Immigration Attorneys in Lake Wales, FL

Polk County law firm shuts down without warning

Family Elder Law, which helps seniors and their families, has suddenly closed, leaving its clients in limbo.

LAKELAND, Fla. - Clients of Family Elder Law in Polk County are left frustrated with no answers after the law firm unexpectedly shut their doors.

Family Elder Law has a location in Lakeland, Lake Wales and Sebring, and they have all been closed for about two weeks now.

Leticia Labate is taking care of her 91-year-old mother who suffers from Alzheimer's dementia. She also suffered from a stroke earlier this year.

READ: Dundee considering one-year moratorium on new development due to water shortage

"I was trying to navigate how to get her the best possible care, because in my opinion, she needed 24/7 care, and I wasn't going to be able to provide that," said Labate. "I have a full family with kids."

Labate said in late June, she went to Family Elder Law off of US-98 to hire an attorney, so she could pursue a Medicaid application for her mom and potentially get her into a nursing home or a long-term care facility.

"They said, ‘we are very pricey, but we provide amazing service,’" she said.

She hired them on July 1 and paid out of her mom's social security savings – $4,500 as a retainer fee, which was withdrawn right away.

MORE: New Lakeland VA Clinic opens as Polk County's veteran population grows

But then on July 18, Labate, after dropping off the necessary paperwork the previous day, learned the law firm closed its doors, along with its two other offices.

"We have never been contacted by his office," said Labate. "There was no notice at all he would be closing. We've never been approached with an offer of a refund."

The Florida Bar website shows Jason Penrod, the law firm's founder, is still in "good standing," however, a spokesperson confirmed they are openly investigating him.

"My poor mother is the person who has been victimized," said Labate.

When FOX 13 emailed the law firm, we got an email back stating in part, "Due to unforeseen circumstances, Family Elder Law is in the process of closing its operations," but no exact reason was given for the closure.

READ: Avelo Airlines adds new non-stop destinations from Lakeland Linder

"Now my mother doesn't have the money. She's wiped out," Labate said.

She has no choice but to keep caring for her mother, and said there needs to be a full investigation and consequences.

"He took the money at the very last minute and never earned a penny, not one cent was earned, because the file wasn't worked on," she said.

FOX 13 reached out to the Polk County Sheriff's Office to see if they have open investigations into Penrod, and a spokesperson said they don't at this point in time.

WATCH FOX 13 NEWS:

SIGN UP: Click here to sign up for the FOX 13 daily newsletter

A long-vacant space in the Orange Grove Shopping Center in Lake Wales will soon be home to a large new Ollie's store amid a burst of new residential development in the area.

Ollie's is a discount department store with 521 locations, and more opening this month in other states. There are several locations in central Florida, including one adjacent to the Lakeland Square Mall. Other nearby Ollie's locations include Avon Park and Kissimmee.

Ollie's is a discount department store featuring more than 20 separate sections ranging from flooring to clothing to pet supplies.

Ollie's stores feature more than 20 separate departments including furniture, flooring, books, clothing, lawn and garden, pets, patio, food, health and beauty, toys, hardware, and electronics, and more.

The addition of the big-box retail operation is indicative of the area's expanding economy, according to local officials.

Lake Wales City Manager James Slaton called it "another great win for Lake Wales," and touted the "adaptive reuse" of the building a great alternative to "plowing up more green space."

The new store will occupy a former Kash'n'Karry grocery store at 1340 SR 60 East that has remained vacant for more than two decades as the once-thriving center struggled to generate traffic.

The Orange Grove was constructed in the mid-1990s and once included a Bealls department store and the city's first Wal-Mart store. The relocation of the major anchors left the center struggling, but several new businesses have opened in recent years.

News staff graphic

The Orange Grove Shopping Center is in the center of a large swath of new or pending residential development sprawled across the south and east sides of Lake Wales, sparking new interest in retail in the area. The center had declined after the big-box anchors moved out. The announcement of a new anchor marks a potential turn-around for the center.

Among current tenants in the sprawling center are Harbor Freight, Family Dollar, and Anytime Fitness. Other small businesses, including two quick-service restaurants and a coin laundry, occupy the center as well.

The center is owned by out-of-state investors and managed by RMC Property Group. According to the Polk County Property Appraiser's website, the center is valued at more than $4 million dollars.

The City of Lake Wales has invested to recruit new retail stores to the city, entering into a $40,000 contract with Retail Strategies, a search firm.

Calling the contract a "strategic plan for recruitment," Slaton explained that it "absolutely compliments efforts by the city and the Lake Wales Chamber/EDC."

"They will develop a strategic plan and execute it hand-in-hand with the EDC," Slaton told LakeWalesNews.net at the time the contract was initiated.

"They know the requirements of individual retailers," he said, adding that the firm, based in Fort Worth, Texas and Birmingham, Alabama, has "access to data and resources" unavailable to either local organization.

Slaton was unable to confirm that Retail Strategies was involved in recruiting Ollie's.

Revelation Comes During Celebratory Mood After Huge Grant Award

Share

In an emotional moment during a city commission workshop Wednesday afternoon, Lake Wales City Manager James Slaton, in a halting statement, revealed that he has had a change of heart and plans to withdraw his name from contention for jobs in other cities.

Courtesy City of Lake Wales video archives

The moment came in the midst of a celebratory mood marking the announcement of an award of a grant of nearly $23 million to construct the "complete streets" program of the Lake Wales Connected plan. That award, by the US Department of Transportation, should fund the completion of the vast urban renewal project.

Slaton's revelation came as he responded to a question from Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson, who congratulated him on the leadership that led to the grant. Saying "this has been tough." Slaton paused before adding "walking away from Lake Wales, I'll tell you, it's been difficult."

Citing a commentary published last week in Lake Wales News, Slayton said "I don't know who wrote the editorial in the Lake Wales News, but, man, that, uh, that got my attention. I think that we can... I feel pretty comfortable that we can work something out that I'll stay right here, at home, where I belong."

The audience of about two dozen burst into applause at the statement.

The article cited by Slaton listed a number of innovative changes and initiatives that have prospered under his administration.

"We have a lot of work left to do here, we just heard today, ok we got the money, that's one thing, we've got to go build this stuff. This all has to get done," Slaton said.

Courtesy City of Treasure Island

Slaton hesitated before speaking to the Treasure Island City Council about the accomplishments he has achieved in Lake Wales.

Slaton has been named as a finalist in city manager searches in at least three other cities around the state and has participated in interview and familiarization sessions with at least two of them.

Citing "life changes" that may be part of his motivation for his job search, Slaton revealed that he is a finalist for a manger's job in yet another west-coast city, but told the commissioners present that "I'm likely just going to withdraw from that."

Slaton cited "our success here in Lake Wales" as the suspected reason he has been contacted by other cities interested in recruiting him.

"I've felt my entire life...I'm five-four, that I've always punched above my weight," Slaton said. "We do that here in Lake Wales. I'm proud of that, quite honestly."

News file photo

Lake Wales City Manager James Slaton has been recruited by other cities around Florida, but says he has come to recognize the special qualities of Lake Wales.

Saying that the recruitment process he has been though has sparked "organizational assessments, both internal and external," Slaton said that "I guess I knew it, but now I really know, how progressive and advanced we are here in Lake Wales...I think I would like to keep doing it."

"Ever since Thursday or Friday when someone sent me that Lake Wales News.net article I've been thinking about this around the clock," Slaton added. He then told commissioners that the only request he would have of them would be permission to convert some of his accumulated sick hours to cash.

(Editor's note: This story introduces a new series addressing the economic impacts of real estate development in the Lake Wales and east Polk County area.)

Lake Wales has a need for economic development, and it can only be achieved through responsible growth. Attracting new businesses will provide greater opportunities for the community. In recent years, Polk County has experienced a fast growing population which has stimulated developments across the area.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Florida is growing by approximately 1,000 people a day and Polk County is growing by about 82 people per day. As the population grows, the demand for residential and commercial developments will continue to increase.

Maricruz Gutierrez Mejia

Much of the land in the northeast area of the county along US Highway 27 has already been developed or is under construction. Lake Wales is next in line for development opportunities and there are currently numerous projects underway within the city, and some beyond city limits.

The attached development map creates an up to date source summarizing development projects whether proposed, approved, under construction, or recently built. The map depicts residential projects with approximately 13,973 residential units in different stages of development.

Robert Connors

New housing construction is happening across the Ridge, with much of the recent work concentrated around the Lake Wales area. The conversion of thousands of acres of former citrus groves into new subdivisions and townhomes has been sparked by a nationwide housing shortage and the rapid decline of the citrus industry due to citrus "greening," or Huanglongbing (HLB), a bacterial infection of citrus plants.

Tracking these developments helps to inform property owners of what is happening in the surrounding areas and how these developments can affect their property value. Being up to speed on these developments also helps inform potential investors and demonstrate that they are investing in the right location.

A notable development that has recently been approved is the Belleview Drive Subdivision (#40). This development is made up of approximately 43.5 acres and sold in the first quarter of this year for $3,681,500.

Maricruz Gutierrez Mejia is an advisor at SVN | Saunders Ralston Dantzler Real Estate in Lakeland, Florida. A Lake Wales native, Maricruz possesses a unique understanding of Florida's multifaceted commercial real estate market. In her role as an advisor, Maricruz's depth of expertise spans across a variety of commercial property types, specializing in investment sales and site selection.

The local favorite Orange Blossom Revue is poised to celebrate its 10th anniversary with a jam-packed musical lineup of bands featuring JJ Grey & Mofro, The War and Treaty, Robert Earl Keen, Steep Canyon Rangers and more December 6-7, 2024 in Lake Wales, FL.

Courtesy Orange Blossom Review

Concert fans will flock to the 10th Annual Orange Blossom Review in Lake Wales on December 6 and 7. The concert features at least eight top national touring acts, drawing hundreds of fans from out of the state to Lake Wailes Park.

Held annually amidst the bounty of Spanish moss, palmetto trees, and citrus groves that define the central Florida landscape, the boutique music and arts festival has steadily become a cultural cornerstone that reflects the vibrant spirit and unique charm of the region. Also slated for this year's event are Sam Grisman Project, Emily Nenni, Wyatt Ellis, and Van Plating. (See below for a complete lineup).

Founded in 2014 by area natives Rusty Ingley and Reid Hardman, Orange Blossom Revue originated as a one-day barbecue fundraiser, hosted by the Lake Wales Rotary Club and featuring a modest lineup of local musical acts. In 2021, the festival took a significant step forward by partnering with event producer Micah Davidson of Midwood Entertainment. This collaboration elevated the festival's programming to include more national artists, propelling Orange Blossom Revue to the forefront of the modern festival circuit. A decade on, Ingley attributes the festival's longevity to the tight-knit community of Lake Wales, whose unwavering support continues to drive its success.

Concert headline act JJ Grey and Mofro will perform at the Orange Blossom Review in Lake Wales on December 6 and 7. The concert venue offers tent and camper space in Lake Wailes Park.

"We've come a long way since our first event," Ingley reflects. "The community's support has been the backbone of our success, and we're thrilled to celebrate our 10th anniversary with such an incredible lineup. We can't wait to see what 2024 has in store for us and our attendees."

Although the festival continues to evolve, Orange Blossom Revue has never lost sight of its philanthropic mission. Each year, a portion of ticket proceeds from the weekend-long event helps to support its nonprofit beneficiary, Blossom Charitable Foundation. The local organization works closely with groups such as Lake Wales Arts Council, Lake Wales Charter Schools, Lake Wales Pram Fleet, Warner University, and others, to distribute essential resources throughout the Lake Wales community.

"Our commitment to giving back to our community has been a driving force behind Orange Blossom Revue since its inception," says co-founder Reid Hardman. "It's incredible to see how this fundraiser for Blossom Charitable Foundation has positively impacted so many lives in Lake Wales and beyond."

Known for its family friendly atmosphere, eclectic roster of musical talent, and spotlight on Florida's homegrown culinary scene, Orange Blossom Revue returns to Lake Wailes Park for its 10th anniversary celebration December 6 through 7, 2024. General admission weekend and camping passes are on sale now, with a limited allotment of specially-priced GA weekend passes available for purchase at the Lake Wales Arts Council (in-person only) to Lake Wales locals. VIP passes are now sold out. Explore camping/RV options and much more at the link below.

Orange Blossom Revue 2024 Lineup: