Would you willingly prevent your future self and kids from having the best opportunity for success? I imagine you would do everything to stack the odds in your favor for the future. Lakeland and Auburndale citizens can stack the odds of economic and technological success in the Central Florida area for the next 40 years and beyond. 

For the past five years, Polk County officials have envisioned a plan for exactly that with the Central Florida Innovation District. This district would invite high-tech in fields of engineering, medicine, science, and technology to have a home next to the Florida Polytechnic University and SunTrax facility. But that is just the start of this district. Goals for the district include residential housing, lifestyle amenities, retail activities, and economic prosperity with access to high-end jobs.

Just the existence of this district will boost the already present jobs in the community and put more money in the pockets of Polk County citizens. Along with a global spotlight to bring in technology and innovation. Future generations in the area will have access to the skills they need for the jobs of tomorrow from this district.

That is why it is integral that plans and visions for this district get the support they need to become reality. The plans and visions of land in the Lakeland/Auburndale area for this have to remain in their most ideal form. Like nurturing life, this stage is vital to ensuring the success of this district. Currently, that vision is at stake with the development of an Industrial Park east of Florida Polytechnic University and north of Pace Road. 

This industrial park threatens the Central Florida Innovation District's plans for using that area for lifestyle and community developments near residential developments. A residential area near a big industrial park with loud machinery would not be a sought-after community.

The worst part is that the district has plenty of planning and space for Industrial activity in other zones and areas. This land also falls under Auburndale's jurisdiction, not Lakeland. Most plans for the Central Florida Innovation District are in Lakeland, tying up elected officials from Lakeland in this matter. Auburndale opposed the construction of an Industrial Park from Lincoln Group LLC initially. But recently, Auburndale City Commission approved the land for industrial use on December 18th, 2023. But only after Lincoln Group promised to include a 2-foot berm under a 6-foot wall to separate its heavy and intrusive industrial activity from the residential area. 

While legally allowing the development to proceed, this by no means lets it exist in the vision of the Central Florida Innovation District. Lincoln Group LLC is placing a band-aid fix on the disturbance caused by an Industrial Park in this area. Cooperation with the Central Florida Innovation District plans would still allow an industrial park like this one to exist in a better use of the land.

I believe Lincoln Group LLC used loopholes in Auburndale zone planning by using the land use designated as a “Regional Activity Center.” But at the same time, they also wanted the zoning classified as an “Industrial Planned Unit Development" to push the approval of this industrial park. Changing the designations to have it both ways seems like they are gaming the system. Is a loud facility next door to your home your idea of an activity center with housing, shops, and restaurants? 

There was official opposition to this by Lakeland City Commissioner Stephanie Madden. Who was leading a charge to oppose this development. She understands the importance of developing the Innovation District and is a huge proponent of the plans. She advocated for her colleagues in Lakeland on December 4th, 2023 to reach out to Auburndale with a unified front and stop this development.

Sadly this approval by Auburndale came with no opposition. Lakeland City Commissioners failed to oppose the decision of Auburndale on December 18th. They did not listen to Stephanie Madden and they did not show up. 

I am asking you to sign and say NO to the construction of this industrial park to secure the future and visions so gracefully laid out. Show Lakeland, Auburndale, and Lincoln Group LLC that we will stick to a long-term goal of setting up a strong future for Polk County, Central Florida, and most of all for you and your loved ones in the next 40 years.