While Bonnet Springs Park’s opening date (yet to be determined), lingers on the horizon, a new development is almost underway right next door.
The team over at Bonnet Springs Park is working on closing a deal on 26 acres of land that currently sits in between the future park + Lake Wire. An out-of-state buyer is interested in the property, the previous home of Florida Tile, to turn it into a “mixed-use project.”
Map of the proposed site in relation to Bonnet Springs Park via Hauger-Bunch.
Presently, of the 26-acres, a majority is owned by Lake Wire Development Co. with the remaining 2.3 acres owned by the City of Lakeland. According to Lake Wire Development officials, the biggest concern now is the two properties being purchased and developed separately. With this concern in mind, city commissioners are helping decide what will happen to it.
Commissioners are to come to an agreement on a list of prohibited uses for the land – a list that was agreed upon by both the city and Lake Wire Development + was just finalized.
The list, along with the development was on the City’s agenda for Monday’s commissioner meeting. However, as of Tuesday afternoon, no word has been announced on whether or not a final agreement was reached.
To see the current status, check out the full memorandumhere.
What do you think should be next to Bonnet Springs Park?
No matter how you do it – sprinting, canoeing, biking, or jogging – be sure to share this morning’s news with your park-goin’ pals.
NEWS NOTES
Weather ○75º | Scattered T-storms | 56% chance of rain
Announced ○ Calmer waters ahead, me hearties. While the event was previously postponed to April, Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla has now decided to cancel Tampa’s 2021 parades altogether.At this time, the event is scheduled to take place in 2022. 🏴☠️
Coronavirus ○ Recent winter storms across the country could delay the shipment of vaccines to the Florida Department of Health in Polk County. Polk was expecting 12,500 doses this week, but they have yet to arrive. As of Tuesday, over 51,000 people in Polk have received at least one dose, including over 17,000 who have received two. (The Ledger) ○ On Tuesday, the Florida Department of Health announced 6,297 new cases of COVID-19 and220 additional deaths in Florida. That brings the total number of cases in FL of COVID-19 to 1,837,285 + the total deaths to 29,154.You can find more updates concerning COVID-19 case numbers on theFlorida Department of Health dashboard. See Lakeland + Polk numbers here. ○ Monitorthe Florida Department of Health in Polk’s websitefor the latest information regarding vaccines. Seniors can register for the vaccinationhere.
Development ○ Several areas inLakeland may see traffic delays as upgrades to railroad crossings began this week. Construction on two crossings on Old Tampa Hwy.(at Gay Rd. + Wilkinson Rd.) started Tuesday, and others on W. Pipkin Rd., School House Rd.+Shepherd Rd., are expected to start today. The projects should take about 2-3 days to complete. (LkldNow)
FeelGood ○ Brothers Harvey + Charles Luster opened Polk County’s first African American Heritage Museum (585 E. Summerlin. St.) and are sharing their story in honor of Black History Month. The Bartow natives are also leaders of the Luster All Training Center of Hope (320 S. 8th Ave.), a non-profit organization that has mentored over 3,000 students in the last decade. The brothers’ message to the community is to acknowledge + learn from history, instead of burying it. (Bay News 9)
Beauty ○Want luxury lashes without the hassle or high cost of extensions? Thrive Causemetics’ 5-starLiquid Lash Extensions Mascara™ gives lashes voluminous length while using nourishing ingredients that also create healthier lashes over time.Get 15% off all Thrive products here. Ⓟ
But first, they want to know — how do you feel about it?
💭 Does having a scenic overlook rank high on your list of must-haves? 💭 Would you use the trail for easier dining access downtown or for recreation? 💭 Are you concerned about how safe it will be to cross the trail?
#DYK that your photo could be featured in our newsletter? Just use #LALtoday on social media.
#MUSTDO
Learn ○ Free Training Webinar| Wed., Feb. 17 | 4-5 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Join via Zoom link.
Network ○ Master Networks – Plant City| Wed., Feb. 17 | 7:30-8:30 a.m. | OnPoint CoWork Solutions, 1805 James L. Redman Pkwy. | Free, RSVP | Meet + connect with other local business owners. 💼
PlanAhead ○ SyFy Bartow| Sat., Feb. 20 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | 165 E. Main St., Downtown Bartow | Free | A street fair type science fiction convention with a car show, food trucks, and cosplay. ○ Detroit Tigers vs Philadelphia Phillies| Sun., Feb. 28 | 1:05 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd. | Prices Vary | Grab your glove and catch the return of Tigers Spring Training baseball. ⚾
Disclaimer: It is up to readers’ discretion to determine whether they feel comfortable participating in any mentioned events based on COVID-19 protocols and precautions. If you have questions, please contact the event’s organizers directly.
