COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN

Protect Our Schools, Vulnerable Residents, and Local Businesses

Opposition to Talbot House Rezoning

We, the residents, parents, business owners, and community members of Lakeland, respectfully ask the Lakeland City Commission to vote NO on the proposed Talbot House rezoning.

This request is based on serious concerns regarding public safety, protection of vulnerable individuals, and the integrity of the city’s planning process.

KEY CONCERNS

1. Planning & Zoning Has Already Denied This Proposal Twice

The Lakeland Planning and Zoning Board has already denied this rezoning request two times.

This indicates significant concerns regarding the suitability of this location.

Residents respectfully ask:

What has changed since those denials that would justify approving this proposal now?

2. Protection of Children Near Schools

The proposed facility would operate in close proximity to schools and family neighborhoods.

Florida law recognizes the importance of protecting children from certain offenders through

Florida Statute 775.215.

Before approving this project, the city must clearly explain:

• How children in nearby schools will be protected

• How compliance with state law will be ensured

3. Protection of Vulnerable Disabled Residents

The proposed facility may house permanent residents who are disabled or otherwise vulnerable.

Florida law recognizes vulnerable adults as a protected population under

Florida Statutes Chapter 415.

These individuals must be protected from abuse, exploitation, and harm.

Residents ask:

• What safeguards will protect vulnerable residents?

• Who will be legally responsible if a vulnerable individual is harmed?

4. Lack of Background Checks for Overnight Guests

Concerns have been raised that individuals staying only one night may not be subject to background checks.

If this is true, serious safety questions remain:

• How will predators be prevented from entering the facility?

• How will vulnerable residents be protected?

5. Monitoring Compliance with State Law

Florida recently strengthened monitoring requirements for sexual offenders through

Florida House Bill 1351.

Residents respectfully ask:

• How will registration requirements be enforced for transient individuals?

• Who will verify compliance with state law?

 

6. Impact on Local Businesses and Community Revitalization

Memorial Boulevard is an important commercial corridor in Lakeland, and many businesses depend on a safe environment for their customers and employees.

Business owners and residents have concerns that placing a large transient facility in this location could negatively impact:

• customer safety and comfort

• pedestrian and roadway safety

• local business activity and investment

• the city’s efforts to revitalize the Memorial Boulevard corridor

A healthy business environment requires that patrons feel safe visiting restaurants, shops, and services.

 

OUR REQUEST

We support helping individuals who are struggling.

However, this location raises serious safety and accountability concerns that have not been adequately addressed.

For these reasons, we respectfully ask the Lakeland City Commission to:

 

Vote NO on the Talbot House rezoning request.

 

Residents are encouraged to respectfully email the Lakeland City Commissioners and share their concerns.

Mayor – Sara Roberts McCarley (At-Large)

Sara.McCarley@LakelandGov.net

Commissioner – Stephanie Madden (At-Large)

Stephanie.Madden@LakelandGov.net

Commissioner – Chad McLeod (At-Large)

Chad.McLeod@LakelandGov.net

Commissioner – Ashley C. Troutman (Southwest District)

Ashley.Troutman@LakelandGov.net

Commissioner – Mike Musick (Southeast District)

Michael.Musick@LakelandGov.net

Commissioner – Terry Coney (Northeast District)

Terry.Coney@LakelandGov.net

Commissioner – Guy LaLonde Jr. (Northwest District)

Guy.LaLondeJr@lakelandgov.net

ATTEND THE CITY MEETING

 

Community participation is extremely important.

 

📅 Date: April 6

🕗 Time: 9:00 AM

📍 Location: Lakeland City Hall

228 S Massachusetts Ave

Lakeland, FL 33801

A strong turnout shows the commission that this issue affects the entire community. Bring a friend and double the turnout!