Water-Related News

Residents unhappy when Polk County Commission goes ahead with water treatment plant

Polk County commissioners approved the first step in the construction of a water treatment facility in the North Lakeland area on Tuesday despite pleas from residents who said it would be an eyesore and possibly unsafe.

Commissioners voted 4-1 to change the zoning from agricultural to institutional at the site off Tom Costine Road East in the Timberidge area. The change will be sent to the state Department of Economic Opportunity, which will review the change.

The planning board and county commissioners must still approve conditional use plans in the coming months.

At least 200 residents have signed a petition against the 12-acre project, which would include a well, pumps and a tank that stands 28 feet high and is 100 feet wide.

County Commissioner Melony Bell sided with residents, criticizing county staff for being unprepared.