Amidst controversy over another hospital proposal, a “micro-hospital” won initial approval from the Polk County Planning Commission Wednesday.
Polk Planning Commissioners unanimously approved a future land use designation change from linear commercial corridor to institutional for 2.03 acres “located on S. Florida Ave, south of Schoolhouse Road, east of Old Highway 37, north of Creative Drive, southwest of Francis Pipkin Road.”
Land Development Coordinator Angela Kaufman said the proposal will move before the Board of County Commissioners on Aug. 2.
While the approval was for a future land-use change, applicant Timothy Campbell with Clark, Campbell, Lancaster, Workman & Airth told commissioners that a “micro-hospital” will be installed at the site, which was formerly occupied by Masons Live at 5501 Florida Ave. S. Campbell said South Florida Avenue currently operates at a level of service C and this project is not expected to degrade that.
Campbell said the project can be considered a “micro-hospital” because it will function as an emergency room that has eight beds for in-patient, overnight stays as needed.
No members of the public spoke for or against the project.