Polk County commissioners approved a contract, not to exceed $1,600,000, with the Peace River Center to support the purchase of property and building renovations in Lakeland to expand behavioral health and primary care access.

Manager Beasley said the proposed agreement includes up to $1,280,000 for the purchase of two parcels and one vacant building owned by the city of Lakeland, plus $320,000 reserved for renovations. Beasley said the property sits on roughly three acres near Gilmore Avenue where Peace River Center currently operates three buildings under a ground lease with the city.

Larry Williams, CEO of Peace River Center, told the board the outpatient facility serves roughly 250 clients per day and that the state has committed additional funding; Peace River Center plans to invest about $1.2 million in the buildings as well. Williams said owning the land would secure long‑term access and enable additional funding opportunities; he described needed HVAC and drainage repairs in the vacant building and estimated renovation at $320,000.

Funding for the agreement was identified in the county’s indigent health care fund and the citizens health care oversight committee recommended approval. Commissioners moved, seconded and approved the contract by voice vote.