The Lake Wales City Commission voted 3-2 to approve Ordinance 2025-17, creating an ACE (entertainment) district that allows public consumption of alcoholic beverages within a defined downtown boundary. The ordinance was read by title at the meeting and advanced after public comment and commission debate.

The ordinance matters because supporters said it will help downtown businesses and hospitality events grow while opponents warned it could increase public intoxication and expose children to drinking. Dolores Vogel, vice president of Lake Wales Main Street, told the commission the district will support downtown revitalization and cited positive experience with alcohol at organized events: "During these events, there have been no incidents of unpleasant behavior at all," she said, urging the commission to adopt the ordinance.

Opponents at the public hearing and during the commission discussion voiced concerns about everyday public consumption. One commissioner said they were "concerned about the effect of this ordinance on the youth population, being exposed to a lot of drinking and inebriated people," and declined to support the measure. Another commissioner said existing special-event permits already allow regulated alcohol at downtown events and questioned why everyday public consumption should be expanded.

Commission discussion noted local experience with downtown events such as wine walks and concerts; several speakers said those events have not produced public-drinking problems. Supporters argued the ordinance provides a consistent framework for businesses and visitors, and that law enforcement already has tools to address public inebriation. The commission heard from business and downtown stakeholders who said the ordinance is intended to increase foot traffic and economic activity by allowing people to move between stores and restaurants with beverages purchased from participating businesses.

The vote was recorded as: Commissioner Thompson — yes; Deputy Mayor Gibson — yes; Commissioner Williams — no; Commissioner Gillespie — no; Mayor Hillegas — yes. The measure passed 3-2 on first reading. Several commissioners and members of the public noted the map boundary could be amended later if businesses on adjacent streets seek to join the district.

The ordinance is a first-reading action and can be revised at subsequent readings if the commission chooses. The passage allows downtown businesses and organizers to plan events under the new rules, subject to any implementing regulations the city will publish following the ordinance's adoption.