Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Blog

Click title for story link. Sundance, Reed and Staging … Chamber Stands By Integrity of Visit Posted by Bob Gernert on January 7, 2009 at 4:15 pm Ledger reporter Tom Palmer in a blog post today (January 7) reports that the Polk County Commission heard residents from the Sundance Ranch Estates demand the CSX Transportation buy their property located adjacent to the planned inter modal rail terminal. Speaking for the residents, Sharon Kiser is quoted as having noted, “Our concerns are being ignored.” But looking back nearly two years ago the residents of Sundance did their own ignoring of offers from CSX that would have involved them in the planning process. You can read that post here. More troubling from this writer’s standpoint is the process that saw both Kiser and Commissioner Jean Reed wonder out loud if a fact-finding visit organized by the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce was a “staged presentation.” Speculation included whether trains and trucks were kept out of the area to provide a calmer, quieter impression.

County Asks CSX to Buy Out Rail Yard Neighbors

Click title for story link. By Tom PalmerTHE LEDGER Published: Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 11:51 a.m. Last Modified: Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 12:02 p.m. BARTOW County commissioners voted unanimously Wednesday to send a letter to CSX asking them to buy the homes of residents in the Sundance subdivision. The rural subdivision is across the railroad tracks from the planned CSX freight terminal, which was approved in October for a 318-acre site on the south side of Winter Haven. The vote came after homeowner Sharon Kiser appealed to commissioners for help because of concerns the expected noise from the facility will disrupt the quiet rural atmosphere of their subdivision.

Intermodal Grows Up

Click title for story link. While fuel prices are now on the wane, the stings of exceedingly high gasoline costs, and now the global recession, are factors weighing heavily on shippers as they consider transportation options. Most contend lower fuel prices will be short lived, and no one can predict how long the economy will remain in the doldrums. But one fact is certain: Business is off, meaning shipment volumes are down, and all efforts must be made to hold onto a respectable profit margin. Add to this the growing trend to “think and act green”—a practice that, for many companies, can add expense because it means introducing new processes. Thankfully for many, where transportation is concerned there are economical options. So, as a way to combat all the above mentioned ‘negatives’ out there, many shippers are now considering intermodal.“Today, customers are increasingly more apt to fit into the intermodal mix,” comments Jeffrey R. Brashares, president of Logistics Services Group, Pacer Logistics Inc. But so far, he says it’s the large companies, particularly retailers and importers of electronics, which are using the mode. The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc., one of the country’s largest regional departments store chains, for example, is using intermodal as a logistics mode for the first time. “With the cost of fuel on the rise, we had to rethink our supply chain,” says Robert Hook, divisional vice president, transportation. “After a successful trial run, we implemented Schneider Intermodal into our day-to-day transportation plan and have shifted a significant amount of freight to rail.”

Freight train derails in Santa Rosa County

Click title for story link. Six engines and 13 of 46 cars in a CSX freight train derailed this morning in Milton, causing no injuries but leaving a monumental mess. CSX crews and others planned to work through tonight to repair the tracks.Officials hoped that rail traffic could be moving as early as Sunday across the stretch of railroad near Avalon Boulevard.Late this afternoon, workers were still creating a temporary road to allow heavy equipment onto the scene. Others were using welders' torches to cut damaged sections of the railroad track, and seven trucks loaded with railroad ties were already waiting nearby to replace the broken pieces. The wreck caused thousands of gallons of petroleum to spill onto the area. “Our primary concern was making sure that the petroleum has been contained, and that has been done,” said Gary Sease, a spokesman for CSX in Jacksonville. “Now, it’s a matter of getting it cleaned up.”

Norfolk storage plan concerns residents

Click title for story link. This story sounds like the Sundance neighborhood. By DAN DEARTHDecember 17, 2008dan.dearth@herald-mail.com HAGERSTOWN — A handful of residents on Tuesday spoke against a proposal to annex into the city about 95 acres of land south of Hagerstown that the Norfolk Southern Railway Co. would use to store vehicles. The residents, who live on Oak Ridge Drive, spoke during a public hearing Tuesday at Hagerstown City Hall. Mary Vorreyer told the council that she knew the proposal would be approved, but she asked them to do whatever they could to mitigate the negative impact on the residents who live there. Vorreyer said she was concerned tractor-trailer traffic and lights from the storage facility would disrupt the neighborhood at night. “I know it’s going to go through. We’re just looking for assistance,” Vorreyer said.

Crucial 17th Street bridge debuts tonight

Ocala gets a bridge to handle traffic from the Winter Haven ILC but Polk County is told traffic won't increase. Why a new bridge then? By Joe CallahanStaff writer Published: Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at 6:30 a.m. Last Modified: Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at 5:49 a.m. OCALA - Westbound traffic will finally get a chance to cross over the 17th Street bridge tonight, the first time the public will drive over the busy CSX railroad line. Last-minute shoppers looking for those final gifts - and more importantly, emergency vehicles - will be able to head west without fear of being delayed by a passing train. Karen Kersey, a Florida Department of Transportation spokeswoman, said the project, which is scheduled to be completed by July 27, is ahead of schedule, though by how much will depend on weather. But if all goes well, it could be done as early as mid-April. That's because the contractor, Kiewit Corp. of Orlando, has a $750,000 incentive to get done quickly. It will get $7,500 per day - for up to 100 days - for each day it is ahead of schedule. To Ocala officials, residents and store owners in the area, the final product can't be done soon enough. The $25 million project is essential to allowing for smooth traffic flow in the area. The bridge spans a CSX railroad line, a line that connects port cities Jacksonville and Tampa that will likely see an "increase" in traffic in the coming years. Ocala Mayor Randy Ewers said 17th Street, which is also State Road 464, is essential in keeping traffic moving from one side of Ocala to the other. Without a bridge, train traffic creates absolute gridlock. The bridge was designed to keep traffic along 17th Street flowing. Right now when a train passes, traffic backs up in both directions, especially impacting the U.S. 441/17th Street intersection. And if even more trains begin impacting the area, the bridge will be the lifeline in keeping drivers safe and sane in the years to come, Ewers said Monday. "It's a must now that CSX is planning to increase traffic," said Ewers, adding that the bridge will also help keep Ocala residents safe during medical emergencies or other types of emergencies. The railroad crossing is about a mile from two hospitals and a bridge will allow ambulances and emergency vehicles a faster way to cross, even when trains are passing through the area. Wendell Rora, Ocala Fire Rescue spokesman, said because of the potential of train delays that fire trucks have been routed away from 17th Street for years to prevent delays caused by trains. But once the bridge opens, those routes could be important. "In our profession, a few seconds could mean life or death," Rora said. "It could be the difference in saving a life." Capt. Joel Matthias, an Emergency Medical Services supervisor for Marion County, said the bridge will give rescue personnel a much more reliable route to hospitals. He said trains have led them to reroute, causing extra minutes to pass before getting patients to the hospital. The bridge will definitely help in that regard. Ewers said that crossing is the main concern, though there are others. With the possibility of higher train volume, Ewers is also concerned about the increased train traffic in other areas of Ocala, especially at the Northeast 36th Avenue and Northeast 25th Avenue crossings. And right now there are no plans for bridges at those crossings. "If something happened at either one of those crossings, there would be quite a bit of travel to get around those [north/south streets]," Ewers said. Ewers said the city is negotiating with CSX in hopes of coming up with a plan that is a win-win situation for both area residents and CSX. Ewers hopes increased CSX traffic could mean attracting industry. "It would be great if we could get a spur line into some industrial areas," said Ewers, adding the trick will be balancing increased train traffic so that it doesn't cripple other traffic routes. CSX spokesman Gary Sease said Monday that increased train traffic is a possibility, but only if the state purchases tracks in the Orlando area for a commuter rail service. A decision on whether the state will purchase the tracks should be made in the first half of 2009. If approved, then Sease said freight that once was moved trough the Orlando area will end up on the "S" line, the route through Ocala from Winter Haven to Baldwin, hubs for the port cities. He said that if that happens, there will be side tracks added along the route, including some in the Ocala area, that will allow trains to safely pass. Those will be necessary if train traffic increases. "We're hoping to do this in a way that it doesn't impact the way of life for Marion County and Ocala," Sease said, adding the side tracks could mean train traffic may be less noticeable.

OUR READERS SAY By Amanda Ryan

Click title for story link. OUR READERS SAY CSX Bad for Neighborhood Published: Wednesday, December 31, 2008 6:08 AM EST AMANDA RYAN WINTER HAVEN — CSX states responsibility in the community as one of their concepts.They claim they want to be good neighbors, then why are they not considering Sundance Ranch Estates and the families who live there as they plan their new Intermodal facility.This new site is literally right in our backyards. We are families who are trying to enjoy the quality of life that Sundance has to offer, but with this new facility, our quality of life and our property values will drastically change.We have invested in our homes for our future and with CSX moving in, our future is in jeopardy.

Orlando Sentinel Editorial

Click title for story link. This comes from what seems to be a very biased Orlando Sentinel. Approve commuter railNo project can help the region more than commuter rail. Central Florida's lawmakers have one chance left to deliver. Last year they botched it, believing the state's agreement to purchase 61 miles of track from CSX Corp., plus Washington's commitment to help fund it, would provide the momentum needed to get other state lawmakers to hop aboard.Wrong. It was derailed by trial lawyers who wanted deeper pockets in case of accidents and a Lakeland lawmaker who wanted fewer freight trains routed to her city to make room for commuter rail.Our elected officials say they won't let that happen again. We'll push them to make sure it doesn't. They're certainly better positioned than last year with locals like Sen. Lee Constantine heading the Senate Judiciary Committee that caved to the lawyers, and Sen. Andy Gardiner running the Transportation Committee. Rep. Dean Cannon, who successfully led the charge in the House, is handling the chore again this year.But they and Gov. Charlie Crist, whose tardy efforts for rail last year resembled a traveler arriving at the station too late, need to wrap up negotiations on liability issues long before the next session ends.United States Reps. Corrine Brown and John Mica, and commuter-rail commission chief Buddy Dyer, also need to convince Tallahassee that it can't afford to miss this train again. The stations will spur development, the construction and maintenance will create thousands of jobs, and the momentum should jump-start new rail systems in Tampa and Jacksonville. It's essential. Lawmakers mustn't pass it up.

Mica vows rail push

Click title for story link. Jan. 1, 2009By Isaac Babcock Observer Staff Central Florida Commuter Rail may be on the back burner for some politicians during the holidays, but for Florida Congressman John Mica, all railroads lead through him these days. The chairman of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee met with Gov. Charlie Crist and other state officials Dec. 18 to outline a new plan to bring commuter rail — which was recently named SunRail — to Central Florida.

“Transportation: Florida’s Road Map to Economic Recovery”

The Florida Department of Transportation would like to invite you to attend our 3rd Annual Regional Transportation Forum,hosted by District Five in collaboration with Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise. This year’s theme is:“Transportation: Florida’s Road Map to Economic Recovery” Date: January 30, 2009Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.Location: Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise Turnpike Mile Post 263 Florida’s Turnpike Turkey Lake Service Plaza Ocoee, FL 34761 A meeting agenda is attached. Guest speakers include:· Marcos Marchena, Florida Transportation Commission Chairman· Kevin Thibault, Assistant Secretary for Engineering & Operations· Noranne Downs, District Five Secretary· Jim Ely, Turnpike Secretary The support of Congress, State Legislators, County and City Leadership is vital. Communication is the key. The current state of the economy, budget shortfalls and funding issues affect us all, and the way we do business in Central Florida. Yet, it is our belief that addressing transportation issues, in creative and cost-effective ways, will pave the way for eventual economic recovery. District Five Secretary Noranne Downs invites you or your delegate to attend the third annual Regional Transportation Forum hosted by the Florida Department of Transportation, District Five. The need for coordination among our transportation partners has never been greater. The Forum provides the opportunity to exchange ideas, identify opportunities and develop strategies for innovative transportation solutions. Your participation is vital, and valued, as we come together to discuss how transportation will be the “Road Map to Florida’s Economic Recovery.” Please confirm your attendance by January 16 by calling 386-943-5475 or emailing Jennifer.wynn@dot.state.fl.us. Jennifer WynnExecutive AssistantOffice of the District Five Secretary719 S. Woodland Blvd.; DeLand, FL 32720386-943-5475, Fax 386-740-2675"D5 - One Mission, One Team, One Voice"

Winter Haven Residents To Protest At CSX

Winter Haven residents to protest at CSX Jacksonville Business Journal - by Christian Conte Winter Haven homeowners concerned about an intermodal and automotive terminal being built near their neighborhood will conduct a protest outside CSX Corp. headquarters Tuesday. The protestors said they’ve asked to sit down with the Jacksonville-based rail company, the parent company of Evansville Western Railway, which is developing and will operate the terminal, but have not gotten a response. The group plans to demonstrate what an intermodal facility would sound like and show how it would affect their neighborhood. CSX spokesman Gary Sease said the company did communicate with the homeowners until the homeowners filed a lawsuit and communication had to cease. Further, he said the project has already been through all the public hearings and has received all the appropriate approvals necessary for the project to start construction in 2009 and be complete in 2010. The terminal is expected to employ between 900 and 1,100 during construction and 110 when it opens. “We think we’ll be a good neighbor,” Sease said. CSX (NYSE: CSX) acquired the 318-acre property, formerly a waste water treatment plan, in September 2007.

We think: Commuter rail's benefits extend far beyond getting from here to there

Click title for story link. We think: Commuter rail's benefits extend far beyond getting from here to there December 28, 2008 Anyone tracking commuter rail in Central Florida knows how it was waylaid in May by trial lawyers who attacked the limits on lawsuits in case of accidents, the same kind of limits placed on other systems like it.Commuter rail's lead supporters are working with them to reach an accommodation.The other flank of opposition directed at the 61-mile project comes from some lawmakers, led by commuter-rail hater Paula Dockery, who say the state simply can't afford it.

State Budget Crunch May Push Huge CSX Deal Off Track

Click title for story link. By LINDSAY PETERSON The Tampa Tribune Published: December 24, 2008 A multimillion dollar deal with CSX Transportation could face problems in the Legislature in 2009 as lawmakers try to plug a growing budget gap. "When we're scrambling to come up with $2.3 billion in the budget, it may give people some incentive to take a second look at this deal," said state Sen. Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland, an opponent of the deal during this year's legislative session. The state proposed in 2007 to give CSX railroad about $450 million to buy tracks for a commuter system through Orlando. The deal stalled in the Legislature when lawmakers failed to approve a controversial liability agreement.

CSX Intermodal Expands Florida Services

CSX announces it's new shipping option: TRUCKING A great "economic development" plan for CSX and the sad thing is..... we, the taxpayers, paid for it.Weren't they supposed to take trucks off the roads? The company has received virtually all necessary permits to build a modern new terminal at Winter Haven in Central Florida. Hertwig said additional business in Orlando will be seamlessly transitioned to the new Winter Haven terminal once it is constructed. It is expected to be ready in 2010. http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/12-23-2008/0004946332&EDATE=

Rail gets renewed go-ahead

Click title for story link. County revokes bond amendment By JAMES MILLER Staff Writer DELAND -- The proposed Central Florida commuter rail system got a renewed go-ahead from the Volusia County Council on Thursday, when the council revoked a month-old protective amendment opposed by state transportation officials. With a 6-1 vote, the council undid the amendment it adopted Nov. 13 in response to county attorneys' concerns that taxpayers could get stuck with millions of dollars in debt even if the proposed commuter system never begins operations. The county, subsequently, received written assurances meant to alleviate those concerns. While repealing the amendment, the council also affirmed a one-year extension of another agreement with its partners in the proposed 61.5-mile system, which eventually would connect DeLand with metropolitan Orlando.

Orlando commuters may ride Sunrail and no one sees the irony

Click title for story link. The Orlando Sentinel reports that the likely name for the planned Orlando commuter rail is Sunrail. I'm surprised no one's pounced on that one. One of the recurring criticisms of the DOT-CSX deal is that it was done out of public view. Out of the sunshine, as some say. This was legal. The meetings part of the Sunshine Law applies to elected officials, not bureaucrats, a distinction that not everyone understood.

Council wants commuter-rail safety net

Rachael Jackson Sentinel Staff Writer December 18, 2008 VOLUSIA COUNTYWhen the Volusia County Council extended its commuter-rail agreement in November, it added a provision to protect taxpayers from footing the bill if the Legislature did not support the 61-mile rail line from DeLand to Orlando to Poinciana. But the county soon got letters from the Florida Department of Transportation and CSX Transportation pointing out that the project is contingent upon the Legislature's approval and that, therefore, the extra language was unnecessary. The agreement between FDOT, Orlando and Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Osceola counties has to be extended this year so lawmakers can take it up again in 2009. The council will discuss the agreement at a meeting today. County Chairman Frank Bruno said he expects the original language to be approved.

CSX offers a commitment but will it be enough?

Click title for story link. CSX and partners are making threats again!!! Volusia County officials today received a letter from Jacksonville-based CSX Transportation saying the company will not close on its sale of the 61.5-mile corridor for commuter rail until the state Legislature agrees to provisions that would limit the company's financial liability for accidents involving commuter rail on the line. "Without this agreement on the allocation of liability and insurance coverage, CSXT will not close on the sale of the line," says the letter from Lisa Mancini, the company's vice president for strategic infrastructure.The question is whether it will be enough of a guarantee to keep on track Volusia's involvement in the the proposed Central Florida commuter rail connecting DeLand and Poinciana.

CSX on Lakeland Local

The Lakeland Local site has done a great job at keeping up with the CSX events. Click the title to link to the site and catch up on what you may have missed.

State Road 60 residents weigh in on CSX plan

Click title for story link. By Shelly GodefrinNews Chief staff Published: Friday, December 12, 2008 at 4:01 a.m. Last Modified: Friday, December 12, 2008 at 8:14 a.m. HOMELAND - A rail-truck freight terminal is expected to bring growth to the State Road 60 corridor, but residents there want to maintain their rural lifestyle. About 50 residents and city and county officials attended an informational S.R. 60 meeting Thursday night at Homeland Methodist Church south of Bartow. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the public to and get feedback about the Gateway Selected Area Study, which is aimed at developing a vision and plan for the future of the area to the north and south of S.R. 60. The plan will look at existing infrastructure, urban services, environmental features, transportation and economic development.