Following a 6-month-long undercover investigation, Polk County Sheriff’s Office undercover Narcotics detectives made 60 arrests throughout Polk County and obtained eight (8) arrest warrants related to the sale and/or possession of illegal narcotics. The drug sales transactions all took place on three different social media and mobile dating apps: Grindr, Scruff, and Taimi. Grindr was the app with more drug sales than the other apps mentioned. The investigation began in July 2021 when PCSO received a Heartland Crime Stoppers tip indicating that people were openly selling drugs on the well-known dating app Grindr. PCSO detectives created undercover profiles within the app, and found it relatively easy to strike up conversations with those who were selling methamphetamine, cocaine, Ecstasy, LSD, Fentanyl, and marijuana in Polk County. It was clear during the conversations and ensuing undercover drug buys that the suspects’ primary purposes for being on the dating app were to sell drugs – not to find a date. “We’ve known for some time that suspects will use the Internet and social media to prey upon children online, or to engage in prostitution, but this is something we are seeing more and more of in Polk County – suspects who are using dating apps to sell illegal narcotics. Suspects are getting more creative, but so are our detectives. We’re working with these mobile app companies to raise awareness, and asking for their cooperation during our investigations. The good news is, we found that some who were on the dating app were reporting illegal drug sales when it became apparent to them, and the mobile app companies were banning some suspects attempting to sell drugs. When we find drug dealers, we put them in jail.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff Detectives filed 159 total felony and 72 total misdemeanor charges against the suspects during the investigation. Altogether, the suspects have 908 previous charges, including 453 prior felonies and 455 prior misdemeanors. Eleven (11) of the suspects told detectives they receive government assistance. Detectives will continue to monitor social media and dating apps for illegal drug transactions. We encourage the public to send us specific tip information about online drug sellers through Heartland Crime Stoppers at www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward. 
Based on the online drug sales, detectives obtained 52 arrests warrants for those who actually sold illegal narcotics. During the investigation they arrested 16 other suspects related to illegal narcotics. There are still eight suspects with warrants who are at-large. Detectives also served three search warrants at the following addresses: ·        152 Abundant Life Drive, Auburndale·        1550 Robin Street, Auburndale·        2461 Avenue C SW, Winter Haven During the investigation:
·        14 firearms seized (2 were reported as stolen)·        Approximately 280 grams of methamphetamine purchased (street value: approximately $14,000)·        Approximately 3 grams of cocaine purchased ·        Approximately 113 grams (130 pills) of Ecstasy ·        Approximately 1.5 grams of Fentanyl/heroin ·        Approximately 1 gram of LSD·        Approximately 28 grams of psychedelic mushrooms·        Approximately 645 grams of marijuana  Those arrested are as follows (in alphabetical order by first name): Abraham Hope, DOB 06/25/1994 of Davenport·        Sale of meth (F2)·        Possession of meth WITS (F2)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Adam Cooper*, DOB 03/30/1977 of Lakeland·        Sale of marijuana (F3)·        Possession of marijuana WITS (F3)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1)*he told detectives he receives government assistance Allen Tyson*, DOB 03/21/64 of Bartow·        Sale of marijuana (F3)·        Possession of marijuana WITS (F2)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1)*he told detectives he receives government assistance Angela Miller-Jordan, DOB 04/30/1966 of Auburndale·        Possession of meth (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Anthony Ballard, DOB 03/08/1975 of Auburndale·        Armed trafficking in meth (Capital Felony)·        Sale of meth (F3)·        Possession of meth WITS (F2)·        Possession of firearm by convicted felon (F2)·        Grand theft of a firearm (F3)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)·        Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Camilo Jaramillo, DOB 12/01/1994 of Haines City·        Sale of marijuana (F3)·        Possession of marijuana WITS (F2)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Chloe Vandendriessche, DOB 02/13/1995 of Auburndale·        Sale of marijuana (F3)·        Possession of marijuana WITS (F2)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1)·        Possession of weapon/ammo by convicted felon (F2)·        Violation of injunction for protection (M1) Christina Earp, DOB 04/09/1985 of Winter Haven·        Sale of meth (F2)·        Possession of meth WITS (F2)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Christopher R. Baker, DOB 05/24/1987 of Lakeland·        Sale of meth (F2)

• Possession of meth WITS (F2)

·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1)·        Battery domestic violence (3 counts) Daniel Zahony, DOB 11/12/1985 of Lakeland·        Sale of meth (F2)·        Possession of meth (F3)·        Possession of prescription drug without prescription (M2)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1)·        Conveyance burglary (F2)·        Petit theft (M2) Danyell Coggins, DOB 01/14/1975 of Winter Haven·        Possession of meth (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1) David Caines*, DOB 12/04/1975 of Mulberry·        Trafficking in meth (F1)·        Possession of meth WITS (F2)·        Sale of meth (F2)·        Possession of structure or vehicle for drug sales (F2)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)·        Possession of marijuana (M1)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1)*he told detectives he receives government assistance Dawanda Gunter, DOB 08/02/1997 of Winter Haven·        Sale of marijuana (F3)·        Possession of marijuana WITS (F2)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Donald King, DOB 08/22/1982 of Lakeland·        Possession and delivery of LSD WITS (F3)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3) Donald Taft, DOB 06/30/70 of Lakeland·        Sale of meth (F2)·        Possession of meth WITS (F2)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Doug Billings, DOB 01/25/1968 of Auburndale·        Possession of meth (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1)·        Resisting arrest (M1) Frederick Bollard, DOB 09/11/1984 of Bartow·        Sale of meth (F2)

• Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)

 Gator Kleizo, DOB 01/22/1966 of Auburndale·        Trafficking in meth (F1)·        Sale of meth (F2)·        Possession of meth WITS (F2)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Jack Bohannon*, DOB 04/16/1953 of Lakeland·        Sale of meth (F2)·        Possession of meth (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1)*he told detectives he receives government assistance  Jacob Cogswell, DOB 09/12/1987 of Bartow·        Sale of meth (F2)·        Possession of meth WITS (F2)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1) James Deese, DOB 10/06/1955 of Auburndale·        Trafficking in meth (F1)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Jaime Acevedo, DOB 11/09/1986 of Lakeland·        Sale of meth (F2)·        Possession of meth WITS (F2)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Jarvis Tibado, DOB 10/11/1982 of Auburndale·        Possession of meth (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1)·        Giving false ID to LEO (M1) Jessalyn Humbertson*, DOB 8/24/99 of Winter Haven·        Sale of marijuana (F3)·        Possession of marijuana WITS (F2)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1)*she told detectives she receives government assistance Jim Luna, DOB 03/14/1962 of Lakeland·        Sale of marijuana (F3)·        Possession of marijuana WITS (F2)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Jireh Brooks, DOB 04/13/1996 of Lakeland ·        Sale of meth (F2)·        Conspiracy to sell meth (F3)

• Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)

John Davis, DOB 07/12/1981 of Winter Haven· Trafficking in MDMA (F1)· Possession of heroin (F3)· Possession of cocaine (F3)· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (F3)· Possession paraphernalia (M1) John Panzarella*, DOB 08/30/58 of Winter Haven· Delivery of marijuana (F3)*he told detectives he receives government assistance Jonus Banks, DOB 12/28/1980 of Lakeland· Sale of cocaine (F2)· Possession of cocaine WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Keone Fox, DOB 11/24/1986 of Lakeland· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Maegan McCarthy, DOB 07/14/1984 of Winter Haven· Trafficking in MDMA (F1)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Mar’dasia Brooks, DOB 05/23/1998 of Winter Haven· Possession of marijuana WITS (F3)· Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (F3)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Mark Cox*, DOB 01/14/1981 of Winter Haven· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)*he told detectives he receives government assistance Mark Scott, DOB 09/15/1963 of Lakeland· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Mary Heffler, DOB 05/17/1972 of Auburndale· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Michael Blankenship*, DOB 04/08/1956 of Lakeland· Possession of marijuana (M1)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)*an affidavit was filed with these charges Michael Decker, DOB 08/13/1966 of Auburndale· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)· Resisting arrest (M1) Michael Sonja, DOB 08/06/1975 of Bartow· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Minter Hall*, DOB 07/12/1955 of Bartow· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)*he told detectives he receives government assistance Nicholas Sferrvzza, DOB 06/07/83 of Auburndale· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Possession of meth (F3)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Noel Heyne, DOB 10/13/1972 of Lakeland (in custody)· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Phillip Carter, DOB 09/24/1965 of Winter Haven · Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Reynaldo Lopez, DOB 06/16/2000 of Winter Haven· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Richard Sturges, DOB 06/07/55 of Lakeland· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of marijuana (M1)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Robert Reedy III*, DOB 09/17/68 of Winter Haven· Sale of marijuana (F3)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)*he told detectives he receives government assistance Rodney Bacon, DOB 01/06/80 of Winter Haven· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Rodney Davis*, DOB 05/03/1972 of Winter Haven· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth with intent to sell (WITS) (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)*he told detectives he receives government assistance Ronald Stowe, DOB 04/09/1958 of Auburndale· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)· VOP (F3) Scott Ledington, DOB 12/06/1966 of Auburndale· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Stacey Shepherd, DOB 11/29/1966 of Auburndale· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Thomas Bohuslaw*, DOB 05/30/1965 of Winter Haven· Sale of meth (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)*he told detectives he receives government assistance Timothy Machado, DOB 08/10/1972 of Winter Haven· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Ty’Bias Giles, DOB 08/12/1999 of Lakeland· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)· Carrying concealed firearm (F3)· Armed robbery (Capital Felony)· Aggravated battery with deadly weapon (F2) Tyler Oliver, DOB 04/10/1998 of Winter Haven· Sale of marijuana (F3)· Possession of marijuana WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Wandy Noel, DOB 10/22/1991 of Winter Haven· Driving while license suspended (knowingly) (M2) William Anglin, DOB 08/10/1987 of Bartow· Delivery of marijuana (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3) William Waddell, DOB 02/07/77 of Winter Haven· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Detectives obtained arrest warrants for these eight (8) suspects: Adam Trembley, DOB 08/14/1982 of Winter Haven· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2) · Sale of marijuana (F3)· Possession of marijuana WITS (F3)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Angelo Lopez, DOB 10/28/1986 of Lake Wales· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Christopher Wright, DOB 04/16/1989 of Winter Haven· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Donovan Brandt, DOB 03/18/1983 of Lake Wales· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Jesse Velez-Pagan, DOB 10/03/1990 of Dundee· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) John Rials, DOB 12/05/1978 of Winter Haven· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Matthew Gamwell, DOB 07/07/1982 of Lake Wales· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Willy Dunn, DOB 11/26/1994 of Lake Wales· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) During the investigation, these three (3) suspects were also arrested/charged: Joshua Allen, DOB 09/13/1980 of Auburndale· Armed trafficking in meth (Capital Felony)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Henry Sanchez, DOB 10/19/1994 of Orlando· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of prescription drug without prescription (M1)· Resisting arrest (M1)· Battery on LEO· Giving false info to LEO Robert Tillis, DOB 03/09/1973 of Mulberry· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of prescription drug without prescription (M1)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Lake Wales, Florida- The Lake Wales Police Department responded to a call of “shots fired” in the area of Polk Ave., Townsend Ave. & Steedly Ave. late Wednesday afternoon. While officers were in the area they also heard gunshots. According to the Lake Wales Police Department’s Deputy-Chief, David Black, officers were able to track down the man who was firing the shots.

LWPD officers took Victor Hansen into custody. According to Black, the suspect alleges that he shot into the ground. The incident is under investigation, but there is currently no danger to the public.

We will update this article as more details are available.

The City of Lake Wales has had many challenges when it comes to revitalizing its downtown landscape. Some of the building on the radar include the Dixie Walesbilt Hotel as well as the Seminole Hotel.

DailyRidge.com obtained documentation that the foreclosure of the Old Seminole Hotel has been completed. The city can now move forward with finding a new developer who will renovate the building and help improve the downtown experience.

The Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency will now be able to seek a responsible party to redevelop the property.

The Seminole Hotel was built on North First Street, at the northwest corner of Crystal Avenue and 1st Street.

During the November 29, 2021 Lake Wales Charter School Board of Trustees Work Session and Board Meeting the Schools attorney Robin Gibson shared a legal counsel update. Mr. Gibson advised the board that a new legal matter had arisen. Each Board member was presented with a Memorandum from the Law Offices of A.M. Stuckey with offices in Lake Wales. Gibson shared the Memorandum appeared to be about an FTE audit that would affect Lake Wales High School. Mr. Gibson went on to state that he would reach out to the lawyer that presented the Memorandum directly and accommodate them as much as possible.

Danny Gill the Trustee and Chair asked Alricky Smith the CFO of the Lake Wales Charter School System if there was any validity to the $248,000 audit. Mr. Smith stated that the document appeared to be the scope of an audit that is called the Florida Education Program Audit that’s typically completed by the Florida Auditor General.

Mr. Smith shared that the audit is part of ongoing engagement. Since Lake Wales Charter Schools is part of the Polk County School district the actual engagement was with the Polk County School Board. One of the schools identified in the audit was Lake Wales High School and was subject to an audit review.  

Based on the information provided Mr. Smith indicated there were some preliminary findings for the amount $248,000. Mr. Gill asked Mr. Smith if he was involved or part of the audit. Mr. Smith replied, “No Sir, I’m sorry one part of it”. Mr. Smith shared he had some discussions about the audit with Lake Wales High School’s Principal Donna Dunson back in September. Mr. Smith went on to share that he was never engaged with the auditor and was not part of the exit conference. Mr. Gill shared there was a lot of information that needed to be reviewed and thanked Mr. Smith for answering his questions.

The Daily Ridge researched the audit claims and it appears that Lake Wales High Schools 2019-2020 school year was part of the Audit. The notice of audit was provided to the school March 9, 2021 which was to begin April 19, 2021. The audit revealed eight deficiencies the school did not meet according to state standards. Based on the states audit findings these eight deficiencies could result in the school receiving a $248,317.41 adjustment that could be levied against annual funding the school receives from the state.   

The Daily Ridge reached out to Mr. Smith for further clarification regarding the Audit.  

Was this potential adjustment resolved with the state?

The Polk County School Board FTE Audit Report for the 2019-20 FY(AG-424) has not been issues as a final report by the Florida Auditor General’s Office. The Lake Wales High School will have a chance to respond to their findings once the report has been released to the Florida Department of Education(FDOE).

Will the adjustment be applied or will the adjustment be dropped?

Once the findings are resolved, FDOE will instruct the Polk County School Board on how to collect any funding due back to the State, if that is the final outcome.

When were you made aware of the FTE audit?

In the Spring of 2021, the school’s Principal first noted that the school was engaged in an ongoing FTE audit during a Lake Wales Charter Schools leadership meeting. Later the school noted the audit was still ongoing during the Lake Wales Charter Schools Board’s Annual Retreat.

When did you learn that a potential adjustment of $248,317.41 being levied against the school?

The first draft of the Preliminary and Tentative findings were present to me on August 10, 2021.

Is there a policy or protocol in place that would notify the Chair or the Board of Trustees of audits or possible levies?

Lake Wales Charter Schools does not currently have a policy on notifying the Board of audit engagements. However, the CFO has always noted during a board meeting that the Financial Statements audit was ongoing.

If there is a policy or protocol did Principal Dunson follow the policy? 

No, policy was violated, but the school leaders has been put on notice that all external reviews or audits must be communicated with the Superintendent  and CFO prior to engagement.

Based on the School Boards Agenda and Minutes posted to their website it does not appear that the School Board addressed the findings of the Audit nor addressed the items contained within the Memorandum that was presented that could result in the school losing $248,317.41 in funding.

You can watch the video here LWCS Board of Trustees Work Session and Board Meeting – YouTube

Audit Conversation takes place during first 17 minutes of meeting.

City’s partnerships dedicated to providing affordable housing for families

Lake Wales, Fla. (Jan. 25, 2022) – The City of Lake Wales Community Development Agency (CRA) provides homes to new residents in the Northwest Neighborhood, as part of phase one of the affordable housing initiative.

The city partnered with Keystone Challenge Fund to build two houses on lots previously owned by the Green and Gold Foundation across the street from the B Street Center.

“It’s rewarding to see our efforts positively impact families,” said CRA Project Manager Darrell Starling. “The affordable housing initiative aligns with the steps and goals included in the award-winning Lake Wales Connected Plan for the revitalization of the city’s historic downtown district and Northwest Neighborhood,” he noted.

Officials said the homes have an estimated value of $175,000 with mortgage payments estimated at $950 a month, according to Jeff Bagwell, Keystone’s Executive Director.

“If you have looked at rents, what they cost, very few people can find a decent rental for $950, especially in the market we are in today,” said Bagwell. “This program truly changes people’s lives, and there’s a ripple effect,” he noted.

The houses were built by a collaborative effort of the city, CRA, Keystone, Polk County Housing and Neighborhood Development, and SouthState Bank, formally CenterState Bank.

The city paid $10,000 to acquire the lots. An additional $30,000 to cover closing costs was awarded to the city in the form of a community reinvestment grant from SouthState Bank. The county provided up to $250,000 in initial building costs, while Keystone gave more than $50,000.

CRA officials said the project will generate about $10,000 in tax increment funding over a three-year period, which would cover the purchase price on the empty lots. Increased tax revenues generated by new growth go back to the CRA to be used towards future development projects.

“We know if we do this right, we can take the entire block and really turn it around,” said Bagwell. We’re very excited about coming to Lake Wales,” Bagwell noted.

Bagwell also expressed interest in working with the CRA on beautification projects for additional houses along B Street.

Families picked for the housing will go through class work provided by Keystone to cover such topics as credit, budgeting and how to apply for a mortgage.

“When we sell a home to a family, they are prepared, no doubt about it,” said Bagwell.

CRA Chairman Robin Gibson reflected the positive response from city commissioners, which doubles as the CRA board.

“I’m excited to see this partnership go forward. This is something we have been talking about for a while, and this is an avenue that’s going to get us there,” Mayor Eugene Fultz added.

Keystone Challenge Fund is a non-profit organization established in 1991 in Lakeland, Florida. For almost 30 years, Keystone has maximized the availability of affordable housing for low-to-moderate-income home buyers to connect families with home ownership, according to company officials.

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

Starting Monday, Jan. 31, 2022, a portion of the intersection of SR 17 at Mountain Lake Cutoff Road will be closed to install a new traffic signal. Visual map of detours available.

Mountain Lake Cutoff Road will be closed on the east side of the intersection during construction.

Construction is anticipated to end early April, weather permitting.

Polk County Sheriff’s Traffic deputies are investigating a three-vehicle crash that occurred in Lake Wales last evening, which resulted in the deaths of three people.

Around 7:30 p.m. on Friday, January 21, 2022, the PCSO Emergency Communications Center received 911 calls from the area of SR 60 East approximately one mile east of CR 630 East regarding a head-on collision between a black Nissan Pathfinder and a red Jeep Wrangler.

Preliminary information indicates that the Pathfinder, being driven west on SR 60 by an adult male, for unknown reasons entered into the eastbound lane and hit the Jeep Wrangler head-on, which was being driven East by 62-year-old Ashley Mansard of Port St. Lucie. The Jeep immediately caught fire after the collision, and Ashley and his passenger, Lori Mansard (52 years old, also of Port St. Lucie), were both killed. The driver of the Pathfinder was also declared deceased at the scene. Deputies are still trying to locate and notify his next of kin.

A black Chevrolet Impala that was heading east behind the Jeep and being driven by 27-year-old Jessica Duarte of Lakeland swerved to avoid the collision but the passenger side of her car struck the rear of the Pathfinder. She was transported to a local hospital due to complaints of back pain. None of her passengers was injured.

The roadways in that area were shut down for approximately three hours during the investigation, which is ongoing.

Polk County Sheriff’s Traffic deputies are investigating a three-vehicle crash that occurred in Lake Wales last evening, which resulted in the deaths of three people.

Around 7:30 p.m. on Friday, January 21, 2022, the PCSO Emergency Communications Center received 911 calls from the area of SR 60 East approximately one mile east of CR 630 East regarding a head-on collision between a black Nissan Pathfinder and a red Jeep Wrangler.

Preliminary information indicates that the Pathfinder, being driven west on SR 60 by an adult male, for unknown reasons entered into the eastbound lane and hit the Jeep Wrangler head-on, which was being driven East by 62-year-old Ashley Mansard of Port St. Lucie. The Jeep immediately caught fire after the collision, and Ashley and his passenger, Lori Mansard (52 years old, also of Port St. Lucie), were both killed. The driver of the Pathfinder was also declared deceased at the scene. Deputies are still trying to locate and notify his next of kin.

A black Chevrolet Impala that was heading east behind the Jeep and being driven by 27-year-old Jessica Duarte of Lakeland swerved to avoid the collision but the passenger side of her car struck the rear of the Pathfinder. She was transported to a local hospital due to complaints of back pain. None of her passengers was injured.

The roadways in that area were shut down for approximately three hours during the investigation, which is ongoing. I do not have a photo from the scene.

Lake Wales, Florida – A Lake Wales man was arrested for allegedly backing his truck into a woman’s SUV. According to the Lake Wales Police Department arrest affidavit the suspect Dustin Lang (DOB: 03/24/2001) deliberately backed into a woman’s SUV during the course of an argument. Lang has been charged with Aggravated Assault With A Deadly Weapon. According to the arrest affidavit the suspect also possessed multiple firearms inside his vehicle and reportedly armed himself with one during the altercation. The incident occurred at the intersection of Hwy 27 & Central Avenue which is currently under construction.

The following is a long excerpt from the Lake Wales Police Department affidavit (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Lake Wales Police Department. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. 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).:

“On January 12, 2022 at approximately 1620 hours, I responded to Highway 27/ Central Ave to assist Officer Sittnick with a vehicle accident. Upon my arrival, I made contact with a witness,REDACTED. REDACTED stated he was unloading a truck in a construction work zone when he observed a Dodge pickup truck stopped in the left lane of Highway 27 just south of Central Avenue. REDACTED also saw a white SUV stopped directly behind the Dodge pickup truck. The driver of the pickup truck was later identified as, Dustin Raymond Lang. The driver of the white SUV was identified as, REDACTED.

REDACTED stated both parties were actively yelling at each other. REDACTED stated Lang said, I have one too” which he believed Lang was referring to having a gun. Shortly after, REDACTED observed Lang with a weapon, which appeared to be a black semi- automatic handgun. REDACTED stated he heard ‘Lang, “Rack the slide” on the handgun. REDACTED stated Lang held the handgun down by his side while hc was standing on his truck side steps, yelling at REDACTED,

I then made contact with victim REDACTED. REDACTED stated she was traveling north Highway 27 approaching the intersection of Central Ave. REDACTED stated she observed a Dodge pickup attempting to enter her lane of travel. REDACTED stated Lang pulled in front of her and came to an abrupt stop. REDACTED stated Lang then exited his vehicle, brandishing a black handgun and started cussing at her. REDACTED stated Lang pointed the handgun in her direction and waved it around. REDACTED stated the handgun was never pointed directly at her.

This act placed her in fear for her life. REDACTED remained inside of her vehicle during the course of the altenation. REDACTED descdbed the handgun to be black or silver 9mm. REDACTED stated Lang -entered his vehicle, and reversed into her front bumper causing a vehicle crash. REDACTED advised she and Lang remained on scene until law enforcement arrived.

‘I made contact with Lang on scene. Lang was sitting in the driver seat of his vehicle. I requested Lang to exit his vehicle and walk back towards me. There, were no passengers inside Lang’s vehicle. Lang advised he did have multiple firearms inside of the vehicle. Lang was placed in handcuffs and secured inside of my marked patrol vehicle. Post Miranda, Lang wished to have an attorney present and did not want to answer any of my questions.”

“A search of the vehicle was completed and 3 firearms were located. A black HK USP Compact 40 S&W semi- automatic handgun, serial numher REDACTED was located inside of Lang’s center console. The pistol was dissembled with the slide and magazine removed, This handgun matched the description given by REDACTED  and REDACTED. A tow sheet was completed and the vehicle was removed by Sunbelt Towing.

During the course of my investigation, I determined Lang intentionally and unlawfully threatened by word and act to do violence to REDACTED, At the time Lang appeared to have the ability to carry out the threat, to create a well-founded fear that violence was about to occur. The assault was made with a deadly weapon.

More Than 600 Kids from 11 States Played at All-Star Youth Football Tournament in Lake Wales

by James Coulter

While Washington DC faced lows of 20 degrees with chances of snow, Lake Wales has slightly milder weather at above 60 degrees. Micah, 13, of the Woodridge Warriors, considered it ideal weather for playing football with his team.

Micah had been playing football since he was four. He and his teammates took to the fields at the Lake Wales Soccer Complex. The weather was great, the fields were some of the best he played on, and his expectation that weekend, in his own words, was “that we win.”

“It is a nice field,” he said of the sports facility. “One of the best fields I have been to down here, the second best.”

Micah was one of more than 600 student athletes who attended the All-Star Youth Football Tournament in Lake Wales this Weekend. Over 625 players registered for the event, and a total of 25 teams competed on three fields at the Lake Wales Soccer Complex on both Saturday and Sunday.

Countless spectators lined each of the three fields with blankets and lawn chairs to watch the many football games hosted that weekend. Otherwise, they could peruse the concession stand, as well as the many food trucks and vendors on-site.

The football players arrived with their families from 11 states, including Delaware, Jersey, Washington DC, South Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. Their arrival filled out many of the local hotels, including the local Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn, explained Andy Oguntola, President of PSC Lake Wales Campus.

Oguntola had arranged the football tournament with Chad Mascoe, Owner of Athletes United Group. The event had been hosted for the past three years, and they wanted to bring it to Lake Wales, not only to utilize their Soccer Club facility, but also to facilitate local economic development.

“Our ultimate goal for this weekend is to bring good competitor football here for all these people traveling from all across this country, and let these kids have an end-of-the-season good football event,” Mascoe said. “Andy brought me out here and showed me the facility. For me, it was a no brainer. We were able to bring three fields out here, and we had a lot of parking and space out here, and it was a great area to do it.”

Friday evening before the big weekend, Oguntola and Mascoe hosted an adult social for the parents and a bowling party for the children over at Cypress Lanes in Winter Haven. With their families taking lodging at local hotels, eating at local eateries, and engaging in other activities, the sports event has proven to be a real spur for local economic development, Oguntola said.

“Our goal and focus is to bring great football to Polk County, but most importantly, it is MLK Weekend, and we want to make sure we keep the kids on the field and out of the streets, so our whole focus is to turn young boys into men,” he said. “We want to thank the City of Lake Wales for their support, City Manager James Slaton, and Mrs. Stephanie for helping us put this together, and also our City Commisioners.”