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Senior Purchasing Manager of Southern Homes Wins Mr. Central Florida

Allison
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Senior Purchasing Manager of Southern Homes Wins Mr. Central Florida

Senior Purchasing Manager of Southern Homes Wins Mr. Central Florida

by James Coulter

Brant Masters, Senior Purchasing Manager of Southern Homes, has many friends who went through the program at the Central Florida Speech & Hearing Center. He decided to give back to the organization by participating in its annual fundraiser, Mr. Central Florida.

Having raised more than $90,000 throughout the year, Brant Masters won the honor of being named this year’s Mr. Central Florida at the official ceremony on Saturday in the Bonnet Springs Park Event Center on Saturday evening.

Masters was one of several dozen participants who helped raise money for the Speech & Hearing Center through a yearlong fundraising campaign. As he helped raise the most money, he was honored with being conferred the honorary title that evening at the ceremony.

“It is a pretty special occasion to be here with all my friends and family here and to raise money for a very special cause,” Masters said. “I had a lot of friends go through the program, and to be able to help with that is pretty special.”

Masters owes his success to everyone who participated in his campaign, especially his family and friends, and especially to his campaign manager. He was especially grateful to his employer, Southern Homes, for letting him represent them this year and evening.

“A lot of the youth, [especially] special needs, they have gone through the hearing program to [learn to] communicate, and everyone wants to know they are loved and heard, and to give everyone the power to be heard is a special gift,” he explained. “We just appreciate everybody supporting such a great cause. It blew away the goal.”

The 10th Annual Mr. Central Florida was hosted this year by Central Florida Speech & Hearing Center, a local non-profit treatment facility dedicated to assisting patients with their speech, language and hearing disorders.

The fundraising event involves several volunteers raising money on their behalf throughout the year. The participant who raises the most money is named Mr. Central Florida.

This year’s fundraiser raised enough proceeds for them to construct a new Audiology Soundproof Testing Room, which will allow them “to help even more people”, according to a post on their Facebook page.

Roxann K Bonta, President/CEO of the Hearing Center, commended everyone for supporting her organization throughout the year. Through their efforts, they can help others improve their communication skills, and thus help them improve their relationships and self-actualization.

“With your help, we remove communication roadblocks or build ramps over them for people of all ages,” she wrote in the program. “Some are newborns who failed their neonatal hearing screening, some are preschoolers who need language to be successful in school. Some are teenagers who need to learn the subtleties of nonverbals to fit in socially. Some are adults who have Parkinson’s and need to learn new ways to make their needs known, or have had a stroke and need to learn to speak again. Some, as we all do, have lost some hearing and need to be fit with hearing aids to reconnect with work associates and loved ones.”

The Hearing Center highlights a patient and their story. This year, they showcased the story of Ayden, a young local boy who was unable to form words properly as a toddler. Through his sessions at the center, he learned to communicate through sign language. Eventually, he learned how to verbally communicate through form simple words through play learning.

“Today, Ayden presents with receptive language skills within normal limits,” the program stated. “He can use all speech sounds correctly in conversations…Ayden comes to therapy excited to learn and eager to try his best. His progress and success are what every speech/language pathologist dreams of seeing for their patients.”

LOCAL NON-PROFIT GROUP TAKES UNPRECEDENTED STEP TO
PREVENT ACCIDENTAL CHILD SHOOTINGS

Staff Reporter
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LOCAL NON-PROFIT GROUP TAKES UNPRECEDENTED STEP TO<br>PREVENT ACCIDENTAL CHILD SHOOTINGS

In-Gauge of Polk County, an NRA affiliated, non-profit organization, gave away, free of charge, 150 child gun safety locks at the 46th Annual Pioneer Days Heritage Festival, conduct the weekend of October 29th and 30th, in Lake Wales, Florida.

In-Gauge of Polk County, located in Winter Haven, Florida participated in the Lake Wales 46th Annual Pioneer Days Heritage Festival providing a booth that promoted firearm safety, emphasizing child gun safety, October 29th and 30, 2022.

As part of its involvement in the Festival, In-Gauge played a continuously loop of the NRA’s child gun safety Eddie Eagle GunSafe© video on a large screen TV. The Eddie Eagle GunSafe© program message is:

See a gun: Stop! Don’t touch. Run away. Tell a grown-up.
Through a grant from the NRA, In-Gauge distributed free Eddie
Eagle printed materials that included the Parent’s Guide to Gun
Safety and kid activity books to adults and children who visited
their booth.

In addition, In-Gauge provided free gun safety locks to all adults
who wanted one. In the two-day period, 150 gun safety locks,
donated by Wild Wild West Arms of Lake Hamilton, Florida,
were given away.

It is estimated that over 1,000 persons visited the In-Gauge booth and were provided Eddie Eagle GunSafe© Program materials.

For further information, contact:
In-Gauge of Polk County
6039 Cypress Gardens Blvd.
Winter Haven, FL 33884
863-206-1996

Janie Howard Wilson Elementary Celebrates German Fall Fest

Staff Reporter
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by James Coulter

Students and their parents enjoyed a wunderbar time on Friday during the German Fall Fest hosted at Janie Howard Wilson Elementary.

All day, students were able to learn about Germany and its culture and traditions with various activities on the school playground.

The festivities were kicked off at the start of the school day, where all students showcased their Halloween costumes during the storybook character parade.

Throughout the day, classes from kindergarten to fifth grade took turns during each school hour to visit the playground area where they could toss foam axes, race to fill cider glasses, skirt about in scooter races, and have their faces painted.

Pretzels and other snacks were served for refreshments, while the Kona Ice truck was parked to serve their signature snow cones.

Brittany Alexander, Assistant Principal, and the other staff members hosted the event not only to teach their students about German culture but also to promote their new status within the International Bachelorette Program—an international educational program that, according to its website, “empower[s] school-aged students to take ownership in their learning and help them develop future-ready skills to make a difference and thrive in a world that changes fast.”

“Our goal is to expose students to more than is happening in their homes and Lake Wales,” Alexander said. “We give them the global context where they can see other cultures and countries…So our teachers are…allowing their students to be engaged and be a part of creating a culture of learning and exploration…It is no longer students sitting and learning, they are taking part in the classroom and they create a culture with their conversation.”

Now that their students are part of the IB Program, she hopes that they will be able to expand their minds and learn to become global citizens that help make their communities, both local and global, a better place to live.

“[Our] overall goal is to provide an excellent education for our students that is not only top-notched and rigorous,” she explained. “We want our students to be challenged and pushed, but we also want to create an environment where they can think outside of the box and themselves. So the incorporation of the IB and that international mindfulness will let our students know there is a world outside of Lake Wales and how they can be active participants to make the world a better place because they lived in it.”

Kim Griffin, the Principal, appreciates how the event allowed parents and their children an opportunity to come together to not only learn about other cultures in other communities around the world but also learn to be better citizens in their local community.

“I am so appreciative of all the parents and teachers who come to support the event,” she said. “We want to be involved and show that our schools are involved in our community. And we want our parents to come out on our campus and support and see what their children do. What we are doing is expanding awareness of cultures outside of the United States. And what games the other children might play in other countries so there is more kindness and respect going on.”

Deanna Holtsclaw attended that day to volunteer her time for the event. As a member of the Parent Teacher Organization, she dedicates her time to help assist not only in her children’s education but the education of other children through her involvement.

“I think it is wonderful they are teaching about different diversities of the world and cultures because our children need to know what is going on outside their school and country,” she said. “[I love] just the smiles on kids’ faces as they learn new games and words and have fun exploring a different culture…I have seen so much growth and development, and I am excited to see what the future holds.”

Marijuana Deal Goes Bad & Two Men Charged With Attempted Murder In Poinciana Area

Carl Fish
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Marijuana Deal Goes Bad & Two Men Charged With Attempted Murder In Poinciana Area

Poinciana, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two men and charged them with attempted murder. Another unidentified suspect is also being sought and was involved in an incident that occurred on October 15, 2022 at a 7 Eleven on Marigold Avenue.

The following is an excerpt from the arrest affidavits of Renel Joseph Jr and Racious Thomas. (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the law enforcement. 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 October 15, 2022 at approximately 2200 hours, the suspect, Renel Joseph Jr, traveled to the 7-Eleven gas station located at 6519 Marigold Ave, Poinciana in his 2006 blue Honda SUV bearing FL tag DHQV25 with Racious Thomas (passenger) with the intention of selling a half ounce of cannabis (approximately 14 grams). The victim, REDACTED, traveled to the 7-Eleven in a white 4 door vehicle with the intention of purchasing cannabis. According to both Racious Thomas and REDACTED victim was not content with the cost or amount of cannabis to purchase. During the course of the narcotics sale, REDACTED walked to the white 4 door and minutes later the white 4 door pulled behind the blue SUV. REDACTED exited the vehicle and approached the blue SUV again on the driver’s side. An unidentified suspect also approached with REDACTED on the passenger side of the vehicle.After a few seconds, both REDACTED and the unidentified male suspect ran from the blue SUV. According to REDACTED the subjects in the blue SUV pulled out a handgun and began shooting at him. The unidentified subject then began shooting back at the occupants of the vehicle.

REDACTED suffered a gunshot wound to his right hand. Racious Thomas suffered a gunshot wound to his right hand, and a grazing gunshot wound to his right cheek. Both were admitted into Osceola Regional Medical Center for care and possible surgery.

Renel Joseph Ir was located sitting in the driver seat of his vehicle, blue 2006 Honda Pilot bearing FL tag DHQV25, in the parking lot of the Poinciana Medical Center, after dropping off Racious Thomas. The vehicle had bullet holes in the doors on the right side, the right side windows and rear window were shattered, which is consistent with the glass found at the scene. In plain view, a red duffel bag was visible on the passenger seat. The zipper was partially opened and a handgun magazine was observed inside the bag. Burns and stippling were observed around a bullet hole on the right side pillar directly behind the front passenger seat where the passenger clearly discharged a firearm towards the direction of the subjects from the white 4 door. Spent shell casings were visible inside the vehicle as well.

Multiple 9mm shell casings of different brands were located in the area behind the blue SUV. Multiple 40 caliber shell casings were located along the pathway the blue SUV took fleeing the gunshots. Renel Joseph Jr knowingly drove to the 7-Eleven for the purpose of selling cannabis, which is a felony. During the act of the felony, a shootout erupted between the two parties which injured two subjects. Rounds struck a support pole for the gas station, a gas pump, and the overhang of the station. The shootout had the possibility of causing
death or great bodily harm to both subjects involved in the cannabis deal or the general public. Multiple customers at the 7-Eleven were observed running from the scene as gunfire erupted at the pumps. After the shooting, Joseph made no attempt to alert law enforcement and attempted to conceal the incident. As deputies located Joseph in his vehicle, he attempted to leave the parking lot before contact was made. Upon making contact with deputies, Joseph confirmed firearms were present in a red duffel bag on the passenger seat.

Probable cause exists to charge the suspect, Renel Joseph Jr, with attempted felony murder in vielation of F.S.S. 782.051(2). Joseph was arrested and transported to Polk County Jail without incident.

Probable cause exists to charge the suspect, Racious Thomas, with attempted felony murder in violation of F.S.S. 782.051(2), possession of cannabis over 20g, possession of cannabis with intent to sell, possession of drug paraphernalia, obliterating a firearm serial number, discharging a firearm from a vehicle, and culpable negligence. Thomas was arrested and transported to Polk County Jail without incident.”

Are The Remains Of A Missing Lake Wales Woman, Debbie Williams, A 32 Year Old Cold Case File Buried Under A House On Dr. JA Wiltshire Ave.

Staff Reporter
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Lake Wales Police Department Press Release

In late March 1990, Debbie Williams was reported missing by a family member. At the time of the original report, it was estimatedDebbie had been missing for approximately four weeks. Detectives have been left with a single partial page initial report to go on.

In 2019 Melvin Waldron, a retired Lake Wales Supervisor, came to Detectives with information regarding Williams’ case. The information included rumors Williams had been killed by her on again, off again boyfriend who has since passed away. The rumors were she was buried beneath the boyfriend’s residence or near the overpass of Highway 27 near Florida Natural. At that time, a Detective was assigned to accompany Waldron to conduct interviews with people Waldron believed had direct information on the case. A total of nine people were interviewed regarding the case and only one person had any direct information. This person observed Williams getting into a white and red pickup truck driven by a white male around the time she disappeared. The other eightpeople all stated they heard various “street talk” over the years saying she was buried under the house, or she was buried under the bridge, or she got into a white truck driven by a white male, never to be seen again. 

Detectives then went to the residence in question to investigate the possibility Williams was buried there. An officer dressed in protective equipment went under the residence using a metal rod to probe the area for remains. Bones were located in the area Williams was rumored to be. Those bones were examined by the medical examiner’s office and confirmed to be animal bones. No large scaledigging was done as there for safety of the officer and the structure itself. The current owners of the residence are not suspects in any way and have been nothing but cooperative in this case and great care must be taken with their property. 

The Lake Wales Police Department is networking with the Lake Wales Building Department, Planning and Zoning, and house moving companies to ensure the residence can be safely moved and any potential crime scene preserved.  The move of the residence will be done as soon as possible but due to logistics that date is yet to be determined.  Detectives have been in contact with USF for ground penetrating radar, so that once the residence had been moved a search can be conducted.  If the ground penetrating radar indicates the possibility of remains, a dig will be conducted at that point.

The Detectives in charge of this investigation have met with experts and investigators from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, State Attorney’s Office, and Polk County Sheriff’s Office who have all pledged their assistance in this case. We have also been in contact with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regarding advancements in DNA collection and cataloging built to assist in matching missing persons with unidentified bodies found around the country. 

Going forward, Detectives are working to rebuild the case file regarding Williams.  This includes conducting interviews with those who knew Williams and the boyfriend.  This proper documentation of the investigation will provide a thorough case file if Williams isnot locate during these endeavors.

The Lake Wales Police Department is working diligently on this case and will exhaust all leads.  Should Williams not be found during these searches, the department will follow up on any future leads which may develop hoping to find closure for the Williams family.

This investigation is ongoing. 

If you have any information regarding this case please contactDetective Ricky Hartwell or Sergeant Shawn Smith at the Lake Wales Police Department at 863-678-4223. You can also remain anonymous by calling Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477).

PCSO Detectives Charge 14 Registered Sexual Offenders And Predators During Halloween Initiative 

Allison
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PCSO Detectives Charge 14 Registered Sexual Offenders And Predators During Halloween Initiative 
PCSO Detectives Charge 14 Registered Sexual Offenders And Predators During Halloween Initiative
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit, Crime Suppression Teams and the Florida Department of Corrections and Probation conducted a Halloween sexual offender/predator compliance initiative during the month of October, 2022. The operation was aimed at ensuring compliance with Florida’s registration laws for convicted sex offenders and sex predators (FSS 775.21 & 943.0435) within Polk County*. Detectives charged 14 suspects with failure to comply with sex offender registrations laws, violation of probation or other charges.“Protecting our children is a top priority, and our detectives work hard year-round to keep track of convicted sexual offenders and predators who reside in Polk County to ensure they remain compliant with the law. Parents and community members are concerned about predators and offenders being around children, especially during events and holidays like Halloween. That is why every year we conduct initiatives like this one to show sex offenders and predators that we take every one of the requirements seriously, and failure to comply will result in an arrest.” – Grady Judd, SheriffThere are 1,238 Sexual Offenders and 147 sexual predators registered in Polk County. These offenders and predators are checked every quarter by Polk detectives to ensure they are in compliance with Florida’s sexual offender/predator registration laws. The state requirement is for a check to be completed at least once a year. During the initiative Polk County Sheriff’s Office SVRT detectives accomplished the following: Compliance checks conducted: 990Compliance checks – in compliance: 951Compliance checks – not in compliance: 39Hours dedicated to this operation: 176Arrests: 13Warrants issued: 1 During the third quarter of 2021 (July, August, September) preceding October, detectives arrested 18 Sex Offenders or Predators for various violations.The following is a list of those charged (14) during this compliance initiative, and a summary of their offenses during the Month of October:

Richard Corti, 52, a transient. Corti is a sexual offender based on a 2014 Polk County conviction for using a computer to solicit sex with a minor and lewd and lascivious sexual battery on a child between 12-15 years of age. Corti was arrested in October for violating his sex offender conditions by contacting the victim through text messages. Corti was charged with three counts Violation of Probation. 
William Wilson, 48, of 124 Caloosa Drive, Babson Park. Wilson is a sexual offender based upon a 1998 Suffolk County, New York conviction for 2nd degree rape. Deputies responded to a call regarding harassing phone calls. Deputies discovered that the victim had also been battered by Wilson. Wilson was arrested and charged with Battery (Domestic Violence).Patrick Diello, 60, of 6651 Tackle Court, Lake Wales. Diello is a sexual offender based upon a 1993 Oneida County, New York conviction for sexual assault of an 11-year-old. Diello failed to notify his change of address to either the Polk County Sheriff’s Office or the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles within 48 hours. Diello also provided false registration information on July 28, 2022 by registering a fake address instead of an actual address. Diello was arrested and charged with three counts of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws. 
Daniel Jackson, 58, of 220 Pine Cone Drive, Davenport. Jackson is a sexual offender based on a 2011 conviction out of Orange County, Florida for unlawful sexual activity with a minor. Jackson failed to report to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office during his required month of September 2022. Jackson was arrested for Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws.Robert Johnson, 42, a transient. Johnson is a sexual offender based upon a 2005 Polk County conviction for lewd and lascivious battery on a child between 12-15 years of age. During an investigation, Johnson was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Oxycodone, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. 
David King, 43, of 1150 Stenstrom Road, Wauchula. King is a sexual offender based on a 2012 Cook County, Illinois conviction for aggravated sexual abuse of a victim between 13-16 years-old. Deputies responded to the River Ranch Resort to remove King from the property at the request of management. During the investigation, deputies discovered King was wanted in Hardee County for failing to notify his change of address to the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles within 48 hours. PCSO detectives arrested King for the Hardee County charges of three counts of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws. He is currently in the Polk County Jail and will be transferred to Hardee County.
Edward Balentine, 43, of 3011 Ivywood Lane, Lakeland. Balentine is a sexual offender based on a 1996 Wayne County, Michigan conviction for 3rd degree sexual conduct with a victim between 13-15 years-old. Balentine provided false registration information on September 1, 2022. Additionally, he failed to register two vehicles owned, a Facebook account and an Instagram account, a phone number, and a new employer. He was arrested and charged with seven counts of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws. 
Bobby Beasley, 42, of 444 Leisure Place, Lakeland. Beasley is a sexual offender based upon a 2001 Polk County conviction for lewd and lascivious conduct with a child under 16 years-old. Beasley was arrested for Violation of Probation after he tested positive for methamphetamine during a drug test administered by his probation officer. 
Troy Alderman, 55, of 1415 Dawn Heights Drive, Lakeland. Alderman is a sexual offender based upon a 2003 Polk County conviction for lewd and lascivious molestation of a victim between 12-15 years-old.  Alderman was arrested for Violation of Probation after he tested positive for illegal drugs during a test administered by his probation officer. 
Jere Temple, 71, of 5624 La Joya Court, Orlando. Temple is a sexual offender based upon a 2010 Polk County conviction for sexual battery on a victim between 12-18 years-old. Temple was arrested for Violation of Probation after she failed to comply with a mandatory curfew on September 18, 2022.
 
Martin Tobar, 59, of 1907 Ambassador Drive, Gulf Breeze, Florida. Tobar is a sexual offender based upon a 2007 conviction out of Sarphy County, Nebraska for 3rd degree sexual assault of a child. Deputies arrested Tobar for Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office charges for failure to provide registration information. He is in the Polk County Jail and will be transferred to Santa Rosa County.  
James Thomas, 79, of 3577 Scenic Highway North #2, Lake Wales. Thomas is a sexual offender based upon a 1993 Gadsden County, Florida conviction for sexual battery of a child under 12-years-old. Thomas failed to register a vehicle he owned. Thomas was arrested and charged with Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws. At the time of his arrest, Thomas was on probation for the Gadsden County charge and was additionally charged with Violation of Probation. 
Timothy Driggers, 37, of 4636 Weston Road, Bartow. Driggers is a sexual offender based upon a 2006 Holmes County, Florida conviction for lewd and lascivious conduct with a child under 16 years-old. Deputies conducted a traffic stop after Driggers was observed failing to yield to the right of way when exiting a business. Driggers was in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and charged withPossession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Violation of Probation. Driggers was on probation for violation of sex offender registration at the time of his arrest.
Michael Akers, 43, of 2337 Mammoth Grove Road, Lake Wales. Akers is a sexual offender based upon a 1998 Volusia County conviction for lewd and lascivious conduct with a child under 16 years-old. Akers failed to notify his change of address to either the Polk County Sheriff’s Office or the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles within 48 hours. PCSO detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Akers for Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws. *Convicted sex offenders and sex predators are required by Florida law to register and maintain updated information regarding the following identifying information: name; social security number; age; race; sex; date of birth; height; weight; tattoos or other identifying marks; hair and eye color; photograph; address of legal residence (or temporary residence); electronic mail addresses; Internet identifiers and each Internet identifier’s corresponding website homepage or application software name; home telephone numbers and cellular telephone numbers; employment information; driver’s license or Florida ID information; the make, model, color, vehicle identification number (VIN), and license tag number of all vehicles owned.

$1,000 Prize To Be Awarded At Veterans Bike Show & New Home Tour On November 5 In Haines City

Allison
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$1,000 Prize To Be Awarded At Veterans Bike Show & New Home Tour On November 5 In Haines City

$1,000 Prize To Be Awarded At Veterans Bike Show & New Home Tour On November 5 In Haines City

By Allison Williams

Photo provided by Phyllis Rodriguez

Are you a veteran? Are you a biker? Are you looking for a new home? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’ll want to check out this free event coming up on November 5. 

The Veterans Bike Show & New Home Tour will take place on November 5 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. in Haines City.

Mike Nafey, an Orlando realtor has set up this special event to benefit veterans and their families. His assistant Phyllis Rodriguez is helping Nafey put on the event. 

“He loves to help veterans get into brand new homes for about what they pay for rent,” Rodriguez said. “There is zero down for a VA loan and the builder will cover the closing cost. He has teamed up with local builders in the area. He wants to create a community of people with similar interests and hobbies.”

The event will take place at 1325 Tupelo Trail Haines City, FL 33844. Here, attendees will have the opportunity to view a couple different model homes and refreshments will be served. 

Attendees will have the chance to tour a home within the Cypress Park Estates single-family home community. 

Along with touring and learning about homes in the community, there will be a bike show event, where a $1,000 prize will be given away. There will be five judges from each branch of the military and they will use scorecards to judge the best motorcycle.

Don’t have a motorcycle to show off? That’s ok. There are plenty of gifts for those who buy a new home. 

As an incentive, Nafey will be giving away house warming gifts. At closing time, buyers will receive a $3,000 Harley Davidson gift card and a $3,000 Disney gift card. 

Please note- you do NOT have to attend the event to receive this special offer. 

“The gift cards are valid from Mr. Nafey with any of the builders listed,” Rodriguez explained. “It can be any new home in the state of Florida. They do not need to attend the event. They may contact him and mention the gift cards.”

Builders:

-Lennar

-Beazer Homes

-Adams Homes

-Mattamy Homes

-Del Webb

-Toll Brothers

-Ashton Woods

-Pulte Homes

-DR Horton

-Meritage Homes

-Craft Homes

-Dream Finders Homes

For the past 18 years, Nafey has been a realtor in Florida and helped many veteran families.

“He has a heart for Veterans and gives these gifts out of his own pocket.” Rodriguez said. She added, “Mr. Nafey has a vision to see veterans living together in a community to support one another. Especially to help each other as they understand what each other has experienced.”

For more details on the event, see flyer and visit their Facebook event page: https://fb.me/e/2qFw3ukvd

Polk County Sheriff’s Deputy’s Investigating A Mulberry Crash Involving Student & County Vehicle

Carl Fish
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Polk County Sheriff’s Deputy’s Investigating A Mulberry Crash Involving Student & County Vehicle

Mulberry, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed they are working a crash at 1006 Canal St. in Mulberry. According to PCSO Public Information Officer, Brian Bruchey, a student was injured. The vehicle involved was a county vehicle.

The crash occurred around 7:00am this morning.

“We’re still on scene so I don’t have any other details at this time.” according to Bruchey. We will update this article as more information becomes available.

78th Annual Bartow Halloween Parade and Carnival Hosted by Crickette Club 

Allison
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78th Annual Bartow Halloween Parade and Carnival Hosted by Crickette Club 

78th Annual Bartow Halloween Parade and Carnival Hosted by Crickette Club

by James Coulter

For the 78th consecutive year, costumed characters marched through Downtown Bartow for the annual Bartow Halloween Parade and Carnival, hosted by the Crickette Club of Bartow.

Nearly a hundred floats and other units including school marching bands, dance tropes, and police and fire vehicles traveled along Main Street and Broadway to kick off the Halloween celebration on Thursday.

The parade ended at the parking lot of the Bartow Civic Center, where the carnival was hosted in the parking lot. Previous years have hosted the annual event in the adjacent Mosaic Park.

Throughout the evening, attendees could participate in fun activities like playing carnival games, riding carnival rides, competing in costume contests, perusing local vendors and food trucks, and even playing bingo and cakewalk.

After nearly two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the great turnout that evening proved to be exceptionally welcoming, explained event coordinator Jennifer Hall.

“We brought all the classics back, and it is very well attended,” she said. “There are always ups and downs in any event you plan. Everyone is having a good time [with] plenty of good food and cake walk for our cake walk so it is okay.”

The parade and carnival have been a long-standing city tradition for the past seven decades and counting. Having been a citywide institution for many generations has allowed it to continue to thrive for as long as it has, Hall said.

Aside from the Crickette Club, the event is the culmination of the hard work and effort of various local organizations including the Kiwanis Club, Junior League, and the many city services clubs.

“Everyone came together to pull this off,” Hall said. As for her favorite part of the evening, she simply replied: “Seeing everyone happy.”

Lake Wales Celebrates 46th Annual Pioneer Days Festival

Staff Reporter
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by James Coulter

Old spinsters spin yarn from flax. A blacksmith pulls a burning red iron from the fire and strikes it on the anvil. And a cook serves chicken stew served from a cauldron over an open fire.

These scenes were not from the olden days of yore. In fact, they all happened last weekend along the shores of Lake Wailes Park during the 46th Annual Pioneer Days Festival in Lake Wales.

On Saturday and Sunday, several dozen historic demonstrators gathered to demonstrate crafts and other activities as they were practiced several hundred years ago. From fur clothes to yarn and wicker baskets, attendees could see how people made the items they required back in the old days.

Mike Linkswiler, President of the Lake Wales Woodturners, attended with his club members to sell their woodturning crafts including bowls, vases, and other pottery.

Mike has been with his organization for three years, while many of his fellow members have been around for ten to twenty years. This is the second year Mike has attended Pioneer Days, while the other members have been attending for five to six years.

“We are having a good time, and we appreciate the time being here,” he said. “I like the fact that they are looking at how crafts were once done by the pioneers.”

Aside from historic demonstrators, the event was attended by many other local vendors and food trucks, all selling their ware to attendees. For example, the local chapter of the NRA provided gun safety material including free gun locks.

Robert Dummett has been a lifelong resident of Lake Wales. He has been attending the event for many years, and he wanted to participate as early as last year. This was his first year participating, and he loved every moment of it.

“It is a great heritage festival, and it is a good time had by all,” he said. “As you can see by the crowd here, there are people of all groups here and everyone is having a good time.”

For nearly 50 years, Pioneer Days have been hosted by the Lake Wales History Museum to showcase the city’s local history and heritage. This was the first year the event was organized by Executive Director Melissa Stroller.

The only major change this year was the introduction of a water ski show hosted by the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team. Otherwise, the event had all of the festivities locals and visitors have come to expect.

“It has been a good turnout so far,” Stroller said. “This event has a long history. This is the 46th. It is practically an institution locally…I enjoy seeing it go off smoothly. That is for sure. Just seeing a variety of activities that will appeal to all people.”

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