Williams and J. Jackson, deputy surveyors of the State of Florida was made of the region around present-day Lake Wales.

Tillman scouted the region of Lake Wales and saw the potential for turpentine, citrus, and other industries.

[6] He and his crew camped on the shores of Crystal Lake and spent months plotting out the new community.

But just before coming to Lake Wales, the sun came out in all its glory and banished our idea of being in a swamp; we expected snakes and alligators to be running around like chickens and of course found that a great mistake...

There were no sidewalks, no lights or hard roads just deep sand everywhere with hogs and cattle roaming all over, but when I stepped from the car door and saw how beautiful the view was over the two lakes, this big moss draped pine and oak and a church under construction, I was content..." - Excerpt from "Rose Wetmore's Diary", Autumn 1912.

[9] The three hurricanes brought hurricane-force winds to the Lake Wales area within a space of 44 days.

The city commission is responsible for adopting ordinances, adopting an annual budget, developing an overall vision for the city, zoning changes, comprehensive plan amendments, certain types of development, redevelopment, franchises for provision of public services, bid awards, water and sewer rate changes, and changes in tax rate.

[15] The mayor is presiding officer of the city commission and has a voice and a vote in its proceedings but no veto power.

The whistleblower said she was subsequently targeted for punishment by the Lakes Wales police department and ultimately resigned.

Worley has subsequently been accused on at least two occasions of using the N-word, including once in front of students at the local high school.

Lake Wales Municipal Airport (FAA LID: X07) is a public-use airport located 2 miles (3.2 km) west of the central business district of the city of Lake Wales in Polk County, Florida, United States.

Chalet Suzanne Air Strip This single grass strip four miles north of downtown serves light aircraft arriving at the Chalet Suzanne Inn and Restaurant, a local landmark.

[33] Edward W. Bok Academy Middle opened in the Fall of 2008 to create a seamless K–12 charter system.

Alexander Center, a satellite campus of Polk State College is located in downtown Lake Wales in 2009.