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.

PHOTO BY CJ NEWTON