City of Winter Haven Parks, Recreation and Culture:
The City is proud to boast a system of 13 + miles of trails and connections. Several important pieces of this system are comprised of what are called “complete streets”. Complete streets are defined as “streets accommodating all users including pedestrians, cyclist, transit and cars”. The City has several examples of recent complete street projects including our 3rd Street SW Complete Street, which was largely funded by FDOT and 7th Street SW. These projects included adding trails and sidewalks and improving the roadways.
We have funded our 13 + miles of trails and connections, largely through FDEP and FDOT Grants. Over the past 20 years, the City has received over $8 Million in grant dollars to help build this network. We are excited to announce that our South Lake Silver Drive Complete Street Project will soon be under construction. The project enhance the roadway between 1st Street North and 5th Street NW and include the addition of a trail, sidewalk, pedestrian crossings, on-street parking, intersection improvements at 3rd Street NW, adding additional greenspace to MLK Jr. Park and landscaping. The project will link to the Chain of Lakes Trail and new improvements at MLK Jr. Park. The project is being funded 100% through a generous $1.4 Million grant from the Florida Department of Transportation. The project is expected to start in November 2020 and last approximately ten months.
Lake Wales, Florida – On October 15, 2020 Victory Ridge Academy was awarded a $4,000 grant from Florida’s Natural Growers Foundation. All funding received from the Foundation will go toward VRA’s School Wide Behavior Management System, which utilizes a positive approach and aids in providing clear expectations and consistent consequences that help students to become more productive in their learning environment. Victory Ridge Academy recognizes the importance of establishing the social culture and behavioral supports needed for all children to achieve both social and academic success. Through this program our mission is to provide a high level of quality student behavioral support so that educators will be able to maintain effective classroom environments with minimal distractions. Both staff and students at Victory Ridge Academy would like to thank the Florida’s Natural Growers Foundation for their generous donation and continued support over the years. Victory Ridge Academy is a Title 1, 501 (c) (3) non-profit public charter school that exclusively serves children and adolescents with special needs. Victory Ridge Academy is based on the belief of the administration, staff and Board of Trustees that early intervention is crucial to helping children and young adults with special needs to cultivate healthy lifestyles and grow into well-adjusted persons. It is the school’s belief that students need a safe, positive and nurturing learning environment to develop communication skills, social skills, academic and technical skills in order to build their self-confidence and become productive members of society. For more information about Victory Ridge Academy, please visit the Academy’s website at www.victoryridge.org
Sebring, Florida – The Florida Highway Patrol is reporting that a 50 Yr Old Sebring man has been struck & killed riding his bicycle today.
According to the FHP report a sport utility vehicle was traveling northbound on US 27 in the left lane, approaching the intersection of Keiber Blvd. The 50 Yr old man (Bicyclist) was traveling from East to West, across the northbound lanes of US 27 and traveled into the immediate path of sport utility vehicle. The front of the SUV collided with left side of bicycle. The SUV then traveled across the raised center median and came to final rest facing North, in the southbound left turn lane. The 50 Yr old man and the bicycle came to final rest on the raised center grass median. The pedestrian was transported to Advent Health Sebring and later pronounced deceased
Currently no charges are pending. The SUV was driven by a 39 yr old woman. A 12 yr old passenger was also in the SUV.
The FHP does not release names of victims so we don’t expect further information.
Due to the ongoing and worsening pandemic of Covid-19 the Mardi Gras committee and volunteers have decided to drastically scale down the 2021 celebration. This decision is not an easy one for us to make, but we feel it is the right decision facing the current circumstances. Lake Wales Mardi Gras has grown and changed drastically over the last few years, we have raised and donated nearly $30,000 for local non-profits and forever changed the parade and festival for the better.
Unfortunately, there will be no parade or celebration at the park on Lake Wailes Lake this year for several reasons. As of right now, the City of Lake Wales has a ban on all large scale events and will not issue permits for them. For that to change, the 14 day average of positive tests for Polk County must drop below 5%. We have been following this for months now and the numbers aren’t getting better. The likelihood of the threshold being met in time for us to properly plan the event are pretty slim.
Some of our concerns are also financial in nature, all things considered, Mardi Gras must make enough money to cover the costs of the 2 day event and parade. We feel it is too risky at this point, especially with the uncertainty of the months ahead. We want to make sure that Mardi Gras is safe financially so that it will be able to continue on once this pandemic has passed.
We do have some smaller events in the planning stages for the weekend of Mardi Gras and for Fat Tuesday. So please, stay tuned for that information and we hope you can attend! Our goal is to get together for these smaller events and still raise money for Mardi Gras and the non-profits we support.
No one is as disappointed as we are about the situation we are all forced into, but we hope to make the best of it. Thanks for the continued support and understanding.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a four-vehicle crash that occurred during the evening hours of Friday, October 23, 2020, on State Road 60 in Lake Wales, during which four people suffered fatal injuries. Preliminary information is as follows:
The crash occurred around 10:30 p.m. on SR 60 approximately one mile east of County Road 630 near Indian Lake Estates. That stretch of roadway is straight, running east to west through a rural area, with a dashed and solid yellow line indicating a no passing zone for eastbound traffic, and passing allowed for westbound traffic. The speed limit along that stretch of roadway is 55 MPH.
The vehicles, drivers involved, passengers, and their conditions are:
A 2005 gray Ford F-150 being driven by 83-year-old Phillip Penatello of Hobe Sound, FL; sole occupant of his truck; airlifted to LRHMC, where he succumbed to his injuries.
A 2013 white Nissan Frontier, being driven by 67-year-old Deborah Everett of Indian Lake Estates; sole occupant of her truck; minor injuries, no medical treatment necessary.
A 2018 blue Toyota Corolla, being driven by 19-year-old Jaelin Hunt of Lakeland; sole occupant of her car; minor injuries, no medical treatment necessary.
A gray 2008 Nissan Altima being driven by 42-year-old Wagner Salvador of Palm Beach, FL; numerous broken bones, airlifted to Osceola Regional Medical Center, in stable condition.
Salvador’s passengers:
45-year-old Veruska Salvador (front seat); deceased on scene.
12-year-old Ashley Salvador (back seat driver’s side); transported to Lake Wales Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries.
11-year-old Albert Salvador (back seat passenger’s side); deceased on scene.
Evidence and interviews indicate that Penatello was driving eastbound (in the no passing zone) in excess of the speed limit, when he went into the westbound lane to pass a vehicle. At that time, Everett and Hunt were traveling westbound. Penatello struck Everett’s vehicle, causing one of her tires to be separated and to roll until it struck Hunt’s car. Both of those vehicles that were hit by Penetello came to a rest and were not hit by any other cars.
Penatello continued heading east in the westbound lane and struck Salvador’s car nearly head-on, causing Salvador’s car to rotate and come to a stop in a drainage ditch on the north side of the roadway.
It does not appear Penatello was wearing a seatbelt. All of the occupants of Salvador’s car were wearing seatbelts.
The roadway in the area was closed for approximately six hours during the investigation. Due to the death of the suspected at-fault driver, no criminal charges are pending. The investigation is ongoing.
The unique tattoos should help. The woman in the video visited TJ Maxx on Oct. 11 entering around 6:48 pm. She selects a round basket and proceeds to walk around placing items inside. She leaves the basket and merchandise on the sales floor and exits. She then re-enters around 7:10 pm and goes straight to where she left the basket. She retrieves the basket, still with the merchandise inside and walks right out of the doors – straight past the entry where the cashiers are located.The tattoos on her upper arms appear to be leopard pattern.If you recognize her, please contact Detective Cobb at 863-837-9459
On October 22, 2020, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 21-year-old Kodie Andrew Cameron Cummingham of Lakeland for battery (M1) of a homeless man.
According to the affidavit, Cummingham and the victim were having a verbal argument in the parking lot of Defy (6220 US Hwy 98 North, Lakeland) when Cummingham punched the victim on the right side of his face. The victim was not seriously injured and refused medical treatment.
Cummingham was arrested and transported to the Polk County Jail where he was booked in and then released on a $500 bond.
Any questions about Cummingham’s employment should be directed to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Grindley Williams Engineering Celebrates Grand Opening WithRibbon Cutting
by James Coulter
Looking for an engineering consultant to assist you with your new construction project? Then consider Grindley Williams Engineering of Lakeland.
Grindley Williams is a Florida-based multi-disciplinary engineering firm focusing on forensic, electrical, plumbing, structural, and geotechnical engineering. Their company currently serves the local insurance industry and local architects and contractors.
With their talented staff of proffesional engineers, their firms isdedicated to offering its clients only the best in every area and aspect of construction. Anything your new building or project requires to undergo a safe and reliable construction, they can offer.
“The oath of every engineer is to, above all other goals, ensure public safety, health and welfare,” their website states. “We strive to provide a diversified menu of engineering services throughout the southeastern U.S. and serve our clients’ needs with this oath as our guiding principle.”
Currently, their focus has mostly been on disaster response, with many projects in the gulf in response to the recent slew of hurricanes and tropical storms. They also have constant construction projects underway locally in support of local growth in Polk County.
Jonathan Williams, business partner with Grindley Williams, was born in Lakeland. He loves the area and wanted to start and grow his own company there.
Most of his success thus far has been due to his proper treatment of his employees. Williams has ensured that the facility and its conditions are to their benefit. The break room is fit with a widescreen television, Nintendo Switch video game console, and even a beer tap.
“We want our employees to enjoy it,” Williams said. “We hope they enjoy it. We hope they feel like it is a second home. That they are relaxed and comfortable when they are here.”
Grindley Williams Engineering celebrated the grand opening of their facility with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Greater Lakeland Chamber of Commerce on Thursday.
Cory Skeates, Lakeland Chmaber CEO & President, commended Williams and his staff on their facility. He was especially envious of the beer tap they had in the break room, commenting on how it proved his employees were in good hand.
Joe Tedder, Chamber Treasurer, likewise commended the business for their lovely facility. He mentioned how proud he was of the company, and how Williams should be proud of the company, especially with the way he treats his staff. This level of commitment has allowed the firm to expand from half a dozen employees previously to 70 as of now, Tedder said.
“I have spoken with your staff,” Tedder said. “They are singing your praises, not only of the hard work that you do, but of the way that you treat them and your staff. So you really built a heck of a team here.”
Matt Clark, Chamber Chair of the Board, like everyone else, expressed his love for the beautiful space. He commended them for a fantastic job they have done thus far with their projects, many of which he assisted with.
“You guys have done a fantastic job,” he said. We are excited to see you grow, not only locally, but across the state. You guys are doing a great job, so congrats.”
Grindley Williams Engineering is located at 4175 S Pipkin Rd #210, Lakeland, FL 33811. For more information, visit their website at: https://www.grindleywilliams.com/
FROM FDOT: SR 542 (Dundee Road) from Buckeye Loop Road to east of US 27 – Crews are working on utilities, placing erosion control devices, clearing the right-of-way and working on temporary pavement base. Overlook Drive at the eastern merge with Dundee Road is now permanently closed. Motorists have access between Overlook Drive and Dundee Road at the flashing beacon or may use Carl Floyd Road as an alternate route. The Dundee Ridge Plaza entrance on Dundee Road will be closed October 22 – 28 with access to the shopping center on US 27. The overall project includes widening Dundee Road from two to four lanes, constructing an enclosed drainage system, installing a new signal at Overlook Drive and closing the Overlook Drive merge, adding sidewalk, bike lanes and street lighting, and making utility improvements. Expected completion is spring 2023. For more info or to view a recording of the virtual public meeting that was held in September, visit www.swflroads.com/sr542/buckeyelooptous27. Questions: Contact Sandra Mancil at (863) 519-4116 or [email protected].
Roof Rejuvenate of Central Florida Celebrates Grand Opening In Lakeland
by James Coulter
Has your roof seen better days? If you live in Florida, you know the wear and tear your roofing can receive from the sun’s heat, the pouring rain, and the hurricane winds.
Wish there was a way to protect your roof from the harsh elements? Something you could slather on top of it like moisturizer to keep it protected and refreshed from the heat, rain, and wind?
If your roof is experiencing wear and tear, don’t replace it: rejuvenate it!
Roof Rejuvenate of Central Florida is a roof treatment service that applies an all-natural plant-based product on your roof to make its shingles last longer and “rejuvenate” them to appear fresher than ever.
One treatment can extend your roof’s life by five years, and by 15 years with repeated treatment; as such, applying this treatment will save you 85 percent of the cost for a complete roof replacement, their website states.
“Our low pressure all-natural treatment is scientifically formulated to restore and maintain shingle flexibility and reduce granule loss that is essential to your roof’s longevity and performance,” their pamphlet states.
Roof Rejuvenate of Central Florida recently opened their business in Lakeland. Over the past year, they have treated over 400 homes in the local community, as well as Tampa and Orlando.
The company recently celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting hosted at the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday. The ceremony was initially going to be hosted outside the Chamber building, but inclement weather brought the festivities inside.
“We are thankful for everyone here in the Chamber,” said owner Andrew Massouras. “The Chamber has been wonderful. We truly appreciate it and look forward to doing business in Lakeland and helping homeowners and the community however way we can.”
Derek Oxford, the Chamber Financial Planner, commended Roof Rejuvenate for re-locating their business to Lakeland. He especially considered their business to be a fitting addition, as many homes in the community would require their roofing services.
“What a wonderful product to have, especially in Florida, where roofs do not last quite as long as they say on the box,” Oxford said. “We could use your help. So thank you so much.”
Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz likewise commended the business for being one of many new businesses to set up shop within the city. He considers such economic growth vital to the local community, and is excited to see it happen.
“The opportunities we have to watch businesses grow in Lakeland, and this is an example of one,” Mutz said. “To be able to bring your businesses here and to help an area where you need a lot of attention on our roofs, we are so grateful and thank you for joining the Chamber.”
Free estimates are available upon request. For more information, visit their website at: https://roofrejuvenatepro.com, or call 888-250-7663.
