The Polk County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate a two-vehicle crash that occurred Wednesday morning, March 27, 2024 in Poinciana.
PCSO deputies were dispatched at about 6:12 AM to the intersection of Cypress Parkway and Lake Marion Creek Road, along with members from Polk County Fire Rescue.
Upon the arrival of first responders, one of the drivers, 42-year old Vilmarie Munet of Kissimmee, was found deceased in her vehicle.
The driver of a second vehicle, 54-year old Jose Cirilo Martinez-Hernandez of Haines City, suffered serious, but non-life threatening injuries. He was transported by ambulance to an area hospital.
PCSO Traffic Homicide detectives and Forensic Investigators collected evidence and witness statements.
Ms. Munet had been driving a gray 2013 Toyota Camry west on Cypress Parkway, and Mr. Martinez-Hernandez was driving a gray 2011 Toyota Camry eastbound.
The preliminary investigation indicates that Ms. Munet’s Camry crossed the center line, into the eastbound lane. Mr. Martinez-Hernandez attempted to swerve to avoid the crash, but the two vehicles collided.
The vehicle was later located at the driver’s Polk County residence parked inside his garage where Troopers learned the driver then fled in a blue 2017 Ford Fiesta which also belonged to him. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Deputies would later locate the Ford Fiesta parked at the Brandon Mall and also located the driver inside the mall. The driver, Edgardo Joel Rosado Perez of Lakeland, aged 41, was later arrested by FHP Troopers for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and delivered to the Hillsborough County Jail.
Anyone with information regarding this case or observes the suspect vehicle is asked to call *FHP (*347) or Crime Stoppers at **TIPS
On March 26th at approximately 11:30pm a black Dodge Challenger, was traveling eastbound in the 2100 block of Davenport Boulevard, east of US-27. The vehicle overtook and collided with a bicyclist, then fled the scene. The bicyclist, a 27-year-old Ocala man, was transported to an area hospital where he later expired from injuries suffered during the crash.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call *FHP (*347) or Crime Stoppers at **TIPS.
Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation protects people’s physical well-being by donating automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Horses For Handicapped helps people’s mental well-being by providing horseback riding for people with various mental and physical disabilities. So, it only makes sense that both foundations would support each other with one donating to another.
Helen Heaney, a volunteer for Horses For Handicapped in Sebring, learned about Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation while scrolling through Facebook in October. Upon learning about the organization, she reached out to its founder, Melanie Brown Culpepper, and requested an AED for her facility.
“I was very inspired by her story and how she made something tragic in her life, a positive for so many others,” Heaney said. “With Horses for Handicapped, having many children through adults with varying disabilities & medical issues, I thought having an AED would be our first defense in helping a tragedy not occur.”
Melanie and her team of volunteers visited Horses For Handicapped on Wednesday to donate and install the AED. This device will be the 38th device donated by her organization, and the first to not only be donated in Pinellas County, but also the first of five AEDs provided by Tampa Bay Lightning.
Horses For Handicapped started in 1981 with Founder Gene Harris of the Seminole Kiwanis & Mary “Snakey” Urguhart, a leader of the 4H & Girl Scouts. Heaney joined the program in Sebring to help accommodate her daughter, Kelly Krohel, who is diagnosed with Autism. Kelly started horseback riding at age eight and continues to do so even at age 29.
During their visit, Melanie was also able to meet Leah Frohnerath and her daughter Jocelyn Frohnerath, who was born with a disability and started horseback riding at age six. Jocelyn was able to show Melanie and her team her horse which won several competitions.
“This was one very touching moment for me, as was able to place the AED at a location that I’m honored that it went to so many different reasons,” Melanie said. “This went to a foundation from another foundation that are out to help ones in need.”
Melanie started her foundation three years ago following the untimely death of her late fiancée, Michael Culpepper, from cardiac arrest. Not wanting to see anyone else suffer a similar fate, she started her organization and has raised proceeds to donate nearly 40 AEDs to businesses and other establishments across Polk County.
As someone who operates her own foundation to help people in need, Heany was inspired by Melanie’s story, which prompted her to reach out and request an AED of their own. Being able to coordinate with another local foundation was nothing short of motivational.
“It’s truly a godsend having an AED donated,” she said. “Seeing that we rely on donations to care for and run the program, we couldn’t possibly buy one on our own. Melanie is such an inspiration to others. Her story is sad & tragic, but her love for Michael lives on in what she has accomplished by giving others the opportunity to save a life.”
To learn more about Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/honoringculpepper
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Monday, March 25, 2024, in the unincorporated area of Bowling Green, south of Fort Meade.
Around 9:30 a.m. that morning, the PCSO ECC received a 911 call from 41-year-old Jose Rivera, Sr., of Wauchula, who told the call-taker that he had just shot his brother in self-defense at a harvesting business where Jose works, located at 290 Old Bowling Green Road. When first responders arrived, they found 32-year-old Samuel Rivera (his 2022 Polk County Jail mugshot is seen here) with three gunshot wounds on his body. They rendered first aid and rushed him to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
According to the witnesses and the investigation so far, Samuel had an argument with Jose at a family party on Sunday regarding Samuel wanting to borrow a family member’s four-wheeler. Jose would not allow Samuel to borrow it due to the fact that Samuel previously battered the owner of the four-wheeler back in June 2023.
On Monday morning, Samuel told different family members that he was still angry with Jose about being denied the four-wheeler, and that he was going to “beat his a**.” Samuel also called the owner of the four-wheeler and threatened him. Samuel went to Jose’s place of business (Samuel did not work there) Monday morning prior to Jose arriving. When Josearrived, Samuel immediately and violently confronted Jose, who recently had significant eye surgery.
Jose kept his hands in his pockets as Samuel attacked him. This was witnessed by several others at the scene. While being actively punched on his body, head, and his back, Joseretrieved a handgun from inside his truck. Samuel grabbed the gun and a struggle for possession over the firearm ensued, at which point one round was fired, striking Samuel on the top of his foot. Samuel looked down at his foot, then aggressively charged Jose again with his fists clenched. Jose then shot Samuel two times in his upper body.
Samuel is a registered violent felony offender in Florida and was on probation at the time this crime occurred, for possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted felon and drug possession. His criminal history includes 12 previous felonies and 4 previous misdemeanors dating back to 2012. In 2015, he was sentenced to five years in prison for aggravated stalking (Hardee County).
“This investigation is still ongoing, but based on witnesses at the scene, it appears that Samuel Rivera, a violent and out-of-control convicted felon, through his own actions, created such an element of fear that the victim was forced to protect himself with a firearm. Trying to solve a dispute with violence never ends well.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
By Kip Kirchberg The Lake Wales Charter School Board was scheduled for a Special work session / financial meeting, however, Board Chair Danny Gill was forced to change the meeting to a special session due to an HR complaint/grievance that was brought to his attention regarding Superintendent Dr. Rodolfich.
Danny Gill, Lake Wales Charter School Chair
To kick off the special meeting Danny Gill made a statement to the Board. “Todays meeting is to not to pass judgement or make decision on the validity of the subject matter. We do not have the direct insight knowledge or information to make that call. We are here to get the report from our HR Director and vote on the recommendation action provided which is an investigation of the allegations.”
Danny Gill stated that he received a notice from the HR Director regarding complaints or grievances received. Noting that is the responsibility and the duty of the HR Director to report a grievance complaint to their Supervisor, which is the Chairman of the Board Danny Gill. Once the grievance complaint was passed on to the Chairman from the HR Director, Danny Gill stated he has a “duty and obligation to report that onto the board. And the only way I can do that is through a public meeting to be under sunshine. So LaQuanda will you present the information to the board?”
LWCS Special Meeting
HR Director LaQuanda Burroughs read the HR complaint to the board. On March 19th HR Director LaQuanda Burroughs received a grievance from an employee stating that Dr. Rodolfich had created a toxic and hostile work environment. The complaint stems from over a year of interactions with the Superintendent, according to the complaint all staff members have been listed as witnesses. As part of the complaint HR Director LaQuanda Burroughs stated that On March 18, 2024 at 8am Dr. Rodolfich yelled at an employee and pounded on the table. It was referred to as demoralizing and embarrassing. Upon receipt the Board Chair, Danny Gill, was informed of the grievance.
Based on the grievance, Dr. Rodolfich allegedly created a culture of fear, mistrust and toxicity. It was also reported that Dr. Rodolfich has discriminated against and singled out an employee due to race. HR Director LaQuanda Burroughs recommended that an external employment law firm be retained to investigate and substantiate the claims.
Danny Gill reminded the board that they are in no position to make any confirmations or validities of the information and wants to make sure they keep themselves unbiased and impartial to make sure they make no judgment until information is provided. Danny Gill wants to ensure Dr Rodolfich is treated fairly and that the allegations are handled in a professional manner.
Dr. Rodolfich, Lake Wales Charter School Superintendent
“I welcome the investigation” said Dr. Rodolfich who also made a brief statement to the board. “This is the first time that I have been made aware that anyone in my office has an issue with my communication. And that occurred whenever we returned from spring break. And I just want to make sure that everybody understands that I was not aware that anyone was offended by anything that I had said at any meeting prior to or during. Because anyone that ever has been has come to my office and told me how they felt. I think that is a much more proactive way of communicating if you have an issue with something I have done as Superintendent.”
Dr. Rodolfich also asked that “Its only fair to my family that I am given a fair opportunity when there has been no complaints levied against me at any point while I’ve been the Superintendent here. There is no record of anything like that. I do have a deep concern about the origin of these allegations and the hostility towards me within my office as it relates to the people making these accusations toward me.” According to the HR Director three separate employees filed complaints against Dr. Rodolfich. LaQuanda Burroughs made the recommendation in the best interest of the board, organization, and employees to have someone impartial that specializes in employment law to review this case.
Tanya Stewart, Lake Wales Charter School Trustee
Danny Gill asked the investigation to be conducted by a firm outside of Lake Wales to maintain neutrality. Tonya Stewart recommended that they look for a firm outside the county.
Dr. Rodolfich stated hee feels he “earned the right to continue to do the work I am doing”. “ I have a pristine 3 decade record of working for children.”. “If I am over passionate, I am over passionate about the fact that our children deserve better”. “You can beat us up, you can say things about us, but we are still gonna keep working for the kids here. We don’t know it any other way in the Rodolfich household, so I would like to keep working for my kids”.
Dr. Rodolfich made a recommendation that he should work remotely during the investigation and he would retrieve items from the office after hours or work with HR Director to retrieve items during the day. The board ultimately decided to accept his recommendation.
This is an ongoing investigation and we will report additional details once they become available.
The Lake Wales Charter School Board was scheduled for a Special work session / financial meeting, however, Board Chair Danny Gill was forced to change the meeting to a special session due to an HR complaint/grievance that was brought to his attention regarding DR Rodolfich.
HR Director LaQuanda Burroughs read the HR complaint to the board. March 19th HR Director LaQuanda Burroughs received a grievance from an employee stating that Dr. Rodolfich had created a toxic and hostile work environment. The complaint stems from over a year of interactions with the Superintendent, according to the complaint all staff members have been listed as witnesses. As part of the complaint HR Director LaQuanda Burroughs stated that On March 18 at 8am Dr. Rodolfich yelled at an employee and pounded on the table. It was referred to as demoralizing and embarrassing. Upon receipt the Board Chair, Danny Gill, was informed of the grievance.
Based on the grievance Dr Redolfich allegedly created a culture of fear, mistrust and toxicity. It was also reported that DR Redolfich has discriminated against and singled out an employee due to race. HR Director LaQuanda Burroughs recommended that an external employment law firm be retained to investigate and substantiate the claims.
Dr. Rodolfich made a recommendation that he would work remote during the investigation and he would retrieve items from the office after hours or work with HR Director to retrieve items during the day. The board ultimately decided accept this recommendation.
This is an ongoing investigation and we will report additional details once they become available.
The Haines City Police Department has arrested Robert Wayne Graves Jr (DOB 11/10/1962) and is charging him with 4 counts including Grand Theft and fraud.
It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Haines City 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 March 14, 2024, Uniformed Patrol responded to the Citizens Bank & Trust located at 36250 Hwy 27, Haines City, FL, in reference to a suspicious person in the lobby impersonating a customer and attempting to conduct a wire transfer with a fake identification.
Upon arrival, Officer Tarr (HI 726) was made aware of the incident and she made contact with the suspect. Officer Tarr requested the suspect’s identification and as he opened his wallet to provide Officer Tarr with a Florida Driver’s License, Officer Tarr observed a Texas Driver’s License in the wallet. Officer Tarr collected both licenses and the suspect was identified as Robert Wayne Graves Jr (DOB 11/10/1962) on a Florida driver’s license. Officer Tarr asked Robert why he had a Texas driver’s license with another name on it and he stated something to the effect of, “I just got lucky.”
The suspect was attempting to impersonate REDACTED. The suspect was read his Miranda Warnings, to which he invoked his right to remain silent.
The suspect was transported to the Haines City Police Department.
The Assistant Branch Manager, REDACTED, arrived at the Haines City Police Department to conduct a sworn taped statement of the incident. In summary, REDACTED stated the following:
REDACTED said she was working at the bank when the suspect entered the bank and requested a wire transfer for the amount of $65,734.62. The suspect handed her a Texas Driver’s License and a credit card with the name “REDACTED”. The suspect handed her a work order from “Robert Graves Pool Creations” for $65,734.62. He then opened up a black notebook and provided her with a routing number and account number. The account number was to a Citizen’s bank account which belonged to REDACTED. He also provided a routing number for a PNC bank account.
REDACTED stated she began the paperwork for the transaction she-ran the Texas License and observed the photo and driver’s license did not match the driver’s license and photo information on their database. REDACTED contacted the Winter Haven branch where the account was originally opened and spoke to REDACTED who normally handles REDACTED banking when he is in FL. REDACTED contacted REDACTED and he stated he was currently in Houston, TX, and did not give anyone permission to make a wire transfer.
Based on statements made by REDACTED, I find probable cause to charge Robert Wayne Graves J r with FSS: 322.212(1)(A)- Possession of Counterfeit Driver’s License (UTC ticket # AIK80ME), FSS: 812.014(2)(BX1)- Grand Theft $20,000 less than $100,000, FSS: 817.5685(3(A)(2)- Unlawful Possession of Personal ID of4 orless, andFSS: 817.568(2)(A)Criminal Use of Personal ID.
Graves wastransported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office processing center.”
Lake Wales, Florida – The Daily Ridge prompted by recent events requested and was granted an opportunity to review the investigation into the allegations of racism in its promotional practices of Chief Christopher Velazquez regarding a recent Lieutenant position. That investigation preceded the actions of the city manager to first suspend/look for a replacement of Chief Velazquez (story here: Suspension/Termination) and then a reinstatement and no termination this past Tuesday night (story here: Reinstatement).
Editors Note: The desire of the Daily Ridge is to give you the factual details. So in the interest of transparency here is the entire report and below photos as proof no details are left out. It should be noted that the below information is expounded from what was in the memorandum that Sandra Davis the Human Resource Manager produced. We are currently trying to verify why the posting was extended. We have been advised if they didn’t change the job posting it would have discriminated against a female officer, but we have not confirmed. We will continue to investigate and bring you the FACTS. We have enough partisan blocks spewing false information.
“
ALLEN NORTON & BLUE
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION
REPORT OF FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS REGARDING
POLICE LIEUTENANT
PROMOTIONAL DECISIONS
February 26, 2024
Submitted by:
Brian Koii
ALLEN NORTON & BLUE, P.A.
324 S. Hyde Park Ave., Suite 225
Tampa, Florida 33618
Page 1 of 6
February 26, 2024
City of Lake Wales
201 W. Central Avenue
Lake Wales, Florida 33853
Re: Findings and Conclusions Concerning 2024 Promotional Police Lieutenant
Promotion Decisions:
In February 2024, the City of Lake Wales retained Allen Norton & Blue to review allegations raised regarding the propriety of recently completed Police Lieutenant promotions.
Please accept this correspondence as our report of the findings and conclusions of that investigation.
This inquiry originated after a local community organization, the Poor Minority Justice Association, submitted a complaint on February 8, 2024, asserting that the recent promotional decisions were impermissibly motivated by the candidates’ race. In response to these allegations, the City immediately ordered a review of the promotional process and the decisions. The City’s Human Resources Director was tasked with interviewing all relevant witnesses and gathering the pertinent facts. Those statements and facts were subsequently reviewed and analyzed by the undersigned to determine if the allegations of racial discrimination were credible.
As detailed below, this investigation determined that there was no supporting evidence establishing that the recent promotional decisions were based on any candidate’s race.
Notwithstanding, the procedure employed by the Police Department to select the successful candidates for promotion in this instance deviated somewhat from the process used in the past, which, in conjunction with the decision to permit James Hampton to apply for the position despite not yet having obtained his degree, gave the process an appearance of unfairness. As a consequence, we recommend that the City revisit the decision to promote Hampton after devising a formal promotional process approved by the City Manager.
Allegations Raised
The complaint from the Poor Minority Justice Association alleged, in relevant part (italics):
Recently, our office has been in receipt of complaints, in regard to discriminative practices in the procedures concerning promotions within the Lake Wales Police
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Department. On October 30, 2023, Lieutenant Stephanie Goreck produced an email inviting sergeants to apply for an open lieutenant position. The memo gave specific directives expressing the requirements and deadlines for submitting an application for this promotion. Although Sergeant James Hampton did not qualify according to general order 3.05, he was allowed to apply. This is inconsistent with the policies of promotion as ascribed by the Lake Wales Police Department.
We are concerned that there is an element of untruth on his behalf and discrimination actions on the department’s behalf. We also have determined, based upon the information that we have received, that neither sergeant that were promoted had met the qualifications, unlike their black counterparts had.
During the course of this investigation, Sgt. Alvin Maultsby also raised a concern that his race had played a role in the promotional decision.
Applicable Policies General Order 3.05 (March 2020) governs promotions to the position of Police Lieutenant.
That General Order prescribes that, “[a]s an administrative position, the promotion will be made by appointment of the Chief of Police.” While the General Order does not mandate a specific procedure to be used, it does require that the process “be standardized and provide a fair and equitable means of advancement for all members who participate.” It further requires that the “promotional process be job related and non-discriminatory.”
Regarding the qualifications for the position of Police Lieutenant, General Order 3.05 requires that candidates hold the position of Sergeant, have completed an A.A. or A.S. degree, and have completed the CJSTC Middle Management course.
The City’s personnel policies prohibits “illegal discrimination in employment, employment opportunities or job actions on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, legally recognized disability, political affiliation, or marital status[.]” PAP, §2-201.06.
Investigation Process
In addition to reviewing the pertinent policies, emails, and documents, the following individuals were interviewed over the course of several days by the Human Resources Director with the relevant information subsequently shared with the undersigned:
Edward Palmer
Alvin Maultsby
Emmanuel Figueroa
William Raebig
William Smith
Terry Schulze
Stephanie Goreck
James Hampton
Troy Schulze
Page 3 of 6
Chris Velasquez
Findings and Conclusions
A. The allegations of racial discrimination are unfounded.
This investigation did not uncover any evidence that race was a factor in the decisions to promote James Hampton or Andrew Brown.
Both federal and state law make it unlawful to fail to promote a candidate because of race.
See Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000-2(a); Florida Civil Rights Act, S 760.10(1)(a), Fla. Stat. To establish a claim of unlawful racial discrimination, it must be shown that an unsuccessful candidate was qualified for the position but that a candidate of a different race received the position and the decision was motivated by race. Griffin v. City of Demorest, 635 Fed Appx. 701 (11th Cir. 2015). Assuming the emplover articulates a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason for the promotional decision, the complainant has the burden of proving both that the employer’s reason is false and that racial discrimination was the real reason for the decision. Blue v. Dunn Const. Co., Inc., 453 Fed.Appx. 881, 884 (1 1th Cir. 2011) (citing St. Mary’s Honor Ctr. v. Hicks, 509 U.S. 502, Si5 (1993)). As the courts have repeatedly made clear, this inquiry “centers upon the employer’s beliefs, and not the [complainant’s] own perceptions.1” Jackson v. Agency for Persons with Disabilities Fla., 608 F. App’x 740, 742 (1 1th Cir. 2015).
In this inquiry, the Police Chief and Deputy Police Chief articulated legitimate, non-discriminatory, job-related reasons for the decisions. Nobody who was interviewed could provide any support showing that any candidate’s race played a role in the decision to promote Brown and Hampton. Although it is apparent that Maultsby and the Poor Minority Justice Association genuinely believe that race played a decisive role, there was no evidence that that belief is supported by any evidence. As a consequence, we find this allegation to be unfounded.
Moreover, contrary to the allegations of the complaint submitted by the Poor Minority Justice Association, it is apparent that both Brown and Hampton were qualified to perform the duties of the Lieutenant position, as were the unsuccessful candidates. In this instance, the Chief concluded that Brown and Hampton were the most qualified candidates and, as noted above, there is no evidence that any candidates’ race played a role in those decisions.
B. Based on the appearance of a potential unfairness, the City should consider redoing the promotional process as to decision to promote James Hampton.
Although we did not uncover any evidence of impermissible race discrimination, the inquiry did uncover circumstances which could lead the participants and others to question the fairness of the process. In particular, the facts established that, on October 30, 2023, the Police Department, through Lt. Stephanie Goreck, initially announced the vacancy in the Lieutenant positions. At that time, interested candidates were instructed to submit a memorandum and resume by November 3, 2023. Candidates were further instructed that their memorandum “needs to express your interest in being appointed to the position of Lieutenant, the fact that you meet all policy requirements and anything else you would like to include.” As noted above, the minimum requirements for the position included that each candidate hold the position of Sergeant, have completed an A.A. or A.S. degree, and have completed the CJSTC Middle Management course.
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The next day, on October 31, 2023, Lt. Goreck sent out an email changing and clarifying the promotional requirements. In particular, the deadline to submit the memorandum and resume was changed to November 10, 2023, and the directive was clarified to make it clear that candidates who did not meet the minimum qualifications by November 10 could still compete for the position so long as they could meet those qualifications by January 1, 2024.
This change effectively clarified that James Hampton could compete for the position as he had not yet obtained his college degree but would have it by January 1. When Hampton was subsequently one of the successful candidates, some candidates concluded that the decision had been preordained. While the investigation did not substantiate that to be the case, the change in the process could lend itself to that appearance.
While the Police Department’s General Order does not specify exactly when a candidate must have met the minimum requirements, a review of prior promotional processes did show that on at least one occasion a candidate in similar circumstances was not eligible to apply. Although there is no evidence that race played any role in this process, based on this appearance of unfairness and inconsistency, we recommend that the City consider redoing the promotional process as it pertains to the Hampton’s promotion.
In the event that the city concurs and elects to redo the promotional process, we further recommend that the Police Department outline the process to be used and the selection criteria in writing and have it reviewed by the City Manager and by Human Resources. The current General Order only provides that the promotional decision is to be made by the Chief, but does not dictate how the decision is to be made Or the criteria to be used. While this, by its nature, affords the Chief maximum flexibility and latitude to determine the best fit for the position, it also unfortunately lends itself to allegations of impropriety even in instances where there is none. To alleviate those concerns and to ensure that the decision is based solely on qualifications and merit, we would recommend that the Department outline its process and selection criteria in advance.
It is our understanding that, in the past, the Department has also employed outside experts to review and interview candidates and make non-binding recommendations to the Chief.
Although it is our belief that the Police Department’s administration is ultimately in the best position to determine who is the best candidate for a position, we also believe that there is great added value through the use of outside experts who can provide guidance and recommendation Is such, we would recommend that the Police Department consider that in this instance as-well particularly since both internal and external constituencies subjectively believe that the process was unfair and preordained.
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Closing remarks
Finally, all who review this report are reminded that the City expressly forbids retaliation against employees who raise concerns of discrimination or who participate in an investigation into such allegations. Accordingly, all employees who participated in this inquiry must not be subject to any adverse action as a result of such participation.
Thank you for the opportunity to be of service to the City of Lake Wales in connection with this investigation. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, or otherwise wish to discuss any of the findings, conclusions, or recommendations, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
s/ Brian Koi
Brian Koji
Page 6 of 6 “
Editors Note: We have spoken to City of Lake Wales Manager James Slaton and the city is currently working with HR director Sandra Davis and Chief Velazquez to have a more streamlined process that will help resolve any appearance or perception of favoritism in the future.
Giselle Baker bought her home near Lake Alta Park in 2003. She loves being able to open her door in the morning and see the lake from across the street.
Often, she takes her granddaughter on walks around the lake, where the young girl often picks the wildflowers and even rides her bike. Baker also loves being neighbors with plenty of local fauna that have taken up residence in the area including owls, frogs, and even a family of foxes.
However, if a controversial proposal is approved by the city, Baker and her neighbors will no longer be able to see a lake from their homes. Instead, they will see a residential development with approximately 15 cottage-style houses.
Aside from the 3.5 acres of untamed wildlife being replaced with residential housing, and the other potential issues that would arise including traffic and parking, Baker is also concerned with the stormwater, as the lake often fills up during the rainy season.
“The city should protect our parks, not give them away,” she said. “Because once they are gone, we cannot get them back; when they are gone, they are gone.”
Baker was one of many residents who took to the podium during public comments at the recent Lake Wales City Commission meeting to speak against two ordinances that would change the future land use and zoning designation to a parcel of land known as Lake Alta Park.
Lake Wales City Commissioners voted 3-1 to approve the first reading of two ordinances that would amend the zoning and future land use designation for a 3.5-acre parcel located on the north side of town.
Both ordinances would change its land use designation from “Public” to “Low-Density Residential”, and the zoning from “Recreation” to “R-1C Residential.” Mayor Jack Hilligoss gave the only “nay” vote for both ordinances.
The 3.5-acre parcel is located north of Kissimmee Avenue, east of 3rd Street North, south of Osceola Avenue East, and west of 4th Street North. The parcel had been transferred by the city to the Community Redevelopment Agency, which is considering transferring the land to a private developer.
According to the city staff memo, the developer plans on utilizing the property: “to build cottage-style homes on approximately 1.7 acres to the west. Lake Alta Park will be left open to the public and will be maintained by the HOA associated with the cottage homes. The transfer of the property will allow the developer to cluster alley-loaded infill homes along 3rd Street and Lake Alta Park, with the park designated as open space and recreation credited towards the associated Planned Development Project (PDP), 3rd Street Cottages.”
However, residents fear that, even if the Lake Alta Park area remains intact, the land will still be transferred from the city to a private developer, which would then confer its maintenance to an HOA, thus taking the property away from existing residents and into the hands of other individuals.
“The neighborhood had a park taken away from them,” said one resident, Becky Winecoop, who spoke during public comments. “Had y’all kept it you, we would not be here today. Here is where the city has failed the community, and now we are suffering. I don’t know what the builder will have planned in the future, but we [residents] are at an unfair advantage.”
David Price, President and CEO of Bok Tower Gardens, mentioned how the land itself had been designated by Olmstead Firm as a city park. To remove it from city ownership and place it in the hands of private developers to do as they so wish would go against the city’s legacy of being a “city in a garden.”
“It is not just a random piece of land,” he said. “If this is changed, you will be destroying a traditional neighborhood.”
City Commissioner Robin Gibson argued that both ordinances should be approved, as the proposed development would help “set the stage” for the Lake Wales Envisioned plan, a city-approved initiative to help Lake Wales better prepare for future development and growth. Gibson said the proposed development would show what Lake Wales Envisioned is capable of.
“The thing to do is approve these two [ordinances] and set the stage,” he said. “Here is a regular standard neighborhood we can make special and use it as an example of what can be done…So, the way I see it, we approve these two ordinances, the stage is set for the opportunity to look at doing something that is magnificent and great for the neighborhood and a great example for the rest of the town.”
City Commissioner Keith Thompson voted in favor of both ordinances, claiming that the proposed development would be necessary for the city’s growth and that residents who were against it needed to accept that change happens.
“I got a message for you on that: Lake Wales is not going to stay just the way it is, not in your neighborhood, not in my neighborhood, not in anyone else’s neighborhood,” he argued. “We are all going to have to get used to the fact that the Crown Jewel has been discovered, and there are people who are moving here, and there are landowners who don’t know what to do with empty and vacant property that they own and they have a say in what goes on there.”
Mayor Jack Hilligoss gave the only ‘nay” vote for both ordinances. He said that he had changed his mind about them after speaking with residents who live in that area, and how he now sympathizes with their concerns.
“I did live in that neighborhood,” he said. “I thought that if I lived there now, I would be excited about this development, but I don’t…If this property was completely owned by the developer, I would be in favor of this without hesitation. But we are doing something that affects that neighborhood that has to happen to make it happen. And I have been in favor of this until I listened to folks who live in that neighborhood, and I simply understand their concerns.”
