News | My Lake Alfred

Archive for the ‘News’ Category

National Police Week

Mayor Lake proclaimed May 15-21st as National Police Week 2017 and to honor the service and sacrifice of those law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty while protecting our communities and safeguarding our democracy. He urged all citizens … Continue reading →

Oath and Office

At the May 1st City Commission meeting re-elected Commissioners Charles Lake and Nancy Daley were sworn in by Assistant City Attorney Drew Crawford. Afterwards the City Commission selected Charles Lake as Mayor and Nancy Daley as the Vice Mayor for … Continue reading →

William Emro – 5 Years

Chief Costine stated that Firefighter William Emro started his fire service career with Lake Alfred Fire Department in April of 2012. In the five years that Firefighter Emro has been with us he has accomplished a lot. He has completed … Continue reading →

Employee of the Quarter – Adam Leatherberry

Police Chief Bodenheimer introduced Officer Adam Leatherberry as employee of the quarter at the City Commission meeting. He stated that Officer Leatherberry worked for Lake Alfred from 2009 to 2013 then returned on January 8th 2016. Since his return he … Continue reading →

Countywide Burn Ban

Polk County has experienced dry weather conditions for an extensive period of time due to the lack of rainfall, therefore Polk County Fire Rescue has issued a burn ban. The increase in risk of brush fires and uncontrolled fires are … Continue reading →

Ryan Leavengood – 5 Years

Mayor Lake and the City Commission recognized City Manager Ryan Leavengood for five years of service with the City in March. Several residents (Ron Schelfo, Connie Oliver, Wes Warren, and Margaret Wheaton) also stated their appreciation for his service and … Continue reading →

Lovin LA Community Clean-up

Thank you to all the volunteers and First Baptist Church Lake Alfred. The Community Clean-up was very successful. There were 43 volunteers who participated and picked up trash around the City. Commissioner Duncan and the City Manager pressure washed several … Continue reading →

Election Qualifying Ends

CONGRATULATIONS to Charles O. Lake and Nancy Z. Daley The qualifying period for the two open City Commission Seats ended today at noon with two candidates qualified to run. Therefore, they will be re-elected to serve another term on the … Continue reading →

Police Department Recognition

On February 6th at the City Commission Meeting, the Police Department pinned three new officers and recognized a special award. Police Chief Art Bodenheimer introduced each of the officers and City Clerk Amee Bailey conducted the oath. Police Chaplin Mike … Continue reading →

Linda Hitchcock – 10 Years

Parks and Recreation Director Richard Weed stated that Linda Hitchcock started her career with the City of Lake Alfred on February 3, 2007 as an Assistant Librarian. On the 1st of March, 2009 she became the Interim Librarian and was … Continue reading →

Chris Costine – 10 Years

City Manager Leavengood stated that Fire Chief Chris Costine came to the City of Lake Alfred in January of 2007 with over 20 years of experience in firefighting from the Polk County Fire Department. On February 28, 2011, he was … Continue reading →

Employee of the Year 2016

William Emro began working with the Lake Alfred Fire Department as a Firefighter on April 28, 2012. He has attended many fire courses such as Fire Service Hydraulics, Apparatus Operations, Pump Operator, Incident Command Systems, National Response, Acute Coronary Syndromes, … Continue reading →

Open Enrollment

Discovery Academy of Lake Alfred and Discovery High School will be accepting applications for the 2017-2018 school year starting on January 17th-30th. Visit their websites for more details. Applications are only available online through their websites at: www.discoveryacademy.org www.discoveryhighschool.org

Christmas Tree Fire Safety

It is fun to decorate for the winter holidays, but holiday decorations can increase your risk of a home fire. As you deck the halls this season, be fire smart. When you’re decorating with live trees, make sure you keep … Continue reading →

2017 Election Notice

Notice is hereby given in accordance with Florida Statutes 100.021; the City of Lake Alfred will conduct its Municipal Election on Tuesday, April 4, 2017, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of electing, at … Continue reading →

STEM experiment at the Fire Station

On Tuesday the 5th grade STEM class from Lake Alfred Elementary visited the Lake Alfred Fire Station. They were there to test their engineering skills by participating in an egg drop experiment. Groups designed containers to protect the eggs during … Continue reading →

Employee of the Quarter – Kendon Daniels

John Deaton, Public Works Director stated that Kendon has been with the City of Lake Alfred since June 2013. He started in the sanitation. Kendon being a dependable and hardworking employee showed interest in the wastewater operating field. Kendon transferred … Continue reading →

Gundy Costello turns 100

The City of Lake Alfred, in partnership with the Lake Alfred Historical Society and Lake Alfred Friends of the Library, were pleased to host a celebration of Mrs. Lenore “Gundy” Costello’s 100th birthday! The event was held on Monday, November … Continue reading →

Thanksgiving Tips

As you plan your Thanksgiving menu don’t forget about fire safety. Did you know Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires? The number of home fires double on Thanksgiving. So, let’s add a pinch of fire safety to … Continue reading →

Valerie Vaught – 15+ Years

Mayor Lake read the proclamation declaring October as Community Development Month. City Manager Leavengood stated that the proclamation was timely since Community Development is such a critical component to the City services, which is not always seen. Other services such … Continue reading →

Sue Gaudlap – 10 Years

Public Works Director John Deaton stated that Sue Gaudlap has been a part of Public Works for 10 years and is responsible for keeping everything straight. He hopes that she stays at least until he retires. She came to the … Continue reading →

Ashley Putney – 5 Years

Police Chief Art Bodenheimer stated that Ashley Putney began her career with the Lake Alfred Police Department on 10/17/2011. She had previous communications operator experience with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for 4 years before coming to Lake Alfred Police … Continue reading →

Distinguished Citizen – Leon Juday

Leon Judy was presented with a Distinguished Citizen Award by the City Commission on October 3rd. City Manager Leavengood stated that Mr. Juday is a past Commissioner and often reviews and asks questions regarding the specifics of agenda items at … Continue reading →

Meritorious Service Award

Police Chief Art Bodenheimer stated that this award has never been presented during the 30 years he has worked for the Police Department. He then stated, that on July 15, 2016 at approximately 12:29 PM, Lieutenant Gerald Dempsey was on … Continue reading →

Fire Prevention Week LA Elementary Visit

Mayor Lake proclaimed October 9-15 as Fire Prevention Week and encouraged all citizens encourage all citizens to find out how old a smoke alarm is, look at the date of manufacture on the back of the alarm; the alarm, and … Continue reading →

Hurricane Matthew

The National Weather Service has upgraded Polk County’s storm status to tropical storm warning. Hurricane Matthew’s impact will begin to be felt early afternoon on Thursday, Oct. 6, with the heaviest winds beginning in the evening. Polk will experience tropical … Continue reading →

Employee of the Quarter – William Emro

Discovery Academy @ City Hall

The Leadership Team from Discovery Academy visited City Hall September 23rd. City Manager Leavengood gave a presentation on our Departments and how the City functions. Commissioner Duncan prepared a script for a mock meeting which was conducted by the students. … Continue reading →

Pedestrian Bridge Update

Work began Monday, September 19, 2016, on a new pedestrian bridge over US 17/92 at the north end of the Chain of Lakes Trail in Lake Alfred. LANE CLOSURES: There are no restrictions on when the contractor can close a … Continue reading →

Free Self-Defense Class for women

The Polk County Sheriff;s Office is having a Personal Safety and Women’s Basic Self Defense Class on Tuesday, September 27th. The class will be held at the Sheriff’s Operation Center in Winter Haven. The class is open to women 13 … Continue reading →

Tennis Courts OPEN

The work on the tennis courts is complete!

Pedestrian Bridge

The Lake Alfred pedestrian bridge construction is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 19, and be completed in the Spring of 2017. This project will construct a 12-foot-wide pedestrian bridge over US 17/92. The bridge will connect the Lake … Continue reading →

John Deaton – 15 Years

City Manager Leavengood recognized the Public Works Director John Deaton for 15 years of service with the City of Lake Alfred. He stated that Mr. Deaton stated in 2001 and that he is one of the better Public Works Directors … Continue reading →

Jessica Nevins – 10 Years

Mayor Lake stated that Jessica Nevins is hard-working, meticulous, and a great team player who works with everyone in the department as she provides dispatch coverage for all shifts on a rotating basis. She has a great deal of integrity, … Continue reading →

Mary Johnson – 5 Years

Mary Johnson has been with the City of Lake Alfred for 5 Years. The customers love her and appreciate her professionalism. She strives daily to do a great job, and is always trying to find thing something to do. Her … Continue reading →

School Supplies and Safety

Schools have started all around Polk County and in the City of Lake Alfred. Please watch out for students and buses. Each new school year brings the needs for school supplies. Many organizations and business around Lake Alfred are contributing … Continue reading →

Railroad Crossing at Experiment Station Road

CSX Transportation is closing Experiment Station Road in Lake Alfred to traffic Tuesday (August 2) morning to repair the tracks crossing the roadway between US 17/92 and the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center. Traffic will be detoured to bypass … Continue reading →

Parks and Recreation Month

Mayor Lake proclaimed July as Parks and Recreation Month and urged all citizens to experience the benefits by visiting our community parks and recreation resources. He presented the proclamation to Richard Weed the Parks and Recreation Director.

Employee of the Quarter – Vitas

Mayor Lake presented the Employee of the Quarter award to Vitas Karaliunas. He stated that Vitas began his career with the City of Lake Alfred in September 2014. Vitas works in the Streets Division and is a hardworking, dedicated employee … Continue reading →

First on Scene

In case you missed it in the Sunday paper… check out The Ledger’s special edition magazine on first responders, titled “First on Scene“. The magazine features Lake Alfred Police and Firefighters on pages 42-45. Group photos of the departments are … Continue reading →

Collection of Code Enforcement Special Assessments

Notice of Hearing Providing for Collection of Code Enforcement Special Assessments NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of the City of Lake Alfred, Florida at a regular meeting to be held on Monday, July 11, 2016 at … Continue reading →

Police Recognitions

May 2nd, at the City Commission meeting, Police Chief Bodenheimer accepted the proclamation for National Police Week. Next he introduced two new Officers. Officer Carlos Diaz and Officer Adam Leatherberry gave their oath and received their badges. Police Chaplain Pastor … Continue reading →

Bike Safety

The Lake Alfred Police Department recently donated and fitted students at Karen M. Siegel Academy with bicycle helmets. The helmets were distributed to students to encourage safe riding practices.

Historic Marker Dedication – The Lake Alfred Hotel

Following the celebration of the Lake Alfred Centennial, the City of Lake Alfred and Lake Alfred Historical Society, Inc. have partnered together to recognize historic buildings within the community. Today, Southern Gardens was recognized. Previously the Lake Alfred Hotel, the … Continue reading →

Employee of the Quarter – Danny Clewis

Joining the Lake Alfred team in 2012, Danny brought over 20 years of experience in building code inspection and code enforcement as well as direct knowledge working as a licensed general contractor. As the City’s only part-time code enforcement officer, … Continue reading →

Employment Opportunities

Employment opportunities at the City currently include Service Worker II positions, Police Officers, and Summer recreation positions! Check out the Employment Opportunities Page for more details.

Polk Regional Water Cooperative

The City of Lake Alfred has been heavily involved with the formation of the Polk Regional Water Cooperative. The Commission and Staff advocated for the City during the Formation Committee meetings. Pictured is Mayor Lake and City Manager Leavengood during … Continue reading →

Historical Society Building Marker Dedication

The Centennial Celebration continues in 2016 with the recognition of historic buildings around the City of Lake Alfred. Continue reading →

Polk County Water School

Mayor Lake, City Manager Leavengood and Community Development Director Ferrell recently attended Water School. Water School is produced in partnership by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), University of Florida/IFAS Polk County Extension, and Polk County. The program provides … Continue reading →

Employee of the Year

City Manager Ryan Leavengood recognized Officer Juan “Tony” Lopez as the 2015 Employee of the Year at the employee Christmas Celebration. The Employee of the Year was chosen from the 2015 Associates of the Quarter and received two days off … Continue reading →

Employee of the 4th Quarter

Capt. Brian Beasley has worked for the City for over 16 years. For several years, he has worked with Lake Alfred Elementary and Karen Siegel Academy on fire education programs at the schools and to coordinate station visits for students. … Continue reading →

Library Improvements

The City Commission and City Manager Leavengood recognized and thanked the Lake Alfred Friends of the Library Inc. at the Nov. 16 City Commission. Through donations and the Lake Alfred Friends of the Library Bookstore the Friends have raised money … Continue reading →

Tino Villarreal – 5 Years

Mayor Charles Lake and City Manager Leavengood recognized Valentine Villarreal for 5 years with the City at the Nov 16 Commission Meeting. Villarreal, better known as Tino, has been employed with the City since 2010. During that time Tino has … Continue reading →

Certificate of Achievement for financial reporting

The Government Finance Officers Association has awarded the City of Lake Alfred’s Finance Department the Certificate of Achievement for excellence in financial reporting. This is presented to for the City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ending September … Continue reading →

Employee of the Quarter

Pat Esposito has been with the City of Lake Alfred since February 2014. Pat works in the Public Works Utility/Service Department. Pat is responsible for meter reading, customer service and meter change outs. He also recently completed his Water Treatment … Continue reading →

Deborah Olson – 5 Years

On September 23rd Mayor Lake recognized Ms. Olson for 5th year anniversary with the City. He stated that Ms. Olson started her career with the Lake Alfred Police Department on August 16, 2010. Ms. Olson is currently assigned as the … Continue reading →

Final Budget 2015/16

On September 23rd the City Commission approved the new reduced millage rate and 2015-2016 budget. The millage rate was reduced from 7.589 to 7.489 per $1,000 taxable value for the 2015-2016 fiscal year. The Executive Budget and previous budgets can … Continue reading →

Art Competition at City Hall

Small Town Charm A Juried Art Competition Inside Lake Alfred City Hall October 22, 2014– September 20, 2016 Only original drawings, oils, watercolors, acrylics, graphics, photography, mixed media, fiber, and sculpture completed within the last three years may be submitted.

Girl Scouts recognize City

Aubrie Lake from the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida presented Mayor Lake with a Certificate of Appreciation at the September 9th City Commission meeting. She thanked the City for their support and stated that the Girl Scouts look forward … Continue reading →

Citizen Recognition

Hal and Trudie Kirkland were recognized at the City Commission meeting last night (September 9, 2015). Mayor Lake and Commissioner Dearmin presented them with a certificate of appreciation, centennial hat and pin for their landscaping project along the trail. Thank … Continue reading →

Congressional Meetings

Last week the City Manager and Commissioners met with State Representative Neil Combee to discuss Legislative issues and the were visited by Congressman Daniel Webster who stopped by to present the the City with a Congressional Record recognizing the City … Continue reading →

Juan Lopez – 5 Years

Mayor Lake and City Manager Ryan Leavengood presented the Employee Service Recognition for Juan Lopez at the Aug 17th City Commission Meeting. Officer Lopez began his career with the Lake Alfred Police Department on August 30, 2010 and worked street … Continue reading →

Budget Hearings

The City Commission meeting dates have been changed in September in order to to meet the Florida Statue requirement for the annual budget hearings. The revised dates are the 2nd and 4th Wednesday in September (September 9th and 23rd).

Lake Alfred in the News

Several businesses have been highlighted lately in industry magazines. Gary’s Oyster Bar in the Polk Life Magazine Ron’s Tackle Box in the Fishing Tackle Retailer ICAST-July 2015 on page 88 Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC) in the Florida Trend … Continue reading →

Flags at half-staff

Florida Governor Rick Scott orders flags at half-staff, effective immediately, in honor and remembrance of the five military members who lost their lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The flags will remain lowered until the interment date of the final soldier.

Jennifer Gillett – 20 Years

Sgt. Jennifer Gillett started her law enforcement career with the City of Lake Alfred on April 24, 1995 as a patrol officer and then became the school resource officer in 1997. On April 18th 2005, she was promoted to Police … Continue reading →

Grant Received

The City of Lake Alfred Parks and Recreation Department recently received a Small Matching Historic Preservation (50/50) Grant from the Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources. The $100,000 project will support Phase II of the renovations to the … Continue reading →

Employee of the Quarter

Derrick Eady was named as the 2015 Employee of the Second Quarter and received a certificate, pin, gift certificate from citizen donation, and a day off with pay. Derrick Eady started with the City of Lake Alfred through the Alpi … Continue reading →

Thad Brunk – 15 Years

Thad Brunk became an employee at the City of Lake Alfred Public Works Department on July 8, 2000. Thad began his career with the City on the Sanitation crew as a Lightning Loader operator. Thad comes to work every morning … Continue reading →

Centennial Celebration and Time Capsule

The Centennial Celebration was a great success. Representative from all aspects attended including current and past political leaders, businesses, civic groups, educational and religious organizations, other cities, and our family of citizens. Thanks everyone for your contributions to the time … Continue reading →

Lake Alfred Little League

Tony Renner, President of Lake Alfred Little League presented the City with a plaque and thanked the city for the team sponsorship and staff for facility improvements. He was also appreciative of the efforts staff made after the break-ins at … Continue reading →

National Safety Month

On June 15th Mayor Lake proclaimed June 2015 as National Safety Month in conjunction with the National Safety Council with the goal to draw attention to safe practices that will decrease the likelihood of accidents and urged all citizens to … Continue reading →

8th Consecutive Distinguished Budget Award

The City of Lake Alfred has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the current budget from the Government Finance Officers Association. This award is the highest form of recognition in government budgeting and represents a significant achievement by the … Continue reading →

Gardner Park Re-dedicated

Frank C. Gardner Park was re-dedicated this morning (June 10, 2015) to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the park and the 100th anniversary of the City of Lake Alfred. The ceremony was led by Mayor Lake. Those in attendance included … Continue reading →

BOOKS FOR CHILDREN grant received

The Lake Alfred Public Library has been awarded the Libri Foundation’s Books for Children grant. The Libri Foundation is a nonprofit organization which donates new, quality hardcover books to small rural, libraries through its Books for Children program. The $1,050 … Continue reading →

New City Clerk

The new City Clerk, Ameé Bailey became official on Monday June 1st. Mayor Lake led her through the Oath of Office at the City Commission meeting.

Flag Day and National Flag Week

On June 1st Mayor Lake proclaimed Flag Day (June 14) and National Flag Week and called upon each citizen to observe with pride and all due ceremony those days from Flag Day through Independence Day, as a time to honor … Continue reading →

Fire Fighter Pinning

A new commemorative centennial badge was designed and issued to all current Fire Fighters to celebrate the 100th Centennial of the City of Lake Alfred. The ceremony was held on May 18th. Friends and Family attended this event and participated … Continue reading →

Community Action Month

On May 18th Mayor Lake proclaimed May as Community Action Month. Al Miller from The Agricultural and Labor Program, Inc. (ALPI) accepted the proclamation. ALPI is a Community Action Group whose mission is to propose, implement, and advocate development and human service … Continue reading →

LAAMS Leadership Team visits City Officials

Yesterday students from the Lake Alfred Addair Middle School Leadership Team visited City Administration. They were given a tour and met with City Manager Leavengood to discuss city operations.

Representative Daniel Webster

US House of Representatives, Representative Daniel Webster visited Lake Alfred this week. He participated in the original dedication of the Veterans Memorial and wanted to see the new Purple Hear Memorial. While here he also visited the Lake Alfred Chamber of … Continue reading →

New City Mayor and Vice Mayor

Last night the City Commission adjourned as the 2014-2015 Commission and began the 2015-2016 Commission. Re-elected Commissioner Albertus Maultsby and Commissioner John Duncan gave their oath of office. Then Commissioner Maultsby nominated Commissioner Charles Lake for Mayor and Commissioner Nancy Daley … Continue reading →

Stephanie Ludden – 5 Year Recognition

Mayor Daley recognized Stephanie Ludden for her 5 years of service to the City of Lake Alfred. She stated that Stephanie Ludden started with the City in May of 2010. She has a great attitude, and is always willing to … Continue reading →

Police Week and Officer Pinning

On May 4th Mayor Daley proclaimed May 10-16 as National Police Week. Chief Art Bodenheimer accepted the Police Week Proclamation. In addition, a new commemorative centennial badge was designed and issued to all current Police Officers to celebrate the 100th … Continue reading →

Michael Sims – 10 Year Recognition

Mayor Daley recognized Michael Sims for 10 years of Service to the City of Lake Alfred. She stated Mike Sims became an employee at the City of Lake Alfred Public Works Department on April 26, 2005 with the City on … Continue reading →

Passing of Mr. Dame – former City Commissioner

The City of Lake Alfred is deeply saddened by the loss of a former City Commissioner retired U. S. Army Colonel John Dame Sr. Mr. John Dame passed away on Easter evening. He filled so many volunteer positions within our city and … Continue reading →

UNOFFICIAL Election Results

The following are the unofficial results from the election today. The Canvassing Board will meet on Thursday at City Hall to certify the election results. There are 2,853 registered voters within the city limits and 548 votes were cast during … Continue reading →

Employee of the Quarter

The Lake Alfred Employee of the Quarter was awarded by Mayor Daley at the April 6th City Commission. The award was presented to Officer Juan Lopez and his K-9 partner Wil. Officer Lopez began his career with the Lake Alfred … Continue reading →

Operation GREEN Light

If you have a traffic, criminal or dependency fine that has been sent to an outside collection agency, Polk County Clerk of Courts Stacy Butterfield is offering a ONE TIME opportunity to pay the fine without having to pay the collection … Continue reading →

TPO request public comment on transportation issues

Are you fed up with the congestion on your daily commute through Polk County. Do you have access to trails or maybe your access to essential services like medical facilities, grocery stores, churches and/or schools needs improved so the little things … Continue reading →

Now Open – Angie’s Roadside Café

Mayor Nancy Daley, Vice Mayor Lake, and Commissioner Maultsby attended the ribbon cutting this morning for Angie’s Roadside Café located at 5570 Hwy 17-92. They are open from 6am to 4pm for breakfast and dinner. Please welcome this new family … Continue reading →

Summer Camp Registration Now Open

Do you have your summer planned. We are currently accepting applications for summer camp and will continue Monday thru Friday 8am-4:30pm at the Lake Alfred Administration Office until the start of camp. SPACE IS LIMITED, REGISTER EARLY! Parents/Legal Guardian ID … Continue reading →

Top Dog

Congratulations to Lake Alfred Officer Juan Lopez and his K-9 partner Wil. They competed in the United States Police Canine Association – Region 1 field trials which included 50 K-9 teams from around the State of Florida. Officer Lopez and … Continue reading →

Lake Alfred Heritage Day

April 11th, 2015 Central Park in Lake Alfred 9:00 am until 5:00 pm Come enjoy over 7 acres of fun for everyone! Lake Alfred Heritage Day has it all. Special events throughout the day Family best citrus dessert contest Touch-A-Truck … Continue reading →