Today the Polk Theatre will be closed; not to prepare the stage for a new production or break down an old set. “We will spend eight hours removing drywood termites from the stage area,” said Ted Horton, the Truly Nolen Branch Manager in Lakeland.

Did anyone else immediately get an image of men with mouse ears on their hands and knees picking up termites with tweezers? No? OK, then. On to the next release…

Termite Termination

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“It’s our first film collaboration and we were excited to work on it,” said Fred Koehler, managing direct for Smart Creative, a brand management and communications company located downtown on Pine Street.

When the time came to design artwork that would be used to promote the film, the filmmakers looked for a local company. Koehler had met the film’s Editor, Jim Carleton, at a few professional events. The Endure crew met with the Smart Creative staff, gave some background to the film, and went back to work. “We tried not to give them any direction; which was difficult for us.” said Carleton.

Kohler said he the rest of the Smart Creative staff watched the film’s trailer, read the directors notes,and consulted the film’s tag line – “Pray He Doesn’t Find Her First” — and each designer took a stab at a sketch.

Kohler said his team delivered three sketches to the filmmakers, “Each told a different part of the story.” Carleton said he and the other producers have been with the film so long, that they wanted to see what others thought of the sketches. “We wanted the art to promote that the film is a crime thriller.

One sketch stood out. “What they liked best was the girl in the swamp. It didn’t give away too much,” said Kohler.

Kohler said the selected concept was the work of Chad Kostella and that made him Lead Artist to design the finished piece. Kohler designed a new logo for the film and Kostella fleshed out the piece adding embellishments. Kohler said, “The careful viewer will see those interesting elements and embellishments. What is essential is that we want the art to make you wonder what happens next.”

The art will be used for promotional posters and as part of the DVD screeners mailed to distributors. Carleton cautioned that a company that purchases distribution rights may replace the art with one of their own design.

The film’s debut festival is the 2010 Gasparilla International Film Festival March 18th to the 21st.

Smart Creative is located in downtown Lakeland at 208 E Pine Street, 863.286.8040

NFocus is at 1910 Hardin, Suite 105, Lakeland, FL 33803, 863.688.4505

Disclaimer: I’ve performed some volunteer work for the Endure production.

Local Firm Designs Film Art

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The Blue Sky facilities will be the first public business technology incubators in Polk County. They will focus on attracting and nurturing entrepreneurial businesses by creating a place where USF Poly faculty, staff and students can work with businesses to develop innovative technology. — USF Poly

In addition to fostering interaction between Central Florida businesses and the USF Poly staff, the school is reaching out to foreign companies and universities to bring their work and expertise to Lakeland. Last week, staff from the Polytech Marseille (PM) visited Blue Sky West. The school is part of the largest University system in France. Didier Rousseliere, director of business incubation and global partnerships at USFP, said the two schools will work together on various projects and competitions. PM Associate Professor Hassen Aziza was impressed with the facility, staff, and the Blue Sky environment, “I love the concept. We have nothing like this.” He felt the PM staff would be pleased to work in an environment such as Blue Sky West.

Photo: Polytech Marseille’s Aziza and Blanche Dalloz speak with Blue Sky’s Eddie Hill

The interior of Blue Sky West is designed to foster communication among its participants. With over 6,400 square-feet of space and an open floor layout, members have plenty of room to work, interact, and occasionally, relax.

Blue Sky added a few whimsical features not found in traditional office spaces. Pictured are a slide to speed getting down from the second floor, and a re-purposed dune buggy as a two person meeting room:

additional photos from Blue Sky West

photos credit: Tom Hagerty for USFP

Blue Skies Ahead

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I know there are a lot of Chick-fil-A lovers out there, so I thought I would share information I got in an e-mail from Chick-fil-A on Monday, announcing the return of a holiday favorite: the handspun peppermint chocolate chip milkshake. Enjoy it now, because it’s just here for a limited time.

I went to the Web site for more information and found another interesting tidbit: the Chick-fil-A 2010 calendars are here! The restaurant is doing a promotion where, if you purchase a $20 gift card, you get the 2010 calendar for free.

Why is this something you should care about? Because the calendar is packed with great coupons, Gentle Readers! And in these tough economic times, everyone could stand to save some money here and there.

This year’s theme is “Great Works of Cow Literature” and coupons include free sandwiches, waffle fries and soft drinks, to name a few.

Scott Brickhouse, who owns the Chick-fil-A on S. Florida Ave., recently spoke at a nutrition class I’m participating in at Gold’s Gym on the south side and he shared a great deal of information on tasty, lower-calorie options available at Chick-fil-A. The restaurant has brochures available with nutrition information, and the Web site has that sort of info, too. So even for you healthy eaters out there, you also can benefit from the calendar!

One final Chick-fil-A rant before I end this post: someone once said to me that they don’t go to Chick-fil-A because they are closed on Sundays, and the company implies that everyone should be in church on Sunday. Here is what Chick-fil-A says about being closed on Sundays:

Our founder, Truett Cathy, made the decision to be closed on Sunday in 1946 when he opened his first restaurant in Hapeville, Georgia. He has often shared that his decision was as much practical as spiritual. He believes that all franchised Chick-fil-A operators and restaurant employees should have an opportunity to rest, relax and spend time with family and friends and worship if they choose to do so. That’s why all Chick-fil-A restaurants are closed on Sunday. It’s part of our recipe for success.

‘Tis the Season to go to Chick-fil-A

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Stop in and say hello to your new bartenders and say you read about it here on LakelandLocal.com. (Be responsible don’t drink and drive).

(reading on iphone/bb? Watch here)

Another Linksters!

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The Publix at the Southgate Shopping Center reopens tomorrow at 8 a.m. First opened in 1957 and given facelifts over subsequent years, the building was razed to the ground in early 2009 and rebuilt in less than nine months.

Arriving at a slightly larger than average 47,300 square feet, the new store will sport an extra feature or two not found in recently constructed Publix groceries: a “Body Care” aisle and 86 feet of wine and mixers.

On opening day, male store managers will wear old style Publix ties. Female managers will sort the equivalent Publix scarf. All demo station associates will wear black bow ties.

Taking a counterclockwise walk around the perimeter of the store is the quickest method to find the major departments.

Entrance

Black marble from the old store entrance has been recycled to serve as the lower walls of the store lobby. Stepping through the interior doors reveals a new customer service desk. The half circle desk will handle money orders, stamps, and such typical needs.

Just to the right is the store’s main display. Expect that to change with special events and seasons. Right now it’s a combination of a look back into the store’s 1957 opening and the 2009 fall specials.

The store sports a Blockbuster DVD kiosk. Using a credit or debit card, customers can choose a DVD for $1 a night rental. Note that DVD must be returned before 7 pm the day after rental.

Floral, Bakery, Deli

To the right of the door is the full service floral department. Stepping past the bright colors takes shoppers into the bakery.

Traditional floor displays have been replaced with easily arranged nesting tables. Wall colors help customers pick out sections of the bakery to quickly find breads, cakes, and other items.

Those looking for a wake-up before work will find that Publix has introduced a coffee machine (.75 a cup) and self-serve donut and pastry display. On Opening Day, the wall above the coffee machine will sport a pair of 1950s car silhouettes made out of bread.

Using state of the art full rack ovens, Publix bakes bread at 110 degrees with 81 to 85 humidity to keep the crust soft.

The deli occupies much of the North wall of the store. Boar’s Head deli meats are featured at the counter as Publix has exclusive rights to sell the products in Florida.

Cheese affectionados will find a cooler stacked with selections from Italy, France, and other countries that pride themselves on their creations. You might even find one or two cheese products from Wisconsin. Publix suggests talking to the deli manager or assistant manager if you can’t find a favorite flavor or brand. The store will special order if they can get it shipped to the store.

Produce

The produce department has adopted a natural and organic approach. Look for signs for produce that was grown organically or “earth friendly.” There are bulk displays and pre-packaged items.

There is an emphasis on presentation. Items are hand stacked in baskets smaller than usually found in a large supermarket.

The Southgate Publix uses the colors and wall signs of other recent stores. However, it includes many photographs and displays that reflect the history of the location. Be sure to look up slightly higher than eye-level as you move through the store.

A cut fruit counter was empty on Wednesday. Publix officials note that fruit is cut several times a day, but the market was waiting as late as possible to prepare for the grand reopening.

Seafood, Meat, and Milk

On the back, West, wall are the seafood, meat, and dairy coolers. The seafood section includes freshly prepared sushi, and a lobster tank (to arrive soon after the grand opening.) Meat is prepared just behind the counters, but out of sight of customers. However, butchers and seafood specialists are visible to take special orders.

The milk and some dairy items are stacked from behind the coolers. A 40-degree walk-in refrigerator opens into the back of the coolers to allow Publix employees to add stock from behind.

In 1957 the Opening Day special for the Southgate Publix was Pork Loin at $0.45 a pound. In 2009, the special is Ribeye Steaks at 5.99 a pound.

Dairy and the Body Care Aisle

Other dairy items are in traditional open coolers on the South wall of the store. Just across the aisle are the store’s special touch — Body Care. Customers can find supplements, special dietary needs, power bars, breakfast drinks and weight control items.

The Southgate Publix employs 120 associates. When the old store closed for renovations, the employees were assigned to other area stores. Approximately 75% returned to Southgate, and the rest are new to the company.

Pharmacy

In the Southeast corner of the store is the expanded pharmacy. The clerks from Wolfson’s Drugs have moved from across South Florida to run the department. Wolfson’s was purchased by Publix years ago, but has operated in their separate building until this rebuild. Publix announced that this pharmacy will continue Wolfson’s well-loved delivery program. On the South wall is a display of items from Wolfson’s 50-year-plus history.

Store Hours are 8am to 9pm daily. The pharmacy is open 9 am – 9 pm Monday to Friday, 9 am to 7 pm on Saturday, and 11 am to 6 pm on Sunday. The store phone is (863) 683-9860 and the Pharmacy is at (863) 686-4241 — the number previously used at Wolfson Pharmacy.

Aisles

There are 16 aisles of traditional inventory – including the Body Care/Dairy aisle on the South wall. Aisles include small rounded sections in each aisle where shoppers can find Greenwise products. Those are the items Publix has determined are natural, organic, or “Earth friendly.”

Though many Publix stores have Greenwise departments, Publix spokesperson Shannon Patton explained that the approach at Southgate was to put the products next to their traditional counterparts.

On Grand Opening day, numerous demo stations will be set throughout the store to allow associates to highlight and promote products. Each station features a large photograph of some aspect of Publix history.

Check-out

There are nine check-out counters. Note that two express lanes exit right in front of the doors — for the customer in such a hurry that six extra steps are too many.

The first few hundred customers Thursday will receive a specially printed reusable grocery bag commemorating the grand opening.

The East wall includes a large display of Publix reusable bags. A monitor displays information on Publix programs to reduce energy. A Wall of Recognition is a display of Publix associates who have earned accolades from managers and customers.

The new manager of the Southgate store is Bill Vollmar. In his 28th year with the company, Vollmar started his career as a bagger at Southgate.

All photos credit: Tom Hagerty for Lakeland Local

Southgate Publix Preview

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Your newest shopping satellite, SOUTHGATE SHOPPING CENTER, is surrounded by Lakeland’s largest “space station”…a parking area for over 700 cars! Rotating in their orbit of convenience are 16 stores, all designated to bring you the most pleasurable shopping you’ve ever known. This star-studded center will hold its GRAND OPENING Tuesday, November 19th — starting at 9 a.m. sharp! Set a course to be with us during this gigantic celebration…there’ll be fun for all — don’t miss it!

Perhaps our crazy, mixed-up March Hare believes he is late for his date, but you’ll still have time to plan on attending the fabulous grand opening of another sparkling new PUBLIX. There’ll be special opening surprises, gifts, and marvelous bargains for you at PUBLIX – Southgate…that’s this coming Tuesday, 9 a.m.

We’ll be back to the present later today with a few more sneak peek photos of the rebuilt Publix. (The Ledger’s Michael Wilson also has a few online.)

Launched in its own orbit of convenience

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1957 was the year the Southgate arch first flew over South Florida. We should be glad there wasn’t a pair and arches don’t breed. At least they don’t in the wild.

With the headline “Million Dollar Center Launched” the shopping center was announced in the Sunday Lakeland Ledger on April 7. Promised to be ready before “Christmastime” the shopping mecca would open on November 19th. George Jenkins and Publix were the driving force behind the center, but 15 other area shops would sign on to establish shopping on the outskirts of South Lakeland.

Joe Blanton, the Publix Vice-President of Real Estate, is credited with the shopping center’s most memorable feature — the three-legged arch. Designed by architects Donovan Dean and Associates, the “parabolic arch with flying buttresses” was prominent in the Ledger’s article. The page editor deemed it the “shopping center’s ‘flying saucer’ arcade.” Stats were reeled off: the center was longer than an 85-story building was tall, parking for 900, the arch sported wings 36 feet over the sidewalk, and storefront widths for each store listed. The largest was Publix with 170′ (including the grocer’s 30′ “Danish Bakery”), followed closely by Grant’s at 142′. Other stores included a drug store, hardware, dry cleaners, show store, furniture shop, a toy store, and Woolworth’s – third largest with 110′ storefront. Save the hardware and Publix, none of the other stores survive in the shopping center 52 years later.

Aerial view of the Southgate Shopping Center 1957

November 19, 1957

Scanning the paper on the evening of November 19, ‘57, the Silver Moon Drive-In ad asked “Have you seen… ‘I Was a Teenage Werewolf’ and ‘Invasion of the Saucer Men’? ” The drive-in wasn’t afraid to goad customers: “If you haven’t you’re chicken.” The Polk Theater reminded Lakelanders they had only two more days to see “Jailhouse Rock” before the film was replaced with “18 & Anxious.”

Southgate opened for business on November 19th with great fanfare. George Jenkins was on hand, along with the Lakeland Acting Mayor William Hollis, to cut the ribbon on the 37th Publix. The evening Lakeland Ledger included a photo of the packed parking lot at Southgate. The new center was a success on opening day. Publix found the spot profitable. The location was the fourth in Lakeland and the only one of the four still in operation at the same site. (As an aside: Publix reported 1361 associates company-wide and $77 million in sales for 1957. For 2008 the company reported over 138,000 employees and $23.9 billion in sales for 2008.)

Those familiar with grocery prices today might find the ‘57 Publix ads interesting. Featuring the clip-art style popular at the time the grand opening sale ads sported the headline “Lakeland’s NEW wonderland of shopping pleasure.” Included was a short poem that doesn’t age as well as the headline:

“Sound the trumpets,” cried the Queen
“This market’s the finest I’ve ever seen.
Pleasant surroundings and selections galore,
I’m ever so happy they built this store!”

pork loin roast and center cut pork chops were the main features at Publix on opening day. Frozen food, dairy, candy, and health & beauty products also were on special.

Opening day’s giveaway was a free laundry basket for all those with purchases of $7 or more. (Not to leave out the other three Lakeland stores, the ad promised the basket special was available at all Lakeland stores. That didn’t seem to be true for the new grocery’s second day special — a free silver dollar for purchases of $7 or more.)

Next door at the Danish Bakery the featured item was a dozen Cinnamon Rolls for 29 cents.

October 1, 2009

The rebuilt Southgate Publix opens Thursday morning. On Wednesday, we’ll have sneak-peek photos of the interior and both helpful and trivial facts about the revitalized location.

And the freebie that Publix plans to give the first few hundred customers on Thursday? You can find that information on Wednesday.

Photo by the Lakeland Ledger, 1957 — Advertisements by Publix

Lakeland’s New Wonderland of Shopping Pleasure

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The front page of that evening’s Lakeland Ledger could stand in for this morning’s news. There were complaints about presidential policy, news of a train derailment, the FED had offered a lowered discount rate, and the US government was looking into stockpiling weapons. The day’s key story lamented the morning’s poor voter turnout. Lakelanders had stayed home in droves for the November 5th Mayoral election. The run-off was attracting even fewer voters.

It wasn’t all dire news. At the bottom of the page was a small photo of cars crammed nose-to-nose in a packed parking lot. The photo’s cutline heralded the opening of the “city’s biggest shopping center.” The key feature of the new center was a “parabolic arch with flying buttresses.” It had sprung up in just a few months and would soon become one of Lakeland’s most recognizable features. Southgate shopping center had opened to much fanfare.

Lakeland’s future looked bright that rainy November evening in ‘57. Though by 1980 some community leaders looked back to Southgate as the first step to the death of downtown: “I don’t mean any disrespect,” said Steve Fulcham, a builder and advocate of downtown preservation, “but the man who made Lakeland was also the man who was killing it.”

That man who set Southgate into motion, Publix head George Jenkins, empathized, “We didn’t realize what was happening at the time. We had to go where the customer wanted us,” Jenkins recalled to the Ledger in 1980.

There is no doubt that Southgate and Jenkin’s property North of the city center, Sears Town, hurried along the “death” of downtown. Jenkins wasn’t being destructive, nor was he against the downtown district. He was a businessman who merely wanted to do the best for his business.

If it had not been Jenkins or Publix or Sears Town or Southgate, it would have been someone else. Over the years various concerns wanted to build shopping centers outside of downtown. One Miami company even announced a huge shopping center on Lake Parker, but couldn’t come to terms on the land. Who doesn’t matter. After World War II families wanted room for new, easily affordable houses. They bought big cars designed to carry plenty – people, packages, and groceries. Jenkins saw what the public wanted and he built it.

The fact is that some neighborhoods will fall to ruin. Some districts are revitalized. Cities are not static. Places ebb and grow. That great idea in 1957, though lamented in 1980, is again a great idea for 2009.

Last year, when Southgate’s neighbors heard rumors the Publix location would close, many feared the worst. The loss of their neighborhood grocery would cause a severe strain on the community. one that grew precisely because the shopping center located there.

Publix officials assured the residents the store would return. This Thursday, the Southgate Publix reopens bigger, brighter, and again a vital daily part of a thriving community. A community that today feels very close to a Downtown reinvigorated from the dark days of the 80s.

Over the next few days, we’re going to publish more about Southgate and the Publix that has always served as its anchor. Today, we’ll look back at the original announcement for the shopping center, and news from the days leading to its grand opening.

On Wednesday we’ll offer a sneak peek into the new store with photos and information about the special inventory and design. (Big hint: picture the Publix Highland City Town Center on Highway 98 S and Clubhouse Road, but you didn’t read that here.)

Thursday is the grand opening. We’ll be there from the moment W.W. Wolfson cuts the ribbon until the first shopper’s bags are carried out by a Publix bagger. Expect more photos, impressions through our Twitter feed, and reports of any special surprises from the Publix staff.

1980 quotes by Fulcham & Jenkins were from the Ledger. 1957 photo by Lakeland Ledger

Southgate Publix Reopening: Introduction

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The team has announced they’ll hold the job fair rain or shine.

Free Baseball for Job Hunters

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I realize some readers are confused about what I am referring to, this craiglist thing?  Let me back up and explain.  Craiglist is a massive world wide free on-line classified ads site.  A few years ago the site added Lakeland as a location and opened an avenue for people to buy and sell locally.  Listings are completely free with a ton of categories ranging from electronics to tickets to jobs to even finding a place to rent in some random city for a week.  Did I say for FREE!!!

Now back to my post…

So, who cares and what’s the point. Times are still hard for a lot of people. I am not naive that there have been problems with craigslist, but if you use the !!!FREE!!! tool correctly it can be of great benefit to you and the person buying your stuff. I’ve watched the Lakeland site grow from a start up to now a respectable site. If your wanting some tips I have put a list below for buyers and sellers.  Check it out and happy shopping/selling.

Tips for Using Craiglist

For Buyers…

• Contact the user via e-mail first unless they provide a telephone number. (I recommend having a junk e-mail for all my “junk” sign-up lists and use this one when corresponding with sellers.)
• If you don’t need to test the item out I try to meet in a public place.
• Make sure to exchange numbers in case you get lost.
• Be prepared to pay CASH…no one wants a check.
• Do price haggling before you get there, but don’t be shy to try once you see the item, especially if there is something a little off. (Maybe a small scratch you didn’t see, a missing extra cord, etc.)
• ALWAYS call if you can’t make the arranged meet up.  DON’T leave people hanging!
• If you want something specific and don’t see it create a listing in the “Wanted” section describing exactly what you’re looking for and the price you want to pay.
• If you can’t find it in Lakeland check out Orlando and Tampa.  There are 8 million people in this area for goodness sake.  Someone is bound to have what your looking for.

For Sellers…

• ALWAYS put a picture of the item you are selling.
• If you don’t feel comfortable with someone coming to your house then don’t invite them.  Arrange a neutral meeting place.
• Know how low you’ll drop on your price ahead of time.
• Once you sell an item PLEASE delete it from the list.
• If you get weird e-mails they probably are spam…don’t answer them.
• Don’t get discouraged if someone stands you up or comes and looks at an item and decides not to get it.

Craigslist in Lakeland

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It’s 2009 and the Chamber is at it again. They just released their endorsements for Lakeland Mayor and City Commissioners. Wait, not the Lakeland Chamber. Business Voice of Greater Lakeland, Inc. (BVGL) made the endorsements. But BVGL advertises they are “The Political Arm of the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce.”

Semantics.

Last week the various candidates met with a BVGL committee and here’s who they endorsed:

Edie Yates- Lakeland City Commission, SE District
Phillip Walker- Lakeland City Commission, NW District
Howard Wiggs- Lakeland City Commission, At Large
Gow Fields- Lakeland City Commission, Mayor

The SW District lacks an endorsement as one candidate, Don Selvage, withdrew from consideration due to his prior involvement as a Business Voice member.

The group was kind enough to post links to the questionnaires turned out by all the candidates. We’ll hot link to the PDFs for your consideration:

MAYORAL CANDIDATES:

Elliott Dorsch
Gow Fields | BVGL Endorsed
James Verplanck

SOUTHEAST DISTRICT
James Goetz
Edie Yates | BVGL Endorsed

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT
Michael Dunn
Don Selvage
*No Endorsement Made

NORTHWEST DISTRICT
Clarence Grier
Phillip Walker | BVGL Endorsed

AT LARGE
Howard Wiggs | BVGL Endorsed

It should come as no surprise that the Chamber, er, BVGL, endorsed those who answered “Conservative” for the following question:

Politically speaking, how would describe your voting tendencies?

Except for Howard Wiggs, who answered “Other” and explained (in part): “Sometimes conservative, sometimes moderate, but, essentially conservative.”

If you take a look at the questionaires, you’ll find the candidates avoided “Liberal” and “Very Liberal” like, well, like most candidates do these days.

It was forward thinking of BGVL to put the questionaires on the net for all to see. It would also be very helpful to identify who made up the “committee” who endorsed those candidates. Though they are not technically part of the government — though they still get their rent subsidized by Lakeland – it would prove the Chamber is working to be an organization dedicated to the spirit of Sunshine.

Evidently No One Rents This Year

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Several Starbucks locations that once were 24-hours have changed their hours. Those locations now close at Midnight. However, there are still some 24-hour Starbucks in town- all locations with a drive-through window will remain open 24-hours, according to the barista we spoke with a couple of weeks ago.

So, to wrap it up: if it has a drive-through, it’s open all the time. If it doesn’t, don’t cruise by there at 3 a.m. expecting to get a caramel latte. You will be disappointed.

Some Lakeland Starbucks Locations Eliminate 24-Hour Service

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Full Size Map Lakeland Homes Sold June 2009

The report from Petra Norris at Lakeland Florida Living…

Sales activity has picked up for Lakeland’s Real Estate market with increasing sales since March 2009 recording 169 Lakeland homes sold in June. An increase from 156 homes sold the previous month and more importantly a 14% increase from the previous year.

While the average sales price increased to $145,767 ($75.38 per sq.ft) from the previous month of $124,689 ($71.01 per sq.ft.). Lakeland real estate prices continue to drop for June at 18% from the previous year. Now you probably wondering why the average price increased by almost 17% for Lakeland – this mainly resulted because for the 2nd time this year a property over $1 million was sold. Such a sale will increase the average sales prices in this market when looking at average sales prices.

This is the reason why you need to look at all numbers – average sold as well as median sold prices.

While there was also an increase of 4.5% posted from $119,500 the previous month to $125,000 recorded in June 2009, it is more realistic since the highest and the lowest sold property are taken out of the equation. You always want to get both sides of the numbers to get the true picture.

Let’s break it down for you to see the supply and demand for common properties for sale versus the distressed market in the Lakeland real estate market.

Common properties only – Inventory active and pending 1697 homes resulting in 18 month of supply.

Distressed properties – Inventory active and pending 742 homes resulting in a 12 month supply.

Bank-Owned properties continue to influence Lakeland Real Estate

Since the beginning of the year, distressed homes and bank-owned (REO) properties for the Lakeland Real Estate market still playing a major role. Sales activities shows 64 properties sold in June according to Mid-Florida Regional MLS.

26 Distressed Homes Sold – average sold price $132,588 – median sold price $127,500

38 Bank-owned (REO) sold – average sold price $95,229 – median sold price $83,153

Lakeland Home Sales Pick Up for June 2009

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That will also be true of our coverage of the Polk Neighborhood Stabilization Program (Polk NSP). Congress passed the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 to give $4.92 billion dollars to local communities to acquire and redevelop foreclosed properties. Approximately $14.5 million was given to Polk County to purchase and rehab at least 61 homes in the county. That program became Polk NSP. This week the organization announced they were open for business. Familiar with the process to this point, we met with the two principles to discuss the project.

The Goal

The goal of Polk NSP is to remove foreclosed, empty, or blighted homes from the market and place these homes in the hands of homebuyers who can afford to live in them. No one can purchase the inexpensive homes and flip them. The homebuyers must agree to live in the homes for a set number of years. Polk NSP will target 10 areas of the county that are in greatest need of help. These are low to moderate income communities hit hardest be the recent recession.

The Companies

The county commissioners chose not to implement Polk NSP on their own, but instead brought in development experts to manage and implement the program. They allowed various organizations to apply to manage the funds. In the end, they chose the process offered by a team of two Polk County organizations.

Swan Development Advisors will manage the program. The company, headed by Bruce Lyon, will undertake all of the paperwork needed to satisfy U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The company managing home rehabilitation, and handling training prospective home owners will be the Keystone Challenge Fund. Since 1991, Jeff Bagwell, President and Executive Director of the Fund, has worked in Polk County to provide education and affordable financing to low and moderate income homeowners.

To insure proper management of the funds, the two organizations proposed a unique method. HUD sets strict limits on how much of the money is used for administration and how much for home purchase and rehabilitation. Rather than mix the two amounts, Swan will simply get the administration funds, and Keystone the rest. The company will use a third-party, Baylis & Company CPA, to manage fund distribution.

The Homes

Polk NSP has already started the home buying process. They are bidding on the purchase of homes in 10 targeted areas in Polk County. Those areas were chosen as they exhibit a greater than average number of foreclosures, financed through a higher numbers of subprime loans, and are likely to face further foreclosures through loan defaults.

Homes can be purchased only if they meet certain criteria of location, condition, and price. Polk NSP hopes to demolish only a few “blighted” homes. The rest will be rehabbed to specific standards. Lyon mentioned they will replace roofing and appliances if the items have only a few years of life left. He and Bagwell emphasized they want to make sure new homeowners aren’t faced with such large replacement expenses in their new homes.

In addition to selling homes, Polk NSP will purchase and rehab a certain number of dwellings to be offered as rentals. The cost of the rentals will be based on the Fair Market Rents (FMR) index. Currently, Polk County FMR for a two-bedroom dwelling is $720.

The Polk NSP goals for the dwellings are:

Acquisition/Rehabilitation/Financing/Resale for Homeowners (Activity 1):
20 units for moderate-income households (≤ 80% Area Median Income — AMI)
41 units for middle-income households (≤ 120% AMI)
Timeline is January 2009 through July 2013.

Acquisition/Rehabilitation/Financing/Resale for Single- or Multi-family Housing (Rentals) (Activity 2):
50 units for low-income households (≤ to 50% AMI)
Timeline is January 2009 through July 2013

Demolition of Acquired Foreclosed Upon Homes and Redevelopment (Activity 3) (Includes demolition and redevelopment strategies)
22 units for low-, moderate-, and middle-income households (≤ to 120% AMI)
Timeline is January 2009 through July 2013

When a home is sold, the purchase price is returned to the Polk NSP coffer and used to purchase and rehab another home for sale. Lyons said that the lower-than-expected prices of the homes will enable Polk NSP to purchase, rehab, and sell more than the expected 61 homes.

The Targeted Areas

The following 10 communities are the target areas for Polk NSP. The links lead to PDF maps of the areas.

Auburndale, Combee / Eaton Park, Inwood / Jan Phyl Village, Kathleen, South Lake Wales, Poinciana, Wabash, Wahneta

The Financing

Homebuyers who meet income eligibility requirements are given considerable help by the program. First, the homes are sold at the lower of the appraised value or amount Polk NSP has put into the home (purchase price plus rehabilitation costs). Lyon mentioned they are bidding for homes that are far below the normal costs. This enables Polk NSP to sell the houses are a greatly reduced price.

Bagwell also mentioned that the program allows Polk NSP to help homeowners with funds for principle reduction. This gets the lower income buyers in with little personal up-front funds. This doesn’t mean the program is placing people in homes they can’t afford. Polk NSP will target low (<%50 of AMI) to moderate (<%80 of AMI) income households, but will use standards to place people with home payments that are affordable for their inclome level.

It also doesn't mean anyone can buy a home and flip it for more than they paid. According to Lyons, the County will maintain a second mortgage on each home to forestall that option.

In addition, Bagwell said the prospective homeowners must attend education classes that cover every aspect of home purchase and loan repayment.

The Sellers and the Vendors

In addition to helping the low-to-moderate income families, Polk NSP is geared to help area banks and contractors. Banks are able to move forclosed homes off their books, and area contractors will be given the opportunity to bid on rehabbing the Polk NSP homes.

Conclusion

Polk NSP is just beginning. Their proposal looks strong, and the goals are lofty, but achievable. Over the next few weeks, we will continue to follow Lyon, Bagwell, and the Polk NSP staff to report on the progress of the project. Longer articles on the details of the home purchase and rehab process will follow. Expect a detailed article on the numbers of Polk NSP. What income levels are needed for approval. We’ll sit in on the education program for home buyers. Like the red light camera story, we’ll see Polk NSP evolve over the next few months.

We’re starting coverage at both Lakeland Local and Metro I4 News, but expect the majority of the articles to publish at Mi4.

Polk Neighborhood Stabilization Program Nuts and Bolts

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Sneak peak into a new Diner

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Emerge Lakeland will host its annual “Pack the Bar” event July 21 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This year’s event will be held at Molly McHugh’s, 111 S. Kentucky Ave.

Pack the Bar is the ultimate networking event, said Emerge Chair Punam Saxena. 

“I think for young professionals, it’s easy to get caught up in doing the job they are paid to do,” Saxena said. “Networking events such as this provide a whole host of opportunities to build relationships on a professional and personal level.”

A common complaint among young professionals who move to a new area because of a job is that they don’t feel connected to the community, she said. Emerge Lakeland exists to help young professionals participate in professional development opportunities and build meaningful relationships in the community as a way of becoming more connected to the city in which they live.

Cost for this event is $15 for Emerge members, $20 for non-members and includes food and two drink tickets.  

RSVP by July 17 at the Emerge Lakeland Web site: www.emergelakeland.com. For more information, e-mail info@emergelakeland.com or call (863) 688-8551, ext.228.

On a personal note, I’ve been an Emerge Lakeland member for a couple of years now. What is Emerge Lakeland, you ask? It’s a networking organization geared toward professionals who are between ages 21 and 42. Lakeland Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Central Florida formed the organization in an effort “to provide social interaction among young professionals, opportunities for philanthropic and volunteer engagement and career enrichment,” according to the Emerge Lakeland Web site.

I’ve been a Lakeland resident since 1999. I moved here as a 20-something single woman to work as a staff writer at The Ledger. I knew no one. I didn’t know how to get anywhere. And for the first several months I lived here, I swore I would not live here forever.

But today, I couldn’t imagine leaving Lakeland. Part of the reason is that I have done exactly what the founders of Emerge Lakeland had hoped people my age would do: I’ve become so involved in the community through friendships, civic organizations and volunteer work, that I feel entrenched and I simply don’t have any desire to move away.

Twice recently, I’ve had conversations with people around my age who have considered moving out of Lakeland/Polk County. It always saddens me to hear that, so naturally, I ask why. Both times, the people told me that they didn’t feel like there was anything here for them. They didn’t feel part of the community.

So I began asking questions: Are you in any civic organizations? Do you ever spend any time downtown on the weekends? Do you read The Ledger’s Timeout section and find local things to do?

Both times, I got a sort of sheepish look from these people, because they got my point without me having to say it: you have to get involved in the community that you want to be a part of. People aren’t standing around our front porches, waiting to welcome us with open arms. We have to get out there and claim our city. We have to make it OURS.

It saddens me how many people have never heard of First Friday. What a great event to attend each month. My husband and I head downtown on First Friday and grab a bite to eat and always run into neighbors or friends. And those friends have friends that we get to meet. And before we know it, we know a LOT of people.

Emerge Lakeland is like that. What better way to meet fellow professionals your age who may share common career goals, hobbies and interests, than an organization geared toward these professionals?

What amazes me is how, once I began to meet people in Emerge, I began to see them everywhere. Downtown during lunch hour. At my Kiwanis meeting. In the line at the bank.

This is how we become part of the community. We form relationships. We make friends. We create social circles. If you’re a young professional who is new to Lakeland, or if you’ve lived here a while and still don’t feel like you’re “a part” of this city, come to the Emerge event on July 21. And don’t worry about not knowing anyone there. We’re a friendly bunch. You won’t feel out of place. Promise.

Help Emerge Lakeland Pack the Bar July 21

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“We carry everything but the squeal, and it’s on the way.”

That statement may sound humorous, but it’s also not far from the truth.

Fulwood Farms- a small grocery that carries meats, produce, deli items and a limited number of products related to those three staples- opened its doors on Feb. 27. Business has increased weekly since then, said Todd Kjeer, who co-owns the store with Chad Fulwood. The store is a subsidiary of CF Produce, a wholesale produce company in Plant City.

The grocery came to be in a round-about way.

“We were looking to open a retail produce store in Apollo Beach,” Kjeer said. “This place became known to us, loaded with all the equipment and registers. We just needed new software and refrigeration.”

The building that houses Fulwood Farms, located at 925 N. Lake Parker Ave. in Lakeland, once was a Hispanic market.

So what possessed Fulwood and Kjeer to start a new business during these tough economic times? Getting to the root of that took some cajoling.

This was Kjeer’s initial response: “We’re not making any money, but we’re keeping people happy.”

I thought I could hear Kumbaya off in the distance.

“Come on,” I said. “You obviously started this business to turn a profit, right? I mean, it’s not a non-profit organization.”

Slowly, he came around and it quickly became clear to me that the partners had picked perhaps the best of times to embark on this business venture.

“This is the kind of thing people need in these economic times,” Kjeer said. “They have to buy groceries somewhere and we supply a service that’s second to none.”

Fulwood Farms carries a limited number of items. They specialize primarily in meats and produce. Because they don’t carry the same variety of items that a major chain such as Publix carries, their overhead, staffing and advertising costs are different, he said.

I conducted an informal cost comparison with Publix of several items Fulwood Farms also carries, and was astonished by the results. Here are a few examples:

- 1 pint of blueberries (the same brand is carried by Publix and Fulwood Farms)- $2.49 at Fulwood Farms; $5.99 at Publix.

- Beef cubed steak- $3.19/lb. At Fulwood Farms; $3.49/lb. at Publix

- Ground chuck- $1.49/lb. At Fulwood Farms; $3.49/lb. at Publix

- NY Strip- $3.99/lb. at Fulwood Farms; $11.59/lb. at Publix

With prices like these, it’s no surprise that sales have increased weekly and really began to soar once the grocery began accepting Electronic Benefit Transfer, or EBT, the food stamp program.

Although the times have necessitated an increase in penny-pinching among plenty of Polk County families, folks from all walks of life are shopping at Fulwood Farms, “from one end of the spectrum to the other,” said Store Manager Gina Burns. Customers have ridden up on bicycles and arrived in a Rolls Royce.

And they ask for everything when it comes to meats. A few items Fulwood Farms carries that might be considered “off-the-wall” to some and hard to find in mainstream groceries include pork brains, hog maws, goat, beef tongue, beef tripe, ox tails, rabbit, scrapple, souse, chicken feet, chicken livers, pig tails, pig feet and pig ears.

Remember that “we carry everything but the squeal comment?” Not so far off, huh!

Knowing that, it’s a bit unfair to compare Fulwood Farms to Publix and other large chain grocers. In fact, the small grocery is more akin to Green’s Market Meat & Produce or Felton’s Meat & Produce in Plant City.

While the future may look bright for Fulwood Farms, there are no plans for additional grocery locations, Kjeer said. But he would still like to have that produce store in Apollo Beach.

Current hours at Fulwood Farms are as follows:
Monday-Thursday- 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Friday- 9a.m.- 7 p.m.
Sat- 8 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Sun- 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

For more information, call 863-688-0637. Interested customers can be placed on a fax list to receive a list of weekly specials. Kjeer said they also are working on creating a weekly e-mail list for specials.

Lakeland’s Fulwood Farms Carries Everything but the Squeal

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Representatives from NBC Nightly News with Brian WIlliams will be in Lakeland on Tuesday to do a segment on employment opportunities in the grocery industry during these tough economic times, according to Shannon Patten, a Publix spokeswoman.

The story will focus on how, at a time where many companies are closing their doors or merging with others, Publix continues to grow and create job opportunities by building new stores.

The NBC news crew will visit various Publix facilities throughout Lakeland, including stores and support facilities, Patten said.

Patten didn’t know on Monday when the news segment will air.

Southgate Publix
In other Publix news, construction on the new Southgate store is running ahead of schedule and officials hope to reopen in early October, Patten said.

On a personal note, I’ve enjoyed driving by this location recently and seeing the progress that’s being made. The retro design certainly fits the shopping center and I don’t know if I’m still seeing primer or these are the true colors, but the color scheme looks sharp.

NBC Nightly News to Feature Publix

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Full Size Map: Lakeland FL New Home Listings 05/10 to 05/16

The report from Petra Norris at Lakeland Real Estate Blog…

Lakeland Florida weekly update! The overall total inventory dropped to 2053 properties in Lakeland (May 20, 2009) from the previous week. There were 58
homes newly listed in Lakeland with an average sales price of $164,878 or $93.59 per square foot with area Realtors®. The types of homes and average
prices being actively marketed according to the Multiple Listing Services (MLS) are as follows:

4 condos listed with an average sales price of $186,925
4 mobile homes listed with an average sales price of $80,900
1 Townhome/Villa listed for $129,500
49 single family homes with an average price of $158,821

The priciest home that came newly on the market here in Lakeland, Florida is a 1984 Two-Story Single Family Home with an in ground pool and a view of
Scott Lake in the Lake Point South subdivision; featuring 4 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths with over 3,200 square feet of living space currently offered for
$339,900. On the contrary, the cheapest home newly on the market is a 3 bedroom 1 bath property listed for only $19,900 – under $20.00 per square
foot – located in Webster & Omohundro Subdivision.

The data for this report was obtained from the Mid-Florida Regional MLS, it is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This report does not include “For
Sale By Owner”.

Take a look at the breakdown by zip code:
33801 – 06
33803 – 09
33805 – 03
33809 – 14
33810 – 07
33811 – 04
33812 – 02
33813 – 10
33815 – 03

Weekly update on distressed properties in Lakeland

A total of 465 properties are currently actively being marketed that are facing foreclosure. There were 21 Lakeland homes newly listed in the
distressed category with average prices of $153,850 or $79.95 per square foot. Distressed homes are categorized as “Bank-Owned”, “Require 3rd party
approval (Short Sale)”, “Pre-foreclosure”, and “In-Foreclosure”. Distressed homes are categorized as “Bank-Owned”, “Require 3rd party approval (Short
Sale)”, “Pre-foreclosure”, and “In-Foreclosure”.

Lakeland Florida Homes for Sale Listed 05/10 to 05/16

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Full size map: Lakeland FL New Home Listings 05/03 to 05/09

The report from Petra Norris at Lakeland Real Estate Blog…

Lakeland Florida weekly update! The overall total inventory dropped to 2073 properties in Lakeland (May 15, 2009) from the previous week. There were 59 homes newly listed in Lakeland with an average sales price of $164,878 or $93.59 per square foot with area Realtors®, resulting in a decrease of homes listed from the previous week. The types of homes and average prices being actively marketed according to the Multiple Listing Services (MLS) are as follows:

4 duplex units listed with an average sales price of $74,875
2 condos listed with an average sales price of $84,000
6 mobile homes listed with an average sales price of $78,733
47 single family homes with an average price of $186,977

The priciest home that came newly on the market here in Lakeland, Florida is a 1926 Two-Story Single Family Home, a historic landmark in the Dixieland neighborhood; featuring 3 bedrooms and 3 baths with over 3,000 square feet of living space currently offered for $649,900. On the contrary, the cheapest home newly on the market is a 2 bedroom 1 bath property listed for $45,000 – under $23.00 per square foot – located in Chestnut Woods Subdivision.

The data for this report was obtained from the Mid-Florida Regional MLS, it is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This report does not include “For Sale By Owner”.

Take a look at the breakdown by zip code:
33801 – 06
33803 – 09
33805 – 03
33809 – 14
33810 – 11
33811 – 03
33812 – 00
33813 – 11
33815 – 02

Weekly update on distressed properties in Lakeland

A total of 465 properties are currently actively being marketed that are facing foreclosure. There were 17 Lakeland homes newly listed in the distressed category with average prices of $140,311 or $69.69 per square foot. Distressed homes are categorized as “Bank-Owned”, “Require 3rd party approval (Short Sale)”, “Pre-foreclosure”, and “In-Foreclosure”.

Lakeland Florida Homes for Sale Listed 05/03 to 05/09

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The event they have planned for May 20 is particularly appropriate, given the state of our economy and the fact that huge numbers of people now compete for a limited number of jobs.

The topic for their next professional development luncheon is creating a “30-second commercial” for personal branding purposes.

Terry Ottinger, vice president of membership development at the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce, is the speaker for the event, which will be held 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at GrillSmith in Lakeside Village.

Ottinger will share tips and tools about marketing and personal branding, which are hot topics in today’s marketplace.

Ottinger believes in the statement that there is “one chance to make a first impression” and he believes that creating and rehearsing a 30-second commercial or “elevator speech” can give young professionals the edge over the competition.

Cost for this event is $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Sandwiches, sides and beverages will be served.

RSVP by visiting the EMERGE Lakeland web site at www.emergelakeland.com by May 15. Members must log in to receive the member rate.

GrillSmith is located at 1569 Town Center Dr. in Lakeland.

About EMERGE Lakeland
Emerge Lakeland is a networking organization of professionals ranging in age from 21 to 42. Formed in partnership between the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Central Florida, its goal is to provide social interaction among young professionals, opportunities for philanthropic and volunteer engagement and career enrichment.

EMERGE Lakeland Hosts Professional Development Luncheon

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Full size map: Lakeland FL New Home Listings 04/26 to 05/02

The report from Petra Norris at Lakeland Real Estate Blog…

The overall total inventory dropped to 2104 properties in Lakeland (May 6, 2009) from the previous week. There were 66 homes newly listed in Lakeland with an average sales price of $170,776 or $89.64 per square foot with area Realtors®, resulting in a decrease of homes listed from the previous week. The types of homes and average prices being actively marketed according to the Multiple Listing Services (MLS) are as follows:

1 duplex unit listed for $32,500
3 condos listed with an average sales price of $109,633
3 mobile homes listed with an average sales price of $115,666
2 townhomes/villas with an average sales price of $107,500
58 single family homes with an average price of $180,995

The priciest home that came newly on the market here in Lakeland, Florida is a 1998 Lake Front Pool Home, in the Waterford Subdivision; featuring 3 bedrooms and 3 baths with over 2,500 square feet of living space currently offered for $595,000. On the contrary, the cheapest home newly on the market is a 2 bedroom 1 bath bank-owned property listed for only $22,000 – under $28.00 per square foot – located in Palma Ceia Court.

The data for this report was obtained from the Mid-Florida Regional MLS, it is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This report does not include “For Sale By Owner”.

Take a look at the breakdown by zip code:

33801 – 10
33803 – 11
33805 – 04
33809 – 07
33810 – 10
33811 – 03
33812 – 05
33813 – 14
33815 – 02

Weekly update on distressed properties in Lakeland

A total of 477 properties are currently actively being marketed that are facing foreclosure. There were 19 Lakeland homes newly listed in the distressed category with average prices of $140,721 or $68.41 per square foot. Distressed homes are categorized as “Bank-Owned”, “Require 3rd party approval (Short Sale)”, “Pre-foreclosure”, and “In-Foreclosure”.

Lakeland Florida Homes for Sale Listed 04/26 to 05/02

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I used to believe in national auto shops because of their fancy warranty and the better pricing. Since moving to Lakeland this belief was quickly changed. After having problems with some of the more well known shops I tried local. Sure they were a little more expensive, but definitely worth it because the problems have always been fixed with great service.

The two places I recommend in town are:
1. Levy’s Imperial Tire
2. Joyce Automotive

In my experience both are honest, reputable and local.

Since I have AAA I have been towed by Joyce’s probably 3-4 times. They have always been on time and quick to get me where I need to go. Now when I call in for a tow I tell AAA to send them. Any work we’ve had done on our car has been explained, done quickly and they have never tried to sell me any additional fixes. The last time we went the guys let us drop our car off before they opened so I wouldn’t be late to class. I had given the green light to start the work if the cost wasn’t going to exceed $300. Well, an hour later I received a call thinking it was bad news but it was the shop saying they had finished and were able to do the job for $200. AWESOME! Quick and under budget. (We do get our 10% discount from AAA too!)

We also have gone to Levy’s and same great service and quality. Mr. Levy is such a great guy. He teaches art classes at night in the shop. Who would’ve thought to take a painting class at a car place? He always offers a coke while waiting and is friendly as can be. I have a junker and wanted to know how we could keep it running for another year or two. The mechanic showed me different “quick fixes” and which ones they didn’t think were necessary considering my end goal. I appreciated their honestly, quality work, and the price was fair. My car is still running and we’re working on over a year and a half.

Both these shops are maybe slightly higher in price then other places around town, but the work is quality and the service great. Normally I judge on price, but I have learned you can’t do that with cars!

“Do you know of a _____?” is a regular “column” on Lakeland Local started in 2009. If you don’t like my recommendation or have a recommendation of your own you can comment on the post. Thus starting a discussion and maybe a more exhaustive list for people to consider. For more information read the explanation post.

Do you know a Lakeland Auto Mechanic?

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I hadn’t thought about my experience too much until all the buzz about the Swine Flu. We keep hearing how imperative it is to WASH YOUR HANDS. A basic concept yet one forgotten regularly by many people. Public restrooms are always a little sketch because after washing your hands you still have to get out without other people’s germs on the door. To avoid these germs some wrap their paper towel around the door handle and awkwardly prop the door with their feet, others try the feet no hands method, and I try the duck through when someone else is coming in method. The answer…Five Guys in Southgate plaza. With a wave of a hand voila.

Maybe they’ll change their tagline to “Bathrooms, Burgers, and Fries.” Catchy!

photo credit: Cathalain Carter for Lakeland Local

High Tech Bathrooms in Lakeland

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