SUBJECT
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Public Hearing to consider adoption of a Resolution to vacate and close maintained right-of-way for Florence Avenue shown as Florence Drive on the Plat of J. A. Leslie Subdivision, Winter Haven, Florida. (No fiscal impact)
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DESCRIPTION
The County has received a Petition from Robert Williams Jr., President of The Freedom Tour Incorporated, to vacate and close right-of-way for Florence Avenue, an existing county-maintained asphalt road, shown as Florence Drive, on the Plat of J. A. Leslie Subdivision as recorded in Plat Book 19, Page 27, Public Records of Polk County, Florida. The subject right-of-way lies in Section 05, Township 29 South, Range 26 East.
The plat of J. A. Leslie Subdivision, filed in 1926, dedicated various rights-of-way throughout the plat to the public. The petitioner is requesting the vacation of Florence Avenue due to safety concerns with vehicles driving the wrong way on the one-way road putting other drivers and volunteers at risk. The petitioner currently owns three of the four lots lying adjacent to the proposed vacation area. The owner of the other adjacent lot was contacted regarding the vacation and has no objections. After a review by County staff, it was determined that vacating the subject area would not negatively impact local traffic. Vacating the subject right-of-way will remove the public’s interest, allow the County to cease maintenance activities associated with the existing roadway and allow the owners of the adjacent parcels to assemble it with their current properties which will allow the petitioner to utilize a portion of the area in conjunction with its overall operations.
Charter Communications, the City of Winter Haven (Sewer & Water and Fiber Divisions), Florida Public Utilities, Frontier Communications, Uniti Fiber LLC, and Summit Broadband have no objections. Tampa Electric Company requested an easement over the vacation area in conjunction with existing facilities and the petitioner and adjacent property owner have complied with the request.
The Roads and Drainage Division, Office of Planning and Development, and Utilities Division have no objections to the proposed vacation.
RECOMMENDATION
Request Board adopt a resolution to vacate the maintained right-of-way for Florence Avenue, shown as Florence Drive on Plat Book 19, Page 27, Public Records of Polk County, Florida, as fully described in the legal description contained in the Petition and Resolution attached hereto.
FISCAL IMPACT
Fiscal impact fee.
CONTACT INFORMATION
R. Wade Allen, Director
Real Estate Services
863-534-2577