Lake Wales has recently achieved significant recognition and funding for its urban development initiatives. During a government meeting, officials announced that the city has won two prestigious awards: the Florida Planning and Zoning Association's award and the American Planning Association's award of excellence for its Lake Wales Vision project. An award ceremony is scheduled for September at the Florida planning conference, where city representatives will be honored.

In a major development, Lake Wales has been awarded a $23 million federal grant to support the implementation of the Lake Wales Connected project. This non-matching grant will be utilized for the redevelopment of key areas, including the construction of a streetscape that connects to Lincoln Avenue and the redevelopment of Central Avenue. The grant was secured through a competitive process, with Lake Wales standing out among approximately 1,000 applications vying for a share of $1.8 billion in funding.

Lee Hale, the grant writer for the city, emphasized the significance of this achievement, noting that Lake Wales was competing against major urban centers like New York City and Nashville. The project was highlighted in the official U.S. Department of Transportation press release, showcasing its importance on a national scale. Hale credited the success to the collaborative efforts of the city team and the dedication of his colleague, Hilary Wares, who played a crucial role in the grant application process.

As Lake Wales prepares to embark on these ambitious projects, city officials expressed excitement about the upcoming developments and the positive impact they will have on the community.