If the deal for a CSX rail yard fails in Winter Haven, the Jacksonville-based railroad company has a backup location close to two major highways.
In 2005, the company purchased 690 acres for $9.2 million south of Wildwood near Interstate 75 and the Florida’s Turnpike in Sumter County, about 65 miles north of Winter Haven.
While it looks like a good site for a rail transfer center because of its easy highway access to Orlando and Tampa, CSX spokesman Gary Sease said Wednesday the company has no plans to build in Sumter County.
“It does not meet our needs,” Sease said. “We need a location more central for any future development.” -- Lakeland Ledger
