The Mayor & The Manager

Submit a Question! Jennifer Nanek stops by to talk about the important job of the Lake Wales City Clerk. She plays a vital role in the everyday business of the city; from FOIA requests to meeting notes.  We're grateful to have someone as proficient as she is working daily to make Lake Wales a better community!

Submit a Question! Today Lake Wales Mayor, Jack Hilligoss, and City Manager, James Slaton, provide updates on the most recent happenings surrounding the Stone Ridge development in West Lake Wales.

Submit a Question! In Episode 23 of The Mayor and The Manager , host Mayor Jack Hilligoss is joined in the studio by City Manager James Slaton, Police Chief Velasquez, and Fire Chief Smith. Together, they take a deep dive into Lake Wales' ongoing public safety expansion projects, discussing the long-term strategic planning behind the city's growth.

Submit a Question! In this episode of The Mayor and the Manager , Mayor Jack Hilligoss sits down with three key figures shaping the communications and economy of downtown Lake Wales: Joy Pruitt, Shay Irvis, and Eric Marshall. Together, they share their personal "Lake Wales stories" and unpack the power of cross-departmental collaboration. Learn how city government, non-profits, and local...

Submit a Question! In this episode, Mayor Jack Hilligoss hosts Kelly Geniott and Gabe Segarra from the City of Lake Wales Communication and Engagement Department. The team discusses their backgrounds, how their roles have evolved, and the critical importance of maintaining transparency and open channels of communication within city government. They highlight ongoing promotional projects—including...

Submit a Question! In Episode 20 of The Mayor and The Manager , Mayor Jack Hilligoss sits down with Parks and Recreation Director Stephanie Lutton to discuss the local Family Rec Center, new equipment rental programs, citywide trail expansions, and the ongoing efforts to make Lake Wales a "city in a garden."

Submit a Question! In Episode 19 of The Mayor & The Manager , the hosts discuss Lake Wales' current water situation and long-term sustainability plans. They examine the role of SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District) and regional pumping permits, current usage rates, and how local developments affect the water supply. The discussion also covers strategic efforts to manage wat...

Submit a Question! In this episode, Mayor Jack Hilligoss and City Manager James Slaton reunite to discuss key updates across Lake Wales, including upcoming municipal projects like police and fire facility expansions. The main focus centers on the "South Polk Pathways to Prosperity" initiative—a joint economic development strategy alongside Bartow, Fort Meade, and Winter Haven. They explo...

Submit a Question! Mayor Jack Hilligoss and City Manager James Slaton talk about the hot topic that it seems everyone is talking about now: Property Tax. How would DeSantis' bill affect the city? 

Submit a Question! Al Kirkland and Rick Grogan join us today to talk about the Grove Manor redevelopment and about how the history northwest district and historic downtown Lake Wales are being connected

Submit a Question! Robin Gibson joins us again to talk about restoring the Walesbilt Hotel in downtown Lake Wales, the process of picking the firm who is overseeing that, as well as the potential that this brings with the citizens and business owners in our great town.

Submit a Question! Robin Gibson has been a faithful city servant for many years—he's been especially involved in the Community Redevelopment Agency. In this episode, we talk about what the CRA is responsible for, how it affects you, the city, and the county, and we take time to answer a listener's question! 

Submit a Question! Today, we're talking with Chief Smith on how Lake Wales' Fire Department helps the citizens, how someone can become a firefighter, and the kind of heart for people that our firefighters have!

Submit a Question! How should Christians be involved in politics both nationwide and in their own city?  Paul encourages us to pray for those who rule over us and give them due respect, but what if we feel a stirring in our own hearts to be more involved? 

Submit a Question! How do we make Lake Wales a destination city so our local businesses and citizens can prosper? What steps have been taken to see this through and what can we look forward to in the future?

Submit a Question! Mayor Jack Hilligoss and City Manager James Slaton take time to talk about attracting companies to Lake Wales and the economic impacts that brings through different avenues.  They also answer a question that a listener submitted!

Submit a Question! The Economic Development Council (EDC) is responsible for attracting businesses to Lake Wales in an effort to help Lake Wales citizens get higher paying jobs closer to home. This allows for Lake Wales to reap the benefits of the growth we're seeing in Polk County by keeping more revenue in Lake Wales rather than in our neighboring cities.  Skip Alford joins us to talk about...

Submit a Question! This is a special episode—this week, we're featuring Mayor Hilligoss' annual State of the City speech. Here, he casts vision and dreams for Lake Wales and thanks each of our wonderful city staff members who work tirelessly to help Lake Wales reach and maintain its highest potential. 

Submit a Question! Lake Wales' Police Chief, Chris Velasquez, stops by to talk about our fantastic men & women in blue. Lake Wales has a fantastic police force and we spend time talking about everything from public presence and patrolling to expansion in the future. 

Submit a Question! In this episode, Mayor Jack Hilligoss and City Manager James Slaton explain what the Community Redevelopment Association is. They'll also touch on ways that Lake Wales is attracting new businesses downtown.

Submit a Question! This week Mayor Jack Hilligoss and City Manager James Slaton talk a bit about Lake Wales' amazing city staff and the unsung heroes that help the city operate. We also talk about grants the city has won and how Lake Wales is beginning to become more and more nationally recognized through different avenues of media!

Submit a Question! In this episode, Mayor Jack Hilligoss and City Manager James Slaton talk about what the city has done to improve our parks and recreation. They'll also touch on some exciting things our citizens can look forward to in the coming years!  As always, we would love to answer some of your questions about the happenings around Lake Wales—If you have a question, please reach out t...

Submit a Question! In this episode of The Mayor and The Manager, Mayor Jack Hilligoss and City Manager James Slaton talk about the recent developments in the saga that is the Dixie Walesbilt Hotel in downtown Lake Wales.  Who is the restoration company contracted to restore it? What can we expect when it's finished?  As always, we would love to answer some of your questions about the happenin...

Submit a Question! In this episode, Mayor Jack Hilligoss and City Manager James Slaton talk about how we attract businesses to the city, how do we secure our city water, and how we've planned for the growth we're experiencing and growth that hasn't been realized yet.  Lake Wales is positioned in one of the fastest growing counties in state, let alone the country. With such a massive...

Submit a Question! In Episode 1, Mayor Jack Hilligoss and City Manager James Slaton talk about steps being taken to complete the Lake Wales Connected Program—from increasing walkability, public transportation, and the construction of other trails to Bok Tower and around Crystal Lake. We'll also hear how these steps lead to a lively downtown and, as a result, funds to reinvest into the city as...