Community Corner
🌱 How could proving residency change who runs Lake Wales City Hall?
Happening soon: Needlework Arts Group - 9:30 AM on the Lake Wales Patch calendar
Hey hey Lake Wales! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How could proving residency change who runs Lake Wales City Hall?
- What's coming to replace Mimi's Bakery in downtown Lake Wales?
- Why two Lake Wales truck driving schools were suddenly shut down
Today's riddle: What has 2 arms and a neck but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
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- Thursday: Humid with a heavy t-storm, with a high of 90 and low of 74 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Friday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., temps: high: 92, low: 75.
- Saturday: An afternoon thunderstorm, with a high of 92 and low of 74 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. City Commission Considers Making Residency Proof Necessary for Commission Seats — Local Government & Politics (dailyridge.com) — Lake Wales city commissioners are moving toward requiring city commission candidates to show proof they've lived within city limits for at least a year, using documents like a driver's license or lease. The discussion follows questions about a commissioner's residency and aims to clarify how the clerk verifies candidates, with staff now drafting an ordinance for further review. 
2. New Pizzeria and Sports Bar Coming to Downtown Lake Wales — Lake Wales (dailyridge.com) — Downtown Lake Wales is getting a new Downtown Pizza & Sports Bar at 253 E. Stuart Avenue, backed by a city CRA matching grant of up to $50,000. The family-owned spot will replace Mimi's Bakery, expand seating, add a full sports bar, and is expected to draw both locals and visitors, supporting broader efforts to boost downtown economic activity.
3. 3 Central Florida truck driving schools shut down by federal government (clickorlando.com) — Two Lake Wales truck driving schools on South Airport Road have been shut down by federal authorities as part of a nationwide crackdown tied to English proficiency testing for commercial drivers. Local students and prospective drivers may face disruptions while officials review how testers and schools are certified across Florida.
4. Tax Deed 196-2026 (midfloridanewspapers.com) — A Lake Wales property at 2524 Perch Drive is headed for a tax deed auction on October 15 if its unpaid 2024 and 2025 taxes aren't redeemed. Polk County officials warn anyone with ownership or legal interest that payment must be made to the Tax Collector by cashier's check or money order to avoid losing the parcel.
5. Polk County High School Football Preview Week 3 — Auburndale (dailyridge.com) — Lake Wales High's football team headlines this week's Polk County matchups with a road game at Winter Haven, where they've dominated the last three meetings. The preview breaks down how the Highlanders' defense will handle Winter Haven's strong rushing attack, and also highlights other big county games, including Lakeland vs. Venice and Davenport at Auburndale.
📸 Around Lake Wales
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🗓 Upcoming Events in Lake Wales
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- Needlework Arts Group - 9:30 AM →
Lake Wales, FL Calendar Lake Wales, FL 33853
9:30 am - Jigsaw Puzzle Club - 10:30 AM →
Lake Wales, FL Calendar Lake Wales, FL 33853
10:30 am - Genealogy at the Library - 11:30 AM →
Lake Wales, FL Calendar Lake Wales, FL 33853
11:30 am - Chatty Crafters: Fiber Arts Club - 1 PM →
Lake Wales, FL Calendar Lake Wales, FL 33853
1:00 pm - Winter Haven Rec_Drop-in: Craft your own Invention
Lake Wales Public Library, 290 Cypress Garden Lane, Lake Wales
1:00 pm - Bartow - Reading is Lit! Elementary Book Club
Lake Wales Public Library 2150 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830, USA
2:00 pm - Lakeland Main - Adventurer's Guild RPG
Lakeland Public Library, 100 Lake Morton Dr, Lakeland
3:00 pm - Dundee - Free Movie
Lake Wales Public Library Dundee Public Library, 202 E Main St, Dundee, FL 33838, USA
3:00 pm
Friday September 4
📣 Lake Wales Shout Outs!
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🗓 Events Nearby
- Central Florida Health Care Food Distribution →
Lake Wales, FL Calendar, 315 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, Lake Wales
7:00 am - Fort Meade - Bingo Club - Adults
Lake Wales Public Library Fort Meade Public Library, 75 E Broadway St, Fort Meade, FL 338
10:00 am - Intermediate Crochet - 10 AM →
Lake Wales, FL Calendar Lake Wales, FL 33853
10:00 am - Winter Haven Rec_Little Sprouts Story Time
Lake Wales Public Library 290 Cypress Garden Lane, Lake Wales, FL 33853
10:30 am
Thursday September 3
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Has anyone seen Bella..
Fast trot trail Ranchettes.. Help get her back home. I'm sharing.. Contact number on flyer if you have her or seen her. (Nextdoor Lake Pierce) - hi everyone!
i am opening my suite in Salon 24 located in Eagle Lake officially on Friday! i am offering $10 off all lash services. please comment, message or… (Nextdoor Lake Wales West)
- The Hari Group posted a job opening for Team Member in Lake Wales. Apply here.
- CVS Health posted a job opening for Shift Supervisor in Lake Wales. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Lake Wales here.
Ok Lake Wales! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A shirt (Thank you Dianna H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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