The Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce hosted its 8th annual Chamber Gala & Awards Ceremony on Thursday, October 24, at The Sugar Barn in Lake Wales. The annual event was billed as an evening of celebration to recognize and honor local businesses and community leaders. This year’s theme was “Jewel in the Garden Gala”.
Skip Alford, Chamber President, served as master of ceremonies. The 2024 honorees are as follows:
The Durso Award for Large Business was awarded to Central Florida Health Care, Inc.
Central Florida Health Care Inc
The Durso Award for Small Business was awarded to Bok Tower Gardens.
Durso Award for Small Business
The Public Servant of the Year was awarded to Travis O’Bryant.
The Jerry Miller Community Leadership Award was awarded to Michelle Hurst.
The Community Service Organization Award was awarded to the Lake Wales History Museum.
Community Service Organization Award
for the Lake Wales History Museum
The Citizen of the Year, who has also been named Pioneer of the Year by the City Of Lake Wales, is Dick Howell.
Citizen of the Year award 
Photos by Maria Iannucci
