LAA 52nd Annual Fine Arts Exhibition at FSC / Melvin Gallery
Since the Lakeland Arts Association’s (formerly the Lakeland Art Guild) Fine Arts Exhibition inception in 1972, the LAA has sponsored an annual exhibition at Florida Southern College Melvin Gallery. The affiliation of the LAA with FSC for the annual exhibition goes back to 1972. Under the LAG leadership of Chryssie Taverides, John Streetman, director of the Polk Museum of Art, initiated the annual LAG Fine Art Exhibition. As a professionally juried and judged exhibition, monetary awards were established, and a Peoples’ Choice Award was initiated. While the monetary awards were selected by the judge, the public voted on their personal Best of Show – an award that sometimes meant more to the artists than the cash awards!
By 1975 the LAG needed a new venue for their annual juried exhibitions. Floyd Bombard, then LAG president, agreed that Mary Lou Hartweg would discuss the possibility of holding it at FSC Melvin Gallery with Dr. Donna Stoddard, chair of the college’s art department. The Lakeland Art Guild was awarded a March date on a probationary status for three years. If the shows were successful, the LAG Fine Art Exhibition would become part of the FSC Festival of Fine Arts. Upon Dr. Stoddard’s retirement, the LAG held the annual March exhibition under the auspices of Downing Barnitz. Upon his retirement, newly named chair, Dr. Hiames Rogers moved the date from March to three weeks in May.
The LAA 52nd Annual Fine Arts Exhibition at FSC Melvin Gallery is coming up with an Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony July 19, 6:00 – 8:00pm. The exhibition will hang through August 5. Artists will compete for an award package of $3000.00. This year’s juror and judge is Dr. Alex Rich, director of the Polk Museum of Art. Dr. Rich will present the awards at the opening ceremony with remarks about the winning selections.
The history of the Lakeland Arts Association goes back to the 1950’s. The trio of founders included Mary Carter, Winnie Shelheimer and Murray Goldsborough who brought the guild to life in 1952, naming their organization the Lakeland Art Guild. In 1956 the guild was incorporated, a logo created, and the Lakeland Art Guild became official. The Lakeland Art Guild enjoys a rich history spanning their days at Tigertown at Joker Marchant stadium to today. In 2022 the Lakeland Art Guild changed their name to the Lakeland Arts Association with a new logo that projects a diverse community of creatives. The Lakeland Arts Association is one of Polk County’s oldest and most prestigious arts organizations.
Local Polk County Teen Hayleigh Rodgers Ranks 134th out of 585 at 2024 NBHA State Championships
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by James Coulter
The bad news is that Hayleigh Rodgers, a 14-year-old high school student from Frostproof High School, was only five spots away from reaching the finals at the 2024 NBHA State Final in Kissimmee, Fl last weekend.
The good news was that she was able to provide rodeo-riding experience to two of her horses, including 18-year-old mare Reba and a 5-year-old gelding Snoopy.
Her five-year-old horse proved skittish at first, what with this being his first competition. His first-round competition had him complete a 26-second run. From there, both Hayleigh and him took it slow the rest of the competition that week.
“It was his first time,” she said. “He was really confused about it all. He didn’t know what going on. He was really stressed out. He took off with me in the warmup area. However, I did get back on him and I took him back in there.”
As for her 18-year-old mare, they experienced their fastest time riding in that arena, which lasted approximately 15.3 seconds. Having attended that rodeo for the past five years, she was able to ride her fastest time ever that past week, Hayleigh said.
“My past week was really stressful, but it was also really fun at the same time,” she said. “I really have to put my trust into my horses and trust that they will take care of me and that helps them trust me to take care of them.”
Rodgers has been horseback riding since she was six years old. Recently, she was named the 3D Youth World Champion last years. Her awards included a championship belt buckle, two finalist buckles, a customized leather jacket, a new saddle, and $2,500 in cash.
Having ridden for nearly a decade, Rodgers has learned that the secret to riding horses is to remain calm. She and her father talk with each other before her runs, helping her to calm down before the competition.
“He stands there the whole time before I run to talk and it helps me to relax and that helps the horses relax,” she said. “I loved hanging out with the horses, friends and family. Having fun out there is really all that matters, just having fun and making memories.”
Hopefully, by their next competition, her five-year-old horse will have worked up the strength and courage to run better in the arena. Rodgers hopes to train him well before then.
“I want to put in more work with my five-year-old to help him get ready for next year so he will be ready for state and world finals. And [also] moving up in my career to benefit myself and my horses,” she said.
Summer vacation is finally upon us. The kids are out of school. Everyone wants to watch a movie. But ticket prices are insanely high. And so are streaming service subscriptions.
So, what are you and the kids going to do to get your family flick fix this summer? Wouldn’t it be nice if you could watch a family feature film for only $1? Well, good news! You can do just that at Regal Theaters during their Summer Movie Express.
Yes! All summer long, you and the kids can go to the movies for only $1 per ticket. Just visit on Tues. and Wed. at 11 AM at participating Regal Theaters, including Regal Eagle Ridge Mall in Lake Wales and Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas in Davenport.
From June 11 through Aug. 7, you and the family can enjoy quality family entertainment, whether you want a paw-some time with the Paw Patrol, spider-slinging action with Spider-Man, or go fast with Sonic the Hedgehog. Best of all, with these movies mostly being rated G and PG, you can know for certain these films are suitable for all ages.
And what’s a trip to the movies without a popcorn and drink? But don’t worry! You won’t have to burn a hole in your pocket. With the $5 Snack Pack, your little one can enjoy junior-sized drink, snack-sized popcorn, and fruit snacks.
A movie and refreshments for only $6? What deal could be better? Well, if you join the Regal Crown Club, you can get 50 percent off popcorn every Tuesday! Even better, regular movie tickets are only $5 on that day, too! Wow! What a deal!
Here are the dates and times for upcoming movies within the Regal Summer Movie Express (please contact theaters to confirm showtimes and movie lineup):
Tues. June 25: Despicable Me 3
Wed. June 26: Migration
Tues. July 2: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Wed. July 3: Paw Patrol: The Movie
Tues. July 9: Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse
Wed. July 10: Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie
Tues. July 16: Sonic The Hedgehog
Wed. July 17: Clifford the Big Red Dog
Tues. July 23: Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Wed. July 24: Trolls Band Together
Tues. July 30: Kung Fu Panda 3
Wed. July 31: Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile
Tues. Aug. 6: Sing 2
Wed. Aug. 7: Minions: The Rise of Gru
Regal Theaters is located at Eagle Ridge Mall, located at 51 Eagle Ridge Dr, Lake Wales, FL 33859. For more information, call 844-462-7342, or visit https://www.regmovies.com/theatres/regal-eagle-ridge-mall-0466
Americans are more politically divided than ever before. Nearly 86 percent of Americans claim both parties are more focused on fighting each other than on solving problems, according to the Pew Research Center.
With the next presidential election on the horizon, political tensions continue to rise–along with the blood pressure of most Americans. About 65 percent say they feel exhausted thinking about politics, Pew reports.
Fortunately, one local college student believes he can heal our nation’s political divide, and he claims his new book has the answers!
With a highly-contentious presidential election right around the corner, Southeastern University student Antonio Ancaya has published “Awaken: The Rise of the Populist,” in which he addresses America’s growing political divide and proposes suggestions on how to heal it.
“When you look at our world today, you see that it is very politically polarized,” Ancaya said. “I truly believe the polarization that we see in the world is because there is not enough balance showing both sides…The only way for our country to heal from this polarization is by showing both sides and emphasizing what [they are] presenting.”
Ancaya graduated from the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Lake Wales High School. As an avid runner, he received an athletic scholarship to run cross country and track at Southeastern University in Lakeland.
The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns during his sophomore year in high school awakened him to the many political problems currently plaguing our country. He noticed how the lockdowns left many people, especially young people like himself, feeling isolated and thus disconnected from others.
“When everything started shutting down. I could not help but think to myself that we will have an entire generation of students who are unable to think critically. He said. “They have their education, but it is being squandered because of all of these lockdowns. Online learning does not really help anybody, to be honest. I knew a lot of people personally who did not have access to computers or reliable Wi-Fi, and those people, they could not finish. So, I really wanted to change that, and I wanted to make sure something like that never happens again in our country.”
As a conservative, one of his core beliefs is an America First national and economic policy. In his book, he argues that most of America’s current political problems began in the 1980s with most industries being outsourced to other countries like China, Mexico, and India. He firmly believes in preserving and creating American jobs for American workers.
“Everyone talks about unemployment, but we do not emphasize enough about underemployment,” he said. “It is not just blue-collar labor work. It is upper management positions as well. The upper management level. Because these jobs are going to India and China, we have the most college graduates who are working in service jobs that are lower paying.”
Ancaya is currently studying international business with a minor in political science. Upon graduation, he aspires either starting his career in public policy either in Washington D.C. or in a political think tank like the Heritage Foundation or the Leadership Institute.
As for the upcoming election and how it affects political polarization, he claims the biggest challenge will be for both political parties to accept the results no matter who is elected president. Our political institutions are only as strong as our collective faith in them, he states.
“I think that the biggest challenge will be on both sides,” he said. “I do not think either side will accept the results of the elections. And it is a real shame. It will only lead to further divide and to further polarization. I discuss that we are heading to civil war because that is where this political division is headed.”
Dr. Rich Swier, political columnist and former talk radio host, recently reviewed Ancaya’s book on his blog. He called it a “thought-provoking journey” on America’s ever-changing collective identity and how that identity change has affected its people.
“[It] is more than a book—it’s a call to action. A reflection on the past, a stark analysis of the present, and a hopeful vision for tomorrow,” Dr. Swier wrote. “It challenges readers to reconsider their assumptions, confront their fears, and embrace the potential of a brighter tomorrow. This is the time to make a difference, to stand firm against the liberal establishment’s narrative, and to champion cherished civil rights for all Americans.”
“Awaken: The Rise of the Populist” is currently available on Amazon in paperback and e-book: https://a.co/d/0d5Txtnn
On June 12, more than 50 Lake Wales residents gathered to race purple ducks for a cause. Water’s Edge at Lake Wales hosted the event for the Alzheimer’s Association’s The Longest Day initiative. Attendees raced purple ducks, raising more than $700 for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disease that impacts thinking, memory and behavior. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 18,000 Polk County residents are estimated to be living with the disease. Florida has the second highest number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s in the U.S.
Age is the greatest risk factor, with the risk for Alzheimer’s doubling every five years after age 65. Other risk factors include family history, genetics and lifestyle.
A dramatic increase in research funding over the last decade through events like The Longest Day has resulted in new treatments for Alzheimer’s that have been shown to slow the progression of the disease. Additional treatments are expected to receive FDA approval in 2024.
For more information, visit alz.org/TLD or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.
A viral post released on Facebook, purportedly from an employee, shows Lakeland Hooters abruptly and permanently closed. If this post is true, unfortunately no press release or statement, it wouldn’t be the first time a Hooters closed abruptly with no warning to employees or the community. According to an article in the Arcadiana Advocate a similar situation happened at a Louisiana location in January. Abruptly closed with no warmth at all to employees.
According to multiple comments by purported employees the company had a meeting and advised all employees this morning and everyone including management was let go. Here is an excerpt of a letter, reportedly by the company, to employees:
“6/23/2024
Dear Hooters of Lakeland Team Members,
Like many restaurants under pressure from current market conditions, Hooters has made the difficult decision to close a select number of underperforming stores including the Hooters of Lakeland located at 3437 South Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33803, effective today, June 23, 2024. We deeply regret that we were not able to give you notice. Please trust that we did everything we could to avoid closing this location and the decision was not made lightly. We appreciate your hard work of and dedication and support of the Hooters Brand”
Letter shared on Facebook
Here are some comments by purported employees:
The DailyRidge has reached out to Hooters Of America LLC. for comment, but as of this article no response has been received.
This is a developing story and we will update as more information is released.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Founder of DuckDuckJeep Movement, Allison Parliament, Passes Away
June 22, 2024 – It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Allison Parliament, the visionary founder of the DuckDuckJeep movement, on June 22, 2024. Allison’s kindness, creativity, and passion have left an indelible mark on the Jeep community and beyond.
In the summer of 2020, amidst the global challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Allison Parliament started the DuckDuckJeep movement. What began as a simple act of kindness, leaving rubber ducks on Jeeps to spread joy and positivity, quickly became an international phenomenon. Jeep owners and enthusiasts embraced the movement, which became a symbol of unity, camaraderie, and unexpected happiness in trying times.
Allison’s inspiration for DuckDuckJeep came from her desire to uplift others. She believed that small gestures could make a significant impact, and she proved this through her unwavering commitment to spreading smiles one duck at a time. Her movement brought together a diverse community, fostering new friendships and creating a shared sense of belonging among Jeep enthusiasts worldwide.
Allison was the heart and soul of DuckDuckJeep and a beloved member of her local community. She was known for her generosity, her infectious enthusiasm, and her dedication to making the world a better place. Her legacy is one of kindness and connection, reminding us of the power of simple acts of kindness.
In honor of Allison’s memory, the DuckDuckJeep community plans to continue her mission of spreading joy. Tributes and messages of condolences have been pouring in from all corners of the globe, reflecting her profound impact on so many lives.
Allison Parliament is survived by her family and countless friends who will cherish her memory and continue to be inspired by her remarkable spirit. We ask you to keep Allison’s spirit alive with a Duck-a-thon Sunday and support the #ducksforallison.
About DuckDuckJeep DuckDuckJeep is a global movement founded in 2020 by Allison Parliament. It encourages Jeep owners to leave rubber ducks on other Jeeps as a gesture of kindness, fostering a sense of community and spreading positivity. What began as a simple act has become a worldwide phenomenon, bringing smiles to countless faces and uniting Jeep enthusiasts everywhere.
The City Commission is planning for the reinstatement of a Municipal Pool and Aquatics Program, and they want to hear from Bartow residents!
When the City last operated a municipal pool, it was located at the Civic Center on S. Floral Ave. Constructed in 1967, that pool has been closed for several years due to operational issues.
The Commission is considering two locations for a new Pool / Aquatics Program. In addition, the City is looking at other amenities that will enhance our community as part of the Parks & Recreation spending plan.
More information about the options, as well as a link to the survey is available here: Pool / Aquatics Program In addition, paper copies of the information and survey can be accessed at all City facilities including the Civic Center, Polk Street Community Center, Carver Recreation Center, City Hall, the Bartow Public Library and the Golf Course.
Please take a moment to learn more about the potential for an Aquatics Program and complete the survey to ensure your voice is heard.
Aquatics Program Options
City Of Bartow Aquatics Program Proposals
The City of Bartow City Commission is planning for the reinstatement of a Municipal Pool and Aquatics Program. When the City last operated a municipal pool, it was located at the Civic Center, 2250 S. Floral Ave. Constructed in 1967, that pool has been closed for several years due to operational issues. Locker room facilities, including changing booths, restroom facilities and showers still are available at this facility.
The goals for a pool and aquatics program include:
Teach children within our community to swim with year-round learn-to-swim programs
Provide families with a water entertainment amenity
Establish an aquatics program for all ages to include activities like water aerobics and wellness programs
Offer a training option for local swimmers
The City Commission is considering the two location options for an Aquatics Program. In addition, the City is looking at other amenities that will enhance our community as part of the Parks & Recreation Spending plan.
The Aquatics Program Options are as follows:
OPTION 1:
The establishment of an Aquatics Center at the Oaks Building, 455 N. Wilson Ave. (the site of a City Recreation Center built in the 1930s – now vacant). This proposed concept aims to revitalize this locally significant site into a state-of-the-art community hub for recreation and wellness by creating a new aquatics facility. The proposed Aquatics Center would honor the site’s multifaceted history, from its New Deal origins to its educational and civic roles. Admission fees would be required.
This concept would include:
Exercise, activity & recreation pool with six 25-yard exercise lanes
Children’s pool with play structure and zero depth pool entry
Replacement of the current pool at the Bartow Civic Center. This proposed concept aims to remove the existing pool and replace it with the Aquatic Center Design. This design does not include concessions. The existing locker rooms/restrooms would be utilized. Admission fees would be required.
The design would include:
Six 25-yard exercise lanes
Zero-depth pool entry
Children’s pool with play structure
“Splash Pad” interactive water feature
Shaded event pavilion
Pump & filter equipment
With this concept, there would be no Outdoor Rental Venue or Recreation Lawn constructed.
Estimated costs:
Construction – $3.93 million
Personnel – $406,835
Operational – $61,000
Maintenance and Repair – $25,000
Total Operating Expenses – $492,835*
* Does not include potential revenue
ADDITONAL AMENITIES:
SPLASH PADS
The City is considering future construction of 2000 to 2,500 square foot Splash Pads within the City of Bartow. This type of facility allows the City to incorporate a water feature at lower operational costs. Admission would be free.
Possible locations for the splash pads would be the following:
Carver Recreation Center, 520 S. Herbert Dixon Blvd.
Polk Street Community Center, 1255 W. Polk St.
Mary Holland Park, 2015 Shumate Dr.
Estimated cost (each):
Construction – $1.5 million
Personnel – $52,310 (based at $15/hr)
Operational – $10,000
Maintenance – $10,000
Total Operating Expenses – $72,310
OUTDOOR VENUE AND RECREATION LAWN
Either as a stand alone project or in addition to Option 1, the existing (inoperable) Bartow Civic Center pool area would be filled in and an Outdoor Rental Venue along with a Recreation Lawn with concrete games, sitting areas and other amenities would be created.
Estimated Cost:
Construction (including filling in existing pool) – $3.1 million
Personnel – $52,310
Operational – $8,000
Maintenance – $5,000
Total Operating Expenses – $65,310
SEEKING PUBLIC INPUT
Survey
The Mayor and City Commission, along with the City Manager and other City leadership want to hear from Bartow citizens regarding these options and the other choices that will need to be made when establishing a new Aquatics Program for Bartow.
In addition, paper copies are being distributed and collected at all City facilities, including the Public Library, Carver Recreation Center, the Civics Center, Polk Street Community Center, the Golf Course and City Hall. Please see a City staff member at any facility if you require assistance with the survey.
Responses must be submitted by 5pm on Friday, July 19.Public Meeting
Want to know more? Make plans to attend a public meeting being held on Tuesday, July 9, from 6 – 8pm in the Commission Chambers at Bartow City Hall, 450 N. Wilson Ave.
PIRTLE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, THE CONSTRUCTION MANAGER TEAM FOR THE PROJECT, IS SOLICITING BIDS FROM QUALIFIED SUBCONTRACTORS AND VENDORS FOR THE CITY OF HAINES CITY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER, LOCATED ON PARK PLACE BLVD, DAVENPORT, FL 33837. THE PROJECT IS THE OF CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER AND FIRE STATION 2-STORY BUILDING OF APPROXIMATELY 26,000 TOTAL SF. TRADES INCLUDE TILT UP CONCRETE, STRUCTURAL STEEL & MISC METALS, MILLWORK & CABINETS, METAL WALL PANELS, METAL ROOFING, CAULKING & SEALANTS, METAL DOORS & FRAMES, OVERHEAD DOORS, WINDOWS GLAZING & STOREFRONT, FRAMING, DRYWALL & PLASTER, CERAMIC & QUARRY TILE, ACOUSTIC CEILINGS, RESILIENT FLOORING & CARPET, PAINTING, RESINOUS EPOXY FLOORING, SPECIALTIES, SIGNAGE, OPERABLE PARTITIONS, ALUMINUM WALKWAY COVERS, FIRE SUPPRESSION, PLUMBING, HVAC, ELECTRICAL, EARTHWORK & PAVING, FENCE & GATES, AND LANDSCAPING. THE PROJECTED START OF THE PROJECT IS SEPTEMBER 2024. A NON-MANDATORY PRE-BID MEETING/SITE VISIT AT THE PROJECT SITE WILL BE SCHEDULED AT A LATER DATE. TOPICS OF THE MEETING INCLUDE SPECIFIC SCOPE DISCUSSIONS, PROJECT SCHEDULE AND ANY OTHER BIDDING REQUIREMENTS. BIDS ARE REQUIRED VIA EMAIL BY JULY 30, 2024, AT 5:00 PM. BID CONTACT: SCOTT LARSON, [email protected] 954-343-5945
“Thank you”, again to Carl and the Daily Ridge team for giving me this opportunity to address concerns of Lake Wales citizens. In my first article, I tried to give as much information as I could in the appropriate space for the Daily Ridge on the issue of growth and development in the city. I will return to those issues briefly at the end of this article but, for now, here are some other areas I received several questions about.
Economic Development
Questions and concerns about economic development in our town usually cluster around employment and consumer opportunities. At the base of all these questions however is the issue of raising income levels for people who live in our city.
Creating Jobs
In the first article, I mentioned one reason for the housingboom in our area is the decline of the citrus industry. The last two decades have been harsh on grove owners. A steep decline in the Citrus Industry coincided with rapid population growth of the post-Covid years. Those concurrent realities have led to many, multi-generational, citrus growers selling large tracts of land to developers. This is done for various reasons; however, I have had several conversations with landowners who use a substantial amount of the proceeds from these sales in attemptsto revitalize and sustain the viable groves which remain. Still, the crop that was the economic heart and soul of this county for generations has declined.
When Hunt Brothers closed its operations, it cost Lake Wales 125 jobs. Conservative estimates from citrus industry leadershave Lake Wales losing 500 jobs and $30 million annually in local income due to this decline. Added to this is the persistent reality that median income for Lake Wales residents still lags national, state, and even other Polk County cities. We must find ways to diversify our economy by attracting businesses which pay residents well.
The City of Lake Wales is attempting to do that first by working cooperatively with our Economic Development Council. In 2022, the EDC hired Skip Alford as their CEO. A major part of Mr. Alford’s job is to scout and recruit businesses/employers who are looking to expand or relocate, to come to Lake Wales. The city underwrites a significant portion of the operating expenses for the EDC to do this. The city also earned a grant this year and, along with the EDC, hired the Central Florida Regional Planning Council to develop a long-term plan to recruit large scale employers from qualified target industries (https://www.cfdc.org) to Lake Wales. We alsoadopted incentive packages for businesses who will make at least a $3 million dollar capital investment in Lake Wales, employ at least 10 people, pay an annual wage 115% the current average in Polk County or better, and provide employee benefit packages that include health insurance. Our EDC director has also expressed a desire to see more of our available land zoned to be used for these types of industry.
In 2023, Advanced Drainage Systems, one of the nation’s leading providers of innovative water management solutions, announced it would build a new, state-of-the-art pipe manufacturing facility in Lake Wales. They broke ground on the 100-acre site this spring. When the facility is built out and operational, it will provide over 200, close-to-home jobs for Lake Wales residents with starting salaries well above median levels and full benefits packages. This company has a tremendous record of environmental responsibility and is already proving to be a wonderful partner to our city. (https://www.adspipe.com/lake-wales)
Creating Opportunities
The second set of questions around economic development usually center on dining, entertainment, and shopping opportunities for citizens. Again, in 2023, Lake Wales took the step of partnering with a Retail Strategies to locate and recruit these types of businesses. The immediate fruit of that partnership has been some new restaurants-like Freddy’s and Slim Chickens which both opened on Hwy. 27 this year. We also have a new Dunkin Donuts opening on Hwy. 60 this year and will soon see a Panera Bread on Hwy. 27. We continue to work with Retail Strategies and have had conversations with a few other, nationally known, restaurant chains which are real possibilities for the near future.
Supporting Small, Local, Business
Lake Wales is home to many, local, entrepreneurs who have deep roots and have made personal investment in our city. We want to do our best to create an environment that aides in their success.
We pursue this objective primarily through three agencies: Lake Wales Main Street, Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce, and The Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency. The city gives financial support to Main Street and the Chamber. These organizations work to support and promote local businesses-in the case of Main Street, focusing on businesses located downtown-in various ways. They offer help in marketing, some coaching and networking opportunities, and conduct events/campaigns designed to bring attention and customers to these local businesses.
The City Commission of Lake Wales serves as the governing board of the CRA as well and over the last few years the CRA has made significant investments in the historic downtown and northwest neighborhoods of our city. In 2021, we adopted “Lake Wales Connected” a multi-million-dollar renovation plan. In 2022 we secured the financing and launched the renovation. Any project like this will be difficult and unsettling for a time, but the results are going to be stunning! We are hoping to complete the work on Park Avenue and Market Street Plaza in the fall of 2024. This year, you will also see huge investments in new sidewalks and treescapes between Florida Ave. and J.A. Wiltshire.
Along with this, the CRA has made investments into several, local, businesses with grants given to restaurant and shop owners to renovate buildings for commercial use in both the downtown and Northwest neighborhoods. To date the CRA has invested in the start-up of 8 local restaurants. We also invested in the launch of Biz Linc, a small business incubator on Lincoln Ave., in 2023. This incubator is currently helping over 20 small business owners with office-space and small business coaching from their location. I intend to write more about this investment in one of the two future articles.
Lake Wales Main Street has worked in conjunction with other organizations to conduct a wonderful series of events, concerts, markets designed to bring people downtown to the local businesses.
Finally, the CRA is looking into other ways we can express gratitude and provide help to those businesses downtown who have weathered this difficult, but exciting, time of transition.
An Invitation
I’ve received a good amount of response to my first article for the Daily Ridge through personal interaction, emails, texts, and of course comments on social media. So, I want to finish this article with a few, quick, bullet points and an invitation.
• The numbers on development I shared with you in my first article are the accurate numbers for current development in our city. They come straight from our planning department.
• My intent wasn’t to deny the reality of growth that is coming but to counter inaccurate statements about the rate of population growth in Lake Wales.
• I felt like it would be helpful for citizens to understand the process a city and a developer goes through for building to take place because there is so much misinformation around that topic and knowing this process might lead to more thoughtful suggestions.
• I am not trying to deny the responsibility of any local municipality but only hoping that people in Lake Wales will understand the limits of what the City Commission can control-that is what happens inside our city limits only.Much of what we are experiencing in Lake Wales is the result of growth we have no control over. And that is true of every municipality in Polk County.
• I think most people who live here struggle with the rapid growth of Polk County and how it has changed our way of life. However, knowing how to manage that growth in a realistic way that doesn’t violate property rights, or the law is a challenge. Municipalities who are overly punitive in attempts to mitigate growth can land in legal trouble quickly and, no matter what any municipality does, every landowner in Florida has an underlying right to sell and develop their property according to uses already approved in Land Use Plans.
But I will end with the invitation. I am sincere when I write that I would listen to any realistic, creative, and legal ideas you may have. I will also do my best to answer any questions or find answers to any of your questions. Email me at [email protected]
Or call the city office and ask for an appointment and I will set a time to hear your thoughts and concerns.
