City Commission Workshop Discusses Culture, Downtown; 164-Acre Annexation Vote Set for Next Week
No formal actions were taken during the City Commission’s workshop on July 1, but presentations from cultural groups, downtown revitalization teams, and economic development officials laid groundwork for future budget decisions. The meeting reviewed operational costs, attendance figures, and funding requests, though no motions were introduced, approved, denied, or tabled.
Recent meetings
City Commission Workshop — July 1
Commissioners received updates and funding requests from organizations focused on arts, historic preservation, and downtown improvements. Presenters provided detailed operational budgets and attendance metrics for the upcoming fiscal year. No votes were taken.
Planning & Zoning Board — June 23 (agenda)
The board was scheduled to review a major modification for the Hunt Club Grove residential project and a zoning map amendment to support the Lake Wales Hotel (Ordinance 2026-22). Also on the agenda: ordinance 2026-21, amending Chapter 23 of the Land Development Regulations, and the appointments of Ralph Marino and Robin Gibson as board members. Minutes have not yet been published.
Community Redevelopment Agency — July 1 (agenda)
The CRA agenda included a proposed $50,000 facade grant for 101 East Park Avenue and professional services agreements for streetscape and hotel-related projects. Items listed: an agreement with Catalyst Design Group for the 1st Street/Central Avenue streetscape; an addendum with Chastain-Skillman/DCCM for the same corridor; a Colliers Project Leaders proposal for a RAISE Grant streetscape redesign; and a Colliers proposal for the Walesbilt Hotel and Stuart Avenue projects. No minutes were yet available.
Coming up
The City Commission will hold its regular meeting on July 7, with public hearings and final votes on several land-use items. The agenda includes:
- **Hunt Bros Mixed Use Annexation** (Ordinances 2026-12, 13, 14): annexation and rezoning of 164 acres for a mixed-use development.
- **Hickory Ridge** (Ordinances 2026-15, 16): future land use and zoning changes for 47 acres.
- **Hotel zoning map amendment** (Ordinance 2026-22): first reading to rezone more than 2 acres to C-3 Highway Commercial.
- **Ordinance 2026-20**: enhanced maintenance standards for the Downtown Historic Overlay District.
- **City Hall generator contract**: proposed award to Zabatt Engine Services, funded through FEMA and CDBG grants.
All meetings are open to the public and held at Lake Wales City Hall.
Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.