, and now we just had to deal with the loss.”

 However, despite their financial difficulty, Circle of Friends remains committed to assisting members of the community with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

 “We have a policy that we do not turn away any student for their lack of ability to pay,” Higbee said. “They can apply for scholarships and we find a way to get them in.”

 Circle of Friends is getting by with assistance from local residents and through grants. However, they are asking for donations to help them pay off their debt. One method is to sponsor a student to keep them enrolled in their services for a full year.

To learn more about Circle of Friends, or to find out how you can help, visit their website at: https://www.circleoffriendsministry.com/

Third Confirmed Case Of Rabies In Polk County

Staff Reporter
-
0
Third Confirmed Case Of Rabies In Polk County

The third case of rabies in Polk County this year has been confirmed, in Winter Haven.

On Friday, July 19, 2024, Polk County Sheriff’s Animal Control Officers responded to a call for service on Avenue T NW in Winter Haven after a report of a cat owner being scratched and bitten while breaking up a fight between his two cats. The cat that bit and scratched him was found by the man deceased the next day. 

The deceased cat was sent to the State Laboratory in Tampa, where it tested positive for rabies. The other cat was not vaccinated against rabies, and it was surrendered by its owner to Polk County Animal Control. The Florida Department of Health in Polk County will handle the treatment of the owner for his rabies exposure.

“Please make sure your pets are up to date on all their vaccines; being vaccinated can save your pet’s life.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Please do not approach any animal which is acting in an unusual or suspicious manner. If you think you or your pet has had an “exposure,” please contact the PCSO Animal Control Section at 863.577.1762.

City of Winter Haven Unveils Ambitious FY25-FY29 Strategic Plan

Staff Reporter
-
0
City of Winter Haven Unveils Ambitious FY25-FY29 Strategic Plan

The City of Winter Haven is proud to announce the unanimous adoption of its FY25-FY29 Strategic Plan by the City Commission. This comprehensive plan, developed over 18 months through rigorous public engagement, data analysis, and strategic visioning, sets a clear and ambitious course for the City’s future.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN:
• Economic Sustainability: The plan emphasizes fostering innovation and partnerships to ensure a qualified and skilled workforce, promoting equitable access to opportunities, cultivating a diverse development environment, and managing growth through robust public engagement.
• Quality of Life: Aiming to enhance happiness, health, and fulfillment, the plan focuses on maximizing attainable housing opportunities, supporting partnerships for community needs, championing arts and beautification, and ensuring recreational access as the city grows.
• Infrastructure: The City will ensure smooth operations by maintaining strong partnerships for transportation planning, taking a comprehensive approach to asset maintenance, developing actionable water resource strategies, and embracing new technology.
• Environmental Stewardship: Winter Haven is committed to wisely caring for natural resources, emphasizing sustainability, environmental protection, waste management, and the integration of sustainable practices.
• Community Safety: Ensuring that residents, businesses, and visitors feel secure, the plan focuses on protecting the public from crime, maintaining order, preparing for and responding to disasters, ensuring strong cybersecurity, and educating the community on safety initiatives.
• Responsible Government: The plan outlines strategies for managing resources wisely, incorporating citizen input, ensuring transparency and accountability, and fostering community partnerships and employee care.

IMPLEMENTATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY:
The FY25-FY29 Strategic Plan includes specific actions, responsible parties, timelines, and metrics to ensure measurable progress aligned with the City’s goals. Regular reviews and updates will ensure the plan remains adaptable and responsive to emerging challenges and opportunities.

City Manager T. Michael Stavres remarked, “This Strategic Plan represents a significant milestone for Winter Haven. It is a testament to our community’s dedication to a sustainable, vibrant, and inclusive future. We look forward to working together to achieve these goals and enhance the quality of life for all our residents.”

VIEW THE PLAN:
The full Strategic Plan is available on the City’s website as a digital flipbook that can also be downloaded as a PDF. The City is also working on a booklet outlining the key points of the plan that will be made available as a hard copy to citizens at City Hall, the Library, and other City facilities. 

NEXT STEPS:
The City will begin implementing the strategies outlined in the plan immediately. Updates on progress will be provided monthly to the City Commission at the first monthly Agenda Review Session, focusing on one pillar each month. These meetings are open to the public, and the updates will also be made available to the public through livestreaming of the meeting on YouTube and recaps posted in the days following the meeting. 

For more information about the FY25-FY29 Strategic Plan and how you can get involved, please visit the City of Winter Haven’s website or contact the Public Affairs & Communication Office.

Sheriff Grady Judd To Brief Media On New Safety Initiative Cracking Down On Drivers Who Pass Stopped Buses

Carl Fish
-
0
Sheriff Grady Judd To Brief Media On New Safety Initiative Cracking Down On Drivers Who Pass Stopped Buses

Sheriff Grady Judd and Polk County Public Schools Superintendent Fred Heid will brief the media at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at the PCSO Sheriff’s Operations Center (1891 Jim Keene Blvd., Winter Haven) about a new safety initiative being launched this school year that aims to keep school children riding on buses safer.

The Safe Stop program provides state-of-the-art technology mounted on school buses – it includes cameras which will capture those who violate Florida Statute 316.172, passing a stopped school bus that is displaying a stop signal. The violation videos and license plate images captured will be reviewed by a PCSO deputy sheriff before a warning or traffic citation is issued to the registered owner of the vehicle. 

A school bus equipped with the Safe Stop camera technology will be parked in front of the Sheriff’s Operations Center at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow morning for b-roll purposes. Polk County Public Schools will also provide a link with more photos and videos. A representative with Verra Mobility, the company providing the technology, will also be available at the briefing.  

Heading to the Olympic Games in Paris? We Want to Talk To You!

Staff Reporter
-
0
Heading to the Olympic Games in Paris? We Want to Talk To You!

Are you headed for Paris this week for the Olympic Games? We’d like to talk to you!

E-mail [email protected] if you’re heading to the Olympics. We’d like to write a story and share your pictures from the Games. Go Team USA!

1...503504505...1,389Page 504 of 1,389