by James Coulter
The Lake Wales Municipal Airport will soon be able to replace its weather reporting equipment and rotating beacon now that the city commission has authorized an agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
At their regular meeting on Tues. Aug. 19, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioner voted unanimously to approve a resolution to authorize an agreement with the FFA to provide funding for new equipment at the city’s airport.
The funding will go toward the replacement of the airport’s existing Weather Reporting Equipment (AWOS) and Rotating Beacon with upgraded equipment.
“Our current AWOS is in constant need of repair, and our Beacon is very outdated,” wrote Airport Director Amanda Lomneck. “The new Beacon will allow for easier and safer ways to replace parts. The new AWOS-II will provide more accurate and up-to-date weather information for pilots.”
The project will be funded 95 percent by the FAA through an Airport Improvement Grant awarded to the city. The remaining 5 percent will be funded by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
