Public Notice: Larsen Memorial Pier Closure

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LAKELAND, FL (March 27, 2025) | The Larsen Memorial Pier, a local landmark since 1962, has been closed to the public since Hurricane Milton because of structural damage. Moving forward, the pier will remain closed indefinitely due to safety concerns, infrastructure limitations, and changes in the surrounding community. Owned and maintained by Lakeland Electric, the pier is primarily used for water sampling at the Larsen Power Plant. These samples are shared with the Southwest Florida Water Management District for regulatory purposes. 

Due to the ongoing construction along State Road 33, the City of Lakeland, and Florida Gas Transmission (FGT) partnered to consolidate pipeline facilities near Larsen Plant, leading to the construction of a natural gas yard adjacent to the pier. This new infrastructure presents heightened safety risks, particularly due to strict no-smoking regulations around natural gas facilities. The pier’s proximity to this high-risk area raises public safety concerns, as enforcing smoking restrictions becomes more challenging with increased public access.

The property next to the Larsen Power Plant is privately owned and is being developed into Cypress Point at Lake Parker, a new subdivision adding 200 homes to the area. This development will increase pedestrian activity near the pier, yet the existing infrastructure was not designed to accommodate such usage.

Why the Pier Will Remain Closed

• Public Safety Risks – The pier is adjacent to a power plant with high-voltage 69kV transmission lines and a restricted natural gas pipeline with above ground valves.
• Limited Staffing – Power plant employees are not equipped to manage public access, maintenance, or security at the pier.
• No Public Parking – The lack of designated parking and pedestrian pathways creates accessibility and traffic challenges.
• Minimal On-Site Personnel – The Larsen Power Plant operates with minimal staffing, whose sole responsibility is ensuring the plant runs safely and efficiently. They are not trained or staffed to oversee pier maintenance or public safety.

Mike Beckham, General Manager of Lakeland Electric, explained:

"Power plant staff cannot monitor a public pier adjacent to a newly developed 200-home subdivision, where increased foot traffic poses safety and security challenges. The pier’s proximity to the natural gas yard is a serious concern, as the area must remain a strict non-smoking zone—something difficult to enforce with public access. Additionally, growing issues related to waste management, security, and compliance make continued public use of the pier unfeasible."

Public activity around the pier has caused damage to critical equipment, including circulation pumps that have been impacted by individuals throwing fishing buckets into the system. Security concerns are escalating with individuals climbing the fence to gain unauthorized access to the Larsen Power Plant. With an increasing number of families and children in the area, the risk of trespassing and potential accidents will only grow, creating serious safety and liability concerns for Lakeland Electric.

Alternative Fishing Locations

For those looking for fishing spots accessible without a boat, consider:

• Lake Crago
• Saddle Creek
• Tenoroc

For more information on fishing in Central Florida, visit:

• Visit Central Florida – Fishing Guide
• Florida Wildlife Commission – Southwest Region Fishing

Thank you for understanding and cooperation in prioritizing public safety.

 

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