by James Coulter
To help annex Hickory Ridge residential subdivision into the city limits, less than an acre of land is being considered for annexation by the City of Lake Wales.
At their workshop meeting on Wed. May 28, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed an ordinance to annex approximately .25 acres of land located west of Capps Road and adjacent to the Lake Wales Country Club and Oakwood Community.
The annexation was petitioned by its owner, FLLWCC, to allow for the future annexation of Hickory Ridge, a residential subdivision located at the corner of Capps Road and SR 60. In August 2021, Hickory Ridge signed an active binding annexation agreement in exchange for municipal water.
“As the project nears the 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.
No immediate development has been planned for the .25-acre property. However, once it is annexed, it will allow Hickory Ridge to seek annexation in the corporate city limits.
Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson inquired about Hickory Ridge seeking annexation for municipal water. He asked if the property had access to a sewer.
Cochella replied that the property was not on city sewer and that she was unsure where the people on that property receive their sewer services. Gibson asked staff to ascertain the property’s sewer situation.
Lake Wales city commissioners will vote upon the resolution at their next regular meeting, scheduled for Tues. June 3 at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall.
