Lake Wales Commission Workshop Yields No Votes; 164-Acre Annexation Vote Set for July 7
Lake Wales officials spent the past two weeks reviewing funding requests and land-use proposals, but the only meeting with published minutes produced no formal decisions. The most consequential items — including a 164-acre mixed-use annexation — are scheduled for the July 7 City Commission meeting.
City Commission Workshop (July 1)
The City 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, according to the official minutes.
Community Redevelopment Agency Agenda (July 1)
The CRA agenda listed a $50,000 facade grant for 101 East Park Avenue under a historic restoration grant program. The agenda also included several professional service agreements tied to streetscape and hotel development projects:
- Agreement with Catalyst Design Group for the 1st Street/Central Avenue Streetscape
- Addendum #3 with Chastain-Skillman/DCCM for the 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
Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published, so no outcomes are confirmed.
Planning & Zoning Board Agenda (June 23)
The Planning & Zoning Board was scheduled to consider a major modification to the Special Exception Use Permit for the Hunt Club Grove residential project, as well as a zoning map amendment and major site plan for the Lake Wales Hotel under Ordinance 2026-22.
The agenda also included proposed amendments to Chapter 23 of the Land Development Regulations under Ordinance 2026-21, and two board member appointments: Ralph Marino and Robin Gibson.
Minutes have not yet been published, so no votes or outcomes can be reported.
Coming Up
City Commission Regular Meeting — July 7, 2026
The Commission will hold public hearings and second readings on two major land-use changes:
- **Hunt Bros Mixed Use Annexation** (Ordinances 2026-12, 13, 14) — 164 acres
- **Hickory Ridge FLUM and Zoning** (Ordinances 2026-15, 16) — 47 acres
Other scheduled items include:
- Contract award for a City Hall generator to Zabatt Engine Services, funded through FEMA/CDBG grants
- Ordinance 2026-20: Enhanced maintenance standards for the Downtown Historic Overlay District
- Ordinance 2026-22: Zoning map amendment for a hotel (2+ acres to C-3 Highway Commercial) — first reading
The July 7 meeting is the next opportunity for residents to hear and comment on these items before the Commission.
Earlier weeks
- week of 2026-06-29 — City Commission Workshop Discusses Culture, Downtown; 164-Acre Annexation Vote Set for Next Week
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.