Posts filed under 'Commercial Developments'
Posted: March 13, 2008: 7:12 am
According to the Orlando Sentinel, Central Florida’s Commuter Rail Project and ultimately the CSX Rail Terminal planned for Winter Haven are stalled in Tallahassee, “The biggest reason: opposition from Lakeland.” According to reporter Aaron Deslatte “At the center of the fight is Sen. Paula Dockery, a Lakeland Republican whose husband was the driving force behind the now-repealed constitutional amendment to build high speed rail between Tampa and Orlando.” A plan, we might add, that included a stop in Lakeland but nowhere else between Tampa and Orlando.
The Sentinel report goes on to say “Dockery wants the state to look at other ways to eventually bring commuter rail to her district and to the Tampa Bay area. But she also wants CSX to abandon its plans to move its switchyard — now in Taft, in south Orange County — to land it owns in Winter Haven.” (Surely Senator Dockery knows the proposed facility is no “switchyard.” An intermodal terminal bears no resemblance to the rail yard of yesterday. If she has not visited an operating Integrated Logistics Center (ILC), we invite the Senator to travel to Alliance with us as we take area leaders on a fact-finding mission following the current legislative session.)
This entire ugly and confusing episode is made even quirkier by the fact that last Friday in Orlando, Lakeland Mayor Buddy Fletcher told assembled leaders from myregion.org, the Tampa Bay Partnership, State DOT Officials, CSX and Central Florida Commuter Rail that “Lakeland supported the commuter rail plan and wasn’t opposed to the the Winter Haven rail terminal.” For sure the city wants DOT to study the feasibility of alternative routes or a Lakeland bypass, but if Mayor Fletcher supports the terminal why does Dockery want the plans “abandoned?”
Representatives from Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Osceola counties as well as the City of Orlando voted unanimously to fund 25 percent of the costs of establishing commuter rail on 61 miles of former CSX track. State DOT officials noted that this phase of bringing commuter rail to Central Florida would be the key to adding later segments such as those sought by Lakeland as well as Winter Haven and other East Polk cities. The cross section of Central Florida leaders were also told repeatedly that if we jeopardize the Federal funding currently in place, Florida would not see federal money for commuter rail again in our lifetime.
Let’s review, while Polk County is faring better than most, nationally the economy is in a downward trend — possibly recession, residential real estate is in a major slump and both the News Chief and Ledger report the state economy may not rebound until 2010. In light of this, Senator Dockery dismisses the potential long term boost of 2,000 new jobs, billions in investment and the potential Fortune 500 companies it could bring to our market.
It’s time for a wake up call!
Lakeland, a town that the railroads helped to build, feels it will be “devastated” by four additional freight trains per day. For the sake of discussion, let’s say the 16 trains a day that currently travel through the city require 10 minutes each to pass through town. That comes to 160 minutes in a 24 hour day or an average of 6.6 minutes per hour. If the terminal adds four more trains per day that would be 200 minutes per day (20 trains x 10 minutes) or 8.3 minutes per hour on average … hardly a major imposition.
There must be some correlation as well between four freight trains as compared to the traffic generated by Lakeland’s current 26 million square feet of warehouse industrial space (soon to be 31 million). When you consider the existing traffic generated by the Lakeland space, the five million square feet of warehouse and industrial business park planned for south Winter Haven seems manageable and will evolve over a five to ten year period — time to plan and implement infrastructure improvements as it grows.
We all need to remember that our economies are inter-dependent. We all have occasion to do business in other cities within Polk. Jobs in one sector of the county can benefit many various cities. It is time we work together for the greater good.
One need only make a visit to Alliance, Texas to see what planning and determination can create … a model economic engine with new housing developments underway within a half mile. More than 60 Fortune 500 corporate citizens and 150-plus new companies in 16 years.
Senator Dockery wants these plans abandoned for Polk County. It’s time we let her and our other delegation members know that there are economic interests on the east side of Polk County as well.
Your business, your employment opportunities, our cities, schools and county stand to benefit immensely from the construction of this project. We believe we have the expertise and vision to make it a model facility and business park.
Don’t let those with personal agendas block this opportunity. Send a note to our elected leaders today … here are their email addresses:
US Representative, Adam Putnam, www.adamputnam.house.gov (then click on the first link in left column “Contact Adam”
Alexander, JD, (R) alexander.jd.web@flsenate.gov
Dockery, Paula, (R) dockery.paula.S15@flsenate.gov
Bowen, Marsha “Marty” (R) marty.bowen@myfloridahouse.gov
Ross, Dennis (R) dennis.ross@myfloridahouse.gov
Troutman, Baxter (R) baxter.troutman@myfloridahouse.gov
Attkisson, Frank (R) frank.attkisson@myfloridahouse.gov
You can read the entire Orlando Sentinel story here.
| See other posts filed in: CSX - Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Economic Development, Perspective, Political Scene, Transportation
Posted: March 4, 2008: 9:33 am
A new day for the News Chief
The Ledger today announced the acquisition of the Winter Haven-based News Chief daily newspaper.
Nelson Kirkland, Advertising Director for The Ledger was named publisher. The purchase does not include the News Chief’s current building. The sale is expected to close within a week and the News Chief’s news operation will relocate to the current Ledger East Polk building which will be renamed for the News Chief. The production of the paper will be done in The Ledger’s Lakeland plant.
Further details are available here.
M. M.”Dad” Lee (left) founder of the News Chief.
History of the News Chief
The News Chief in Winter Haven, Fla., traces its beginnings to Sept. 28, 1911, when the first edition of the weekly Florida Chief was published by its founder, M.M. “Dad” Lee.
Everything originally was handset, but, within four years, Lee had moved the newspaper to larger quarters and eventually acquired three linotype machines. During its 10th anniversary in September of 1921, the newspaper went to twice-a-week publication, and three years later went to five days a week, Mondays through Fridays.
Lee continued the newspaper through two severe hurricanes (1926 and 1933), a fire (1930) and the Great Depression before selling the newspaper in January 1948 to W.W. Galvin of Ohio.
Galvin immediately acquired a weekly, The Winter Haven News, and combined it with the Florida Chief into the News Chief.
The newspaper passed to other owners who also acquired the weekly Auburndale Star. Then disaster struck on Nov. 13, 1954, with a major fire that destroyed the building and severely damaged most of the equipment.
A four-page Sunday edition was printed at The Winter Haven Herald to keep intact the record of not missing a scheduled publication day.
In March of 1964, the News Chief became one of the early leaders in Florida journalism in converting to offset printing.
In December of 1972, the News Chief moved from its downtown plant to new quarters.
The News Chief added to its holdings with the purchase of the Winter Haven Shopping Guide in 1978.
In 1995, the News Chief and its other holdings became part of Morris Communications Co. with the Morris purchase of the Stauffer Communications chain of publications. The News Chief had been a Stauffer publication since April 1990, when the newspaper was purchased from Multimedia Inc.
In late 2007, the News Chief and its other holdings, including the Polk Shopper, became part of GateHouse Media Inc. which placed the paper on the market and the New York Times made the purchase.
| See other posts filed in: Commercial Developments, News Media
Posted: February 26, 2008: 2:02 pm
We are pleased to announce the return of a fine dining establishment as Arabella’s has opened in the historic Times Square building. Seven months of renovations have returned long-hidden architectural features most notably the arches that graced the building when it was known as the Snell National Bank. Diners will find exposed brick walls framing the elegant decor. The restaurant also has a private dining area (shown below) with private entrance.
Arabella’s and its adjoining Avenue Bar is now open to the public. The restaurant features Mediterranean cuisine including both French and Italian fare. For now the restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 - 9:30 p..m. It is contemplated that at some point, plans call to open for lunch as well. (Note: The restaurant opened for lunch beginning March 20, 2008) The restaurant is owned by Brian Rich and Franco Basalone.
Reservations are not required but suggested. 293-1797. Welcome them back!
| See other posts filed in: Commercial Developments, Dining, Downtown, Economic Development, General Announcements
Posted: February 22, 2008: 3:01 pm
Construction is underway on a new Kohl’s Department Store located on US 27 south of the intersection with Cypress Gardens Boulevard. The retailer will be located between Home Depot and the present Shoppes on the Ridge. The store plans a December 2008 opening.
| See other posts filed in: Commercial Developments, Economic Development, General Announcements, Real Estate
Posted: : 3:00 pm
Various bits and pieces of information indicate changes will soon occur in the area newspaper landscape. Our prediction is that a big announcement is forthcoming that will change the area media ownership and composition. Stay tuned.
| See other posts filed in: Commercial Developments
Posted: February 13, 2008: 11:21 am
Holiday Inn Lobby
The ribbon has been cut and it’s official, the new six-story Holiday Inn has opened on Cypress Gardens Boulevard. The hotel features an expansive lobby, impressive Board Room available to rent, lounge area and restaurant open for breakfast and dinner.
Shown above is the fully equipped Board Room and room with King bed
The hotel offers a variety of accommodations from a standard room to suites. Guest rooms feature a 32″ flat panel television. The lobby and restaurant areas offer wireless internet access. A cascading waterfall is the lobby focal point. The Holiday Inn will host the Chamber’s April 24th Networking Showcase. The 112 room facility is owned by Lakeville Partners, LLC.
| See other posts filed in: Commercial Developments, Economic Development, General Announcements, Real Estate
Posted: February 8, 2008: 3:43 pm
Skyrise Development Corporation has posted to their Web site two projects the company is planning on US 17 North:
Winter Haven 166 is described in a pre-development prospectus as a 166 acre commercial/retail (mall) located at US US 92 and US 17.
Winter Haven Shops is the second concept described as 40,000 square feet of retail space just north of Brigham Road (near the Honda Dealership). It, too, is in the pre-development pre-leasing stage.
Skyrise describes itself as a national owner, developer and manager of commercial real estate properties. These include corporate headquarters, landmark properties, urban business parks and more. You can view the Winter Haven postings here.
At this point both projects appear to be in the conceptual stage. No permitting has begun for either development.
Tell us what shops and other retail you would like to see on Winter Haven’s north side.
| See other posts filed in: Commercial Developments, Economic Development, Real Estate
Posted: February 5, 2008: 5:17 pm
Platinum Bank has opened their new Winter Haven location at 1169 First Street, South … former location of a jeweler. Mike Compton, Senior Vice President notes the initial soft opening is behind them and all systems are go for this location.
Platinum will operate in Bell’s Alley until renovations are completed on 1285 1st Street South, former home to Cornerstone Hospice which is moving to a new location. The bank plans a major facelift for the building which was originally built as a First Union Bank in 1988. Ironically, a slightly younger Compton coordinated its construction. The new look is presented below.
| See other posts filed in: Commercial Developments, Commercial Renovations, Economic Development, Financial Industry, Real Estate
Posted: January 18, 2008: 12:31 pm
George “Red” Hoagland Sr. brought his Hyundai Automobile Dealership to Winter Haven celebrating their grand opening this week. The brand new location is operated by Hoagland, son George and Justin Hoagland is General Manager. The family has owned various automotive dealerships for more than 60 years.
In addition to great new and used automobiles you may have noticed a large LIVE red bull in the pen out front. Stop by before 3:30 p.m. Saturday, January 19th and guess the weight of the bull. If you are correct you could win $3,000 — NO BULL! The winner will be announced live on WPCV 97 Country at 5 p.m.
Red Hoagland (center with scissors) is flanked by Mayor Nat Birdsong (left) and son George (right) as he prepares to cut the ceremonial ribbon to the new dealership Thursday, January 17.
| See other posts filed in: Commercial Developments, Economic Development, General Announcements, Transportation
Posted: January 2, 2008: 11:13 am
The new owners of Florida’s Cypress Gardens have announced a significant operational change at the historic attraction. Owners say the move will create a more energized, fun-filled experience that will be applauded by Cypress Gardens’ current guest base and create strong appeal to both area residents and visitors to Central Florida.
Baker Leisure Group, headquartered in Orlando, respected worldwide as one of the premiere
consulting and management specialists in the themed attractions industry, has been appointed to operate the 71-year old Florida themed attraction. “This is an important first step toward providing our guests with a more positive, memorable guest experience,” said co-owners Rob Harper and Brian Philpot, who announced Baker Leisure Group’s appointment on Tuesday. Harper and Philpot said the change does not affect the attraction’s operating staff, but replaces the contractor that had been managing Cypress Gardens on interim basis since the two Polk County natives purchased the attraction last October. The operational changeover is effective immediately.
“We are fortunate to have Baker Leisure Group at Cypress Gardens. They are one of the premier management companies in the world and based in Central Florida. Cypress Gardens needs a strong community presence, an element the Baker group understands,” said Harper and Philpot. Baker Leisure Group, comprised of veterans of some of the world’s most successful theme parks and attractions, has earned worldwide recognition for their attraction and theme park management capabilities. The Orlando-based company has handled assignments ranging from the popular Coca- Cola Olympic City at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games to planning, opening and managing Al Shallal, Saudi Arabia one of the largest theme parks in the Middle East. Altogether, Baker Leisure Group has been involved with more than 100 theme parks, attractions and related assignments around the world since the firm was founded in 1988 by 40-year theme park and attractions management specialist Steve Baker.
Harper and Philpot also stress that the attraction will maintain a close relationship with the local community. Community relations programs will include partnerships with local businesses, greater community involvement and a proactive outreach to Cypress Gardens’ “alumni” and fans.
Cypress Gardens staff were notified of the operational change on Tuesday morning. Vendors and suppliers to Cypress Gardens were also notified of the change, along with assurances that the change is a reflection of the new ownership’s confidence in the park’s future.
The ownership team said they are in the process of notifying a number of other influential local audiences in Central Florida, including tourism industry and economic development leadership, as well as current ticket holders and volunteers who have lobbied to keep Cypress Gardens operating after the attraction suffered attendance declines in the 1980s and 1990s and an ownership change in 2005.
“Visitors to Cypress Gardens will notice a more lively, interactive, engaging atmosphere as we move forward,” said Steve Baker, whose company has assumed operational control of the attraction. “We provide the best overall guest experience possible. The changes will range from cosmetic to cultural. Cypress Gardens enthusiasts will recognize and applaud the changes and potential guests, particularly families living in the fast-growing Polk County metropolitan area, will have plenty of reasons to want to visit the attraction for the first time or make a return visit.”
Baker said operational changes will address intangibles such as more extensive staff training, revised internal operating procedures such as queue line management and more accessible food and beverage service, as well as more visible changes.
Land South Holdings Group
Land South Holdings, based in Mulberry, Fla., is a real estate investment company specializing in large land acquisitions in the United States. www.landsouthgroup.com
Baker Leisure Group
Baker Leisure Group based in Orlando, Fla., is a multi-faceted management and consulting company specializing in attractions, entertainment centers and tourism businesses. bakerleisuregroup.com
| See other posts filed in: Commercial Developments, Cypress Gardens, Tourism
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