LAKE WALES, Fla. — People will soon be able to grab a drink to go in downtown Lake Wales.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed a bill allowing patrons to carry alcoholic beverages throughout a designated part of the area. That makes Lake Wales the first city in Polk County to establish an Arts, Culture and Entertainment District, which is expected to draw more customers.
Melanie’s Seafood Company owner Steve Manwell said he’s been looking forward to the ACE District since he first learned about it last year.
“I think it’s going to be awesome. I really do,” he said.
Manwell already serves beer and wine. Now, he said he is excited that customers will be able to take those drinks with them while exploring downtown.
“You know, they can come in here, grab a beer. Go and shop at his shop and then come back, maybe grab another beer and then go back,” he said.
The ACE District stretches from Highway 17 to First Street and from Central Avenue to Orange Avenue, encompassing the Market Plaza.
The city has already installed signs marking the designated area. One of those signs is located just across the street from McGowin’s on Park, a new event space expected to open this fall.
“This was a big bonus for us,” McGowin’s on Park owner Bill Whidden said. “We knew it was an opportune time to be downtown because things are shaking right now.”
Plans are currently underway to redevelop the historic Walesbilt Hotel. With the addition of the ACE District, Eric Marshall, with the city of Lake Wales, said the downtown area could become a popular tourist destination.
“Other cities have seen success with these types of districts. The city of St. Cloud, the City of Gainesville, the city of Tampa features it on their Riverwalk, and it has shown to increase foot traffic,” Marshall said.
City officials plan to launch an application process for restaurants and bars that want to be part of the ACE District. Participating businesses will be required to serve drinks in clear, branded cups.
Alexis Jones
Source link