Legacy Housing Rehabilitation
Investment · $80,000+
Restoring and improving existing housing stock throughout CRA neighborhoods.
Community Redevelopment Agency
Redevelop. Revitalize. Restore.
The Lake Wales CRA is the special district guiding redevelopment, streetscape and sidewalk projects, housing assistance, business incentives, historic preservation, and public art across more than 5,600 acres — including the active Lincoln Avenue / Northwest neighborhood revitalization.
Address
201 W Central Ave, Lake Wales, FL 33853
Phone
863-678-4182 ext. 1337
Website
lakewalescra.com
Executive Director
Deena Drungo
CRA Manager
James Slaton
District size
5,600+ acres · 4 CRA Areas (1987 / 1990 / 1999 / 2023)
Three CRA themes
Redevelop · Revitalize · Restore
- Redevelop — streetscapes, sidewalks, bike/pedestrian connections, gathering spaces, infill.
- Revitalize — business incentives, entrepreneurship, residential investment, arts & culture.
- Restore — historic preservation, architectural restoration, neighborhood improvement, public safety.
Vision: "City in a Garden," inspired by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.
CRA Board of Directors
Lake Wales City Commission
- Mayor Jack Hilligoss — At-Large
- Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson — Seat 5
- Commissioner Daniel Williams — Seat 2
- Commissioner Keith Thompson — Seat 3
- Commissioner Carol Gillespie — Seat 4
Roster reflects the 2025 CRA Annual Report snapshot. Robin Gibson's Seat 5 term was listed as ending May 2026 — verify current officeholders before relying on this list.
Financial overview (latest report)
Total CRA investment
$2.9M+
Streetscape & sidewalks
$2.4M+
Housing & code rehab
$240k+
Business incentives
$200k+
Code Compliance Rehabilitation
Investment · $160,000+ · $1.9 M in fines eliminated
Helps property owners correct violations, restore structures, and avoid long-term penalties.
Restaurant Incentive Program
Investment · $100,000+
Attracts and assists food businesses in the CRA. Featured: Vibin' Vinny's (230 E Park Ave), Lady B's Tea Parlour (201 E Stuart Ave).
Facade Improvement Program
Investment · $100,000+
Restores commercial building exteriors. Featured projects at 244 and 211 East Park Avenue.
Streetscape & infrastructure
Sidewalks, lighting, and neighborhood connectivity.
1st Street Redevelopment Streetscape
Investment · $1,183,798.73
Sidewalks, lighting, landscaping, parking, and gathering areas. Funded by Community Project Funding, FDOT, HUD, and CRA contributions.
Northwest Sidewalk Improvements
Investment · $461,732.54
≈ 1.25 miles of new sidewalks with ADA upgrades and stronger neighborhood connectivity in the Lincoln Avenue / NW corridor.
Orange / Crystal Streetscape
Investment · $826,872.95
Sidewalk improvements, ADA ramps, landscaping, and traffic-calming elements.
Kinetic Sculpture — Drew Klotz
Large wind-powered downtown installation in aluminum and stainless steel, anchoring a public gathering and viewing space.
Magnolia Mural — David O'Neill
Back wall of the former Coney Island building. Native Florida flora, pollinator themes, and historic references.
Hotel Florence Restoration
Built in 1926 during Florida's land boom. The current vision is historic restoration plus mixed-use redevelopment — expected to be one of downtown's most transformative projects.
Why the CRA matters
Direct impact on residents (housing, sidewalks, beautification), business owners (incentives, facade grants), visitors (events, public art, walkability), and investors (redevelopment opportunities, value growth).