The PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit investigated a crash in unincorporated Lake Wales last evening that involved a motorcyclist who crashed into three separate vehicles and then succumbed to his injuries. No other motorists were injured.
Around 6:15 p.m. on Friday, July 8, 2022, a 2017 white Harley-Davidson motorcycle being operated by 37-year-old G.W Sowell of Lake Wales was observed by several witnesses heading northbound at a high rate of speed on Buck Moore Road approaching Bel Ombre Circle. The roadway in that area is 45 MPH, two-lane, with one northbound and one southbound lane. Lines on the roadway for northbound traffic indicated no passing along the curve. Sowell approached the curve heading northbound and then entered into the southbound lane in an attempt to pass other vehicles, at which time it appeared he saw oncoming southbound traffic so he entered back into the northbound lane and struck the rear of a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas SUV.
The impact caused Sowell to lose control of his bike, and he went back into the southbound lane, where he was ejected and suffered serious head trauma. The bike continued forward, striking a 2014 Mazda CX 9 SUV and a PCSO unmarked 2019 Dodge Ram pickup truck, both of which were in the southbound lane. All three vehicles that were struck by the motorcycle came to a stop, and none of their occupants were injured. The PCSO lieutenant who was driving the Dodge truck immediately rendered aid and called for assistance over his radio. He was on-duty at the time but not responding to any calls for service.
Sowell was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. He was not wearing a helmet or any other protection. Impairment is unknown but will be further investigated; excessive speed and passing into oncoming traffic on a curved roadway are suspected as contributing factors. The investigation is ongoing, but no criminal charges are anticipated. The roadway was closed for approximately four hours last evening.
We here at Welcome, World Travelers love to discuss Walt Disney World. However, we also want to take the opportunity to promote the local attractions here in Polk County. So please enjoy this week’s column on Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales.
Summer may be halfway over, but there’s still plenty of summer fun to be had. If you’re looking for an affordable local day trip for the family, then Bok Tower Gardens is an ideal place to visit. Currently, they have many fun activities in store in the coming weeks. If you and the family are looking for something fun to do in the great outdoors, consider taking a trip there. Here are eight great things you can do in the remaining summer months:
#1: Visit for Free on Wawa Summer Fun Days
Did you know you can visit Bok Tower Gardens for free courtesy of Wawa? It’s true! On the first Thursday and Friday of each month from May until September, guests can enjoy free admission to Wawa Summer Fun Days. Participants must pre-register online for eligibility. Currently, most upcoming days are sold out. However, regular admission remains relatively affordable, with $15 for adults, $5 for children 5 and over, and free for children 5 and under.
Thurs., Aug. 4, 2022
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Fri., Aug. 5, 2022
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thurs., Sept. 1, 2022
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 2, 2022
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
#2: Spice Up Your Summer
Nothing spices up a good meal than fresh-grown peppers. Guests can put a pep to their step through the gardens as they peruse several hundred peppers currently on display during its “Spice Up Your Summer” series. They can even learn to make spicy dishes with these peppers through cooking demonstrations in the Outdoor Garden. This Saturday, Maggie O’Halloran, Executive Director and Herbalist Educator at Florida School of Holistic Living, will be showcasing the ingredients used to make fire cider.
Sat., July 9, 2022
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
$20 members/ $30 non-members
Registration required
#3: Build A Fairy House
Ever wanted to see fairies in your flower garden? You could always invite them there by building a home for them. The Fairyhouse Ladies, Vikki and Rhonda, can show you how through their two-day workshop. Build your own small home to attract small tenants to your backyard. Many of these fairy houses are currently on display in Hammock Hollow. Feel free to drop by and see if your little eye can spy a little person dwelling inside.
Fri., Aug. 26, 2022 & Sat., Aug. 27, 2022
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
$85 members/ $95 non-members
Registration required. Must attend both days.
#4: Create A Mandala and Connect One with Nature
What can be more mesmerizing than staring into a mandala. Both creating and observing this piece of art can help one find their calm and center. Use all-natural materials in an all-natural setting as you become one with nature and create your own mandala art piece. Guests of all ages are invited to participate in this free art activity in Hammock Hollow.
Thurs., July 21, 2022
Drop In Between 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
#5: Take a Closer Look at Insects
If you look close enough, you can find many creatures big and small throughout the gardens. Bok Tower is home to countless creepy crawly creatures, and guests can have a chance to take a look at them up close and personal. Come visit Hammock Hollow and peer into the many insect bins on display for a “macro view” into the “micro world” of bugs and other insects. The display is free to view with park admission.
Thur., July 14, 2022
Drop In Between 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Sat., July 16, 2022
Drop In Between 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
#6: Make and Taste Plant-Based Ice Cream
What better way to cool off on a hot summer day than taking a lick of ice cream? And what healthy way to enjoy such a treat than making and eating a plant-based alternative? Plant-based
specialist Brittney Kieffer can show you how to make your own batch of ice cream prepared from fresh fruit and other plant-based ingredients, and all while enjoying the great outdoors in the Outdoor Kitchen.
Sat., July 30, 2022
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
$10 members/$20 for Non-members
Registration required
#7: Find Peace and Tranquility with Yoga and Sound Baths
Find your center and become one with nature as you perform yoga and listen to crystal singing bowls in the gardens. Whether you’re performing chair yoga indoors or striking a sun pose outdoors, their yoga classes are the best way to find peace and tranquility in such a peaceful, tranquil environment. Or take a breath and listen to the tranquil sounds of Himalayan crystal singing bowls, tuning forks, and other such instruments.
Sound Baths:
Tues., July 26, 2022
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Sat., August 13, 2022
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
$25 members/ $35 non-members
Registration required
Chair Yoga:
Wed., July 20, 2022
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Wed., August 10, 2022
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Wed., August 24, 2022
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Wed., September 7, 2022
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
$10 members/ $15 non-members
Registration required
Yoga:
Sat., August 6, 2022
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Sat., August 20, 2022
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
$10 members/ $15 non-members
Registration required
#8: Take a Visit to Bok Tower
What visit to Bok Tower Gardens would be complete without visiting the eponymous tower itself? At 295 feet above sea level atop Iron Mountain, Bok Tower stands at the highest point in Polk County. While visitors cannot enter the tower itself, they are free to take an up-close and personal look at it from outside and listen to the occasional clarion concert. Not to mention they can enjoy a splendid view of the natural surroundings from high atop the precipice.
Bok Tower Gardens is located at: 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853. For more information about the Gardens and upcoming events, visit their website at: https://boktowergardens.org/
Lake Wales, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Lake Wales man and charged him with Aggravated Child Abuse, providing False Information to Law Enforcement During An Investigation and in a separate incident Domestic Violence With A Prior Conviction. The man arrested is Anthony Young, DOB: 06/20/1989. As deputies were investigating the incident involving a young female child it was also reported to deputies that he also battered a female victim. Both affidavits provided below.
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 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 07-01-2022, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into an Aggravated Child Abuse which occurred at REDACTED, Lake Wales, Polk County, Florida. The victim, REDACTED , was airlifted to the Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital after being found unresponsive at her residence.
Upon arrival at the Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital VICTIM was diagnosed with a fractured left jaw, a brain bleed on the left side of her skull and a mid-line shift of her brain. VICTIM underwent an emergency surgery to relieve cranial pressure and was observed to have dead brain matter. VICTIM is currently intubated at the Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital and is listed in critical condition.
An initial recorded interview was conducted with the suspect, Andrew Young (W/M, 33 YOA), at REDACTED, Lake Wales, Polk County, Florida. During the interview he advised around approximately 1300 hours on 07-01-2022 he fed REDACTED and REDACTED, pizza. REDACTED was sent to REDACTED room and Young followed REDACTED. During this time VICTIM went unresponsive for unknown reasons and Young contacted 911 for assistance. Young was advised that the investigation was in reference to possible child abuse, a felony, and he denied harming VICTIM during the interview. Forensic interviews were conducted with REDACTED and REDACTED. During REDACTED forensic interview, REDACTED disclosed that REDACTED heard a sound like VICTIM was being disciplined. Young then called for REDACTED to contact 911 and REDACTED rushed into the room and REDACTED observed VICTIM unresponsive. During the course of the investigation, multiple contacts were made with Arnold Palmer medical staff to determine the mechanism of injury for VICTIM. Medical staff advised that it was vital to determine how VICTIM was injured to provide her with the appropriate care.
On 07-05-2022, Young underwent a voluntary polygraph examination, which concluded with signs of deception.
During a post Miranda interview with Young, he admitted that he told VICTIM to go REDACTED, picked her up and began spanking her for unknown reasons. Young then dropped VICTIM onto floor REDACTED. VICTIM REDACTED, began convulsing and went unresponsive. Young admitted to being alone in the room with VICTIM and that after his actions she went unresponsive within 5 seconds. Young advised during the interview he knowingly withheld the information of the incident because he was afraid of getting in trouble.
Young’s explanation of the incident is not consistent withthe injuries that VICTIM sustained. No other witnesses were inside of the room with Young and VICTIM when her injuries occurred. Based on the investigation it was determined that Andrew Young violated the following Florida State Statutes: 827.03(2)(A) – Aggravated Child Abuse – For Young knowingly cause harm to VICTIM which resulted in injury causing great bodily harm and permanent damage to VICTIM’s brain on 07-01-2022 while they were at REDACTED, Lake Wales, Polk County, Florida. 837.055 – False Information to law enforcement during an investigation – For Young knowingly and willingly providing false information during a felony child abuse investigation, knowing that the information provided was false and with the intent to mislead and impede the Polk County Sheriff’s Office from determining how VICTIM was injured during the incident.”
Here is the affidavit concerning the Domestic Abuse With Prior Conviction Charge:
“On 07-05-2022, while conducting a recorded interview with the victim, REDACTED, in regards to a Child Abuse investigation under PCS #22-27501. REDACTED disclosed that she had been struck several times against her will by her REDACTED, the suspect, Andrew Young.
REDACTED advised during the week of 06-27-2022, Young struck her in the chest knocking to the ground in REDACTED, Lake Wales, Polk County, Florida. Young then began to kick her side while she was on the ground. REDACTED also advised of another incident in which she and Young were arguing in the residence of REDACTED, Lake Wales, Polk County, Florida. During this incident, Young pushed her down to the floor against her will approximately three to four months ago.
A post Miranda warning recorded interview was conducted with Young. Young admitted to striking REDACTED in the chest during the week of 06-27-2022. REDACTED further advised sometime in November or December of 2021, he pushed REDACTED to the floor.
REDACTED
A search of Young’s criminal history revealed a prior conviction for Aggravated Assault from Tennessee in 2013, which is the equivalent of Aggravated Battery in Florida.
Based on the investigation, probable cause was established that Andrew Young violated Florida State Statute 784.03 – Battery, Prior Conviction (Domestic Violence) 2 Counts) – For Young striking REDACTED , REDACTED, intentionally and against her will REDACTED. Andrew has previous conviction of the equivalent of Battery in the State of Tennessee from 2013.”
Lake Wales, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a serious bodily injury crash which occurred Sunday, July 3, 2022. The crash occurred around 2:45 pm on S.R. 17 (Scenic Hwy) just South of Nest Egg Rd.
According to Brian Bruchey, public information officer, with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office two older teens were injured in the crash. An 18 yr old male was transported via helicopter for medical attention and a 19 yr old males was transported via ambulance.
According to witnesses at the scene one young man was non-responsive. Polk County Sheriff’s Office hasn’t released names and couldn’t give an update on how the two young men were doing.
It appeared that the crash involved at least one 4 wheeler and possibly a dirt bike motorcycle as the other vehicle. PCSO advised that neither of the young men was wearing a helmet.
CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OFFICIAL AGENDA July 5, 2022 6:00 p.m. Municipal Administration Building Commission Chambers 201 W. Central Avenue Lake Wales, FL 33853
1.
INVOCATION
2.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3.
ROLL CALL
4.
CALL TO ORDER
5.
COMMENTS AND PETITIONS
Public participation from residents, taxpayers, business owners, and utility customers is encouraged. The City Commission welcomes information that would assist them in considering agenda items, City business, and otherwise fulfilling the City’s mission to make Lake Wales “a bit better or more beautiful” for its citizens.
Anyone wishing to speak should give their name, state if they are a resident, taxpayer, business owner, or utility customer and they will have 5 minutes. Courtesy and respect is the hallmark. Speakers are expected to address the Commission and not audience members, and not engage in back and forth discussions that can deteriorate into argument, debate and accusations.
Questions about subject matter are best directed to city staff during normal business hours
6.
CONSENT AGENDA
Any member of the public can ask the City Commission to pull a consent item for separate discussion and vote that they would like to make comment on.
6.I.
Minutes – June 29, 2022, June 21, 2022, February 15, 2022, March 30, 2022
Janie Howard Wilson Elementary – Florida Avenue Temporary Road Closure At Scenic Highway
The City Commission will consider a request to allow the staff of Janie Howard Wilson Elementary to close Florida Avenue at Scenic Highway on school days 30 (thirty) minutes prior to school beginning until 10 (ten) minutes after and 30 (thirty) minutes prior to dismissal until 10 (ten) minutes after.
Polk State College has applied to host a special event called Start Right Campaign on July 23, 2022. They request closure of Central Avenue between Second Avenue and Market Street between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
ORDINANCE 2022-13 Annexation – 2nd Reading And Public Hearing 23.66 Acres Of Land South Of Passion Play Road And West Of 11th Street South
Ordinance 2022-13 proposes the voluntary annexation of approximately 23.66 acres of land south of Passion Play Road and west of 11th Street South, and contiguous to the incorporated City limits.
ORDINANCE D2022-15 1st Reading And Public Hearing – Future Land Use Amendment For 15.98 Acres Of Land North Of State Road 60 E. And East Of Evergreen Drive
Trinity Baptist Church requests approval of City Commission to amend the Future Land Use Map of the Comprehensive Plan on approximately 15.98 acres of land.
ORDINANCE 2022-21 Annexation – 2nd Reading And Public Hearing 102.06 Acres Of Land North Of Mountain Lake Cutoff Road And West Of US Highway 27
Ordinance 2022-21 proposes the voluntary annexation of approximately 102.06 acres of land north of Mountain Lake Cutoff Road and west of US Highway 27, and contiguous to the incorporated City limits.
ORDINANCE D2022-09 2nd Reading And Public Hearing – Future Land Use Amendment For 23.66 Acres Of Land South Of Passion Play Road And West Of 11th Street South
The McKenna Family requests approval of City Commission to amend the Future Land Use Map of the Comprehensive Plan on parcels of land totaling approximately 23.66 acres.
ORDINANCE D2022-10 2nd Reading And Public Hearing Zoning Map Amendment For 23.66 Acres Of Land South Of Passion Play Road And West Of 11th Street South
The McKenna Family requests approval of City Commission to amend the Zoning Map on parcels of land totaling approximately 23.66 acres.
ORDINANCE D2022-13 2nd Reading And Public Hearing – Future Land Use For Approximately 208 Acres Of Land South Of Lake Mabel Loop Road, East Of Scenic Highway North, North Of Masterpiece Road, And West Of Tower Road
Shelton T. Rice, authorized agent for owner, requests approval of City Commission to amend the Future Land Use Map of the Comprehensive Plan on the above-mentioned parcels totaling approximately 208 acres of land.
ORDINANCE D2022-14 2nd Reading And Public Hearing – Zoning Amendment For 208 Acres Of Land South Of Lake Mabel Loop Road, East Of Scenic Highway North, North Of Masterpiece Road, And West Of Tower Road
Shelton T. Rice, authorized agent for owner, requests approval of City Commission to amend the Zoning Map on the above-mentioned parcels totaling approximately 208 acres of land.
Resolution 2022-19 is for the purpose of releasing and disclaiming statutory mineral reservations which impact portions of the former Mayfair development property.
ORDINANCE 2022-35 Updates To Chapter 12 Health, Sanitation, Nuisances, And Minimum Property Maintenance Standards – 1st Reading And Public Hearing
Staff proposes amendments to sections of the Health, Sanitation, Nuisances, and Minimum Property Maintenance Standards (Chapter 12, Lake Wales Code of Ordinances).
ORDINANCE D2022-19 1st Reading And Public Hearing – Future Land Use Amendment For 16.43 Acres Of Land North Of Hunt Brothers Road, East Of US Highway 27 And Miami Street.
Bryan Hunter, authorized agent for owner, is requesting a recommendation to City Commission to amend the Future Land Use Map of the Comprehensive Plan on above-mentioned parcels of land totaling approximately 16.43 acres.
ORDINANCE D2022-20 1st Reading And Public Hearing – Zoning Amendment For 16.43 Acres Of Land North Of Hunt Brothers Road, East Of US Highway 27 And Miami Street.
Bryan Hunter, authorized agent for owner, is requesting a recommendation to City Commission to amend the Zoning Map on above-mentioned parcels of land totaling approximately 16.43 acres.
Ridgecrest – Preliminary Subdivision Plat Approval / Special Exception Use Permit Approval For A Residential Planned Development Project (PDP) – Public Hearing
Bryan Hunter, authorized agent for owner, is requesting a recommendation of approval to City Commission, of a 1,020-lot single family Preliminary Subdivision Plat and a Special Exception Use Permit for a Residential PDP on approximately 312.7 acres of land south of Russell Avenue West, west of 1st Street South, north of Hunt Brothers Road, and east of US Highway 27.
ORDINANCE 2022-24 Annexation – 2nd Reading And Public Hearing 17.23 Acres Of Land South Of Waverly Road And West Of C F Kinney Road
Ordinance 2022-24 proposes the voluntary annexation of approximately 17.23 acres of land south of Waverly Road and west of C F Kinney Road, and contiguous to the incorporated City limits.
(The staff memos arenot incorporated into the official record)
Minutes of the City Commission meeting can be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office. The minutes are recorded, but are not transcribed verbatim. Persons requiring a verbatim transcript may make arrangements with the City Clerk to duplicate the recording, or arrange to have a court reporter present at the meeting. The cost of duplication and/or court reporter will be the expense of the requesting party.
In accordance with Section 286.26, Florida Statutes, persons with disabilities needing special accommodations to participate in this meeting should contact the City Clerk’s office no later than 5:00 p.m. on the day prior to the meeting.
Appeals concerning decisions on issues requiring a public hearing:
Persons who wish to appeal any decision made by the City Commission with respect to any matter considered during a public hearing at this meeting will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purpose may need to ensure that verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based.
Update: Mr. Garrison turned himself in peacefully at the Polk Sheriff’s Office jail yesterday afternoon (July5th) where he was taken into custody.
LWPD 1st Press Release
On Friday, July 1, 2022 at approximately 9:25 PM, Lake Wales police officers responded to the Garden Apartments located 504 South 4th Street, Lake Wales regarding a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found one victim with gunshot wounds. Polk County Fire Rescue transported this victim to a hospital for treatment.
During the investigation, officers identified the suspect as Aaron Devon Garrison age 27 of Bartow. Officers learned Garrisonshot the victim in front of apartment 3A. Witnesses stated Garrison had been arguing with a person upstairs. Garrison then walked downstairs where a group of males asked him if he was okay. Garrison exchanged words with the group, pulled a pistol, and fired at the group multiple times striking the victim twice. Garrison also shot through the window of a nearby apartment narrowly missing the resident within. Garrison is believed to have then entered the passenger side of a white or light colored van before it drove off.
Detective Arana obtained an arrest warrant for Garrisoncharging him with attempted 2nd degree murder, shooting into an occupied dwelling, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Garrison has a violent criminal past to include robbery with a firearm and battery on officer, firefighter, EMT for which he spent almost five years in prison from 2015-2020. Garrison should be considered armed and dangerous. Please contact law enforcement immediately if you see Garrison or know of his location.
The victim shot in this case was treated and released.
The Lake Wales Police Department worked relentlessly tonight on this case with the assistance of the Polk County Sheriff’sOffice to work the crime scene and attempt to locate Garrison in locations throughout the city and county. The Lake Wales Police Department works tirelessly to serve and protect their community, and hates to see their citizens victimized, especially by violent reoffenders. This remains an active case, whichDetectives are still investigating. Police are asking anyone with information to contact Detective David Arana with the Lake Wales Police Department at 863-678-4223 ext. 269.
Or, if you would like to stay anonymous and be eligible for a CASH REWARD through Heartland Crime Stoppers:
Celebrate the Fourth of July at Lake Wailes Park in Lake Wales, FL. The event will feature family-fun activities, local food vendors and a fireworks show.The free event starts at 3 P.M. Fireworks start at 9 P.M.
Last week the school started work on a new mural with artist Hamilton Glass. The mural is part of the We Paint Our Path initiative supported by the Florida Education Association and American Federation of Teachers. McLaughlin students, families, employees and community members gave input on their vision for the school, which is being used as the inspiration for the mural.
Members of the McLaughlin community also spent some time on Saturday volunteering for a campus beautification effort. Thanks to all involved for helping McLaughlin shine!
How do you like to talk to other people? On your cell? With your landline? Maybe you enjoy video chatting with Zoom or Skype? Some people, like those in the Lake Wales Amateur Radio Club, love to communicate the old-fashioned way.
Every month, the club meets in a different location in the county to share their love of ham radio and other forms of analog radio communication. Sometimes they talk to people from across the county. Other times, from across the world. They’ve even talked to astronauts on the International Space Station.
“If they are flying over, we have had people talk to people on the space station,” said Mike Green, Vice President of the Lake Wales Radio Amateur Club. “There are folks that bounce signals off the moon. Some folks talk with satellites in orbit specific for ham radio.”
Last Saturday, the club met in Fort Meade Park to set up nine stations for QRP, or low-power radio. More than 15 people gathered together to utilize analog radios and antennas with ten watts of power or less and see how far away they could reach people. One person was able to talk to someone in Pennsylvania, Green said.
Their club meets once a month. Their general meetings are hosted at the Lake Wales Fire Department, with other meetings throughout the county. They often receive a good turnout. Last month, they had about 30 people in Lake Rosalie with nine stations and 15 people, despite it being summer vacation, Green said.
While most members love ham radio, others use other forms of analog radio communication. Some use voice mode. Others use morse code. And some use their computers to send data and receive information. Regardless, they have all contacted people from as far as around the world or even in space.
“That is the neat thing about ham radio: you can contact someone around town or around the world depending on your equipment,” Green said. “This is a fellowship thing. We bring out stuff together and we set it up and test out. We put our heads together and fix it and have a good time.”
Often, they utilize their skills to assist with public service, especially in emergencies. Major storms can wipe out telephone, cellular, and internet services. So when those are down, ham radio can still be utilized to make important calls. They have even assisted with communication for the annual Lake Wales Mardi Gras parade.
Their county has a widespread system that allows them to communicate long distances. Several antennas and repeaters are set up in various cities and throughout the county, that club members can access and utilize when making their calls. And while many prefer old-school forms of communication, others have utilized new forms of technology to extend their reach.
Mike Lunsford was always interested in ham radio. He wanted to engage with it as a hobby, but never had enough time. Once he retired, he had plenty of free time, so his wife encouraged him to do something with it. He passed his test, because a technician, and has since been with the club for eight years, currently serving as its president.
As president, he helps people on a day-to-day basis with their various projects. He loves the overall camaraderie with other people who share his same interest. Many people love to communicate, whether it be over the phone or on the internet, but folks like him love to study how people can communicate with different technology.
“Everyone wants to talk on the cell phone and communication device but they do not understand how it works. Basically, that is what we are doing,” he explained. “It is technology. It attracts the geek because there is something from being able to talk around the world on a computer to an internet-based radio system, which is some of the modern stuff you can get into…or the old-fashioned wire and morse code. There is something for everybody. There is a flavor of ham [radio] for everyone.”
Russell Delaney has been using ham radio for 32 years. He has been a member of the club for the past year and a half, having moved to Florida from Michigan 17 years ago. As a member of the club’s QRP committee, he and his other members practice setting up their gear in case of an emergency like a major storm. They learn how to repair their gear and fix problems when they arise. During an emergency, every second counts, so they need to be prepared just in case.
“I am a person who believes you should learn something new every single day, in case of a disaster, everything you have learned will make you a better person and communicator, especially in an emergency,” he said. “It is getting together with the people and sharing ideas and learning something new…Out of all the clubs that I belong to, in the course of moving around, this club here is more down-to-earth, and they are extremely friendly, and everybody is always willing to help.”
The Lake Wales Amateur Radio Club meets on the second Thursday of the month at the Lake Wales Fire Station at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend and learn more about Amateur (Ham) Radio. For more information, visit their website at: http://lwra.us.
Update 11:30am June 29, 2022 – The PCSO advised that they did locate a deceased individual on Moody Lake Rd in Frostproof. At this time the death does not appear to be of a suspicious nature. They are not releasing any more information at this time and an autopsy is being performed!
Frostproof, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed they are conducting a death investigation in Frostproof. Daily Ridge readers began noticing activity on Moody Lake Rd near the dock this afternoon and it continues into the evening. Those readers reached out to us and we contacted the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. According to Alicia Manautou, public information officer, with PCSO “We are conducting a death investigation – one person. I don’t have any other info at this time.”
This incident appears to have started around 3:30pm this afternoon. As more information is released we will update this article.
