Tampa Bay Business Journal: A growing population base and strong programs that draw new members in droves are prompting Tampa Bay-area churches to look for ways to offset their space constraints.
Leaders at First Baptist Church of Plant City are planning ahead for growth. With more than 5,000 new homes on the drawing board in the area, including 2,600 homes in the Lakeside Station subdivision that city commissioners approved last month, "we want to be ready," said church administrator Steve Morris.
Now located on 7 acres of land at 503 N. Palmer St., the church is hemmed in by a historic district, railroad, state highway and bank. Parking lots overflow as 1,000 to 1,200 people attend the Sunday morning services.
