Kathryn Jones

The Bartow Community Redevelopment Agency's Three-Year Strategic Work Plan focuses on driving investment, improving public spaces, and strengthening neighborhoods within the CRA District. The plan is structured around four main pillars: property acquisition and construction, district activation and placemaking, commercial and public spaces redevelopment, and residential redevelopment. It aims to evaluate strategic properties, transform the public realm into a connected destination, strengthen the commercial core, and expand homeownership opportunities.

The meeting included several proclamations recognizing the upcoming Bartow Community Parade and Carnival Day and World Polio Day. Public comment periods focused on annexation concerns regarding the Bartow Airport property and potential residential development projects. The Commission conducted a public hearing and approved the annexation of the Bartow Executive Airport property. Additionally, the Commission approved the final plat for the RaceTrac West Bartow project, a new official City logo, and two resolutions related to the recognition of Florida City Week and the installation of public art on the Fort Fraser Trail pedestrian bridge.

The City Commission held a workshop to review the city's rebranding initiative and evaluate five finalist logo designs. The presentation detailed the selection process, which incorporated feedback from employees, commissioners, and community partners using a rank-choice voting system. The commission discussed the visual identity of the logos, potential rollout strategies, and budgetary considerations for implementing the new branding, noting that final decisions would be made during a subsequent regular meeting.

The meeting featured a presentation on community health care services in the county. The discussion covered the history of the Polk HealthCare Plan, the role of sales surtax funding in supporting indigent healthcare, and the current operational structure of health programs including behavioral health and primary care initiatives. There was also an overview of a feasibility study concerning the potential repair, renovation, or demolition of the current administrative building, as well as a dialogue regarding strategies for improving public awareness and outreach for available healthcare programs.

The meeting featured proclamations for the Polk County Royals basketball team and National Hispanic Heritage Month. Discussions included the waiving of a Unified Land Development Code requirement for a utility building, an update on the Employer of Choice Initiative, and reports on capital improvement projects such as parks, golf course improvements, and cemetery maintenance. The Commission adopted the final millage rate and budget for the 2026 fiscal year. Additionally, the Commission approved the purchase of land for a new electric substation, amended a planned development land use plan, and approved the retirement and transfer of two police K-9s.