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Tuesday, September 17, 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

Local Schools Gifted U.S. Constitution Handbooks By Former Lake Wales Commissioner

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One of the constitution handbooks delivered to local schools last week.

According to a post on the City of Lake Wales Facebook page last week, local resident and former Commissioner Daniel Kreuger has donated approximately 45,000 handbooks containing copies of historical documents to both Lake Wales Charter Schools and Polk County School District schools in Lake Wales, Lakeland Christian Academy, Winter Haven Christian, Providence Academy and Heartland Christian Academy in Sebring.

The City’s post, dated Sept. 6, says, “Students will have the ability to learn about the founding documents and gain more knowledge on their individual rights and the history of the country. They contain the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution with index, Patrick Henry’s Famous Speech and an essay by Mathew D. Staver. Handbooks will be distributed to each school and dispersed at their discretion.”

Inside front page of the constitution handbook.

Krueger, who has been handing out the booklets for about a decade, started small. He explains how the idea developed.

“I ran out of pocket constitutions on August 15,” he says. “I started handing out pocket constitutions about 10 years ago. Just a few here and a few there. Recently, I went to a Salt and Light event at a local church and handed out 65. That pretty much depleted my supply.

“So, I called Liberty Counsel to order 100 more. They wanted to know why I need so many so I explained. They got back to me a couple days later and said they would send 100 (copies) for the cost of shipping.

“That gave me the idea to try and get enough for all middle and high school students in the Lake Wales charter schools. That would be 2,500. So, I called them back. A couple days later they called and said they would send the 2,500 for no charge.

“My first thought was overwhelming gratitude to them and to God, as His hand was clearly involved.”

Krueger delivering constitution handbooks.
Photo credit: City of Lake Wales Facebook page

Determined to obtain enough copies for all the students, Krueger started making more calls.

“We were on a roll,” Krueger says. “My next call was to the Polk County Public Schools. They would need 44,000 (copies). Liberty Council could not handle that. I had cleaned out their entire supply and there would not be time to reprint in time for Constitution Day, Sept. 17.

“I found an alternative supplier I had ordered from before. They would sell me what I need and charge me $.42 each. I made some calls and had commitments for $11,450.00. I called in the order for 45,000 (copies); (Cost was) $18,900.00 and I put it on my credit card…and set about to raise the rest of the money. I still need about $1,800.00.”

Krueger personally delivered the copies to Lake Wales Charter Schools on Sept. 5. Polk County’s copies arrived via carrier on Sept. 6, in 64, 50 lb. boxes.

Lake Wales Daily could not independently confirm whether the booklets would be distributed to the schools this week.

A snapshot of an essay in the back of the constitution handbook.

When asked why he wanted to share these booklets with the local school systems, Krueger had this to offer:

“I firmly believe God was leading me and showing me what could be done. And He is doing it! The education of our future generations is the future of our country. If they don’t know and appreciate the God inspired principles and precepts contained in the constitution, and the God given unalnieable rights they have, how will they know when they are being deceived by the evil lies of socialism and communism. It is worth the effort.”

Tonight, Sept. 17, on National Constitution Day, Krueger will accept a Constitution Week proclamation at the Lake Wales City Commission meeting.

Lake Wales Little Theatre; Tickets on Sale Now for, “Stuck on These Islands” Sept. 20-29

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The 47th season of the Lake Wales Little Theatre starts the 20th of September with the Children’s show, “Stuck on These Islands”. The performance schedule is set for September 20-29, 2024, and all tickets and packages are available now.


The show represents a story of teamwork and adventure. After stowing away in a human family’s rowboat for a day of adventure, some ants, beetles, and fleas find themselves stranded on neighboring islands in the center of a lake. Their only hope of getting back to the main shore is to fly there in a toy rocket that the family left on a different island.

With the help of a friendly dragonfly, the insects scheme to find the rocket, while avoiding the hungry frogs who live near it. In the process, they learn a few lessons about teamwork and generosity. Most importantly, they all come to realize that everyone is valuable in their own way.

The show and its music were written by local couple, Steve and Mindy Kessler. Mindy is also a Co-Director.

The rest of the season’s shows and information are available here: https://www.lwlt.org/shows

In Person Box Office Hours: (Flex passes are available still)
Wednesday 10am–2pm
Phone: 863-676-1266
Email for ticket info: [email protected]

Rotary on the Ridge Pancake Breakfast to Be Approved for Sept. 28

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by James Coulter

What goes best with pancakes? Maple syrup, of course! But a little bit of booze is good, too. Fortunately, Rotary on the Ridge will be able to serve that as well at their upcoming pancake breakfast.

At their workshop on Wed., Sep. 11, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed an event permit application by Rotary on the Ridge to host their pancake breakfast on Sat. Sep.28, 2024.

The pancake breakfast would be hosted at the Lake Wales Family Recreation Center from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Rotary on the Ridge had also requested that they be allowed to serve alcohol at the event, which, according to the memo, “will require two off-duty officers.”

The event would not have a fiscal impact on the city, as all costs would be covered by Rotary on the Ridge, the memo stated.

The pancake breakfast will be themed “Salute to Veterans” with local veterans being offered a free admission. Tickets will be $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Meals will be served either sit-in or drive-thru.

For more information, visit the Rotary on the Ridge Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/RotaryontheRidge

The application will be reviewed for approval at the Lake Wales City Commission meeting on Tues. Sep. 17 at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall.

Lake Wales Traffic Crash; Vehicles Moved to Rural King Parking Lot

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Photo by Maria Iannucci

At approximately 5:13 PM a call was received by Polk County Fire Rescue regarding a traffic crash in the area of Highway 60 E. and Hunt Brothers Road in Lake Wales. Lake Wales Police Department and the Lake Wales Fire Department also responded. The vehicles have been moved into the parking lot of Rural King and there is no road obstruction. Those involved are still being medically assessed. Proceed with caution in the area as law enforcement and first responders work to clear the area.

In Loving Memory of Cynthia B. Rutherford, 85, of Lake Wales

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Cynthia B. Rutherford, 85

Cynthia B. Rutherford of Lake Wales passed away Monday, September 9, 2024 at AdventHealth Orlando.

She was born December 28, 1938 in Wildwood, New Jersey to the late Henry and Alice Bachman; she moved to Lake Wales from Vineland, New Jersey in 1994. Cynthia was a factory worker for a glass manufacturing company and was of the Episcopalian faith. She was a member of the Women’s Club and volunteered at Bok Tower Gardens. She loved to crochet, read, play bingo, and take cruises.

Cynthia was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald B. Rutherford; brother, William F. Bachman; and partner, Andrew C. Duerr. She is survived by her sons, Christopher Rutherford (Robert Wallace) of Saint Petersburg and John Rutherford of Wilmington, Delaware.

A memorial service is being scheduled. 

Polk County Parks and Recreation Seeking Teen Volunteers

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Polk County Parks and Recreation: Looking to give back to your community, make new friends and earn volunteer hours for school credit or scholarships? Why not volunteer with Polk County Parks and Recreation?

Polk County Parks and Recreation hosts more than 25 special events and programs each year, and we rely on the support of volunteers to help us make a big impact on the quality of experiences and services we provide to the residents and visitors of Polk County.

Volunteers must be over the age of 14. We do not accept court-ordered volunteers. Contact us for more information at (863) 534-6911.

Click on the link to preview our volunteer opportunities https://bit.ly/2022PCPRVOL

29+Acres Considered for Annexation in Lake Wales City Limits; 79 Acres Considered for Land Use and Zoning Changes

 By James Coulter

More than 29 acres of land could be annexed into the Lake Wales city limits, and more than 79 acres could have their zoning and future land use designations changed to accommodate industrial development.

At their workshop on Wed. Sept. 11, Lake Wales city commissioners considered three ordinances about the annexation of 29 acres of land and changes to the zoning and future land use designation of 79 acres.

The properties in question are located south of Hunt Brothers Road, west of Scenic Highway South, and east of US Highway 27. Of this land, 29 acres are located in the county and have been requested to be annexed, while the 47 acres already located in the city limits are currently designated with a Business Park Center land use designation and Business Park zoning.

While no current development plans for the properties have been submitted at this time, Corby Myers, authorized agent for the land owner, had submitted a request to annex the 29 acres of land into the city and to change the land use and zoning of the entire 79 acres to Industrial.

City staff had recommended that the city commission approve the three approved ordinances.

Lake Wales Mayor, Jack Hilligoss, says the creation of local jobs is an important byproduct of annexing and rezoning tracks of land in Lake Wales.

“A leading priority of both our Lake Wales Envisioned strategy and Polk Vision is economic development and job creation so actions like this make sense. We want to have great jobs that are local, great homes that are attainable, and great businesses that are contributing to the overall well-being of our community. In interacting with our EDC/Chamber, we have learned tracts of land like this are indispensable to creating those things.”

Autumn Cochella, Growth Management Director, mentioned how the city had been working with the Lake Wales Economic Development Council (EDC) to bring industry to these sites. However, the current Business Park land use designation is not “marketing very well” to people who are looking to bring employment and industry into Lake Wales, she said.

When inquired about potential buyers Cochella replied that “they need a lot more land that what is available there.” She said that buyers are looking for land that has already been annexed with the proper titles in place like with zoning and land use. She also mentioned how Hunt Bros. Road is “attractive” to potential buyers because “it checks off a lot of boxes” in terms of its access to Highway 27 and to the newly-built roundabout.

City Commissioner Keith Thompson considered the prospect “exciting” as the city desperately needs industrial to help spur economic development in Lake Wales.

“This is exciting to see and hear about,” he said. “These are the kind of moves that are critical for us to draw manufacturing jobs here, better paying jobs for the people to improve quality of life for the city and those with disposable income. These are the moves we need to make.”

Commissioner Robin Gibson mentioned that the property being adjacent to residential areas could prove beneficial, as new residents and workers could easily “walk to work.”

Cochella mentioned how “there is an idea that residential and industry cannot be good neighbors, but they can be;” Gibson replied, “it depends on the industry.”

The three ordinances will be considered at the next city commission meeting, scheduled for Tues. Sept. 17 at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall.

Two Jets and Smoke Trails; The Real Story Behind Saturday’s Flybys

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If you were in Lake Wales on Saturday morning, many of you may have run out of your homes, or bolted to the window, for a better look at the sky after hearing the surprising roar of an airplane engine. While we have an airport in Lake Wales, and frequently see skydivers, paragliders, and powermotors, the distinct sound of a jet flying at low altitude is pretty unique for our area.

There have been many comments on my original social media post and video with possible explanations for what appeared to many to be a small air show in Lake Wales. Curiosity got me too, and I drove out to the Lake Wales Municipal Airport to try and find the answer. I’m happy to say, I found it.


Lunar and Jive at the September 2023 National Championship Air Races in Reno, NV. Photo provided.

I quickly met LM “Lunar” Sawyer, a resident of Lake Wales, with “Lunar” being her call sign on the air show circuit. She is an air show announcer and manages multiple airshow and air race teams. Her husband, Jerry “Jive” Kerby, is a retired United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and fighter pilot. Scott Farnsworth is the lead of Racers Jet Team and an air race pilot. Together, Lunar and Jive own Team Race 11.

I learned that Kerby and Farnsworth were the pilots we saw on Saturday. In an interesting twist, the circumstances under which they fly can sometimes pit them against each other, albeit in the sky.

“They race both together and against each other,” says Sawyer. “As Racers Jet Team, they fly together in formation at air shows (which is what many of us witnessed on Saturday). Today was a rehearsal and a practice because we have an airshow coming up in Las Cruces, New Mexico in October and we needed to get in some practice.”

Setting up a practice, run for a jet of this caliber is no easy task. It requires planning, coordination with the Lake Wales Airport and adjacent jump school and paramotor school (with whom they have great relationships), and pre-authorization and parameters from the FAA, otherwise known as the Federal Aviation Administration.

“What happens is, when we need to practice, Jive and Scott coordinate with the FAA to do what’s called the pop-up airbox, and that means that they can legally practice aerobatics over an airport, or over a location that is designated by the FFA as OK to practice.”

Jive’s plane resides in Lake Wales; he and his wife on an airstrip near Lake Walk-In-Water that’s fully fenced and gated for security purposes. The other plane is based out of the West Palm Beach area.

Because the entire crew, the jets, and the pilots were able to be centralized in Lake Wales this weekend, it was the perfect place for the team to hold their practice session.

“We were able to do a full rehearsal and make sure that they’re ready for the show and feel comfortable; rehearsing is something that they do often,” says Sawyer.


Photo of Team Race 11 Owners LM “Lunar” Sawyer and Jerry “Jive” Kerby with the Team Race 11 Crew from the September 2023 National Championship Air Races in Reno, NV. Photo provided.

“The L-39 is a trainer, built in Prague for Eastern Bloc countries, similar to the T-38 in the US. They are two seaters; the trainer sits in the back and the student pilot sits in the front to learn. The L-39 was actually built in the 70s. When the cold war ended, a lot of these came over to the United States, and were sold to private civilians like Scott and Jive. There are several of these on the airshow circuit.”

It’s important to reiterate that safety is paramount; these jets are clearly capable of high speeds and they must legally file their plans with the FAA. Jive is very clear on these rules; he wants the public to understand exactly what we saw on Saturday. he and his team made a conscious choice to have their practice in Lake Wales, at a lower altitude, for some particularly good reasons.

“This was not an advertised event,” says Jive. “This is a practice for us. I am an FAA Certified Aerobatic Competency Evaluator. I have to set up a “box”, or an aerobatic activity area where we can practice. there’s an FAA Notices to Airman, so it warns people flying in the area that this air space is going to be active with high speed aerobatic jet activity.”

That notice was active from 9 AM until 6 PM on Saturday, September 14. During this window, monitors on the ground also watch the air space for any potential issues.

Jive flies the black L-39. Photo: Maria Iannucci

When I asked Jive about how low the team was legally able to fly during this exercise, his response was pretty clear.

“We are authorized down to the surface,” he says. “ That is our legal limit. We were probably between 150 to 200 feet in the air at different points. We have waivers, as part of the aerobatic activity , for speed limits, cloud clearance requirements, and things like that. We ran about 330-350 miles an hour, which are safe airspeeds for us.

“This is a pretty demanding bit of flying that we do, so to be able to have the opportunity to set up these aerobatic areas to legally be able to practice just makes a world of difference in safety, and how prepared we are when we actually get in front of a crowd.”

There have been several comments about the smoke that the jet releases as it is flying. Jive offers this explanation:

“The white ‘smoke’ is generated by inputting, a thin paraffin oil into the hot exhaust of the engine. When the oil is burned, the end result is the white smoke. The smoke is non-toxic and leaves no residue when it dissipates.”

At the time of this interview, Jive was getting ready to do one last flight of the day. when the comment was made about how much he must enjoy flying, he had another simple response.

“Flying? It’s a very special relationship that we have.”

To learn more about Racers Jet Team, click here.

Nourish Family Connections With Every Bite

Dine together, shine together. Weekly sit-down meals with family can reduce stress, boost self-esteem and make everyone feel more connected – all while sharing delicious, healthy and easy-to-prepare food.

Give your family the opportunity to refuel and reconnect each week with recipes that bring everyone together. Whether it’s 10 people or two, research shows that those who enjoy frequent meals with others, particularly parents with their children, have better social and emotional well-being, according to the American Heart Association.

Enjoying great conversation and camaraderie is at the heart of every meal, and with the right dishes, you can make every bite as delicious as it is nourishing. Ingredients like eggs are easy to use and versatile, making them the perfect choice in the kitchen to help you cook up conversation.

Gently cooked egg yolks take center stage in this Egg Ravioli with Sage and Almonds recipe, and delicate poached eggs rest atop whole grains in the Poached Eggs with Pesto Bulgur recipe. If breakfast is the best time of day for your tribe to gather, whip up these Southwestern Quinoa and Egg Breakfast Bowls for added protein and fiber.

These egg-inspired recipes and more are part of the American Heart Association’s Together Tuesdays and Healthy for Good Eat Smart initiative, nationally supported by Eggland’s Best. Both initiatives stress the importance of gathering at least once a week around the table with family or friends to satisfy cravings for connection, a delicious meal and overall healthy living.

In addition to the social and emotional benefits of dining together, shared family meals can help promote healthier choices at the table.

Eggs, for example, can be included as part of a heart-healthy diet that emphasizes vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, whole grains, lean protein and fish, according to the American Heart Association. Remember not to isolate just one food – it’s not only about the egg, but also about what’s eaten alongside it. For example, eating eggs alongside foods high in saturated fat – like bacon – is different than eggs eaten with steamed veggies, whole grains or a side of fruit.

Egg Ravioli with Sage and Almonds

Egg Ravioli with Sage and Almonds

Servings: 4

8 cups water
1/2 cup fat-free ricotta cheese
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh, chopped thyme
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 gyoza wrappers, shumai wrappers or wonton wrappers
4 large egg yolks, unbroken
1 large egg white, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/4 cup sliced almonds, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped, fresh sage
1 tablespoon finely chopped red bell pepper (optional)

Fill large pot with water. Bring water to gentle boil over medium-high heat.

In medium bowl, stir ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, thyme, orange zest and pepper.

Place four wrappers flour sides down on cutting board. Spoon 1 1/2 tablespoons cheese mixture onto center of each wrapper. Using back of spoon, press down on cheese mixture to create well about 1 1/2 inches across (width of large egg yolk), leaving at least 1/2 inch space around edges of wrapper. Without breaking it, carefully place one egg yolk in center of each well.

Using pastry brush, brush edges of wrappers with egg white. Place one top wrapper with flour side up on each bottom wrapper. Using thumbs and forefingers, firmly press edges together to tightly seal each ravioli. Set aside.

Using slotted spoon or spatula, carefully drop each ravioli into boiling water. Cook 2 1/2-3 minutes, or until wrappers are al dente (cooked not too soft but not overdone). Using slotted spoon, gently remove raviolis from pot, draining well. Transfer to plates. Drizzle with oil. Sprinkle with almonds, sage and bell pepper, if desired.

Tips: Gyoza wrappers (or shumai wrappers) are preferred because they’re thinner than wonton wraps. Look for gyoza wrappers in the dairy aisle, deli department or freezer section.

Use these guidelines to determine how you want eggs cooked: At 2 1/2 minutes, eggs are yellow and slightly thickened but not set around edges, similar to sunny-side up. At 3 minutes, eggs are deeper orange and slightly set around edges, similar to over-easy.

Poached Eggs with Pesto Bulgur

Poached Eggs with Pesto Bulgur

Servings: 4

2/3 cup uncooked instant or fine-grain bulgur
1 1/3 cups, plus 2 tablespoons, fat-free, low-sodium vegetable broth, divided
1 cup tightly packed fresh basil
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts, dry roasted
1 small garlic clove, minced
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 dash cayenne
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow or red bell pepper
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
4 cups water
1 tablespoon white vinegar
4 large eggs
1 medium lemon, cut into 4 wedges

In medium saucepan, prepare bulgur according to package directions, omitting salt and substituting 1 1/3 cups broth for water. Fluff with fork.

In food processor or blender, process basil, walnuts, garlic, salt, cayenne and remaining broth until smooth. Stir basil mixture, bell pepper and green onions into bulgur.

In large skillet, bring water and vinegar to boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer. Break one egg into cup then carefully slip egg into simmering water. Repeat with remaining eggs, placing in water so they don’t touch. Simmer 3-5 minutes, or until whites are completely set and yolks are beginning to set but aren’t hard. Using slotted spoon, drain eggs well and place on bulgur mixture. Serve with lemon wedges.

Note: White vinegar helps firm egg whites quickly, preventing them from spreading too much.

Southwestern Quinoa and Egg Breakfast Bowls

Southwestern Quinoa and Egg Breakfast Bowls

Servings: 4

1/4 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed and drained
2 medium tomatoes (about 2 cups), chopped
1 cup no-salt-added frozen corn, thawed
1/2 medium avocado, pitted and diced
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
nonstick cooking spray
4 large eggs
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
red hot pepper sauce, to taste (optional)

Cook quinoa according to package directions. Remove from heat.

Spoon quinoa into four bowls. Top each with even amounts of tomatoes, corn, avocado, green onions and cilantro, if desired.

Lightly spray large skillet with nonstick cooking spray and set over medium-high heat. Crack eggs into skillet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook, uncovered, 3-4 minutes, or until egg whites are set but yolks are still runny. Using spatula, carefully transfer one egg, sunny side up, into each bowl. Sprinkle with hot sauce, to taste, if desired.

Source: American Heart Association

Where That Hot Air Balloon Came From, Where It Went And If You Will See It Again

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It’s been a busy weekend in the sky in Lake Wales. It started on Friday morning, when a multi-colored hot air balloon was spotted drifting across the morning sky, an uncommon sight in Lake Wales.

Photo of Friday’s flight provided by
Matt Hunter

Turns out, the balloon is owned by Capt. Matt Hunter of Sky Pirates Ballooning.

“While we typically fly in the Davenport area, we live here in Lake Wales and are excited to start bringing the wonder of hot air ballooning to our hometown,” says Hunter.

“We are a family-owned and operated business that offers flights with FAA-licensed commercial pilots, are fully insured, and have over 15 years of experience. Recently, we launched a second website called ‘Lake Wales Balloons’ by Sky Pirates Ballooning so that people now have the opportunity to fly here and experience the beauty of ‘real Florida.’”

Capt. Matt and his wife Nicol are excited to start working in Lake Wales since they actually live here. As they begin flying more in this area, it’s likely those colors floating across the sky will become a more frequent occurrence.

Photo of Friday’s flight provided by Matt Hunter.

Flight in a hot air balloon in Lake Wales may start an end in different places, depending on the conditions. Wind direction and speed is a major factor.

“We look forward to flying more often in Lake Wales and meeting more members of our community,” Nicol says.

“If anyone would like to get more involved by hosting a hot air balloon launch or landing on their property, they can contact us to let us know if they have space available. We typically look for an area of about 100 by 100 feet.

“If you see the balloon launching or landing, or spot our crew, feel free to say hello—we love meeting people and sharing our passion for the sport.”

On Friday, Sept 13, they “took off about 2 miles south of Lake Wales down Hwy. 27.”

They landed about 75 minutes later beside Old Scenic Hwy., after reaching out altitudes of about 1500 feet.

“People are always amazed by their flights being extremely peaceful and calm. Some of the most common phrases we hear are, “I wish I did this years ago,” and, “I can’t wait to go again.”

For more information about Lake Wales Lake Wales Balloons, visit their website, or call 407-717-0969.