On Wednesday March 9, 2022 Lake Wales Police Officers responded to the area of 605 S 3rd Street regarding reports of shots being fired in the area. This occurred around 3:15 PM in close proximity to McLaughlin Middle School, which was placed on lockdown for a short period of time while Officers investigated.
Police believe that the shooting was between two or more people but it appears no one was struck during the gunfire. Also no one has come forward as a victim in the case at this time. Detectives continue to follow leads to identify those responsible for the shooting.
If you have any information regarding this incident please contact the Lake Wales Police Department at 863-678-4223 or anonymously at Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477).
Original Release from Lake Wales Police Department
Lake Wales, Florida – At approximately 3:15pm on Wednesday, March 9, area residents near 3rd St in Lake Wales heard what they thought might be Gun fire. Police quickly descended on the area and McLaughlin Middle School was place on lockdown/or high security. That lockdown/high security has been lifted.
According to Deputy Chief David Black, with Lake Wales Police Department, advised “We locked down McLaughlin out of an abundance of caution until we could confirm the scene was safe.”
This is an ongoing situation and we will update as information becomes available!
Captain Rian Shea, commander of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Southeast District located at 4011 Sgt. Mary Campbell Way (Thompson Nursery Road at US Hwy 27) in Lake Wales, cordially invites residents of southeast Polk County to attend a special “Breakfast with Badges” event: from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 12, 2022. The event will be held in the community room at the Southeast District. Breakfast and refreshments will be provided for all who attend.
This is your opportunity to interact with the deputies and supervisors who patrol the southeast area of Polk County – from unincorporated Lake Wales to Eloise & Wahneta, portions of southeast Winter Haven, and our three contract cities — Dundee, Eagle Lake, and Frostproof. Bring your appetites, questions, and concerns!
We will plan more events in the future if you’re not able to attend this one.
The crack of the bat, the chatter in the pen, fresh clay on the mound, and lights on “The Hill” tell us that Highlander Baseball season has begun. Help us start the season by coming out on March 3, 2022, for our first home varsity game against Mulberry. The game will begin at 7:30 p.m. See you at the “Hill” for some great baseball, supporting your Highlanders, and enjoy a full concession with all your ballpark favorites!!
Coach Steve Wilmoth, had these words to say about the 2022, Varsity team. I have watched and worked with these young men in baseball for 10 years. This year’s team has worked very hard off season, and look forward to us accomplishing our team goals.
Senior Outfielder, Chad Ridell, feels the team has a strong defense this year and is capable of shutting out our competition.
Senior Third Baseman, Mason Hixenbaugh, says “this team is going in strong and has high hopes of a winning season. Our 7 returning Seniors bring lots of experience and leadership to our team.”
Senior Catcher Bryson Fackendar, believes with the 7 returning Seniors the team is destined for a successful season!
So again, we are encouraging you to come out on March 3,2022, and enjoy some Highlander BaseBall!
“The more you know about the Past, the better you are prepared for the Future.” Theodore Roosevelt
The Highlander Booster Club is very excited for this year’s Highlander Hall of Fame. The Lake Wales community is deep rooted in its love for everything “Highlander”. If you are from this area, you wear the tartan plaid or orange and black colors with sincere pride. If you are new to the area you can’t help but yearn to be a part of these traditions. The event will take place at Lake Wales Country Club on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at a cost of $75.00. There are other sponsorship levels available. If you are interested see the post about sponsoring this event. This will be a night to recognize individual LWHS alumni, living or deceased, who have distinguished themselves as outstanding representatives of any LWHS athletic team through accomplishment, leadership, support, service and/or character.
During this event we look forward to inducting alumni, having a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and an elegant dinner. For sponsorship, ticket and nomination information please check the Highlander Booster Club Website at www.lwhsboosterclub.com
The Good Times Roll Again at Lake Wales Mardi Gras after Yearlong Absence
by James Coulter
Sheriff Grady Judd works hard to perform his duties. Even then, in-between his involvement at the Jeepin With Judd fundraiser in Bartow and addressing the media regarding an officer-related shooting earlier that day, the honorable sheriff found enough time in his busy schedule to appear in the annual Lake Wales Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday afternoon.
Sheriff Judd regularly appears with officers from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in parades across the county. He especially loves the Lake Wales Mardi Gras Parade, with its colorful costumes and festive floats.
“Maybe New Orleans can take a lesson or two from how some of these guys have dressed up and partied,” Sheriff Judd said. “I have seen a lot of people that did a lot of work to have this awesome party [with the] dresses and outfits.”
The annual parade made its epic return after a year-long absence due to the ongoing pandemic. Sheriff Judd considered it a relief to see the parade make a comeback and allow the good times to roll once again.
“COVID took away everything and ruined our social life. Even though we had to protect ourselves from a dangerous virus, our mental health is important too,” he said. “So when you see all of the partying, when you see all of the people here today, this is Polk County and Lake Wales as I know it, [with] friends all getting together to have a great time.”
For 30 years, Lake Wales Mardi Gras has let “the good times roll” with live music, vendors, and the signature parade through historic downtown. What initially started as a memorial service for a late restaurant owner has since evolved into the largest Mardi Gras event in Central Florida, drawing in thousands of attendees annually.
As the annual tradition was unable to be hosted last year, its comeback this year was a great relief for many locals and visitors and a sign that things are slowly but surely returning to normal. Joshua Curchy has been serving as the president of the Lake Wales Mardi Gras Committee for six years. Being able to host the event this year brought back fond memories of the old Mardi Gras events he attended in his youth.
“It is over and exceeded our expectations by far,” he said. “We love our community and we will keep giving back. Everyone is ready as were we, and we were encouraged by the crowds.”
The parade on Saturday afternoon was his favorite. More than several dozen floats and units started along Central Avenue in Historic Downtown and made their way to Lake Wailes Park where the main festivities were being held. Being able to participate in this annual tradition is his favorite part bar none.
“For me, [the best part] was running around the parade like a mad man, getting everybody excited, passing out beads, and getting down there to see the crowd,” he said.
Lake Wales Mardi Gras kicked off Friday evening with the Kick-Off Party in Lake Wailes Park, starting with the Glow Run 5K and continuing through the evening with live music performed by local bands such as Almost There and B Haven. The festivities continued the next day with food trucks, vendors, and live musical performances.
Leslie Grodin, who served on the krewe for the Walesbilt Hotel, and who also serves as a member on the Lake Wales Mardi Gras committee, loved being able to host the event and draw in their usual crowds.
“It is great we are bringing it back to Lake Wales, and it is certainly enjoyed,” she said. “I enjoy most the people of everyone coming out and enjoying the time.”
The Lake Wales Blue Marlins, our local swim team was making waves this weekend at the Florida Swimming Area 3 Championship. Four of their swimmers made it to finals, lead by Marcos Cabrera who scored 67 points and gave the team 3 medals overall.
Marcos won the gold medal on the 50 Fly, with a time of 30.81 in the 11-12 category. He also won silver on the 100 Breaststroke with a time of 1:19.84 and a bronze medal in the 50 Free, with a time of 28.14. Marcos not only won those events, but also qualified to swim the at the 2022 Spring Age Group Championships next weekend. His brother Jose Cabrera helped the team with another 15 points.
On the girls squad, Hannah Kincaid scored 52 points. Isabella Vangundy and Olivia Julich scored 9 points each.
Overall, a great meet for the LW Blue Marlins! We wish them all the best in their upcoming swim meets.
Michael Justin Cerullo, 29 of Lake Wales, Florida passed away unexpectedly on January 28,2022 in Cairo, Ga
Justin was born May 9, 1992, in Bartow, Fl.
Justin is survived by his wife, Meagan Cerullo, sons, Michael, Roman and Daniel Cerullo, Ricky, Liam, and Joquain Mercado.
Daughters, Mia and Bella Mercado.
Justin is also survived by his mother, Patricia Spires (Clayton) Cairo, Ga. Father Christopher Cerullo (Rita) Lake Wales, Fl. Brothers Jason Cerullo, Nashville, Tn. Clayton Spires, Cairo, Ga Otis Sharpe III, Lake Wales, David Slone II, Lake Wales, Fl Sisters, Hannah Spires (and Ty Handley) Cairo, Ga., Tawny Todd, ( JJ) Cairo, Ga, Brandy Thomas, Ft Meade, Fl. Mandy Hall (Jason) Bostwick, Fl. Rebel Worth (Dustin) Lake Wales.
And many aunts, Uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Family will receive friends on Saturday, February 19, 2022 from 10:00 am until service time at 11:00 AM at the Marion Nelson Funeral Home with Rev. David Durham officiating. Interment will be held at the Whidden Cemetery in Lake Wales.SERVICES
– A new fuel farm is becoming a reality at the Lake Wales Municipal Airport. City commission authorized a public transportation grant agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation.
The grant is for the installation of a new fuel farm designed to efficiently dispense aviation fuel to multiple types of aircraft.
“This is great timing, and it’s a nice complement to the recent runway expansion and newly added taxiways at the airport,” City Manager James Slaton said.
The new fuel farm will replace the antiquated fuel system already budgeted for replacement in the City’s 2022 capital improvement plan.
The new enhancement will attract larger jets to the city, helping to expand the City’s efforts in economic development.
“This added convenience is going to attract more people to fly to Lake Wales for an extended stay,” Airport Manager Amanda Kirby said.
The grant was awarded after the reconstruction of the fuel ramp.
WineDOWNtown Brings Lake Wales Residents Downtown to Enjoy Local Businesses
by James Coulter
More than 20 local shops and boutiques remained open after hours to allow residents an opportunity to browse their wares and sample drinks and food during the annual WineDOWNtown on Thursday evening.
Hosted by Lake Wales Main Street, the downtown event allowed residents and visitors alike to purchase tickets and travel to various downtown businesses to sample wine, craft beer, and appetizers while also seeing what each store had to offer.
More than 20 stores and boutiques participated that evening, including Cocoa Cake Studio, Kathyrn’s Bookstore, and many others. For many residents, it was their first time visiting these places, even if they are located in their own hometown, said Karen Thompson, LWMS Executive Director.
“Some of these people did not even know these businesses were even here, so it is just people gathering and going to different places,” she said.
Lake Wales Main Street is a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing the downtown area and hosting events to draw people, especially potential customers, to local businesses. WineDOWNtown proves especially popular, as it actually draws people inside downtown businesses.
“It is always a sold-out event,” she said. “We can bring thousands of people downtown, but we cannot guarantee that they go inside. This is the event we can say 350 people were inside your business.”
Amanda Calhoun owns and operates Southern Roots, a salon that also serves as a boutique that sells home decor, gifts, and accessories. Her business has been around for nearly a decade, and this event allowed even more potential customers to learn more about it.
“It think it has been very good,” she said. “We had a lot of good feedback. Meeting new people and socializing. They met our expectations.”
Rachel Cullen has been running Cocoa Cake Studio for three years. Her business sells custom cakes, cake pops, and other baked goods. That evening alone, she saw many people she normally does not see arrive to her shop, so she hopefully was introduced to many new customers.
“It is a good chance to bring people downtown that we normally do not get to see and it is a huge turnout so far,” she said. “We were slammed when they were open. [It] more than met our expectations.”
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigated a traffic fatality in Lake Wales last evening, involving a teenager on a dirt bike and an adult on a motorized bicycle. Preliminary details are as follows:
Around 7:35 p.m. on Sunday, February 13, 2022, 15-year-old Landen Cole Jackson of Babson Park was operating a green and black Kawasaki dirt bike northbound on Lewis Griffin Road near Grove Road 3 when he was struck head-on by 53-year-old Marrell Faison, Jr., of Lake Wales, who was going southbound on Lewis Griffin in the northbound lane on a black motorized bicycle. Jackson was critically injured and flown to a hospital as a trauma alert – he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Faison was also critically injured and flown to a local hospital as a trauma alert. He is in critical condition.
Neither of the two involved in the crash were wearing helmets or protective gear, and neither of the bikes had lights (it was dark at the time of the crash). The roadway was closed for approximately three hours during the investigation, which is ongoing.
