Signs read, “STOP Talbot House Relocation,” “Great Mission, Wrong Location,” and “No Talbot, Not Here.”
Don Burns, of “I am Lakeland,” has lived in the area for 22+ years and helped to organize the demonstration. He said he is concerned about crime and safety, especially with the proposed location being a short distance from the church across the street
This demonstration serves as a final public push before the Lakeland City Commission takes up a critical appeal on April 6. Here is the breakdown of the situation:
The Protest (March 20, 2026)
- Location: The southeast corner of Memorial Blvd and Ingraham Ave, the site of the proposed 72,000-square-foot facility.
- The Message: Approximately 15 residents and business owners gathered with signs like “Great Mission, Wrong Location” and “STOP Talbot House Relocation.”
- Key Concerns: Organizers like Don Burns (of “I am Lakeland”) and local business owners expressed worries about pedestrian safety on the busy Memorial corridor, potential loitering, and the site’s proximity to Skate World and nearby churches.
The Upcoming Legal Battle
The project is currently in limbo after the Planning and Zoning Board voted 4-1 to block the move in December 2025. Talbot House is now appealing that decision to the City Commission.
| Date | Event | Purpose |
| April 6, 2026 | Merit Hearing | Commissioners will decide if the Planning Board made a legal or procedural error. |
| April 20, 2026 | De Novo Hearing | If the appeal has merit, a full hearing will be held to reconsider the project from scratch. |
Why Talbot House Wants to Move
The nonprofit argues that its current downtown location is overcrowded and that the Memorial Blvd site—formerly the Second District Court of Appeal—is better suited for its comprehensive services, which include a free health clinic, job training, and emergency shelter. Their attorney, Tim Campbell, has previously noted that denying the land use based on the population served could potentially violate federal civil rights laws.
Meanwhile, city officials are caught between residents’ safety concerns and the desire to redevelop the “Mass Market” area downtown, which would be much easier if Talbot House relocated.
I plead the 5th “your honor.”