Crooked Lake Park's Sunshine Drive to be Closed for at Least Two Months

Construction of a new sewer main and lift station will require the closure of Sunshine Drive in the Crooked Lake Park neighborhood south of Lake Wales for two months starting Monday, December 4.

Sunshine Drive will be closed to through traffic at the intersection with U.S. Highway 27. Sunshine Drive residents can access their homes via connecting crossroads from First Avenue North. Minor backups and delays at the First Avenue North and U.S. Highway 27 intersection are possible during morning peak hour traffic.

The Wastewater treatment system in Crooked Lake Park was vacated and turned over to Polk County after a major failure during Hurricane Ian led to the spillage of untreated wastewater into Crooked Lake, which has been designated one of the state's "Outstanding Florida Waters." The City of Lake Wales was granted control of the former Park Water Company's potable water system, which has been tied into the city's primary water supply. The city has been investing in the refurbishment of a small water tower in the area.

The county utilities division cautions that other active roadway construction projects continue to affect traffic countywide. Motorists should always drive carefully, be alert to crews and equipment, and obey detour signs and flaggers. For further details, call Bill Skelton with the Polk County Roads & Drainage Division at (863) 535-2200.