Face of Bartow Changing
Practically everywhere one might look in Bartow these past few weeks and months, be it downtown or along a local street, or even on the main arteries skirting the city proper, one project or another is underway. It’s a reminder of the adage “the only thing constant is change.”
Sonny’s BBQ gets a drive-thru in the rebuild after the fire
After several months of vacancy following the fire on Jan. 7 that destroyed it, work began several weeks ago at 595 N. Broadway Ave. to rebuild Sonny’s BBQ restaurant.
The fire rendered the building a total disaster, and it was subsequently demolished. As a consequence, a number of the approximately 50-60 employees were transferred to other Sonny’s BBQ restaurants in the area.
According to Scott Frantz, President of AGC BBQ, LLC, which owns the Sonny’s BBQ franchise in Bartow (and others in Florida and neighboring states), “roughing in” wiring, plumbing, windows, and other details has now started.
“If everything proceeds on schedule, construction is projected to be completed by mid-November,” he said.
The grand re-opening, he added, would take place after Thanksgiving, in mid-December, if everything gets accomplished according to plan. Also, there will be at least one new feature:
“There will be a drive-thru window, which we didn’t have before.”
The Innovation Center
Meanwhile, at 180 N. Central Ave., at the corner of North Central Avenue and East Davidson Street in downtown, progress continues on what will eventually become the Innovation Center.
The project was first announced by the Bartow CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) in a post dated May 15 on the city’s Facebook page, which also stated that construction was under the auspices of Lakeland-based Rodda Construction.
According to the city’s Facebook page dated May 15, work was slated to begin on May 18 on the CMAS (Construction Manager at Risk) Task Order, with a construction GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price) of $2,539,087. Cost overruns total $3.4 million via a CRA bond allocation. Included in the cost is $860,913 for design, technology, and equipment. Construction is slated to last between five and seven months.
The facility will serve as a hub for community development and education, with a focus on technology and entrepreneurship. It is part of an effort to revitalize the local economy by providing resources and facilities that foster innovation and support local businesses and educational initiatives.
As a whole, innovation centers typically offer a variety of programs designed to support startups and foster innovation. These programs often include incubation and acceleration initiatives, mentorship opportunities, training sessions, and access to funding resources.
Reporter's note: Attempts between CRA Director Howard Smith and The Citrus Tea News have followed a "telephone tag" back-and-forth effort, one in which Smith wishes to add further information. The Citrus Tea News will update these as they are made.
New utility poles
(With a tip o’ the hat to Eddie Grant and “Electric Avenue”:)
“We gonna work on Carpenter Avenue
Install 50-foot high poles.
We gonna rework the downtown grid
From West Main to West Stanford”
After removing one tree too close to a power line and trimming away branches on another tree, city utility workers on Aug. 26 began digging six 7-foot-deep holes and then installing 50-foot-high wood poles to eventually replace the current 30-foot poles. The following day, they returned to work on the poles and install basic hardware that will eventually support electric utility lines.
(Reporter's note: It is believed to be part of a project to both upgrade and reformat the downtown electrical grid, but efforts to confirm that were pending prior to this article being posted. This information will be updated when informed by the city.)
The Cookie Jar Bakeshop & Eatery
As this article was being prepared, signage on the windows went up announcing that the bakery, located at 305 W. Main St. at the corner of Wilson Avenue, is not going out of business but is having work done. It is not known at this time what work is being done, and a phone call to the bakery on Sept. 1 resulted in a request to leave a voicemail.
However, according to its Facebook page the owner(s) (sic) stated:
A lot is happening behind the scenes, and we cannot wait to finally share what we’ve been working toward.
Same heart. Fresh perspective.
That’s what this refresh is all about — keeping the heart of the Cookie Jar you know and love while making room for what’s next.
Our hours and availability will look a little different while we work our magic, so keep an eye on our page for our temporary schedule and ordering information.
A little patience with us now… we promise, what’s coming will be worth it.
Something beautiful is blooming at the Jar.
Steve Steiner can be reached at: [email protected]
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