Lake Wales residents seek affordable office space to boost local businesses

Under the warm glow of the Lake Wales City Hall, community members gathered to voice their concerns and aspirations during the City Commission Regular Meeting on June 17, 2025. Among them was a passionate resident who highlighted the challenges faced by local businesses, particularly the struggle for affordable office space in the area.

This resident, who operates a nonprofit organization, expressed frustration over the necessity to travel to Winter Haven for business needs, emphasizing the importance of serving the local community. “Why should my nonprofit have to serve other communities as opposed to serving the community that I'm a part of?” they asked, urging city officials to consider immediate solutions while long-term plans are being developed.

The discussion shifted as Charlene Bennett took the floor, addressing concerns about the Hunt Club Groves area. She pointed out that the lack of adopted aspirations should not hinder the development of desirable spaces. “Hunt Club didn’t need aspirations for you to make it a desirable place,” she asserted, calling for proactive measures to enhance the community's appeal.

As the meeting unfolded, it became clear that the residents of Lake Wales are eager for action. They seek not only to foster local businesses but also to create an environment where community members can thrive without the burden of traveling elsewhere. The city officials listened intently, aware that the voices of their constituents carry the weight of future development and community well-being.

With discussions like these, the path forward for Lake Wales seems to be one of collaboration and urgency, as residents and officials alike work towards a shared vision for a vibrant and accessible community.