Lake Wales swears in two commissioners, names new deputy mayor and honors outgoing deputy mayor Robin Gibson

Keith Thompson and Terry Austin Miller were sworn in as commissioners for the City of Lake Wales during the May 17 meeting, and the commission promptly appointed Thompson to serve as deputy mayor and chair of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).

Telling the assembled crowd he was honored to serve, Commissioner Terry Austin Miller said, “I am honored to be here…I expect to be held accountable,” and pledged to study issues and make decisions she said will benefit Lake Wales over the next decades. The swearing‑in ceremony included both commissioners reciting the oath to support the U.S. and Florida constitutions and to faithfully perform the duties of commissioner.

Mayor Jack Hill and fellow commissioners moved and carried the appointments by voice vote. The commission also named Commissioner Miller the city’s representative to the airport authority and appointed Commissioner Gillespie as the alternate to the Polk Regional Water Cooperative; Thompson will assume the general employees pension board seat previously held by Robin Gibson. All appointments passed by voice vote.

The meeting included public tributes to outgoing Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson. Dolores Vogle, speaking for Lake Wales Main Street, invited Gibson forward and announced a bench dedication in his honor at 244 East Park Avenue, saying the organization was “honored to dedicate the bench…with a plaque in your name.” Community speakers and commissioners praised Gibson for his role restoring downtown and advancing CRA projects.

City Manager announcements following the votes included a reception for Gibson at the Thirsty Dragon after the meeting and a joint groundbreaking for the Growth Manor redevelopment scheduled for June 2 at 10:30 a.m.

The commission adjourned at the end of the agenda.