The City Commission of Lake Wales, Florida, held a regular meeting on February 18, 2024, addressing several community concerns, notably regarding tree maintenance and public safety.

The meeting commenced with a resident presenting a detailed account of issues related to a tree located at the corner of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Briggs Avenue. The resident expressed frustration over the city's handling of the situation, stating that a tree deemed hazardous had not been adequately addressed by city officials. The resident claimed to have incurred costs of approximately $1,600 for tree maintenance, which they believed was the city's responsibility. They argued that the tree's proximity to the curb and electrical wires posed risks to both motorists and their property.

The resident provided documentation, including a certified mail receipt, indicating that they had previously communicated these concerns to the city manager without receiving a response. They emphasized that the tree should have been measured from the correct property line, which would have clarified the city's responsibility for its maintenance. The resident criticized the city manager's performance, suggesting that their inability to resolve the issue warranted dismissal.

Following this, another resident, identified as Bridal Loz, echoed similar concerns about the tree's growth and its potential danger to passing vehicles and students waiting for school buses. Loz highlighted the visibility issues caused by the tree, reinforcing the need for immediate action to ensure public safety.

The discussions underscored a growing frustration among residents regarding the city's responsiveness to community safety issues. The meeting concluded without a clear resolution, but the concerns raised are expected to prompt further review by city officials. The commission's next steps will likely involve addressing the tree maintenance issue and improving communication with residents to prevent similar situations in the future.