Have you ever wished you could browse the downtown farmers market with a Vasco61 mint julep in hand? Or, how about grabbing mimosas at Cob & Pen to sip while antique shopping in Dixieland? That’s the idea behind a social district, and Lake Wales will be the first city in Polk County to bring it to life.
Lake Wales announced that its downtown Arts, Culture and Entertainment (ACE) District will start up this fall. Visitors will be able to buy beer, wine, and cocktails from participating restaurants + bars and enjoy them at other spots within the ACE district. The goal? To drive nightlife, foot traffic, and economic growth within the downtown area.
Should Lakeland be the next city to implement a permanent social district? If so, where would you put it? Put yourself in the city manager’s chair and send in your thoughts.
What readers are saying
Nearly 200 readers responded to our poll asking, “Should Lakeland establish a social district?” Most said yes (62%), with 22% voting no and 16% feeling ambivalent.
Of those who said they’re down to get social, downtown Lakeland was the most popular choice for a social district. Here’s what else readers said:
- “From the Lake Mirror complex, including the Joinery, extending from Massachusetts Avenue to Tennessee Avenue and West Main Street to Pine Street.”
- “Lake Parker/Shore Acres.”
- “Possibly the Memorial Boulevard regeneration project.”
- “Dixieland or Lakeside Village.”
- “Any place but downtown. Parking is terrible the way it is.”
- “It should be in Dixieland but parking would be an issue.”
