Lake Wales proclaims Child Abuse Prevention, Water Conservation and Roosevelt Academy months; Heartland for Children cites foster-home shortfall

The City Commission of Lake Wales issued three proclamations recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, Water Conservation Month and Roosevelt Academy Month.

Julie Myers, assistant director with OneHope speaking for Heartland for Children, thanked the commission and offered local child-welfare data: "As of March 2026, there are 1,452 children with open child welfare cases across Polk, Highlands and Hardee Counties," she said, noting a decrease from the prior year. Myers said 547 children in the Tri-County area were removed from homes during the last fiscal year; Polk County alone had 1,073 active Department of Children and Families cases, with 662 children placed in out-of-home care. Myers said there are 131 traditional foster homes across the Tri-County area, of which 121 are in Polk County, and she identified a need for roughly 50 additional foster homes to keep children near families and schools.

Amanda Simmit, regional government-affairs manager for the Southwest Florida Water Management District, supported the Water Conservation Month proclamation and emphasized practical measures to protect water resources and long-term resiliency. Roosevelt Academy principal Carla Wiggs accepted the Roosevelt Academy Month proclamation and described the school's mission and history; a Polk County School Board official also thanked the commission for the recognition.

City leaders said the proclamations are intended to raise awareness, encourage community action, and highlight local partnerships; the Chamber of Commerce and other local groups were invited to participate in awareness activities.