On March 23, the Defenders of Crooked Lake hosted their annual meeting at the Babson Park Woman’s Club. Approximately 75 members participated in the meeting, many bringing a delicious dish as part of the potluck dinner. The Defenders contributed the main dishes, smoked pork and chicken prepared by Tim Bracewell from the Crooked Bass. Babson Park Elementary Third Graders prepared the Water Conservation Posters that served as the table center pieces.
Treasurer Mark Armstrong presented the Defenders’ finances. Membership was strong in 2022 with nearly 200 active members.
President Jim Tully reviewed recent developments around the lake.
Win Stevens presented on behalf of the Education Committee and provided resources on protecting the lake.
Eric DeHaven, Executive Director of the Polk Regional Water Cooperative (PRWC), was the keynote speaker. He presented an overview of the PRWC and their plans to construct a Lower Floridan Aquifer wellfield and water treatment facility and a pipeline system to distrubute the treated water throughout Polk County to the participating members of the Cooperative. More information is available at the PRWC website: https://prwcwater.org/
Finally, the attendees approved the 2023 Defenders of Crooked Lake Officers and Board Members: President – Jim Tully; Vice President – Lisa Jensen; Secretary – Judy Stevens; Treasurer – Mark Armstrong; Board Members: Terry Frank, Cindy Lilly, Sally Morrison, Steve Morrison, Lee Meyer, Wayne Ohlinger, Tommy Phillips, Fleet Ryland, Win Stevens, Jim Studiale, Marcia Webb, and Bunny Wetzel.
