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Floral City takes up issues of planning
By JIM ROSS, Times Staff Writer FLORAL CITY -- Some residents of this small town will gather Friday afternoon to discuss community planning issues. Among the invited guests is Bob Clifford, district planning manager for the state Department of Transportation. Marian Pscion, a department spokeswoman, said her agency has no plan or project to present to the group. Clifford is just going to listen and assist however he can. However, many Floral City residents remain concerned about a DOT plan to widen U.S. 41 at Orange Avenue. The department put off the plan a few years ago in response to community complaints, although some Floral City residents voiced support for the project. Many Floral City residents worry that road widening would cause the loss of century-old live oak trees, for which Floral City is known, and would destroy the town's tranquil feel. The project is not included in the DOT's current plans, but it always could make a return. For more than two years, Floral City residents have participated in various workshops and meetings, all designed to help them create a community action plan. Their goal is to preserve and enhance the town's rural heritage and character while still meeting the needs of the entire community. Among the ideas proposed has been establishment of a Municipal Services Benefit Unit, which would help finance installation of sidewalks and streetlights and other community improvements. That planning process, which also included a survey of business owners and property owners, still continues.
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