Paul Nutcher

1 week ago | newschief.com | Paul Nutcher

A McDonald's restaurant is planned for two parcels on Kathleen Road in unincorporated Lakeland, pending zoning approval. The applicant, Atwell LLC, seeks to change the zoning from Residential Suburban to Neighborhood Activity Center to accommodate the drive-thru restaurant. The Polk County Commission will make the final decision on the zoning change after review by the Planning Commission.

2 weeks ago | theledger.com | Paul Nutcher

A virus spread by mites is responsible for the death of 60-70% of commercially managed bee colonies in the U.S.The varroa mite, resistant to common miticides, carries the deadly virus. Other factors, such as pesticide exposure and poor nutrition, may have contributed to the losses. Smaller beekeepers who carefully manage pesticide exposure have experienced lower losses.

3 weeks ago | newschief.com | Paul Nutcher

Dundee has received a Swiftmud permit to increase its water supply by using agricultural wells, potentially ending a building moratorium. The permit allows Dundee to draw 1.7 million gallons of water daily, an 85% increase from its initial permit. About 20 proposed housing developments are awaiting water use approvals, which could double the town's water usage. The town commission will decide how to allocate the new water capacity among developers.

3 weeks ago | theledger.com | Paul Nutcher

Dundee has received a Swiftmud permit to increase its water supply by using agricultural wells, potentially ending a building moratorium. The permit allows Dundee to draw 1.7 million gallons of water daily, an 85% increase from its initial permit. About 20 proposed housing developments are awaiting water use approvals, which could double the town's water usage. The town commission will decide how to allocate the new water capacity among developers.

3 weeks ago | newschief.com | Paul Nutcher

Polk County Commission approved architectural and engineering services for phase one of the Polk County Agricultural Center Complex. The Lunz Group LLC was awarded a $1.57 million contract for the project. The complex, featuring a covered arena, aims to showcase Polk County's agricultural heritage. The project was revived after a previous plan for an equestrian center in Fort Meade fell through.