LAKE WALES, FL – The Lake Wales History Museum’s Board of Directors announces Melissa Stoller’s, PhD, appointment as Executive Director.
The Board of Directors for the Lake Wales History Museum is very happy to announce the appointment of Melissa Stoller as the museum’s incoming Executive Director. Stoller comes to Lake Wales from Tallahassee, Florida, where she has served as the Executive Director of the Tallahassee Trust for Historic Preservation for the past eight years. Stoller will begin her new position on Tuesday, July 12, 2022.

“We are very excited to welcome Melissa to the Lake Wales History Museum team and look forward to working with her. We believe that Melissa will have a powerful impact on our museum and continue to lead us into a bright future.” says Brandon Alvarado, President of the
Lake Wales History Museum Board of Directors. “As we approach the museum’s 50th anniversary in 2026, the Board of Directors and I are confident in her ability to fulfill the museum’s mission, facilitate the growth of the museum and its events, and introduce the museum to a new generation of Lake Waleans.”

Stoller earned her PhD in Historic and Cultural Aspects of the Near Environment from Oregon State University and a Master of Science in Historic Preservation from the University of Oregon.
While with the Tallahassee Trust for Historic Preservation, Stoller performed architectural surveys of resources ranging from Mid-Century Modern architecture to historic neighborhoods around Florida A&M University and conducted successful education and outreach programs, including a walking tour of 1930’s era Modern architecture. Stoller’s leadership helped list residential and commercial properties on both the Local and National Register of Historic Places, including Tallahassee’s c. 1909 Water Works building. Stoller served on Melissa Stoller, PhD, incoming executive director of the Lake Wales History Museum the City of Tallahassee’s Historic Property Grant and Loan program committee and actively advocated for the preservation and rehabilitation of local historic properties.

“I’m proud of my time at the Tallahassee Trust, but I’m ready for the next adventure and to return home to central Florida.” said Stoller. “Rest assured that although I received my education on the west coast, I am a Florida girl at heart. I grew up in Tampa and I’m thrilled to be returning to the area. I’m excited to become a part of the Lake Wales community!”

Stoller will assume the position most recently held by Jennifer D’hollander, who left the Lake Wales History Museum in March to become the Director of Business Development for Z Axis Solutions in Winter Haven. Currently, Anderson Hanna, the Curator of Collections, serves as the interim Executive Director until Stoller joins the museum in July. The board of directors is grateful for Anderson stepping into this role and would like to thank him for his steady leadership and commitment to the Lake Wales History Museum to ensure a successful transition.

About the Lake Wales History Museum
The Lake Wales History Museum preserves an estimated 25,000 items within its historic collection, offers self- guided tours of local history through permanent and changing interpretive displays, educational programming, special events and school programs throughout the year. The museum is open Wednesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Adults: $5/person. Under 18 & Members: Free. Parking is free and the first floor is accessible for persons with disabilities, wheelchairs and strollers. For more information, contact the Lake Wales History Museum, 325 S Scenic Highway, Lake Wales, Florida 33853; 863-676-1759 or visit www.lakewaleshistory.org.

Beginning July 1, 2022 Lake Wales officers will be enforcing a reenacted Florida State Statute 316.3045 that prohibits loud music from motor vehicles. This law prohibits the sound from a vehicle to be plainly audible from 25 feet or more from the vehicle. This is a non-moving infraction and has a fine of $114.

Turn it down. It’s far too loud!

FSS 316.3045
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.3045.html

Drug Deal Turned Robbery Quickly Goes to Pot and Results in Shooting

On Friday June 24, 2022 at around 10:39 PM Lake Wales Police began investigating a shooting that occurred in the area of Columbia Avenue after the victim drove themselves to Advent Health. The victim was later transported to an area trauma hospital for treatment. 

This was an isolated, drug related incident and four (4) subjects are now under arrest. During the investigation Detectives learned that Ja’Won Peterson B/M DOB 4/24/2001, Jamal Jones B/M DOB 11/05/2003, Marquis Hawthorne B/M DOB 08/03/1999 and Saqcoya Hampton B/F DOB 08/20/2003 conspired to rob the victim. They then communicated with the victim, arranging to meet in order to purchase marijuana. During the meeting, the robbery occurred and ultimately the victim was shot. 

Peterson and Jones were arrested that night and charged with being accessories to the robbery. Hawthorne and Hampton could not be located and arrest warrants were obtained charging them with armed robbery. Hawthrone was located Saturday evening and taken into custody. Hampton turned herself in at the Police Department a short time after that.  

Chief Chris Velasquez said, “Here again is another fine example of drug related violence. Marijuana is not a low level, non-violent drug”.

If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Detectives Ricky Hartwell of Martin Petkevich at the Lake Wales Police Department at 863-678-4223. You can also remain anonymous by calling Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8377).

Auburndale, Florida – The Florida Highway Patrol is reporting that a 31 Yr old Orlando man was struck and killed while riding a bike in Auburndale. The accident appears to have occurred around 7:09am. According to reports a sedan was traveling southbound on SR-559, North of Sunset Lane, and collided with a bicyclist also traveling southbound on SR-559. The bicyclist suffered fatal injuries at the scene of the crash.

Florida Highway patrol does not release the name of accident victims due to Marsy’s Law.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigated a crash in Frostproof last evening, Saturday, June 25, 2022, that resulted in the death of a pedestrian. The crash occurred at around 7:00 p.m. near 800 West Frostproof Road.

 

According to witnesses and evidence at the scene, 56-year-old Dawna McKenzie and 37-year-old Jose Martinez, both from Frostproof, were walking south on the west side of the road. Mr. Martinez was walking on the fog line, and Ms. McKenzie was walking next to him in the roadway. At the same time, 84-year-old Jose Quintana of Frostproof was driving a black 2016 Ford F150 south on West Frostproof Road when the front of the truck struck Ms. McKenzie.

 

Mr. Quintana immediately stopped and cooperated with the investigation. He was uninjured.

 

Mr. Martinez was uninjured. 

 

Ms. McKenzie was transported to a local hospital where she died from her injuries.

 

Neither impairment nor excessive speed appear to be factors in the crash. It was raining at the time of the crash. A small portion of the roadway was closed for approximately three hours during the investigation, which is ongoing.

Breaking News – Lakeland, Florida – Emergency crews are currently on scene of a bad 3 vehicle crash near 1637 Memorial Blvd. in Lakeland. According to initial reports it is involving a Polk County Fire Rescue Ambulance, dump truck and another vehicle. At least one trauma alert was reported. At least two ambulances have transported victims involved in the crash that occurred around 6:07pm.

Additionally information will be released as soon as it’s been verified by authorities. Please avoid the area.

Lake Wales Little League is hosting the district tournament this year in Lake Wales. 

The Senior Baseball Team won the District Title and are advancing to Sectionals next weekend. 

The Minor Baseball Team plays in their championship game against Plant City tonight at 7 pm. 

The Junior Baseball Team starts their best of three game series tonight at 7 pm. 

The Major Baseball Team starts their bracket series tomorrow at 10 am.

Are you a school athlete at McLaughlin? We’ve partnered with local Doctor’s offices to provide free physicals to our students. Details below:

Parent must come to main office at school to sign parent consent release, sport sign up and other documents prior to doing Free Sport Physical at school during the assigned dates from 8am-1pm:

Thursday: June 23rd (Dr. Mckeon & Dr. Navarro’s office)
Friday: June 24th (Dr. Mckeon & Dr. Navarro’s office)
Tuesday: June 28th (Central Florida Health Care)

Physical must be completed during these dates if participating from Sport Camp at school.
Monday: Aug 8th (Orientation Day) (Dr. Mckeon & Dr. Navarro’s office) & (Central Florida Health Care)

Call for info or schedule appointment: 863-678-4233
Address: 800 S 4th St, Lake Wales, Florida 33853

CITY COMMISSION
 REGULAR MEETING
 OFFICIAL AGENDA
 June 21, 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.

CALL TO ORDER

4.

ROLL CALL

5.

PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS

5.I.

PROCLAMATION – JUNETEENTH DAY

Documents:

1. PROCLAMATION JUNETEENTH DAY LAKE WALES.PDF

6.

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

7.

CITY CLERK

7.I.

Board Appointments To Various Boards And Commissions

Appointments to fill vacancies on the Airport Authority, Board of Zoning Adjustments and Appeals, Citizens and Police Community Relations Advisory Committee, Code Enforcement, Historic District Regulatory Board, Housing Authority and Planning and Zoning boards

Documents:

1. MEMO-BOARD APPOINTMENTS JUN 21 2022.PDF
2. RALPH MARINO CODE BOARD APPOINTMENT.PDF
3. RODNEY CANNON CODE BOARD APPOINTMENT.PDF
4. SUE MARINO APPLICATION.PDF
5. TAMMY JAMES CITIZEN BOARD APPLICATION FORM.PDF
6. TIFFANY DAVIS CITIZENS POLICE BOARD APPLICATION FORM.PDF
7. TIMOTHY RATLIFF CITIZENS POLICE BOARD APPLICATION.PDF
8. BRUCE AUSTELL APPLICATION FOR RE-APPOINTMENT CODE BOARD.PDF
9. BUEFORD COLBURN PLANNING AND ZONING CITIZEN BOARD APPLICATION FORM.PDF
10. CLARKE GERARD AIRPORT AUTHORITY APPLICATION.PDF
11. COURTNEY MCCRYSTAL PLANNING AND ZONING CITIZEN BOARD APPLICATION FORM.PDF
12. CURTIS GIBSON CODE BOARD CITIZEN BOARD APPLICATION FORM.PDF
13. CURTIS GIBSON PLANNING AND ZONING CITIZEN BOARD APPLICATION FORM.PDF
14. EUGENE FULTZ PLANNING AND ZONING CITIZEN BOARD APPLICATION FORM.PDF
15. HELEN WALTERS HOUSING AUTHORITY.PDF
16. JUANITA ZWARYCZUK PLANNING AND ZONING CITIZEN BOARD APPLICATION FORM.PDF
17. LARRY BOSSARTE PLANNING AND ZONING CITIZEN BOARD APPLICATION FORM.PDF
18. NANCY BAKER BOA CITIZEN BOARD APPLICATION FORM.PDF
19. NARVELL PETERSON CITIZEN BOARD APPLICATION FORM.PDF
20. TROY SCHULZE CITIZENS POLICE CITIZEN BOARD APPLICATION FORM.PDF
21. WILLIAM DUNKLEBERGER CITIZENS POLICE CITIZEN BOARD APPLICATION FORM.PDF

8.

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.

8.I.

Minutes June 7, 2022, January 26, 2022, February 9, 2022, June 15, 2022

Commission Meeting JUNE 7, 2022

Commission Work Session JANUARY 26, 2022

Commission Work Session FEBRUARY 9, 2022

Commission Work Session JUNE 15, 2022

8.II.

Second Amended And Restated Implementation Agreement For The Southeast Wellfield

The changes to the Implementation Agreement are to establish anchor partners at the recommendation of the lending partners, WIFIA (EPA) and SRF (FDEP).

Documents:

1. AGENDA MEMO- IMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENTSECONDAMENDMENT (002).PDF
2. 22-05-11 SEWF IMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENT (WIFIA-SRF CHANGES)(CLEAN).PDF

8.III.

Purchase Of Excavator

Staff is requesting Commission approval to purchase (1) Caterpillar 303 Mini Hydraulic Excavator under the Florida Sheriffs Contract FA20-EQU18.0.

Documents:

1. EXCAVATOR AGENDA MEMO.PDF
2. AWARD_LETTER_FSA20-EQU18.0.PDF
3. 303 CITY OF LAKE WALES QUOTE 5-22.PDF

8.IV.

Purchase Of Message Sign

Staff is requesting Commission approval to purchase (1) PCMS-1500 Trailer-Mounted Message Sign under the Florida Sheriffs Contract FA20-EQU18.0. 

Documents:

1. MESSAGE SIGN AGENDA MEMO.PDF
2. AWARD_LETTER_FSA20-EQU18.0.PDF
3. MESSAGE SIGN QUOTE.PDF

8.V.

Special Event Permit The Vibe Food Truck Rally

A special event permit application to sponsor a Food Truck Rally on July 16th from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. This event will require the closing of Lincoln Avenue from B Street to D Street from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Documents:

1. MEMO SPECIAL EVENT FOOD TRUCK EVENT.PDF
2. FOOD TRUCK RALLY – 7-16-2022 – LCDC.PDF
3. SITE PLAN – LCDC FOOD TRUCK RALLY.PDF

9.

OLD BUSINESS

9.I.

ORDINANCE D2022-12 2nd Reading And Public Hearing Zoning Map Amendment For 10.02 Acres Of Land North Of Linda Street And East Of Tangelo Street 

Shelton T. Rice, authorized agent for owner, requests approval of City Commission to amend the Zoning Map on approximately 10.02 acres of land.

Documents:

1. CC MEMO D2022-12 2ND R MURPHY PROPERTY ZONING 6.21.2022.PDF
2. ORD D2022-12 2ND R MURPHY PROPERTY ZONING AMENDMENT 6.21.22.PDF

10.

NEW BUSINESS

10.I.

Approval Of Addendum 1 To The 1995 Lease Agreement With Florida Midland Railroad

Commission approval to authorize the addendum required for improvements to the Scenic Highway Gateway Corridor.

Documents:

1. AGENDA MEMO – FLORIDA MIDLAND RAILROAD ADDENDUM AGREEMENT.PDF
2. ADDENDUM TO RIGHT OF WAY LEASE LAKE-M11-074 A1 V06.15.22F.PDF
3. SCENIC HIGHWAY CORRIDOR PLANS DATED 06.10.22.PDF
4. SCENIC HIGHWAY CORRIDOR SCOPE MAP.PDF

10.II.

ORDINANCE 2022-13 Annexation – 1st 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 11^th Street South, and contiguous to the incorporated City limits. 

Documents:

1. CC MEMO ORD 2022-13 MCKENNA PROPERTY ANNEXATION 6.21.2022.PDF
2. ORD 2022-13 MCKENNA PROPERTY ANNEXATION.PDF
3. UTILITY MAPS – ANNEXATION 2022-13.PDF

10.III.

ORDINANCE D2022-09 – 1st 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.

Documents:

1. ORD D2022-09 MCKENNA PROPERTY CPA SMALL SCALE 6.21.22.PDF
2. CC MEMO D2022-09 MCKENNA PROPERTY CPA 6.21.2022.PDF

10.IV.

ORDINANCE D2022-10 1st 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.

Documents:

1. CC MEMO D2022-10 MCKENNA PROPERTY ZONING 6.21.2022.PDF
2. ORD D2022-10 MCKENNA PROPERTY ZONING AMENDMENT 6.21.22.PDF

10.V.

ORDINANCE 2022-21 Annexation – 1st Reading And Public Hearing 102.6 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.

Documents:

1. CC MEMO ORD 2022-21 LAKE WALES PROPERTY HOLDINGS ANNEXATION 6.21.2022.PDF
2. ORD 2022-21 LAKE WALES PROPERTY HOLDINGS ANNEXATION.PDF
3. LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS – ANNEXATION 2022-21.PDF
4. UTILITY MAPS – ANNEXATION 2022-21.PDF

10.VI.

ORDINANCE 2022-24 Annexation – 1st 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.

Documents:

1. CC MEMO ORD 2022-24 FORD GROVES ANNEXATION 6.21.2022.PDF
2. ORD 2022-24 FORD GROVES ANNEXATION.PDF
3. UTILITY MAPS – ANNEXATION 2022-24.PDF

10.VII.

Resolution 2022-22 – Support For Expansion Of The Central Polk Parkway East 

A Resolution 2022-22 in support of the expansion of the Central Polk Parkway East.

Documents:

1. MEMO RESOLUTION 2022-22 POLK PARKWAY EXPANSION.PDF
2. RESOLUTION 2022-22 POLK PARKWAY EXPANSION.PDF

11.

CITY ATTORNEY

12.

CITY MANAGER

12.I.

Commission Meeting Calendar

Documents:

1. COMMISSION MEETING CALENDAR, JUNE-2022.PDF

13.

CITY COMMISSION COMMENTS

14.

MAYOR COMMENTS

15.

ADJOURNMENT

(The staff memos are not 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.

Lake Wales Police Department Press Release

On Thursday, June 16, 2022 at approximately 10:02 p.m., Sergeant Andrew Brown was patrolling Scenic Bluff, a new Highland Homes housing development under construction in Lake Wales at the corner of Old Scenic Highway and North City Limits Road.  There had been several construction site thefts in the city and he was determined to stop any further thefts.  Sergeant Brown located a silver F150 pulling out of the new housing development, which has no residents yet.  The clues continued to build.  A piece of cloth covered the license plate of the F150 and there were numerous pieces of lumber in the bed.

Sergeant Brown conducted a traffic stop on the F150.  Robert Albritton, age 36 of Lake Wales, was driving and Kristina KaeMorrison, age 35 of Lake Wales, was the passenger.  Sergeant Brown learned Albritton had been driving on a suspended licensesince March 19, 2019 and cited on May 4, 2020 for driving on a suspended license.  Sergeant Brown arrested Albrittion and continued the investigation.  Officers were able to determine Albritton stole the lumber with Morrison’s help from one of the job sites.  Each job site was marked with a permit box, which stated, “WARNING designated construction site. Trespassers will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”  The total cost of the lumber stolen was $99.47.

Albritton was arrested for trespassing on a construction site, petit theft and driving on a suspended license.  This is not Albritton’s first arrest or theft.  Morrison was arrested for trespassing on a construction site and petit theft.

In an already difficult economy and the increased cost of building materials, suspects like this increase the cost of build even more and make it more difficult on the law-abiding citizen to own a home. The Lake Wales Police Department is working hard to protect our businesses and citizens and in our own way, fight inflation.