“Take 5” – 5 Questions with Deena Drumgo – Assistant City Manager, City of Lake Wales
FRA Board of Directors
Q: What is your best piece of business advice for a new FRA member?
Deena: My advice would be to get involved with a committee, take an academy class, and sign up to receive FRA emails or connect on social media. When I first became a new member, I signed up for the academy classes right away to obtain my FRA-RA designation. When I attended my first annual conference, I made sure to network with new colleagues, and I made the best out of all the many sessions.
Q: If you had a superpower, what would it be and why?
Deena: If I had a superpower, it would be to teleport to help save the world. I would teleport disease and sickness out of the body for anyone struggling. I would teleport people and animals out of danger. And I would teleport clean water, food, and safe housing directly to any crisis zone.
Q: We are going out for dinner/entertainment in your CRA District. Where are we going and why?
Deena: That’s a tough one because Lake Wales has so many unique places and small businesses to support. Because we are proud of the work we do in the Lake Wales CRA, I would definitely show off the recent streetscape projects, visit all the murals, and catch one of the many activities at Market Plaza. Then I would showcase the Historic Walesbilt Hotel and discuss its upcoming redevelopment efforts. After grabbing seafood or BBQ downtown, I would end the day at a pottery class at the Lake Wales Arts Council.
Q: What do you hope to be remembered for?
Deena: I hope that I would be remembered for making people feel understood and supported. For showing up in a way that made people feel included and inspired.
Q: What is the most exciting part of being in redevelopment?
Deena: Redevelopment is one of those rare spaces where creativity, problem‑solving, and community engagement all collide. It’s like painting a masterpiece and displaying it in a refurbished frame.
#redevelopmentworks