[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6598644,"mediaKeyId","3032454-be505d9a033487f5e5658ac36a6fc9cb","parentId",3032454,"title","Residents ask Polk County to pause Dodge Road Park plans, seek community meeting on buffering and public-records access","audioSeconds",1782,"startMs",683000,"endMs",2465000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032454-be505d9a033487f5e5658ac36a6fc9cb&start=683&end=2465","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032454-be505d9a033487f5e5658ac36a6fc9cb/thumbnail_683000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6598644/Polk-County/Florida/Residents-ask-Polk-County-to-pause-Dodge-Road-Park-plans-seek-community-meeting-on-buffering-and-public-records-access","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598644-78a6fcd5a73853d7726e4b7f56721a7a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159840&Signature=F6RNuyLBg1vk~ETEfhrbabghXIkMnLk2W0OgTn34ELkcUHx15tijKGSdhIBpXTzypmoh8wbKuvtVxTPYoSutYw-E5bmr-pLYeBeBDqGsJyL4yKX1nbLdiT2E9rueLRbeLzBVDc7T7Njp07SDMmfhXpXIm67EctqdM9NdaxRBJz3PubruubRWXp~RXtGpDg8F8ssKHulOC4MwGhSojDwPgaJiKA9ZoW7hAFRBd~5lfmryD1L8s~EPI5hZ1bkgz8KO4Aa7qqAAY~JaD0ftWdmeUla2XlXVOO-ZUJRY0RxjH8q271LIxj15f7DL~SHGdNXyV45Dz~eble~PTq3cMp7pFw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Polk County","date","2025-04-15T08:35:00Z","article","Several residents used the public comment period to press Polk County commissioners for more outreach and transparency on proposed park plans near Dixie Avenue (referred to in comments as Dodge Road Park).

Christopher Isen, who gave his address as 5735 Dixie Avenue in Lakeland and said he owns two properties abutting the parcel, told the board he believes phase 1 plans place a parking lot directly next to his house. \"I've probably put close to $1,000,000 into it,\" Isen said, describing recent renovations and saying he is concerned that a parking lot and park use could invite vagrancy and reduce privacy for his family. He asked for a meeting where the county and neighbors can walk the site; he said he had spoken with \"Mr. Callender,\" who indicated fencing was planned but requested a stronger separation such as a block wall.

James Abercrombie of 2737 Gibson and Galloway Road submitted a written statement and read portions into the record asking the board to halt park plans until more public research and records review are completed. Abercrombie said he attended a prior public meeting and that residents were previously opposed to the park, disputed staff's outreach and questioned why public records stretching back to 2007 were not readily available. \"As a concerned citizen, I personally request that park plans are halted until proper research has been completed to investigate and ensure the citizens have no further recommendations for the property to better serve our community,\" Abercrombie said.

Commissioner Scott responded during general remarks that Hunt Fountain Park in North Lakeland is over-utilized and that county planning for another park had been a strategic, forward-looking decision given development in the area over the past 15 years. Scott acknowledged the tension between a landowner's backyard preference and county recreation planning and said staff will work to improve transparency and public information through project-viewer tools and QR codes.

County staff and commissioners acknowledged requests for more direct community engagement. One staff member indicated Commissioner Scott had reached out about meeting with Abercrombie and the resident; Abercrombie and staff discussed whether a meeting would be recorded and the implications for public-records access.

Ending: Residents asked for a recorded community meeting and stronger physical buffers between private properties and proposed park infrastructure; the board did not take formal action on park design at the meeting and staff indicated follow-up communications and possible meetings would occur.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Polk County - Board of County Commissioners on 2025-04-15 9:00 AM - Apr 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Residents urged Polk County commissioners to pause or revisit park plans near Dixie Avenue and requested a community meeting to address buffering, privacy and public-records concerns.","taxTitle","Polk County, Florida","taxId",2874,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6598649,"Polk County advances multiple land-use changes, adopts three institutional rezones and advances code updates",0,2378000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032454-be505d9a033487f5e5658ac36a6fc9cb&start=2378&end=2378","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032454-be505d9a033487f5e5658ac36a6fc9cb/thumbnail_2378000.jpg","/articles/6598649/Polk-County/Florida/Polk-County-advances-multiple-land-use-changes-adopts-three-institutional-rezones-and-advances-code-updates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598649-1457ff0b8f44a61e762b838879876518/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159840&Signature=hu3rd75RBluz4TPGxnQHN5oKlzL7PrFKOzM-osIDmlLpt6C85TiJhYCWomTtacR29dsg00duTaMEnTWTr6K6uYM9t5a86a4-AZePwQBz5gIXgksYWKNPp-i5sft7bIZnGqqs~f9YN48waInIrHi36BWmVYsn6Q2jxDDX0NyG1cRmMLQkSTvWGbOU8aGC4EBRH2W4c5~LgpHFACeesfuKsvAxM2kAKAPL7PtcmNr2myqn~Gk50xerjZB~AwUzlcXrXFjLbpA1Af6mHQWtsMRe3zFvcwvfsio3wXkkyqI759N5ar4iCltHu9y23PyGNPiD6mEiAka43HSgrfK5C6R2dg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Polk County commissioners on the expedited public hearing agenda adopted four land-use and code actions and advanced several others for later adoption.

The board approved ordinances/designations to change future land-use designations to Institutional for government properties that will host or expand public facilities: Bradley Junction (Bridal Junction) Fire Station (approx. 8.13 acres) and ABC Road/Colusa Fire Station (approx. 5.82 acres). The planning commission had unanimously recommended approval for these items and the board adopted them by voice vote.

The board also adopted a land development code text amendment to remove outdated criteria for residential development in the I-4 selected area plan; planning commission had unanimously recommended approval and the board adopted the amendment at the hearing.

Another adoption altered the Institutional 2 land-use designation to allow vehicle service, mechanical activity and outdoor storage where needed for government or quasi-governmental operations (with required visual buffering by landscaping, opaque fencing or walls). Planning commission had unanimously recommended approval and the board adopted the change.

Several other code changes were presented as first readings or updates that do not require a board vote today: an ordinance to allow mobile homes by right in plats recorded prior to May 20, 1971 (first reading; planning commission recommended approval 6-1; staff will return for adoption in two weeks), and a proposed change to increase the public-notice mailing radius from 500 feet to 1,000 feet for planning commission and Board of County Commissioners items (first reading; unanimous planning commission recommendation).

A comprehensive land development code text amendment directing stormwater and storm-basin standards was presented as a first reading. Key components staff highlighted included adopting a stress drainage basin map by reference, requiring stem wall foundations under certain circumstances, increasing finished-floor elevation standards from 1 foot to 2.5 feet above base flood, raising road drainage design standards and requiring properties to retain a portion of stormwater exceeding pre-development conditions. The planning commission recommended unanimous approval. Staff said the ordinance was prompted by recent storm seasons and flooding patterns.

One item (P1) was continued to the May 6 meeting to allow further review with law enforcement on specific language; the board voted to continue that item without debate.

Votes at a glance (expedited/adoption items):
- O1 (Bridal Junction Fire Station, LDC PAS 2025-4): Adopted (voice vote)
- O2 (ABC Road/Colusa Fire Station, LDC PAS 2020-56): Adopted (voice vote)
- O3 (I-4 selected area plan text amendment, LDCT 2024-428): Adopted (voice vote)
- O4 (Institutional 2 text amendment, LDCT 2025-2): Adopted (voice vote)
- O5 (Mobile homes in plats prior to 1971, LDCT 2025-6): First reading; no board vote today; return for adoption in two weeks
- O6 (Public hearing mailer radius to 1,000 ft, LDCT 2025-4): First reading; no board vote today; return for adoption in two weeks
- O7 (Stress basins and stormwater management, LDCT 2025-3): First reading; no board vote today; return for adoption in two weeks
- P1: Continued to May 6 for further review with law enforcement

Board and staff members during discussion said the updates aim to modernize outdated code language, improve transparency and notice to affected residents, and respond to flooding and infrastructure stresses revealed in recent storm seasons. Commissioners publicly thanked planning and engineering staff for producing the amendments and noted steps to improve public-facing tools such as the project viewer and GIS mapping.

Ending: Items presented as first readings will return to the board for final adoption at a subsequent meeting; staff said more detailed documents and project-viewer links will be available to the public as the county implements the changes.","At an expedited public hearing the Polk County Commission adopted four institutional land-use changes and advanced several land-development code amendments for future adoption, including updates on stormwater, mobile-home placement, and notice radius changes; one item was continued to May 6 for law-enforcement review.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6598653,"Polk County accepts $2.0 million in FDOT funds to design Old Dixie Trail segment linking Auburndale and Haines City",252,1848000,2100000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032454-be505d9a033487f5e5658ac36a6fc9cb&start=1848&end=2100","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032454-be505d9a033487f5e5658ac36a6fc9cb/thumbnail_1848000.jpg","/articles/6598653/Polk-County/Florida/Polk-County-accepts-20-million-in-FDOT-funds-to-design-Old-Dixie-Trail-segment-linking-Auburndale-and-Haines-City","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598653-2a478cb0b1476ac9ce6949b6af33950b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159840&Signature=DSlYvygx8W4JbZ0gCzw6a54pg7YZ6xoKCWAzlI0ksbMP6hwa~APWlCSTaut-ZwajnHhchSZe4Tf0r8HZiZVEa9dKSoOqJMmQf2Jjf50hXeh0nXjiWXra2kOLQdNvgmXFm8Zfd38y1EP48jxKN~em3AEsH1slwwwiS~sYKwRk57qtsHHiCC~6GYEBj65Y1uPx8QO-VipLQAspu5PfyAOPDNWljRkjGXju7JeCtCmhodUUVXTbLmlUTBjWAOxQZwymM3Gw96OvUXG~DVBEVRQHX2tobaXV~ZmjKVkE9kSI2wTqnaSb7dY0P7J9DShDNntAijUmWcr3nAlL~m0xHTcLHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Polk County commissioners approved a Local Agency Program (LAP) agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation to secure $2,000,335 in state funds for design and engineering of a 12.8-mile multi-use paved trail along Old Dixie Trail, connecting the Auburndale and Haines City trail segments and closing a gap in the SunTrail network.

County staff said the trail will be 10-to-12 feet wide, ADA-compliant, and will link the TECO Auburndale Van Fleet trails to the Haines City trailhead. FDOT is nearing completion of the project's PD&E (Project Development & Environment) phase; Polk County will procure the professional design and engineering services over the next four to five months.

Staff noted FDOT's participation for design may increase or decrease depending on final construction bids; Polk County agreed to bear expenses beyond FDOT participation and cover deficits should FDOT not fund the full project. Upon board approval, staff will establish the project budget in the county special revenue grant fund under the roads and drainage community investment program.

Commissioners approved the agreement by motion and voice vote; the chair stated \"motion carries.\" No roll-call tally was read into the public remarks.

Ending: Staff described the vote as establishing the design phase budget and initiating procurement for design services; construction funding and schedule will follow later steps and are subject to FDOT decisions and future board approvals.","The county approved a Local Agency Program agreement with FDOT to receive $2,000,335 for design and engineering of a 12.8-mile ADA-compliant multi-use trail to connect existing trail segments as part of the Florida SunTrail network; Polk County will manage design and cover any cost overruns beyond FDOT participation.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6598657,"Polk County approves $21.43 million contract for septage receiving and leachate treatment facility",673,1369000,2042000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032454-be505d9a033487f5e5658ac36a6fc9cb&start=1369&end=2042","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032454-be505d9a033487f5e5658ac36a6fc9cb/thumbnail_1369000.jpg","/articles/6598657/Polk-County/Florida/Polk-County-approves-2143-million-contract-for-septage-receiving-and-leachate-treatment-facility","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598657-5c85534c6bee5d53d38519f82d4609aa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159840&Signature=lR70b9acQ9wTMAkGJcWOGx8e5GX4ufx~VNvDcSye3WvRSAEqrMzNtWzUAjWh1277vPad381iaMQ-bsUGNiJ76WjJvs9WOIzJ48XbBD-DO4fmco0lGs8MkcV4qXSe4l5HzCGpu52AXt59LbqdjDFma1SqKuBxMLrXHDsPPuW4FXrtPo3~8Hbp9yTCIH7~I-AxJkFgCNJ-my1ZIZ0YbVJcfTkWYbvpXrJ6XHbXHOoWkqkPasUnqpssJ5yOIT1RhM9zZJc625v0uUE0IxNhPuvhfErvg00Wy8msPLZQQzmWTdWjT6l86CPYT3Qpgi7IWmNsgtI2Gwz2iqdW-Zhh8Y7K7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Polk County commissioners on the dais approved a $21,430,000 construction contract to build a centralized septage receiving and leachate treatment facility at the county's North Central Landfill and separately approved a professional services amendment with Hazen and Sawyer not to exceed $488,410 for construction administration and support.

County staff said the new facility is intended to provide an alternative disposal option for septic-hauling companies that currently apply septage to open fields, a practice staff said risks nutrient leaching into groundwater and nearby water bodies. The project includes treatment equipment already purchased in part with $6,580,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.

Manager's office representative (presenting details) said the county completed competitive solicitation (Bid No. 25021), received two bids and recommended award to C & T Contracting Services as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder. Staff added a $250,000 allowance and contingency per county resolution and set a 395-calendar-day contract time for final completion.

Commissioners voted after a motion and second; the board recorded verbal approval and the chair stated \"motion carries.\" There was no recorded roll-call tally in the public remarks.

Polk County also approved an amendment to an existing agreement with Hazen and Sawyer to provide part 3 professional engineering services (construction support and administration) for the project, with the county noting the amendment will be funded by ARPA monies in the county's utility community investment plan. The amendment was described as a one-time expense not to exceed $488,410 and estimated to take about one year.

County staff said the feasibility study and prior design phases identified the North Central Landfill as the preferred site because it is readily accessible and can accommodate leachate treatment and residual biosolids disposal.

Clarifying details provided to the board showed community investment program expenses to date of $12,043,677 (design, engineering, equipment procurement and related operating expenses) and requested a community investment program amendment and budget transfer of $18,343,741 from the utilities capital expansion reserve to fully fund remaining anticipated project costs.

Commissioners described the project as addressing regulatory changes for biosolids management and as a service to local haulers and the county's solid waste operations. Commissioner Scott, who said he had family experience in the septic business, praised the project as benefiting private haulers and solid waste operations.

The board approved the construction contract (including contingency) and the Hazen and Sawyer amendment in separate votes during the meeting. The staff presentation said no protests were received during the solicitation process.

Next steps identified by staff: execute the construction contract, proceed with construction administration under the Hazen and Sawyer amendment, and manage the project schedule and budget through the county's community investment program.

Ending: The county did not specify a construction start date in the meeting remarks; staff said the construction schedule is 395 calendar days for completion once work begins.","The Polk County Board of County Commissioners approved a $21.43 million construction contract and a $488,410 engineering amendment to build a centralized septage receiving and leachate treatment facility at the North Central Landfill, funded in part by $6.58 million in ARPA funds and a transfer from the utilities capital expansion reserve.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents ask Polk County to pause Dodge Road Park plans, seek community meeting on buffering and public-records access

Polk County advances multiple land-use changes, adopts three institutional rezones and advances code updates

Polk County accepts $2.0 million in FDOT funds to design Old Dixie Trail segment linking Auburndale and Haines City

Polk County approves $21.43 million contract for septage receiving and leachate treatment facility