Multi-Unit Commercial Building Planned for Annexed Parcel, With Plans to Change Zoning and Future Land Use
by James Coulter
A nearly 13,000-square-foot multi-unit commercial building may be coming to an annexed parcel, whose zoning and land use designation is expected to be amended to accommodate the proposed development.
At their regular meeting on Tues. Nov. 12, Winter Haven City Commissioners reviewed the first reading of two ordinances that would amend the zoning and future land use designation of a vacant parcel located north of Highway 540 West.
Both ordinances would change the subject property’s zoning and future land use to Commercial Highway. According to the city memo of the agenda item, the property has “sufficient public infrastructure capacity to accommodate the maximum theoretical development.”
The subject property, which is more than an acre, was annexed into the city on May 13, 2024. Located north of Highway 540 West, the property is “surrounded by a single-family residence to the east; former citrus groves to the south across State Road 540; a vacant lot to the west across King Road; and the Residences at Winter Haven Subdivision under construction across CrosstowerRoad to the north.”
The second reading will be hosted at the next regular city commission meeting on Mon. Nov. 25.
ABC Fine Wine and Spirits Store to Have Its Zoning and Land Use Designation Changed
by James Coulter
ABC Fine Wine and Spirits Store in Winter Haven is expected to have its zoning and land use designation assigned now that the property has been annexed into the city.
At their regular meeting on Tues. Nov. 12, Winter Haven city commissioners reviewed the first reading of two ordinances amending the zoning and land use designation of an annexed parcel that is less than an acre.
The ordinances would assign the future land use designation to Primary Mixed-Use Hub and its zoning designation to Commercial- Highway. The subject property, located at 250 Cypress Gardens Boulevard, currently contains a 9,088-square-foot ABC Fine Wine and Spirits retail store built in 1975.
“The subject property is surrounded by an office building to the east; multi-family residential to the south; a Red Lobster restaurant to the west; and a Panda Express restaurant across Cypress Gardens Boulevard to the north,” the city memo states.
The property was annexed into the city on Apr. 22, 2024. The memo states: “As the property is already developed, no additional demands on public infrastructure are expected at this time.”
The second reading will be hosted at the next regular city commission meeting on Mon. Nov. 25.
Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization, is sponsoring a free turkey giveaway Saturday, November 23, 2024, at three Polk County locations (see below).
They are joined in this effort once again by The Freedom Tour volunteer organization based in Lake Wales whose mission it is to provide quality food and love to those in need. The Freedom Tour will be providing boxes of food as well.
“For the seventh year in a row we are blessed to be able to provide turkeys to our citizens, thanks to the generous donations made year-round to Polk Sheriff’s Charities. We’re so grateful to the volunteers at the Freedom Tour for the use of their refrigerated trucks and for their food donations as well. It is so heartwarming to work with such a generous group of men and women and to be able to make a positive difference in others’ lives.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
The turkeys will be distributed one per family, one per vehicle on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. No identification or pre-qualification will be required to receive a turkey.
Deputies will be at each location to hand out the frozen birds, which are in the 15 to 17 pound range. Up to 1,200 turkeys will be given away.
The locations and times where the turkeys will be distributed are:
East Polk: 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Church on the Hill, 1111 Scenic Hwy, Dundee; Cars will be directed to enter the parking lot south of the church from Old Scenic Hwy, then will be directed around the back of the church to the distribution point. Cars will then be directed to exit north onto Old Scenic Hwy towards Dundee.
Central Polk: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Lake Region High School campus, 1995 Thunder Road, Eagle Lake; Cars will be directed to enter onto Cameron Road from US 17, which turns into Gilbert Street, then onto Thunder Road, through the school parking lot to the distribution point, and back out onto Gilbert Street.
West Polk: 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Lakes Church (AKA Church at the Mall), 1010 East Memorial Blvd, Lakeland; Cars will be directed to enter the parking lot from the westbound lane of Memorial at the intersection with Ingraham Avenue, and then will be directed to the rear parking lot of the church to the distribution point. Cars will be directed to exit westbound onto Memorial, or straight onto Ingraham Avenue.
The FDOT has begun a resurfacing project on SR 559 from Interstate 4 to SR 33. The project includes:
Milling and resurfacing the roadway
Asphalt driveway reconstruction
Shoulder widening
Turn lane reconstruction
Widening for keyhole bike lanes at the turn lanes
New traffic signals with supplemental lighting at the SR 559 and I-4 ramps
Crews will work on signals for the week of November 23 to November 30. Watch for shoulder closures on the bridge above I-4. Use caution and be prepared to merge or stop.
The City of Lake Wales, within ten years, will be determining the feasibility of converting a local development from a septic to a sewer system now that it has officially amended its comprehensive plan.
At their regular meeting on Tues. Nov. 19, 2024, Lake Wales City Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the second reading of an ordinance to amend the City of Lake Wales Comprehensive Plan.
The amendment was made to comply with House Bill 1379, which addresses new requirements for municipalities “to close out existing septic tanks and convert connections to public sewer.” Specifically, the bill requires local municipalities like Lake Wales to amend their comprehensive plans “to evaluate the feasibility of connecting homes on septic to sewer.”
According to the bill: “Within the local government’s jurisdiction, for any development of more than 50 residential lots, whether built or unbuilt, with more than one onsite sewage treatment and disposal system per 1 acre, the element must consider the feasibility of providing sanitary sewer services…”
The City of Lake Wales has since identified a development within its jurisdiction that meets these criteria, with it having more than 50 residential lots, and more than one onsite sewage treatment and disposal system per one acre.
As such, City Clerk Jennifer Nanek wrote in the memo that the city will “consider the feasibility of providing sanitary sewer services within a 10-year planning horizon and will identify the name and location of the wastewater treatment facility that could receive sanitary sewer flows after connection.”
Commissioner Carol Gillespie asked whether there were other developments in the city that met the requirement to have their septic systems converted to sewer. Autumn Cochella, Growth Management Director, answered that the city does have a few similar preexisting developments but not many.
“The public work department is in the process of undergoing a wastewater master plan where they are identifying all of those areas,” she said. “Other than that, most of our inner-citydevelopments are on municipal sewer.”
Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson commented on how septic systems contributed to urban sprawl. He explained that septic systems required a certain amount of land to dissipate the wastewater, which required housing to be likewise spread out.
Gibson argued that switching from a septic to a sewer system would cut down on urban sprawl and housing costs, and in the process, preserve the existing countryside. Likewise, most developers considered sewer systems a qualifier for developments, as they are interested in quality developments and not urban sprawl.
“Some people are upset because we are against septic tanks,” he said. “We made a choice. That speaks to who we are.”
This morning (11/22/24) at 5:34 a.m., a call was received from a neighbor who reported seeing flames coming from the back of the home across the street on 3rd St NE.
Two Winter Haven police officers in the area responded and entered the structure rescuing occupants inside of the residence. Within three minutes, Winter Haven Fire units arrived on scene and determined the fire was confined to the back of the home. With assistance from Polk County Fire Rescue, firefighters were able to keep the fire from entering the front part of the structure causing only smoke damage.
Six people living in the residence are displaced and Red Cross is assisting.
The fire was extinguished with the damage confined to the back portion including a laundry room and the kitchen. There are no injuries to the residents or police and fire personnel.
A crash on Hwy 17 at Mirror Terrace in Winter Haven has caused the roadway to be shut down and impacts on traffic signals in the area. The driver did not suffer significant injuries.
The crash caused a power pole to fall and lines cross the roadway. Hwy 17 from Ave. M NW at Havendale Blvd will be shut down until further notice.
Traffic signals impacted are at Havendale and MLK Jr Blvd, Hwy 17 at Mirror Terrace and First St N and MLK Jr. Blvd. Winter Haven Streets are currently en-route to install generators to run the signals.
Drivers should take extra precaution in these areas and if they encounter an intersection with no working signals, treat it as a four-way stop. Please use patience as these are very busy intersections.
Nearly three acres of land along Harding Avenue in Lake Wales will be developed into a mixed-use development with commercial and residential property now that the City of Lake Wales has given preliminary approval to four ordinances.
At their regular meeting on Mon. Nov. 19, 2024, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve the first reading of four ordinances concerning the annexation, zoning and land use designation change, and special permit of 2.75 acres of land on Harding Avenue.
These ordinances would annex the subject property into city limits, amend its Future Land Use designation of NAC Neighborhood Activity Center, amend its Zoning designation of C-5 Village Center, and approve a Special Exception Use Permit to allow a Mixed-Use Planned Development Project (PDP).
The proposed development would include, according to the city memo, “two, two-story mixed-use buildings to include 15,098 square feet of ground-level commercial and 14 market-rate apartments on the second floor.” It would also include outdoor patio space and a reduced front setback to hide the parking behind the building, “creating a better building-to-street relationship along US Highway 27.”
The owner, Lino Cervino, had been contemplating plans for the property for several years. Originally, he had intended to develop it for commercial use; however, after discussion with the city’s planning staff and “considering the ambitions of Lake Wales Envisioned”, he opted for a mixed-use development.
Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson praised the project, claiming it would help with infill, collect as much of the population in the city limits, and save the countryside as much as possible.
One resident, Charlene Bennett, likewise praised the project, claiming that it was preferable to another project approved earlier that evening concerning 558 acres outside the city limits.
“Unlike that annexation, which was growth for growth’s sake,”she said. “It [helps alleviate] urban sprawl.”
Every year, new Christmas movies are released, all aiming to become the next big holiday film alongside such classics as A Christmas Carol, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, and Home Alone. This film certainly aspires to be one of them.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is based on the classic novel written by Barbara Robinson in 1972. The film is directed by Dallas Jenkins, the director of The Chosen, and released by the faith-based Kingdom Story Company.
As such, not only does this movie aspire to be the next great Christmas movie, but also the next great faith-based movie. But does The Best Christmas Pageant Ever live up to its name as “the best”? Or did it fail to meet such great expectations?
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever follows the story of Beth Bradley, a young girl whose mother is tasked with directing their town’s 75th annual Christmas pageant. However, shenanigans ensue when who should decide to volunteer for this year’s play than the Herdman siblings.
As Beth so eloquently explains in her opening narration: “The Herdmans were absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lied. They stole. They smoke cigars. They cuss and take the Lord’s name in vain.”
Will the Herdmans learn how to behave in time for the pageant? Or will their troublemaking antics make it the worst Christmas pageant ever? (Well, you can guess by the movie’s title how it eventually turns out.)
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever certainly aspires to be the next great Christmas classic akin to A Christmas Story. It’s based on a classic holiday tale. It’s set in the nostalgic past. It’s filmed in a warm sepia tone. It’s narrated by a character detailing a humorous event from their childhood. It’s tile even has a similar font to that of A Christmas Story. And every shot is filled with as much holiday decor as humanly possible.
The premise is likewise promising enough. And the movie poster with a flaming Christmas tree certainly looks promising. Six siblings who are the worst of the worst volunteering for a local church pageant with the potential of wacky shenanigans ensuing. It’s like putting a pack of monkeys into a warehouse of bananas. You know things are not only going to go wrong but spectacularly and entertainingly.
However, for as bad as the Herdmans are built up to be, the worst we see them are in the opening montage of them causing chaos, all of which climaxes with them setting a shed on fire and watching while smoking cigars. Every other scene with them in it, while promising utter chaos, simply has them acting out like most children do.
Admittedly, the whole point of the film is about these children learning to be good by acting in a play about Jesus. Such character development certainly occurs, especially with the oldest sibling Imogen, who aspires to be an actress and sees the church play as an opportunity to do just that.
Also admittedly, this is the movie’s strongest appeal. The message is essentially that no one is “too bad” or “too far gone” to become a better person, and everyone has the opportunity to do just that with a little help from Jesus. In that regard, this Christian movie is certainly better than most other faith-based films like God’s Not Dead, which is less about faith and more about right-wing grievance politics.
Unfortunately, despite showing such promise, the movie essentially falls flat. By no means is the movie “bad”, but it’s also not “great” either. It’s rather bland and mild–or “mid” as the kids these days say. Sure, it has some humorous lines and moments, but nothing that would elicit more than a chuckle.
I compared this movie to A Christmas Story. It certainly aspires to emulate that film. However, what I feel it lacks are any iconic moments that really stand out. When you think of A Christmas Story, you think of Flick getting his tongue frozen to a flagpole, or Ralphie almost getting his eye shot out by his toy gun, or him getting his mouth washed out with soap after saying a curse word.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever doesn’t have any similar iconic moments that stand out. The most is the titular Christmas pageant at the very end, which, no spoilers, while mildly amusing, is also a bit of a mild letdown. Otherwise, this movie lacks any memorable moments that would make this film, well, memorable.
Overall, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a decent enough movie. By no means is it objectionable, and anyone of any age can watch it and gain some enjoyment. It’s okay, is what I’m saying. But the next best holiday classic it is not. Give it a watch, if you want. Just curb your expectations.
William Ken (Kenneth) Jackson was born September 20th, 1958 in Winter Haven, Florida. He passed way due to complications of chronic health conditions on October 28th, 2024 in Lakeland, Florida.
Ken was a decorated, retired Pasco County Sheriff’s deputy for nearly 30 years. All of Ken’s life was about helping. He spent his career helping his community whether it be by stopping crime or saving people from their own worst day. He was fondly referred to as “Dumptruck” by his fellow deputies due to his imposing stature but had the biggest heart under it all. He spent as much time helping friends and family in every way he could. He would do pretty much anything to offer to help anyone that was in need.
Ken was preceded in death by his beloved Wife, Donna Toombs Jackson of 41 years; his parents, William Morris Jackson Jr., Juanita Walker Jackson and sister Cynthia Jackson as well as two Angel Grand babies. He is survived by his two sisters, Catherine Jackson Platts and Judy Jackson Evenson; his three daughters, Kristina Jackson Bianco, Karen Jackson Wright and Becky Jackson Toole; as well as his six living grandchildren, Joseph Bianco, James Bianco, Piper Folsom, Amelia Morehouse, Marissa Toole and Noah Toole.
There will be a celebration of his life planned in the near future.
