City adopts state’s broadened regulations for a home-based business, House Bill 403

Lake Wales, Fla. (August 10, 2022) – City of Lake Wales commission approved revisions to the City’s code of ordnances to broaden rules and regulations for a home-based business. The updates reflect statewide regulations set forth by Governor Ron DeSantis in House Bill 403.

The revised ordinance broadens which businesses are considered “home-based” in an area zoned for residential use. The ordinance provides more flexibility in areas, such as employment; location and area; customers and clients; hazardous substances; vehicle traffic; parking; sales of service or products; prohibited business activities; and much more.  

City Ordinance Sec. 23-348 defines a home-based business as any occupation, professional activity, business, profession, or commercial activity conducted entirely within a dwelling unit and carried on by a member or members of the immediate family or household occupying the dwelling and up to a maximum of two (2) non-resident employees or independent contractors on-site at any time. A home-based business is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the property for residential purposes and does not change the appearance or character of the dwelling. Home-based business includes: home occupation, telecommuting/telework, cottage food operations and home-base cottage industry.

Any person operating a home-based business is required to obtain a local business tax receipt pursuant to Chapter 19 of the Lake Wales Code of Ordinances.

Resources

City Ordinance Sec. 23-348 – Home-based business,click here.

Frequently asked questions, click here.

City of Lake Wales Business Tax Receipt, click here.

Cottage food operations, click here.

Start a business, click here.

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It is the goal of the City of Lake Wales to ensure that the services we provide are as accessible for individuals with disabilities as they are for individuals without disabilities. If this correspondence or any attachments provided do not address your specific needs, please email us and we will work to provide the information to you via alternative means. If you have questions or require additional information, please contact the City Clerk at [email protected]. City of Lake Wales e-mail and web site domain name have changed to Lakewalesfl.gov. E-mails to cityoflakewales.com addresses will no longer be delivered. NOTICE: Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public-records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this department by phone or in writing.

Lake Wales, Florida – On July 27, 2022 law enforcement officers arrested Douglass Booher, DOB 8/12/88, of Winter Haven charging him with attempted murder among other charges. The charges stem from an incident that occurred at the Wawa gas station at 23623 Hwy 27, Lake Wales, Florida. According to reports Douglas Booher met up with the victim to buy a gold chain. What transpired next was a wild ride!

Below is the arrest affidavit.

It should be noted that this is an unedited, but redacted, report of facts by the LWPD. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Lake Wales Daily does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions:

“On July 27, 2022, I responded to the above location to investigate the above offences. 

Upon my arrival I met with Sgt. Figueroa who advised THE VICTIM met with a, Doug Booher
to sell something off of Facebook Marketplace. Sgt. Figueroa said the suspect, Booher, snatched the item THE VICTIM was attempting to sell and tried to flee in his vehicle. THE VICTIM jumped on top of the vehicle and was thrown off of the vehicle iust north of Peddlers Pond Communitv onto Highway 27 Lake Wales. Polk County. Florida. THE VICTIM
was transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center via Polk Count Emergency Services with
serious injuries including a brain bleed.

On scene I observed blood splatter on the roadway, a bottle of water and a blanket next to the blood splatter. I also observed a pair of brown dress shoes belonging to THE VICTIM. THE VICTIM’s cellphone was found further down the road along with cash and the key fob to THE VICTIM. 

I obtained a statement from witnesses. The witness REDACTED , said she was driving on Chalet Suzanne Road west bound when she seen an SUV with someone on top of it. REDACTED said she followed the vehicle because she was going to take a picture of the tag. REDACTED said the vehicle got into the turn lane and abruptly swerved back out of the turn lane and went around a vehicle, ran the red light at Highway 27 and Chalet Suzanne Road and continued north on Highway 27. REDACTED said she followed the vehicle and seen it run 2 other red lights before slinging THE VICTIM off of the roof of the vehicle. REDACTED said THE VICTIM rolled down the road a few times and then slid for a short distance. It should be noted the speed of the suspect’s vehicle was reported by witnesses to be above the speed limit. The posted speed limit on Highway 27 is 60 MPH. 

Two other witnesses were interviewed who corroborated REDACTED account of the incident. 

I responded to Wawa and reviewed surveillance footage. On the footage I observed THE VICTIM 
standing at the driver s door of the Booher’s vehicle. I saw the vehicle start to back out and saw THE VICTIM onto the running board of the vehicle. As the vehicle was backing out it struck a black enclosed trailer with the driver’s side of his
Vehicle. THE VICTIM still hanging on the side of the vehicle turned his head and looked at the trailer. It appeared THE VICTIM pulled himself up onto the roof of Booher’s vehicle to keep from getting sandwiched in between the vehicle and the trailer. 

Detective Petkevitch responded to Lakeland Regional Hospital where THE VICTIM was transported to. Detective Petkevitch said THE VICTIM stated he arrived at Wawa at 1 o’clock where he and Booher agreed to meet so Booher
could purchase a gold chain he was selling. THE VICTIM said Booher arrived at 1:30 and said he needed to go inside to retrieve money from the ATM. THE VICTIM said Booher came back out and immediately returned to his vehicle and got back into the driver’s seat. THE VICTIM said Booher handed him cash and he handed Booher the Gold chain he was selling. THE VICTIM said he handed Booher a bill of sale and asked him to sign it. Booher told he did not have his license and handed the bill of sale back to him. THE VICTIM said Booher immediately without warning put his vehicle in reverse and tried to leave. THE VICTIM
said he told Booher to hold on but he continued. THE VICTIM said Booher started to turn to the left which put him in fear Booher was going to run him over. THE VICTIM said he held onto the car because Booher wouldn’t stop so he could get out of the way.
said he climbed onto the top of the vehicle to prevent Booher from running him over. THE VICTIM said once he was on top of the vehicle Booher didn’t slow down enough for him to safely get off of the vehicle. THE VICTIM said Booher ran the stop sign leaving Wawa and several red lights. THE VICTIM said him not being able to get off of the vehicle and Booher speeding and driving reckless put him in fear he was going to die.

The way THE VICTIM belongings were scattered down the roadway showed momentum continued to carry him North down the roadway after being thrown from the vehicle. This matches the statements given by the witnesses. THE VICTIM was shown a photographic line-up and positively identified Douglas Booher as the suspect.

Douglass Booher took THE VICTIM Gold Chain, valued at $2800.00, from his custody by force and fear with the intention of permanently depriving him of his property. During the commission of the robbery, Douglass Booher seriously injured THE VICTIM.

The injuries occurred during both the commission and escape of the robbery. Due to the above listed facts, I believe I meet the state requirement to charge Douglass Booher with Attempted
Felony Murder and Robbery.”

Editors note: The bills were found to have been fake that were handed to the victim.

This isn’t the only incident in which Booher passed off fake bills. Here is an affidavit by the PCSO about an incident on July 20th, 2022:

“At approximately 11:38am, law enforcement made contact with REDACTED(victim) at the Della Vita Apartments.

REDACTED stated he listed a gold ring for sale on Facebook marketplace for $300. He received a responde from Doug Booher about purchasing the ring. After communicating with Booher, he agreed to meet him in front of the Della Vita apartment office.

REDACTED arrived at Della Vita apartments near the front office and meet with Booher. He was able to identify Booher through his photos on Facebook. REDACTED stated that Booher inspected the ring and then gave him three $100 bills.

REDACTED put the $300 in his pocket and Booher began walking away, Booher then began to run. REDACTED became suspicious and checked the bills, discovering them to be fake souvenir money.
The following is clearly printed on the $100 bills;
“it’s not the monev, it’s a joke’ “SOUVENIR OF AMERICA”.

There is also several writings on the $100 bills in what appears to be Russian;
“fa Baeyaony readdafui noaäñòan”, Not a means of payment (translated from Russian to English)
“Éliey”, Copy (translated from Russian to English).

REDACTED was able to provide the following evidence;
-A photograph of the stolen ring
-Three false bank bills given to him as payment from Booher.
-Facebook profile pictures of Booher and a book in photo of Booher he found online.
The photos were included with the original report, the three false bank bills were collected by the reporting deputy and placed it into evidence at the central substation.

July 27th, 2022
At approximately 8:44am, a photo lineup was presented to REDACTED by an Independent Administrater, Booher was identified by REDACTED. Following the photo lineup, a recorded statement was obtained. The photo lineup and
recorded statement were placed into evidence.

July 29th 2022
Based on my investigation. I determined Booher passed three one hundred dollar false bank bills as a payment to another person (REDACTED) for a gold ring valued at $300. Booher’s intent was to defraud REDACTED of his property.

A complaint affidavit was completed on Booher charging him with uttering false bills and petit theft.

Memorial Service for K-9 Officer Max
The Lake Wales Police Department, our law enforcement families, and the community will bid a final goodbye to K-9 Officer Max at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at HighPoint Church, 4025 N. Scenic Highway, Lake Wales.

All Law Enforcement representatives will be staged at the church between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Seating for the service will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the ceremony to begin at 10:00 a.m.

There will be no viewing or graveside service. Max has been cremated and will remain with his partner and family.

Law enforcement honors will take place outside the church immediately following the service.
Law enforcement honors outside the church will include:

Playing of Taps

Amazing Grace – Bagpipes

End of Watch radio call delivered by Communications

Officer Joyner escorts K-9 Officer Max from foyer through local LEO K-9 Honor Column with LWPD K-9 Unit and family

Conclusion of service and dismissal

HighPoint Church has offered to live-stream the service on their Facebook page, which will also be shared live on the LWPD Facebook page. LWPD will live-stream the law enforcement honors outside the church on the LWPD Facebook page.

In response to the public outpouring of support, the following information is provided for those who wish to make a donation to the Lake Wales Police Department K-9 Unit. Donations may be sent by check payable to “City of Lake Wales” with “K-9 Unit Donation” in the memo line.

Mail or deliver to:
Lake Wales Police Department 133 East Tillman Avenue, Lake Wales, FL 33853

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be sent to the Lake Wales Police Department K-9 Unit.

Lake Wales, Florida – Law enforcement officers arrested Douglass Booher, DOB 8/12/88, of Winter Haven charging him with attempted murder among other charges. The charges stem from an incident that occurred at the Wawa gas station at 23623 Hwy 27, Lake Wales, Florida. According to reports Douglas Booher met up with the victim to buy a gold chain. What transpired next was a wild ride! Below is the arrest affidavit. 

It should be noted that this is an unedited, but redacted, report of facts by the LWPD. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Lake Wales Daily does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions:

“On July 27, 2022, I responded to the above location to investigate the above offences. 

Upon my arrival I met with Sgt. Figueroa who advised THE VICTIM met with a, Doug Booher
to sell something off of Facebook Marketplace. Sgt. Figueroa said the suspect, Booher, snatched the item THE VICTIM was attempting to sell and tried to flee in his vehicle. THE VICTIM jumped on top of the vehicle and was thrown off of the vehicle iust north of Peddlers Pond Communitv onto Highway 27 Lake Wales. Polk County. Florida. THE VICTIM
was transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center via Polk Count Emergency Services with
serious injuries including a brain bleed.

On scene I observed blood splatter on the roadway, a bottle of water and a blanket next to the blood splatter. I also observed a pair of brown dress shoes belonging to THE VICTIM. THE VICTIM’s cellphone was found further down the road along with cash and the key fob to THE VICTIM. 

I obtained a statement from witnesses. The witness REDACTED , said she was driving on Chalet Suzanne Road west bound when she seen an SUV with someone on top of it. REDACTED said she followed the vehicle because she was going to take a picture of the tag. REDACTED said the vehicle got into the turn lane and abruptly swerved back out of the turn lane and went around a vehicle, ran the red light at Highway 27 and Chalet Suzanne Road and continued north on Highway 27. REDACTED said she followed the vehicle and seen it run 2 other red lights before slinging THE VICTIM off of the roof of the vehicle. REDACTED said THE VICTIM rolled down the road a few times and then slid for a short distance. It should be noted the speed of the suspect’s vehicle was reported by witnesses to be above the speed limit. The posted speed limit on Highway 27 is 60 MPH. 

Two other witnesses were interviewed who corroborated REDACTED account of the incident. 

I responded to Wawa and reviewed surveillance footage. On the footage I observed THE VICTIM 
standing at the driver s door of the Booher’s vehicle. I saw the vehicle start to back out and saw THE VICTIM onto the running board of the vehicle. As the vehicle was backing out it struck a black enclosed trailer with the driver’s side of his
Vehicle. THE VICTIM still hanging on the side of the vehicle turned his head and looked at the trailer. It appeared THE VICTIM pulled himself up onto the roof of Booher’s vehicle to keep from getting sandwiched in between the vehicle and the trailer. 

Detective Petkevitch responded to Lakeland Regional Hospital where THE VICTIM was transported to. Detective Petkevitch said THE VICTIM stated he arrived at Wawa at 1 o’clock where he and Booher agreed to meet so Booher
could purchase a gold chain he was selling. THE VICTIM said Booher arrived at 1:30 and said he needed to go inside to retrieve money from the ATM. THE VICTIM said Booher came back out and immediately returned to his vehicle and got back into the driver’s seat. THE VICTIM said Booher handed him cash and he handed Booher the Gold chain he was selling. THE VICTIM said he handed Booher a bill of sale and asked him to sign it. Booher told he did not have his license and handed the bill of sale back to him. THE VICTIM said Booher immediately without warning put his vehicle in reverse and tried to leave. THE VICTIM
said he told Booher to hold on but he continued. THE VICTIM said Booher started to turn to the left which put him in fear Booher was going to run him over. THE VICTIM said he held onto the car because Booher wouldn’t stop so he could get out of the way.
said he climbed onto the top of the vehicle to prevent Booher from running him over. THE VICTIM said once he was on top of the vehicle Booher didn’t slow down enough for him to safely get off of the vehicle. THE VICTIM said Booher ran the stop sign leaving Wawa and several red lights. THE VICTIM said him not being able to get off of the vehicle and Booher speeding and driving reckless put him in fear he was going to die.

The way THE VICTIM belongings were scattered down the roadway showed momentum continued to carry him North down the roadway after being thrown from the vehicle. This matches the statements given by the witnesses. THE VICTIM was shown a photographic line-up and positively identified Douglas Booher as the suspect.

Douglass Booher took THE VICTIM Gold Chain, valued at $2,800.00, from his custody by force and fear with the intention of permanently depriving him of his property. During the commission of the robbery, Douglass Booher seriously injured THE VICTIM.

The injuries occurred during both the commission and escape of the robbery. Due to the above listed facts, I believe I meet the state requirement to charge Douglass Booher with Attempted
Felony Murder and Robbery.”

PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS Captain John A. Davenport enlisted in the U.S. Navy on October 15, 1942;
and

WHEREAS “Captain Jack” has been known throughout his life as the “consummate volunteer”; and

WHEREAS “Captain Jack” has a distinguished military career – receiving his Wings in 1943 and serving the rest of World War II in the Pacific Theater as a carrier pilot; and,

WHEREAS “Captain Jack” has served as C.O. of the Attack Squadron aboard the USS Coral Sea, C.O. of the PacFleet Attack Training Squadron, navigator on the aircraft carrier, USS Oriskany, Naval Liaison Officer to the United States Senate and was assigned to the Public Affairs office of the Secretary of Defense when he retired in 1970; and

WHEREAS in the 1970’s Jack was the Chairman of the Federation of Boca Raton Homeowner’s Associations – 35 separate homeowner’s associations under one umbrella; and

WHEREAS, Jack also found time to be the announcer for the Fort Hunt High School Football program; and

WHEREAS, Captain Jack served as a member of the Boca Raton City Council and as a member of the Boca Raton Airport Authority; and

WHEREAS Jack has served as a Deacon at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Boca Raton, was recognized as a Red Cross Blood Donor 5-Gallon Club member, and was a volunteer in the Great American Teach-In; and

WHEREAS Captain Jack has served as Chaplain of and is an active member of the Lake Ashton Veteran’s Club since 2018; and

WHEREAS Captain Jack Davenport will turn 100 years old on August 6, 2022 NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jack Hilligoss, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Lake Wales, in the State of Florida, do hereby proclaim August 6, 2022 as

JOHN DAVENPORT RECOGNITION DAY
As the City of Lake Wales joins with the Davenport family, the residents of Lake Ashton, in celebrating his 100th Birthday and in honoring Captain Davenport for his life of service and sacrifice to his Country.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Official Seal of the City of Lake Wales, Florida to be affixed this 2nd day of August, 2022.

Press Release City Of Lake Wales

Qualified homebuyer Alicia Randle received $15,000 in down payment assistance from the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). City Manager James Slaton presented the check to Alicia. City commissioners and staff celebrated at a ribbon cutting ceremony with Alicia and representatives from private developer, Florida Development Corporation (FDC).

Frank Cornier, CEO of FDC said, “The public-private partnership created between the City of Lake Wales and FDC helped transform this property into a home that will provide years of refuge, comfort and happy memories for Ms. Alicia Randle and her two children.”

The CRA’s affordable housing program offers incentives for private developers and homebuyers. Private developers may not have to pay certain City and County impact fees when building a house in the core improvement area of Lake Wales. The area lays alongside US Highway 27 and Scenic Highway between Florida Avenue, Emerald Avenue and SR 60. Private developers interested in the developer incentive program may contact the CRA at (863) 678-4182 ext. 252.

Homebuyers with income at or below 120% of the area median income, in addition to meeting certain credit criteria may qualify. Homebuyers interested in qualifying for the affordable housing down payment assistance program are encouraged to contact Hands of Central Florida at (863) 682-1025, or visit cflhands.org.

Lake Wales, Florida – A call regarding a suspicious vehicle leads to arrest of grand theft suspect. According to the Lake Wales Police Department Kristopher O’Connor (DOB: 04-23-80) had an active warrant for Grand Theft when they approached him regarding being parked suspiciously at South State Bank. Below is an excerpt from the arrest affidavit:

It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Lake Wales Police Department. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. Lake Wales Daily does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to your own conclusion.

“On July 13, 2022, at approximately 0844 hours, Kristopher O’Connor was arrested for having an active Polk County Warrant for Grand Theft, resisting law enforcement with violence, battery on law enforcement officer, and attempting to escape custody by the following:

On July 13, 2022, I responded to the above location in reference to a suspicious vehicle. Upon my arrival, I met with Kristopher O’Connor who was in the eastside parking lot of the above location. I explained to Kristopher O’Connor that we received a call about a suspicious vehicle that was parked in the “right side” of the above location. I asked Kristopher O’Connor if he had ID on him, at that point Kristopher O’Connor provided me with his Florida Identification Card. While speaking with Kristopher O’Connor, I was wearing my department issued uniform and was driving my agency issued marked patrol vehicle.

I ran Kristopher O’Connor through FCIC/NCIC, who advised Kristopher O’Connor has an active Polk County Warrant for Grand Theft (#53-2022CF-005857.A000-XX Polk County Sheriff’s Office case # 22-28144). I approached Kristopher O’Connor and informed him he has an active Warrant. I grabbed Kristopher O’Connor’s right wrist and attempted to secure him in handcuffs. While trying to place handcuffs on Kristopher O’Connor, he kept pulling away, tensing his arms and jerking away from me. I gave Kristopher O’Connor several lawful commands to stop resisting and escorted Kristopher O’Connor to the hood of my marked patrol vehicle. Kristopher O’Connor kept pulling away and was able to escape my custody by pushing off my marked patrol vehicle. Another officer attempted to grasp onto Kristopher O’Connor, but Kristopher O’Connor forcibly pushed the officer against their will breaking grip. Kristopher O’Connor fled on foot towards Central Avenue. I gave chase and un-holstered my agency issued conducted electrical weapon (CEW).

Law enforcement officers responded to the area in an attempt to locate Kristopher O’Connor. K9 Officer Viera (L393) and his K9 partner Hunter conducted a ‘track” and they were able to locate Kristopher O’Connor in some bushes behind a shed located at 337 West Central Avenue.
Based on the facts above, Kristopher O’Connor was arrested for having an active Polk County Warrant, resisting law enforcement officer with violence, and attempting to escape custody.”

Lake Wales, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Venus Florida man, Corey Parris (DOB 07-01-1986) charging him with Aggravated Battery on a person 65 YOA or older. The incident took place on July 30th at The River Ranch Saloon on Westgate Resorts property in East Lake Wales. Below is a redacted affidavit supplied by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

(It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Lake Wales Daily does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions) :

On July 30, 2022, at approximately 2216 hours, the suspect, Corey Parris and the victim, REDACTED were at the River Ranch Resort Saloon located at 3200 River Ranch Blvd, Lake Wales.  

The Saloon has video surveillance and provided the footage of the incident. 

I observed the suspect and victim along with several other patrons were standing at the end of the bar. The suspect became upset when another male/witness got close to him and his girlfriend. The suspect told the witness to give them some space.  There was a verbal altercation when the suspect suddenly swung towards the witness. Other patrons held the suspect until he calmed down. The victim also attempted to stop the altercation by separating the suspect and witness. 

After the suspect calmed down he remained by the railing and the victim was at the end of the bar. As the victim reached across the bar, the suspect struck out with his right hand in a slashing motion towards the victim’s face and arm. 

The victim sustained lacerations to his neck, and right arm.  The victim was airlifted to Osceola Regional Medical Center for treatment. I learned the victim is 66 years old.  

Based upon the interview with witnesses and the video footage, I determined there was probable cause to charge the suspect with Aggravated Battery on a person 65 YOA or older. 

The suspect does not have any priors for battery. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the Sheriff’s Processing Center.

Update 4 3:30pm: Statement from Lake Wales Police Department :

The Lake Wales Police Department is investigating two shootings that occurred around 7:00 a.m. this morning (Wednesday, August 3, 2022) the fatal shooting of LWD Officer Jared Joyner’s canine partner
Max, and an officer-involved shooting that occurred subsequent to that.

Preliminary information so far is as follows: At 5:06 a.m. this morning, the PCSO Emergency Communications Center (which answers 911 and dispatches for LWPD) received a 911 call from a victim on Seminole Avenue in Lake Wales who reported that the suspect, 57-year-old Earnest Borders (DOB 3/27/1965), had dragged her out of a car, choked her, hit her head on the concrete,
and then fired a gun multiple times outside her apartment. A second 911 call came in also asking for law enforcement to respond after shots were heard.

When officers responded to the scene, Borders had fled from the area. They found nine (9) shell casings where the victim reported that he was firing the gun.

Borders was later seen returning to the area several hundred feet west of MLK Blvd. near the railroad tracks. LWPD Officers responded, and Borders ran into and concealed himself in a wooded area. LWPD K-9 Officer Jared Joyner and his K-9 partner Max searched the area, along with other officers. Max located Borders concealed in a densely
wooded area. Borders refused to comply with repeated commands by the officers to show his hands, and then he shot and murdered K-9
Max. The officers defended themselves by returning fire at Borders, who was still armed with a stolen Smith & Wesson 9 mm handgun.
The officers performed life-saving measures on Borders, and he was transported to a local hospital where he was declared deceased. K-9
Max succumbed to his injuries at the scene. He has been transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office for a necropsy.

Borders’ criminal history includes violent crimes, with 24 prior felonies, 4 prior misdemeanors, and 18 felony convictions. He has been sentenced to Florida State Prison three times. His previous
charges include possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, battery, assault, grand theft (multiple counts), numerous failures to
appear in court, theft (numerous), violation of probation (multiple counts), larceny, tampering with a witness, dealing in stolen property
(multiple counts), and driving while license suspended. Officer Joyner is 40 years old and an 11-year veteran of LWPD. His K-9 partner Max, a Belgian Malinois, was paired with him in December 2015. K-9 Max was seven years old.

The Lake Wales Police Department has requested the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to conduct the shooting investigation. Standard protocol for officer-involved shootings includes four
independent investigations: the PCSO Homicide Unit will conduct a death investigation, Lake Wales Police will conduct an administrative inquiry, the State Attorney’s Office will conduct a separate
investigation, and the 10th District Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an investigation to determine the causes and manners of death for Borders and K-9 Max.

————————————-

Update 3 at 12:03pm: Lake Wales Police Chief Chris Velasquez will brief the media at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon, Wednesday, August 3, 2022 and Sheriff Grady Judd will be in attendance, at the Lake Wales Police Department located at 133 East Tillman Avenue in Lake Wales regarding the shooting death of a police canine and a LWPD officer-involved shooting. The suspect is deceased. He was a violent convicted felon. No other officers were injured except the canine, Max.

Update:The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Lake Wales Police Department are investigating a shooting that occurred in the city this morning, during which an LWPD canine was murdered by a violent suspect.

We will have a procession from the Lake Wales Police Department located at 133 East Tillman Avenue at 11:45 a.m. this morning, August 3, 2022, to transport fallen canine Max from LWPD to the Medical Examiners Office.

Max’s handler is LWPD Officer Jared Joyner and he will be leading the procession in his agency vehicle with his fallen partner inside.

Lake Wales, Florida- The Lake Wales Daily got tips of an incident on Martin Luther King Blvd in Lake Wales.

We reached out to LWPD and they advised “The community is safe. There is no threat to the public.” Per Deputy Chief David Black. No further details have been released.

According to multiple witnesses multiple gunshots were heard early this morning.

We will update this article as more information is released.

On Friday, July 29, 2022, around 3:50 p.m. the PCSO ECC received 911 calls from the area of State Road 60 East just east of Saint Anne Shrine Road in Lake Walesregarding a single-vehicle crash. When first responders arrived they located a white 2006 Ford E-250 van with a Minnesota tag that came to rest against a power pole. The sole occupant and driver, 70-year-old Raymond Anthony of Lake Wales, was transported to a local hospital where he was declared deceased.

According to witnesses and evidence at the scene, the van was heading east on SR 60 when it veered into the turn lane, then across the grass median and across the westbound lanes, north across a construction site, and then into the power pole, with no signs of braking. The right front corner of the van made impact without significant damage.

Although an autopsy will determine his exact cause of death, it does not appear he had injuries related to the crash but more than likely he suffered from a medical episode. No other cars or people were involved. The investigation is ongoing.