Bartow public meetings in 2025
35 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Commission
The City Commission will hold public hearings on amending the fiscal year 2025-2026 annual budget and the city's comprehensive plan. The body will also consider four proposed amendments to the City Charter regarding commissioner terms and election timing.
- Resolution No. 25-4250-R to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 annual budget
- Ordinance No. 2025-25 proposing four amendments to the City Charter regarding elections and terms
- Application No. S-25-10-PSP for The Terraces at Stuart Crossing, a 400-lot residential development
- Ordinance No. 2025-24 to amend the Bartow Comprehensive Plan
- Warranty Deed for 10 acres on Sand Lake Road for a future electric substation
City Commission
The Bartow City Commission will hold a public hearing and adopt Resolution No. 25-4250-R to amend the fiscal year 2025‑2026 budget. Commissioners will conduct first readings of Ordinance No. 2025-24 to amend the Bartow Comprehensive Plan and Ordinance No. 2025-25 proposing four amendments to the city charter. The agenda also includes consideration of Application No. S-25-10-PSP for The Terraces at Stuart Crossing subdivision and a road‑transfer agreement with Polk County. Additionally, a warranty deed for 10 acres on Sand Lake Road for a future electric substation will be accepted.
- Adoption of Resolution No. 25-4250-R amending the FY 2025‑2026 budget
- First reading of Ordinance No. 2025-24 amending the Bartow Comprehensive Plan
- First reading of Ordinance No. 2025-25 proposing four charter amendments (terms of office, election timing, mayor selection, election schedule)
- Consideration of Application No. S-25-10-PSP for The Terraces at Stuart Crossing 400‑lot subdivision at Ernest M. Smith Jr. Blvd and Osprey Blvd
- Acceptance of warranty deed from James A. Clements for 10 acres on Sand Lake Road for a future electric substation
Planning & Zoning Commission
The Planning and Zoning Commission will review text and map amendments to the comprehensive plan and consider a preliminary plat for a 400-lot residential development. The body will also hold a public hearing on these items to make recommendations to the City Commission.
- Review and recommendation for comprehensive plan amendments (Application CPA-25-07-EAR)
- Public hearing for The Terraces at Stuart Crossing preliminary subdivision plat
- The Terraces at Stuart Crossing: 400-lot, single family development on 58.9 acres
- The Terraces at Stuart Crossing: Located at Ernest M. Smith Jr. Blvd and Osprey Blvd
- The Terraces at Stuart Crossing: Owned by JK Stuart Properties, LLC
Planning & Zoning Commission
The commission will review Application CPA-25-07-EAR, which proposes text and map changes to the City of Bartow comprehensive plan to align with a 2024 evaluation and appraisal letter and to forward the plan to Florida Commerce. The commission will also review Application S-25-10-PSP, a request to approve The Terraces at Stuart Crossing preliminary subdivision plat for a 400‑lot, single‑family residential development on approximately 58.9 acres at the southwest corner of Ernest M. Smith Jr. Blvd and Osprey Blvd. Both items require a public hearing and a recommendation to the City Commission.
- Review and recommendation of comprehensive‑plan text and map amendments (Application CPA-25-07-EAR)
- Review and recommendation of The Terraces at Stuart Crossing preliminary subdivision plat (400‑lot, ~58.9‑acre residential project) (Application S-25-10-PSP)
- Public comment period for matters not on the agenda or not scheduled for a separate hearing
- Reading of minutes from the October 27 and November 10, 2025 meetings
City Commission
The Bartow City Commission will hear presentations on regional planning, a new city logo, and a lighting upgrade on Broadway from SR 60 south to Main Street. It will also receive public comments, approve minutes from previous meetings, and address other routine business.
- Upgrade lighting on Broadway from SR 60 south to Main Street – presented by Electric Utilities Director Michael Poucher
- Presentation by Central Florida Regional Planning Council on EAR Amendments and Senate Bill 180 effects
- Presentation of the new city logo roll‑out plan and performance dashboard by Asst. City Manager Tracy Miller
- Recognition of Madison Gandy as the first Certified Control Tower Operator graduate from Traviss Technical College
- Approval of November 17, 2025 and July 7, 2025 City Commission meeting minutes
Zoning Board of Adjustment
The Bartow Board of Adjustment will consider three applications for property variances and a special exception use. The meeting is scheduled for November 20, 2025, at 5:30 P.M. at City Hall.
- Variance for enclosed front porch at 1460 East Davidson Street
- Variance for driveway access and accessory building at 595 South Jackson Avenue
- Special Exception Use for a guest house at 595 South Jackson Avenue
City Commission
The City Commission will discuss the annexation of 369.3 acres and zoning updates for several large parcels of land. The body is also considering an amendment to the police officers' retirement trust fund and a contract for power distribution construction.
- Ordinance 2025-10: Extending police retirement DROP participation from 60 to 96 months
- Ordinance 2025-17: Annexing 369.3 acres north of Highway 60 East and south of Gerber Dairy Road
- Ordinance 2025-19: Zoning 369.3 acres owned by Smith Gerber, LLC as Planned Development
- Ordinance 2025-22: Zoning 556 acres owned by Clear Springs Land Company, LLC as Planned Development
- Contract negotiations with The Fishel Company d/b/a Team Fishel for Power Distribution Construction Crew
City Commission
The Bartow City Commission will hold a workshop to receive an update on the 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) from the Polk Transportation Planning Organization (TPO). The presentation will cover regional road projects, traffic congestion forecasts, and funding needs.
- Presentation on 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)
- Update on Central Polk Parkway construction ($12.2M)
- Review of SR 60 traffic congestion and forecasts
- Discussion on regional passenger rail and Sunshine Corridor
- Presentation on bicycle/pedestrian safety and trail investments
Recreation Advisory Board
The Recreation Advisory Committee will meet to review a Florida Wildlife Conservation presentation. The board will also discuss the procurement of board member shirts.
- Florida Wildlife Conservation Presentation
- Board Member Shirts
Planning & Zoning Commission
The Bartow Planning & Zoning Commission will elect a Chairperson and Vice‑Chairperson for 2026. It will read the minutes from the September 22, 2025 meeting and open public comment on any agenda or other matters. Staff will present the Evaluation and Appraisal Report and amendment concepts for the Comprehensive Plan update (information‑only). No formal actions or votes on the report are scheduled.
- Election of Chairperson for 2026
- Election of Vice‑Chairperson for 2026
- Reading of September 22, 2025 meeting minutes
- Public comment on agenda items or other matters
- Presentation of Evaluation and Appraisal Report and Comprehensive Plan amendment concepts (information only)
City Commission
The Bartow City Commission will hold a workshop meeting and listen to a special presentation on the 2050 Long‑Range Transportation Plan. The update will be given by Ryan Kordek, Executive Director of the Polk Transportation Planning Organization. No decisions or votes are scheduled; the meeting will adjourn after the presentation.
- Special presentation – update on the 2050 Long‑Range Transportation Plan by Ryan Kordek, Executive Director, Polk Transportation Planning Organization
City Commission
The City Commission will consider an ordinance to extend the police officers' retirement DROP participation term from 60 to 96 months. Several land use and annexation ordinances have been continued to November 17, 2025. The body will also receive a report on Automated Metering Infrastructure feasibility.
- Ordinance No. 2025-10: Extending Police Officers' Retirement Trust Fund DROP term from 60 to 96 months
- Presentation of Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Quanta Feasibility Report
- Introduction of Xtremely Clean Janitorial Service LLC as Downtown CRA District maintenance contractor
- Reappointment of Orlando Wright to the Zoning Board of Adjustment
- Ratification of Fifth Trustee to the Municipal Police Officers' Pension Trust Fund Board
Community Redevelopment Agency
The Community Redevelopment Agency and City Commission will meet to review and take action on redevelopment projects and potential land acquisitions. The body will also discuss the financial plan and the process for incurring debt to fund these projects and sites.
- Redevelopment projects and potential land acquisitions
- Financial plan and process to incur debt for redevelopment projects and sites
Code Enforcement Special Magistrate
The Special Magistrate will address a false alarm violation (case 25-1166) involving respondent Brienna Clark at 1295 Georgia St. E., citing a COO § 41‑5 fine. No new violations, repeat violations, demolition requests, or reduction requests are listed. The agenda also includes routine procedural items and a consent agenda with no items. The magistrate may issue an initial or final order for the case.
- False alarm case No. 25-1166 – respondent Brienna Clark, 1295 Georgia St. E., violation COO § 41‑5 fine
Red-Light Camera
The City of Bartow is holding hearings to review red-light camera violations. A Special Magistrate will hear evidence provided by law enforcement to determine the disposition of specific citations.
- Hearings for 6 defendants regarding red-light camera violations
- Review of evidence including videos, photos, and logs
Planning & Zoning Commission
The Planning & Zoning Commission will review and recommend to the City Commission several applications related to the Emilie East and Emilie West projects. Items include a request to annex about 369.3 acres for Emilie East, assign low‑density residential and planned‑development designations for that land, and similar land‑use and zoning requests for 556 acres of Emilie West, as well as an amendment to the Clear Springs sector plan.
- Application A-25-01: annexation of ~369.3 acres for the Emilie East project
- Application CPA-25-01-LS: assign Low Density Residential Future Land Use Map to the Emilie East parcel
- Application Z-25-01-PD: assign Planned Development zoning for Emilie East, permitting up to 1,094 residential units
- Application CPA-25-02-LS: amend the Comprehensive Plan to change 556 acres of Emilie West from industrial to residential
- Application Z-25-02-PD: assign Planned Development zoning for Emilie West, permitting up to 1,151 residential units
Beautification Advisory Board
The Beautification Advisory Board will approve the August 20, 2025 meeting minutes, hear public comment, receive the Parks and Recreation Director's report, and discuss purchasing shirts for board members. The board will also present the Beautification Award, recognizing residential properties at 2075 Cherokee Street and 1130 Bennett Court, and commercial properties at 795 S Broadway Avenue and 325 Fleetwood Avenue.
- Approval of August 20, 2025 meeting minutes
- Discussion of shirts for board members
- Beautification Award to 2075 Cherokee Street (owner Frances Locke)
- Beautification Award to 1130 Bennett Court (owner Jan Parham)
- Beautification Awards to 795 S Broadway Ave (Eterna Chiropractic Wellness) and 325 Fleetwood Ave (Legacy Dance Studio)
City Commission
The Bartow City Commission will hold a City Government Week event on October 22, 2025 at City Hall. The agenda includes a history presentation, a City Government 101 video, voter education, and a mock commission meeting led by the city attorney. Lunch will be served and staff will be available for one‑on‑one discussions. No formal decisions are scheduled.
- History of Bartow presentation by Myrtice Young (Polk County History Center)
- City Government 101 video screening
- Voter education presentation by Randy Barnes (Polk County Voters League)
- Mock City Commission meeting conducted by City Attorney Sean R. Parker
- Lunch served with staff available for one‑on‑one discussions
City Commission
The Bartow City Commission will conduct public hearings and final readings on two ordinances: Ordinance No. 2025-16 to annex approximately 1,989.9 acres of the Bartow Executive Airport, and Ordinance No. 2025-20 to approve the final plat of Racetrack West Bartow. The meeting also includes a consent agenda approving a tower lease with Verizon Wireless and a $43,448 contract for Main Street Bartow Christmas decorations, as well as resolutions recognizing Florida City Week and supporting public art for the Fort Fraser Trail pedestrian bridge.
- Public hearing and final reading of Ordinance No. 2025-16 annexing ~1,989.9 acres of the Bartow Executive Airport
- Public hearing and final reading of Ordinance No. 2025-20 approving the final plat of Racetrack West Bartow
- Approval of Tower Lease Agreement with Verizon Wireless for equipment on the City Water Tower
- Authorization of $43,448 for Bartow Electric Department to sponsor Main Street Bartow Christmas decorations
- Resolution supporting community aesthetic feature artwork for the Fort Fraser Trail pedestrian bridge
City Commission
The commission will hear a presentation of new city logo designs by graphic artist Jeff Clark. No formal vote or action is noted; the meeting appears to be informational.
- Presentation of new city logo designs by graphic artist Jeff Clark
City Commission
The Bartow City Commission will conduct a workshop meeting on October 20, 2025. The agenda includes a presentation on municipal elections by Melony Bell, the Polk County Supervisor of Elections. No formal actions or decisions are listed; the meeting is informational.
- Presentation on Municipal Elections by Melony Bell, Polk County Supervisor of Elections
Recreation Advisory Board
The Recreation Advisory Board will meet to discuss updates regarding the Christine McCoy Room at the Carver Recreation Center. The meeting also includes a presentation from Florida Wildlife Conservation.
- Swearing in of a new board member
- Update on Carver Recreation Center All-Purpose Room (Christine McCoy Room)
- Florida Wildlife Conservation presentation
City Commission
The Bartow City Commission will hold its regular meeting on Oct 6, 2025 at the Bartow Civic Center. The agenda includes issuing several proclamations, public comment periods, and reports from the City Manager and Attorney. The commission will conduct first‑reading hearings on Ordinance 2025‑16 to annex about 1,990 acres for the Bartow Executive Airport and Ordinance 2025‑20 to approve the final plat of Racetrack West, and will consider consent agenda items such as continuing contracts for construction‑manager‑at‑risk services, a tower lease with Verizon Wireless, and an interlocal agreement on Polk County impact fees.
- First reading of Ordinance No. 2025‑16 to annex ~1,990 acres for Bartow Executive Airport (east side of US 17/91 Mine Road)
- First reading of Ordinance No. 2025‑20 to approve final plat of Racetrack West (Township 30 South, Range 24‑25)
- Approval of continuing contracts for Construction Manager at Risk services with Henkelman Construction, A.D. Morgan Corporation & Charles Perry Partners
- Approval of tower lease agreement with Verizon Wireless for equipment on City Water Tower
- Approval of interlocal agreement for collection of Polk County impact fees between City of Bartow and Polk County
City Commission
The Bartow City Commission meeting on Oct. 6, 2025 includes a presentation by Joy Johnson, Polk County Health and Human Services Administrator, on the Community Health Care program. The session is informational; no formal actions or votes are listed on the agenda. The meeting will adjourn after the presentation.
- Call to order & roll call
- Presentation – Community Health Care – Joy Johnson (Polk County Health and Human Services Administrator)
- Adjournment
Red-Light Camera
The City of Bartow Special Magistrate will conduct hearings on red-light camera violations, reviewing evidence such as videos, photos, and logs. Law enforcement will give an opening statement on the enforcement process. The meeting follows statutory procedures and provides accommodation information for participants.
- Special magistrate hearings of red-light camera cases (refer to attached docket)
- Opening statement by law enforcement on camera enforcement process
- Explanation of hearing process and oath administered to testifiers
- Administrative matters
- Call to order, pledge of allegiance, and opening remarks
Public Meetings
The Water/Wastewater Utilities Division will present its intention to seek about $10 million in CDBG‑DR grant funding for upgrades to the wastewater system. The commission will hear citizen comments and conduct a public hearing on the proposal. No final decision is indicated in the agenda.
- Presentation of intent to apply for approximately $10 million CDBG‑DR grant for wastewater system resiliency improvements
- Discussion of the proposed wastewater resiliency project
- Citizen input and comments period
- Public hearing on the proposal
- Closing remarks
Zoning Board of Adjustment
The Zoning Board of Adjustment will review two applications for special exception use approvals. These requests involve building residential structures in areas not typically zoned for those specific uses.
- Application #SE-25-04: Request to construct a single family residential dwelling at 655 6th Avenue (C-2 district)
- Application #SE-25-05: Request for a guest house at 1290 E. Stuart Street (R-1A district)
Community Redevelopment Agency
The Bartow Community Redevelopment Agency will review and take action on several grant and incentive programs, including amendments to funding limits for the Commercial Enhancement Incentives Program and the Façade Grant Incentives Program. The board will also discuss the Public Restroom Development at Summerlin Street and Over the Branch Park, the Alleyway Project, and presentations on the New Business Retention Grant and New Anchor Tenant Grant. Financial reports for August 2025 will be reviewed, and the IMPACT Program community clean‑up will be presented.
- Discussion on the Public Restroom Development (Summerlin St and Over the Branch Park)
- Amendment of CRA’s Commercial Enhancement Incentives Program Funding Limits by Program Description
- Amendment of CRA’s Façade Grant Incentives Program Funding Limits by Program Description
- Presentation on the CRA New Business Retention Grant (Review & Action)
- Presentation on the CRA New Anchor Tenant Grant (Review & Action)
Community Redevelopment Agency
The Bartow Community Redevelopment Agency will discuss and vote on amendments to its Commercial Enhancement Incentives and Façade Grant Incentives program funding limits. It will also present new grant proposals for business retention and anchor tenants, and review the public restroom project on Summerlin Street. Additional items include the IMPACT Community Clean Up program and the Alleyway Project.
- Discussion and action on amending Commercial Enhancement Incentives Program funding limits
- Discussion and action on amending Façade Grant Incentives Program funding limits
- Presentation and review of the CRA New Business Retention Grant
- Presentation and review of the CRA New Anchor Tenant Grant
- Discussion on the Public Restroom Development at Summerlin St and Over the Branch Park
Planning & Zoning Commission
The Bartow Planning & Zoning Commission will review multiple annexation, land‑use map, and planned‑development applications, including the Emilie East, Emilie West, and Wellington Court projects. All items are scheduled to be continued for a public hearing and recommendation at the October 27, 2025 meeting. The commission will consider annexing land into city limits and assigning future land‑use designations before forwarding recommendations to the City Commission.
- Application A-25-05: request to annex 1,989.9 acres (Bartow Executive Airport) into city limits.
- Application A-25-04: request to annex 40.2 acres for the Wellington Court project.
- Application Z-25-01-PD: request to assign Planned Development zoning to 369.3 acres for Emilie East, permitting up to 1,094 residential units.
- Application Z-25-02-PD: request to assign Planned Development zoning to 556 acres for Emilie West, permitting up to 1,151 residential units.
- Application CPA-25-03-Text: request to amend the Clear Springs Sector Plan to extend the build‑out year, add an equivalency use matrix, and allow solar power on all Clear Springs land‑use designations.
City Commission
The City Commission will hold public hearings to finalize the 2026 fiscal year budget and the 2025 tax year millage rate. The body will also consider land use amendments for the Stuart Crossings development and a land purchase for an electric substation.
- Adoption of Final Millage Rate (Resolution No. 25-4243-R) and Final Budget for FY 2026 (Resolution No. 25-4244-R)
- Amendment to Stuart Crossings Planned Development land use plan regarding building height and FAR standards
- Contract to purchase 10 acres on 80 Ft. Road for a new electric substation
- Collective Bargaining Agreements with Teamsters Local 79, IUPAT District Council 78, and FOP Lodge 199
- Disposition of two K-9 dogs, Falco and Eddie, as surplus tangible property
Recreation Advisory Board
The Bartow Recreation Advisory Board will hear a report from the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Director. It will consider two old‑business items—Cemetery Rules and Regulations and an update on the Carver Recreation Center All‑Purpose (Christine McCoy) Room. New business includes an update on the FRDAP grant. The meeting also includes public comment and board comments.
- Cemetery Rules and Regulations (old business)
- Carver Recreation Center All‑Purpose Room – Christine McCoy Room Update (old business)
- FRDAP Grant Update (new business)
- Director’s Report – Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Director Jason Hargrove
- Public Comment – matters not appearing on the agenda
City Commission
The City Commission will hold public hearings to adopt a tentative budget and millage rate for the 2026 fiscal year. The body will also consider assessments for stormwater and fire protection services. Other business includes discussions on police recruitment and the annexation of Bartow Executive Airport.
- Adoption of tentative 2026 fiscal year budget and general millage rate
- Reimposition of stormwater and fire protection assessments for fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025
- Lease agreement with Polk County for fire department use of 2475 East Clower Street
- Proposed annexation of Bartow Executive Airport into city limits
- Suspension of fireworks ordinance for November 1, 2025 event at Bartow Ford
Community Redevelopment Agency
The Bartow Community Redevelopment Agency will discuss residential development and housing assistance grants, as well as a community policing initiative report. The board is scheduled to take action on the FY 2025-2026 proposed budget and statutory compliance resolution.
- Resolution No 2025-02-R: FY 2025-2026 Proposed Budget
- Resolution No 2025-03-R: Statutory Compliance FY 2025-2026
- Residential Development Incentive Grants discussion
- Housing Assistance Grants discussion
- Alleyway Project conceptual plan and implementation strategy
Red-Light Camera
The City of Bartow will conduct Special Magistrate Hearings regarding red-light camera violations on August 26, 2025. The body will review evidence such as videos and photos and hear statements from law enforcement.
- Special Magistrate Hearings for red-light camera violations
- Review of evidence types (videos, photos, logs)
- Hearing process and administrative matters
- Appeal procedures and disability accommodations
- Meeting held at City Hall, 450 N. Wilson Ave.