Some Residents Scheduled to Return to Lake Morton Plaza

Lake Morton Plaza passed its occupancy inspections Thursday and was granted permission for 18 residents who live on the second floor of the 10-story building to return to their apartments.

Officials with Meridian Senior Living, which operates Lake Morton Plaza, will begin bringing affected residents back to their homes Friday at 7:45 a.m.

These residents had been moved to other Meridian Senior Living facilities in central Florida after a June 26 fire in a rooftop air conditioning unit forced all 128 residents from Lake Morton Plaza, which is located at 400 S. Florida Ave.

Community Honored

The Lakeland City Commission honored dozens of community partners on Aug. 20 for their response to the fire at Lake Morton Plaza.

This is the recognition information that was provided at the City Commission meeting by Lakeland Fire Department representatives:

Residents were evacuated by firefighters with assistance from Lake Morton Plaza staff, Lakeland Police Department and Polk County Fire Rescue.

Approximately four hours after the event started, 128 residents and their pets were evacuated and safely relocated to the RP Funding Center where they received further assistance.

It was all possible because of a major outpouring of love and support from the Lakeland community. It was a beautiful example of how neighbors take care of each other in our city. “It takes a village” is an appropriate term to use when describing what took place that day. Lakeland citizens and visitors alike stopped in that moment and selflessly took action to help.

Public and private organizations assisted and provided resources to help displaced residents. It was humbling to see everyone come together so easily and effectively in the name of helping those who needed it. It generates a tremendous sense of pride knowing that Lakeland is such a caring community.

The evacuation and assistance efforts were herculean, with many of the elderly residents suffering from mobility and health issues. However, it all seemed easy thanks to those who contributed. From helping move residents and providing an air conditioned lobby to transportation and offering cold drinks, these groups got it done.

The following are community partners that helped in some capacity that day. Certificates from LFD and a small token of appreciation were given to those in attendance.

• Lakeland Police Department
• Lakeland Communications Center ( 9-1-1 Dispatch)
• Polk County Fire Rescue
• CitrusConnection
• Polk County Emergency Operations Center
• RP Funding Center
• Lake Morton Plaza Staff and Parent Company Meridian Senior Living
• Encompass Home Health
• VITAS Healthcare
• Kindred at Home
• Cornerstone Hospice & Palliative Care
• Caring for Seniors Nurse Registry
• Bank of America
• Publix
• All Creatures Animal Hospital
• SPCA Florida
• Neighboring senior communities like Grace Manor Suites
• Jason A. Penrod, Esq
• Alex Gomez

Additionally, countless individuals whose names are unknown helped that day. We extend our appreciation to them all.