Polk County Rail Hub

The Downtown Lakeland Partnership-supported ad calling the proposed CSX hub "a bad deal for Polk citizens'' may not see ink because it cost too much money.

But the movement behind it is stepping up the rhetoric on the project - particularly since concerns about traffic and noise have now grown to include increased vibrations that might "jeopardize the structural integrity of our historic buildings'' in downtown.

Now that the LDDA has come out opposing the project and asked the city to do the same, things could get a little more exciting.

Honey may get you more than vinegar. But public outcry gets Tallahassee's attention. - Lakeland Swanshots

Of course, the big question is what local businesses can actually do to fight trains that will bisect business and pedestrian traffic? Should be interesting.... Lakeland Swanshots

Downtown Lakeland merchants are getting more and more aggressive in their quest to keep increased train traffic (the fallout from the proposed CSX hub in Winter Haven and a shift in rail traffic) from damaging their downtown.

A petition opposing CSX's plans appears imminent. So do buttons that promote what is shaping up to be downtown's version of a David and Goliath matchup. Among the slogans being batted about, "Don't Railroad Us'' and "Fight the Freight.'' -- Lakeland Swanshots