Rotary to Host Speaker Series Focused on Downtown Revitalization

Citizens interested in learning the details and impact of the city-reshaping Lake Wales Connected plan are invited to attend any of four luncheon meetings on the topic beginning Tuesday, May 17.

The plan, which is expected to include more than $20 million in infrastructure improvements in the city, will be the focus of four weeks of meetings hosted by the Lake Wales Noon Rotary Club at the Lake Wales Country Club, according to club spokesperson Bob Peppel.

The first speaker in the series with be downtown property owner Peter Weber. Weber owns properties along both Stuart and Park Avenues near Scenic Highway. He will address the impact of the re-vitalization project and the opportunity it presents to investors.

On Tuesday May 24 the speakers will be Stephen and Tammy James. The couple recently purchased a large block of buildings from Edwin Friedlander facing Park and Orange Avenues and First Street. They will talk about why they have invested in downtown and their vision for the future.

Main Street Manager Karen Thompson will talk on Tuesday May 31, addressing the role of Lake Wales Main Street in the development of downtown Lake Wales. Mainstreet is funded in part by the Community Redevelopment Agency, which is providing the majority of the funding for the ambitious undertaking.

The final speaker in the series will be Mark Bennett on Tuesday June 7. Bennett is the director of Development Services for the City of Lake Wales.

Attendees are invited to take this opportunity to hear these community leaders talk about their visions and ask them questions face to face. Guests will be able to order from a menu for the meal of their choice at a reasonable price, Peppel added.