by James Coulter
A new wastewater treatment facility will be constructed near Lake Wales now that 197 acres of property have been approved to be purchased for nearly $8 million by Polk County commissioners.
At their regular meeting on Tues. Oct. 21, 2025, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted unanimously to approve an agreement for the sale and purchase of property located along the north side of Masterpiece Road to the north and east of Lake Wales.
“The site contains approximately 150 acres of contiguous property along Masterpiece Road along with approximately 47-acres located adjacent to the northwest thereof for a total of 197-acres,” wrote R. Wade Allen, Director of Real Estate Services.
The 197 acres of land will be purchased from the site’s current owner, Texas Aquatic Harvesting, Inc., for a total of $8,500,000. Funds are available within the county’s Utilities Capital Expansion Fund.
Furthermore, aside from serving as a site for a new wastewater treatment facility, the property could also facilitate other county operations and services, as well as aid in conservation efforts.
“After further review, it was determined that any additional property could be utilized for other public services needed in the area to include roadway maintenance, fleet maintenance, and sheriff operation as well as future public service needs that may arise,” Allen wrote.
Commissioner Bill Braswell asked whether construction of the new facility would take five or ten years; he was told it could be completed in under two years.
Commissioner Mike Scott praised county staff for acquiring a property that advances conservation goals and allows productive use of adjacent parcels.
