Lake Wales revitalization plan envisions "a city in a garden" | Written by the Lakeland Ledger Article 5-31-21

Lake Wales revitalization plan envisions "a city in a garden" | Written by the Lakeland Ledger Article 5-31-21

Lake Wales is synonymous with botanical bounty.

The city is known throughout Florida and beyond as the home of Bok Tower Gardens, a 92-year-old attraction esteemed for its “singing” edifice and for its acres of meticulously cultivated landscapes.

The designer of Bok Tower Gardens also created a master plan for the city’s core, envisioning Lake Wales as a verdant hamlet speckled with small parks. But city leaders never fully translated that design into reality.

Announcing...a New Brand for Lake Wales Main Street!

Lake Wales Main Street is proud to launch a vibrant new logo and brand. The rebranding initiative reflects the alignment with the revitalization of Downtown Lake Wales. 

The new logo draws inspiration from the distinctive Rhodesbilt Arcade building in downtown. The rebranding includes a redesign of the non-profit’s logo, printed materials, signage, and other marketing communications.

“Downtown Lake Wales is experiencing an explosion of growth with new businesses, events, art, nightlife and the Park Ave streetscape project,” said Karen Thompson, Main Street Director and Assistant CRA Director. “The decision to create a fresh new brand for Main Street was easy.”

Downtown Lake Wales is already transforming with the help of Lake Wales Main Street. The Third Thursday Market features a variety of produce, artisan food vendors, plants and more every month. The “Slice of Happiness” mural by artist Gillian Fazio is drawing attention for its nearly 100-foot depiction of oranges, orange blossoms and butterflies.

“Rebranding Lake Wales Main Street signifies an important step in the growth of downtown as a destination for residents and visitors alike,” said Ryan Buskirk, President of the Board of Directors. “We’re here to support and enhance the work being done by the City of Lake Wales and the small businesses.”

Melanie's Seafood Company Opens in downtown Lake Wales, Florida

Melanie's Seafood Company Opens in downtown Lake Wales, Florida

March 20 will be a day not soon forgotten by Steve Manwell. It was the first day he and his wife opened Melanie’s Seafood Company at 120 Park Avenue, becoming the inaugural local eatery to take advantage of the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency’s Restaurant Incentive Program. It also so happened to be the same day Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the state’s new stay-at-home guidelines.