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Osceola, Polk leaders nix push to incorporate Poinciana

POINCIANA, Fla. — Poinciana residents have been fighting for their community to become a city for years.

But the push stalled again on Monday during a meeting.

Some leaders wanted to incorporate to bring services to the more than 60,000 residents, but state officials said the reasons for the change weren't strong enough.

Many residents told Channel 9 that they just want a change with the homeowners association.

State senators and representatives from Osceola and Polk counties met Monday to discuss incorporating the community, which runs through both counties.

If Poinciana became a city residents would have access to services like a City Hall, a library and a police department, and they wouldn't need to rely on county services.

"We have repeatedly, for the last few years, not seen a reason to move forward," said Sen. Kelli Stargel (R) Florida.

But despite all the potential benefits, state lawmakers decided to quash the effort and voted against the idea of incorporation.

Leaders said some residents only wanted to incorporate Poinciana because they're not happy with local HOA's and saw incorporation as a quick fix.

"I think many of the problems the residents are facing are with the homeowner's associations," said Stargel.

Residents who Channel 9 spoke with have mixed feelings.

"I think it is time.  I mean, the population is 65- to 70,000.  I just can't believe it.  But that's politics," said resident Wayne Arnow.

"I prefer for it not to be a city. It'd affect us over at Solivita," said resident Rita O'Reilly.

Residents wanted the chance to vote on it, but that's stalled for now.

WFTV

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