Lake Wales, FL

City Commission Regular Meeting 08-18-2026

The Lake Wales City Commission will hold first readings and public hearings on several ordinances, including the annexation of approximately 193 acres along SR 60 for industrial use, with corresponding Future Land Use Map and Zoning Map amendments. The commission will also consider repealing the annual adjustment of impact fees, amending Planning Board provisions, creating parcel-specific land use conditions, and establishing candidate residency verification requirements. Consent agenda items include permits for the 56th Annual Lake Wales Art Show and a Paint and Sip event, a wastewater treatment plant permit renewal contract, establishing fleet maintenance operations, and purchasing a police vehicle.

• Ordinance 2026-29: Annex 193+/- acres on SR 60 for industrial use (first reading)
• Ordinance 2026-25/26: FLUM and Zoning Map amendments for SR 60 industrial annexation
• Ordinance 2026-24: Repeal annual adjustment of impact fees (Section 23-781)
• Consent: Authorize fleet maintenance operations via Sourcewell contract with NAPA Auto Parts
• Consent: Lease-purchase one police vehicle (2026 Tahoe) via Bancorp Master Lease

City Commission Workshop Meeting 08-12-26

The Lake Wales City Commission workshop covers the draft FY 2026-27 budget, a police vehicle lease purchase, establishing a city fleet maintenance operation, and several ordinances including the annexation of ~193 acres along SR 60 for industrial use. Also on the agenda are sewer emergency repairs, a wastewater permit renewal, and multiple special event permits.

• Draft FY 2026-27 budget review
• Lease purchase of one 2026 Tahoe police vehicle via Bancorp Master Lease
• Authorization to use Sourcewell Contract No. 100124-GPC with NAPA for fleet parts and equipment
• Emergency repair of ~100 linear feet of 8-inch gravity sewer pipe along Lake Wales Walking Trail
• Ordinances for SR 60 Industrial annexation, FLUM, and zoning map amendments (~193 acres)

City Commission Workshop Meeting 08-12-26

The Lake Wales City Commission workshop will review the draft FY27 budget and consider several items, including the annexation of approximately 193 acres along SR 60 for industrial use, the purchase of a police vehicle, and the establishment of a city-run fleet maintenance operation. The commission will also hold first readings and public hearings on ordinances to repeal annual impact fee adjustments, amend Planning Board rules, create parcel-specific land use conditions, and add candidate residency verification requirements. Emergency sewer repairs along the Lake Wales Walking Trail and special event permits are also on the agenda.

• Draft FY27 budget highlights and City Manager budget summary
• Lease purchase of one 2026 Tahoe police vehicle via Bancorp Master Lease Agreement
• Authorization to use Sourcewell Contract No. 100124-GPC with NAPA Auto Parts for fleet parts and procure maintenance equipment
• Ordinances 2026-25, 2026-26, 2026-29: annex 193+/- acres on SR 60 and amend Future Land Use and Zoning Maps to industrial
• Emergency repair of ~100 linear feet of 8-inch gravity sewer pipe along Lake Wales Walking Trail

Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting 08-11-2026

The Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency will consider a food-related services grant for Downtown Pizza & Sports Bar, approve a microtransit service agreement with Lakeland Area Mass Transit District, and discuss a ruling on CRA expansion. The meeting also includes public comments, approval of prior minutes, and a presentation of an award.

• Downtown Pizza & Sports Bar, 253 E. Stuart Avenue, food-related services grant
• Microtransit Service Agreement with Lakeland Area Mass Transit District
• CRA expansion ruling discussion
• Presentation of Secretary of State Award to Robin Gibson
• Approval of July 14, 2026 minutes

Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting 08-11-2026

The Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency will consider approving a Microtransit Service Agreement with the Lakeland Area Mass Transit District and a Food-Related Services Incentive Program grant for Downtown Pizza & Sports Bar at 253 E. Stuart Avenue. The board will also hear a presentation on a Secretary of State Award to Robin Gibson, approve minutes from July 14, 2026, and take public comments.

• Microtransit Service Agreement with Lakeland Area Mass Transit District
• Food-Related Services Incentive Program grant for Downtown Pizza & Sports Bar, 253 E. Stuart Avenue
• Presentation of Secretary of State Award to Robin Gibson
• Approval of minutes from July 14, 2026
• Public comments and petitions

City Commission Regular Meeting 08-04-2026

The Lake Wales City Commission will consider two consent agenda items: a design-services contract for the Tower Blvd. Trail and a developer credit agreement for the Bok Estates (Ridge Luxury Townhomes) project. The meeting also includes a proclamation for Water Professionals Month and public comment period.

• Design Services – Tower Blvd. Trail: agreement with AVCON for civil engineering and design
• Developer Credit Agreement – Bok Estates aka Ridge Luxury Townhomes: credit against impact fees per City Code Section 23-770
• Proclamation – Water Professionals Month
• Minutes approval for July 21 and July 29, 2026
• Commission meeting calendar for August 2026

City Commission Regular Meeting 08-04-2026

The Lake Wales City Commission will vote on a consent agenda that includes an agreement with AVCON for civil engineering and design services for the Tower Blvd. Trail, and a developer contribution credit agreement for the Bok Estates (Ridge Luxury Townhomes) project. The meeting also includes a proclamation for Water Professionals Month and public comment period.

• Design services contract with AVCON for Tower Blvd. Trail
• Developer credit agreement for Ridge Luxury Townhomes (Bok Estates) under City Code Section 23-770
• Proclamation for Water Professionals Month
• Approval of minutes from July 21 and July 29, 2026 meetings

City Commission Workshop Meeting 07-29-26

The Lake Wales City Commission will hold a workshop meeting to discuss and potentially approve a civil engineering design contract for the Tower Blvd Trail and a developer contribution credit agreement for the Ridge Luxury Townhomes project. The meeting will also include presentations, discussions on residency verification for commission candidates and NGO funding, and public comments.

• Consider agreement with AVCON for Civil Engineering and Design Services for the Tower Blvd Trail
• Review Developer Credit Agreement for Bok Estates aka Ridge Luxury Townhomes under City Code Section 23-770
• Presentation on South Polk Pathways to Prosperity initiative
• Discussion on verification of residency for Commission candidates
• Discussion on NGO funding

City Commission Workshop Meeting 07-29-26

The City Commission will review a civil engineering and design agreement with AVCON for the Tower Blvd. Trail. Members will also discuss a developer contribution credit agreement for Bok Estates, also known as Ridge Luxury Townhomes, regarding impact fees.

• Agreement with AVCON for Civil Engineering and Design Services for the Tower Blvd Trail
• Developer Credit Agreement for Bok Estates (Ridge Luxury Townhomes) regarding impact fees
• Presentation on South Polk Pathways to Prosperity
• Discussion on residency verification for Commission candidates
• Discussion on NGO funding

Lake Wales Police Officers Pension Board

The Lake Wales Police Officers' Retirement System board will meet to consider the annual administrative budget, receive a custodian update, and hear reports from the investment manager, investment consultant, and attorney. The meeting includes a consent agenda for previous meeting minutes and accounting report, as well as an open forum for public comment.

• Annual Administrative Budget review
• Custodian Update
• Investment Manager Report
• Investment Consultant Report
• Attorney Report

Lake Wales Firefighters Pension Board

The Lake Wales Firefighters Pension Board will meet to consider and possibly approve the annual administrative budget. The board will also receive updates from the custodian, investment manager, investment consultant, and attorney. Consent agenda items include approval of previous meeting minutes and an accounting report.

• Annual administrative budget approval
• Custodian update
• Investment manager report
• Investment consultant's report
• Attorney's report

Citizens and Police Community Relations Advisory Board

The Citizens and Police Community Relations Advisory Committee will meet to approve minutes from May 18, 2026, and discuss police activity and general communication. The agenda contains no specific action items or public hearings.

• Approval of May 18, 2026 meeting minutes
• Discussion of police activity
• General communication

City Commission Regular Meeting 07-21-2026

The City Commission will consider two capital improvement revenue notes: Series 2026A for up to $10,607,000 to finance the police annex and fire stations #2 and #3, and Series 2026B for up to $7,052,000 for parking improvements and other capital projects. A public hearing and second reading will be held for a zoning map amendment to rezone 2+ acres from R-1B Residential to C-3 Highway Commercial for a hotel. The consent agenda includes a mass transit contract with Citrus Connection and a special event permit for the Lights and Laces Winter Classic 5K race.

• Capital Improvement Revenue Note Series 2026A - up to $10,607,000 for public safety improvements (police annex, fire stations #2 and #3)
• Capital Improvement Revenue Note Series 2026B - up to $7,052,000 for parking and other capital improvements
• Zoning map amendment (Ordinance 2026-22) for 2+ acres from R-1B Residential to C-3 Highway Commercial for a hotel
• Ordinance 2026-21 - second reading and public hearing on amendments to Chapter 23 Land Development Regulations
• Contract with Lakeland Area Mass Transit District (Citrus Connection) for two years of mass transit service

City Commission Regular Meeting 07-21-2026

The City Commission will discuss financing for a police annex and fire stations, as well as parking improvements. The body will also hold public hearings on land development and zoning amendments.

• Resolution 2026-11: Loan up to $10,607,000 for police annex and fire stations #2 and #3
• Resolution 2026-12: Loan up to $7,052,000 for public parking and capital improvements
• Ordinance 2026-22: Public hearing to rezone 2+/- acres from R-1B Residential to C-3 Highway Commercial
• Ordinance 2026-21: Public hearing for amendments to Chapter 23 Land Development Regulations
• Contract with Citrus Connection for mass transit services

City Commission Workshop Meeting 07-15-26

The Lake Wales City Commission will vote on two Capital Improvement Revenue Notes: Series 2026A for up to $10,607,000 to fund police and fire facilities, and Series 2026B for up to $7,052,000 to finance public parking projects. The body will also adopt the 2026 taxable‑value certification, set the interim millage rate, and schedule budget hearings. Additional items include a transit service contract with Citrus Connection, zoning map changes, and a special‑event permit for a December 5K race.

• Approve Capital Improvement Revenue Note Series 2026A (max $10,607,000) for police annex and fire stations
• Approve Capital Improvement Revenue Note Series 2026B (max $7,052,000) for public parking improvements
• Adopt 2026 taxable‑value certification, interim millage rate, and FY26‑27 budget hearing dates
• Consider contract with Citrus Connection for mass‑transit service for the next two years
• Zoning map amendment to rezone 2+ acres from R‑1B residential to C‑3 highway commercial

City Commission Workshop Meeting 07-15-26

The Lake Wales City Commission will vote on two capital‑improvement revenue notes totaling about $17.7 million to fund public‑safety facilities and parking improvements. They will also discuss a contract with Citrus Connection for mass‑transit service contributions, certify 2026 taxable values and set interim millage rates, and hold public hearings on zoning and a special 5K event permit.

• Resolution 2026‑11: Capital Improvement Revenue Note Series 2026A, up to $10,607,000 for police annex, fire stations #2 and #3
• Resolution 2026‑12: Capital Improvement Revenue Note Series 2026B, up to $7,052,000 for parking‑related capital projects
• Contract with Citrus Connection for municipal contribution to mass‑transit service for the next two years
• Ordinance 2026‑22: Zoning map amendment to change 2+ acres from R‑1B residential to C‑3 highway commercial
• Special event permit for Lights and Laces Winter Classic 5K race on Dec 12, 2026

Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting 07-14-2026

The Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency board will consider several development proposals, including a $610,000 funding request for Phase III of the Grove Manor property. Other items include a downtown parking study presentation, a streetscape agreement for Lincoln Avenue and A Street, and applications for business incentive and food‑related services grants. The board will also discuss project management services for the Ridge Scenic Highway Trail.

• Grove Manor Phase III funding request of $610,000 from the Lake Wales Housing Authority
• Presentation of Downtown Parking Study by Kimley‑Horn
• Halff Agreement Proposal for Lincoln Avenue and A Street streetscape
• McGowin’s On Park (247 East Park Avenue) Food‑Related Services Incentive Program application
• Project Management Services agreement with Colliers Project Leaders for Ridge Scenic Highway Trail

Community Redevelopment Agency

The CRA Board will review several funding requests and incentive applications for local redevelopment projects. Items include a $610,000 request for Grove Manor Phase III and various business modernization applications.

• Grove Manor Phase III redevelopment funding request of $610,000
• Downtown Parking Study presentation by Kimley-Horn
• Halff agreement proposal for Lincoln Avenue and A Street streetscape
• Food Related Services Grant application from McGowin’s On Park at 247 East Park Avenue
• Business Incentive Program applications for 10 S. 1st St. and 1109 Bryn Mawr Ave.

Code Enforcement Board

The Code Enforcement Board will consider 13 cases involving property code violations, several of which are listed as fine reductions. The board will also vote on a board member application. Public comments are permitted but no action will be taken on them.

• Case 2023-00348 (REDUCTION): City vs Omar Ahmad Alqurishi, 340 Dr J A Wiltshire Ave W
• Cases 2008-00008 and 2024-00407 (both REDUCTION): City vs Gospel Missions LLC, 605 Wales Dr N
• Case 2025-00255: City vs Brian K Denton, 23 Sessoms Ave W
• Case 2026-00098: City vs Giovanni Toscano, 411 Harding Ave
• Case 2025-00476: City vs Dorla J Trotman, 1069 E Grove Ave

Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting 07-14-2026

This meeting includes a presentation of the Downtown Parking Study by Kimley-Horn, and a $610,000 funding request for Grove Manor Phase III redevelopment from the Lake Wales Housing Authority. The board will also consider agreement proposals for the Lincoln Avenue and A Street streetscape and project management services for the Ridge Scenic Highway Trail, as well as two Business Incentive Program applications for vacant properties. Public comments are accepted.

• Presentation of Downtown Parking Study by Kimley-Horn
• Grove Manor Phase III funding request of $610,000
• Halff Agreement Proposal for Lincoln Avenue and A Street Streetscape
• Business Incentive Program applications for 10 S. 1st St. and 1109 Bryn Mawr Ave.
• Project Management Services agreement for Ridge Scenic Highway Trail

City Commission Regular Meeting

The City Commission will hold public hearings and second readings on several major land use changes, including the annexation and rezoning of 164 acres for the Hunt Bros mixed-use development and the 47-acre Hickory Ridge project. Other items include a first reading on a zoning change for a hotel, an ordinance for downtown historic district maintenance standards, and consent items such as a city hall generator contract and special event permits.

• Hunt Bros Mixed Use Annexation (Ordinances 2026-12, 13, 14) – 164 acres
• Hickory Ridge FLUM and Zoning (Ordinances 2026-15, 16) – 47 acres
• Contract award for City Hall Generator to Zabatt Engine Services (FEMA/CDBG grants)
• Ordinance 2026-20: Enhanced maintenance standards for Downtown Historic Overlay District
• Ordinance 2026-22: Zoning map amendment for hotel (2+ acres to C-3 Highway Commercial)

City Commission Regular Meeting 07-07-2026

The Lake Wales City Commission will vote on awarding the City Hall generator contract to Zabatt Engine Services as part of FEMA and CDBG disaster recovery grants. The commission will also consider a consent agenda item to approve Engineered Sprayed Solutions for coating 31 wastewater manholes. Several special event permits—including a World Cup Watch Party and a Woman’s Club Plant & Garden Festival—are up for approval, along with multiple ordinances covering annexations, zoning map changes, and historic district maintenance standards.

• Contract award for City Hall generator to Zabatt Engine Services (FEMA & CDBG grants)
• Wastewater manhole rehabilitation: approve Engineered Sprayed Solutions to coat 31 manholes
• Special Event Permit: World Cup Watch Party (July 18‑19, 2026) in Downtown Market Place
• Special Event Permit: Lake Wales Woman’s Club Plant & Garden Festival (Oct 17, 2026) with Cypress Garden Lane closure
• Ordinance 2026-12: Hunt Bros Mixed Use annexation of ~164 acres – 2nd reading

City Commission Regular Meeting 07-07-2026

The Lake Wales City Commission will hold second readings and public hearings on several major land-use changes, including the annexation of 164 acres for the Hunt Bros mixed-use development and a 47-acre Hickory Ridge Future Land Use Map amendment. First readings and public hearings are also scheduled for a zoning change to C-3 Highway Commercial on 2 acres and a right-of-way vacation on 9th Street North. The consent agenda includes a contract award for a City Hall generator and special event permits for a World Cup watch party and a plant festival.

• Hunt Bros Mixed Use Annexation (164 acres) with associated FLUM and zoning map amendments (2nd reading)
• Hickory Ridge Future Land Use Map and Zoning Map amendments on 47 acres (2nd reading)
• Downtown Historic Overlay District enhanced maintenance standards ordinance (2nd reading)
• City Hall generator contract award to Zabatt Engine Services via FEMA/CDBG-DR grants
• Library impact fees ordinance to allow spending on collection items (2nd reading)

City Commission Workshop Meeting

The City Commission will discuss several land-use amendments, including a 164-acre mixed-use annexation for Hunt Brothers and a 47-acre amendment for Hickory Ridge. The body will also review infrastructure contracts and updates to downtown maintenance standards.

• Annexation and zoning for 164+/- acres (Hunt Bros Mixed Use)
• Zoning map amendment for 2+/- acres to C-3 Highway Commercial
• Contract award to Zabatt Engine Services for City Hall generator
• Contract for Engineered Sprayed Solutions to coat 31 wastewater manholes
• Ordinance 2026-20 establishing enhanced maintenance standards for Downtown Historic Overlay District

The Commission held a workshop to review updates and funding requests from cultural groups, downtown revitalization efforts, and economic development initiatives. Presenters detailed operational costs, attendance metrics, and proposed budgets for the upcoming fiscal year. No motions were introduced, and no items were approved, denied, or tabled.

• No formal actions or votes were recorded during this workshop meeting.

Community Redevelopment Agency

The Community Redevelopment Agency will review a historic restoration grant and several professional service agreements. The board is focusing on streetscape improvements and hotel development projects across the city.

• $50,000 facade grant for 101 East Park Avenue
• Agreement with Catalyst Design Group for 1st Street/Central Avenue Streetscape
• Addendum #3 with Chastain-Skillman/DCCM for 1st Street/Central Avenue Streetscape
• Colliers Project Leaders proposal for RAISE Grant Streetscape redesign
• Colliers Project Leaders proposal for Walesbilt Hotel and Stuart Avenue projects

The CRA Board approved a $50,000 grant for the restoration of the historic Friedlander building at 101 East Park Avenue. The board also authorized three separate agreements totaling $358,278 for the 1st Street/Central Avenue streetscape and RAISE grant projects.

• Approved $50,000 facade grant for 101 East Park Avenue (5-0)
• Approved $173,660 Addendum #3 with Chastain-Skillman/DCCM for 1st Street/Central Avenue Streetscape Project (5-0)
• Approved $24,400 agreement with Catalyst Design Group for 1st Street Streetscape landscape design (5-0)
• Approved $160,218 agreement with Colliers Project Leaders for RAISE Grant Streetscape project management (5-0)
• Approved June 2, 2026 meeting minutes (5-0)

Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting 07-01-2026

The CRA Board will vote on a $50,000 Historic Restoration Facade Grant for 101 E. Park Avenue. They will also consider approving Addendum #3 with Chastain-Skillman/DCCM for the 1st Street/Central Avenue streetscape project, an agreement with Catalyst Design Group for that same streetscape, and two agreements with Colliers Project Leaders for the RAISE Grant streetscape re-design and the Walesbilt Hotel/Stuart Avenue streetscape projects.

• $50,000 facade grant award for 101 E. Park Avenue
• Addendum #3 with Chastain-Skillman/DCCM for 1st Street/Central Avenue streetscape
• Agreement proposal with Catalyst Design Group for 1st Street/Central Avenue streetscape
• Agreement proposal with Colliers Project Leaders for RAISE Grant streetscape re-design and pre-construction
• Agreement proposal with Colliers Project Leaders for Walesbilt Hotel and Stuart Avenue streetscape projects

City Commission Workshop Meeting 07-01-26

The City Commission workshop on July 1, 2026, will discuss multiple ordinance readings, including annexation, zoning changes, and land development regulation amendments. Key items include first readings for a right-of-way vacation and a hotel zoning change, and second readings for Hunt Bros annexation (164 acres), Hickory Ridge FLUM and zoning amendments (47 acres), and library impact fees. The commission will also consider contract awards for a City Hall generator and wastewater manhole rehabilitation, as well as special event permits and board appointments.

• Contract award for City Hall generator to Zabatt Engine Services via FEMA/CDBG-DR grants
• Wastewater manhole rehabilitation contract to Engineered Sprayed Solutions for 31 manholes
• Ordinance 2026-22: Rezoning 2± acres from R-1B to C-3 Highway Commercial (hotel project)
• Ordinance 2026-12/13/14: Hunt Bros mixed-use annexation, FLUM, and zoning for 164± acres
• Ordinance 2026-20: Enhanced maintenance standards for Downtown Historic Overlay District

Planning & Zoning Board

The Board will consider a major modification for the Hunt Club Grove residential project and a zoning map amendment for the Lake Wales Hotel. Additionally, members will review proposed amendments to Chapter 23 of the Land Development Regulations and consider two new board member appointments.

• Hunt Club Grove: Major modification to a Special Exception Use Permit
• Lake Wales Hotel: Zoning map amendment and major site plan (Ord. 2026-22)
• Ordinance 2026-21: Amendments to Chapter 23 Land Development Regulations
• Board Member Appointment: Ralph Marino
• Board Member Appointment: Robin Gibson

City Commission Regular Meeting

The Lake Wales City Commission will review ordinances regarding zoning changes for the Hickory Ridge development, library impact fees, and downtown maintenance standards. The body will also approve funding for street lighting and consider board appointments.

• Library Impact Fees ordinance (Ordinance 2026-11)
• Hickory Ridge Future Land Use and Zoning Map amendments (Ordinances 2026-15 & 2026-16)
• Downtown Historic Overlay District enhanced maintenance standards (Ordinance 2026-20)
• Funding for lighting at Hunt Brothers Complex
• Change order for railroad infrastructure removal on Market St.

The commission approved a change order not to exceed $295,421 for ADEC Construction to remove buried railroad timber blocking completion of the Orange Ave water main and streetscape projects. They also accepted the clean annual comprehensive financial report, reappointed four board members to various boards, and approved the consent agenda including funding for lighting at Hunt Brothers Complex.

• Approved $295,421 change order for railroad timber removal (4-0)
• Accepted annual comprehensive financial report and audit (4-0)
• Reappointed John Phillip Weikert & Manuel Grimaldo to Airport Authority (4-0)
• Reappointed Helen Walters to Housing Authority (4-0)
• Reappointed Jodie Schmidt to Library Board (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes and lighting funding (4-0)

City Commission Regular Meeting 06-16-2026

The Lake Wales City Commission will hold first readings and public hearings on several ordinances, including amendments to the Future Land Use Map and Zoning Map for 47 acres at Hickory Ridge, and an expansion of library impact fees to cover collection items. Commissioners will also consider a resolution to adopt the 2026 non-ad valorem assessment roll and a change order for railroad infrastructure removal on Market Street. Consent items include approval of minutes and funding for lighting at the Hunt Brothers complex.

• Ordinances 2026-15/16: first reading and public hearing on Future Land Use Map and Zoning Map amendment for 47+ acres at Hickory Ridge
• Ordinance 2026-11: first reading and public hearing to expand library impact fees to include collection items (books, etc.)
• Ordinance 2026-20: first reading establishing enhanced maintenance standards in the Downtown Historic Overlay District
• Resolution 2026-05: public hearing to adopt uniform method of collecting non-ad valorem assessments and adopt the 2026 assessment roll
• Change order quote from ADEC Construction for additional work to remove railroad infrastructure on Market Street