Polk County Football Preview Week 5

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September 17, 2026

By Ethan Jones

With another week of high school football in the books, it is hard to believe just how quickly the season is moving. We are now heading into Week 5, and what once felt like the beginning of the season is starting to feel like the heart of it. Teams have had several weeks to figure out what they do well, identify their weaknesses, and learn from both their wins and losses. Now, those lessons have become even more important as the season continues.

With the stakes continuing to rise, Polk County has another Friday night filled with intriguing matchups. With that being said, here are some of the games around Polk County that you should keep an eye on this week. Starting things off, we have the (2-1) Lakeland Dreadnaughts vs. the (2-2) American Heritage Patriots. Although American Heritage’s record may not immediately stand out, the Patriots are still considered one of the top teams in the state and country, ranked No. 6 in the state and No. 42 nationally. They will provide Lakeland with yet another major test as the Dreadnaughts continues their season. This should be a heavyweight matchup between two highly regarded programs. For Lakeland they are coming into this game after a 40-6 away game win against the Osceola Kowboys. And for American Heritage they are hoping to carry on with their momentum from their last game where they won 15-14 (OT) on the road against Trinity Christian Academy.

With two talented teams going head-to-head, there are going to be several key factors that could determine who comes away with the victory. For Lakeland, one of the biggest things will be continuing the defensive momentum from its last game, when the Dreadnaughts held Osceola to just six points. That will be especially important against an American Heritage offense that averages 219.5 passing yards per game. If American Heritage wants to come away with the win, one of its biggest priorities will be finding a way to limit Lakeland quarterback Kelin Hendrix. Hendrix has proven to be a dual-threat quarterback who can make big plays with both his arm and his legs, making him a difficult player for opposing defenses to contain. For this game, I expect it to be a close finish that could come down to the final possession. With that being said, I have the Lakeland Dreadnaughts coming away with a close victory at home.

My Prediction: Lakeland 25, American Heritage 21

The next game on the slate for games to watch this week would have to be the (4-0) Lakeland Christian Vikings at the (3-1) Sebring Blue Streaks. In this top 100 state matchup, the Vikings are looking to stay unbeaten and keep their perfect season alive, while the Blue Streaks are looking to continue their momentum after winning their last two games. Lakeland Christian is coming into this game with a high-powered offense that is averaging 62.75 points per game and has shown no signs of slowing down. Sebring, on the other hand, has bounced back after a 35-0 loss to Lake Wales, winning its last two games against Legacy, 35-22, and Lake Gibson, 21-14. Heading into this game, both teams have some key things they will need to focus on if they want to come away with the victory. For Lakeland Christian, one of the biggest keys will be establishing the run early. The Vikings have been successful running the ball this season, with players like AJ Truedell averaging 58.3 yards per game. If Lakeland Christian can get its running game going early, it could open up more opportunities for the rest of the offense. For Sebring, the biggest challenge will be slowing down Lakeland Christian’s offense. This goes without saying, but when you are going up against a team averaging 62.75 points per game, you are going to want to limit their scoring opportunities and slow down their offensive weapons. Sebring will need to play disciplined football and prevent the Vikings from making big plays. With that being said, I see more of the same from the Vikings, and I have Lakeland Christian winning on the road and moving to 5-0 on the season.

My Prediction: Lakeland Christian 45, Sebring 14

The last game I would keep an eye on for the Friday night slate this week would have to be the (2-1) George Jenkins Eagles Vs. (3-0) Seminole Warhawks. The Eagles are coming into this game after a 32-20 loss at home to Haines City and are looking to bounce back and get a win in front of the home crowd. For the Seminole Warhawks, they are coming off a 54-14 victory over Anclote and are looking to keep their perfect season alive heading into Friday night.

For George Jenkins, if they want to win this game, they are going to need to get their offense back on track after only scoring 20 points against Haines City. It is important that they find their rhythm and find it early because they are going up against an undefeated Seminole team that is coming off a big offensive performance. For Seminole, one of the biggest keys will be limiting George Jenkins quarterback Brayden Padgett. Padgett has been one of the Eagles’ biggest offensive threats, and if Seminole can limit what he is able to do, it could make things difficult for the George Jenkins offense. With that being said, I have Seminole remaining unbeaten and winning a close one on the road.

My Prediction: Seminole 27, George Jenkins 22

As Week 5 gets ready to kick off, the excitement around Polk County continues to build. With Lakeland facing another major test against American Heritage, Lakeland Christian looking to remain undefeated against Sebring, and George Jenkins looking to bounce back against Seminole, there is no shortage of storylines heading into Friday night. The season is moving fast, the games are becoming more meaningful, and every team is getting closer to finding out what kind of season they are going to have.

140-Year-Old Shakespeare Book Discovered in Winter Haven Home

Allison

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September 17, 2026

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140-Year-Old Shakespeare Book Discovered in Winter Haven Home
by James Coulter

Most of us studied Shakespeare in school. But few of us ever cracked open a textbook printed more than a century ago, let alone one once owned by a man whose family helped start an entire city and county.

That’s exactly what a Winter Haven mother and her son discovered while cleaning their home.

Elle Carter and her 11‑year‑old son, Kaiden, uncovered a 140‑year‑old Shakespeare book while cleaning their Winter Haven home. Inside, an inscription revealed its original owner: Harry E. White, who received the book as a gift from his mother in 1885.

White lived in Minneapolis and attended the University of Minnesota, where he eventually taught as a professor. His family played a foundational role in settling the area that would become Clear Lake. His father, Edgar White, was among the 37 residents who voted to formally incorporate the village as a town in 1900.

“There is something powerful to hold a book that 140 years ago this gentleman had, and it was a treasured gift from his mom, and it was probably sitting in his apartment while he was going to university, and then 140 years later, what are the odds that it ends up in Winter Haven, Florida in my house,” Carter said.

Carter had initially received the book as a gift from Paul Hughes, a professor at Harrison School of the Arts in Lakeland, with whom she had a close relationship.

“It was always dear to my heart,” she said. “He [Hughes] had given me that book when I was in college. He loved Shakespeare. Shakespeare had gotten me into Harrison. I did a sonnet as my audition piece.”

Carter currently works in the fiber optics industry, having previously worked for Amazon for 12 years. She now raises three children, including Kaiden, an avid shark tooth hunter and historian.

“I think it is just crazy how it ended up in our house,” he said. “It’s just shocking.”

Kaiden loves studying history, especially about World War II. Even at the young age of seven, he watched historical documentaries about the war. So, when he and his mother discovered the book, he could do research online through Google and Family Search to learn about its original owner.

“Every time we would turn around, we would find a rabbit hole to the next (clue) trying to figure it out, but he did the majority of searching,” she said. “We were even able to locate his (White’s) grave.”

Carter is now working with the Sherburne County History Center in Minnesota to track down any of White’s living relatives. She hopes to return the book to the family. If she cannot find relatives, she will donate it to the history center so they can preserve the volume where White’s story began.

Moreover, she and her son hope to learn more about White, his passion for Shakespeare, and his legacy as a professor at the University of Minnesota. They even plan to visit his hometown.

“I know…if it (the book) was a family heirloom or something part of our family, I would want it in my home, so I am hoping to return it so they (his relatives) can really cherish it,” she said. “And it is very special for me because I had a great relationship with my theater professor, and just the connection that this all has been really touching for our family.”

29 Year-Old Driver Killed In I-4 Crash Involving Lakeland Man Near SR 33

Lakeland

Carl Fish

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September 16, 2026

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29 Year-Old Driver Killed In I-4 Crash Involving Lakeland Man Near SR 33

A 29-year-old Riverview man was killed Wednesday morning in a crash on Interstate 4 involving a pickup truck driven by a Lakeland man.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 10:10 a.m. Wednesday, September 16, near the State Road 33 Exit 38 ramp.

Troopers say the Riverview man was driving a Toyota Corolla eastbound in the outside lane of I-4 while a 27-year-old Lakeland man was driving a Ford F-150 eastbound along the SR 33 exit ramp.

According to FHP, the driver of the Corolla lost control near the entrance to the ramp and struck a crash attenuator. The Corolla then rotated into the path of the Ford F-150 and was struck by the pickup.

The Riverview man was transported to an area hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

The Lakeland man suffered minor injuries and was not transported to the hospital.

The crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.

Additional Details After Florida Attorney General Announces Charges Against Man Accused of Videotaping 8-Year-Old Child For Exploitation

Lakeland Police Department

Carl Fish

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September 16, 2026

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Additional Details After Florida Attorney General Announces Charges Against Man Accused of Videotaping 8-Year-Old Child For Exploitation

Lakeland, Florida – A child exploitation case announced Tuesday by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has roots in a Polk County investigation dating back more than a year, after a woman allegedly discovered a disturbing video on a phone used by the suspect.

Rafiq Osborne McDonald, 34, is now facing charges through Florida’s Office of Statewide Prosecution involving allegations in both Polk and Orange counties. Two of the charges announced Wednesday are punishable by life in prison and carry 25-year mandatory minimum sentences if he is convicted.

According to a Polk County Sheriff’s Office complaint affidavit obtained by Daily Ridge, the Polk investigation began in January 2025 after a woman told investigators she found a video on a secondary phone used by McDonald. Investigators allege the video showed McDonald directing and inappropriately touching a child who was 8 years old when the recording was made.

The affidavit indicates investigators initially had difficulty locating the video. After obtaining a search warrant for the phone, a preliminary review of its Google Photos account did not turn up the recording or apparent child sexual abuse material. The phone was then submitted for a full forensic download and investigators obtained a search warrant for McDonald’s Google accounts.

The case took another turn in March 2026 when PCSO investigators learned FDLE had received information concerning McDonald from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office involving an incident in Apopka. According to the affidavit, FDLE eventually located the Polk County video while examining thousands of files. PCSO investigators subsequently reviewed data obtained from Google and confirmed the video was there.

Polk State Revives Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program With Florida Department of Education

Polk County

Carl Fish

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September 16, 2026

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Polk State Revives Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program With Florida Department of Education

Polk State College is bringing back a registered apprenticeship program aimed at preparing local students for cybersecurity jobs while helping Polk County employers fill a growing need for skilled workers.

The college announced Wednesday that it is revitalizing its Cybersecurity Registered Apprenticeship Program in partnership with the Florida Department of Education.

Florida Commissioner of Education Dr. Henry Mack and members of the State Board of Education joined Polk State President Dr. Anastasios Kamoutsas for the announcement during the board’s first meeting at Polk State’s Winter Haven campus.

The program combines classroom instruction with paid, on-the-job training. Apprentices will receive training in computer forensics, system security and ethical hacking while working under experienced professionals.

“Cybersecurity and information security analyst roles are both high-wage and high-demand in Florida,” Kamoutsas said. “Together, we are ensuring that Florida can grow its own highly skilled cybersecurity workforce.”

The need is also being felt locally. According to Polk State, information security analysts appear on CareerSource Polk’s 2025-2026 Regional Demand Occupations List, with nearly 900 annual job openings.

Nationally, employment in the field is projected to grow 21% between 2025 and 2035, according to information provided by the college.

Polk State plans to work with local employers and municipalities to place apprentices and provide training opportunities.

The City of Haines City is among the local governments supporting the program.

Chandra Hall, Haines City’s Human Resources and Organizational Development Director, said the apprenticeship program is important to the city’s cybersecurity and information technology workforce.

Haines City employee Jeremiah Anhalt previously completed the Polk State apprenticeship program and was recently promoted to Director of Technology Management. The city said it is looking forward to participating in the revived program.

Polk State said the goal is to give students portable industry credentials and paid work experience while giving employers a way to develop cybersecurity workers locally.

Florida Attorney General Charges Man Who Allegedly Sexually Exploited An 8 Yr Old Child In Polk & Orange Counties

Lakeland Police Department

Carl Fish

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September 16, 2026

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Florida Attorney General Charges Man Who Allegedly Sexually Exploited An 8 Yr Old Child In Polk & Orange Counties

A 34-year-old man is facing charges that could send him to prison for life after investigators say he sexually abused a child under the age of 12, recorded the abuse and possessed child sexual abuse material.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Tuesday that Rafiq Osborne McDonald has been charged by the Office of Statewide Prosecution following an investigation involving alleged crimes in both Polk and Orange counties.

Additional Details After Florida Attorney General Announces Charges Against Man Accused of Videotaping 8-Year-Old Child For Exploitation

According to investigators, McDonald allegedly sexually molested a child under 12 who had been left in his care. Authorities say he also recorded the alleged abuse and possessed child sexual abuse material depicting the child.

The investigation began with the Apopka Police Department and eventually involved the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Polk County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies. Because the alleged offenses crossed judicial circuits, the case is being handled by the Office of Statewide Prosecution.

McDonald is charged with two counts of lewd or lascivious molestation of a child under 12, promoting sexual performance by a child and possession of child sexual abuse material.

The two molestation charges are each punishable by up to life in prison and carry a 25-year mandatory minimum sentence if McDonald is convicted, according to the Attorney General’s Office.

“Predators who sexually abuse children will be hunted down and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Uthmeier said. “Thanks to our local law enforcement partners and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, this defendant is facing serious felony charges, including crimes that carry mandatory prison time.”

Lakeland Police Chief Sammy Taylor also credited cooperation between agencies with helping build the case.

“When local, state and federal agencies share resources, information and expertise, we strengthen our ability to hold offenders accountable and protect the people we serve,” Taylor said.

The alleged offenses occurred within Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit, which includes Orange County, and the Tenth Judicial Circuit, which includes Polk County.

The case will be prosecuted by Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Lauryn Day in the Tenth Judicial Circuit.

Polk County Animal Control Confirms 6th Case of Rabies in Polk County

Polk County

Allison

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September 16, 2026

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Polk County Animal Control Confirms 6th Case of Rabies in Polk County

The 6th case of rabies in Polk County this year has been confirmed in the Eloise area of Winter Haven.

On Thursday, September 10, 2026, a resident on 8th Street picked up what she thought was a mouse in her yard, and then realized it was a live bat. Animal Control Officers responded and recovered the bat, then sent its carcass to the state lab for testing.

Test results were received at Animal Control on September 15, 2026, confirming the bat tested positive for rabies. The woman was notified of the results and advised to contact the Department of Health for medical treatment.

Please do not approach any animal that is acting in an unusual or suspicious manner. If you think you or your pet has had an “exposure,” please contact the PCSO Animal Control Section at 863.577.1762.

Yellow Jackets Swarm Bloodhounds, Defense ends Auburndale’s Perfect Start

Ethan Jones

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September 16, 2026

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Yellow Jackets Swarm Bloodhounds, Defense ends Auburndale’s Perfect Start

By Ethan Jones

Coming into Friday night, the (2-0) Auburndale Bloodhounds had been one of the hottest teams in Polk County. After opening the season 2-0, Auburndale scored 107 points while allowing zero, looking nearly unstoppable through its first two games. But standing in their way was a (1-1) Bartow Yellow Jackets team that had other plans. What was expected to be another opportunity for the Bloodhounds to continue their dominant start quickly turned into a defensive battle. Bartow was able to slow down an Auburndale offense that had been putting up points at will and ultimately came away with a 14-8 victory over the Bloodhounds. With the loss, Auburndale’s undefeated start came to an end, dropping the Bloodhounds to 2-1. More importantly, their streak of allowing zero points also came to an end as Bartow found the end zone twice.

After shutting out their first two opponents, Auburndale was finally forced to face adversity for the first time this season. For Bartow, it was a statement victory so far in the season and the Yellow Jackets’ third straight win at home, while for Auburndale, it was a night that showed just how quickly things can change on a Friday night and how it truly is anyone’s game. With that being said, here is a breakdown of how Bartow was able to hand Auburndale its first loss of the season in this district matchup.

First, let’s look at the stats for Bartow and how the Yellow Jackets were able to perform against Auburndale. For the night, Bartow compiled 103 passing yards, 226 rushing yards, and 329 total yards. The Yellow Jackets were able to find success on the ground, which played a major role in helping them control the game. Now let’s look at Auburndale’s stats and how they fared against Bartow. The Bloodhounds finished the night with 46 passing yards, 33 rushing yards, and 79 total yards. After averaging more than 50 points per game through their first two contests, Auburndale struggled to find the same offensive rhythm it had shown earlier in the season.

Now let’s look at some of the top performers of the night that made the game that it was. For Bartow, quarterback Amire Hall had a big night, going 8-of-16 passing for 103 yards while also rushing for 94 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Bartow also received a strong performance from Jakobie Terry, who finished with six receptions for 80 yards. For Auburndale, quarterback Teo Edwards finished 7-of-12 passing for 46 yards and one touchdown. Wide receiver/free safety Takeo Edwards added two receptions for 22 yards and one touchdown.

With the win at home, the Yellow Jackets have now won three straight at home. The victory also moved Bartow to 1-0 in district play and into second place in the district. Bartow will now turn its attention toward the bye week, where the Yellow Jackets will have time to recover and prepare for their next matchup against the (3-1) Sebring Blue Streaks, who are coming off a 21-14 victory over the Lake Gibson Braves.

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As for Auburndale, the Bloodhounds will have an opportunity to bounce back when they face the (0-3) Kathleen Red Devils. Auburndale will look to get back in the win column and improve to 3-1 after suffering its first loss of the season. With the final whistle, Bartow had officially handed Auburndale its first loss of the season and ended the Bloodhounds’ streak of allowing zero points.

For Auburndale, this was a tough night after such a dominant start, but the season is far from over. The Bloodhounds now have a chance to learn from this game, make the necessary adjustments, and respond to the way good teams do after facing adversity. For Bartow, this was more than just another win. The Yellow Jackets showed that they could go up against one of the hottest teams in Polk County and find a way to come out on top.

Now, the question is whether Bartow can use this momentum to continue building on what has already been a strong start to the season. One thing is certain: Auburndale may have lost its undefeated record and its shutout streak, but the season is still wide open, and Friday night gave us a reminder that anything can happen under the lights.

CareerSource Polk Executive Director Fired in 3–2 County Commission Vote

Featured

Allison

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September 16, 2026

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CareerSource Polk Executive Director Fired in 3–2 County Commission Vote
by James Coulter

After being temporarily removed amid allegations of mismanagement, deception, and noncompliance, Stacy Campbell‑Domineck has now been permanently removed as President and CEO of CareerSource Polk.

At its regular meeting on Tues., Sept. 15, 2026, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted 3-2 to finalize her removal. Commissioners Bill Braswell and Martha Santiago cast the dissenting votes.

The decision was one of three measures related to the CareerSource Polk controversy, with the other two receiving unanimous approval.

One measure authorized a written response to the Aug. 25 letter from FloridaCommerce and CareerSource Florida outlining the allegations against Campbell‑Domineck. The BoCC was required to reply within 15 calendar days, and the approved response was sent immediately after Tuesday’s meeting.

The final measure removed Campbell‑Domineck from her seat on the Citizens Healthcare Oversight Committee.

CareerSource Polk is the local arm of CareerSource Florida, the statewide workforce policy and investment board that partners with the Department of Commerce and regional workforce development boards to “help connect businesses with the talented workforce and training needed to succeed and grow,” according to its website.

On Aug. 25, the BoCC received a letter from FloridaCommerce and CareerSource Florida citing “several negative findings” involving Campbell‑Domineck’s leadership and policy decisions. According to County Attorney Randy Mink, the findings “demonstrate a clear lack of leadership” and “a failure of management and…management oversight.”

“We believe she has effectively abdicated her role,” the letter stated. “Alarmingly, we have noted a trend of noncooperation, questionable fiscal management, and in some cases outright deception.”

Following the letter’s recommendation, the BoCC approved two resolutions at its Sept. 1 meeting: one temporarily removing Campbell‑Domineck from her position, and another allowing the county to bypass its usual purchasing procedures to select a firm to review CareerSource Polk’s governance and management.

Commissioners Braswell and Santiago opposed making the removal permanent. While they supported her initial suspension, both said the process was moving too quickly for them to make a fully informed decision.

Braswell said he understood the seriousness of the state’s findings but argued the commission needed more time to weigh the matter.

“It has just gone way too fast,” he said. “I would feel more comfortable for us as a board to vet this as much as we can to totally understand what we are doing before we do it…I feel rushed in this decision, and I don’t like that.”

He also urged the BoCC to explore alternatives to CareerSource Polk, suggesting the county might benefit from a different structure for its workforce organization.

“The more I hear about CareerSource anything, I think there might be better ways of doing business,” he said. “Once this is behind us, I’d like to vet the idea of other options besides one person and a board in Polk County. It just seems that there are better options out there.”

Santiago echoed Braswell concerns, saying commissioners had not been given enough time to fully assess the situation.

“This is the first time I’ve heard about it in the last three weeks—not even a month,” she said. “It’s moving so fast that I can’t keep up with it. I feel rushed into this, and I want to make sure all my T’s are crossed and I’s are dotted before we make a permanent decision to remove someone.”

Commissioner Mike Scott, the local elected official serving on the CareerSource Polk board, said the removal was long overdue, noting he had witnessed the organization’s mismanagement firsthand.

“I’ve been watching this for over a year, almost two years, actually,” he said. “For it to sit in the bottom 20th percentile for multiple years, and even fall to last place, never improving its ranking in the state, there’s no reason for that unless we don’t have the right leadership.”

Commissioners Rick Wilson and Becky Troutman acknowledged the decision was being pushed forward quickly but said the urgency was justified given how long CareerSource Polk had struggled.

“There have been problems there for years, and I don’t understand how it could have continued the way it did,” Wilson said.

Future Land Use Change Approved for Site of Kathleen Government Center in Lakeland

Local Government & Politics

Allison

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September 16, 2026

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Future Land Use Change Approved for Site of Kathleen Government Center in Lakeland
by James Coulter

Residents in North Lakeland are one step closer to a new government building where they can obtain building permits, pay water bills, and attend public meetings now that a future land-use change for the site has been approved.

At their regular meeting last month, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted unanimously to approve changing the future land-use designation for the 29-acre parcel from Residential Low (RL) to Institutional (INST).

Located east of Kathleen Road in Lakeland, the site will be home to the Kathleen Government Center. This new government building will offer services including building permits and customer service for water, wastewater, garbage, drainage, and road maintenance.

The center also will include facilities for public meetings and provide access to services from constitutional offices such as the Clerk of Courts, Property Appraiser, Tax Collector, Sheriff, and Supervisor of Elections.

The Kathleen Government Center is one of several county courthouse annexes planned to decentralize government services and bring them closer to the residents they serve. Similar facilities have been built in Haines City, Lake Alfred, and Winter Haven.

“This site was chosen because it is more central to the growing populations in the northwest portion of the County than the existing one in downtown Lakeland,” Erik Peterson, AICP, Planning Administrator. “Together with the County seat in Bartow…the government centers will bring County services closer to the people that need them.”

The new facility will replace the Northeast Government Center at 930 E. Parker St., which has become too small and is operating under a lease that is set to expire, explained Erik Peterson, AICP, Planning Administrator. Although the new building will not be as large as the current facility, it will have more than adequate capacity to meet the county’s needs, he said.

Furthermore, the site and surrounding area have the infrastructure and urban-level services needed to support the government facility, but additional grading will be required to bring the property to the appropriate elevation and accommodate the necessary stormwater infrastructure, Peterson said.

“One thing that will be a mitigating factor is bringing down the height of the property to a standard height,” he said. “That gives us the ability to expand the retention ponds and provide for more stormwater.”

Commissioner Mike Scott commended the new facility, saying it will help provide essential government services to an area experiencing rapid growth but lacking adequate access to those services.

“When you look at the amount of development over the past 15 to 20 years in North Lakeland, there are a lot of services that are lacking, and this is one of those,” he said. “When you look at what the residents need, to have this parcel be another community development and have no government services, you continue to add to the problem of a lack of providing the residents in North Lakeland.”

However, resident James Abercrombie raised concerns about the proposed location during public comments. He said the area has experienced flooding and expressed concern that development might redirect floodwater toward his property.

He noted that about 200 people attended a previous public meeting on the proposed development, with 39 providing their names and email addresses to receive updates. He said none were notified and criticized commissioners for failing to communicate their plans to the public.

“Three of the commissioners refused to come [to that meeting],” he said. “They couldn’t care less about what goes on out there. They will get their building no matter what happens. No matter what I say, it is going to happen. We know that.”

Commissioner Scott said he and the commission were receptive to community feedback. He noted that the design had been amended to include “passive elements,” such as a park and pedestrian facilities, intended to make the site more than an “8-to-5 office building” and create a place that benefits residents.

Scott said the commission was willing to collaborate with the community but added that feedback needed to go beyond simply opposing the project to be effective.

“We have been very keen to understand the concerns of the community,” he said. “But it is one of those things I want collaboration to help come up with great solutions as a community, to have a town hall meeting and have statements of we hate this, that does not take us anywhere. That does not get us anywhere positive.”

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