The Polk County Legislative Delegation will hold its annual public meeting in January, and those wishing to address the meeting should act soon.
When is the meeting and what is it for?
The meeting is Jan. 28 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Polk County Commission Building, 330 W. Church St., Bartow.
It is an opportunity for citizens, elected officials, cities and local governments, and other civic organizations to address the delegation before the start of the 2025 Legislative Session, which officially opens on March 4.
How can I sign up to speak?
People wishing to address the delegation may request a place on the agenda by submitting a presentation request form, according to Rachel Barnes, a legislative assistant to Rep. Jennifer Canady, R-Lakeland. Email [email protected] to receive the presentation request form online link.
In order to assure a slot on the agenda and have your information included in the delegation’s workbook, presentation request forms and materials must be submitted by Jan. 24.
But Barnes said spots on the agenda frequently fill up before that deadline.
Can I sign up the day of the meeting?
Those wishing to speak may also complete a speaker’s form on the day of the meeting, and they’ll be afforded time to speak in the order in which the request was received, up to 5 p.m.
If information isn’t sent ahead of time, those hoping for a last-minute speaking spot should bring eight copies of all handouts to the meeting for distribution.
How long are the speaking slots and how are they filled?
Spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and have a speaking timeslot of 3 minutes. To accommodate as many speakers as possible in this meeting’s agenda, groups presenting to the delegation are asked to have one individual speak on behalf of their organization.
Who are the members of Polk’s Legislative Delegation?
- Rep. Jennifer Canady, R-Lakeland. (District 50). District address: PO Box 5211, Lakeland, FL 33807-5211; District phone: 863-450-4795
- Rep. Jennifer Kincart Jonsson, R-Lakeland. (District 49), District office: 210 E. Main St., Bartow, FL 33830-4631 (no district phone number listed).
- Rep. Josie Tomkow, R-Polk City. (District 51). District office: 209 Palmetto St., Auburndale, FL 33823-3426; District phone: 863-292-7003.
- Rep. Jon Albert, R-Frostproof. (District 48). District office: 337 Ave. C S.W., Winter Haven, FL 33880-3262 (no district phone number listed).
- Sen. Colleen Burton, R-Lakeland. District office: 1375 Havendale Blvd. N.W., Winter Haven, FL 33881; District phone: 863-413-1529.
- Sen. Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula. District office: 150 North Central Ave., Bartow, FL 33830; District phone: 863-534-0073.