LAKE PLACID — The noise started early Monday morning. But the loud and regular pounding and scraping was welcomed by neighbors like Donna and Sergio Guzman as about a dozen workers prepared former mobile home park Viking Village for demolition. "Sergio and I are enjoying the sound of heavy metal — aluminum crashing to the ground," said Donna Guzman, with a broad smile. In mid-September, the 18-unit trailer park was condemned by the county, and the property owner was threatened with daily fines. Most of the trailers and buildings at the park, located at County Road 17 and Lake June Road, are dilapidated with gaping holes and broken windows. ...more

November 7, 2007

City Commission members will be asked Tuesday whether they want to take emergency action to remove demolition as an alternative for dealing with a building in the city's historic district that has been deemed structurally unsafe. ...more

October 26, 2007

PLANT CITY – The old police station at 611 S. Collins St. will be demolished as the city seeks to revitalize the area south of downtown. ...more

October 17, 2007

SEBRING –– Idea people are always energizing. Often praised by progressives and sometimes reviled by the status quo, they are exciting to be around regardless of your opinion. Ken Melvin is civic minded, always attending county meetings. He describes himself as a bull in a china shop and an eccentric. His home on Mi-La-Kee Avenue with its underwater mural airbrushed by artist Bruce Maltz is an example. Previously, Melvin was involved with recycling and demolition. Now his dream is to create a citizens' committee putting together a group of business people, newcomers and retired people. Last week he got appointed to a citizens committee, looking into an action plan to reopen Lake Denton. He wants to encourage anyone with positive ideas for government so money and taxes can be saved and positive plans made for the future. ...more

September 10, 2007