by James Coulter
A residential subdivision located near the Lake Wales city limits is seeking annexation to connect to the city’s water system. An annexation of .25 acres of land is expected to allow that subdivision to be annexed in the near future.
At their regular meeting on Tues. June 3, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve the first reading of an ordinance on the annexation of .25 acres of land into the city limits.
The subject property is located west of Capps Road and adjacent to the Lake Wales Country Club and Oakwood Community. Its owner, FLLWCC, petitioned for annexation into the corporate city limits four years ago in September 2021.
No development plans for the property have been contemplated; however, its annexation is being sought to annex the residential subdivision of Hickory Ridge, located at the corner of Capps Road and SR 60.
Hickory Ridge had signed a binding annexation agreement, which would allow it to be annexed into the city limits in exchange for access to the city’s municipal water.
“As the project nears final plat, it is in the City’s best interest to act on the annexation agreement now, before the lots are officially platted and recorded in the County,” wrote Autumn Cochella, Growth Management Director.
City commissioners made a motion and second to approve the first reading of an ordinance, which passed with a unanimous vote. The second reading of the ordinance will be hosted at a future city commission meeting.
