Polk County just locked in a major land deal for north Lakeland, signing off on a purchase agreement for roughly 26.79 acres that officials say will host the future North Lakeland Polk County Government Center. The vote, taken by county commissioners last Tuesday, clears the way for a new complex that would move key county services closer to residents who live north of the city.
In a post on its official Facebook page, the county confirmed the board approved the purchase of the 26.79-acre tract and identified it as the future home of the North Lakeland government center. The announcement focused on the size of the property and the board’s decision, but offered few specifics about timing or price, according to Polk County Government.
Community meeting set to explain plans
Residents will get their first chance to hear more later this month. Commissioner Michael Scott is slated to host a community meeting on the proposed government center from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at Kathleen Baptist Church in Lakeland, the county says. The session is described as a general information meeting for the public, according to Polk County Government.
What comes next
So far, county officials have not released a construction schedule or budget for the project, and the Feb. 17 gathering is expected to be the first public forum where staff walk through upcoming steps. Typical moves after a land purchase include evaluating the site, developing design concepts and securing procurement approvals before any actual building starts.
How to follow the project
Agendas, backup packets and video for Board of County Commissioners meetings are posted on Polk County's meetings calendar, and the Feb. 3 Board of County Commissioners meeting that included the purchase item is listed there. Meeting details and documents are available on Polk County.
Residents who want to track the project or offer feedback can attend the Feb. 17 community meeting or follow the county’s online meeting coverage. Additional documents and updates will be added to the meetings calendar as they are released.
