Wednesday, May 22, 2019 www.winterhavensun.com TAKE ONE IT’S FREE An Edition Of The Sun Leaders rally for Polk State’s Lake Wales campus By STEVEN RYZEWSKI Melony Bell at Executive Editor Tiger Bay The local state legislator spoke LAKE WALES — Local elected of- about her first legislative ficials, stakeholders, staff and other session last week. members of the community gath- PG 3 ered at Polk State College JD Alexan- der Center in downtown Lake Wales Thursday morning to advocate for the preservation of the recurring funding the campus receives from the state leg- islature. That amount — $2.5 million annu- ally — is critical for a campus where 44 percent of the 1,100 students served PHOTO PROVIDED there are qualify for need-based Pell Lasting impact A Polk County Fire Rescue firefighter fights the blaze that took the life of 76-year-old Lakeland resident Loretta Pickard on November 23, 2018. Grants. A group of local students took The state legislature, which recent- a trip to Guatemala and came ly concluded its spring session, did back with a new perspective. Report details tragedy, outlines way include funding in the budget it sent PG 6 to Governor Ron DeSantis — but it forward for Polk Fire Rescue was included as a separate line item. This, in theory, makes the item more By CHARLES A. BAKER III happened that night. Its conclusions include vulnerable to veto as DeSantis’ ad- Staff Writer that Polk County Fire Rescue’s call volume, ministration seeks to rein in the re- lack of leadership experience, lack of regular cord-setting budget received earlier POLK COUNTY – On November 23, training and lack of confidence in leadership this month. 2018, 76-year-old Loretta Pickard of Lake- may have played roles in the tragedy. Local leaders held the gathering to land called 911 and said she thought her log Former Polk County Fire Rescue Chief function as a megaphone of sorts to cabin was on fire. Tony Stravino resigned at the onset of a May make sure that DeSantis and his staff Back in the day Roughly 20 minutes later, the operator 7 public hearing to discuss the final report. CAMPUS | 4 Bob Gernert’s “Beneath the heard Pickard as she burned alive. Multiple Interim Polk County Fire Rescue Chief Chinaberry Tree” column for this week recalls Winter Haven firefighters were on scene at the time. Robert Weech, who was recently promoted in the 1960s. Three days later, in the aftermath of the to take over as chief, has called the investiga- PG 12 tragedy, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd tive report a road map for changes. asked County Manager Jim Freeman to look into the matter. What happened Good morning to: On May 6, a 242-page third party inves- “I’m here alone and I’m on a walker,” Pick- tigation of the incident was made public. ard told the emergency operator at the onset PHOTO BY STEVEN RYZEWSKI Elsa Huff Polk State College JD Alexander Campus was The report gives a thorough account of what of the fire. the subject of a press conference held last week, Thanks for reading! REPORT | 4 during which local leaders and a student made the case for its value to the community. COME JOIN OUR WE’VE MOVED! NEW CLASSES Our New Location Is Visit Us Online For 6310 Cypress Gardens Blvd. SE Details and Schedules Winter Haven New Classes (863)298-8185 Forming Now! Open Mon-Sat 9am-4pm MyHeartToHeartQuilting.com 2019_05_22_pw_01.pdf 1 21-May-19 19:30:27 Page 2 Wednesday, May 22, 2019 CALENDAR Air Potato Challenge Lake Wales Car Show audience participation. The Dueling Pianos Show fea- When: May 22, 2019 | Noon When: May 25, 2019 | 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. tures Joe Lupis and Andrew Percoco. Dueling Pianos Where: UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Where: Historic Downtown Lake Wales has become the most popular show in club hall over 1702 U.S. Highway 17 South, Bartow Held on the fourth Saturday of every month in Histor- the world. Polk County residents are invited to come out to the ic Downtown Lake Wales, the Lake Wales Car Show UF/IFAS Extension Polk County to learn more about features good food, music and door prizes. For more Ladies of Country at The Ritz invasive air potato and the air potato leaf beetle and to information, contact Larry or Cheryl Bossarte at (863) When: June 8, 2019 | 8 p.m. pick up a supply of beetles for use on their properties. 207-3402 or (863) 206-8686. Where: The Ritz Theatre Registration is required but the event is free. Registra- 263 W. Central Ave., Winter Haven tion can be completed at http://bit.ly/PolkAPCD. More Winter is Coming to the Gardens The Ritz Theatre presents “Ladies of Country,” with the information available by calling (863) 519-1041. When: May 25, 2019 | 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. Erica DiCeglie Band — a high-energy, sweet and soul- Where: Bok Tower Gardens ful (and sometimes sassy) revue, featuring the songs of Moonlight Market 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales country music’s all-time greatest female artists. With When: May 22, 2019 | 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Do you drink and know things about Game of powerful, iconic ballads like Martina’s “Independence Where: Grove Roots Brewing Co. Thrones? Enjoy a live “Game of Thrones”-inspired Day,” and Lee Ann’s “I Hope You Dance,” to classic 302 3rd St. SW, Winter Haven carillon concert by Geert D’Hollander at 1 p.m. May hits like Loretta’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter” and Dolly’s Join us for the monthly Moonlight Market at Grove 25, take pictures with your favorite characters from “Jolene,” plus songs from Alison, Miranda, Faith and Roots Brewing in downtown Winter Haven. Coming the Florida Game of Thrones Cosplay Group, test your many more. Together with her talented band, Erica has in from all over Central Florida, vendors set up shop knowledge of the show during Triviosity from 2-4 opened for well-known country acts such as Lonestar just for you with items including handmade soy can- p.m. and munch out with a Thrones-inspired meal for and Diamond Rio. A recording artist, she recently dles, unique stained glass, honey, avocados, and freshly purchase. Festivities included in general admission released her latest EP, “My Blue,” which features two baked bread. Check the Grove Roots Brewing website and free for members. More information at boktower- original country songs, “Losin’ Ground,” and “First to see which food truck will be present. Swing on by, gardens.org. Love Feeling.” shop, sip and eat local. Haines City’s Memorial Day Ceremony Legislative Wrap Up Breakfast Bartow Ford’s Blue Lives Matter Luncheon When: May 27, 2019 | 9 a.m. When: June 13, 2019 | 8 a.m. When: May 23, 2019 | 11 a.m. Where: Military Court of Honor - Railroad Park Where: Cypress Golf & Country Club Clubhouse Where: Bartow Ford 502 E. Main St., Haines City 1099 Clubhouse Road, Winter Haven 2800 U.S. 98, Bartow Haines City invites attendees to remember those who Join the Winter Haven, Lake Wales and Northeast Bartow Ford Company is hosting a luncheon to honor served. Light refreshments will be served immediately Polk Chambers of Commerce as they once again host the heroes of Polk County – local law enforcement. following ceremony. For more information, contact a collaborative Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast fea- Local law enforcement agents from around the county Haines City Parks & Recreation at (863) 421-3700. turing our local state representatives and senators to will be the guests of honor and they will be served a discuss what happened during this legislative session barbecue lunch at the dealership. While the lunch is Central Florida Health Expo and their thoughts on the direction of Florida under new state leadership. Tickets are $20 and include for law enforcement personnel only, the public is invit- When: May 31, 2019 | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. breakfast. ed to show their support for the heroes who protect us Where: International Market World Flea daily. and Farmers Market Coffee & Conversation 1052 U.S. Highway 92, Auburndale When: June 20, 2019 | 8:30 a.m. The Central Florida Health Expo is the premier event Where: Winter Haven Chamber Auditorium for health-conscious adults. The event will feature free 401 Ave. B NW, Winter Haven Winter Haven Sun health screenings, door prize drawings, healthcare “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.” A strong 99 3rd St. NW, education, health insurance enrollment and entertain- network of neighborhoods that are active, collabo- Winter Haven, FL 33881 ment. The event is free to the public and everyone is rative and welcoming can help drive prosperity for welcome. a community. The team at the City of Winter Haven Phone (863) 533-4183 For more details about the event as well as a list of recognizes this fact and is embarking on a neighbor- www.yoursun.com/polk participating firms visit visit www.centralfloridamedia- hoods initiative to reengage, revitalize and reinforce group.com/events. our neighborhoods as the cornerstone for our future Classified Ads:[email protected] success. Join City Manager Mike Herr, Growth Man- Legals: [email protected] Dueling Pianos agement Director Eric Labbe, Senior Planner Anita Obituaries: [email protected] When: June 1, 2019 | 8 p.m. Silwal and Public Safety Director Chief Charlie Bird News or Events to: [email protected] Where: Historic Ritz Theater as they speak about their outcome-driven plan to 263 W. Central Ave., Winter Haven improve Winter Haven’s neighborhood communities.