Is Sam's Club In Sebring's Future?

A city document obtained on Friday states that city officials have met as a workgroup to discuss its parking ordinance as it relates to a proposed Sam's Club in the Sebring Square Shopping Center, where the old Scotty's used to be.

Highlands Today has not been able to confirm the existence of any deal for a Sam's Club or even a renovation of the shopping center, beyond the fact that Assistant City Administrator Robert Hoffman authored a memo dated Jan. 12, on the subject of "Sebring Square Shopping Plaza Renovation," which mentions the corporation by name.

The memo stated that staff continued to work with new owners who plan to demolish everything south of Office Max; add new office space adjacent to U.S. 27 and offer this space to the displaced tenants; and after demolition sell out-parcel to Sam's Club.

According to one unnamed source this is far from a done deal and the shopping center has not yet been sold.

"The entire shopping center will receive a new façade," the memo stated. "The parking lot at the Sam's parcel will be completely removed and rebuilt and repaved. The parking lot in front of Winn Dixie will be repaved. Both sides will be landscaped."

Sam's outparcel is projected to have parking spaces 9.5-feet by 18-feet while the balance of the center will be 10-feet by 18-feet wide parking spaces.

"The city ordinance has not been substantially revised since 1981 and needs updating," Hoffman advised the mayor, council and city clerk.

"The workgroup consisting of city administrator, assistant city administrator, building official, zoning department representative and Council President (Bud) Whitlock is recommending the city essentially adopt the county ordinance which is more updated than ours, with a few exceptions."

The county's ordinance reportedly called for 9-foot by 18-foot spaces.

Hoffman advised the workgroup planned to present the item to council on Feb. 3, for first reading.

"City staff is excited about this project," Hoffman wrote. "It will beautify this whole shopping center and provide a much needed stimulus to the economy."