Orlando Woman Charged With DUI With Serious Bodily Injury After Crash Critically Injuring 2 Young Children In Frostproof Crash

Frostproof

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May 22, 2023

32-year-old Ashauntie Cox (DOB 2/15/1991) of Orlando, who caused serious bodily harm to two children in her vehicle while fleeing from two crashes and driving under the influence, was arrested in Polk County on Friday, May 19, 2023, and charged with several felonies.

According to witnesses and information developed during the investigation, the first crash occurred around 8:00 p.m. on US Hwy 27 at the intersection with US Hwy 98 near Frostproof. Cox was driving a blue Kia southbound on Hwy 27 when she struck a grey Chevy Silverado pickup truck and then fled at a high rate of speed. As she continued to recklessly speed south down Hwy 27, weaving in and out of slower moving traffic, she rear-ended a 2016 Honda CRV while trying to pass between that SUV and the vehicle next to it which were both also going southbound. The victim driving the CRV was taken to Sebring Hospital, where he was treated and released with minor injuries.

The collision caused Cox’s vehicle to flip several times, ejecting two Orlando children, ages 5 and 8 years old. Both sustained significant injuries, and they were taken to Tampa General Hospital where they are both in critical condition. A 27-year-old female passenger was also seriously injured along her spinal cord, hip, and back. She remains at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center in stable condition.

When deputies arrived at the scene of the crash, they detected the odor of marijuana and located a bottle of tequila in Cox’s vehicle. Cox was transported to the hospital and interview by deputies. Cox told deputies they were driving from Orlando to Avon Park to celebrate the 5-year-old’s kindergarten graduation. She admitted to smoking marijuana earlier in the day, and to having four shots of tequila. Her blood was drawn for further analysis, and she displayed several signs of impairment.

She was booked into the Polk County Jail and is being charged with:

· Three counts DUI with serious bodily injury (F3)

· Two counts negligent child abuse with great bodily harm (F2)

· Reckless driving (F3)

· One count DUI with property damage (M1)

· One count DUI (M2)

Further charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.

“This woman had no regard for anyone’s life when she got behind the wheel intoxicated and then drove recklessly down a major highway, but what’s worse is the blatant disregard she had for the lives of the innocent children in her car. I expect a successful prosecution to hold her accountable—and let’s hope she loses her driving privileges if she’s released from jail or prison. Please keep these babies and their families in your prayers.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Haines City Motorcyclist Arrested in Lake Wales and Charged With Driving Under the Influence

Lake Wales

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July 25, 2024

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Haines City Motorcyclist Arrested in Lake Wales and Charged With Driving Under the Influence

LAKE WALES – On July 18, 2024, the Lake Wales Police Department arrested Luis Mauric Arbelaez Betancur (DOB 04/18/97) of Dale Ann Dr., Haines City with driving under the influence. Arbelaez was reportedly witnessed falling off his motorcycle.

Below is the arrest affidavit:

It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the LWPD. 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 Lake Wales Daily 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 7/18/24, I responded to Scenic Hwy S and Alvina Ave in Lake Wales in reference to Officer Jerome witnessing a male driver fall off his motorcycle and appearing to be intoxicated. Upon arrival I made contact with Luis Betancur. While speaking with Betancur, I observed a strong order of alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath, as well as slurred speech, dilated pupils and bloodshot eyes. Betancur appeared to have trouble maintaining his balance, as he constantly had to catch his footing to prevent from falling over. I informed Betancur that he appeared to be under the influence and asked if he would be willing to participate in standardized field sobriety tasks, to which he agreed.

“I then conducted the horizontal gaze nystagmus task. During the test, I observed lack of smooth pursuit in both eyes, as well as sustained and distinct nystagmus at maximum deviation and onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees. During the task, Betancur was unable to keep his head still and had to be repeatedly reminded to keep his head facing forward and to follow the stimulus with his eyes only.

“After conducting the horizontal gaze nystagmus task, I escorted Betancur to a leveled area to conduct the walk and turn task. After instructing Betancur to stand with his right heel against his left toe and maintain that position with his hands by his side, Betancur was unable to maintain his balance. I terminated the walk and turn task without having him complete it out of concern that he would be at risk of falling were he to attempt the task. Additionally, Betancur was limping which he claimed was from an injury sustained during work.

“I then conducted the one leg stand task. I instructed Betancur to stand with his feet together with his hands by his side. After reciting the instructions for the task, Betancur acknowledged that he understood them. During the task, Betancur was unable to keep his balance and swayed from side to side while counting. Betancur also raised his arms more than 6 inches and put his foot down on the ground on multiple occasions.

“I also conducted the finger to nose task with Betancur. During the task, after acknowledging he understood the instructions, Betancur did not tilt his head back as instructed, nor did he return his hand back to his side after touching his nose as was instructed. Betancur also missed his nose several times using the tip of his finger.

“Based on the clues I observed from Betancur, I placed him under arrest for driving under the influence and transported him to the Sheriff’s Processing Center. Post-Miranda, Betancur admitted to consuming alcohol, stating he had one beer. While en route to the processing center, Betancur was consistently hostile towards me, making numerous lewd and derogatory remarks. Betancur, also on numerous occasions, asked me to “Take off [my] badge” and fight him. He also banged his head on the partition, falsely claiming the brakes were being slammed.

“Upon arrival at the processing center, Deputy Warren from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to conduct a breathalyzer test. I conducted a 20-minute observation period beginning at 0410 hours and ending at 0430 hours. At 0432 hours, Betancur consented to a breath test; the first sample showed 0.123g/210L of breath, the second sample showed 0.110g/210L of breath.

“After Deputy Warren completed the breath test with Betancur, I issued a Uniform Traffic Citation for Driving under the influence. When I presented the citation to Betancur, I informed him that he was required to sign the citation; acknowledging it, to which he refused to sign. I then read the warning on the citation stating he would receive a criminal charge for refusing to sign. Betancur stated, “Go ahead and charge me with it then,” and willfully refused to sign the citation.

“Based on the above facts, I believe probable cause exists to charge Betancur with 1 count of Driving under the influence above 0.08g/210ml, F.S.S. 316.193 (1)(C), and 1 count of Refuse to Accept/Sign Citation, F.S.S. 318.14(3).”

Betancur was released on bond July 22, 2024 pending a 9/3/2024 court date.

Crash on Hwy. 60 West of Lake Wales Briefly Shuts Down Traffic Flow

Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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July 25, 2024

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Crash on Hwy. 60 West of Lake Wales Briefly Shuts Down Traffic Flow

A call was received by Polk County Fire Rescue at 3:12 p.m. today to report a traffic collision at 4560 Hwy. 60 W in Lake Wales, west of the railroad crossing.

According to PCFR, two people were transported for medical attention, one by helicopter and one by ambulance.

We are advised that Hwy. Was closed briefly but is currently open in both directions.

Neither PCFR nor the Polk County Sheriff’s Office could provide any additional details at this time.

Lake Wales Middle School Student to Compete in Upcoming Junior Olympics

Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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July 25, 2024

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Lake Wales Middle School Student to Compete in Upcoming Junior Olympics

When you start your running career at the age of 5, it seems like there’s nowhere to go but up. In the case 14-year-old Ra’nasia Simmons, she’s set her sights high and has earned a place at the Junior Olympics where she will compete starting on July 29.

The Bok Academy South student got her running start in elementary school, says her mother, Kendra Howard.

“Back in kindergarten, her dad had put her into an event, and she won first place. And it basically started there. She has the speed, she’s just talented, and naturally blessed with ability.”

She started training and competing with the AAU track team, an organization founded in 1888 that is dedicated to establishing standards and uniformity in amateur sports. Simmons currently runs with the Lake Wales Fury.

Howard, who also has two other children, is exceedingly proud of her daughter’s accomplishments and perseverance.

“She’s been running ever since that first race in kindergarten,” says Howard.

During the Junior Olympic trials earlier this year, Simmons qualified for the 100m and 200m races.

Simmons is pretty serious about sports and competition, as she also plays softball. At the time of the writing of this article, she was at the softball World Series in Clearwater, according to Howard.

Competing in sports requires great physical, mental, and financial stamina. Families whose children compete in these types of events are often saddled with the cost of transportation, housing, equipment, and training to assist their children and getting them to the highest level.

While these types of costs are challenging, the family focus has been to allow Simmons the opportunity to showcase her skills and dedication on the national level that will be televised. Donations and sponsorship can, in the future, help her get to the next level.

When Simmons finishes her studies at Bok Academy South she plans on going to Lake Wales High School and continuing to train and compete at the highest levels she can.

“She wants to go hard and win and bring the medal back home,” Howard says of Simmons’ Junior Olympic goals, which include going to the Olympics one day.

“I see her heart for running, she’s very humble, and sweet. I see it. She’s truly a blessing.”

Bring it home, Ra’nasia!

FWC’s Wild Turkey Summer Survey Seeking Sightings Through August 31

Wildlife/FWC

Maria Iannucci

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July 24, 2024

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FWC’s Wild Turkey Summer Survey Seeking Sightings Through August 31

Photo courtesy of Glenn Whittington, www.myfwc.com

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, better known as the FWC, is asking for the community’s assistance in spotting and reporting wild turkey sightings.

By participating in their annual Wild Turkey Summer Survey, biologists at the FWC can learn more about nesting success, brood survival, and distribution/abundance of this important species.

Participate in the Summer Brood Survey and report wild turkey sightings each year from June 1 – August 31.

Wild turkeys are abundant in Florida and are found throughout the state. In Polk County, the Osceola species of turkey is prevalent and native to our area.

Nesting success can vary each year based on several factors including weather conditions, predation, and habitat characteristics/quality. Fluctuations in nesting success and brood survival strongly influence wild turkey populations. When reproduction in a given year kick is good, populations tend to increase in subsequent years.

Florida’s annual summer wild turkey survey is part of a larger regional study designed to provide more insight into the distribution and abundance of wild turkeys. The information, combined with harvest data, lets FWC biologists scientifically manage the wild turkey population—ensuring we have a thriving population now and in the future.

To report the sighting of a wild turkey through August 31, please visit:

https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/1c366cbb1dda4187b245d706b5887849

In Loving Memory of Joann Ruth VanDeusen, 88

Maria Iannucci

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July 24, 2024

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Joann Ruth VanDeusen, 88

Joann Ruth VanDeusen of Lake Wales passed away Thursday, July 18, 2024, at The Club in Lake Wales.

She was born April 6, 1936,in Teaneck, New Jersey to the late George and Ruth Stoever. She spent most of her life raising her family in Hollywood, Florida before relocating to Frostproof in 1991. Joann was a homemaker and a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Fellowship in Frostproof. She was an artistic person who enjoyed doing crafts and often attended craft shows with her husband Dick. Joann loved flowers and going to garage sales.

Joann was preceded in death by her husband, Richard VanDeusen in August of 2009; and sister, Irene Raum. She is survived by her daughters, Missy Maxwell and husband Scott of Frostproof, and Gail Gorman and husband Steve of Fort Lauderdale; son, John VanDeusen of Avon Park; brother, David Stoever and wife Sue of Tennessee; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until the funeral service at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, July 25, 2024, at Emmanuel Baptist Fellowship in Frostproof with Pastor John Eissigman officiating. Interment will take place at Florida National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her honor can be made to the Emmanuel Baptist Fellowship Children’s Ministry (Post Office Box 11, Frostproof, Florida 33843).

Frostproof City Council Meeting Set For Secondary Discussion On Proposed RV Park at Crooked Lake

Frostproof

Maria Iannucci

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July 24, 2024

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Frostproof City Council Meeting Set For Secondary Discussion On Proposed RV Park at Crooked Lake

Proposed RV park would be near the intersection of Cody Villa Rd. And Wes Mann Rd. In Frostproof

The Frostproof City Council will meet on August 5, 6 p.m. at City Hall for a secondary discussion on the proposed RV park at Crooked Lake in Frostproof. A final vote is planned.

The proposed RV park, consisting of 89 RV sites, is near the intersection of Cody Villa Road and Wes Mann Road in Frostproof.

The property is owned by Landdaly, LLC; the company is seeking to rezone the land from agricultural to city RV park, according to Frostproof Vice Mayor, Austin Gravley.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting and will be given the opportunity to speak prior to the vote.

City Hall, the location for the meeting, is located at 111 West 1st Street, Frostproof.

Board Approves 5-0 To Settlement Agreement With Former LWCS Superintendent

Lake Wales

carl

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July 24, 2024

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Board Approves 5-0 To Settlement Agreement With Former LWCS Superintendent

By Anita Todd, Special Articles

LAKE WALES – The Lake Wales Charter School Board of Trustees voted unanimously to accept a proposed agreement for termination “with cause” and apology from former Superintendent Dr. Wayne Rodolfich at a regular Board Meeting on Monday.

Rodolfich was terminated after the Board heard the results of an investigation into complaints he had created a hostile work environment and racially discriminated against at least one employee.

Robin Gibson, Special Council, LWCS, briefed the Board at a Special Meeting prior to the monthly meeting regarding the details of the proposed agreement.

Upon acceptance of the agreement, Rodolfich will receive 14 weeks of compensation minus any deductions such as taxes and other withholdings.

According to his employment contract – obtained by the Daily Ridge – his annual salary was $175,000. The agreement of 14 weeks – before any deductions – would be approximately $47,000.

“‘Without cause’ termination would have been 20 weeks,” Gibson reminded the Board of the detail from Rodolfich’s contract.

Also, Rodolfich will sign a letter of apology concerning the reason for termination, something that hasn’t been made public entirely at this time.

Rodolfich was hired in 2022 as the Superintendent and, until these allegations, had never had a complaint filed against him.

In other items at the meeting, the Board voted unanimously to hire Gregory Lewis as the Edward W. Bok Academy North principal.

Editors Note: We will have a future article about Principal Lewis.

Other agenda items voted on were the 2024-25 budget; Reading Plan; ESE Policy and Procedures; Mental Health applications; Hazel Health; Contractor Background Screenings; Good Cause Policy for Athletes; School Safety Policy; and Public Records Management. They all gained unanimous approval. The minutes from the three June meetings were also approved.

The next meeting will be Aug. 19 at 4 p.m. in the LWCS High School auditorium.

Taking It For Granted – Much Has Changed In Lake Wales Over The Past 30 Years

Lake Wales

carl

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July 24, 2024

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Taking It For Granted – Much Has Changed In Lake Wales Over The Past 30 Years

By Mayor Jack Hilligoss

In 1997 The Lakeland Ledger reported our city had adopted a new motto-“Progressive Vision, Vintage Charm”. They also reported the initial actions taken in pursuit of the motto. The city had ordered new letterhead and street signs with it emblazoned on them. “Progressive Vision” may have been the motto, but status quo was the reality. That was fine because Lake Wales was surrounded by rolling hills covered with healthy citrus groves as far as we could see. Not much happened, not much changed, and not much needed to.

A lot has changed in the nearly three decades since then. The rapidity of the change has increased in the last five years. The Citrus Industry has been stricken and reduced and hundreds of thousands of people have moved to Polk County. Many of those are arriving in Lake Wales. These twin realities make it very apparent that, if Lake Wales is to maintain any of its “vintage charm” we must be serious about adopting and pursuing a “Progressive Vision”.

Our City Commission, Administration, and citizens have taken on that challenge proactively and optimistically. About five years ago, City leadership begin investing in a series of long-range plans to grab the reins of our future.

The process began with Lake Wales Connected; a strategic plan to recapture the historic vision of the founders of Lake Wales and turn Lake Wales into “A City in a Garden”. While that plan focused on restoring our historic downtown to the vision of its founding and creating “A City in a Garden.”

The next planning investment was a long-range land use strategy. In this process, we concentrated on creating a “footprint” for the growth and development of Lake Wales over the next several decades. What would be the city limits? How should work with landowners to strategically annex, zone, and develop? How could we encourage higher-quality and unique development? How could we maintain a scenic distinction between city and country? These concerns were all a part of the development and adoption of “Lake Wales Envisioned”, an award-winning, plan, and one of the most unique visionary pieces for a city I have ever seen.

Along with these “big picture”, strategic plans, our City Manager has taken the initiative in the last few years to invest in a strategic plan for the development of Parks and Recreationwhich proposes a $28 million dollar investment in our parks and will likely be presented and adopted for implementation this year. We have a plan for creating affordable housing options. He has also engaged us in a retail economic development strategy that has resulted in several new restaurants relocating and developing in Lake Wales. We learned just this month that Chick-Fil-A, Chipotle, Panera Bread, and Starbucks will all be coming to Lake Wales.

We also are finishing up a long-term economic development plan for our city. That is a strategic plan to bring businesses to Lake Wales.

This professional, diligent, investment in planning for the future, and the serious pursuit of the implementation of those plans, is the only way we will avoid most of the dangers and capture most of the opportunities growth brings our way. It also pays off in another, very tangible way.

GRANTS.

When a municipality creates good plans and invests time and effort into implementing those plans, it attracts the attention of people with grant money to invest. This has been happening in a big way in Lake Wales. Here are some examples:

• A $90,000 grant from South State Bank for down payment assistance for affordable homes the city partners to build.

• A $1.2 million CDBG grant to place all new sidewalks, landscaping, and lighting in our historic, northwest, neighborhood.

• A $980,000 grant from the Polk Transportation Planning Organization for work on trails and paths on our portion of the Scenic Hwy 17 corridor.

• A $200,000 grant which funded the Park Avenue Connector Trail

• An $800,000 grant from the Department of Transportation to repave, rehab, and repurpose Orange and Crystal Avenues.

• A $750,000 grand from HUD to do a complete streetscape renovation of a portion of 1st Street

• A $750,000 grant from CDBG to rehabilitate housing in our historic northwest neighborhoods

• A $48,000 grant from T-Mobile to invest in the ongoing development of our terrific linear park.

• A $174,000 RTP grant to develop the Kiwanis Loop Trail

• A $50,000 grant from FRDAP to invest in a “Northwest Sports Complex”

• A $200,000 FRDAP grant to invest in the Lake Wales Soccer Complex

• A $50,000 FRDAP grant to update and improve our seven parks.

• A $109,481 grant to purchase an emergency generator for City Hall

• A $277,000 grant to extend our water lines and force mains on Buckmoore Road

• A $500,000 grant to replace water lines and mains in our historic northwest neighborhood.

• A $240,000 grant to develop a Master Drainage Plan for our city

• A $25,000 grant to do a wildlife hazard assessment

• A $1million grant from FDOT to create a new, modern, fuel farm at our municipal airport

• An $80,000 FDOT grant for airport fencing and security

• $984,000 FDOT grant for rehab of airport T-hangars and taxilanes

• $149,500 FDOT grant for airport lighting and signage.

• A $40,000 grant from Florida Commerce for an Economic Development Plan.

Then, at the end of June, we received a $22.9 million RAISE grant to continue our work on our historic downtown on First Street, Central Avenue, Lincoln Ave. and “A” Street.

This, incredibly generous grant is the direct result of the planning and $18 million investment our city has already made on the Park Avenue and Market Plaza project.

That is nearly $31million dollars in grant money that has come to Lake Wales just in the last few years. We have never had that level of investment in our city. By the way, that isn’t every grant we have received but I felt it would be sufficient for this article.

Sometimes we don’t do a good job recognizing and celebrating these sorts of achievements. My goal in writing this series of articles was to respond to sincere questions you asked about our city, attempt to help you understand how city government works and who is responsible for what, and, hopefully, to inspire you with the “good news” of Lake Wales. This “good news” unfortunately doesn’t find its way into most local outlets and isn’t given attention on social media. It is easy to take for granted.

So, once again, “Thank you” to Carl Fish for generously providing me this forum. And, once again, I invite your questions. My email is [email protected]. I have an office to use at City Hall, so if you’d like to visit with me, just call for an appointment and I will meet you there.

Oh, one more thing. When I was elected Mayor, a little girl named Laci told her mom to ask me to get a Chick-Fil-A in our city. And, even though I really didn’t have much to do with it, I would like to take this moment to say, “Laci, you are welcome.”

This is one of a series of articles by Lake Wales Mayor Jack Hilligoss. Here are the others:

This & That: What’s Going On With Lake Wales Parks & Recreation, Streets , & The Walesbuilt Hotel

Taking Care Of Business – Economic Development In Lake Wales

Racehorses & Mules

In Loving Memory of Samuel Torres-Martinez, 86

Maria Iannucci

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July 24, 2024

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Samuel Torres-Martinez, 86

Samuel Torres-Martinez of Lakeshore passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at Lakeland Hospice House.

He was born April 27, 1938 in Manati, Puerto Rico to the late Enrique and Andrea Torres; he moved to Lakeshore from Puerto Rico 13 years ago. Samuel was an air conditioning repair man and a veteran of the United States Army. He enjoyed playing dominos, riding motorcycles, and dancing with his wife.

Samuel was preceded in death by his son, Jorge Luis Torres-Sifuentes in November of 2022. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dámaris Sifuentes-Reyes; son, Samuel Torres-Sifuentes; sisters, Rosa Amalia Torres-Martinez, Maria Magdalena Torres-Martinez, Carmen Cruz Torres-Martinez, Aida Luz Torres-Martinez, and Elizabeth Torres-Martinez; brothers, Jaime Enrique Torres-Martinez and Emeladiz Torres-Martinez; and five grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales. Interment will follow at Lake Wales Memorial Gardens.

Samuel Torres-Martínez, 86
Samuel Torres-Martinez de Lakeshore falleció el miércoles 17 de julio de 2024 en Lakeland Hospice House.

Nació el 27 de abril de 1938 en Manatí, Puerto Rico, hijo del fallecido Enrique y Andrea Torres; se mudó a Lakeshore desde Puerto Rico hace 13 años. Samuel era reparador de aire acondicionado y veterano del ejército de los Estados Unidos. Le gustaba jugar dominó, andar en motocicleta y bailar con su esposa.

A Samuel le precedió en la muerte su hijo, Jorge Luis Torres-Sifuentes, en noviembre de 2022. Le sobreviven su esposa durante 55 años, Dámaris Sifuentes-Reyes; hijo, Samuel Torres Sifuentes; hermanas, Rosa Amalia Torres-Martínez, María Magdalena Torres-Martínez, Carmen Cruz Torres-Martínez, Aida Luz Torres-Martínez y Elizabeth Torres-Martínez; hermanos, Jaime Enrique Torres-Martínez y Emeladiz Torres-Martínez; y cinco nietos.

El velorio se realizará a partir de las 11:00 a.m. hasta el funeral a las 12:00 p. m. del miércoles 24 de julio de 2024 en Marion Nelson Funeral Home en Lake Wales. Seguirá el entierro en Lake Wales Memorial Gardens.

Local Non-Profit Assisting Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Seeking Financial Assistance

Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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July 23, 2024

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Local Non-Profit Assisting Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Seeking Financial Assistance

By James Coulter

For nearly 25 years, Circle of Friends have helped low-income individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Lake Wales. Now they’re seeking financial assistance to help pay off the mortgage to their new facility.

In 2022, Circle of Friends, a local non-profit in Lake Wales, having reached full capacity with its staff and students, moved to a larger facility located at 333 Lime Avenue. Their new facility includes a kitchen, dining hall, classrooms, offices, and a much larger space to facilitate future growth.

That growth includes a summer program called P.O.P. Tots, which recently started for children with intellectual and developmental differences ages 10 to 18. Another new addition is their virtual program, which connects IDD adults to their peers for lessons and activities of their choice.

Perhaps their most ambitious project is Friends Village, with plans to provide affordable housing in a supported living community just for the IDD population. Since the new facility has buildable property, Circle of Friends had begun planning to provide housing for IDD individuals in need.

However, a larger building also comes with a larger mortgage, placing them in serious need of financial support. They are asking the community to provide whatever assistance they can offer.

“We took a huge leap of faith when we sold our old building to begin our lease to own on the new facility and property,” explained Crystal Higbee, president of Circle of Friends. “It took every last bit of money that was made from the sale of the old building to secure the loan for the remaining costs to purchase the new facility. We are currently sitting at approximately $850,000.00 to be able to pay this debt off and move forward with our plans. Without the support of our community, we risk losing our new facility altogether. We just cannot reasonably keep up with such a large overhead and still provide resources at almost no cost to our low-income students.”

Circle of Friends is a local non-profit organization that, according to their website is dedicated to “equip, empower, and provide inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences.”

“[Our vision] is to one day become the provider of a set of complete resources that will help uplift and sustain a good standard or quality of life for the IDD residents living in our community,” their website states. “The vision includes supported living housing that is affordable, sustainable, and that has options for purchase to bring security and peace-of-mind to the residents and their families.”

The organization was started by Mertice Fehringer, a local mother of a daughter with developmental disabilities during a time when resources for such individuals proved scarce. Wanting to facilitate the change she sought for her community, Mertice started Circle of Friends in 1999 in the Sunday school room of a local church.

Over the next few years, their group outgrew their small classroom, requiring them to find a larger facility. Circle of Friends found that larger space at Stuart Avenue in Downtown Lake Wales. They purchased that building for only a dollar and moved into it in 2001.

During that time, they developed their Proclaiming Our Potential (P.O.P.) Day Program, a life skills development (LSD) program to help instill in their students the life and job skills necessary to live independently.

“Our goal is to equip the students at a younger age so when they are ready to graduate, they are more readily capable of competing with peers for entry-level jobs and can spot and stop any abuse or exploitation that they may face at home from caregivers who want to keep them dependent for their benefits,” Higbee explained. “Our program is structured to graduate these individuals into an independent life of the highest degree possible.”

By 2022, the organization was “bursting at the seams” with new students and their old building had been worn away with age and storm damage. Further complicating matters were downtown renovations, which would have forced them to lose the front side of their facility, which would have affected the accessibility of their students.

After creating a task force, they scoped the area for a new location, which they discovered in the former Westside Baptist Church at Lime Street. Last year, they moved into their new facility, but by doing so, incurred a significant mortgage which they now need help paying off.

“It was fantastic, but that price tag was real hefty,” Higbee said. “We had the option to buy with a stringent time frame. We had 18 months to purchase this building. We sold the building we were in. We got those funds. We lost several students due to finances. The economy turned, and now we just had to deal with the loss.”

However, despite their financial difficulty, Circle of Friends remains committed to assisting members of the community with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

“We have a policy that we do not turn away any student for their lack of ability to pay,” Higbee said. “They can apply for scholarships and we find a way to get them in.”

Circle of Friends is getting by with assistance from local residents and through grants. However, they are asking for donations to help them pay off their debt. One method is to sponsor a student to keep them enrolled in their services for a full year.

To learn more about Circle of Friends, or to find out how you can help, visit their website at: https://www.circleoffriendsministry.com/

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