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Polk district closes on Poinciana high school site; targets August 2028 opening
Summary
Planning director Josh McAlmore told the board the district closed on land for a new Poinciana high school (72.2 acres total, comprising a 62.5-acre purchase and a 9.7-acre donation), transmitted a draft comprehensive agreement to the prospective developer, and is tracking permitting and a target August 2028 opening if approvals and permitting proceed on schedule.
Josh McAlmore said the district "officially closed on the property," reporting that the district now owns the acreage intended for a new high school in Poinciana. He described a 62.5-acre purchase at a $10 million purchase price and said an additional 9.7-acre donation was recorded, for a total of 72.2 acres owned by the district.
McAlmore said staff transmitted an initial draft comprehensive agreement to Fortress Secure for review and that permitting activities (floodplain review, driveway access, and utility extensions) are underway with the county. When asked about FEMA's LOMA flood-zone reclassification, staff said that process is pending and not yet completed by FEMA.
Staff told the board that, provided the district adopts a comprehensive agreement and permitting proceeds, groundbreaking activities (equipment on site, ground clearing) would need to begin in early summer to meet a projected August 2028 opening. No formal approvals or votes occurred during the work session; staff will return finalized agreements and schedule details for board consideration.
