Lake Wales, Florida
Recent meetings
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
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 06-10-26
The Lake Wales City Commission will hold a workshop meeting with several public hearings and first readings. Key items include ordinances to amend the future land use and zoning maps for the Hickory Ridge property (approx. 47 acres), a change order to remove railroad infrastructure on Market Street, and awarding a contract for Water Treatment Plant #1 renovations. The Commission will also consider expanding library impact fees and adopting the uniform method of collecting non-ad valorem assessments.
- Ordinances 2026-15 and 2026-16: Hickory Ridge Future Land Use and Zoning Map amendments for ~47 acres
- Change order to ADE Construction for removing railroad infrastructure on Market Street
- Award of ITB 26-10 for Water Treatment Plant #1 Market Street Renovations to Whitehead Construction
- Resolution 2026-05: Public hearing on uniform method of collecting non-ad valorem assessments
- Ordinance 2026-11: Amendment to allow library impact fees to cover collection items
City Commission Regular Meeting 06-02-2026
The City Commission will hold a public hearing on a major modification of the Steeple Chase preliminary subdivision plat, a 318-unit residential planned development on 97.86 acres. The commission will also vote on preliminary rate resolutions for fire protection services assessments and a public transportation grant for airport apron expansion. Several consent items include contracts for bond counsel, a police parking lot resurfacing bid, and special event permits for library and 4th of July events.
- Public hearing on Steeple Chase major modification of preliminary plat and special exception for 318-unit PDP on 97.86 acres (north of Belleview Drive, east of Scenic Highway South)
- Preliminary Rate Resolution 2026-02 for Fire Protection Services Assessments for FY 26-27
- Resolution 2026-10 authorizing FDOT grant agreement G3O88 for Airport FBO Apron Expansion at Lake Wales Municipal Airport
- Contractual services approval for Greenberg Traurig, P.A. for financial planning and bond counsel services
- Bid award to H.L. Pruitt Corporation for AWOS III and Airport Beacon construction at municipal airport
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting 06-02-2026
The Community Redevelopment Agency Board will discuss entering into an interim agreement with Restoration St. Louis, Inc. for the restoration of the Walesbilt hotel. The Board is also considering Resolution 2026-09 declaring intent for reimbursement from tax-exempt debt for property acquisition and renovation for a public parking facility and Walesbilt hotel redevelopment grants. Approval of the May 12, 2026 minutes and routine reports are also on the agenda.
- Interim agreement with Restoration St. Louis, Inc. for Walesbilt hotel restoration
- CRA Resolution 2026-09 declaring intent for reimbursement from tax-exempt debt for property acquisition/renovation for public parking facility and Walesbilt hotel redevelopment grant
- Approval of minutes from May 12, 2026 CRA meeting
City Commission Workshop Meeting 05-27-26
The City Commission workshop includes presentations from Place Economics and the EDC/Chamber, followed by several action items. Key decisions include a preliminary rate resolution for fire protection services assessments, a bid award for airport improvements, and a public hearing on a major modification to the 318-unit Steeple Chase residential planned development. The commission will also consider special event permits for the 4th of July and library events.
- Public hearing on Steeple Chase PDP major modification: 318 units on 97.86 acres north of Belleview Drive and east of Scenic Highway South.
- Resolution 2026-02: preliminary fire protection services assessment rate resolution.
- Bid award to Asphalt Paving Systems for resurfacing police department parking compound.
- Resolution 2026-10: authorize FDOT grant agreement for Airport FBO Apron Expansion at Lake Wales Municipal Airport.
- Bid award to H.L. Pruitt Corporation for AWOS III and airport beacon construction.
City Commission Regular Meeting 05-19-2026
The City Commission will consider approving Resolution 2026-08, which amends a previous declaration of intent to reimburse itself from debt proceeds for acquiring and renovating a building for a public safety facility, expanding two fire stations, and purchasing a fire truck. The consent agenda includes approval of the Pioneer Days event in Lake Wailes Park and a planning support services agreement with Inspire Placemaking. Also on the agenda is a board appointment to the General Employee's Pension Board.
- Resolution 2026-08 – Amending Resolution 2025-23 for reimbursement from tax-exempt debt for public safety facility, fire station expansions, fire truck, and other capital projects
- 50th Annual Pioneer Days Celebration – October 24-25, 2026 at Lake Wailes Park, with vendors, RV setup, and alcohol service
- Agreement with Inspire Placemaking for planning support services (piggyback on Tarpon Springs agreement)
- Board Appointment – General Employee's Pension Board to fill vacancy
- Approval of minutes from May 5 and May 13, 2026
City Commission Workshop Meeting 05-13-26
The City Commission will hold a workshop to set budget priorities for Fiscal Year 2026-27 and consider several action items. Key actions include a resolution authorizing reimbursement from tax-exempt debt for acquiring and renovating a public safety facility, expanding two fire stations, and purchasing a fire truck. The commission will also vote on an agreement with Inspire Placemaking for planning support services, approve the 50th Annual Pioneer Days Celebration, and discuss an ordinance on minimum maintenance standards.
- Resolution 2026-08: declaration of intent for tax-exempt debt reimbursement for public safety facility, two fire station expansions, and a fire truck
- Budget priority setting workshop for Fiscal Year 2026-27
- Agreement with Inspire Placemaking (piggyback on City of Tarpon Springs contract) for professional planning services
- 50th Annual Pioneer Days Celebration on October 24-25, 2026 at Lake Wailes Park, including RV camping and alcohol sales
- Discussion of Ordinance on minimum maintenance standards for properties
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting 05-12-2026
The Lake Wales CRA Board will consider several action items including a food services grant, project management services for a trail, property sale and acquisition, and a construction change order. They will also elect a chair and vice-chair, approve minutes, and hear reports.
- Consider awarding Food Services Grant to Lady B's Tea Parlour
- Consider agreement with Colliers Project Leaders for Crystal Lake Loop Trail project management
- Consider sale of CRA-owned parcel at 0 Stuart Avenue to Eustolio Medina Gonzalez and Cilbia Armenta Marcial
- Consider Change Order #4 with Gomez Construction for roadway grade changes
- Consider approving sale and purchase agreement to acquire property at 100 Stuart Ave from White Pelican Partners
City Commission Regular Meeting 05-05-2026
The City Commission will hold a second reading and public hearing on Ordinance 2026-17 to annex rights-of-way for public safety jurisdictional purposes. The consent agenda includes contract renewals for body-worn cameras and Tasers, a $61,980 fencing replacement for rapid infiltration basins, and a proposal for Fire Station #3. New business covers FDOT traffic signal and highway lighting maintenance agreements, as well as several appointments including a deputy mayor.
- Ordinance 2026-17: Annexation of rights-of-way for public safety – 2nd reading and public hearing
- Axon Enterprises contract renewal for body-worn cameras and Tasers
- Replacement fencing for Rapid Infiltration Basins at $61,980
- RFQ 26-06: Recommendation for Lake Wales Fire Station #3
- SEMCO Construction proposal for Library Renovations
City Commission Workshop Meeting 04-29-26
The Lake Wales City Commission will discuss and potentially approve several items including the recommendation for the new Fire Station #3, contract renewals for Axon body cameras and Tasers, a proposal for library renovations, and sewer line installation on Marietta Street. The commission will also consider resolutions for FDOT traffic signal and lighting maintenance agreements, an annexation ordinance for road rights-of-way, and various appointments including Deputy Mayor and board representatives.
- Recommendation from Colliers for Lake Wales Fire Station #3 project (RFQ 26-06)
- Axon Enterprises, Inc. contract renewal for body worn cameras and Tasers
- SEMCO Construction proposal for completion of Library Renovations
- Marietta Street sewer main installation: abandon existing, install 320 linear feet of 8-inch gravity sewer
- Replacement fencing for Rapid Infiltration Basins (Ribsite) in the amount of $61,980.00
City Commission Regular Meeting 04-21-2026
The City Commission will hold first readings and public hearings on ordinances to annex, rezone, and approve a special exception use permit for the Hunt Bros Mixed Use development on 164+ acres. They will also hold second readings on the McKenna annexation (24 acres) and amendments to land development regulations, pension plan, and personnel policies. A consent agenda includes approval of minutes and a professional services agreement with VHB for transportation planning.
- First reading of ordinances to annex 164 acres for Hunt Bros Mixed Use development
- Second reading of ordinances to annex and rezone McKenna property (24 acres) for industrial use
- Second reading of ordinance extending Deferred Retirement Option Program for general employees' pension
- Second reading of ordinance removing sick leave bank from personnel policies
- Agreement with VHB for transportation planning, traffic engineering, project review (piggyback on Manatee County contract)
City Commission Workshop Meeting 04-15-26
At this workshop, the City Commission will hold first readings and public hearings on the Hunt Bros Mixed Use project, which includes annexation, land use and zoning changes, and a special exception permit for a 164-acre residential planned development. Second readings are scheduled for the McKenna Brothers industrial annexation (24 acres) and amendments to development regulations. Other items include a transportation planning contract with VHB, pension plan changes, and a proposal to rescind the sick leave bank.
- First reading and public hearing for Hunt Bros Mixed Use annexation, FLUM, zoning, and special exception permit on 164+ acres
- Second reading and public hearing for McKenna Brothers industrial annexation, FLUM, and zoning on 24+ acres
- Agreement with Vanasse Hangen Brustlin (VHB) for transportation planning, traffic engineering, and project review
- Second readings: amendments to land development regulations, exemption from review fees, general employees pension plan, and repeal of sick leave bank
- First reading for annexation of rights-of-way for public safety jurisdictional purposes
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting 04-14-2026
The Lake Wales CRA Board will vote on approving an agreement proposal with Colliers Project Leaders for the Park to Orange Streetscape Project. Also on the agenda are a quarterly presentation from Main Street Lake Wales and approval of the March 10, 2026, minutes. Public comments will be heard during the comments and petitions portion.
- Staff request for CRA Board approval of agreement proposal with Colliers Project Leaders for the Park to Orange Streetscape Project
- Presentation: Main Street Lake Wales quarterly report (2nd Quarter 2026)
- Approval of minutes from March 10, 2026 CRA meeting
- Public Comments and Petitions period
City Commission Regular Meeting 04-08-2026
The City Commission will hold first readings on three ordinances: one exempts businesses meeting criteria from land use review fees as an economic incentive; another extends the DROP participation period for general employees from five to eight years; a third repeals the sick leave bank policy. Consent items include a piggyback agreement for Fourth of July fireworks and approval of recreational enhancements at the Northwest Complex. Proclamations will recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month, Water Conservation Month, and Roosevelt Academy Month.
- First reading of Ordinance 2026-04: exemption from land use review fees for businesses in QTI and Spec Building programs
- First reading of Ordinance 2026-09: extending General Employees Pension DROP participation from 5 to 8 years
- First reading of Ordinance 2026-10: repealing Section 2-218.01 Sick Leave Bank
- Consent: piggyback agreement with City of Orlando for 4th of July fireworks display
- Consent: approval of recreational enhancements at Northwest Complex
City of Lake Wales , City Commission Workshop Meeting
The City Commission will consider approving a piggyback agreement with the City of Orlando for the 4th of July fireworks display and authorizing recreational enhancements at the Northwest Complex. The board will also conduct first readings of three ordinances: adding a business fee exemption for land-use reviews, extending DROP participation for general employees from 5 to 8 years, and repealing the sick leave bank policy. Additionally, the commission will discuss a proposed vacancy ordinance and resolution.
- Community Firework Display – piggyback agreement to City of Orlando contract for 4th of July
- Facility Improvements – recreational enhancements at Northwest Complex
- Ordinance 2026-04 – first reading: exemption from certain land-use review fees for businesses in incentive programs
- Ordinance 2026-09 – first reading: extending General Employees Pension DROP participation from 5 to 8 years
- Ordinance 2026-10 – first reading: repealing Section 2-218.01 Sick Leave Bank
City Commission Regular Meeting 03-17-2026
The City Commission will hold first readings and public hearings on three ordinances to annex 24+ acres of land, designate it as Industrial (IND) future land use, and zone it I-1 Industrial Park. In old business, they will conduct a second reading on an ordinance allowing the City Manager to waive certain building permit fees for projects meeting the Business Impact Fee Mitigation program. The consent agenda includes approving a contract with H.L. Pruitt Corp. for runway lighting and signage reconstruction at the municipal airport, accepting project quotes for work on Orange Avenue and Market Street, and leasing 14 copiers from Ricoh USA.
- First reading and public hearing for McKenna Annexation (Ordinance 2026-05) of 24+ acres
- First reading and public hearing for McKenna Future Land Use Map amendment to IND Industrial (Ordinance 2026-06)
- First reading and public hearing for McKenna Zoning Map amendment to I-1 Industrial Park (Ordinance 2026-07)
- Second reading and public hearing for Ordinance 2026-03 allowing City Manager to waive building permit fees under Business Impact Fee Mitigation
- Contract agreement with H.L. Pruitt Corp. to reconstruct Runway 6-24 lighting and signage at Lake Wales Municipal Airport
City Commission Workshop Meeting 03-11-26
The Lake Wales City Commission will hold first readings and public hearings on three ordinances to annex approximately 24 acres and assign IND Industrial land use and I-1 Industrial Park zoning. The commission will also consider a contract with H.L. Pruitt Corp. for runway lighting reconstruction at the municipal airport, a digital copier lease with Ricoh USA, and a second reading of an ordinance allowing the city manager to waive certain building permit fees. Additionally, a discussion on a vacancy ordinance and resolution is scheduled.
- First reading of Ordinance 2026-05 for annexation of 24+/- acres (McKenna)
- First reading of Ordinance 2026-06 for Future Land Use Map amendment to IND Industrial
- First reading of Ordinance 2026-07 for Zoning Map amendment to I-1 Industrial Park
- Consideration of contract with H.L. Pruitt Corp. to reconstruct Runway 6-24 lighting and signage at Lake Wales Municipal Airport
- Second reading of Ordinance 2026-03 to allow city manager to waive building permit fees under Business Impact Fee Mitigation program
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting 03-10-2026
The CRA Board will consider approving a responsive bid to demolish the structure at 425 Kissimmee Avenue. The meeting also includes approval of previous meeting minutes, public comments, and reports from the executive director and board members.
- Approval of demolition contract for 425 Kissimmee Ave
- Public comments and petitions
- Approval of February 17, 2026 minutes
- Executive Director's report
City Commission Regular Meeting 03-03-2026
The City Commission will hold first reading of Ordinance 2026-03, which would allow the City Manager to waive certain building permit fees for projects meeting the Business Impact Fee Mitigation program. The consent agenda includes approval of financial advisory services with PFM Financial Advisors LLC, a revised developer credit agreement for Hunt Club Grove South, a $75,327.10 purchase for downtown water main replacement, and a Guaranteed Maximum Price amendment contract with SEMCO Construction for the Police Annex.
- First reading of Ordinance 2026-03 to amend Chapter 7 (Building Regulations) to allow City Manager to waive building permit fees under Business Impact Fee Mitigation program
- Contractual services agreement with PFM Financial Advisors LLC for financial planning and debt issuance advice
- Revised developer credit agreement with Hunt Club Grove South for off-site improvements
- Purchase of parts for downtown 6-inch water main replacement and upsize for $75,327.10
- Guaranteed Maximum Price amendment contract with SEMCO Construction, Inc. for Police Annex
City Commission Workshop Meeting 02-25-26
The Lake Wales City Commission will hold a workshop to discuss and potentially approve several items, including a revised developer credit agreement for Hunt Club Grove South, a first-reading ordinance to allow the City Manager to waive certain building permit fees under the Business Impact Fee Mitigation program, and a guaranteed maximum price amendment for the Police Annex construction. Other items include a contract for financial advisory services with PFM Financial Advisors LLC, equipment purchase, water main replacement, project management for a trail, a partnership for a city cleanup, and an event permit. Most actions require commission approval or a vote.
- Ordinance 2026-03 first reading: allow City Manager to waive building permit fees for projects meeting Business Impact Fee Mitigation program requirements
- Downtown 6" water main replacement and upsize on Orange Ave for $75,327.10
- Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) Amendment Contract with SEMCO Construction, Inc. for Police Annex
- Contractual services agreement with PFM Financial Advisors LLC for financial planning and debt services
- Partnership agreement with Keep Polk County Beautiful Inc. for city-wide cleanup event
Special City Commission Meeting 02-20-2026
This special meeting is called solely to discuss the draft 2026 ballot. No other substantive items are on the agenda. Public comments are invited during the meeting.
- Discussion of draft 2026 ballot
City Commission Regular Meeting 02-17-2026
The City Commission will hold a public hearing and second reading on Ordinance 2026-02 to amend fire prevention standards per state law. The consent agenda includes approval of a solid waste collection feasibility study, purchase of seven police vehicles, acquisition of an excavator and a street sweeper, event permits for a Good Morning Lake Wales broadcast and Juneteenth events, and a developer credit agreement for Hunt Club Grove South.
- Ordinance 2026-02, 2nd reading and public hearing: amends Chapter 10 Fire Prevention for state compliance
- Approval to lease-purchase 7 police vehicles (Chevrolet Tahoes, Ford Mustangs) and dispose of 10 surplus vehicles
- Authorization to proceed with Solid Waste Collection In-House Feasibility Study
- Excavator purchase from Bobcat for Water Department utility work
- Event permits: Good Morning Lake Wales (Feb 27) and Juneteenth Concert/Street Fair (June 19-20) with alcohol and street closures
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting 02-17-2026
The Community Redevelopment Agency is meeting to consider approving a proposal from SEMCO for debris removal at the Walesbilt Hotel. The agenda also includes approval of previous meeting minutes, an executive director's report, and board member comments. Public comments are invited during the meeting.
- Staff requests CRA Board approval of SEMCO Proposal for Walesbilt Hotel debris removal.
- Approval of minutes from the February 10, 2026 CRA meeting.
- Executive Director's Report and Board Member Comments (routine updates).
City Commission Workshop Meeting 02-11-26
The City Commission will hold a workshop meeting to discuss and vote on several items, including a developer credit agreement for Hunt Club Grove South, police vehicle purchases, and an ordinance amending fire prevention codes. They will also consider authorizing a feasibility study for in-house solid waste collection and acquiring stormwater equipment. Two event permits for Juneteenth celebrations and a Good Morning Lake Wales broadcast are also on the agenda.
- Developer credit agreement for off-site improvements related to Hunt Club Grove South development
- Lease purchase of seven police vehicles and disposal of ten surplus vehicles
- Purchase of an excavator from Bobcat for the Water Department
- Authorization to proceed with a Solid Waste Collection In-House Feasibility Study
- Second reading and public hearing of Ordinance 2026-02, amending Chapter 10 (Fire Prevention) for state compliance
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting 02-10-2026
The Lake Wales CRA Board will vote on renewing a lease agreement with Lake Wales Charter Schools, Inc. for temporary use of two vacant parcels at Seminole Avenue and 3rd Street North. The Board will also accept a completed mural in downtown. Other items include approval of prior meeting minutes and reports from staff and board members.
- Lease renewal with Lake Wales Charter Schools for two vacant parcels at SW and SE corners of Seminole Avenue and 3rd Street North
- Final acceptance of a mural in downtown (document: Mural Park Ave.pdf)
- Approval of minutes from January 13, 2026 meeting
- Public comments period (Comments and Petitions)
- Executive Director's report and Board Member comments
City Commission Regular Meeting 01-20-2026
The City Commission will consider a consent agenda including authorizing $937,319.03 for the FY2025–2026 street resurfacing program, approving a state forestry grant for tree maintenance, and awarding force main cleaning contracts. Other items include purchasing an airport vehicle, approving special event permits, and extending a sanitary sewer force main. No separate old or new business items are listed for discussion.
- $937,319.03 street resurfacing program by Asphalt Paving Systems, Inc.
- $87,865.32 for Eagle Ridge Mall area force main cleaning
- $51,399.60 for Southside force main cleaning
- Approval of FDACS Community Forestry grant for tree maintenance
- Special event permits: Spring Friday Series (Feb–May) and Cork and Keys wine walk (April 9)
City Commission Workshop Meeting 01-14-26
The Lake Wales City Commission will hold a workshop meeting to discuss and potentially authorize several infrastructure expenditures. Key items include a $937,319 street resurfacing contract, force main cleaning services, a sewer extension, and special event permits. The meeting also includes a presentation from Citrus Connection on public transit.
- Authorization of $937,319.03 to Asphalt Paving Systems, Inc. for FY 2025–26 street resurfacing
- Approval of $51,399.60 for Southside Force Main cleaning by Professional Piping Services
- Approval of $87,865.32 for Eagle Ridge Mall area force main cleaning
- Proposal to install 1,100 linear feet of 6-inch forcemain for sewer expansion on Masterpiece Road, Burns Avenue, Buckmoore Road
- Consideration of special event permit for Spring Friday Series (February–May 2026) in Downtown Lake Wales
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting 01-13-2026
The Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency will vote on a food-services grant for Vibin' Vinny's Restaurant at 230 E. Park Avenue, a HOME program for disabled residents, and a construction contract with Garcia Civil Contractors for Northwest Neighborhood Sidewalk Improvements Phase II. The meeting also includes a quarterly presentation from Main Street and approval of past minutes.
- Food-services grant for Vibin' Vinny's Restaurant at 230 E. Park Avenue Units #24 and #25
- HOME Program approval for disabled residents – rehabilitation/repairs application
- Construction contract with Garcia Civil Contractors for Northwest Neighborhood Sidewalk Improvements Phase II
- Quarterly report from Main Street (presentation document listed)
City Commission Regular Meeting 01-06-2026
The Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency will consider approving a contract for a downtown mural with artists Paul O'Neill and Alexa Lawson, and approving an incentive program application from Lady B's Tea Parlour. The board also will vote on a 30-day extension of the BizLinc contract and on a pre-qualified list of firms for the Walesbilt Hotel redevelopment project. Public comments and meeting minutes from July 8, 2025 are also on the agenda.
- Artist selection for downtown mural (Paul O'Neill and Alexa Lawson)
- Lady B's Tea Parlour Food Related Services Incentive Program approval
- 30-day BizLinc contract extension to review audit report
- RFQ 25-12 pre-qualified firms for Walesbilt Hotel adaptive reuse
- Approval of July 8, 2025 CRA minutes