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Friday, September 13, 2024

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

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

Undefeated Lake Wales Highlanders Varsity Football Team Plays At Sebring Tonight

It’s Friday! The undefeated Lake Wales High School varsity football team is scheduled to play the Sebring Blue Streaks tonight at Fireman’s Field in Sebring at 7:30 PM, Sept. 13.

Three games into the season, Sebring will show up tonight with two wins, and one loss so far. Last week’s game against Clewiston resulted in a win for them, 51 to 7.

The Highlanders, who are 3-0 for the season thus far, won against Auburndale last week with the final score of 23 to 0.

LWHS Head Coach, Tavaris Johnson, commented on expectations this week.

“It’s, of course, good to be undefeated right now. It gives confidence; it helps with having that momentum that you like to have going in against a good opponent, a tough opponent like Sebring. We’re excited, I know they’re excited. It’s their homecoming, and we know they’re playing for more than just a win this week.

“I think three keys to this week, what will determine success tonight is to be up front; offensive line needs to dominate. I believe every game is determined in the trenches. We just need to be able to come in and find rhythm early. Our key players need to be a force tonight.

“Sebring has two good interior defensive linemen, probably the best we’ve seen all season. I think we’ve got to improve on our third down conversions and not leave points on the field tonight. The margin is very small tonight for errors. We need to lead on three levels: offensively, defensively, and special teams.”

If you’re heading to the game to support your team, please send us your photos to share with the community!

Go Highlanders!

Traveling With Horses Made Easy: First Ever Equine Layover Marketplace Launches

Founder, Joni Gerard , with her horses, Bandit and Ciarra. Credit: Beach Chic Photography

Traveling a long distance with a horse trailer and horses can be stressful. Planning a trip with multiple, horse friendly layovers has been difficult to navigate. But starting this year, it should get a bit easier.

GiddyUpGetAway.com can make traveling with horses easy.

Earlier this year, GiddyUp GetAway, Inc. launched a groundbreaking, first of its kind, online marketplace which connects people traveling with their horses with hosts providing horse-friendly layover accommodations. This launch marks the first, interactive, equine layover marketplace of its kind.

Gerard, a 4th generation Polk County native, says GiddyUp GetAway is the, “first in the world and it started right here in Lake Wales”

Previously, travelers would spend hours planning and mapping their trip using a static directory of layover sites. Now, travelers can plan their trip using the interactive map and see available hosts along their route. Guests simply map their journey, click and book directly online. This technology has shaved hours off the planning stage and takes the guesswork out of wondering if the layover will have everything needed for a safe and comfortable experience.

GiddyUp GetAway is a family run business with everyone finding their niche within the new business. L to R: Ana, Clarke, Joni, Ali, and Jackson Gerard, with their dog, Amarilla.
Photo credit: Beach Chic Photography

Guests can choose to rent a horse trailer parking site or housing provided by hosts, if they are traveling without living quarters in their horse trailer. Horse rental accommodation options include stalls, paddocks, arenas and pastures. Finding the perfect layover has been simplified by using the search filter options which include people traveling with a big rig, stallions, and dogs. 

The platform includes a review system so travelers can see comments about a property from previous guests before they book. Likewise, hosts can preview a potential guest’s past reviews before accepting their reservation request. 

“We offer all of the bells and whistles of a traditional vacation rental site, but are specifically designed for people traveling with their horses,” said Joni Gerard, Founder & CEO of GiddyUp GetAway, Inc.

“Equine enthusiasts can now benefit from the same online conveniences which are offered on other short-term rental marketplaces, such as Airbnb, Hipcamp, and VRBO. I designed this platform to be a blessing, not a burden.” says Gerard. “It’s free for hosts to set up their property on our website and also free for guests to search for layovers. No upfront costs for hosts or guests! We collect a small fee after a completed reservation.”

Additional modern conveniences offered on giddyupgetaway.com include:

• Reservation software which prevents double bookings;

• Booking Calendar which allows hosts to block off dates when they need a break or want to make a temporary price change;

• Inbox which allows hosts and potential guests to communicate anonymously;

• Hosts can create property rules and establish check-in and check-out times;

• Nationwide advertising included;

  • 24/7 customer service includes help articles and ability to book a one on one meeting. Live chat is also available. 

• Cancellation Policy and Code of Conduct for guests and hosts.

In addition to searching for a convenient layover, guests can search for vacation destinations with their horses, by state or region, all over the US. Guests can go a step further and filter their search results based on a preferred vacation activity, such as horse trails nearby, hiking, biking, paddle boarding, kayaking, nearby attractions etc. 

“Our platform is designed to streamline the search, booking and payment processes, making travel with horses more accessible and enjoyable for everyone,” Gerard adds.

Founded by experienced horse lover, Joni Gerard, giddyupgetaway.com is the premier travel solution for horse enthusiasts who want to ensure their equine companions also have a safe and comfortable place to stay. Meanwhile, the platform offers everything a horse owner needs to operate their horse layover business. “It’s a win-win for everyone, including the horses,” adds Gerard. “Our hosts use horse facilities they already have on their property to earn extra income, while helping fellow equestrians and their horses as they pass through.”

Gerard credits, her love of horses to her mom, Karen Bradbury Walker, and her horse, Lucky.

Little Karen and her sweet horse, Lucky
(c. 1951).
Photo provided by Joni Gerard

“I got every ounce of my love for horses from her,” says Gerard. “My mom got Lucky when she was about 10 as a gift from her father. Mom trained the Morgan bred horse with patience and love and they became inseparable. I loved to hear my mom tell about their adventures. They rode every day and all day on Saturdays, when there was no school. Mom would pack a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, which she shared with Lucky on the trails, and they would explore the woods around Lake Marion and Haines City until dark.

“Lucky lived to be 28 years old. I remember the day she passed. It was a bitter cold and rainy day. I was about four years old, pressing my nose against the dining room window, trying to see out into the pasture where my mom was tending to her. She had gotten pneumonia and was too old to recover this time. Mom led her down into a hole dug by my uncle and covered with blankets to block the icy wind. Lucky laid her head and my mom’s lap and they loved on each other until the sweet mare finally let go of life.

Karen, 14, grooming her horse, Lucky, before a bareback ride. (c. 1955) Photo provided by Joni Gerard

“I will never forget that day or the bond shared by those two. You could say my passion for horses started with a little “Lucky” and my sweet Momma who taught me everything she knew about horses.”

GiddyUp GetAway’s launch has been met with enthusiasm from horse lovers, trail blazers, competitors and stable owners across the country. Users have been impressed with the platform’s user-friendly interface, robust search capabilities and commitment to promoting a safer and more convenient experience while planning an equine-friendly trip. Joni reports, “We are signing up new hosts at a steady pace and we plan to add Canada to the platform in the near future. So GiddyUp and start planning your next GetAway.”

Facebook: GiddyUp GetAway

Instagram: GiddyUp GetAway

Lake Wales High School Hosting a Limited-Time Fundraiser for Varsity Football Team

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Lake Wales High School, home of the Highlanders, just kicked off a short fundraiser to help support their football program. The team is raising funds for new equipment, team gear, new uniforms, and a few other items.

When you buy Double Good award-winning, popcorn, 50% of your purchase goes to supporting their cause and you receive a delicious reward (items listed in the virtual store).

At the time of publication, this Lake Wales pop-up store has raised $67 out of their $1000 goal. The store will be open until 9 AM, Sunday, September 15.

Visit the virtual pop-up store: Highlanders fundraiser

In Loving Memory of Edward Lee Bailey, 77, of Lake Wales

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Edward Lee Bailey, age 77, of Lake Wales, Florida, passed away Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at AdventHealth Hospital in Haines City, FL, after a year-long battle with renal cancer.  He was known to family and friends by his nickname “Eddie.”

Born on Dec. 22, 1946, in Indianapolis, IN, Eddie was the firstborn of Curtis Leroy and Margaret Bailey, who predeceased him.  He is survived by his wife Leona M. (Shipp) Bailey.  Also surviving are his younger sisters Mary Bailey, Odessa, FL; and Vickie Price, San Diego, CA; and five nephews and one niece. Also surviving are a stepdaughter Melissa (Michael) Pike, and three step-granddaughters: Lauren (Evan) Diemer, Autumn Pike, and Cassandra Pike all of Shelbyville, IN, and brother-in-law Miles (Marilyn) Shipp, of Indianapolis, IN. He was predeceased by his sister Carol Bailey.  

Eddie received his GED from Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis in 1965.  He joined the United States Army when he was 17 years old where he learned to be a helicopter pilot.  He flew a Medevac helicopter during the Viet Nam War, was shot down twice, and he received a Purple Heart.  After discharge from the Army, he graduated from Gunnell School of Aeronautics in Van Nuys, California, where he learned to fly fixed-wing airplanes.   Eddie became an airline pilot, working for Eastern Airlines for 10 years.  He then owned a flight school in Fort Lauderdale, FL, teaching others to fly planes.  Later in life, he worked for Radio Shack fixing computers.  Musically talented, he worked part-time for a restaurant playing the organ while people enjoyed their dinner.  His Hammond organ was a prized possession.

Eddie was a 32nd Degree Mason.  He was a past member of the German American Club in Hollywood, FL, where he served as Second Vice-President and Sergeant-of-Arms.  Always involved in his community, he served as President of the Social Activities Committee when he lived in Davie, FL.

Baseball was his passion, and he played for a minor league in his teens. Eddie was a scout for the Florida Marlins, and he coached high school baseball teams.  He greatly enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and shopping at flea markets wherever he traveled.  Eddie enjoyed leather working and made many wallets, belts and a purse.  He loved animals and became well known for giving treats to all the dogs he encountered on his daily walks through his neighborhood.  

A Celebration of Life Service will be on a date to be announced later at the Orange Acres Ranch Clubhouse in Lake Wales, FL.

Donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

Upcoming Enhancements to Park Avenue Between Wetmore Street to First Street

City of Lake Wales – Construction crews plan to enhance the stormwater drainage system and lay new brick pavers on Park Avenue between Wetmore Street to First Street, starting Monday, September 16th through October 15. The intersection of Park Avenue and First Street will be closed for three days, October 16th to October 18th. The street will be closed during this timeframe with ample parking on nearby streets.

The new stormwater system and brick pavers will help strengthen the roadway and reduce standing water after heavy rainfall. We appreciate everyone’s patience as City staff and construction crews implement the enhancements. Note: Park Avenue between First Street and Market Street will be accessible by motorists via Market Street and First Street until a three day road closure, October 16 to October 18.

A Political Prisoner Inspired a Lake Wales High School IB Grad to Author a Book. He’s 20.

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by James Coulter

Gonzalo Lira was a Chilean-American novelist, film producer, and political commentator. As someone who grew up under the regimes of Salvador Allende and Augusto Pinochet in Chile, he was a man all too familiar with authoritarian governments.

Lira would later move to Ukraine to reside with his wife. He often uploaded videos on YouTube commenting on the war. He drew from his personal experiences living in Chile to discuss political parallels with the conflict in Ukraine.

However, as his videos were deemed “propaganda and misinformation” by the Ukrainian government, Lira was arrested and imprisoned in May 2022. He would die in prison two years later.

Antonio Acaya was a middle school student in the International Baccalaureate at Lake Wales High School when Lira was arrested. Acaya had become interested in philosophy and politics through Lira’s work, often watching his videos and taking notes.

“He expressed the dangers of communism and radical ideologies and drew parallels to the United States,” Acaya said. “One thing in Chile under Salvador was freezing prices for goods and services. This caused the collapse of the private sector, and gave the government an excuse to seize the private sector and nationalize it.”

“If you think it cannot happen here in the United States,” he continued, “take a look at what happened in 2008 and later in 2010 when the Supreme Court gave personhood to corporations, allowing the government to further subsidize corporations. It’s something to seriously think about.”

Lira was also critical about the conflict occurring in Ukraine, often drawing parallels between it and other similar geopolitical conflicts: “He said what was happening in Ukraine was similar to what was happening in Iraq where the American leadership class needed a war to fund their corruption.”

Lira died in prison earlier this year, around the same time Acaya had started college. Before then, the young Lake Wales student wanted to become a pilot. Now, he is studying political science and has used the notes he had collected following Lira’s work to write and publish his own book.

“How is it that a country that we have given billions in taxes, a country that claims that it wants to be part of NATO with Western values, allowed for the death of an American citizen?” Acaya asked. “It does not matter if you agree with someone or not. No one deserves to die or be in prison for expressing their ideas or opinions.”

“Awaken: The Rise of the Populist” was published earlier this year. Acaya considers it a “call to action” for young Americans to “wake up” to the changes occurring in their country and what they can do to preserve their country’s founding principles into the future.

His book offers “A reflection on the past, a stark analysis of the present, and a hopeful vision for tomorrow. It challenges readers to reconsider their assumptions, confront their fears, and embrace the potential of a brighter tomorrow.”

“Awaken: The Rise of the Populist” is available on Amazon in paperback and e-book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2LNLKZB?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_37K3JGCEP1XR2HAQQ67C

Antonio Ancaya recently appeared on the Chattin on the Ridge podcast to discuss his book and the inspiration behind it. Listen to the full episode on Acast: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge

In Loving Memory of Clement Buckley Newbold, III

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Clement Buckley Newbold III, age 54, of Clermont, Florida passed away suddenly on Monday, September 2, 2024. He was fondly called by his nickname “Clem” by his family and friends.

He passed while cycling which was one of his lifelong passions. Of particular note, he and his father rode their bicycles across the continental United States from Oregon to Virginia consisting of a duration of 33 days. Inspired by that expedition, Clem was training for another expedition-The Tour Divide- which is a 2,745 mile north to south route beginning in Banff, Alberta Canada and concluding in Antelope Wells, New Mexico. This love of the sport was first ignited by his father, as a cyclist himself which led to their continued involvement in the US Cycling Federation.

He began his cycling career at 8 years of age as a BMX racer and eventually graduated to racing Cat 1-2 criteriums, time trials, circuit and road races in Georgia, Colorado and North Carolina. Of those races, he was most proud of his top finish in the state time trial championship in Georgia. During Clem’s time in N.C. as a student at Appalachian State University he fell in love with white water kayaking and qualified to participate in the 1997 Gorge Games where he competed in the down river and rodeo races. Clem also tested his athleticism by participating in several triathlons in the southeast. Clem continued pursuing his love for cycling by engaging in mountain and gravel biking with his wife and son. The family would spend their weekends riding local trails and gravel roads. Their vacations were also centered around bike riding, skiing and/or other outdoor activities. Clem also spent much of his personal time with wife Lisa following their son’s recent successes on a club rowing team.

Professionally, Clem followed his natural mechanical aptitude and his desire to help people by attending Northwestern University post graduate Prosthetics and Orthotics Program. His family and career path then led him to Florida where he found a rewarding position where he combined his respect for disabled veterans and desire to encourage active healthy lifestyles in his amputee patients. Clem had a natural ability to convey just how much he cared for people in need. A true “care provider”.

Clement was preceded in death by his mother Virginia Dunkerton Newbold.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Elizabeth Myers Newbold (“Lisa”), son Clement Buckley Newbold IV (“Buckley”), Sisters Pamela Newbold Watson and husband (Elisha), Mariamne Newbold Schulte and husband (Stephen), father Clement Buckley Newbold Jr. (“G.P.”) and wife Betz. Also, he is survived by his nieces, Mariamne Meade Schulte (“Mini”) and Meredith Anne Schulte. And, last but not least, his beloved German Shorthaired Pointer, Hank.

In lieu of flowers, Clem would want people to continue to enjoy and preserve our natural forests. A donation can be made online at www.nationalforests.org. In addition, Clem loved his GSP rescue. He would have loved for people to help the SE GSP rescue continue their work. To donate, go to: www.segsprescue.org.

Funeral Service

Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd

221 4th St. S Lake Wales FL 33853

Saturday September 28, 2024, at 11:00am

Reception to follow:

Live-Streaming on YouTube: “Church of the Good Shepherd Lake Wales”

Second Audit of BizLINC Demonstrates Improved Results

Photo from ribbon-cutting of BizLINC
Credit: City of Lake Wales

The results of an independent audit of the second year of BizLINC, the City of Lake Wales business incubator, have been received and reviewed by the city.

BizLINC is facilitated by the Florida Development Corporation (FDC) through a three-year grant agreement with the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). Located at 225 Lincoln Ave., the facility engages entrepreneurs to assist them with such services as strategic planning, financial reporting, technical assistance, e-commerce support, public-speaking certifications, office space, and more.

An audit completed earlier this summer, covering the first year of the program, resulted in several items not being compliant with initial expectations. The second audit, dated August 26, has provided seemingly better results.

Jack Hilligoss, Mayor of the City of Lake Wales, says that while the improvement is satisfactory, it’s also vital to look at the successes coming out of the business incubator.

“I am happy that the AUP audit of Biz Linc has been completed and satisfied with its findings,” says Hilligoss. “The Audit reveals FDC has met or exceeded the deliverables we agreed upon in all but a couple of areas. And even in those areas, the discrepancies, in my opinion, are minor. 

“More important than the black and white statistics, this process has introduced us to people who have started construction, HVAC, lawn care, consulting, and educational companies  among thirty businesses receiving service and support through Biz LInc. All of those companies are based in Lake Wales, twenty one of them are owned by residents of Lake Wales. They have generated forty jobs for residents as well.  Several of those entrepreneurs have spoken to the Commission with great sincerity and enthusiasm of how the Biz Linc incubator has been vital to their launch and success.”

Derrick Blue, co-founder and chief operating officer of FDC who oversees the operation of the BizLinc facility, is pleased with the work that is happening and acknowledges some positive results. 

“The recent performance audit findings further validate the work we’ve been doing to fuel the economic engine of the Northwest Community and, ultimately, the entire city,” says Blue. “While we exceeded expectations overall, like any inaugural initiative, it wasn’t perfect—but I’d say we came pretty close. More than the positive audit report, what truly makes us proud are the success stories we witness from the businesses we support. We have the privilege of being part of changing lives.

“Statistically, many businesses fail within their first three to five years, but several BizLINC companies are on a trajectory to defy those odds. Not only are they becoming profitable, but they’re also creating job opportunities for others in the community. That’s the kind of impact we set out to achieve, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see it come to life.”

Derrick Blue Addresses Lake Wales Commission

Blue offers an example of the program’s success in Corey Young, owner of AIC Lawn Care Services, a business that has grown through BizLINC.

“Being part of BizLINC has been a game-changer for us,” says Young. “The support and resources received by this organization have not only helped our business grow, but also allowed us to give back to the community in meaningful ways, such as our Annual Give Love At Christmas Toy Drive, that has enabled our businesses to partner with BizLinc and other small businesses within our community, that will donate toys to young kids with a Toy for Christmas.

“We’ve secured new contracts, expanded our team, and it’s incredibly rewarding to be a role model for young black men in the Northwest Community. My wife Lori and I are committed to not just building our businesses, but also inspiring others to see what’s possible when you have the right support and a strong work ethic. BizLINC is more than a business incubator; it’s a community lifeline.”

City of Lake Wales Approves First Reading of Next Year’s $107M Budget

by James Coulter

 

Resurfaced city streets, a new airport hangar, a revitalized cemetery, and several renovation projects related to Lake Wales Connected. Those are some of the upcoming projects planned for next year’s city budget.

At their regular meeting and budget workshop on Wed. Sep 4, Lake Wales City Commissioners approved the first reading of next year’s city budget, millage rate, and the five-year capital improvement plan.

The total funds are estimated at $107,822,344. This year’s general fund revenues are projected to have an increase of $2,912,842. This is mostly due to an increase in ad valorem taxes ($209,537), sales and use taxes ($581,000), and other miscellaneous taxes and revenue funds.

Meanwhile, general fund operating expenditures are projected to be $22,807,877, which is $2,152,788 more than last year’s budget. This increase is due to miscellaneous city service expenditures, including an increase in public safety ($1,270,893) mainly due to personnel costs for police ($745,899), fire ($192,550), and code enforcement ($31,085).

Next year’s city projects will focus on implementing the city’s award-winning Lake Wales Connected plan, with projects including affordable housing construction, housing rehabilitation, development incentives, and capital construction.

One major project includes the Park Avenue & Market Plaza Streetscape Construction, which is being touted as “the first transformative streetscape to take place in the historic core.” This project will convert Park Avenue into a two-way curbless street with enlarged sidewalks, enhanced lighting, and added streetscapes.

Other Lake Wales Connected projects included streetscape renovations at 1st Street and A Street, Lincoln Avenue, and Orange Avenue & Crystal Avenue, as well as the Crystal Lake Park Connector Trail Construction project to create a full recreational trail loop around Crystal Lake.

Aside from redevelopment projects tied in with Lake Wales Connected, other notable projects include $750,000 to resurface several streets, $896,593 to renovate the T Hangar and Taxi Lane B at the city airport, and $200,000 toward rehabilitating the Lake Wales Cemetery.

City commissioners also approved the millage rate of 7.0462 mills, which is the rolled-back rate. They also approved the city’s 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan, which totals $121,182,334 and includes:

• $775,000 in land acquisition

• $12,300,050 in building improvements/acquisitions

• $70,138,784 in infrastructure and recreation improvements

• $24,768,500 in equipment acquisition

• and $13,200,000 in other capital outlay.

During public comments, resident Catherine Price inquired about potentially providing a PowerPoint summary presentation of the proposed city budget during meetings so that both commissioners and the audience have a good overview during budget meetings.

“Our budget is one of our most important documents that you, as our city commissioners, vote on and it exerts a great deal of influence over our quality of life,” Price said. “It is frustrating to have such a complex, complicated document brought before us and passed without even a nod to our need of understanding.”

Commissioner Carol Gillespie expressed a similar sentiment during the commission’s discussion of the agenda items. She proposed making budget presentations more “detailed” so that commissioners like herself and the general public can better analyze the proposed budget.

“I am not an accountant and I do not know how to analyze city budgets like this,” she said. “Maybe the public will like a time when we go through the documents. We go page by page and talk about them and bring awareness of the info in there.”

City Commissioner Keith Thompson took umbrage at the implication that commissioners like himself do not comprehend what is in the budget, and thus, “do not have a clue of what we are voting on.”

“In my case, it could not be further from the truth,” he said. “We put the time in. I put the time in. I trust the people who are up here to put the time in to understand this to the best of their ability and their knowledge…We are not [just] rubber-stamping stuff every meeting. That is not what is happening.”

“I just hope we can get over this hump with this lack of trust with the commissioners,” he continued. “It feels that way a lot of the time. I am satisfied with the budget, and it is a good conservative budget.  We have not been able to raise taxes in any significant way. I appreciate the hard work.”

Commissioner Robin Gibson mentioned that “one thing that should give everyone comfort: every bit of this is subject to an annual audit by an independent auditor.” As such, the general public should rest assured that someone experienced would take note of any potential discrepancies in the budget.

“As far as the city commission is concerned, the best friend a city commissioner has is the auditor,” he said. “Because the auditor has a skilled audit that points out any shortcoming of the budget. All of that is a lot of comfort to me.”

Lake Wales Commissioners Discuss The Proposed Budget

During the vote on the millage rate, Commissioner Daniel Williams briefly stepped out for a drink of water. The commissioners moved forward with the roll call vote on the item despite his absence. As such, the commission voted 4-0 to approve the millage rate, and later 5-0 to approve the city budget when Commissioner Williams returned.

Bok Tower Gardens Plant Sale Planned For October

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Credit: Bok Tower Gardens

October starts the Florida gardening season. Shop from top plant vendors and get your home garden or landscape ready for the season. Enjoy live music on the Terrace, hay rides, and more.

Event Date & Time
Saturday, October 5, 2024
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location
Picnic Area

Price
Free for Members / $20 for non-member adults, $10 for non-member child (includes admission)
No Registration required