PHOTO BY KATHY LEIGH BERKOWITZ
The Grand Hotel was turned over to Dixie Walesbilt LLC project manager Ray Brown and project associates at Thursday night's meeting of the Community Redevelopment Agency. The move was approved by a vote of 4-1, with Mayor Mike Carter being the dissenting vote.
PHOTO BY KATHY LEIGH BERKOWITZ
The Grand Hotel adorns the skyline of Lake Wales, and commissioners, like many others in town, continue to ask the question as to "what's up" with the hotel. The City Commission is meeting this week with the hotel's project manager, Ray Brown, for what they hope will be an update of the status of renovations by Dixie Wailesbilt, LLC.
PHOTO BY DEBRA GOUVELLIS
The Grand Hotel, peering down at photographers in anticipation of a facelift, continues to look hopeful that she will one day be restored to her former beauty.
A casino in Lake Wales?
Mayor Mike Carter believes the question needs to be asked to the citizens and he plans to request that the Lake Wales City Commission consider placing it on the ballot for the election next April.
?I?m not yet convinced it?s the right thing,? Carter said Thursday. ?The citizens need to decide.
?There is a lot of potential upside and some concerns,? he added.
The idea of a casino came about as a use for the old Grand Hotel, Carter said. The mayor said he wants to see the hotel preserved and a casino is a way to do that. The hotel is currently undergoing a massive renovation by developer Ray Brown.
A casino could be an ?economic shot in the arm? for Lake Wales and revitalize downtown, Carter said.
The mayor noted people now get on a bus in Lake Wales and travel to the casino in Tampa. Carter said if the question appears on the ballot it might say should the city staff pursue the possibility of converting the Grand Hotel into a casino? Voters would respond ?Yes? or ?No.?
Carter realizes that there are other agencies that would have to get involved. A casino would require state approval, he said.
Commissioner Christopher Lutton said that considering it has only been about five years since the community approved the sale of beer and wine on Sunday it would be ?kind of a real stretch? to think there would a lot of support for a casino here.
Lutton thinks the vast majority of people will have ?heartburn? about it.
The commissioner said he understands Carter?s point of view but would rather have a manufacturing company come to Lake Wales.
Lutton pointed out that the hotel is owned by Brown and added that Brown hasn?t asked the city to do this.
Commissioners Jonathan Thornhill and Terrye Howell could not be reached for comment Friday. Commissioner Betty Wojcik declined to comment when asked about the mayor?s idea on Thursday.
In terms of any crime potential, Lake Wales Police Chief Chris Velasquez said he would need to have a lot more information about it.
If it does happen Carter said he would like to see a portion of the proceeds from the casino set aside for a charitable foundation.
The casino item is expected to be placed on the agenda for the commission?s Dec. 18 meeting at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
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