by James Coulter
Raise a glass to Lake Wales. Because soon you’ll be able to buy a glass of your favorite alcoholic beverage and take it with you anywhere within the downtown area. And it’s all thanks to a new district approved by the city commission.
At their regular meeting on Tues. Aug 5, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners approved an ordinance adopting a proposed Arts, Entertainment, and Community (ACE) district. The ordinance passed with a 3-2 vote. Commissioners Carol Gillespie and Daniel Williams voted against it.
The proposed ACE district will permit the consumption of alcoholic beverages within the downtown area. Visitors to the downtown area will be able to purchase beverages from participating eateries and bars and consume them in special containers to carry with them within the designated social district.
“Social Districts allow visitors to enjoy an adult beverage while strolling downtown sidewalks and exploring the local storefronts. This encourages them to linger and spend more time in the downtown area. Increased time downtown equals increased window shopping, which results in an increase in sales for local businesses,” wrote Autumn Cochella, Growth Management Consultant.
Now that it has been approved, the ordinance will permit the creation of the proposed social district through amendments to the city code. These amendments will:
⦁ Establish the district’s purpose and boundaries and create the policies for outside consumption in the district, registered establishments, and violations;
⦁ Propose containers approved by the City and signage clearly delineating the boundaries;
⦁ Require registered establishments to provide signage and guidance for customers regarding the district guidelines;
⦁ Follow the same provisions as the Downtown Historic District regarding alcoholic sales and services and outdoor seating areas, and
⦁ Treat all applications for bars in the same manner by requiring approval through a special exception process in the Downtown Historic District and the ACE District.
Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson has previously voiced his support for the social district. He believes the district will help generate further economic development and growth by enhancing the vibrancy of Downtown Lake Wales.
Conversely, Commissioner Gillespie voted against the proposed district. She has expressed concerns that the district could potentially increase public intoxication and unruly behavior.
“Why is it being called the Arts, Culture, and Entertainment district when all it does is expand alcohol consumption and use in our city?” she asked. “It is not accurate. It is a euphemism. Let’s call it what it really is: a drinking district.”
However, during previous discussions, Deputy Mayor Gibson had dismissed such concerns. As someone who has worked in the city for nearly 50 years, he has previously stated that not once has he witnessed any displays of public drunkenness at public events that served alcohol.
Commissioner Keith Thompson, likewise, has averred that the purpose of the district is not to promote drinking, but rather to give visitors the freedom and opportunity to drink their beverages anywhere in the downtown area.
