Articles written by Robert Connors
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Annual Empty Bowls Auction is January 31
Enjoying the beauty of art and accomplishing an important social work at the same time is more than enough to draw a crowd to the annual Empty Bowls Action, and the 2023 edition is... — Updated 2/1/2023
Maggie Mae's Ice Cream Shop Adds to Growing Downtown Variety
A growing business community in downtown Lake Wales got a bit stronger this week. The official ribbon-cutting for Maggie Mae's Ice Cream Shop attracted a crowd of fans and... — Updated 2/1/2023
Millions Could Flow to Lake Wales CRA if Expansion Plans Are Realized
In a step that could have enormous financial significance for decades to come, the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency board has received a Finding of Necessity (FON) report f... — Updated 2/1/2023
Increasing Economic Activity is Goal of Downtown Mixed-Use District
A Lake Wales zoning ordinance will create "a new district in form...architectural standards...and parking requirements," and give it economic incentive by "permitting and... — Updated 2/1/2023
Bennett Reflects on Years of Change
It was a relaxed Mark Bennett who shared his thoughts about the many changes both ahead and behind in Lake Wales and Polk County recently. Bennett is stepping down as director of... — Updated 2/1/2023
City Development Services Director Mark Bennett Resigning
Mark Bennett, the senior planner for the City of Lake Wales and department head of Development Services has announced his intention to leave his post effective in two weeks. City Ma... — Updated 1/27/2023
Reinvestment Bankers Find Much to Like During Tour of Lake Wales
An invitation to view and assess potential community investment opportunities in Lake Wales drew representatives from financial institutions looking for opportunities to invest in... — Updated 1/27/2023
Electric Rates May Rise Again for Area Residents, Businesses
Lake Wales area customers of both Duke Energy and TECO can expect to pay significantly more for their electricity use if proposed rate hikes are approved. Both companies are among... — Updated 1/27/2023
Lake Wales Connected Construction Launched With a Flourish
The ambitious, $20 million transformation of the urban center of Lake Wales into a shady and inviting oasis for pedestrian shopping and outdoor dining was launched Thursday evening... — Updated 1/27/2023
Major Manufacturing Plant Proposed for Hunt Bros. Road
UPDATE: A proposal to increase the intensity of industrial use on a large tract in Lake Wales to provide for a major plastic pipe factory will be heard at a meeting of the Planning... — Updated 1/24/2023
Crystal Lake Trail Design to be Discussed at Public Workshop
A special public workshop at Crystal Lake Park will give residents an opportunity to discuss ideas and options for a new connecting bike-and-pedestrian trail segment. Engineers and... — Updated 1/21/2023
Chamber Hosts Meeting About ADS Manufacturing Plant
A group of about a dozen citizens attended a Wednesday morning meeting at the Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce to raise questions and seek answers about a manufacturing facility... — Updated 1/20/2023
Lake Wales City Commission Tightens Rules on Public Speaking During Meetings
New requirements will be faced by those wishing to speak during the public access portion of Lake Wales City Commission meetings following action taken Tuesday. On a 3-2 vote the... — Updated 1/13/2023
Ribbon Cutting Marks Change of Ownership, Bed Count Expansion at "The Club"
A gathering of community and Chamber of Commerce leadership were present at noon Thursday to mark a new name and new ownership of the former Savannah Court assisted living facility... — Updated 1/13/2023
New Water Use Standards Adopted by Lake Wales
A new ordinance governing water use and plumbing fixtures will soon be in place in Lake Wales in hopes of reducing future demand on municipal water supplies. Representatives from... — Updated 1/9/2023
Mayor Orders Police to Clear Commission Chambers After Citizen Protest
A raucous end to Tuesday's city commission meeting resulted in Mayor Jack Hilligoss ordering police to clear the room after an angry crowd of more than 30 mostly older citizens obje... — Updated 1/4/2023
Commissioner Fitzgerald Expected to Be Reinstated by Governor DeSantis
A written appeal for re-instatement has been sent to Governor Ron DeSantis by former Lake Wales City Commissioner Kris Fitzgerald, who was found not guilty in October of charges... — Updated 12/30/2022
Lake Wales Wins State Title in Heart-stopping Finish
The Lake Wales Highlanders have completed a perfect 15-0 season with a 32-30 win over Daytona Mainland to win their first state championship. After falling behind early by a 10-0... — Updated 12/29/2022
City, CRA Give Go-Ahead to $18.5 Million Bond Issue
An $18.5 million bond issuance received final approval from the Lake Wales City Commission on Tuesday, completing the funding of the award-winning Lake Wales Connected project. The... — Updated 12/27/2022
Developer to Build Two New Roads to Serve Hunt Club Projects
An extension of Hamlin Street will be constructed by Hunt Club manager and developer David A. Waronker under an agreement that will see up to $1,597,793.45 credited against the... — Updated 12/26/2022
NBA Great Amar'e Stoudemire Guest at McLaughlin Gym Groundbreaking
Thursday was an exciting day for both students and administrators of Lake Wales' McLaughlin Middle/High School as they broke ground for a new $15 million gymnasium, and welcomed... — Updated 12/21/2022
Lake Wales Highlanders Top Daytona Mainland to Win Championship
The Lake Wales Highlanders have completed a perfect 15-0 season with a 32-30 win over Daytona Mainland to win their first state championship. After falling behind early by a 10-0... — Updated 12/17/2022
Frigid Blast Expected to Precede Christmas
It's time to dig out the Christmas sweaters, as sharply colder weather is forecast for the week ahead of the Holidays. After a chilly dip on Sunday and Monday, bracketed by good... — Updated 12/16/2022
Walesbilt Lawsuit Conclusion Chances Raised by City Commissioner
A quick end to a lawsuit over title to the Walesbilt Hotel was raised as a possibility during a meeting of the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency on Tuesday. "There is a... — Updated 12/15/2022
Televised Highlanders Championship Game or Take the Fan Bus
As the Lake Wales Highlanders take on Daytona Beach Mainland in the Class 3S Football Championship, fans have some options for viewing the game, which will be live-streamed on the i... — Updated 12/15/2022
