We can't predict the future, but through careful community planning, Polk County aims to create it instead. Polk is now seeking resident input on its Comprehensive Plan, a document of goals + policies that will direct government officials' decisions on development, infrastructure, recreation, and more.

Why is this plan so important? Polk County grew 10% from 2020 to 2023, putting a strain on infrastructure + resources. That's why updates are needed for the state-required Comprehensive Plan, which will cover Polk's future through 2050 and help maintain quality of life on a long-term basis.

The 22-month project to create the Plan began in March 2024, and it's set to be adopted in December 2025. That may seem a long way off, but you can be a part of the planning process now.

You can also share your thoughts by upvoting + downvoting other suggestions. | Screenshot via Polk County

There are currently three ways to submit your ideas for the Polk County Comprehensive Plan: a 15-question survey, a virtual idea wall, and an interactive map. The idea wall + map points are visible to other users.

If you go the map route, you can add a point to a specific address, choose a category (like Land Use, Recreation, or Infrastructure), and submit your idea for how that area can be improved by 2050. Here are a few of the suggestions submitted so far for spots around Lakeland:

Near West Pipkin Road — "Need to look at lowering the speed limit on Pipkin Rd ... as well as Harden Blvd."
Near Boy Scout Ranch Road — "Purchase land and develop into park or wildlife area."
Near South Florida Avenue — "I would suggest planting shade trees along South Florida Avenue from Lake Miriam Drive to Ewell/County Road 540-A."

The county held several public meetings this fall to gather feedback around the topic "Where Do We Want to Go?" If you prefer to share your thoughts in person, attend the final Community Vision Workshop focused on the theme "How Do We Get There?" It takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 6-8 p.m. at the Bartow Civic Center.

Next, county officials will compile the feedback from the community and prepare written goals + policies. That process will last from December to June 2025, with the plan going before the Planning Commission for a hearing next summer.