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53rd Annual Lake Wales Arts Festival Coming To The Shores of Lake Wailes Lake

Carl Fish
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53rd Annual Lake Wales Arts Festival Coming To The Shores of Lake Wailes Lake

Lake Wales Arts Festival: February 23-25, 2024!

Lake Wales, FL (January 31, 2024) – The Lake Wales Arts Council is thrilled to announce the eagerly awaited 53rd Annual Lake Wales Arts Festival, a spectacular showcase of artistic brilliance that has been an integral part of Lake Wales for over half a century. Against the stunning backdrop of the Shores of Lake Wailes, this festival promises a weekend filled with artistic enchantment.

Greg Littleton, President and CEO of Citizens Bank & Trust of Lake Wales, spoke of the festival’s significance, stating, “The Lake Wales Arts Festival is such a staple of Lake Wales. When people think about Lake Wales, they think about the art show, and we are proud of our nearly 20-year association with the event. We love the fact that the Lake Wales Arts Festival is family-friendly and is all weekend long. It’s a fun event beginning on Friday night with the Art-B-Que, and then all of the events that happen on Saturday and Sunday. It’s just a lot of fun.”

Tommy Frank, the Executive Director of the Lake Wales Arts Council, expressed the profound impact of the festival, saying, “The Lake Wales Arts Festival is not just an event; it’s a celebration of creativity, inspiration, and community. For 53 years, this festival has been a cultural cornerstone, bringing together artists, art enthusiasts, and families to experience the transformative power of the arts.”

The festival aligns perfectly with the mission of the Lake Wales Arts Council, enriching the lives of all Central Florida residents by providing innovative arts education programs and world-class performance and visual arts experiences. This commitment aims to nurture appreciation for the arts, inspire curiosity and creativity, and cultivate a thriving cultural arts community in Central Florida.

Jessica Garrett, President of the Lake Wales Arts Council board of directors and co-chair of the Lake Wales Arts Festival steering committee, emphasized the festival’s role in fostering community engagement and supporting local artists. Garrett stated, “This festival is a testament to the vibrant arts community we’ve cultivated over the years. It’s a platform for artists to showcase their talent, and it’s an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the rich tapestry of our cultural heritage.”

**Sponsorship and Patron Opportunities:**

The 53rd Annual Lake Wales Arts Festival is presented by title sponsor Citizens Bank & Trust, in partnership with presenting sponsor Blossom Charitable Foundation, Inc. Additional support comes from Visit Central Florida and the Florida Division of Arts & Culture. The festival extends an invitation to businesses and individuals to become part of this cultural extravaganza by exploring various sponsorship opportunities, aligning their brand with a cherished community event while supporting the arts.

**Festival Highlights:**

– **Dates:** February 23-25, 2024

– **Location:** Shores of Lake Wailes, Lake Wales, FL

– **Awards:** Over $22,000 in prize money

**Schedule of Events:**

– **Friday, February 23: Art-B-Que Kick-off Event, 5-9 PM**

– **Saturday, February 24: 10 AM – 5 PM**

– **Sunday, February 25: 10 AM – 4 PM**

**Tickets Now On Sale:**

– **Art-B-Que Kick-off Event: Friday, February 23: 5-9 PM**

– **LWAF Beverage Crawl: Saturday, February 24 and Sunday, Feb 25: 11 AM-3 PM**

**Art-B-Que Kick-off Event:**

The festival kicks off with the 11th Annual Art-B-Que, a festive evening by the shores of Lake Wailes featuring food, drinks, live entertainment, and a cash bar. The schedule includes a Happy Hour at 5 PM, Dinner at 6 PM, and Live Music from 7-9 PM.

**LWAF Patron’s Program and Lounge:**

Nestled under the oak trees near the Artist Exhibitors’ area is the Patron’s Lounge tent, a comfortable space for Patron’s Program supporters to enjoy highlights from the Festival, including intimate artist talks and demonstrations, live local music, refreshments, and climate-control restroom facilities.

**LWAF Beverage Crawl:**

Amidst the tents of talented artists, the Beverage Crawl offers delightful selections from Florida-area breweries and wineries. Attendees can enjoy samples at five beverage tents throughout the festival grounds.

**LWAF Children & Family Tent:**

The festival ensures a family-friendly environment with free opportunities for children, including hands-on art projects sponsored by the Family Literacy Academy of Lake Wales, pottery wheel demonstrations, an instrument petting zoo sponsored by Sandy’s Music Girls, Kids Tag Art sponsored by the Joe G. Tedder Polk County Tax Collector’s Office, and more.

For more information about the event, sponsorship, patron opportunities, and event tickets, visit [Lake Wales Arts Council](https://www.lakewalesartscouncil.org/lake-wales-arts-festival-2024).

**About Lake Wales Arts Council:**

The Lake Wales Arts Council is a vibrant hub for artistic expression and cultural enrichment in the heart of Florida. With a mission to foster creativity and engagement, the Arts Council offers a range of programs, events, and exhibitions that inspire and uplift the community.

For more information, contact the Lake Wales Arts Council at 863-676-8426, [email protected], or visit the website at [lw-arts.org](https://www.lakewalesartscouncil.org).

For media inquiries, please contact:

**Tommy Frank**

Lake Wales Arts Council, Executive Director

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 863-676-8426

Winter Haven High School Beach Volleyball Looks To Continue Its First Year Success & Build New Beach Volleyball Courts On The Campus Of Winter Haven High School.

Carl Fish
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Winter Haven High School Beach Volleyball Looks To Continue Its First Year Success & Build New Beach Volleyball Courts On The Campus Of Winter Haven High School.

Winter Haven High School Beach Volleyball looks to continue its first year success and build new beach volleyball courts on the campus of Winter Haven High School. Being one of the premier indoor programs in Polk County, the expectations were high when beach volleyball became an officially sanctioned FHSAA sport for the first time last year. With a record of 16-1 and a trip to FSU in Tallahassee to play in the state tournament, the Blue Devils may have exceeded the expectations of many, but not that of head coach Dylan Sechrest, “I expected us to win every match we played.” Sechrest said.

Winter Haven will return most of the core of last year’s team including 13 of the 16 players and of 8 of the top 10 players. While they will need to replace three seniors from last year’s team, there are a number of young, talented, and eager players ready to step in and produce immediately. The season begins February 5th; to say the Blue Devils are excited to hit the sand is an understatement. That excitement is matched only by their excitement to build beach courts on their home campus. Having a home court would further separate Winter Haven Volleyball from other programs in the county. There are so few beach courts for the high schools to share and no Polk County school has beach courts on campus. Currently, they have to practice and play at the Polk State College Winter Haven Beach Courts. This creates a lot of challenges for the emerging program. From transporting equipment daily, to facilities, to monitoring who is coming to the matches, and so much more, the time to build courts on campus is now! Winter Haven High School and county officials are in the late planning stages of building the courts and look to begin construction in February.

Anyone who wishes to help either financially, with products, or expertise is encouraged to email [email protected]. It’s an exciting time to be a part of Winter Haven Volleyball!

Haines City Police Department Arrests 4 Suspects In Burglary Spree

Carl Fish
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Haines City Police Department Arrests 4 Suspects In Burglary Spree

HAINES CITY, Fla. – In a significant step toward combating property crime, the Haines City Police Department (HCPD), in collaboration with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), has captured 4 illegal aliens linked to a burglary spree in a local subdivision within Haines City. The arrests of Gabriel Acosta, Saul Contreras, Wandry Alcantara, and David Herrera highlight the effectiveness of joint law enforcement efforts in protecting community safety.

The incident began after a security guard noticed suspicious activity involving the theft of household appliances from new construction homes and notified law enforcement. A key moment occurred when officers tracked down and intercepted a vehicle believed to be used by the suspects. Despite attempts to evade capture, the vehicle crashed during a pursuit, leading to the suspects fleeing on foot.

Investigations at the crash site revealed a trove of stolen appliances within the vehicle, directly linking the individuals to the burglaries. The swift action by the HCPD and the PCSO in identifying and arresting Acosta, Contreras, Alcantara, and Herrera shows their commitment to community safety.

Haines City Chief of Police Greg Goreck, expressed great satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the dedication of the officers and deputies, as well as the importance of interagency cooperation. “The arrest of these individuals sends a clear message about our relentless pursuit of justice and our zero-tolerance stance on criminal activities that threaten our community’s peace and security,” Goreck said.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd had this to say about the incident, “I applaud the great work of the Haines City Police officers and Polk County Sheriff’s deputies in holding these thieves accountable. These arrests are an excellent example of our ongoing partnership with the Haines City Police Department. The criminals never had a chance against the combined resources of our men and women working the streets to protect our communities, families, and businesses.”

The HCPD has charged these 4 individuals with (6) counts of burglary, felony of the second degree per FS 810.02(3)(B) as they are alleged to have stolen goods from 6 different locations.

Additionally, the PCSO charged the individuals with the following:

  • Fleeing to Elude
  • Resisting without Violence
  • Stolen Motor Vehicle
  • Leaving the Scene of a Crash
  • Trespassing

The department would like to thank the community for their vigilance and encourages ongoing alertness. This investigation underscores the importance of collaboration between the community and law enforcement in maintaining neighborhood safety. The department remains committed to following up on all leads to ensure justice and prevent future criminal activities.

If you or anyone you know has seen this vehicle at other construction sites, or has information about the suspects’ involvement in criminal activities, contact the Haines City Police Department at (863) 421-3636. For those wishing to provide information anonymously, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at (888) 400-8477.

Polk County First Degree Murder Suspect Caught

Carl Fish
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Polk County First Degree Murder Suspect Caught

The man who was wanted for a murder in Poinciana last week has been captured.

23-year old Kwavaughn Armani Buckley was arrested at his residence Tuesday afternoon (January 30, 2024) by the Winter Park Police Department on the Polk County warrant. He was booked-into the Orange County Jail and will be transferred to the Polk County Jail at a later time.

Buckley is facing charges for Felony First Degree Murder (FC) and Armed Burglary with Assault/Battery (FL).

“I want to acknowledge not only the great work by our Homicide detectives, but also the Winter Park Police Department in capturing our murder suspect. They also recovered a firearm that we are working to confirm as the possible murder weapon. With this arrest, a very dangerous man is now locked up.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

On the evening of Thursday, January 25th, Buckley went to the Poinciana residence of 36-year old Jeremiah Aguirre and shot him. Aguirre’s body was found by relatives the following Saturday.

Based on evidence collected and interviews, homicide detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office determined that Buckley went to Aguirre’s home on Thursday and forced entry into the home.

Buckley then shot Aguirre twice—one of which was a fatal wound to the abdomen.

Highlands County Sheriff’s Detention Deputy Takes His Own Life While On Duty

Carl Fish
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Highlands County Sheriff’s Detention Deputy Takes His Own Life While On Duty

SEBRING — The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a death investigation involving one of our members. 

At approximately 10 a.m. this morning, Paul Robitaille, a Detention Deputy assigned to the Highlands County Courthouse, took his own life while on duty. 

Shortly before 10 a.m., Deputy Paul Robitaille, a Detention Deputy assigned to the Highlands County Courthouse, asked his supervisor for a break. Security camera footage shows him walking out of the courthouse and to a nearby parking lot. At one point, he spoke to another deputy as he was walking on the sidewalk on Eucalyptus St. At no time did Deputy Robitaille give any indication something was wrong. A short time later, he was found near the northeast corner of the HCSO headquarters, deceased from a self-inflicted wound.

Deputy Robitaille was 56 years old. He leaves behind a wife and three children in his immediate family. His daughter, Ashlee, is a part-time deputy with the HCSO.

Deputy Robitaille joined the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office on March 5, 2007. 

“Paul was a great employee with a great attitude. We are all shocked and heartbroken over this and I ask that everyone keep his family, friends and our agency family in their prayers,” Sheriff Paul Blackman said. “The Sheriff’s Office is doing everything possible to comfort and support Paul’s family, as well as all of our members, to help everyone get through this.”

Last year, more than 50,000 Americans died by suicide and 128 of those were law enforcement officers. 

“One is too many,” Sheriff Blackman said. “If you or anyone you know is suffering with a mental crisis or having thoughts of self harm, I beg you to please ask for help. You do not have to go through this alone. There are people who want to help. If you don’t want to talk to someone you know, all you have to do it dial 988 on any phone to talk to someone at Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If you have nobody else and want to talk to someone face to face, call us. The Sheriff’s Office has chaplains and victim advocates available, as well as access to many other avenues to get you help.”

Check Out The Top Movies of 2023 with JC and Jen Nanek

Staff Reporter
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Check Out The Top Movies of 2023 with JC and Jen Nanek

by James Coulter

If last year could be described in a movie quote, it would be the one from Forrest Gump: “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.”

There’s no denying that 2023 was a mixed bag–or rather, mixed box–for cinema. Sometimes, you had films like Godzilla Minus Godzilla or Oppenheimer that were like rich caramel nougats, but then you had films like The Flash or Quantumania that were like coconut-filled chocolates…that were left under the couch with hair and dust!

If you’ve been following my work here on the Daily Ridge, you know that I have been sharing my thoughts on the latest movies through my column J.C. Reviews (formerly Welcome, World Travelers!). Recently, I sat down with Jennifer Nanek, the movie critic of Lake Wales News, to discuss our picks for the best and worst movies of last year.

You can hear our thoughts on the latest episode of the Chattin on the Ridge podcast. But here’s a sneak peek at some of our picks:

Best Live-Action Movie

J.C.’s Pick: The Barbie Movie

“I know that’s kind of surprising coming from a straight guy like myself, but I found it was an interesting movie…I really enjoyed how it was both a love letter to the Barbie brand as well as a deconstruction of what it means to be a woman. It was very philosophical.”

Jen’s Pick: Dungeons and Dragons

“It was so much fun. There were a lot of good special effects and action sequences. Chris Pine and Hugh Grant were very funny and did a good job…All the games in the arena and the cool monsters. I just thought it was great fun and I enjoyed the whole thing, and I’m sure there will be a sequel.”

Best Animated Movie

J.C.’s Pick: Nimona

“It definitely proved to be a surprise hit. A very funny buddy cop-style movie set in this imaginative, fantastical setting that combines medieval fantasy with futuristic, almost-cyberpunk sci-fi. I love sci-fi. I love fantasy. The fact that it combines both of these together really makes for a good blend. I also love the main character who is a shapeshifter and a real spunky ball of energy.”

Jen’s Pick: Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse

“[I loved] the whole thing with different Spider-Men from different parallel universes…[especially] the whole question at the end [with the main character] about whether he can save his father without saving his timeline. I thought that was fabulous. It was really compelling.”

Best Superhero Movie

J.C.’s Pick: Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse

“I felt it was a very good follow-up to the original film. I really enjoyed its stylized art style that combines 2D to 3D animation. It really does look and feel like a comic book come to life. And I really enjoyed how the movie built upon the premise of the last one with all these different Spider-Men from across the Spider-Verse. I loved many of the new characters like Spider-Punk and the Indian character Pav.”

Jen’s Pick: Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3

“It was very funny. It was a good backstory about Rocket Racoon…The whole backstory about him and the animals that were mistreated, it’s sort of a commentary on how we treat animals in society today with some of the experiments we sometimes do on them. I was in tears when he lost his one friend…I loved it immensely and I am sorry there is not going to be another [movie].”

Worst Movie

J.C.’s Pick: Trolls: Band Together

“Originally, I was going to choose the Paw Patrol movie, but my great-nephew is a fan of that show, so I want to be nice about that. What I am going to make the worst is this movie…The worst I can say about this film is that it rehashes the whole ‘bringing the band back together’ storyline. There isn’t anything new or original here.”

Jen’s Pick: 65

“There’s no reason why this should have been a bad movie. It involved Adam Driver in space and dinosaurs. But it was absolutely awful. The special effects were bad…and there was no emotional bond between the two main characters. This was horrible. Don’t watch it.”

Listen to the full podcast episode on Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chattinontheridge/episodes/Ep–20-Top-Movies-of-2023-wJennifer-Nanek-e2epsd4

Cherry Pocket Receives AED from Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation

Staff Reporter
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Cherry Pocket Receives AED from Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation

by James Coulter

Cherry Pocket Steak n Seafood is a quaint little eatery located on the waters of Lake Pierce. The eatery receives a lot of customers, both locals and Northerners. However, while the food and scenery are great, being in the middle of nowhere has its disadvantages.

For one, being located on the far outskirts of Lake Wales, traveling there takes some time. Its far distance from town can prove especially difficult in case of an emergency. Fortunately, this eatery received an automated external defibrillator (AED) to assist them when and if such an emergency arises.

Jody McKeem, the wife of the owner, had reached out to the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation to have an AED installed at their eatery. She previously checked with her insurance agent to make sure using such a device during an emergency would not become a potential liability. Fortunately, the Florida Good Samaritan Act protects against such liability.

“We reached out to have one here because we are out in the middle of nowhere,” Jody said. “It probably takes ambulances and firefighters longer to get here than normal, so it is good to have it and have people trained who can use it. If we can save a life, let’s try it. Hopefully, we never have to use it, but if we do, we have it available for our customers and anyone staying in the park.”

Melanie Brown Culpepper and her team of volunteers arrived at Cherry Pocket on Tuesday evening to install the AED and offer a presentation and demonstration. Eric Seamus, a local EMT, offered the demonstration, while Brian Belike, Melanie’s fiancée, helped install the AED in the eatery’s event room.

The owner, Jed McKeem, had purchased the eatery five years ago. He had experience running other businesses and wanted to see similar success with Cherry Pocket. He is grateful that an AED was installed, as it will help aid in potential emergencies if and when they arise.

“I think it is a great thing to have this device here,” he said. “It is a great program that is going on there. I think it is fantastic.”

Melanie started her organization three years ago following the untimely passing of her fiancée from cardiac arrest. Not wanting anyone else to suffer a similar fate, she started Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation to raise proceeds to donate and install AEDs across the county.

Since its inception, Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation has donated and installed nearly 30 AEDs in local businesses and establishments, including Tanners Lakeside, Old Man Frank’s, and Caribbean Bay. The AED for Cherry Pocket was sponsored by the Sugar Barn, which was a previous AED recipient.

“I think Cherry Pocket is a place that deserves it because they have a lot of people who come out here to eat and it is a small community with a lot of northerners who come down and a lot of older people,” Melanie said. “So, I think it is great for everybody here.”

Melanie hopes to continue raising more funds to install more AEDs across the county and hopefully beyond. She owes her success to everyone who helps make her endeavors possible.

“I always give my success to the community,” she said. “I feel that without all of them, I could not make this happen. It takes a whole team of us to do this, and without them, I could not make this happen, without the sponsors and donations and people coming to my events. That is how we can keep this going.”

Gloria Gregg, an employee and bartender at Cherry Pocket, had known Michael Culpepper in life. She and him had been friends for 25 years. She is glad that an organization dedicated to doing so much good was created in his honor.

“It is a wonderful thing,” Gloria said. “We needed that thing [AED] out here. She [Melanie] has been trying to get it out here for a long time, and we finally got it out here, so that is great.”

To learn more about Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, visit their website at: https://www.facebook.com/honoringculpepper

Lake Wales Doctor Charged With Video Voyeurism After Juvenile Patient Saw Camera

Carl Fish
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Lake Wales Doctor Charged With Video Voyeurism After Juvenile Patient Saw Camera

A Lake Wales doctor found himself behind bars Monday afternoon after Lake Wales Police learned he was secretly recording a changing room within his office. 

Detectives launched the investigation after learning Dr. Pola Gayed DPT, 38 of Ava Rehab Clinic (1342 East S.R. 60 Lake Wales) asked a juvenile to get undressed and put on a gown before receiving treatment. He then directed them to a specific changing room where once undressed,they noticed a partially hidden Ring Camera with the blue record light on.

As a result of the investigation, detectives obtained an arrest warrant and arrested Gayed this afternoon for video voyeurism and tampering with evidence, both 3rd degree felonies. Detectives also executed a search warrant at the clinic where they recovered a Ring Camera concealed in the patient changing room.  

This remains an active investigation and additional charges are anticipated as the case progresses. If you have any information regarding this crime, please contact Lake Wales Police at 863-678-4223. If you would like to remain anonymous and be eligible for a CASH REWARD through Heartland Crime Stoppers, you can call 1-888-400-TIPS (8477) or from your cell phone, dial **TIPS. You can also visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit a Tip”, or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet to submit a tip.

Polk Sheriff’s Deputies Searching For Armed & Dangerous Murder Suspect

Carl Fish
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Polk Sheriff’s Deputies Searching For Armed & Dangerous Murder Suspect

Detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office are seeking 23-year old Kwavaughn Armani Buckley of Winter Park; he is wanted for the murder of 36-year old Jeremiah Aguirre of Poinciana.

“We need the public’s help to find Buckley so he can be held accountable. If you know where we can find him, call our main number at 863-298-6200 or call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 888-400-TIPS.” -Grady Judd, Sheriff

PCSO detectives obtained a warrant for Buckley for Felony First Degree Murder, and Armed Burglary with Assault/Battery, after Aguirre was found deceased in his home on Lauderdale Court on January 27, 2024.

Buckley’s motive for the murder appears to be jealousy over a woman.

PCSO homicide detectives say that Buckley drives a silver Chrysler 300 and should be considered armed and dangerous. He is known to frequent the Poinciana area in Polk and Osceola Counties.

If anyone has any information regarding the whereabouts of Kwavaughn Armani Buckley, they are asked to contact Homicide Investigations at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200.

To report information anonymously and be eligible for a cash reward, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-888-400 TIPS (8477).

Polk County Public Schools Finalist For Assistant Principal Of The Year Arrested For Driving Wrong Way Down Interstate 4

Carl Fish
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Polk County Public Schools Finalist For Assistant Principal Of The Year Arrested For Driving Wrong Way Down Interstate 4

The Florida Highway Patrol is currently investigating an incident that occurred early on Sunday morning after a Lakeland man was arrested for driving the wrong way on I-4. That man has been identified as Craig Hilgenberg. Mr. Hilgenberg of Lakeland is the assistant principal at Dixieland Elementary in Lakeland. He was a finalist for Assistant Principal of the Year this past year 2023.

Early Sunday morning a trooper responded to the area of I-4 at County Line Road around 1:30 a.m. According to the FHP, while the trooper was responding to the scene, they were notified by Tampa dispatch (TBRCC) that the suspect vehicle, a red Honda Accord, was continuing to drive east in the westbound lanes.

FHP says as the trooper approached exit 32 (US-98), the Honda was seen driving east on the inside shoulder of I-4 in the westbound lanes.The Honda passed by the trooper that was in the center lane of I-4 headed east. The trooper tried to catch up to the car that was on the inside shoulder by making a U-turn, according to officials.

Eventually after passing several vehicles that were lawfully headed in the right direction the trooper attempted the first of two P.I.T. Maneuvers (Precision Immobilization Technique) .

Eventually after the 2nd P.I.T. Maneuver they were able take Hilgenberg into custody. According to another news outlet (Fox 13 News) “Hilgenberg smelled like alcohol and had slurred speech during the time of the arrest, according to the arrest report.

FHP says Hilgenberg was taken to the Polk County Jail and threw up in the parking lot. The vomit smelled like alcohol, according to authorities. 

Officials say he refused to perform field sobriety exercises and refused to provide a breath sample.

Craig Hilgenberg was charged with one count of fleeing with disregard of safety to persons or property and one count of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

He was turned over to Polk County Detention Deputies, according to officials.”

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