We are in the middle month of the summer season and summer break and I hope you have had the opportunity to spend time with your families! As a follow-up to my previous article, Hurricane season officially began June 1 and  ends November 31. This is a good time to assess your preparation supplies and have a plan in place, if you have not done so already. Awareness and preparation are the best tools!
Our Poinciana community continues to soar with many improvements and new developments: many close to completion and others in progress. On our sidewalk project, all sidewalk, driveways and culverts in development have been completed. (See pictures) Staff will continue to grade the swales and are waiting on the installation of a couple of structures to later sod the project.
The Primary Care Medical Services facility project is moving forward with a conceptual design completed. Constructions costs continue in negotiations and revisions will soon be available. An item was presented to the Board on May 21st for Balfour Beatty Construction for pre-construction efforts.
Osceola County continues to plan and build transportation infrastructure to meet the short term and long range needs of the Poinciana area in coordination with the regional agencies and through public-private part¬nerships. From a larger perspective, developments of significant size are being planned in Osceola County which will impact the transportation infrastructure. As a result, for the next five years and to meet this demand, close to half a billion dollars investment is planned to ensure sufficient infrastructure.
Roadway projects are currently at various stages of development from planning and design to construction. Most notably, the first phase of Poinciana Boulevard, from Pam Road to Oren Brown Road is currently under construction, with the other phases to follow within the next several years. Poinciana Parkway from the current termination of Marigold Avenue to US 17/92 is also being planned for improvements.
Another update on transportation is that I have contacted Lynx and spoken to appropriate staff on one addition that will greatly benefit our residents: extending Lynx (Route) 26 Pleasant Hill Road/Poinciana deeper into Polk County to Village 8 including the addition of bus connections.
One of the many observances this month is National Safety Month. We should be mindful that a safe community comes together to promote safe and healthy behaviors that protect people from hurt and harm in all aspects of their lives. I commend the Poinciana Area Council (PAC) for organizing and promoting such successful event earlier this month: the 'Poinciana Health, Wellness and Safety Day". Your partaking and involvement was the key as a safer community is a strong community!
Also. Father's Day is celebrated in the U.S. on Sunday. June 17th. Father's Day is a day of commemoration and celebration of Dad. It is a day to not only honor your father. but all men who have acted as a father figure in your life - whether as Stepfathers, Uncles, Grandfathers, or 'Big Brothers.'
I encourage you to share any items or concerns and look forward to assisting you. My Poinciana Office Hours officially opened the second week of May at the Association of Poinciana Villages Office, 4111 Walnut Street. Due to the Legislative Sessions in Tallahassee, they will need to be flexible for a couple of more months. To schedule an appointment, please contact Iris Soto at (407) 343-2211 or email her at isot@osceola.org Your ideas and concerns are certainly welcome.
Ken Shipley, Chairman Commissioner District 3 |