Lake Wales News

Max Seidl, 2, of Lake Wales, and Gracie Berkau, 2, of Lake Wales see if their medals are made out of chocolate.

Citrus growers continue to face many challenges, however Florida's signature crop remains a powerful economic engine that supports dozens of rural communities across the state, according to the head of Florida's largest citrus trade organization.

Progress Energy Florida's customers will get a chance to comment on a proposed $500 million annual rate increase at a series of public hearings.

A Lake Wales city official has resigned his position after charges that he used city money to buy a battery for his own boat.

Angering conservationists and siding with developers, Gov. Charlie Crist on Tuesday signed a controversial bill that would give water management district staff working behind closed doors more power to grant lucrative water rights.

Published: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 7:54 a.m. Last Modified: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 9:51 a.m. Fire destroyed a two-story, wood-frame home in Lake Wales early today.

TALLAHASSEE - Angering conservationists and siding with developers, Gov. Charlie Crist on Tuesday signed a controversial bill that would give water management district staff working behind closed doors more power to grant lucrative water rights.

Published: Monday, June 29, 2009 at 7:43 p.m. Last Modified: Monday, June 29, 2009 at 7:43 p.m. LAKE WALES Mayor Jack Van Sickle said Monday he wants City Manager Tony Otte to resign, and if he refuses, to be fired, claiming management problems and low employee morale.

Published: Monday, June 29, 2009 at 11:52 p.m. Last Modified: Monday, June 29, 2009 at 11:52 p.m. LAKELAND Jerry "J.T." Torrance, the assistant to the Lake Wales city manager, was charged Monday with petty theft for using city money to buy a marine battery for his pontoon boat, Lake Wales police investigators said.

Florida's water management districts are poised to act quickly if Gov. Charlie Crist signs a controversial bill that would give staff members working behind closed doors even more power to grant lucrative water rights.

Published: Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 7:00 a.m. Last Modified: Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 7:00 a.m. Polk County EMS has been called to an accident in the 1100 block of U.S. 60 East in Lake Wales.

Published: Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 10:26 p.m. Last Modified: Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 10:26 p.m. BARTOW Polk County Fire Services could inherit up to five of Emergency Medical Services' 32 paramedic ambulances.

Senate budget chairman JD Alexander says it's time to unload one of the two remaining state airplanes, if only to eliminate the temptation to misuse them.

One winner of the 'Fantasy 5' game will collect $222,958.82, the Florida Lottery said Thursday.

Published: Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 1:46 a.m. Last Modified: Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 1:46 a.m. The Lake Wales Police Department reported these criminal activities from June 12 through 18: BURGLARY Car burglary and theft from a motor vehicle were reported June 12 in the first block of West Seminole Avenue.

For those who can't make the trip to visit downtown Lake Wales, Lake Wales Main Street has a virtual tour online.

Published: Monday, June 22, 2009 at 4:18 p.m. Last Modified: Monday, June 22, 2009 at 4:18 p.m. Two years ago, Mary Owen's husband was looking for children's exercise DVDs to use on rainy days in the physical education classes that he teaches in Hillsborough County.

A 16-year-old Lake Wales boy was arrested Tuesday and is accused of shooting a man in the chest Monday.

Before the Lake Alfred City Commission decides to give money to the Winter Haven Area Transit, commissioners want to look at next year's budget.

Five Lake Wales citizen boards need residents to volunteer their time. Due to expired terms and retirements, those five boards are facing a total of 17 vacancies, with terms expiring in 2011 and 2012.