Expanding Industrial Space and Infrastructure Could Put Lake Wales on a “Pathway to Prosperity,” Study Shows

by James Coulter

Lake Wales faces a pivotal moment. To secure equitable growth and long‑term prosperity, the city must capitalize on its airport, expand its limited industrial land, strengthen supporting infrastructure, and improve environmental and stormwater resilience. That was the key message delivered to city commissioners during a recent briefing from the Central Florida Regional Planning Council.

During their work session late last month, Lake Wales city commissioners were given a presentation outlining how the city, along with the broader southern part of Polk County, could tap into new “Pathways to Prosperity.”

Blake Drury, AICP, said the plan aims to transform the city’s major transportation corridors into “a resilient, connected, and economically strong regional network” by “integrating industrial development, multimodal infrastructure, and environmental stewardship.”

Over 848 square miles of southwest Polk County were studied, focusing on a two‑mile‑wide corridor along State Road 60, US Highway 17, and US Highway 27. From that analysis, six major issues emerged, chief among them a shortage of industrial land and space.

The study identified 14,000 acres designated for industrial use, with 7,190 acres already zoned industrial, though roughly half of that land remains vacant. Stakeholders also “expressed concern” that industrially zoned land near “strategic assets” like airports and logistics centers is increasingly being converted to residential use.

“There is a need to use the corridor to reinforce industrial/commercial land use to prevent incompatible encroachment,” the presentation noted.

The shortage of industrial space is even more severe. The study found a “widespread shortage” of usable buildings, many of them “outdated or poorly maintained.” Of the 16.6 million square feet of industrial space in the study area, only 5.1 million square feet have been built since 2004, and just 198,000 square feet have come online during that period.

Drury said the Economic Development Council hears the same story repeatedly: businesses want to move, but the region could not provide space quickly enough.

“We do not have the inventory in this part of the county to help them,” he said. “If someone wants to bring their business to Lake Wales, there’s simply not much space to put them.”

The study also highlighted the region’s limited ability to support emerging industries. Airports could serve as major “economic anchors,” taking on “increasingly diverse roles in business travel, logistics, and advanced manufacturing,” but coordination and annexation issues continue to hold back that potential.

Infrastructure gaps further complicate growth. Transportation, electricity, and broadband service remain inconsistent, with some areas having up to 12 broadband providers and others far fewer. Environmental and stormwater resilience also pose challenges, particularly around the Peace River and Peace Creek.

To address these issues, the study recommends:

• expanding industrial areas near Bartow Airport, the Intermodal Logistics Center, and Lake Wales Airport;
• improving roadway connections to relieve chokepoints and reduce truck traffic in neighborhoods;
• coordinating with TECO, Duke Energy, and broadband providers to expand capacity;
• and adopting flood‑resilient design standards that encourage green infrastructure.

The city could implement these strategies directly, either fully through its local government, through public‑private partnerships, or by offering incentives to encourage private‑sector investment.

Commissioner Carol Gillespie asked who would directly benefit from the study. Drury said the findings lay out a broad set of needs for the city—most importantly, positioning it to pursue new opportunities for state and federal grants.

“Having this plan in place makes you eligible for other grants,” he said. “So, it opens up other opportunities for funding sources that are out there right now.”

Commissioner Terri Miller asked for examples of other cities that have implemented similar strategies. Drury explained that the study focuses on needs specific to Lake Wales, making its recommendations uniquely tailored to the area and not directly comparable to other cities.

 “You have a bespoke vision,” he said.