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

“It’s Just Heartbreaking”What the Closing of Badcock Home Furniture Means to This Local Family

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July 27, 2024

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“It’s Just Heartbreaking”What the Closing of Badcock Home Furniture Means to This Local Family

Badcock Home Furnishings is scheduled to close in October

Jonathan Beasley of Frostproof, the store manager of Badcock Home Furnishings in Lake Wales, has had a rough week. His store, along with over 300 others across 8 states, is closing as a part of the filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection by Conn’s HomePlus, who purchased the company in December 2023.

Badcock has a rich history, particularly in Lake Wales, where Beasley is the third generation to work at the store. And it’s been here longer than you may know.

“Badcock has been around since 1904, so 120 years this year; my grandfather opened this store, it was actually downtown, July 15, 1962,” says Beasley.

“He moved it out here (to its current location) during the 80s; it burnt down at one point, he built it back, and this building and store have been here since. My dad bought the business (from his father-in-law) about 35 years ago.”

Beasley has been managing it for about 9 years. The news of the closing came by email, and without warning. The family, and the store’s employees, are still in shock.

Linda Lopez has worked there for 20 years, and RV Aldridge, a well-known employee of the store, has been there 27 years. At the time of this interview, she had not yet been advised of the store’s closing as Beasley wanted the opportunity to tell her in person. A handful of other employees have worked for the company for less time, but are no less valued.

Management is giving the employees the flexibility to look for other work as their time ticks down at the Badcock store. Beasley doesn’t want them to miss out on a job opportunity or to do what’s best for them.

“It’s not a community failure, it’s not an individual business failure, it’s just a corporate failure, and it just trickles down to us,” says Beasley.

“It’s got to be cash flow. People aren’t buying like they were, pre-COVID and during the pandemic, and business just went down after that. It probably started to really decline in July of 2022, and it’s just gotten worse.

“When you do that for two years straight, it obviously is a struggle. We just didn’t expect it to go this bad this quickly.”

The store is located at 126 S.R. 60 W. Beasley’s father owns the building, along with the trucks and other assets, and is responsible for the employees. Once the store closes, the family will have to make a decision on the building, which they own.

As a dealer, they maintain just about everything but the actual products they sell. The store will begin running a closing sale, and will be open for approximately 90 days. Beasley says a fixed closing date has not been set, but would likely be towards the end of October.

Along with his employees, Jonathan himself will be looking for a new job to help support his family, including his wife and young child. but right now, he’s focused on doing what’s best for his team and his business.

“We’re really hoping that we can hold it all together for that 90 days and kind of all go down together, I guess.”

Tips On How To Beat The Summer Heat

Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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July 26, 2024

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Let’s face it; the summer heat is only going to get worse in the coming weeks. August is prime humidity season, the kids will be starting back to school and ramping up their activity level, and temperatures will remain high for the foreseeable future.

The person in this photo, taken by Lake Wailes last week, was clearly taking a break, and she had the right idea.

It’s a good time to share some tips on staying cool:

The biggest thing is staying hydrated. Sipping water throughout the day and not waiting until you’re thirsty is key. Hydrating well is even more important if you’re exerting yourself as you lose precious fluids faster. So fill up and carry that water bottle.

Along those lines, if you care for small children or older adults, be a good advocate for them and make sure they’re staying hydrated.

Obviously, hanging out in an air-conditioned space is ideal. Take it one step further, and use curtains or blinds to keep the sun out. This will help your home to stay cooler longer, while saving money and energy. If your home is not air-conditioned, shade is tremendously important, as is a fan if possible. The latter may not be enough during an extreme heat event. In general, staying out of direct sunlight will go along way to keeping your body temperature cooler.

Try to limit your outdoor activities to earlier in the morning and later in the evening, when the sun is not at its peak. It makes a huge difference to both temperature and comfort.

Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing that reflects rather than absorbs heat. Cotton is an excellent breathable fabric that most of us have in the closet. And of course, sunscreen with a high SPF will help to keep your skin from burning.

Don’t forget about your pets. They should have access to cool, fresh water during the day so they can also stay hydrated. If they have to be outside, shade is a must.

If you take prescription medication, be aware that some medicines do not pair well with direct sunlight.

If your body warms too much or too quickly, heat exhaustion can develop. Symptoms can include cool, clammy skin, excessive sweating, muscle cramps, a fast or weak pulse, weakness, dizziness, and vomiting.

So stay cool, stay hydrated, and look after your friends and neighbors.

For more information about heat exhaustion, or ways to stay cool, please visit www.cdc.gov.

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

Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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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

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