Lake Wales will soon allow guests to wander a section of downtown with drinks in hand, a change city officials hope will attract restaurants and bars to vacant commercial spaces.
The City Commission voted 3-2 at its Aug. 5 meeting to approve a resolution creating an Arts, Culture and Entertainment District. The action will permit patrons of participating businesses to carry alcoholic beverages within the district, an area bordered by State Road 17 to the east, First Street to the west, Orange Avenue to the north and Central Avenue to the south.
Lake Wales is the first city in Polk County to establish such a district, the city said in a news release…