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Lake Wales: Jewel of the Ridge

Discover the history, geography, and community spirit of this unique Central Florida city.

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City Overview

Location & Identity

Lake Wales is a city situated in the heart of Polk County, Florida, recognized as the "Crown Jewel of the Ridge." It lies near the geographical center of the Florida peninsula, positioned on the distinctive Lake Wales Ridge.

Key Information
Nickname
Crown Jewel of the Ridge
Settled 1911
Incorporated 1917 (Town), 1925 (City)
Government Commission-Manager
Mayor Jack Hilligoss
Total Area 20.12 sq mi (52.10 km2)
Elevation 128 ft (39 m)
Time Zone UTC-5 (EST) / UTC-4 (EDT)
Website www.lakewalesfl.gov

Geographic Context

Nestled within Polk County, Lake Wales benefits from its location on the Lake Wales Ridge, an ancient sandy upland that runs centrally through Florida. This unique topography influences its environment and development.

The city spans a total area of 20.12 square miles, with 18.85 square miles designated as land and 1.27 square miles as water. Its elevation averages 128 feet above sea level, offering a distinct landscape compared to Florida's coastal plains.

Lake Wales is strategically positioned in Central Florida, west of Lake Kissimmee and east of the major metropolitan area of Tampa.

Historical Development

Early Foundations

The region around present-day Lake Wales was initially surveyed and considered potentially uninhabitable by early settlers. However, Sidney Irving Wailes, an agent for the Florida Land and Improvement Co., surveyed the area in 1879 and renamed Watts Lake to Lake Wailes. By 1902, G.V. Tillman recognized the area's potential for industries like turpentine and citrus, envisioning a settlement around the lake.

Planned Settlement

The city was formally planned and established near the lake between 1911 and 1912 by the Lake Wales Land Company. Allen Carleton Nydegger, a civil engineer, meticulously plotted the community. The city adopted the spelling "Wales," distinct from the lake's "Wailes." Lake Wales was officially incorporated as a town in May 1917 and later as a city in 1925.

An excerpt from Rose Wetmore's diary in Autumn 1912 vividly captures the early settlement experience:

"It was a foggy morning and having been a rainy fall, the water was up to both sides of the R.R. in many places causing us to almost regret having come to Florida... The train stopped at the platform north of the little station... where they unloaded our trunks before we could get off... There were no sidewalks, no lights or hard roads just deep sand everywhere with hogs and cattle roaming all over, but when I stepped from the car door and saw how beautiful the view was over the two lakes, this big moss draped pine and oak and a church under construction, I was content..."

Resilience Through Storms

Lake Wales has faced significant weather challenges. In 2004, the city endured the impacts of three major hurricanes: Charley, Frances, and Jeanne, all within a 44-day period. More recently, Hurricane Irma brought further hurricane-force winds to the area in 2017. Despite these events, the community has demonstrated resilience, with most physical damage being restored.

Geographic Landscape

The Lake Wales Ridge

Lake Wales is strategically situated on the Lake Wales Ridge, a significant geological feature in Central Florida. This sandy upland area runs roughly parallel to both coasts, influencing the region's elevation and ecosystem.

The ridge is known for its ancient sands and diverse biota, contributing to the unique character of the area. The city's location here provides a slightly elevated terrain compared to much of the surrounding Florida landscape.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 14.0 square miles (36 km2), of which 13.4 square miles (35 km2) is land and 0.7 square miles (1.8 km2) (4.71%) is water.

Central Florida Position

The town lies near the geographical center of the Florida peninsula. This central location places it west of Lake Kissimmee and east of the major metropolitan centers of Tampa and the Lakeland-Winter Haven area, making it a key point within the state's interior.

Map Placeholder
Map highlighting Lake Wales within Polk County, Florida.

Climate Characteristics

Subtropical Conditions

Lake Wales experiences a humid subtropical climate, bordering on a tropical monsoon and dry-winter tropical savanna climate. This classification reflects its hot days and warm nights, even during the cooler months. January is typically the only month with an average daily mean temperature below 18.0 °C (64.4 °F).

The region falls within hardiness zone 9b, indicating mild winters.

Climate Data

The climate data below provides average temperatures, precipitation, and days with precipitation, based on normals from 1991-2020.

Climate data for Lake Wales, Florida (Mountain Lake), 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1935–present
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecYear
Record high °F (°C) 89
(32)
91
(33)
96
(36)
98
(37)
102
(39)
102
(39)
105
(41)
100
(38)
100
(38)
96
(36)
92
(33)
89
(32)
105
(41)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 82.9
(28.3)
85.0
(29.4)
88.3
(31.3)
91.6
(33.1)
95.2
(35.1)
96.9
(36.1)
96.6
(35.9)
96.1
(35.6)
94.4
(34.7)
90.9
(32.7)
86.5
(30.3)
83.1
(28.4)
97.6
(36.4)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 74.7
(23.7)
77.9
(25.5)
81.6
(27.6)
86.1
(30.1)
90.4
(32.4)
92.4
(33.6)
93.2
(34.0)
93.2
(34.0)
91.1
(32.8)
86.2
(30.1)
80.1
(26.7)
76.0
(24.4)
85.2
(29.6)
Daily mean °F (°C) 62.4
(16.9)
65.4
(18.6)
68.8
(20.4)
73.5
(23.1)
78.4
(25.8)
81.8
(27.7)
82.9
(28.3)
83.1
(28.4)
81.4
(27.4)
75.9
(24.4)
68.9
(20.5)
64.6
(18.1)
73.9
(23.3)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 50.0
(10.0)
52.8
(11.6)
55.9
(13.3)
60.8
(16.0)
66.4
(19.1)
71.1
(21.7)
72.5
(22.5)
73.0
(22.8)
71.6
(22.0)
65.7
(18.7)
57.7
(14.3)
53.1
(11.7)
62.6
(17.0)
Mean minimum °F (°C) 30.9
(−0.6)
33.8
(1.0)
38.0
(3.3)
46.0
(7.8)
55.8
(13.2)
66.1
(18.9)
68.8
(20.4)
69.6
(20.9)
66.1
(18.9)
52.0
(11.1)
41.6
(5.3)
33.6
(0.9)
28.6
(−1.9)
Record low °F (°C) 16
(−9)
24
(−4)
25
(−4)
33
(1)
44
(7)
50
(10)
58
(14)
60
(16)
55
(13)
36
(2)
24
(−4)
16
(−9)
16
(−9)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 2.64
(67)
2.19
(56)
2.76
(70)
2.42
(61)
3.56
(90)
8.92
(227)
7.81
(198)
8.06
(205)
6.89
(175)
3.25
(83)
1.82
(46)
2.45
(62)
52.77
(1,340)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 5.95.55.65.36.813.613.814.311.36.94.35.398.6
Source: NOAA

Civic Structure

Commission-Manager System

Lake Wales operates under a Commission-Manager form of government. This structure vests legislative power in an elected city commission, which sets policy and oversees city operations. Day-to-day management is handled by a professional City Manager appointed by the commission.

The commission is responsible for ordinances, budgets, zoning, development, public services, and appointments, ensuring efficient governance.

Elected Officials

The city government comprises a five-person commission, including the Mayor and four City Commissioners. Elections are nonpartisan, with each commissioner serving a three-year term. The Mayor presides over commission meetings and holds a vote but lacks veto power.

Lake Wales City Commission
Seat Office Holder In Office Since
1 / At-Large Jack Hilligoss 2022
2 Daniel Williams 2021
3 Keith Thompson 2023
4 Carol Gillespie 2024
5 Robin Gibson 2016

Population & Demographics

Population Trends

Lake Wales has experienced consistent population growth. The 2020 census recorded a population of 16,361, an increase from 14,225 in 2010. This reflects a 15.0% growth over the decade.

Historical Population
CensusPop.
1920796
19303,401327.3%
19405,02447.7%
19506,82135.8%
19608,34622.4%
19708,240−1.3%
19808,4662.7%
19909,67014.2%
200010,1945.4%
201014,22539.5%
202016,36115.0%

Racial Composition

The city's population is diverse. As of the 2020 census, White residents (non-Hispanic) constituted 47.37% of the population, while Black or African American residents (non-Hispanic) represented 23.95%. Hispanic or Latino individuals, regardless of race, made up 23.93% of the population.

Lake Wales racial composition (Hispanics excluded from racial categories)
RacePop 2010Pop 2020% 2010% 2020
White (NH)7,8207,75054.97%47.37%
Black or African American (NH)3,7843,91826.60%23.95%
Native American or Alaska Native (NH)46320.32%0.20%
Asian (NH)1171670.82%1.02%
Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian (NH)350.02%0.03%
Some other race (NH)29560.20%0.34%
Two or more races/Multiracial (NH)2045171.43%3.16%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)2,2223,91615.62%23.93%
Total14,22516,361

Local Attractions

Bok Tower Gardens

A renowned botanical garden and bird sanctuary, Bok Tower Gardens is a major attraction, featuring the iconic Singing Tower carillon, beautiful landscapes, and the historic Pinewood Estate.

Spook Hill

Experience the unique optical illusion of Spook Hill, a gravity hill where cars in neutral appear to roll uphill. It's a quirky local phenomenon that draws curious visitors.

Historic Architecture

Explore the commercial historic district, showcasing architecture from the Florida land boom era. Notable sites include the historic Walesbilt Hotel and the Lake Wales History Museum, housed in the former Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Depot.

Chalet Suzanne

A unique and historic inn and restaurant, Chalet Suzanne is a local landmark known for its distinctive architecture and charm, offering a memorable experience for visitors.

Notable Residents

Edward Bok

Edward Bok, the influential editor of the Ladies' Home Journal, spent his later years in Lake Wales, contributing significantly to the city's cultural landscape, most notably through Bok Tower Gardens.

Sports Figures

Lake Wales has been the birthplace or home to several notable athletes, including MLB players Pat Borders (World Series MVP) and Wade Davis, as well as NBA stars Dominique Jones and Amar'e Stoudemire.

Racing & Football Legends

The city has connections to motorsports with NASCAR driver Mario Gosselin operating DGM Racing locally. Additionally, football icon Red Grange lived in Lake Wales during his later years.

Civic Leaders

Baxter Troutman, a former member of the Florida House of Representatives, hails from Lake Wales, contributing to the region's political representation.

Transportation Network

Major Roadways

Key highways serving Lake Wales include U.S. Route 27, which connects northward to Haines City and Interstate 4, and southward towards Frostproof and Sebring. State Road 60 (Hesperides Road) provides eastward access to Florida's Turnpike and westward connections to Bartow and the Tampa Bay region. State Road 17, known as the Scenic Highway, runs through the city center, paralleling US 27.

Air Access

Lake Wales Municipal Airport (FAA LID: X07) serves the city, located two miles west of the central business district. It caters to general aviation. Additionally, the Chalet Suzanne Air Strip serves light aircraft arriving at the historic Chalet Suzanne Inn.

Public Transit

Bus services connecting to Winter Haven and Frostproof are provided by Winter Haven Area Transit, offering regional transportation options for residents.

Educational Institutions

K-12 Schools

Lake Wales is served by a diverse educational system, including charter schools, traditional public schools, and private institutions. Several elementary and middle schools, along with Lake Wales High School, have transitioned to charter status, forming integrated K-12 systems.

Charter Schools: Dale R Fair Babson Park Elementary, Hillcrest Elementary, Janie Howard Wilson Elementary, Polk Avenue Elementary, Lake Wales High School, Edward W. Bok Academy Middle.

Traditional Public Schools: McLaughlin Middle School and Fine Arts Academy, Roosevelt Academy Of Leadership And Applied Technology School, Spook Hill Elementary School.

Private Schools: Lake Wales Lutheran School, Candlelight Christian Academy, The Vanguard School.

Higher Education

The city is home to two universities: Warner University and Webber International University. Additionally, the J.D. Alexander Center, a satellite campus of Polk State College, provides higher education opportunities in downtown Lake Wales.

Healthcare Facilities

Local Hospital

AdventHealth Lake Wales serves as the primary hospital facility for the city, providing essential medical services and healthcare support to the community and surrounding areas.

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References

References

  1.  U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Lake Wales, Florida
  2.  Florida Memory. (2022). The Legend of Spook Hill. Floridiana. Retrieved from https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/341938
A full list of references for this article are available at the Lake Wales, Florida Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified professionals for specific needs related to geography, history, civic matters, or any other field discussed herein.

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