UH-OH...ANOTHER LOCAL FIRESTORM SPARKING...NUDE SUNBATHING!

The Lakeland Ledger reports this morning about plans for an old house in the South Lake Morton Historical District near downtown Lakeland being renovated by a school psychologist. Charlie Boyd plans to make it into a bed-and-breakfast, but his plans have also caused a bit of concern among some, including the mayor.

The 1915-1920 era home is expected to be open early next year. Boyd plans to include a clothing-optional pool/spa area between 10AM until 4PM and between dusk and dawn. Plans include an 8-foot high privacy fence, and to include a gay-friendly enviroment. The planned bed-and-breakfast has already launched it's Web site, http://www.swan-park-inn.com/.

Mayor Buddy Fletcher, who was re-elected in Tuesday's municipal vote, was quoted in the Ledger story: "That's not my idea of what we want for Lakeland...That's not my idea of what would be quality of life for our city of Lakeland."

City Attorney Tim McCausland said that the city does not have any "lifestyle" ordinances; however, "if it's something that's clothing optional, it's likely to run afoul of our anti-nudity ordinance."

Again, from the Ledger piece:

Boyd said guests will be expected to be law-abiding and respectful of neighbors, and nothing illegal will be tolerated. But it is absolutely an open-minded business, he said.

Potential guests will all know up front what the rules of the house are, he said.

At least one of the neighbours don't seem to mind, and even says the restoration project has helped to "greatly improve" the neighbourhood.