Memorial Service for K-9 Officer Max

The Lake Wales Police Department, our law enforcement families, and the community will bid a final goodbye to K-9 Officer Max at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 9 at HighPoint Church, 4025 N. Scenic Highway, Lake Wales. Law enforcement honors will take plac...

New cathedral live oaks and Japanese blueberry trees rest along Sessoms Avenue

Road Advisory: West Bullard Avenue will be closed for one week between 1st Street and 2nd Street

West Bullard Avenue will be closed for one week between 1^st Street and 2^nd Street, starting Monday, August 8. Please allow for extra time during your commute. Road crews are replacing a portion of the drain system. See detour map: https://www.lakewalesfl....

City’s private developer incentive program makes an impact on qualified homebuyers

Qualified homebuyer Alicia Randle received $15,000 in down payment assistance from the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). City Manager James Slaton presented the check to Alicia. City commissioners and staff celebrated at a ribbon cutting ce...

CRA board invests in small business incubator to strengthen entrepreneurs

City’s affordable housing program is on the rise

Two new houses are complete and eight houses are in development within the core improvement area of Lake Wales. 

The development comes within 120 days of the new affordable housing incentive programs offered by the Lake Wales Community Redevelopme...

City coordinates efforts to enhance cemetery

City of Lake Wales staff are planning to enhance areas of the Lake Wales Cemetery. Deputy City Manager Joanna Abernathy met with staff members from various departments to coordinate the plan. 

Plans include allocating more labor and materials. Cit...

Fourth of July Celebration & Fireworks

Join us to celebrate the Fourth of July at Lake Wailes Park. The free event will feature family-fun activities, local food vendors and a fireworks show.

The event starts at 3 P.M. Fireworks start at 9 P.M.

Family-fun activities include:

- Watermelon eating c...

City initiates plans to upgrade northwest neighborhood with enhanced water system

The City of Lake Wales Commission authorized CHA Engineering to prepare construction plans to extend a larger water main from the water plant on Sessoms Avenue.

“As the area continues to grow, the new water main will supply quality water service ...

Street resurfacing of Dr. J.A. Wiltshire Avenue and Crystal Avenue

Dr. J. A. Wiltshire Avenue between Scenic Highway and North Wales Drive is being resurfaced, as well as Park Avenue between Lakeshore Boulevard and Cypress Garden Lane.

Additionally, Crystal Avenue is getting a facelift between Wetmore Street and First Str...

Construction Site Preparation Before a Storm

Florida Building Code requires all construction sites to be kept safe and clean. The City of Lake Wales’ staff reminds builders to have a plan in place prior to a storm. Secure all building materials and debris prior to a storm. These items may become pro...

Hurricane Preparedness - Polk County Emergency Shelter Locations

Now is the time to prepare a hurricane evacuation plan for you and your family. 

The nearest Polk County emergency shelter for Lake Wales residents is located at:

Spook Hill Elementary School

321 Dr. J.A. Wiltshire Ave E., Lake Wales

From US 27, turn...

Fair Housing Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing related transactions because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or familial status. Many state and local laws also prohibit housing discrimination based on several ad...

Yard Preparation Before a Storm

City of Lake Wales’ staff recommends trimming trees and vegetation prior to the start of hurricane season on June 1. Postponing major yardwork prior to a storm reduces the number of excess tree limbs, branches and yard debris. These items may be...

Disaster Preparedness 2022 Sales tax Holiday

Purchase qualifying hurricane supplies tax-free by June 10, 2022. Find a full list of tax-free items at https://floridarevenue.com/DisasterPrep/Pages/default.aspx and a complete disaster supply kit checklist at https://www.floridadisaster.org/Kit

Road Advisory: Beginning the first week of June 2022, SR 60 near Frontage Road will be closed

Beginning the first week of June 2022, SR 60 near Frontage Road will be closed while crews install the overhead sign truss. Detours will be in place to guide motorists; please follow signage. Please allow extra travel time and use caution in the area.

FDOT...

City of Lake Wales proclaims Ace Outlaw Recognition Day, May 17, 2022

The City of Lake Wales proclaims May 17, 2022 as Ace Outlaw Recognition Day. Mayor Hilligoss presented the proclamation to Ace Outlaw during Tuesday’s commission meeting. With a total lift of 600lbs, Outlaw was named the Florida High School Athl...

Land use study - Share your thoughts and ideas via the online survey

The City of Lake Wales is preparing a land use study for the utility service area just outside the City limits. Please share your thoughts and ideas on our project website at https://smeinc.mysocialpinpoint.com/lake-wales-land-use

The Land Use Study will i...

Community Redevelopment Agency Workshop on Saturday, May 21 between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Join us for the Community Redevelopment Agency Workshop on Saturday, May 21 between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the J. P. Austin Community Center in Lake Wales. During the workshop, participants will learn how to start, sustain and grow a business.

Guest speakers ...

City awarded nearly $1.2 million grant to increase pedestrian safety

The City of Lake Wales was awarded nearly $1.2 million to widen sidewalks and footpaths in the Northwest Neighborhood to increase the safety of pedestrians on designated walking spaces. 

Lake Wales is one of ten Florida communities to receive fund...

Road Advisory: Traveling on eastbound SR 60

Starting Monday, May 16, motorists traveling on eastbound SR 60 will need to stay left just past Frontage Road to access the new roadway and travel over the newly constructed bridge. This will enable the subcontractor crews with the Florida Department of ...

Mayor Jack Hilligoss and Commissioner Krueger take the oath of office

During this week’s Lake Wales Commission Meeting and swearing-in ceremony, newly elected officials Mayor Hilligoss and Commissioner Krueger took the oath of office. Mayor Hilligoss is the second mayor to be elected at-large to serve the people o...

City of Lake Wales hires Joanna Abernathy as new deputy city manager

The City of Lake Wales welcomes Joanna Abernathy as Deputy City Manager. Abernathy will be working alongside City Manager James Slaton overseeing various municipal operations.

“I’m both honored and excited to be chosen as Lake Wales&...

Roadway Advisory - Upcoming Traffic Shift

The US 27 at SR 60 project will have an upcoming traffic shift beginning the week of May 1, 2022. Motorists traveling on westbound SR 60 will need to stay right near Sharp Street and travel over the newly constructed bridge and stay on the newly construct...

City starts pilot program to offer self-pay recreational opportunities

The City of Lake Wales Commission approved a pilot program to start offering rentable self-service kayaks and paddleboards at Lake Wailes Park. Residents and visitors access the floating devices, accessories and lifejackets from automated lockers.&nbs...

Road Advisory - Park Avenue

On Friday, April 22, you may experience traffic delays on Park Avenue between Lakeshore Blvd. and Third Street. Crews will begin resurfacing the road in preparation for the Park Avenue Construction Trail.

Frederick Law Olmsted Day, April 30, 2022

Earlier this week, Mayor Gene Fultz read a proclamation establishing April 30, 2022 as Frederick Law Olmsted Day throughout Lake Wales. The City of Lake Wales and Lake Wales Heritage are hosting Olmsted Day in Lake Wailes Park on Saturda...

Business Development Workshop - May 21 between 9 A.M. to 1 P.M.

Join us for the Community Redevelopment Agency Workshop on Saturday, May 21 between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the J. P. Austin Community Center in Lake Wales. During the workshop, participants will learn how to start, sustain and grow a business. Complimentary ...

City in a Garden - Comprehensive Plan

Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.’s vision for Lake Wales – from trees to connected trails and the all-encompassing “City in a Garden” concept – serve as the underpinnings to the award-winning “Lake Wale...

Election Results - 2022 April Municipal Election

Select the link to review the official results from the 2022 April Municipal Election. https://www.lakewalesfl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5296/Final-Official-Results---LW_Election-Results_040822

Lake Wales was beautified today as part of Warner Cares Day 2022

Lake Wales was beautified today as part of Warner Cares Day 2022. Students, faculty and staff at Warner University and members of the Lake Wales Care Center provided community services to many organizations.

Select areas of the city were impacted...

Easter egg hunts in the city

The City of Lake Wales is about to become stuffed full of Easter eggs. Several organizations are celebrating Easter with egg hunts for children throughout the month of April. Checkout the list of events.

April 12 - 10:30 a.m. - noon

Circle of Frie...

Olmsted and the Lake Wales Connected Plan, City in a Garden Visionaries

When Lake Wales gathers on April 30 to celebrate the life, legacy and work of Frederick Olmsted Sr., local residents will be paying homage to more than just the famed landscape architect whose influence is still very much alive in the city today.

By 1929 w...

Upcoming Roadway Closure

Third Street will be closed permanently to vehicle traffic starting Wednesday, April 6 at 9 a.m. for the construction of the Park Avenue Connector Trail. It will reopen for non-vehicular public use in winter 2022. Cypress Garden Lane and Scenic Highway ma...

Upcoming Roadway Closure

Third Street will be closed between E. Crystal Ave. and E. Park Ave. starting Monday, April 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cypress Garden Lane and Scenic Highway may be used as alternate routes.  

City of Lake Wales expands incentives to attract private developers and homebuyers

The City’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) plans to waive certain development fees and offer qualified homebuyers down payment assistance.  

All impact fees including water and sewer will be waived to private developers building aff...

City of Lake Wales and area partners lend a helping hand to seniors, home improvements and repairs

The City’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) revisits its Legacy Housing Rehabilitation Program designed to help homeowners 65 and older in the Northwest Neighborhood with a variety of services, such as roof repairs, exterior painting, light ...

The City of Lake Wales celebrates Ms. Selma Burke, Women's History Month

The City of Lake Wales celebrates Ms. Selma Burke, famously known for her relief portrait of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, which is widely acknowledged as the face on the U.S. dime.

In the 1920s, Burke became a popular African American female artist...

City of Lake Wales awarded $48,683 hometown grant by T-Mobile

The City is one of 25 small towns across America to be selected for T-Mobile’s Hometown Grants, a $25 million, five-year initiative to support the people and organizations who help small towns across America thrive and grow by providing funding ...

City in a Garden - Lake Wales History

So how did it come to be that the firm responsible for creating New York City’s Central Park and for designing the grounds of the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. play such a vital role in the planning – and now future of Lake Wales?

A l...

Join us and celebrate the good news.

Join us and celebrate the good news. The City of Lake Wales will be awarded a unique grant from an international corporation on Thursday, March 24 at 10 A.M. 

The celebration will take place at the Tina Peak Gazebo at the Lake Wales Library locate...

City’s horticulture department kicks up the charm, Lake Wales Connected Plan

The City of Lake Wales Horticulture Department is in full swing installing plants and flowers in Lake Wales.

300 Florida native plants and 1,052 Florida friendly plants have been planted in select areas, such as the Stuart Avenue and Scenic Highway parking...

Grand opening of Wales Pointe Restaurant and Bar

Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development celebrated the grand opening of Wales Pointe Restaurant and Bar located at 207 East Park Avenue in the historic downtown district.

Fans of the recently opened Wales Pointe restaurant rave about...

Upcoming Roadway Closure and Detour Map

The US 27 at SR 60 project will have an upcoming roadway closure estimated to begin March 21, 2022. Central Avenue at US 27 will be closed at the intersection for approximately three weeks. US 27 will continue to have two lanes of traffic northbound and s...

The B Street Community Service Center in Lake Wales has been approved to be a food distribution site

The B Street Community Service Center in Lake Wales has been approved to be a food distribution site.

In collaboration with Central Health Care, United Way of Central Florida and the George W. Jenkins End Hunger Initiative, citizens may receive, twice a mo...

City initiates land use study to guide future development in Lake Wales

The City of Lake Wales Commission authorized funding for a land use study agreement to evaluate land in the city’s designated utility service area surrounding Lake Wales in unincorporated Polk County.

“We plan to explore future expansio...

Celebrating Dr. Joseph Ashby Wiltshire

Celebrating Dr. Joseph Ashby Wiltshire

Having delivered close to 2,500 babies in Lake Wales, Dr. Joseph Ashby Wiltshire helped make a lot of people smile. He was the first black doctor to open a private medical practice in Lake Wales in 1948.

It’s...

2022 LAKE WALES MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL & PARADE

2022 LAKE WALES MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL & PARADE

FEBRUARY 25 – 26 

Experience the 37th annual Lake Wales Mardi Gras Festival and Parade on February 25 - 26, 2022. This family-friendly festival features outdoor live music, food, spirits, a...

4th Annual Black History Month Luncheon

The 4th Annual Black History Month luncheon took place at the James P. Austin Community Center in Lake Wales. The event was sponsored by the Dr. J. A. Wiltshire Scholarship Foundation.  

Part of the program included a proclamation by Mayor Fultz r...

City of Lake Wales accepts $803,250 airport grant from FDOT

A new fuel farm is becoming a reality at the Lake Wales Municipal Airport. City commission authorized a public transportation grant agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation.

The grant is for the installation of a new fuel farm designed to ef...

City of Lake Wales Commission approves ballot for upcoming municipal election

City of Lake Wales Commission approves ballot for upcoming municipal election

The City of Lake Wales is pleased to announce the candidates for the upcoming municipal election on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 for Mayor Seat 1, At-Large and Commissioner Seat 4, Dis...

City’s partnerships expand more affordable housing for families.

The City of Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) added more housing to the historic Northwest Neighborhood completing Keystone Challenge Fund Phase Two of the city’s affordable housing program.

The City partnered with Keystone to build...

The City of Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency is expanding more affordable housing.

The City of Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is expanding more affordable housing in the Northwest Neighborhood.

The CRA provided $46,500 in funding to the Florida Development Corporation (FDC) to build a new house on B Street.

“Our affordabl...

City hosted member municipalities at an event promoting efficiency in local government.

On February 10, the City of Lake Wales hosted the Ridge League of Cities dinner at the Lake Ashton Clubhouse. The event had a Mardi Gras theme in honor of Lake Wales’ forthcoming Mardi Gras festival. The speaker was Bobby Green, new Executive Di...

Notice: Redevelopment of the CRA Property at 39 Lincoln Avenue W.

The City of Lake Wales is seeking a qualified proposer to, through sale or lease/public-private partnership, redevelop certain parcels on Lincoln Avenue for the benefit of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), and incorporating the Lake Wales Connecte...

City greenlights first of many projects in the Lake Wales Connected Plan

City greenlights first of many projects in the Lake Wales Connected Plan

The City of Lake Wales Commission approved an agreement with Cobb Site Development, Inc. to perform the construction of the city’s new Park Avenue Connector Trail.

T...

2022 Election notice

The election for the City of Lake Wales will be held on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 to elect a Mayor for Seat 1 (At-Large), and an Interim Commissioner for Seat 4 (District 27). 

For more information in English, visit https://www.lakewalesfl.gov/Docume...

Meeting Notice

CITY OF LAKE WALES

FAIR HOUSING PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING 

AND CITIZEN ADVISORY TASK FORCE MEETING

The City of Lake Wales will conduct a combined Fair Housing Public Information Meeting and Citizen Advisory Task Force meeting in the City Manager&am...

Police Officers Association gifts student a mobility device

Jordan Colon, a student at Victory Ridge Academy in Lake Wales got a big surprise when City of Lake Wales police officers presented him with a Kaye Dynamic Stander, a multi-positional standing aid with 360 degrees of movement.

Colon has a developmental dis...

City's partnerships dedicated to providing affordable housing for families

City's partnerships dedicated to providing affordable housing for families 

Lake Wales, Fla. (Jan. 25, 2022) – The City of Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) provides homes to new residents in the Northwest...

Open call for mural artists, $10,000.00

Road Closure

FDOT will commence a construction project at the intersection of SR 17 at Mountain Lake Cutoff Road to install a new traffic signal. Please note that Mountain Lake Cutoff Road will be closed on the east side of the intersection during construction.

Constru...

City’s Development Services enhances CRA team

The City of Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), part of Development Services promotes Darrell Starling, CRA Project Manager and Cheryl Baksh, CRA Specialist.

“Both Darrell and Cheryl have been a key element in the CRA’s suc...

Business Development Series Event - Community Redevelopment Agency

Ready to open a business or expand your company’s footprint to an emerging business district?

The Lincoln Avenue Business District is being revitalized by developers to provide business owners new opportunity.

Be one of the first to hear from prop...

City expands Development Services department to support future growth

The City of Lake Wales Development Services Director, Mark J. Bennett is expanding his team to support an unprecedented amount of development.

Bennett mentioned his team is prepared to be proactive with developers and builders as new homes and businesses c...

Congratulations to Lester Gulledge, Horticulturist

The City of Lake Wales congratulates Lester Gulledge, Horticulturist, for achieving a Florida Limited Lawn & Ornamental License.

“It’s good for our city to have an Integrated Pest Management Program. The license gives me the authori...

Congratulations to Mark J. Bennett, Director of Development Services

The City of Lake Wales congratulates Mark J. Bennett, Director of Development Services, for being selected to join the board of the Florida Redevelopment Association (FRA).

“This is a nice compliment to Mark’s 30 years of experience in urban planning, zoni...

Lake Wales Police Officers spread holiday cheer.

More than 70 children got an extra special Christmas, the chance to shop and pick out Christmas gifts with Lake Wales Police officers and volunteers from the Police Officers Association (POA). The 13th annual Shop with a Cop event was held on Dec. 16 at W...

Congratulations to Stephanie Edwards, Support Services and Recreation Manager

The City of Lake Wales congratulates Stephanie Edwards, Support Services and Recreation Manager, for her achievement in becoming a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).

“I am proud of wha...

Congratulations to Autumn Cochella, Development Services Manager

The City of Lake Wales congratulates Autumn Cochella, Development Services Manager, for her achievement becoming a nationally certified planner by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). Autumn is the most recent certified planner to represen...