In loving memory of Joyce “Ramona” Rowland, lifelong resident of Lake Wales.

Celebration of Life details here:

OBITUARY FOR JOYCE “RAMONA” ROWLAND

Ramona Rowland, 92, of Lake Wales, passed away on December 6, 2023, in Winter Haven, Florida.

Ramona was born on May 11, 1931 and was a lifelong resident of Lake Wales. She graduated from Lake Wales High School in the Class of 1949 and retired from Lake Wales Hospital. She was a lifetime, dedicated, and active member of The First United Methodist Church of Lake Wales. She faithfully nurtured and cared for more than one generation of children in the church nursery. Ramona was also a part of the Heart of Florida Walk to Emmaus community. Ramona was the historian for her extended family and always had a box of photos and a magnifying glass with her at family reunions.

Ramona’s life was a blessing and she will continue living in the hearts of all the many people whose lives she touched during her years of service in her church and her community.

Ramona was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Donald Rowland; sister, Peggy R. Cleveland; and her son, Peter Glenn Rowland.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Ramona on January 20, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at The First United Methodist Church in Lake Wales. A reception for family and friends will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to First United Methodist Church of Lake Wales, 230 N. 5^th Street, Lake Wales 33853 for the Ramona Rowland Memorial Nursery.

City of Winter Haven Kicks Off Weeklong MLK Celebration

by James Coulter

To honor the man who once had a dream that racism in America would be over, the City of Winter Haven kicked off a weeklong celebration commemorating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with an official proclamation.

At the city’s regular commission meeting on Monday evening, Winter Haven City Commissioners presented an official proclamation recognizing Jan. 15, 2024, as Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Mayor Bradley T. Dantzler read the proclamation, which reads:

“Whereas, the City of Winter Haven recognizes the profound impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the civil rights movement and the ongoing struggle for equality; and…whereas, the City of Winter Haven is committed to fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated, and the principles of respect and integrity are upheld; whereas, on this ‘Martin Luther King Jr. Day’, let us recommit ourselves to the ideals of compassion, understanding, and unity that Dr. King championed.”

This presentation was the start of a weeklong celebration hosted by the city commemorating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King and his strive for racial equality and justice.

The City of Winter Haven will be hosting other activities this week, including:

• “Storytime with Martin” at the Winter Haven Recreation and Cultural Center on Tue. Jan. 6 at 4 PM.

• “Importance of Service” at Winter Haven Recreation and Cultural Center on Wed. Jan. 10 at 4 PM.

• A wreath-laying ceremony at MLK Park on Thurs. Jan. 11 at 10 AM.

• “Movies with Martin” featuring “Harriet” at the Ritz Theater on Thurs. Jan. 11 at 6 PM.

• A Unity Luncheon at Nora Mayo Hall featuring keynote speaker Deanne King on Fri. Jan. 12 at 11 AM.

• The MLK Commemorative Parade along MLK Boulevard starting at 10 AM on Sat. Jan. 13.

For more information about these and other events, visit: https://whmlkparadecommission.org.

OBITUARY OF SAMANTHA SIMMS

Samantha Simms, September 16, 1954 – January 3, 2024, leaves behind her beloved husband of 34 years, Perry, whom she adored; her children, Frank (Jeanine) Murawski, Jason Murawski; Charlie (Stacy) Simms, and Casey (Gamper) Linge. She also Leaves her brother, Clarence Herald, sister, Rachel Dunbar and sister-in-law, Marge Combs. Sam was predeceased by her sister, Julie Herald, brother Darrell Herald, and her parents, William and Florence Herald.

“Sam” enjoyed having many, many, aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews and great nieces, great nephews and cousins with whom she kept in regular contact. She was overjoyed by each new baby that was added to her family. As is evidenced by this group, her Family Reunion was one of the high points of her year each June. In addition to family, Sam loved and was loved by her many friends and looked forward to yard “saling” on Saturday mornings and meeting everyone for breakfast each weekend in years past. Sam relished a good deal!

In 2009, Sam retired from Southgate Schools and her job as head custodian and President of her bargaining unit. She was dedicated to ensuring the fairness and proper treatment of all her members, was valued by the building staffs where she worked, and loved by the kids in the schools where she was.

At home, Sam loved to do crafts! She was very creative and made many beautiful decorations. She is famous for her signature bows and her love of Bling. Later in her life, she found that she had a talent for painting and painted many landscape and wildlife paintings which she shared with friends.

Sam had a strong faith which she leaned on in times of sadness. Many times, she has been known to say, “I’m praying for you”, or “I’ll pray about that.” She was loving and supportive to all she valued. Sam believed in treating people with fairness, kindness, and dignity. In other words, a life well lived, and gone too soon. Rest in peace, dear Sam.

A visitation will be on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, from 1:00 pm until the funeral at 3:00 pm at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, Haines City, Florida.

VISITATION

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Oak Ridge Funeral Care

1001 Grace Ave

Haines City, Florida

863-422-3933

FUNERAL

3:00 pm

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Oak Ridge Funeral Care

1001 Grace Ave

Haines City, Florida

863-422-3933

INTERMENT

Rolling Hills Cemetery

4810 Tilden Road

Winter Haven, Florida

Obituary of David M. Revell

David M. Revell finished a strong race and went to be with the Creator on January 3, 2024. David was born to Jack and June Revell on September 23, 1947 in Port Aransas, Texas.

David, the oldest of six siblings, grew up fishing, catching crabs, and running sand dunes on Padre Island in Texas. As a teenager, he made extra money by selling ice cream from his scooter, running a paper route, and working on the boats.

David went to Texas A&I for one year, with the idea of becoming a physicist, when God spoke to him in his dorm room and called him to ministry. David changed his plans with the haste of someone who had just heard the Lord speak to him personally, and he graduated Southeastern College with a ministry degree in 1969. Along the way he spent a semester at Evangel College, just long enough to meet the love of his life, Sandra Deaton.

David and Sandy’s marriage and their ministry spanned over 54 years. David was a preacher, teacher, principal, professor, and author. He was remarkable in his wisdom and in the kindness of his approach. As a principal, more than one high school student admitted to getting in trouble on purpose just to have one-on-one conversations with him. He always seemed to have the exact right thing to say, and brought people into a relationship with the Lord just as often through quiet conversations as through his preaching.

David had a funny idea of retirement – he stayed as busy as ever, doing volunteer work at Camp Gilead in Polk City, helping his friend Gary Parker with kayak fossil hunts on Peace River, ministering at Central Assembly of God in Auburndale, and doing services each Sunday at Arbor Oaks, Arbor Hills, and Lake Gibson Village retirement homes.

He is survived by his loving wife Sandra Revell, his two kids Kevin Revell (Jennifer) and Kimberly Pizarro (Victor), four grandchildren Jamie Revell (Megan), Julie Revell, Joshua Revell (Katie), Lily Pizarro and five great-grandchildren. David is also survived by his mother, June Revell, and siblings: Dena Revell Tarkington, Daniel Revell, Jack Revell, and Sarah Revell Mayor (Michael).

The memorial service for David Revell will take place at 11 am on Saturday, January 13th at Central Assembly of God, 601 Lemon St., Auburndale FL, with a meal and fellowship time to follow.

6 am update from National Weather Service-

Wind advisory remains in effect until 7pm. Expect breezy conditions today. Sustained winds 25-30 MPH with gusts 40-50 MPH expected.
Rain and storms will move southeast along a frontal boundary. See map for expected timing of storms (starting early afternoon)

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11:12 pm update from National Weather Service-

…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM EST TUESDAY… * WHAT…South winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected. * WHERE…All of West Central and Southwest Florida. * WHEN…From 7 AM to 7 PM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

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4pm update-
For those asking about school tomorrow, here is an update from Polk County Public Schools:

“All PCPS after-school activities and sports are being canceled tomorrow (Tuesday, Jan. 9) in response to weather forecasts. We anticipate no other changes to PCPS operations at this time – all schools are scheduled to be open as normal.

Please stay tuned to our website and social media for updates.”

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original post:

Polk County Emergency Management-

There is potentially severe weather forecast for Polk County on Tuesday. Our primary threats are damaging winds (25 mph sustained and gusts of 50-60 mph) and isolated tornadoes possible tomorrow afternoon/evening. Emergency Management is monitoring this storm.

*We will update this post as any additional information is released.

Winter Haven Public Library- We’re delighted to announce that, in addition to our regular weekly Little Sprouts Story Time, we are starting a monthly Sensory Story Time! Join us for a sensory-friendly Story Time with interactive stories, songs, movements, and activities meant to develop social-emotional learning, fine and gross motor movement, and social skills. All kiddos welcome!

Sensory Story Time will take place at 1pm on the third Friday of each month, starting on January 19th. Registration is required for this event, as space and equipment is limited. Registration for the January 19th event opens January 5th and can be accessed at tinyurl.com/wwh95hkp

Full Service Real Estate Team – Cheryl Brewer has a property available for sale in Lake Wales! 
Details:

3 bed 3 bath

BACK ON THE MARKET WITH PRICE REDUCTION!!! PEACEFUL LAKE STARR LAKEFRONT with Rental Income…Remodeled and Updated home has so much to offer featuring 3 bedrooms / 3 bathrooms and a bonus room that could be used as an additional bedroom in the main home, spacious living room showcases timeless hardwood floors with incredible lake views through the sliding glass doors that open to the covered patio. The formal dining room features lake views for you to watch the gorgeous sunsets while you dine. The relaxing master suite features an oversized walk-in shower. Second bedroom has the original fireplace for you to cozy up to on those rare cool Florida nights. The third bedroom features a full ensuite bathroom. Each doorway was widened to make it wheelchair and walker accessible. Newer metal roof on main house and guest cottage. The home has Solar panels that are a great help with lowering your energy bills. Mini splits have been added throughout the home to help with energy efficiency. This property also features 2 rental income options…the mother-in-law studio suite is connected to the main home with its own separate access & A detached guest cottage is 522sq ft. with open living area, full kitchen, 1 BD/ 1 BA and laundry room. This is truly a rare find…This fabulous property and its location is peaceful, yet near restaurants, shopping, and easy access to major highways that make driving to airports and coast a breeze! This home will let you enjoy the Florida lifestyle to the fullest, so schedule your private showing today!

Contact Cheryl Brewer at Full Service Real Estate Team today!

Price $385,000

Full listing details here: https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/M5152315512

Bartow, Fla. — A Tampa Electric Company (TECO) project to remove and replace 17 power transmission poles will close Lake Mattie Road from County Road 559 to Adams Barn Road in Auburndale for one month starting Monday, January 8. Rolling closures will be intermittent as the work progresses from west to east at three locations along the south side of Lake Mattie Road. Poles will be set first near Flint Road before advancing one-half mile east of Flint Road, then finishing at the Adams Barn Road intersection. New steel replacement poles are 80-feet tall and require oversized equipment to install. Lake Mattie Road traffic will be detoured along County Road 559 or Adams Barn Road to Bolander Road to bypass work zones.

Motorists are advised to drive carefully, be alert to crews and equipment, and follow detour signs or directions by flagmen. Moderate travel delays are likely, especially during peak-hour traffic. Commuters should add extra drive time to trips through this area. For more information, call Bill Skelton with the Polk County Roads & Drainage Division at (863) 535-2200.

OBITUARY OF GARY W LEIS

Gary W Leis was born on November 5, 1940 in Germantown, Ohio, and Gary died peacefully at Forsythe Hospice House in Auburndale, Florida on January 1, 2024, at the age of 83, surrounded by family.  Gary may be gone, but he will never be forgotten by those that knew him.

Gary was the only son of four children born to George and Thelma Leis:  Georgene, Gary’s older sister, and Faye and Kaye, his younger twin sisters.  The family moved to Florida when Gary was five years old, and he later graduated from Winter Haven High School.  Following in his father’s footsteps before him, Gary enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served over two years before he received an Honorable Discharge in 1962.

Gary passed away on January 1, 2024, one day after his wedding anniversary.  53 years earlier, on New Year’s Eve, 1970, he married Sue Ann Floyd, a second marriage for each of them.  That ceremony was the start of a long and beautiful marriage that lasted until his dying day, with Sue Ann at his side, holding his hand.  Gary and Sue Ann purchased their home in Lake Alfred in 1971.  Together they raised four children in that old Lake Alfred house, and they lived in that house for 46 years until they moved to Haines City in 2017.  Gary and Sue Ann had a love and a connection and a marriage that most people could only dream about.
Gary joined the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in 1970, as a Sheriff’s Deputy.  He had an exemplary 26-year career with the Sheriff’s Office, where he worked his way up to the rank of Sergeant.  He excelled as a Detective in Drug Enforcement and then Homicide, and Gary was responsible for investigating and solving dozens of murders and other serious crimes over the years.  He was also a member of the Sheriff’s Office dive team.  He retired in 1996, and his retirement photograph is still displayed today at the Polk Sheriff’s Office in Winter Haven.

After retiring from the Sheriff’s Office, Gary worked as a private investigator, and completed the rigorous training required to become a firefighter, then worked with Fire Rescue at Grenelefe Golf and Tennis Resort.  He also worked for Publix Super Markets for several years.  After Publix, he had more time to spend with family and to pursue numerous hobbies he was passionate about, primarily hunting and fishing, as well as coin collecting and metal detecting.  Just like his dad George, Gary was a Mason for many years.  Gary also enjoyed hunting Morel mushrooms in Michigan, something his parents loved to do.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, George and Thelma; brothers in law. Mike Nolen Sr., Jim Blake. He is survived by his three sisters, Georgene Nolen, Kaye Sabiston (Bob, Sr.), and Faye Blake; his five children, Rebecca Stewart (Chris), Lucrecia Barnett (Oliver), Patrick Van Leis, Kerri Culvahouse, and Jennifer Brown (Joshua); 15 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren.

A visitation to celebrate Gary’s wonderful life will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at Oak Ridge Funeral Care on Havendale Boulevard in Winter Haven, followed by a funeral service at 3:00 pm.

Winter Haven, Florida – The Florida Highway Patrol is currently investigating a crash that occurred Friday afternoon (1:12pm). According to Sargent Gaskins , public information officer with the FHP, a sedan was traveling southbound on US-17, near 6th Street NW, when the driver (74 Yr Old Winter Haven man) suffered a medical emergency. The driver lost control of the vehicle which entered the opposing lane and collided with with an SUV nearly head-on. The driver of the SUV is a 58 Yr Old Lake Wales man. Both drivers suffered serious injuries and were transporting to an area hospital where Winter Haven man later expired from injuries suffered during the collision.

It should be noted that the Florida Highway Patrol does not release names of accident victims pursuant to Marsy’s Law.