I’m not sure how unusual I am for musing about such topics, but I spend a significant amount of my limited free time pondering issues of development. Here is one such example of my musings:

First, regarding the intersection point of these counties – this would be in a largely rural area of central Florida, positioned roughly between Tampa Bay’s eastern suburbs and the Sebring/Lake Wales area. The location would be near state roads 37 and 674.

Economic base considerations:

• Agriculture would be a natural fit, as this region has significant citrus, cattle ranching, and crop farming
• Logistics/distribution could be viable due to the relatively central location between Tampa, Orlando, and South Florida markets
• Potential for agricultural technology or food processing facilities that build on the existing agricultural base

Regarding county policies:

• Polk County tends to be more aggressive in pursuing industrial and logistics development, particularly along major corridors
• Hillsborough County has more stringent environmental and planning requirements due to its more urbanized nature and Tampa Bay watershed considerations
• Hardee and Manatee counties have historically been more focused on preserving agricultural land use, though Manatee has become more development-friendly in recent years

For infrastructure needs, I would expect:

1. Water/Wastewater:

• The area would likely need significant investment in water infrastructure as it’s relatively far from existing municipal systems
• Wells and package treatment plants would likely be needed initially
• Would need to coordinate with Southwest Florida Water Management District

2. Transportation:

• Improved connections to SR 37 and 674 would be essential
• Turn lanes and possibly traffic signals at major intersections
• Planning for future road widening as development occurs

3. Power/Communications:

• Substations and distribution line upgrades likely needed
• Fiber optic infrastructure for business connectivity
• Possibility of solar development given the rural nature and available land

The most logical development approach would likely be to:

1. Focus initial industrial/logistics development in the Polk County portion due to their more favorable policies
2. Preserve agricultural uses in Hardee County sections
3. Consider mixed-use development in Hillsborough portions with appropriate environmental buffers
4. Plan for gradual transition from agricultural to commercial uses in Manatee sections as market demands

Road Connections/Expansions:

• In Hillsborough: SR 674 (Sun City Center Blvd) would need expansion, particularly the eastern segments. Connections to US 301 would be crucial.
• In Polk: SR 37 would need significant upgrading, with improved connections to SR 60 to the north and potential improvements to CR 640 for east-west connectivity
• In Hardee: US 17 improvements would be essential, particularly for truck traffic
• In Manatee: SR 62 would need upgrading to handle increased traffic flow
• All counties would need improved local road networks connecting to these major arteries

For food processing and logistics, several opportunities emerge:

Food Processing:

1. Citrus processing facilities – particularly given the region’s citrus heritage and existing groves
2. Meat processing – capitalizing on the area’s cattle industry
3. Vegetable/produce packing houses – serving local farms
4. Cold storage facilities – supporting both local processing and regional distribution
5. Animal feed production – serving the agricultural sector

Logistics/Industrial:

1. Cross-dock facilities – leveraging the central location between major markets
2. E-commerce fulfillment centers – serving Tampa, Orlando, and South Florida
3. Agricultural equipment sales/service centers
4. Truck terminals and maintenance facilities
5. Agricultural supply warehousing and distribution

Educational Infrastructure Planning:

K-12:

• Initial development would likely require a K-8 school to serve the immediate area
• High school students could initially be bused to existing schools in nearby communities
• Long-term planning should include sites for:
  • Elementary school (40-acre site)
  • Middle school (60-acre site)
  • High school (80-acre site)

Higher Education:

• Potential satellite campus for South Florida State College or Hillsborough Community College
• Focus on programs supporting local industries:
  • Agricultural science
  • Food technology
  • Logistics management
  • Equipment maintenance
  • Business administration

Airport Infrastructure:

• The location could support a general aviation facility for:
  • Corporate aircraft
  • Agricultural aviation operations
  • Emergency services
• Site requirements would be approximately 500-1000 acres
• Would need to coordinate with:
  • Wauchula Municipal Airport
  • Bartow Executive Airport
  • Tampa’s airports

Local Services Infrastructure:

Emergency Services:

1. Combined fire/EMS station centrally located
2. Sheriff substation for whichever county has primary jurisdiction
3. Emergency operations center for natural disaster response

Healthcare:

1. Initial urgent care facility
2. Medical office building
3. Long-term planning for a potential community hospital

Municipal Services:

1. Government service center for permits/licenses
2. Solid waste transfer station
3. Public works facility
4. Library/community center

For successful implementation, I would recommend:

1. Creating an interlocal agreement between all four counties to:
   • Coordinate infrastructure development
   • Share tax revenues
   • Standardize development requirements
   • Coordinate emergency services
2. Establishing a Community Development District to:
   • Finance infrastructure
   • Maintain common areas
   • Operate water/wastewater systems
   • Manage stormwater systems
3. Developing a multi-phase master plan with:
   • 5-year initial development phase
   • 10-year growth phase
   • 20-year buildout vision

This would create a framework for sustainable growth while ensuring necessary infrastructure keeps pace with development.