A Few Words from City Commissioner Curtis Gibson

I am happy to be a Lake Wales resident and City Commissioner.

I was born in Rochester NY, and moved to Lake Wales at the age of 12. I fell in love with Lake Wales less than a year after moving here in 1998. I started going to First Assembly of God, which is Impact now. My mentor was Pastor Shawn Rudy who took me in as his own child. I learned so much and gave a lot of my time back to my community.

I never thought about becoming a city commissioner, but I knew Lake Wales needed a new direction and change. I saw so much potential in our city, like the airport, the sale of the LongLeaf business park, downtown, Lincoln business district, Big Lake Wailes, facilities we own, being pro-business, recreational needs, protecting the boards we have, low income housing and new growth. I could name many more things, but I'll leave it at this list for now.

Since being elected in 2017 I have been the voice for the voiceless, fighting for those who can't fight for themselves. I'm also a watchdog over our city's budget, fearlessly standing up for what is RIGHT. I was pleased and honored to be re-elected in 2019.

Since I have been a City Commissioner I have fought for new businesses, new housing development, incentives programs, introducing new concepts, pushing for infrastructure such as water, sewer, streets, sidewalks, lights, free WiFi. I have supported implementation of master plans, the purchase of the YMCA, a proposed amphitheater at big Lake Wailes, Downtown/Lincoln business district revitalization, helping the Northwest communities, and the airport growth.

I sit on many boards from groups like the Florida League of Cities, National League of Cities, Florida Black Caucus of Elected Officials, Regional Southern Coordinator, Community Redevelopment and Economic Committee, MLK Committee, and the NAACP Committee. I'm also a charter member of Rotary on the Ridge.

I love what I do and want to see my city succeed in all areas. Please stay tuned for more updates and visit my Facebook page at https://www.curtis-gibson-lake-wales-city-commissioner-846317048840134/ or email me at [email protected].