Business & Economy - Lake Wales Daily News

Crazy Fish, New Wave: Fresh Management, Familiar Favorites

Allison — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:54:46 +0000

Crazy Fish, New Wave: Fresh Management, Familiar Favorites

by James Coulter

If you’re looking for a real hidden gem of a restaurant, you’ll certainly want to hunt down Crazy Fish in Lake Wales.

Located at 802 Henry St., this quaint little eatery is famous for its fresh seafood baskets and signature pasta dishes.

Newcomers are especially encouraged to start with the restaurant’s two runaway favorites: crab rangoon eggrolls (golden, crispy rolls stuffed with creamy crab filling), and the shrimp and grits with bacon gravy (tender shrimp and smoky bacon gravy melted over a bed of rich, stone‑ground grits).

Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, especially the catch of the day, or craving something heartier like a juicy hamburger or a perfectly seasoned steak, Crazy Fish delivers exactly what you’re after.

Its current owner, Dwayne McQuillen, has 15 to 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, helping to open several corporate eateries across the state, including Disney Springs. He would later purchase Harry’s Old Place in 2017, and one year later, set his eyes on acquiring Crazy Fish from its previous owners.

“Crazy Fish has been around for a long time, so we want it to continue to be around for a while longer,” McQuillen said. “It is an established restaurant that has been in this town for 20 plus years now, so we would like to get another 20 years out of it and make it a place where Lake Wales is proud of it. [When] they come, family and friends in town, we want to be their first choice.”

While rumors spread about Crazy Fish being moved to a new location, for McQuillen, the real question was whether or not to reopen. Eventually, he decided not only to reopen, but also to rebrand, preserving what customers have come to love about the old eatery while expanding and improving upon it.

“What we tried to do is to take a little bit of the old and bring in a little bit of the new and rebrand it,” McQuillen said. “Everyone has their own opinion…there are certainly disappointed people who used to get this or that on the menu…but once they try some of our new items, they are happy and coming back.”

Taking over for Crazy Fish proved to be a real challenge, but a challenge that McQuillen nevertheless managed to overcome with great results. By rolling up his sleeves and applying elbow grease, McQuillen managed to take an existing beloved establishment and continue its legacy of serving great, fresh seafood.

“It’s been a lot; there’s definitely been a transition that has been difficult, but so far, I think we have it figured out already,” McQuillen said. “It was challenging. There were several years when we struggled…We put in a lot of work that was needed, and people have come to like it.”

Dwayne McQuillen recently sat down with our correspondent, Ethan Jones, to be interviewed about his experience in the restaurant industry and with Crazy Fish. Listen to the interview on the recent minisode of the Chattin on the Ridge podcast: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/episodes/minisode-30-crazy-fish-seafood-shack

The post Crazy Fish, New Wave: Fresh Management, Familiar Favorites first appeared on Lake Wales Daily News.

Shop with a Cop Brings Holiday Cheer to Local Children

Kip — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:07:53 +0000

LAKE WALES — Smiles filled the aisles at the Lake Wales Walmart this past Friday as Lake Wales police officers teamed up with local children for this year’s annual Shop with a Cop event. The heartwarming tradition pairs area law enforcement officers with students to shop for holiday gifts. Turning an ordinary day of shopping into a moment of kindness and connection.

LWPD Shop with a Cop sponsors

With generous support from local businesses and community sponsors, officers helped ensure every participating child had at least one special wish come true this holiday season. The initiative was part of a broader angel tree program coordinated with area schools, which identified students and families who could use a little extra help this time of year.

Dalton Cruze local Business owner and Donor for the event shared that “It’s about building trust, showing our kids they matter, and reminding families that their community cares.”

Many local businesses contributed to the event, providing funds and gift cards that allowed officers and students to fill their shopping carts with toys, clothing, and festive treats. Volunteers from the schools and police department helped manage the logistics, ensuring the day ran smoothly.

For many children, the event was more than just a shopping trip, it was a chance to bond with local officers in a fun and positive way. Parents and officers alike described the morning as “magical,” embodying the true spirit of giving that defines the Lake Wales community.

Emmanuel Figuerora, Dalton Cruze, Jacob Raines, Lynette Schwarze

As the final bags were packed and hugs exchanged, the scene at the register told a story of shared joy. A community coming together to make sure no child went without a reason to smile this Christmas.

The post Shop with a Cop Brings Holiday Cheer to Local Children first appeared on Lake Wales Daily News.

Goin’ Postal Lake Wales Celebrates Grand Opening With Ribbon Cutting and Specials

Allison — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 16:59:16 +0000

Goin’ Postal Lake Wales officially opened its doors and held a grand opening event November 20, 2025, marking the occasion with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by community members and the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce. Owner Irene Wasso shared her excitement about serving the Lake Wales area, offering a wide range of shipping, printing, and mailbox services to meet both personal and business needs.

To celebrate the opening, the store is offering special discounts through November 30, including:

• $1 OFF shipping

• BOGO $1 OFF greeting cards

• BOGO 50% OFF select gift items

Located at 2509 State Road 60 E, Lake Wales, FL 33898, the store offers convenient parking and can be reached at 863-275-1051. More information is available at their website: goinpostal-lakewales.com.

Products & Services Available

Goin’ Postal Lake Wales provides a full suite of services designed to simplify shipping, mailing, printing, and packaging needs for the community.

Shipping Services

Fast, secure shipping is available through UPS, FedEx, USPS, and DHL, serving both domestic and international destinations. Customers can take advantage of easy drop-off services, package tracking, and optional insurance for valuable items.

Mailbox Services

The location offers USPS-approved physical mailboxes as well as iPostal 1 digital mailboxes, providing secure mail and package management. Customers can receive mail safely, get email alerts, and access deliveries from anywhere—ideal for travelers and remote workers.

Printing & Office Services

Goin’ Postal offers full-service printing, copying, scanning, and faxing. They create flyers, business cards, and brochures, and offer laminating and binding through trusted local partners.

Packaging & Supplies

Customers can shop a wide selection of boxes, envelopes, bubble wrap, tape, and packing peanuts for shipments of any size or shape. For fragile, irregular, or high-value items, the store offers expert packing to ensure safe, secure transit.

With its new Lake Wales location, Goin’ Postal is setting out to become a reliable one-stop destination for shipping, business services, and everyday mailing needs—backed by friendly service and a commitment to the community.

The post Goin’ Postal Lake Wales Celebrates Grand Opening With Ribbon Cutting and Specials first appeared on Lake Wales Daily News.

Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation Places AED #80 at Whispering Pines Community in Frostproof

Kip — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 13:58:00 +0000

“A Gift of Life” for the Residents*

FROSTPROOF, Fla. (November 20, 2025) – Last night, Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation (CCF) reached another life-saving milestone by installing its 80th Automated External Defibrillator (AED) – this time at the Whispering Pines, a quiet residential community in Frostproof.

The placement was made possible after resident Ernie Fuller reached out to CCF founder Melanie Brown Culpepper, expressing the community’s desire to have an AED on site at their clubhouse for the protection of residents and guests.

When the CCF team arrived, they were greeted by a packed room of eager residents ready to learn. Vanessa, President of the Whispering Pines HOA (serving for 12 years), expressed her gratitude:

“I felt truly honored that our little community was chosen to receive this gift of life from the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation. Melanie and her team made it a priority, and their generosity and commitment to saving lives is inspiring. We are proud to now have this life-saving device here in Whispering Pines.”

Longtime Winter Haven Fire Department paramedic and CCF volunteer Eric Shimkus (24+ years of service) led an in-depth hands-on demonstration covering:

AED operation
Hands-Only CPR
LifeVac anti-choking device
Narcan administration for opioid overdoses
Fire extinguisher use – included in loving memory of Jolynn, the young girl tragically lost in a vehicle fire in November 2024

“Eric was extremely knowledgeable and took the time to make sure everyone understood,” Vanessa added. “He answered every question and made us all feel confident and prepared.”

Melanie Brown Culpepper founded CCF in memory of her late fiancé Michael Culpepper, who passed away from heart failure in July 2020 at age 34. Since then, the all-volunteer organization has placed at least two AEDs every single month across Polk County while also awarding three annual scholarships to future first responders (Fire, Medical, and EMT).

“Last night reminded me why we do this,” Melanie said. “The residents of Whispering Pines welcomed us with open arms and open hearts. Seeing an entire room full of people ready to learn how to save a life – that’s what community is all about.”

Vanessa closed with a call to action for others: “I encourage everyone in Polk County to support Melanie’s mission – whether by volunteering, donating, or helping raise funds. What she is doing is a wonderful thing, and together we can all pay it forward.”

The new AED is now permanently mounted and ready for use at the Whispering Pines Clubhouse, giving residents and visitors a critical fighting chance in the first minutes of a cardiac emergency.

For more information on Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, current AED locations, or to donate: Visit CulpepperAED.com Contact Melanie Brown Culpepper at (863) 662-2694

Saving Lives Matters – because any one of us could be the closest first responder.

By Kip Kirchberg, DailyRidge.com #SavingLivesMatters #CulpeppersCardiacFoundation #AED80 #WhisperingPines #Frostproof #CommunityHeroes #PayItForward

The post Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation Places AED #80 at Whispering Pines Community in Frostproof first appeared on Lake Wales Daily News.

Lake Wales Chooses Restoration St. Louis to Renovate Historic Walesbilt Hotel

Kip — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 10:07:00 +0000

By Kip Kirchberg

In a significant step toward revitalizing downtown Lake Wales, the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has selected Restoration St. Louis as the preferred developer to restore the long-vacant Walesbilt Hotel. The decision, made during the CRA meeting on October 13, 2025, marks the culmination of a months-long process to breathe new life into the iconic 10-story structure that has stood empty for decades.

The Walesbilt Hotel, originally built in 1926 as the Grand Hotel, has a storied history as a centerpiece of Lake Wales’ downtown. Once a bustling hub for visitors and locals alike, the Mediterranean Revival-style building fell into disrepair after closing in the 1990s. Renamed the Dixie Walesbilt Hotel in later years, it has been the subject of multiple failed redevelopment attempts, including a prolonged legal battle that ended with the city regaining ownership in April 2025 for $450,000.

Walesbilt 2024

City officials issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in June 2025, inviting developers to submit proposals for the hotel’s restoration. By July, four bids were received, which were narrowed down to two finalists in September: Restoration St. Louis Inc. and the Blackmon and Andoniades Families. Both teams presented their visions during a special CRA workshop earlier in October, with Restoration St. Louis proposing to transform the hotel into a Marriott-branded property while redeveloping the surrounding block to include retail and residential spaces.

During the October 13 meeting, the CRA board voted to select Restoration St. Louis as the top choice, citing the company’s extensive experience in historic restorations and its comprehensive plan for the site. “This is a pivotal moment for Lake Wales,” said City Manager James Slaton in a statement following the vote. “Restoration St. Louis brings the expertise and vision needed to not only preserve this historic gem but to make it a vibrant economic driver for our community.”

Meeting to review proposals to Restore Walesbilt

This selection is widely viewed as a positive move for downtown Lake Wales, poised to revitalize the area by drawing tourists, boosting local foot traffic, and attracting new businesses to the surrounding district. The addition of a branded hotel and ground-floor retail is expected to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and enhance the overall vibrancy of the community, turning a long-neglected eyesore into a cornerstone of prosperity.

Restoration St. Louis, based in Missouri, specializes in rehabilitating historic buildings into modern hotels and mixed-use developments. The firm has successfully restored properties like the Cheshire Inn in St. Louis and has a track record of partnering with major hotel brands. Their proposal for the Walesbilt includes restoring the building’s original architectural features, adding 100-120 guest rooms, and incorporating ground-floor retail to enhance downtown foot traffic. The project is estimated to cost between $30 million and $40 million, with potential funding from historic tax credits and city incentives.

Concept presented at previous meeting

The competing bid from the Blackmon and Andoniades Families, local developers with ties to the area, focused on a boutique hotel concept with community-oriented amenities. While praised for its local flavor, the board ultimately favored Restoration St. Louis for its scalability and proven financial backing.

With the selection made, City Manager Slaton will now enter negotiations with Restoration St. Louis to finalize a development agreement. If successful, construction could begin as early as mid-2026, with the hotel potentially reopening by 2028. Residents and business owners in downtown Lake Wales have expressed optimism about the project, viewing it as a catalyst for further economic growth in the area.

James Slaton Lake Wales City Manager

The Walesbilt’s revival is part of a broader effort to preserve Lake Wales’ historic charm while fostering modern development. As one local historian noted, “This hotel isn’t just a building; it’s the heart of our city’s story.”

The post Lake Wales Chooses Restoration St. Louis to Renovate Historic Walesbilt Hotel first appeared on Lake Wales Daily News.

Victory Ridge Academy Receives Lifesaving AED #72 from Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation

Kip — Sat, 23 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Lake Wales, FL – Victory Ridge Academy, a public charter school dedicated to serving students with unique challenges, was recently honored as the recipient of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) through the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation’s “Pay It Forward” initiative, in partnership with Tanner’s Lakeside. The donation, celebrated at a special event, underscores the community’s commitment to safety and support for the school’s mission.

Sara Edwards, Registered Nurse at Victory Ridge Academy for the past three years, expressed deep gratitude for the donation. “It was incredibly meaningful and humbling to be chosen,” Edwards said. “The safety and well-being of our students is always a top priority, so receiving this lifesaving equipment speaks volumes about the compassion and generosity of our community.”

Victory Ridge Academy, which serves students from Pre-K through age 22, provides a supportive and individualized learning environment for children with special needs. Edwards, who has seven years of experience in pediatric and emergency nursing, emphasized the school’s unique role. “Being here is more than just a job; it’s a privilege,” she shared.

Steve Whitaker, a veteran administrator at Victory Ridge since 2013, highlighted the school’s growth and impact. “We started with one classroom in 2006, and now we have two campuses with over 300 staff serving more than 450 students,” Whitaker said. “With construction underway in Davenport, we’ll soon be able to serve over 315 students there, just like in Lake Wales, and we’re planning to open two more campuses in Polk County.”

The AED donation, facilitated by Tanner’s Lakeside and the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, was accompanied by a demonstration from Eric Shimcus, who provided clear and accessible training on how to use the device. “The demonstration was incredibly informative,” Edwards noted. “Eric made everything easy to understand and helped us feel confident in knowing how to use the AED if an emergency were to happen.”

The Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, led by Melanie Brown Culpepper Beilke, has made it their mission to place AEDs in communities where they are needed most. Edwards praised their efforts, saying, “Melanie and the entire Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation team are amazing. Their dedication is truly saving lives, and Melanie’s passion is contagious. She has created something that is changing communities for the better.”

Whitaker and Edwards both expressed heartfelt appreciation for the donation. “This could truly make the difference in saving a life, and that’s a gift beyond words,” Edwards said. “From all the nursing staff at Victory Ridge Academy, thank you for helping us protect our students and staff.”

The partnership between Victory Ridge Academy, Tanner’s Lakeside, and the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of community collaboration. With this new AED, Victory Ridge is better equipped to ensure the safety of its students and staff, continuing its mission to provide a nurturing environment where every student can thrive.

For more information about Victory Ridge Academy, visit their website or contact their administrative office. To learn more about the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation and their lifesaving initiatives, visit their official facebook page.

The post Victory Ridge Academy Receives Lifesaving AED #72 from Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation first appeared on Lake Wales Daily News.

Camp Mack Relaunches Famous Sports Bar & Grill

Maria Iannucci — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 20:25:27 +0000

Lake Wales, FL – Camp Mack, an iconic symbol of Old Florida, invites RVers, families, boaters, fishermen, hikers, bird/outdoor lovers and airboaters to discover the rich history and vibrant community at the stunning lodge, marina, and RV resort on Lake Kissimmee. The previously named Sports Bar & Grill, Gator Mack’s, has been relaunched as Freshwater Tavern & Grill, with many updates including new ownership.

Mike Joseph, new owner of Freshwater Tavern & Grill, at Camp Mack, Lake Wales

Mike Joseph, the new owner, is working hard to make Freshwater Tavern & Grill a unique spot for locals and visitors alike. With a stage for live music, trivia, bingo or karaoke, there will be plenty of live entertainment to satisfy customers. A full bar, complimented by light fare, TVs, and games like darts give visitors a variety of activities to engage in.

Freshwater’s new interior, photo by Maria Iannucci

The resort itself boasts state-of-the-art amenities, including a 40 room Lodge, spacious RV sites with full hookups, a well-stocked store by the marina, and convenient access to fishing and airboating opportunities. Families can explore the pristine waters of Lake Kissimmee and Lake Hatchineha, both home to diverse wildlife, breathtaking sunsets, and unforgettable memories. The onsite airboat tour company, Alligator Cove Tours, is the top-rated tour company in the area, and customers rave about this nature trip.

Freshwater’s new interior, photo by Maria Iannucci

Camp Mack is also strategically located for those wishing to explore nearby attractions. Lake Kissimmee State Park offers excellent hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, while the serene Bok Tower Gardens showcases lush landscapes and stunning water features. Both Lake Kissimmee State Park and Bok Tower Gardens are on the Great Florida Birding Trail.

Freshwater’s new interior, photo by Maria Iannucci

At Camp Mack, old Florida charm meets modern outdoor fun. Whether you’re seeking adventure on the water or a peaceful getaway in nature, there is something for everyone.

For more information: visit www.campmack.com or call (863) 696-1108.

The post Camp Mack Relaunches Famous Sports Bar & Grill first appeared on Lake Wales Daily News.

BizLINC Creating Jobs and Generating Revenue for Lake Wales over the Past Three Years

Maria Iannucci — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 22:13:20 +0000

by James Coulter

40 new jobs. $560,000 in wages. $75,000 in business revenue. These are some of the results a local business incubator has been able to produce over the past three years for the City of Lake Wales. And those numbers are expected to continue growing.

At their workshop on Wed. June 25, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners were provided with a presentation from BizLINC, a business incubator located in the historic core of Lake Wales.

As their website states: “BizLINC is Lake Wales’s one-stop source for coordinated business incubation and development services. BizLINC connects entrepreneurs to much-needed resources to achieve success and sustainability.”

Three years ago, BizLINC entered a $1.2 million contract with the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to facilitate the city’s redevelopment and revitalization efforts by providing resources to local business owners and entrepreneurs.

Frank Cornier, CEO and co-founder of BizLINC, claimed that, since its inception, BizLINC has generated $750,000 in business revenue and created 40 new jobs that have resulted in $560,000 in wages, which in turn resulted in a return value of $1.3 million.

As such, the initial investment the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has made into BizLINC has seen a 9 percent return. For every dollar invested, BizLINC has generated a $1.09 in return, he explained.

Such results prove how much of a vital asset BizLINC has been to economic development, especially since the incubator started in a “negative position” three years ago. Essentially, they started with less than nothing and made something from it, Cornier explained.

“Year one was a foundational year for us,” he said. “In some cases, we probably started from a negative position because we are trying to start from zero. But in some communities you come into where private investment has long left, you’re starting at a disadvantaged position.”

BizLINC has facilitated this economic development through 17 business training and seminars, 600 hours of technical assistance, and 10 verified mentorship sessions. Furthermore, while most incubators focus solely on the tech industry, BizLINC has created a mix of white- and blue-collar jobs in construction, health and wellness, and financial planning.

In fact, one construction firm has since doubled its revenue since participating in the incubator, Cornier said. Likewise, another business from Lakeland has expressed interest in setting up a chicken wings eatery on Lincoln Avenue.

Derrick Blue, BizLINC co-founder and COO, averred that BizLinc has also boosted local morale by creating businesses that allow residents to see others working and thriving in their local community.

“[We created] an ecosystem that didn’t exist,” he said. “There isn’t a true entrepreneurial ecosystem in that [Lincoln Avenue] area, and it has not been in a long time. In fact, I think we are the only business that operates right now on Lincoln. What that means for us is that there are children and other people in the community who get to see people walking into a business who look professional…[so] it is a place where people can imagine something different for themselves.”

Both Cornier and Blue have high expectations for BizLINC moving forward. In fact, they expect their numbers to grow by 25 percent the next time they address the Lake Wales City Commission.

Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson was especially impressed by the results. He considers BizLINC to be the standard bearer for the City of Lake Wales investing in prospective non-profit organizations. He wants the City to invest in such a way that non-profits eventually become self-sufficient and no longer require city funding.

“We have been successful. We do have money. And that puts a target on our heads,” he said. “That is not our money. It belongs to the City of Lake Wales. And we are using it for these projects. So, I am interested in measuring the results, and I am very interested in a decline of support from us to where these projects become [as] self-sufficient as much as possible.”

Blue agreed. He hopes BizLINC eventually creates enough businesses in the community that no more can be created.

“We are asking for less,” he said. “Our goal is to put ourselves out of business because we are doing what needs to be done, and people no longer need us.”

Commissioner Keith Thompson claimed his rubric for BizLINC’s success will be the redevelopment of Lincoln Avenue. If the incubator can bring more businesses to that area, he would be more than willing to reward them for their success.

“I think the city should be responsible in rewarding success,” he said. “If you are successful and improving property value and creating jobs, I am more than willing to reward that and get behind that.”

Mayor Jack Hilligoss insisted the City should look at any means necessary to promote redevelopment on Lincoln Avenue, noting the “vacant and unoccupied property” in that area as well as the downtown area. Deputy Mayor Gibson even suggested eminent domain.

“We have a lot of inventory downtown that is not activated, and we have folks that are showing real interest in trying to start businesses down there who are finding it difficult to get in,” Mayor Hilligoss said. “So, one of the things that we should discuss is what we can do as a commission that can really incentivize current owners to get active, whatever we can legally do without violating their rights.”

The post BizLINC Creating Jobs and Generating Revenue for Lake Wales over the Past Three Years first appeared on Lake Wales Daily News.

Why Arts Matter: Congressman Franklin’s Lake Wales Speech Champions Community and Country

Kip — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 14:13:09 +0000

On Thursday June 19, 2025, the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce hosted a dynamic luncheon at the Lake Wales Arts Center, sponsored by Duke Energy and Low Payment Kings. The event brought together community leaders, business owners, and residents to hear from Congressman Scott Franklin, who represents Florida’s 18th Congressional District. The gathering underscored the vital role of the arts in driving economic growth and fostering community vitality, while also offering insights into federal governance and local priorities.

Chamber Luncheon

A Warm Welcome for Congressman Scott Franklin

Tommy Frank- Lake Wales Arts Council

Tommy Frank, of the Lake Wales Arts Council, opened the event with a powerful address on the economic significance of the arts. He noted that in Florida, arts and culture contribute over $50 billion annually to the economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs, from performers to technicians. In Lake Wales, concerts, exhibitions, and festivals draw visitors from across the region, boosting small businesses and energizing the downtown area. Frank emphasized, “When we invest in the arts, we invest in a vibrant, connected, and prosperous community,” urging continued support for the arts as a necessity, not a luxury.

Skip Alford of Lake Wales Chamber introducing Scott Franklin

Following this, Congressman Scott Franklin was introduced by Skip Alford of the Lake Wales Chamber as a distinguished public servant with a 26-year career as a naval aviator, including missions in the Persian Gulf, Bosnia, and Kosovo, and post-9/11 service with U.S. Central Command. A 1986 U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Franklin holds an MBA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and completed executive training at the Air Command and Staff College and The Wharton School. Before Congress, he served as a Lakeland City Commissioner and led Lanier Upshaw, an insurance and risk management firm, as president and CEO. In Congress, Franklin serves on the House Appropriations Committee, focusing on military construction, Veterans Affairs, agriculture, and energy and water, and chairs the Environment Subcommittee on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. In 2023, he was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy Board of Visitors.

Franklin’s Remarks: From Washington to Lake Wales

In his speech, Congressman Franklin expressed his admiration for the Lake Wales Arts Center, noting its beauty and the community’s efforts to preserve it. He provided an overview of his work in Washington, D.C., emphasizing the challenges of federal budgeting. Franklin explained the ideal budget process, where Congress passes a budget by September for the fiscal year starting October 1. However, he candidly noted that Congress hasn’t passed a budget on time since the 1990s, often relying on continuing resolutions or facing government shutdowns, which he argued are costly and disruptive, especially for military personnel and government employees.

Scott Franklin

Franklin highlighted his role on the House Appropriations Committee, where he helps shape spending for agriculture, a critical sector for Florida’s 18th District. Spanning eight counties, including Polk, Hardee, and DeSoto, the district is the largest agricultural region east of the Mississippi, producing 75% of Florida’s citrus, most of its cattle, dairy, sugar cane, and all phosphate mining. As Vice Chair of the Agriculture Subcommittee, Franklin advocates for policies supporting these industries.

He also discussed the “one big beautiful bill,” or House Resolution 1, a reconciliation package aimed at extending the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Franklin stressed that letting these tax cuts expire would raise taxes for all Americans, impacting individuals and businesses, including Subchapter S corporations, sole proprietors, and LLCs, through reduced tax credits and depreciation benefits. He addressed concerns about Social Security and Medicare, clarifying, “There are absolutely no cuts to Social Security and Medicare in this bill, no matter what you hear in the press.” He also emphasized the importance of maintaining a social safety net through Medicaid but proposed reforms to address inefficiencies. Franklin explained that Medicaid has expanded to include 7.5 million able-bodied adults without dependents, aged 18 to 64, who are capable of working but are not employed, seeking work, volunteering, or in training programs. He noted that these individuals receive higher reimbursement rates than single mothers, people with disabilities, or those caring for dependents, straining the program. Franklin advocated for policies that protect Medicaid for those in genuine need while encouraging work or community engagement among able-bodied recipients.

On veterans’ issues, Franklin underscored bipartisan support for the Veterans Administration, stating, “The bill we just passed last week on House Appropriations increases spending for veterans for the coming year. We’ve continued to increase it while I’ve been there, and there have been no cuts whatsoever to veterans’ care.” He emphasized the nation’s commitment to veterans, focusing on eliminating waste within the VA to enhance efficiency without compromising services.

Franklin also discussed the looming debt ceiling deadline in August, warning that defaulting on the national debt—currently at $37 trillion—would destabilize financial markets and affect pensions and investments. He advocated for fiscal responsibility, drawing parallels to business and household budgeting, and expressed concern about the growing national debt burdening future generations.

On international issues, Franklin shared his perspective as a former naval aviator, advocating for “peace through strength” and a strong military to deter threats. He highlighted Iran’s role as a destabilizing force in the Middle East, supporting groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, and its pursuit of nuclear arms capabilities. While supporting Israel’s efforts to counter these threats, he expressed hope for de-escalation to avoid a broader conflict. Franklin also acknowledged the complexity of ongoing conflicts, such as Ukraine, and the challenges of fulfilling campaign promises to resolve them quickly.

Local Impact and Civic Engagement

Franklin praised the Lake Wales community for its role in fostering growth while preserving its unique character. He encouraged local civic engagement, noting that community involvement yields more immediate results than federal work. He invited attendees to reach out to his district office, led by District Director Alice Hunt, for appointments or to join his monthly telephone town halls, which connect with thousands across the district.

The luncheon concluded with a Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage directly with Franklin on issues affecting Lake Wales and beyond. The event highlighted the intersection of arts, economic development, and federal leadership, reinforcing Lake Wales’ commitment to a vibrant future.

For more information on Congressman Franklin’s work or to get involved, visit his office’s website or follow his Facebook page for updates on telephone town halls. The Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce continues to champion initiatives that strengthen the community, with the arts at the heart of its economic and cultural vision.

The post Why Arts Matter: Congressman Franklin’s Lake Wales Speech Champions Community and Country first appeared on Lake Wales Daily News.

Local Business and Nonprofit Team Up to Donate Life-Saving AED to Hillcrest Elementary

Staff Reporter — Thu, 22 May 2025 17:17:03 +0000

Lake Wales, FL – May 12, 2025 – Hillcrest Elementary School, part of the Lake Wales Charter Schools system, has received a new Automated External Defibrillator (AED) through a generous donation from Kirchberg, LLC and Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation. This critical piece of emergency medical equipment enhances the school’s ability to respond swiftly to cardiac emergencies, ensuring the safety of students, staff, and visitors.

Kirchberg AED donation to Hillcrest Elementary School

Kirchberg, LLC, a Winter Haven-based, family-owned business led by Kip and Jody Kirchberg, operates Kirchberg Brand, an online retail store offering handcrafted Amish furniture; Daily Ridge, an online news and media website covering Central Florida; and Apple Tree Realty Group, a specialized real estate company providing world-class service to buyers and sellers. The Kirchberg family is actively involved in nonprofits such as Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, Trade Jobs Matter, and Rockin’ on the Chain. This donation reflects Kirchberg, LLC’s commitment to community wellness and supporting local causes.

The AED was donated through Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, a Polk County nonprofit founded by Melanie Brown Culpepper Beilke in memory of her late fiancé, Michael Culpepper, who tragically passed away from cardiac arrest in 2020. Motivated by this personal loss, Melanie established the foundation in July to increase access to life-saving AEDs. Since its inception, the foundation has placed 65 AEDs in schools, businesses, and community centers across Polk County, with plans to expand further through community support and fundraising events like the annual “Saving Lives Matters” in November. The foundation also provides AED training and scholarships for aspiring first responders.

Melanie emphasized the critical role of defibrillators, stating, “After losing Michael, I realized how vital immediate access to AEDs can be. Our mission is to ensure no community lacks this life-saving equipment, and we rely on the generosity of partners like Kirchberg, LLC and events like ‘Saving Lives Matters’ to keep pushing forward.”

Eric Shimkus, a representative of the foundation, highlighted the importance of AEDs in public spaces, noting their ease of use and the legal protections provided by the Good Samaritan law, which shields users from lawsuits when providing emergency aid. He also outlined the steps for using an AED alongside CPR and noted that businesses and schools with AEDs may qualify for insurance discounts, further incentivizing their adoption.

“With so many family and community activities on our campus, this AED gives us greater peace of mind,” said Chenia Thate, Assistant Principal at Hillcrest Elementary. “We’re deeply grateful for this life-saving gift.”

Principal Rebecca Thomas added, “We extend our heartfelt thanks to Kirchberg, LLC and Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation for their generosity. This AED strengthens our ability to keep our school community safe.”

Kip Kirchberg, Founder of Kirchberg, LLC and Co-Founder of The Daily Ridge, emphasized the value of community partnerships. “Supporting initiatives like this aligns with our mission to make a meaningful impact in the places we call home,” he said.

Melanie stressed the need for continued community involvement, saying, “Every AED we place is a step toward a safer community, but we can’t do it alone. We need ongoing support to keep saving lives.”

For more information about Kirchberg, LLC, visit kirchbergllc.com. To learn about Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, its mission, or how to support their work, visit their Facebook page.

The post Local Business and Nonprofit Team Up to Donate Life-Saving AED to Hillcrest Elementary first appeared on Lake Wales Daily News.