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And The Awards Go To…

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And The Awards Go To…

And The Awards Go To…

by Kevin Kieft, President/CEO of the Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce and EDC

Happy holidays, everyone! Around the middle of the year, the Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual awards ceremony. The awards honor citizens and businesses who’ve made a big difference in the community throughout the year.

While we could not host our awards gala in person due to these uncertain times, we could still move forward with accepting nominations, our committee selecting the winners, and honoring them like any other year.

We are currently producing a video announcing and highlighting the winners. We will upload the video onto our website in the next few weeks. However, here’s a sneak peek of this year’s winners and their contributions to their local community:

Larry Bossarte – Citizen of the Year Award

A licensed real estate broker and appraiser, Larry Bossarte has more than 40 years of experience in the real estate industry, especially in Lake Wales. He has utilized that experience to aid the city with economic development through commercial real estate. Furthermore, he has served on numerous boards and committees. Currently, he serves as the Chairman of our Chamber Ambassador’s Program.

As someone who has been more than willing to give his time helping the community, from working in the real estate industry to serving with the Chamber and Lake Wales Main Street, Larry embodies the Citizen of the Year. He wants to make Lake Wales better, and he gives his own time to help make that happen. We could not think of a better person for the award than him.

Gail Quam – The Jerry Miller Community Leadership Award

This award goes to a person who might not be active with the Chamber, but who is more than involved in the community. The award is named after Jerry Miller, a former chamber chairman who served on many boards and committees and who recently passed away. As someone who embodied the award’s spirit, it’s only fitting we rename it in his honor.

This year’s award goes to Gail Quam, Principal of Polk Avenue Elementary School. Gail has served the Lake Wales community, both through her students and outside of the school walls, so we thought she was the perfect person to receive that award.

Chief Joe Jenkins – Public Servant of the Year Award

Since taking charge of the Lake Wales Fire Department, Chief Joe Jenkins has proven to be a real asset to the city, especially during these uncertain times. He and his team have been on the frontlines with everything concerning COVID-19 this year. He has been the go-to person for updates, and he has worked as a pandemic expert with different agencies in the city. We want to

thank Chief Joe for everything he does, but all the more so this year because he has gone above and beyond with his department.

McKeon Chiropractic Clinic, P.A. – Carl F. Durso Award for Excellence in Business (small business)

McKeon Chiropractic Clinic has not only been an exceptional chiropractic practitioner, but they have also volunteered in the Lake Wales community. They have served with different boards, committees, and churches, to assist the local community, especially during these uncertain times. This year, they have stood out offering what they do, making them a prime candidate for this award.

Dyer Kia Dyer Chevrolet – Carl F. Durso Award for Excellence in Business (large business)

Dyer Kia Dyer Chevrolet has grown over the years, not only with their business but also with their local community involvement. They recently expanded into their new facility along Highway 27. They have also worked with the Chamber, and they have donated to many local non-profits. A business with such an extensive outreach deserves the award for the best large business.

Congratulations to all our winners. We apologize for not being able to host our awards in person this year. If you go on our website, you’ll be able to see our video honoring them. And when you see our winners in person, congratulate them because these five awards are the five most significant awards of the year.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to everyone, and hopefully, everyone has a Happy New Year. We look forward to a prosperous 2021!

UPDATE: PCSO Investigating a Fatal Vehicle Crash That Left a Pedestrian Dead in Babson Park

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UPDATE: PCSO Investigating a Fatal Vehicle Crash That Left a Pedestrian Dead in Babson Park

PCSO investigating a fatal vehicle crash that left a pedestrian dead in Babson Park

At about 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 25, 2020, the PCSO Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call regarding a fatal crash involving a pedestrian that occurred in the area of 900 Scenic Road in Babson Park.

Preliminary information so far is as follows:

According to evidence at the scene and witness interviews, the pedestrian, an adult male, whose name is being withheld pending next of kin notification, was observed in the roadway waving his arms as if attempting to stop traffic.

A 55-year-old Babson Park woman was driving a 2015 white Toyota Venza south on Scenic Highway, when she struck the pedestrian who was standing in the middle of the southbound lane. The Babson Park woman was uninjured and stopped her vehicle. 

The pedestrian died at the scene.

The driver was wearing her seatbelt. Driver impairment does not appear to be a cause for the crash. Although, impairment on the part of the pedestrian is a possible cause. The area of the crash was not well lit.

The roadway was closed for approximately three hours during the investigation. The investigation is ongoing. We will bring you more information as it becomes available.

Happening Now: Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies Investigating Fatal Crash In Babson Park

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Happening Now: Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies Investigating Fatal Crash In Babson Park

Babson Park, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that they are on scene of a fatal crash on Scenic Highway in Babson Park. The initial call came in around 8:10pm on Christmas Day. The roadway is currently blacked off and traffic is being rerouted.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has not confirmed any details, but we are bring advised the accident involves a pedestrian.

We will update as more information is released.

Polk County Fire Rescue Members Show True Meaning of Christmas by Donating Thousands In Publix Gift Cards To Fire Fighter Battling Cancer

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Polk County Fire Rescue Members Show True Meaning of Christmas by Donating Thousands In Publix Gift Cards To Fire Fighter Battling Cancer

Local Fire Fighters Donate More Than $3,000 Worth of Gift Cards to Former Member with Cancer

by James Coulter

More than 200 local firefighters have decided to donate more than $3,000 worth of gift cards to a former member who is currently battling cancer.

Members of IAFF Local 3531 Polk County Professional Firefighters received $20 Publix gift cards as Christmas gifts from their union. Most of them have since decided to donate their cards to a former member in need.

Clay Geiger previously worked for Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) but now serves at the Lakeland Fire Department. He is currently out of work receiving treatment for a rare form of cancer, explained Dean Molnar, Captain Paramedic of Polk County Fire Rescue, and IAFF Local 3531 Secretary.

Darren Monk, a Special Ops Captain Paramedic, decided to donate his card to Geiger. He posted his intentions on the message board, and his memo received a massive response with other members wanting to do the same.

“I asked our union president if it was okay if I donated mine to Clay,” Monk said. “I made that suggestion, and everybody jumped on board [with the idea].”

Many of the IAFF members had known Clay working with him in PCFR. Some of them knew him, having attended paramedic school or fire standards with him. Upon hearing that he was battling cancer, most were more than willing to follow Monk’s lead and donate their gift cards, Molnar said.

“Darren posted on the message board that he wanted to check and see if it was okay to donate his to Clay because Clay had a rare form of cancer and had been out of work for treatment,” explained Molnar. “It blew up after that post, and we ended up having quite a few people donating their gift cards to him as well.”

More than 185 cards were provided for Clay so far from the members, with 15 to 20 more wanting to donate their cards. Collectively, the $20 gift cards amount to nearly $4,000 donated to Geiger during his time of need.

Previously, the union had offered turkeys to their members on Christmas; however, this gift idea proved challenging to manage and distribute, as more than 440 turkeys would be provided to people, Molnar said. The choice to switch to gift cards proved more manageable, and in the case of this year, much more beneficial.

“It is nice to see our members doing this, giving something that was intended for them, just giving it to somebody else to help them out,” he said. “It was nice, the brotherhood. He was a former employee, and now we have half of our members who donated their gift cards to him.”

70 Yr Old Woman Killed & 3 Others Injured In Lakeland Shootout Christmas Eve

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70 Yr Old Woman Killed & 3 Others Injured In Lakeland Shootout Christmas Eve

On Thursday, December 24, 2020, at approximately 5:40 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 1500 block of Amos Avenue in reference to a reported shooting. Upon arrival at the scene, officers found four victims, all with gunshot wounds. The victims, a 70-year-old female, 43-year-old male, 39-year-old female, and a 13-year-old female, were transported to area hospitals for treatment of their injuries. Shortly after arrival at Lakeland Regional Health, the 70-year-old victim succumbed to her injuries and was declared deceased by medical professionals. The other victims, who are all related, had varying levels of conditions upon arrival but are expected to survive their injuries.

Officers were also notified that a 19-year-old male had arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound. His injuries were sustained during the shooting incident and are not believed to be life-threatening.

Prior to the shooting, a 15-year-old male, who is also related to the victims, was involved in an altercation with other individuals at a separate location, which carried over to the residence at Amos Avenue. At some point, shots were fired by both a resident of the home and by the individuals who arrived at the residence related to the earlier conflict.

Detectives, working in partnership with the State Attorney’s Office, are continuing to conduct interviews and follow-up on leads related to all parties involved.   This is an active and open investigation, and updates will be provided as additional information becomes available for release. No other details will be released at this time to protect the integrity of the investigation.   Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact Detective Tammy Hathcock at 863.834.6975 or [email protected]. To remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida – call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477), dial **TIPS from your cell phone, visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,” or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.
The names of victims are being withheld in accordance with Marsy’s Law. 

President Trump Appoints Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd To The Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention

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President Trump Appoints Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd To The Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention

Sheriff Grady Judd appointed by President Trump to the Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention

See White House news release here:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/president-donald-j-trump-announces-intent-appoint-individuals-key-administration-posts-122220/

“I am honored to have been appointed by President Trump to be a member of the Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. The Council’s purpose is to coordinate federal programs related to delinquency prevention and missing and exploited children.

My agency and I have a long-standing commitment to protecting children, especially those who have been victimized, exploited, or who are missing. I look forward to contributing towards the Council’s mission in this area.

It is also critically important that we work hard to prevent juvenile delinquency and crime so that our families and communities are safe. We cannot lose sight of the fundamental purpose of our criminal justice system: prevent crime, lower crime, protect the innocent, help crime victims, and hold those who violate our laws accountable.”

LWPD Provides Gifts, Meals For 70 Local Children In “Shop With A Cop” Program

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LWPD Provides Gifts, Meals For 70 Local Children In “Shop With A Cop” Program

A lot was different about this year’s “Shop With A Cop” event, except for one very important thing – dozens of local families will have a much merrier Christmas because of the Lake Wales Police Department.

In fact, a total of 70 area children will have presents under the tree and holiday food on the table thanks to the annual program, run by the Lake Wales Police Officers Association.

Normally, children and their families meet at the Lake Wales Wal-Mart to pick out Christmas gifts, thanks to generous local sponsors who donate to the program.

But because of the ongoing pandemic, this year families went online to reserve their gifts, or filled out a form that was returned to the police department. Then, on Dec. 12, a drive-through site was set up outside Wal-Mart, where families not only picked up their already-wrapped presents, but a 20-pound turkey and all the fixings for Christmas dinner as well.

Deputy Police Chief Troy Schulze said that while the Coronavirus outbreak altered the program, it didn’t dampen anyone’s enthusiasm, especially that of local businesses that help the department.

“The last two years have been more than any years prior,” he said of the donation amounts. A total of $10,500 in toys were purchased, along with $1,200 in food.

“It was extremely different his year, but what we saw was it did not change the excitement of the children,” Schulze said. “They were still super excited to see us, and waved and had big smiles.”

Schulze said officers and police department employees missed being in the store with families, but that in the end, the same goal was accomplished.

“It was difficult to not have that emotional connection when you’re with a family for an hour to do shopping, but you still feel really good about it,” he added. “It wasn’t the big show with sponsors and characters, but everyone’s intentions were still right. We were there for the kids. That’s what it was all about. “

Almost 15 years ago, Schulze had a first-hand peek at what a desolate Christmas might look like, a chance encounter that gave him important perspective on the holiday season.

“Years back, I was a school resource officer. I’ll never forget, this young kid literally changed my perspective,” he recalled. “It was the Friday afternoon before school was out for two weeks, he was at the bus ramp after school on the bench crying. He just looked at me and said ‘Officer Troy, Christmas at my house isn’t like at your house. It’s just another day. I don’t know where I’m going to eat for the next couple of weeks, I’m not going to have any presents. ‘ I was like ‘man, this is a kid right here in our community’. This was a Lake Wales boy crying on the bus ramp because he wasn’t going to have any Christmas.”

He added that many of the department’s officers have had moments that mirrored his.

“You go on a call and there isn’t a single decoration, not a Christmas tree,” Schulze said. “So even though it was different, a lot of our employees came out. The heart of the event was still very much alive.”

Families were picked by LWPD School Resource Officers in conjunction with officials from the Lake Wales Charter Schools.

Sponsors for this season’s campaign included The Lake Wales Police Officers Association,Wal-Mart, Dyer Kia/Chevrolet, Jahna Industries, Lake Wales Kiwanis Club, Century 21, Coca Cola, Home Depot, Lake Wales Moose Club and Lake Wales Pizzano’s Pizza.

Identity Theft is Real and Crosses State Lines Victimizing Multiple People

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Identity Theft is Real and Crosses State Lines Victimizing Multiple People

Winter Haven Police Department

Identity Theft is Real and Crosses State Lines Victimizing Multiple People
The victim in our case lives in California. However, the man in the images at Bank of America (Central Ave. and Hwy 17) in Winter Haven is NOT who he said he is. He cashed 2 fraudulent checks to the tune of $5,000 on our first victim’s bank account. The “Pay To The Order Of” was fraudulent as well. Detectives have learned that the name given on the check is also a victim of identity theft who lives in California. It is undetermined what exactly the suspect used as identification. Whatever it was, of course it was fraudulent too. He appears to be in his 50’s and wears a large gold watch on his left wrist.
If anyone recognizes this suspect or knows anything about this case, please call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers are guaranteed anonymity and could be eligible for a CASH reward.

31 Yr Old Highlands City Man Arrested By Polk Deputies For DUI Manslaughter

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31 Yr Old Highlands City Man Arrested By Polk Deputies For DUI Manslaughter

On Tuesday, December 22, 2020, Traffic Homicide detectives arrested 31-year-old Justin Mathis of Highland City for DUI Manslaughter (F2) and DUI with Property Damage (M1). Mathis was the at-fault driver of a two-vehicle crash that occurred on November 20, 2020, which killed his passengers, 34-year-old Christopher Lofton and 38-year-old David Weldon, both from Lakeland.
A search warrant was obtained for a blood collected from Mathis at the time of his admission to the hospital. The blood was sent to FDLE for analysis, and the results came back with an alcohol level of 0.25 g/100ml of blood. This is 3 times the legal limit.
“There is no excuse to get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you’ve been drinking. With the advent of ride sharing apps, there are a variety of alternate transportation options out there. Please, don’t drink and drive – just like in this instance, it can be fatal.” –Grady Judd, Sheriff

AS PREVIOUSLY RELEASED: PCSO investigating Thursday evening crash which killed two Lakeland men
Two Lakeland men were killed, and another was injured Thursday evening, November 20, 2020, in a two-vehicle crash on US 98 at CR 540A in the Highland City area of Lakeland.
The crash was reported to the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) at about 9:46 pm. Upon arrival at the scene, deputies learned that two passengers involved in the crash were deceased: 34-year-old Christopher Lofton and 38-year-old David Weldon, both of Lakeland.
One of the drivers, 31-year-old Justin Mathis of Highland City, was transported to Lakeland Regional Health with facial injuries and was listed in fair condition.
The other driver, 59-year-old Daniel Mariscal of Tampa, was not injured in the crash.
According to the preliminary investigation, Mr. Mariscal was operating a green 1998 Freightliner truck with a 53’ box trailer. The truck occupied the right lane of southbound US 98, and had just begun accelerating through the intersection, after being stopped for a traffic light.
Mathis was driving a silver 2018 Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck, and ran into the back of Mariscal’s trailer at about highway speed (this area has a speed limit of 50 mph). The right-front of the pickup became wedged under the left rear of the semi-trailer.
Mr. Lofton had been seated in the front right passenger seat and was wearing a seat belt.
Mr. Weldon was seated in the rear-right seat. Neither he, nor Mr. Mathis were wearing their seat belt.
The cause of the crash is still being investigated, and any charges are pending the completion of the investigation.
Southbound US 98 was closed for approximately four hours.

International Diamond Center Celebrates Grand Opening

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International Diamond Center Celebrates Grand Opening

International Diamond Center Celebrates Grand Opening

by James Coulter

Christmas is right around the corner. What makes for a better holiday gift for your significant other than genuine diamond jewelry? As the old saying goes, diamonds are forever, and if you want your next gift to last forever, then consider diamond jewelry from International Diamond Center (IDC) in Lakeland.

Located outside of Lakeside Village along Harden Boulevard, IDC is the latest location to offer diamond rings and other jewelry made by top designers. With additional locations in Tampa, Orlando, and Savannah, IDC has spread far and near due to its commitment towards selling only the finest jewelry made from the finest jewelry.

“We take great care to differentiate ourselves from other, ordinary jewelers to earn your business and trust,” their Facebook page states. “Our wholesale background and manufacturing partnerships ensure that every diamond, color gemstone, and jewelry piece we sell provides exceptional value.”

Ryan McKellen, store manager for the new Lakeland location, moved with his family from Texas to work at the new store. Parting ways with their beloved home state proved difficult, and McKellen wouldn’t entertain joining any company, so the fact he and his family made such a big move proved that IDC was worth working and moving for.

“Everything is about community,” McKellen said. “Their sense of community is nothing short of amazing. They are such a [family-oriented store]. It is something I have looked for in a business. It has given me everything I could ask for.”

McKellen was especially drawn to the IDC’s high standards. The store only sells the best of the best in jewelry, and its employees ensure that level of quality. One employee carefully selects only the best diamonds and sets aside the others for wholesale, McKellen said.

“That way, we know we have the best, and we pass the savings to you. We are doing it in a wholesale way. You are getting the best quality to do that,” he said. “Lakeland has not seen anything like this place, and we are so excited to be part of this community.”

IDC celebrated its grand opening on Friday afternoon with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. The event included an exceptional performance by students from the Academy Prep Center of Lakeland.

Brian Stamey, IDC Vice President, admires the school for its commitment towards offering the best educational and academic opportunities for local children, which is why he invited the students from the school to perform.

“This organization and school that gives kids a chance who would otherwise not have a chance to be standing here like I am today,” Stamey said. “The areas these kids come from and the

opportunities they had would not exist without companies like Publix and our local communities.”

As a “Polk County boy at heart,” Stamey remains passionate about his local community, and he does everything he can to help give back to it. His family recently started the Fifth C Foundation, which focuses on the three pillars of supporting children and military families and stopping human trafficking.

Because of his commitment toward helping the community, he chose to work with IDC, as it is a store chain that commits itself to serve the communities they set up shop within, he said.

“One of the things our family is passionate about is giving back to the community and being part of the community,” he said. “Not just having a retail store in the community, but getting in and rolling up our sleeves and truly engaging in the community, and trying to find a business that aligns with our family business and family values.”

Mayor Bill Mutz commented about how IDC’s recent move to Lakeland, as well as the commitment by its employees to support the local community, reflects well upon the prosperous nature of the city. He boasted about how Lakeland was the most philanthropic community in Florida and how he hoped that IDC and its employees would help continue that trend.

“We will do everything we can to support you,” Mutz said. “We will give you opportunities to get involved and align your mission available in our community, and we are a mission-minded city. From my perspective, we are so grateful you are here, and we welcome the opportunity.”

International Diamond Center is located at 1310 Lakeside Village Cir #109, Lakeland, FL 33803. For more information, visit their website at: https://shopidc.com/pages/lakeland-location

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