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Lake Wales adopts 'Arts, Cultural and Entertainment' district to expand downtown alcohol sales
Summary
The Lake Wales City Commission approved Ordinance 2025-17 on second reading to modify zoning and alcohol rules, expanding areas downtown where alcoholic beverages may be sold and consumed. The measure passed 3-2 after a commission debate on the district's name and purpose.
The Lake Wales City Commission voted 3-2 to adopt Ordinance 2025-17, which amends zoning and alcoholic-beverage sections of the city code to expand where alcohol may be sold and consumed in the downtown area.
Commissioner Williams opposed the ordinance, saying the new designation masked the change in rules. “I just would like to question why it's being called the Arts, Cultural And Entertainment District ... It should be called the Drinking District,” Commissioner Williams said during the second reading and public hearing.
Supporters said the change would allow more outdoor seating and alcohol service in parts of downtown to support business activity. The ordinance was read by title on second reading and includes amendments to Chapter 23 (Zoning, Land Use and Development Regulations) and Chapter 5 (Alcoholic Beverages) of the city code; the reading named specific sections and mapped correspondence between zoning districts and the comprehensive plan.
After motion and second, the commission conducted a roll-call vote: Commissioner Thompson — yes; Deputy Mayor Gibson — yes; Commissioner Gillespie — no; Commissioner Williams — no; Mayor Hillgoss — yes. The motion passed 3-2.
The commission did not receive public comment on the ordinance at the second reading. The ordinance’s text, as read into the record, updates definitions and prohibits certain alcohol activities within specified distances of churches and schools while expanding permitted alcohol sales and outdoor seating in the newly designated district.
No implementation schedule or effective date beyond 'providing for an effective date' was stated during the reading; staff did not present additional technical details at the public hearing.
