A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new bus service in the city’s historic core is scheduled for Friday, October 13 at 10 a.m. The event will occur at the James P. Austin Community Center, 315 Dr. MLK Blvd., Lake Wales.
City staff is partnering with local area transit provider Citrus Connection to connect people to food distribution points and health services.
A recent study conducted by the Department of Health-Polk (DOH-Polk) determined the northwest area to include high rates of food insecurity, behavioral health concerns and health inequity.
Walmart, Publix and the Polk County Health Department in Lake Wales are part of the bus route advancements.
“The new bus service amplifies the City’s efforts to get residents the healthy resources they need,” City Manager James Slaton said.
The ceremony is set to take place at the Grove Community Garden's new site, where fresh produce will be grown and distributed to resource centers and area residents. The development of the garden is through a partnership between the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency and DOH-Polk.
DOH-Polk plans to work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County and neighborhood residents over the summer to decide how the garden will look and function.
Invitees for the groundbreaking ceremony include Lake Wales Mayor Jack Hilligoss, the Lake Wales City Commission and representatives from Citrus Connection.