City of Lake Wales, Florida

09/06/2026

When you "flipped" your calendar yesterday to September did you get goose bumps? We did! Pioneer Days is NEXT MONTH! Gearing up for a great event.

09/03/2026

City administration offices and facilities will be closed Monday, September 7th in observance of Labor Day.

09/01/2026

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library brings smiles to kids in Lake Wales and beyond. Spectrum News Reporter Alexis Jones shares Dolly's love for literacy, and the resources available to kids at the Lake Wales Public Library and online. Check out the video to learn more details.

The program mails a brand-new book to children each month, addressed to them and tailored to their age.

08/31/2026

The City is proud to recognize Chief Information Officer Kevin Sunderland for earning the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification, one of the most respected cybersecurity credentials in the industry.

The CISSP demonstrates advanced knowledge in cybersecurity governance, risk management, security architecture, incident response and leadership. Earning the certification requires extensive professional experience and successfully completing a rigorous examination covering eight domains of information security.

As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, Kevin’s achievement further strengthens the City’s ability to protect critical systems, safeguard sensitive information and provide reliable technology services to employees and residents.

Kevin’s commitment to continuous learning reflects the City’s investment in excellence, innovation and responsible stewardship of public resources. The knowledge and expertise gained through the CISSP will support strategic decision-making and help strengthen the City’s overall cybersecurity posture.

08/30/2026

You may not prefer the taste of artichokes, but now you can appreciate their aesthetic beauty with the newest outdoor art installation in Oakley Park. This bronze sculpture, created by Lake Wales artist George O’Neill, Jr., is the latest artwork along the pollinator garden path. O’Neill said the artsy artichoke is an enlargement of an original sculpture that was about 10 inches tall. This is the fourth sculpture installation at Oakley Park.

City of Lake Wales Parks and Recreation director Stephanie Lutton said, “It is so exciting to see the plants and trees at Oakley Park grow and thrive, and the outdoor artwork enhances the beauty of the space.” Oakley Park is a pollinator and sculpture garden adjacent to the Lake Wales Public Library on Cypress Gardens Lane. It is a great spot for photo opportunities.

08/29/2026

The Lake Wales Public Library will be closed from Saturday, September 5th to Saturday, September 12th. This closure includes the Labor Day holiday closure and the final chapter of the remodel. The library will have limited printing and materials pick-up services at the door. You may also drop off your items in the outside book drops. Notary and fax service will be unavailable during the closure. For more information, please call 863-678-4004 (option1).

08/29/2026

Set your discarded items by the curb prior to 6am on Saturday, August 29th.

How to Participate:
1) Place materials at your street curb before 6am on Saturday, August 29th. Do not place materials at the curb two days before the scheduled cleanup day.

2) No Hazardous waste items (paint, batteries, chemicals or solvents, no asbestos items, motor oil, or antifreeze).

3) No Construction Debris: (fence materials, remodel materials).

4) No food waste.

5) Please do not attempt to help the cleanup crew load your materials.

6) Remember to always take recyclable items to your local community charity organization.

Curbside Cleanup is around the corner! Round up the junk from your garage, back yard, or attic - get it to the curb before 6am on Saturday, August 29th.

Here is your chance to place general junk, mattresses/box springs, furniture, tires (4 per household, without rims), and appliances (White Goods) at your curbside.

How to Participate:
1) Place materials at your street curb before 6am on Saturday, August 29th. Do not place materials at the curb two days before the scheduled cleanup day.

2) No Hazardous waste items (paint, batteries, chemicals or solvents, no asbestos items, motor oil, or antifreeze).

3) No Construction Debris: (fence materials, remodel materials).

4) No food waste.

5) Please do not attempt to help the cleanup crew load your materials.

6) Remember to always take recyclable items to your local community charity organization.

08/28/2026

Dolly Parton left a positive impression on many people. Spectrum News reporter Alexis Jones visited the Lake Wales Public Library to show how Dolly’s love for reading continues to make an impact - right here in the City of Lake Wales.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has gifted high-quality books to children ages one to five. What began in 1995 as Dolly’s effort to promote childhood literacy in her home state of Tennessee, has grown into a global movement that has put hundreds of millions of books into the hands of children.

Librian Kara Wiseman and former library director Tina Peak spoke on camera about the benefits of the program.

On an annual basis, the Lake Wales Library Association facilitates the program locally by sponsoring five Lake Wales children to receive a free book. The Association commits at least $150 each year to sponsor new children. And the number of children served continues to grow.

County-wide, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is managed by the United Way of Central Florida through its Success by Six program. Individuals and organizations can make donations to help more local children build their own home libraries. The number of children served depends on the donations received.

Learn more about the Imagination Library and how you can support childhood literacy:

https://imaginationlibrary.com/
https://uwcf.org/dolly-partons-imagination-library/

08/25/2026

Join us Friday, September 18th at 6:00 PM at Market Plaza for a fun-filled evening celebrating our four-legged friends! Bring your pup and enjoy an evening of pet-friendly activities, local vendors, music, treats, and plenty of tail-wagging fun.

Whether you’re bringing your best furry friend or simply love dogs, there’s something for everyone. Grab the leash and come Bark on Park with us!

For all vendor/volunteer inquiries, please reach out to [email protected]