Alan S. Reynolds Artistic Managing Director Lakeland Community Theatre said the following:
“We here at LCT were made aware of a video of a Lakeland City Commission meeting concerning a proposed idea by the Lakeland Economic Development Council to develop the land around Lake Mirror including the site of the Lake Mirror Theater, Lakeland Community Theatre’s home. This meeting was over a month ago, but I only recently was made aware of it and not by City or its leaders. I was saddened that no one on the Commission had contacted us to let us know that we were being discussed in this redevelopment proposal “Idea”, even if it’s 2, 5, or 10 years down the road. LCT has a Strategic Plan and being made aware of this “Idea” would be important and affect our plan into the future. I also think it’s important that all stakeholders should be made aware when any “proposed idea” discussing may result in their subsequent relocation. The cost of building a new theater of comparable type, space, size and with the same amenities would be cost-prohibitive for the city. I don’t believe building a new space was ever an option in this “Idea”. As the presentation stated the city is trying to find revenue sources, not expenditures. Our LCT family after careful consideration thought we should make our community aware of this “floated” idea and express our unequivocal opposition to it since this video is public record for all to see. Lakeland Community Theatre in all of its previous incarnations has been a valued part of Lakeland’s cultural landscape for over 63 years. The City of Lakeland, its Mayors and its Commissioners have always been trusted advocates for LCT, and I’m sure they will continue to be champions for LCT and the Arts.”
If anyone would like to see the commissioner’s meeting – This is the video
Steve Scruggs starts to talk about Lake Mirror about 13:37 in and he talks about Lake Mirror Centre specifically at about 27:09
“What about the Lake Mirror Center? We currently subsidize the complex $900,000 a year. Can we find another location for small community meetings and our community theatre? Could a redevelopment of that property include those uses but become income produce?” by Steve Scruggs President Lakeland Economic Development Council at the Lakeland Commission meeting 1/21/2020.
According to Steve Scruggs President Lakeland Economic Development Council today 2/26/2020, “There are no plans to redevelop the Lake Mirror Center.”
The Lakeland Community Theatre has questioned the timing and started a petition to save the LCT. As of 8:30 pm 2/26/2020 it nearly has 4000 signatures.
Here’s how you can help:
1. Sign our petition: http://chng.it/C8rz8pNS
2. Join our Facebook Public Group- Lakeland Community Theatre: Save Our
Home! https://www.facebook.com/groups/3386083478075768/about/
3. Please write emails to our Lakeland Government Leaders: https://www.lakelandgov.net/governme…/mayor-city-commission/
Please tell them the story of how LCT has positively impacted you, your child,
spouse, family and your community. Tell them why LCT matters to YOU and why it
should NOT lose its Home.
The Arts and our Long Cultural Heritage are at stake. This is a call to action,
LCT needs your help!
Please keep the performing arts alive in Lakeland, and preserve “Your Community
Theatre’s” home!
Editorial comment: It would have been nice if the LCT was made aware prior to the meeting by the LEDC or the Commissioners. We believe It would be agreeable if all parties involved would get together and find a solution.
Lakeland Gazette understands the future revenue issues when it comes to the City of Lakeland and the possible redevelopment around lake mirror, but does not mean that we as taxpayers and stakeholders can not come together to resolve this question.