We are all laughing so hard … Lakeland’s code of ordinances requires pet pigs 
to be spayed or neutered but not cats or dogs, we must all laugh—then rise. This isn’t just an oversight. It’s absurd.
Sec. 10-3: A miniature or pot-bellied pig may be kept as a domestic pet at a residence, provided such pig has been spayed or neutered.
https://library.municode.com/…/codes/code_of_ordinances…
After realizing that Commissioner Bill Braswell is mistaken about the Polk County Board of Commissioners’ Commissioner Martha SantiagoBecky Troutman, Polk County Commissioner, District 1Rick Wilson for Polk County Commission Michael Scott
They all do have the ability to enact ordinances, create animal advisory committees, fund education, and spay/neuter initiatives—not just for Lakeland’s pigs —
In light of this discovery, we the people would like to rephrase Commissioner Bill Braswell’s public statement from the BOCC meeting dated 06/03/2025, at minute 23 of the meeting:
“There seems to be a misunderstanding about what happens here in Polk County and who’s in charge. You know, the sheriff is NOT in charge 
. For whatever reason, YOU ACCURATELY think that because the Polk Animal Control budget comes through the BOCC, we don’t have the ability to oversee it or even double it. WE WILL 
. Nothing could be closer to the TRUTH. Stacy is sitting right down there 
. We don’t just consult with her about her budget—we CONTROL it TOO, We don’t just consult with the sheriff about his budget—the BOCC has OVERSIGHT
. We are all independent, yes, but WE are elected to SERVE THE PEOPLE 
, and while the sheriff runs animal control, HE HAS TO OBEY THE ORDINANCES WE ENACT 
.
This is INDEED A question and answer time 
. We have 16 municipalities (actually it is 17)—SPEAK UP AND BE HEARD
.
DON’T get rid of him. Let him speak too! 
(David Butler)