The Phosphate Mining Selected Area Study Focus Group will hold their second meeting on Thursday, July 16th, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Valencia Room at the Polk County Extension Office, 1710 Highway 17-98 South in Bartow.
The Polk County Long Range Planning Division is working on a land use study for the area designated as Phosphate Mining on the County's Future Land Use Map. The proposed study area encompasses over 187,000 acres and is generally defined as the south-west portion of the Polk County.
The purpose of the Phosphate Mining Selected Area Study (SAS) is to:
· Develop a vision;
· Establish a framework for quality growth;
· Create a Future Land Use plan for the areas that previously supported the phosphate mining industry; and
· Recognize and protect existing resources.
Staff is seeking input for this study from surrounding municipalities, local landowners/residents, community and environmental groups, interested governmental agencies, and other public/private stakeholders. Input will be gathered through a series of Community and Focus Group Meetings. Although, volunteers for the Focus Group have been selected and contacted, the public is welcome and encouraged to attend. Two or more members of the Polk County Board of County Commissioners or the Planning Commission may also attend the workshop.
Additional information (survey, map, timeline, goals, etc.) can be found on the County's Growth Management Projects Page website.(http://www.polk-county.net/projects) under the title Phosphate Mining Selected Area Study (SAS). Citizens may also contact the Planner on Call at (863) 534-6084 or email planneroncall@polk-county.net for information.