Lake Wales approves annexation and mixed‑use Stone Ridge master plan over public objections

The City of Lake Wales commission voted to annex about 1,202 acres south of State Road 60 and approve a 1,285‑acre Stone Ridge master development plan that calls for a mix of industrial, commercial and residential uses.

The master development plan, staff said, envisions as many as about 2,400 single‑family homes, roughly 550 multifamily units, about 4,000,000 square feet of industrial space and roughly 410,000 square feet of mixed‑use development, with a proposed public‑use area between the industrial and residential sections. Planning staff recommended approval and the Planning & Zoning Board had recommended the MDP on May 1.

Why it matters: The project would create large industrial pads adjacent to rail and the municipal airport and add thousands of housing units. Supporters said the industrial component could bring higher‑paying jobs and broaden the city’s economic base; opponents said the scale of residential entitlement will strain water, roads and airport operations and represents speculative land annexation.

Key facts and votes - Annexation: The commission approved annexation for roughly 1,202 acres as a first reading; roll call recorded a 4‑1 vote (Commissioner Gillespie opposed). - Future Land Use Map change and zoning: The commission approved changing the city comprehensive plan designation to MU (mixed use) for approximately 1,285 acres and assigned PDMU (planned development‑mixed use) zoning; votes were 4‑1 with Commissioner Gillespie voting no. - MDP approval and related map/zoning items: The commission approved the MDP and related map amendments, with the dissenting vote pattern noted above.

What staff and the…