Lake Wales downtown revival: Historic hotel restoration and new ACE district launch

Lake Wales downtown revival: Historic hotel restoration and new ACE district launch

A massive economic transformation is sweeping through downtown Lake Wales following the approval of a specialized entertainment district and a boutique hotel restoration project.

Downtown Lake Wales Turns Park Avenue Into Polk's First Stroll-and-Sip Zone

Lake Wales has launched Polk County's first open-container district, letting visitors buy a drink from participating businesses and wander the downtown core with it in approved cups. City leaders folded the move into a larger effort to revive the historic center, tying it to long-planned work on the Walesbilt Hotel and recent streetscape upgrades. Many business owners are on board, while some nearby residents are wary about crowding and public i…