“I was in law enforcement with the Polk County Sheriff’s office for 15 years,” said Michelle Threatt. “I was attacked by an inmate in 2010.”

Bradley Norris attempted to escape Lake Wales hospital after attacking Deputy Threatt after she released his chains so he could use the bathroom.

“His plan was to get my gun, kill me - bash my brains in but it did not work out that way,” said Threatt, smiling.

Norris did not escape that day; reports from the 2010 incident say he was able to make it 300 yards before he was apprehended, but Threatt said the experience changed her outlook on life,

“After going through that experience I started dealing with a lot of 'What’s the purpose of my life? Where do I go from here?' Because I was no longer happy in my job,” she said.  

The former deputy said faith was key on her journey to finding her purpose.

“God gave me a sign, to feed these kids,” she explained. "But I couldn’t afford it, I had just went through a financial situation; I had $13 Sunday evening sitting in my prayer room,” said Threatt.

However, word got out that Threatt wanted to feed inner-city kids in her northwest Lake Wales community, so the community came together to help he make it happen.

This helped to birth her food truck, Topsy’s.

“I just totally trusted God and Topsy’s came, who’s named after my mom that died of colon cancer,” said Threatt. “Last year we fed a little under 3,000 children and adults because if adults want a plate, we turn no one away.”

She and many others are dedicated to turning this once flourishing district into something bigger than it was before.

The city of Lake Wales recognized Threatt's selfless efforts, naming her the first president of the northwest community.

“Michelle is all about revitalization, energy and connectivity. She not only wants to revitalize the northwest neighborhood but she wants to continue to connect the neighborhood with downtown, which is why she was just named the first association president of this northwest community,” said Darrell Starling, with the city of Lake Wales Development team.

The city of Lake Wales told Spectrum Bay News 9 that they are excited to partner with Threatt to help boost her efforts. The Polk County School District and Police Department are also on deck, partnering with Threatt to create a community within a community.

“It takes more than one person - you have to be willing to do the work. Everyone else will join you if they have the heart to join you, and I’m just glad that God laid it on my heart to be a vessel to start it,” said Threatt.

Every Wednesday, Topsy’s food truck serves free lunches to kids. If you’d like to support the cause, please email mthreatt3@verizon.net ​