Lake Wales, Florida Development News
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Development News from the latest meeting
Lake Wales Considers Right-of-Way Vacation Amidst Resident Concerns Over Erosion and Ownership
The commission held a first reading and public hearing for Ordinance 2026-23, concerning the vacation of a right-of-way east of 9th Street North. Residents expressed concerns about potential erosion, responsibility for maintenance, and ownership of the vacated property. A resident noted that the city had begun filling erosion areas. The commission clarified that legally, half the vacated property would go to the owner to the south and half to the owner to the north, with the association taking one half and Mr. Daly the other. The property was previously used for an old pumping station, which has been removed. A future step will classify the property as surplus and authorize its sale. The commission emphasized that this is a first reading and encouraged further communication before the second reading.
Lake Wales Commission Approves Multiple Zoning, Land Use, and Annexation Ordinances
The commission considered Ordinance 2026-11, a second reading and public hearing to amend Chapter 23 of the Lake Wales Code of Ordinances, specifically Article 6, Division 4, regarding Public Facilities and Impact Fees. The ordinance aims to supplement the existing regulations by providing a definition for collection items and establishing an effective date. Following discussion, the ordinance was approved by roll call vote. Additionally, the commission addressed Ordinance 2026-12, concerning the annexation of approximately 164 acres east of Hunt Brothers Road. This second reading and public hearing also included a clarification regarding the property's distinction from another parcel. The ordinance was subsequently approved via roll call vote. Further, Ordinance 2026-13, also a second reading and public hearing, proposed amending the future land use map of the comprehensive plan for the same 164-acre parcel, changing designations from county RS (residential suburban) to city MDR (medium density residential). This ordinance also passed by roll call. Ordinance 2026-14, another second reading and public hearing, focused on amending the zoning map for the 164-acre parcel from county RS (residential suburban) to city R3 (residential). This was approved by roll call vote. Finally, Ordinance 2026-15, a second reading and public hearing, proposed amending the future land use map for approximately 47 acres north of State Road 60 and west of Caps Road, changing designations from county RS (residential suburban) to city LDR (low density residential). This ordinance was also approved by roll call vote. Ordinance 2026-16, a second reading and public hearing, amended the zoning map for the 47-acre parcel from county RS (residential suburban) to city R1B (residential). This ordinance was approved by roll call vote.
Lake Wales Appoints Members to Historic District, Planning & Zoning Boards; Alternate Role Considered
During the board appointments segment, the commission considered several candidates for various boards. Joy Pruitt was appointed to the Historic District Regulatory Board. Mr. Bud Colburn and Mr. Robin Gibson were appointed to the Planning and Zoning Board. Mr. Ralph Marino was recommended and vetted for an alternate board member position on the Planning and Zoning Board, with the understanding that an ordinance would be put in place to formally add this role. The discussion also touched upon the duties and qualifications of board members and the importance of volunteerism.
Lake Wales Proposes Rezoning for Hotel Development on Highway 27
The commission reviewed Ordinance 2026-22, a first reading and public hearing to amend the zoning map for approximately two acres east of U.S. Highway 27 and along Ridgeway. The amendment changes the zoning designation from R1B (residential) to C3 (highway commercial) to support a new hotel approved by the Planning and Zoning Board. The purpose is to ensure the entire property parcel has a consistent commercial zoning designation. The ordinance passed its first reading.
Citizens Urge Action on Downtown Maintenance and LGBTQ+ Recognition
During the public comment and petitions section, Mr. Howard Davies expressed strong support for the new downtown enhanced minimum property maintenance ordinance, emphasizing the need to address blight and neglect of historic properties. He specifically highlighted the Stuart Dunn Oliver House as an example of public neglect that conflicts with the ordinance's intent for private property owners. He urged the commission to pass the ordinance while also committing to saving the founders' house. Ms. Becky Weincoop spoke about the lack of a Pride proclamation, advocating for the recognition of the LGBTQ+ community and their contributions, and drawing a parallel to 'taxation without representation' if they are not acknowledged.
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The Lake Wales News archive
City Commission Workshop Meeting 07-01-26
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting 07-01-2026
City Commission Regular Meeting 06-16-2026
City Commission Workshop Meeting 06-10-26
City Commission Regular Meeting 06-02-2026
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting 06-02-2026
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