Lakeland starts rezoning process for new school

$50M bond issue referendum April 16; early voting has begun

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Lakeland officials took two steps Thursday evening toward rezoning the 94-acre site proposed for a new school in the suburb.

In a special meeting, the Board of Commissioners unanimously passed the rezoning ordinance — to change the property from agricultural to institutional, the designation necessary for the school — on first reading.

In a work session after that special-called meeting, the board held the required public hearing for the ordinance.

The final reading is set for next Thursday.

Only one resident on Old Brownsville Road north of the school site spoke at the public hearing.

The resident expressed concerns about safety on the winding road and drainage issues impacting her property.

The Lakeland School System is in the process of purchasing the 94 acres near the northeast corner of U.S. 70 and Canada Road as the proposed site for Lakeland Prep, a new school to serve middle and high school students in the new municipal system .

However, the $50 million bond issue for the proposed school drew opposition from a segment of Lakeland residents who questioned the need for the school and whether the suburb could afford the bond issue.

Early voting on a referendum regarding the bond issue has begun.

Election Day is April 16 .