Lake Wales Commission Approves Annexed Roads and Maintenance for Traffic Light and Highway Lighting
by James Coulter
The annexation of 19 roads into the city limits, along with updated agreements for traffic light and highway lighting maintenance, was approved by the Lake Wales City Commission.
At their regular meeting on Tues. May 5, 2026, Lake Wales city commissioners voted on several ordinances and resolutions on city roadways, traffic lights, and highway lighting.
Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the second reading of an ordinance annexing the right-of-way of several highways, roads, and streets into the incorporated city limits.
These roadways were considered for annexation, as many of them, while bordered by city limits, remained outside municipal jurisdiction, creating complications for public safety response.
“This condition limits the ability of the City’s Police Department and Fire Department to provide direct and timely services in areas immediately adjacent to incorporated properties,” wrote Albert C. Galloway, City Attorney.
“Annexing these contiguous rights-of-way will establish a clear and consistent jurisdictional boundary, allowing for more efficient and effective delivery of public safety services to surrounding areas,” he further elaborated.
Right-of-way was annexed for the following roadways:
- Lake Mabel Loop Road from Scenic Hwy to Tower Rd. /100’ North on Tower Rd. /100’ South on Tower Rd. /100’ North on Scenic Hwy
- Hamlin St. from SR 60 to Post Salter Rd.
- Tangelo St. from SR 60 to Thulberry Rd. /100’ South on Tangelo St. past Thulberry Rd
- 1st St. South from Winston Ave to Carver St. / 100’ on Citrus Ave East of 1st St. /100’ on Ridge Manor Dr East of 1st St. /100’ on Carver St East of 1st St.
- Old Scenic Hwy from City Limits Rd to Scenic Hwy
- Scenic Highway from Winston Ave South to the Hunt Brothers Rd roundabout./100’ on Winston Ave East of Scenic Hwy. /100’ on Ridge Manor Dr East of Scenic Hwy. /100’ on Hunt Brothers Rd South of roundabout. /100’ on Hunt Brothers Rd East of the roundabout. /100’ on Hunt Brothers Rd West of the roundabout
- 9th Street from Whispering Ridge Dr to Passion Play Rd. /100’on 9th St South of Passion Play Rd.
- Belleview Dr. from Santa Maria Rd. to 11th St. /100’ North on Santa Maria Rd. /100’ South on Big Tank Rd. /100’ on Belleview Dr. West of Santa Maria Rd.
- 11th St South to Hunt Brothers Rd
- Hunt Brothers Rd from SR 60 to 11th St. /100’ on Hunt Brothers Rd West of 11th St. 100’ on Lilly St. East of Hunt Brothers Rd.
- Grove Rd. 3 from 9th St. to 11th St.
- G.R. Rd. from Grove Rd. 3 to Belleview Dr.
- Lake Bella Rd from Hunt Brothers Rd North to its dead end.
- Passion Play Rd. from Scenic Hwy to 11th St. /100’ on Big Tank Rd South of Passion Play Rd.
- Mountain Lake Cut Off Rd from Hwy 27 to Connor Rd. /100’ on Mountain Lake Cut off West of Connor Rd. /100’ North on Connor Rd.
- Burns Ave from Buck Moore Rd to Holland Grove Rd.
- Miami St. from Laurel Park Terrace to Hwy 27.
- Post Salter Rd from 11th St. to Hunt Brothers Rd.
- CF Kinney Rd. from Dinner Lake Blvd to Waverly Rd. /100’ on Waverly Rd. West of CF Kinney Rd. /100’ on Waverly Rd. East of CF Kinney Rd.
Commissioners also voted unanimously to approve the first reading of two resolutions on amendments to agreements with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
One resolution pertained to traffic signal maintenance services at designated intersections, including multiple intersections along SR 17, SR 60, and US 27. The amendment to the agreement will allow the city to receive $69,670.
The other resolution pertained to “the maintenance of approximately 270 lighting assets, including standard and underdeck LED lighting located along SR 60, US 27, Scenic Highway, and associated interchange facilities,” wrote Nancy C. Hernandez, Public Works Operations Manager.
The amendment to the agreement will allow the city to receive $96,749.10, with the compensation “calculated based on a per-light unit rate, which increases annually by 3 percent,” Hernandez wrote.
