City of Lake Wales staff are planning to enhance areas of the Lake Wales Cemetery. Deputy City Manager Joanna Abernathy met with staff members from various departments to coordinate the plan. 

Plans include allocating more labor and materials. City parks and support staff are scheduled to remove weeds and rake uneven areas on the property. Additional support persons are scheduled to help maintain the property on weekends. Materials, such as grass seed and sod will be placed in select areas. 

“There’s work to be done at the cemetery,” Abernathy said. The deputy city manager recently toured the City’s three cemeteries with staff to assess the current conditions and provide recommendations.  

One item presented in the plan includes obtaining quotes for the purchase and installation of a fence. The new fencing will extend the current fence by the south entrance, serving as a barrier to exclude nuisance wildlife. 

Sinking headstones were addressed during the planning discussion. “Once a cause of sinkage is determined, the City will inform the owner and determine the appropriate course of action,” Public & Support Services Director Teressa Allen said. 

Staff shortages and loss of outside support persons were partially responsible for the maintenance of the cemetery. 

City staff and the City Manager’s Office value everyone’s feedback and patience as we continue to enhance the Lake Wales Cemetery. Our goal is to be transparent and share information with cemetery plot deed owners and residents.

For more information, please refer to the city code of ordinances provided to plot deed owners when a plot is purchased.

Memorials, plants and grave decorations/flags: http://lakewales.elaws.us/code/ordinances_ch2_artvi_div4

Burial spaces: http://lakewales.elaws.us/code/ordinances_ch2_artvi_div2

The roles and responsibilities of City cemetery maintenance and administration: http://lakewales.elaws.us/code/ordinances_ch2_artvi

Watch Disney’s movie, “Encanto” while floating in a pool! Join us at Flick & Float, Saturday, August 6 between 7 to 11 p.m. at the Lake Wales Family YMCA. Space is limited, and tickets cost $2 per person. Prior registration is required. Tickets must be presented at entry. Simply visit the weblink to purchase tickets: https://secure.rec1.com/FL/lake-wales-fl/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTIxMzk3NjI (review recommended floatation devices).

Prior to the movie, enjoy a fun-filled evening of swimming, music, games, and the chance to win cool prizes! We will end the evening with a showing of one of Disney’s latest movies, “Encanto!” The movie can be viewed from the pool or pool deck. Refreshments and snacks will be available for purchase.

Note: Pool noodles and back-float safety belts for kids are recommended as floatation devices. Rafts, innertubes and arm floats for kids are not allowed. A lifeguard will be on duty.

The event is hosted by City of Lake Wales Parks & Recreation in partnership with the Lake Wales Family YMCA.

Babson Park, Florida- On July 16, 2022 the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested Justin Ward of Mulberry and charged him with Attempted 2nd Degree Murder. The incident took place at a private residence in Babson Park, Florida.

The following is an excerpt from the Polk County Sheriffs 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 do however redact witness & victims names. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions) :

“ 07/16/22 at approximately 2324 hours, I responded to REDACTED Sunset Trail, Babson Park in reference to a stabbing. The suspect, Justin Ward and victim, REDACTED were at the residence for a mutual friend’s party. The suspect and victim were observed by witnesses to be fighting at the front entrance to the residence. As they were separated, the suspect exited the residence and the victim walked to the kitchen. The victim was holding his abdomen and advised he was cut.

The victim sustained a large laceration and was disemboweled.

Based upon the investigation, it is determined the suspect committed the crime of Attempted Murder with a Weapon by intentionally or knowingly cutting the victim by using a deadly weapon.
The suspect was arrested and transported to the Sheriff’s Processing Center.

Haines City City Manager Jim Elensky announced several personnel changes today. Elensky hired long-time Polk County law enforcement officer Gregory L. Goreck to be the city’s new chief of police. Goreck was born and raised in Polk County, graduating from Lake Wales High School in 1994. Goreck comes from a well-respected law enforcement family; which includes his mother, father, step-father, uncle, brother, and sister-in-law, all of whom have served the citizens of Polk County as law enforcement officers. In 1992, prior to graduating high school, Goreck began his law enforcement career as a Law Enforcement Explorer with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

In July of 1996 he was hired by the sheriff’s office as a deputy sheriff, where he served the citizens of Polk County for the next 26 years.  In 2018, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd promoted Goreck to the rank of captain and assigned him as the commander of the Southeast District.  In this assignment, he worked hand-in-hand with the city leaders of Frostproof, Eagle Lake, and the Town of Dundee; all of which partnered with the Sheriff’s Office to provide municipal law enforcement services.  

Most recently Goreck was assigned as the commander of the Bureau of Support Operations; which is comprised of the Aviation Unit, Marine Unit, K-9 Unit, Environmental Crimes Unit, Traffic Section, Animal Control Section, and Agricultural Crimes Unit. 

 “I am humbled and honored for the opportunity to lead this great department. It is no accident that Haines City was recently named one of the safest cities in Florida,” Goreck said. “I’m looking forward to working with the men and women who accomplished that distinction.”

During his tenure at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Goreck received over sixty commendations, was named Deputy of the Year, and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal seven times.​

“I am so pleased to hear that Captain Greg Goreck has been chosen as the new Police Chief for Haines City. Greg has had a highly successful and remarkable 26-year career here at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office—knowing that he will be staying in Polk County and applying his outstanding leadership skills for Haines City’s citizens is outstanding” Sheriff Grady Judd Said. “When Greg reached his 25+ year retirement window at the Sheriff’s Office, we knew he would be highly sought after as a police chief. I applaud City Manager Jim Elensky and Deputy City Manager Loyd Stewart for making this important decision about such a critical leadership position.” 

Goreck holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Management from Warner Southern College, a master’s degree in Management from Warner University, as well as a second master’s degree in Business Administration / Criminal Justice Management from Webber International University.  Goreck is a graduate of the Florida State University Certified Public Manager (CPM) program.  Goreck also graduated from Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, where he was recognized for his outstanding leadership ability and awarded the prestigious Kreml Leadership Award.

“Sheriff Judd has prepared Greg for this next step in his career not only through the exposure to many facets of their organization, but the education and leadership courses he requires of all his staff,” City Manager Elensky said. “It is that same mindset that will prepare our internal staff here at Haines city to step into the top leadership roles as we continue to move forward and build upon the past.”

UPDATE: On July 19, 2022, PCSO Traffic Homicide detectives arrested 39-year-old Mark Anthony Poe of Frostproof for DUI Manslaughter (F2). Poe was the at-fault driver in a two-vehicle crash that occurred on June 26, 2022 in Lake Wales that killed a 27-year-old Lake Wales woman. At that time, he was charged with one count vehicular homicide, and was released from jail on July 1, 2022, after posting bond in the amount of $100,000.

A search warrant was obtained for blood collected from Poe at the time of his admission to the hospital. The blood was sent to FDLE for analysis, and the results were returned revealing Poe had a blood alcohol level of .277 grams of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. The legal threshold for DUI is 0.08 grams of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. Detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest on July 19th and he was taken into custody the same day.

“At more than three times the legal limit, it is obvious Mr. Poe has a blatant disregard for life. Because of his bad decision to drive drunk, an innocent woman’s life was cut short. My heart breaks for the family of the victim. And while it won’t bring back their loved one, our detectives will do all they can to hold Mr. Poe accountable for his actions.”– Grady Judd, Sheriff

Poe was transported to the Polk County Jail where he is being held without bond until a first appearance hearing this afternoon. 

Previously released:

Polk wrong way driver charged with vehicular homicide

Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies charged 39-year-old Mark Anthony Poe of Frostproof for vehicular homicide (F2) yesterday, Sunday, June 26, 2022 after he caused a crash on S.R. 60 East at Stokes Road in Lake Wales that resulted in the death of a 27-year-old Lake Wales woman.

According to the investigation so far, at around 3:20 a.m.Poe was driving a white 2009 Chevrolet Silverado in the wrong lane west in the eastbound lanes on S.R. 60 just east of the intersection of Stokes Road. There were three passengers in Poe’s truck. At the same time, the victim was driving a white

2017 Volkswagen Jetta east in the eastbound lanes of S.R. 60 when her vehicle was struck head-on by Poe’s truck.

The driver of the Volkswagen died at the scene.

The passengers in Poe’s vehicle were transported to a local hospital where they were treated and released.

Deputies identified Poe as the driver he had bloodshot eyes and his speech was slurred. Additionally, deputies smelled an odor of alcohol in the Silverado and found an open beer bottle on the rear floorboard. Also located was an open bottle of Jack Daniels Fire Whiskey on the grass median just north of the Silverado. Poe was taken to a local hospital where he is being treated for his injuries. Once released he will be transported to the Polk County Jail.

This investigation is on-going and additional criminal charges are likely.

The roadway was closed for approximately four hours in the area of the crash.

by James Coulter

Most students at Edward W. Bok North Academy learn the three R’s: reading, writing, and arithmetic. Their newest teacher hopes to also teach them the three W’s: watering, weeding, and wheelbarrowing.

Jennifer Williams is the school’s newest teacher in its agricultural program. She doesn’t simply want to teach them inside the classroom from behind desks. She wants to take them into the great outdoors to get their hands down and dirty in the soil.

Williams plans on constructing an outdoor learning lab. The facility will consist of benches by the school gardens with an area for students to perform vegetable and soil testing, egg dissections, and several other outdoor projects and activities.

Currently, she will be bringing in several purebred chickens and rabbits from her old school. She also plans on planting new gardens with hydrostackers, raised beds, and butterfly/pollinator gardens that her students and the rest of the school can utilize.

As the school does not currently have a large budget for its agriculture program, Williams will be seeking grants and sponsorships to obtain the material and items she needs for her outdoor lab. Such items she is in most need of include rakes, shovels, mulch, and animal food.

Bok North Academy started its agricultural program several years ago. However, its former teacher had to step down in the middle of the year due to family matters. Her absence left the program struggling, and Williams has since been hired to revitalize it.

“We will create an outdoor classroom where they can learn and do projects outside, so they will not be stuck in the classroom all day,” she said. “[The students] they are all excited to do this, the outdoor learning lab will allow more hands-on projects and activities to help create a connection between their books and their actual projects. So they are very excited about that, they want to help do it, but we need to have the funds to do it.”

Currently, their biggest challenge is equipment. Williams will need to build her new outdoor learning lab from scratch, and she will need to obtain equipment and other items to facilitate it. “Rakes are $20 a piece, so if I get a class set of 20 rakes, that is 400 dollars off the bat. Dirt, mulch, tools … there is a lot we need.”

Her class will partner with several local businesses for community service projects. For example, last weekend, they visited the DARN Plant Company to help facilitate a workshop about butterflies and pollination. They also plan on visiting the Lake Wales Care Center to create holiday baskets and assist with canned and food drives. They will also aid the City of Lake Wales with its beautification project.

“We want to be out in the community and help everybody and let everybody know that agriculture is not just cows and plows, we have so much more than the students are capable of doing and want to do,” Williams said.

Williams hopes that her upcoming outdoor lab will allow children to take what they learn from their books and put it into action by getting their hands dirty in the soil. She also wants to inform them about the role that agriculture has in their daily life. Most importantly, she wants them to use the skills they learned to help their local community.

“Lake Wales is a wonderful city that takes care of everybody and we want to be a part of that and to be a part of the positive impact,” she said. “I want us to have a place in the community. I want my students to realize there is a connection between helping their community and agriculture. That is part of our IB concept, how we impact the whole world, not just the whole community.”

City’s affordable housing program is on the rise

City of Lake Wales Press Release

Lake Wales, Fla. (July 19, 2022) – Two new houses are complete and eight houses are in development within the core improvement area of Lake Wales.

The development comes within 120 days of the new affordable housing incentive programs offered by the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to private housing developers and homebuyers.

Developer Idarousse Charif, owner of Ameera Investments LLC, sees the value in the CRA’s Developer Incentive Program. “I just completed the first house, and I have more lots to build on,” Charif said.

Both city and county impact fees may be waived to developers building affordable houses in the core improvement area that lays alongside US Highway 27 and Scenic Highway between Florida Avenue, Emerald Avenue and SR 60.

“The incentive programs we offer provide more affordable opportunities to homebuyers,” City Manager James Slaton said.

First time homebuyer, Earnestine Buxton and husband, Veteran Clyde L. Buxton are set to close on the house built by Ameera Investments LLC. The Buxton’s qualified for the CRA’s Affordable Housing Down Payment Assistance Program, which provides up to $15,000 towards closing costs.

“This is a dream come true for us,” Ms. Buxton said. “The process to qualify was easy.”

The Lake Wales CRA requires developers to sell houses to qualified homebuyers at or below 120% of the area median income.

Private developers interested in the developer incentive program may contact the CRA at (863) 678-4050 ext. 252.

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- The Lake Wales Police Department has arrested two Lake Wales residents and charged them with Grand Theft. Alberto Quinones and Shantrell Wilkerson are the two suspects charged with pocketing left over funds from layaway items that were never completely purchased. Below is the arrest affidavit for Alberto Quinones. 

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 5th, 2022, I responded to Rural King on Highway 60 in reference to grand theft. Upon arrival, I made contact with employees who brought me to the office to wait until loss and prevention was done with their internal investigation.

I spoke with the Loss Prevention officer who advised two employees, Shantell Wilkerson and Alberto Quinones, were taking money from cancelled layaway accounts and pocketing the money between themselves. Rural King offers a layaway process where customers are able to make payments over time and if they are unable to finish
paying within the agreed time frame, then the account is closed and the cash is put into a separate account owned by Rural King, Wilkerson and Quinones were closing the accounts out and instead of putting the money into Rural King’s account, they would split it among themselves in cash. Wilkerson and Quinones were observed on camera completing the process to close an account and then taking the money out and stealing the money. The cash total of money stolen was approximately $1,893.54.

Due to the above facts and observations, Shantell Wilkerson and Alberto Quinones is being charged with grand theft.”

Haines City , Florida – A Polk County 15 Yr Old is facing multiple felony charges after an incident which left one Haines City Police Officer traumatically injured. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office the teen, X’zavier Jordan, is being charged with Aggravated Battery, Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting Without Violence, Resisting With Violence, Culpable Negligence (in regard to injuries to Officer Webster) and Corruption By Threat Against A Public Servant (2 Counts).

It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the PCSO. 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 Daily Ridge 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:

The suspect in this instance is X’zavier Dashawn Armonie Jordan (15) (DOB 10/23/2006). The victim(s) in this instance is REDACTED (18) (DOB 06/2003).

The State of Florida to include Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office as well as an Officer from the Haines City Police Department were also victims in this incident.

On 07/08/22 the suspect and victim were in an argument over a cell phone. The suspect took the phone from the victim and threw it to the ground breaking it. The suspect then pushed the victim with his hands an undetermined number of times. The suspect then pushed the victim up against the wall with this hand (unknown right or left) by the victim’s neck. The victim stated she was able to free herself and the suspects actions did not impeded her normal flow of breathing.

The suspect slapped the victim an undetermined number of times in the face and chest. The suspect bit the victim in the upper right back just below the shoulder blade leaving a bite mark. The suspect grabbed the victim by her hair and pushed her against a wall. The victim is seven(7) months pregnant. The suspect admitted to having prior knowledge of this.

PCSO Sgt. Gaylord #7195S arrived on scene first and observed the suspect holding the victim by her hair and the victim appeared to be trying to get the suspect off of her. (It should be noted Sgt. Gaylord was wearing her agency issued class B uniform along with agency issued equipment while displaying (2)two agency patches on her right and left shoulder as well as her agency issued five point star on the upper left side of her chest which reads “Sergeant Polk County Sheriff’s Office”). Sgt. Gaylord identified herself as “Sheriff’s Office” while exiting her vehicle and gave the suspect multiple commands to release the victim and to “separate”.

Due to the suspect not complying with the lawful commands given, Sgt. Gaylord then pushed the suspect on his back separating the two allowing her to get in-between both parties. The suspect continued to ignore lawful commands given by Sgt. Gaylord to which she then drew her agency Taser and armed it. At this time the suspect them began to yell “tase me, Fuckin tase me”. Sgt. Gaylord continued to give the suspect lawful commands to get on the ground. The suspect continued to defy lawful orders and turned his back away from Sgt. Gaylord, to which she then grabbed the suspects left arm with her left hand while holding her TASER in her right hand. The suspect then grabbed Sgt. Gaylord’s left hand with his right hand and attempt to remove her grip. Sgt. Gaylord then gave the suspect lawful command to “not touch her” to which the suspect replied “don’t fucking touch me then”. Sgt. Gaylord attempted to place the suspects left hand behind his back to which the suspect then tensed up his left arm. Sgt. Gaylord was able to maneuver the suspect up against the window and was able to pull his left hand behind his back. Sgt. Gaylord gave the suspect multiple commands for him to place his other hand behind his back to which he replied “I ain’t doing shit”. The suspect was able to get his body off of the window while Sgt. Gaylord had his left wrist behind his back. The suspect then stated to Sgt. Gaylord, Im going to swing on her” and then stated to her on a more aggressive voice for second time “I’m going to fucking swing on her”.

Due to the suspect being larger in size than Sgt. Gaylord, the suspects actions and attitudes, the suspect actively resisting, and the suspects threatening to do bodily harm against Sgt. Gaylord, this placed Sgt. Gaylord in fear and cause her to believe that danger was imminent. Therefore Sgt. Gaylord disengaged her grip from the suspect wrist and deployed her agency TASER which made a positive connection in the suspect’s mid to lower back effectively incapacitating him for approximately (5)five seconds, the desired effect was achieved and the suspect fell to the ground. Upon additional units arriving on scene, the suspect’s hands were placed behind his back.

Due to the severity of the situation, multiple Deputies and Officers from surrounding agencies responded. Officer Brad Webster #1184K responded to the scene and was running across the parking lot to assist with the situation. Lieutenant Michael Baldwin #3514L was also responding and was turning a corner when Ofc. Webster ran out in front of him and was struck by Lt. Baldwin on accident.

After the suspect was placed in handcuffs, the suspect stated to Sgt. Gaylord “take these cuffs off so I can beat this bitches ass”. D/S Nunez #6712 was also present in front of the suspect. The suspect then stated to Deputy Nunez “take your badge off in your belt off so we can fight”. I was also present for the statements made by the suspect.

The suspect has no prior convictions for battery or assault.

The battery committed by the suspect against Leverett is considered dating violence, battery on a pregnant individual. 784.045(1)(B).. F2.

The reasons are as follows:
The suspect and victim have had the expectation of affection or sexual involvement between both parties.
The frequency of interaction between the persons involved have been over a period of time on a continuous basis throughout the course of the relationship.
The relationship has taken place on and off over a six month time frame.
The suspect admitted prior knowledge of the victim being pregnant.

The actions committed against Sgt. Gaylord are considered the following:

Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer. 784.07(2)(A). M1.
The suspect developed a well-founded fear in the mind of the victim that violence was about to take place against her.

Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer. 784.07(2)(B). F3.
The suspect pushed Sgt. Gaylord’s hand away in an attempt to prevent her from effecting an arrest. This action was done against the will of Sgt. Gaylord.

Resisting Without Violence. 843.02. M1.
The suspect tensed up while Sgt. Gaylord was attempting to effect an arrest. The suspect attempted to pull his hands away from her.

Resisting With Violence. 843.01. F3.
The suspect previously committed battery against Sgt. Gaylord while also sTating to her “Imma swing on you” which gave her the well-founded fear that violence was about to take place after making a verbal threat to Sgt. Gaylord.

The actions committed by the suspect which led to the injuries sustained by HCPD Officer Brad Webster is considered culpable negligence. 838.021(3)(B). F3.
The reasons are as follows:
The suspect exposed Ofc. Brad Webster to personal injury caused by Lt. Baldwin in an accident due to the actions committed by the suspect from Ofc. Webster responding to assist with the incident.

The actions committed by the suspect against Sgt. Gaylord and Deputy Nunez in reference to the verbal threats of violence is considered corruption by threat against a public servant 838.021(3)(B). F3 (Two counts).
The reasons are as follows:

The suspect induced, or attempted to induce upon to public servants any act regarding omission within the official discretion of the public servant or in the pursuit performance of their public duty by making verbal threats against both deputies.

I found probable cause to arrest the suspect with one count of all above charges, and two counts of corruption by threat against the public servant.

Polk County Sheriff’s Press Release

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit investigated a single-vehicle crash in Lake Alfred on Sunday involving one fatality. Around 1:15 p.m. on Sunday, July 10, 2022, the PCSO ECC received a 911 call from the area of Lake Mattie Road at Adams Barn Road. Upon arrival, first responders located a 2001 silver Dodge Caravan that had struck a concrete utility pole on the east side of Adams Barn Road. The driver, 49-year-old Patricia Bixler, was deceased. Her son, 18-year-old Bobbi Bowen, was injured and transported and is expected to make a full recovery. Mom and son recently moved to Lake Wales and are likely not familiar with this roadway. It appears that Bixler failed to brake to negotiate the 90-degree turn, left the roadway, and crashed into the pole. Both mom and son were seat belted and the airbags deployed. The investigation is ongoing. The roadways were closed for approximately 2.5 hours.