Lake Wales Business
Because of its convenient Central Florida location, Lake Wales offers outstanding opportunities for economic growth. The intersection of U.S. 27 and S.R. 60 at Lake Wales makes an excellent hub from which goods may be transported easily to all points in Florida.
Although citrus and tourism are an important part of the area's economy, more business and industry are relocating to the area with the construction of Longleaf Business Park (longleafbusinesspark.com) just 2 miles south of Lake Wales on Highway 27. Kegel, Co., the park's first tenant, manufactures bowling equipment and cleaning supplies that are marketed worldwide and has a state-of-the-art training facility in addition, Spin Magnetics, a manufacturer of transformers, recently occupied another building and world-renowned Harley Davidson, opened a retail/distribution facility and test driving course within the Park.
Manufacturing, distribution, and large commercial buildings are available in Lake Wales.
Main Street Program
The Main Street Program, founded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, stimulates economic development within the context of historic preservation.
Since 1987, improvement projects have been completed, ranging from new signs and awnings to complete renovation and construction, representing investments of over $5 million in the downtown area. In addition, economic development efforts have resulted in a net gain of twenty new businesses and 150 new jobs. Other areas of success include Lake Wales Downtown, Inc.'s involvement with city-wide promotions and special events that create and market a positive image of the downtown district.
Lake Wales Facts and Figures
According to the 2000 census, the population of Lake Wales, Florida was 9,670 and the median age was 36.4 years. The population figure represents a growth of 14% over the past decade. Polk County's 2000 population was placed at 405,382 and its residents' median age was 36.5 years.
Of Lake Wales' 9,670 residents, 4,404 were male and 5,266 female. Total households numbered 3,789. Of these, 2,538 were family households and 1,251 were non-family households, with an average of 2.47 people per household. For up-to-date information on City of Lake Wales demographics, please visit www.cityoflakewales.com.
Because of Lake Wales' moderate climate, heating and cooling costs for businesses and homes tend to be constant and reasonable. Also, in the absence of temperature extremes, outdoor industries, such as construction, can maintain a year-round schedule.
Years of growth have been experienced by the central Florida area, leaving Lake Wales situated near major metropolitan markets. Approximately 4.8 million people now reside within a 60-mile radius of the city. Nearly half of, Florida's resident population and most of the state's tourists can be found within a 100-mile radius.
Today, Lake Wales is the fastest growing community in Polk County, with a population that is expected to quadruple by 2010. While facing many challenges associated with such dramatic growth, community leaders are working together to meet those challenges while preserving the unique qualities that have made Lake Wales a great place to live, work, and visit.