Bartow CRA Brings Citrus Connection to City
Bartow Squeeze provides lunchtime service in CRA District
The City of Bartow’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is making it easier for workers in Bartow, which serves as the Polk County Seat, to access the many restaurants and shops within the CRA downtown district during their lunch hour.
The Agency has commissioned the Citrus Connection to operate a free Squeeze shuttle from 10:30am until 2:30pm Monday through Friday. The eight-seat golf cart shuttle will circulate through the areas around Main St every 10 minutes.
The service started in August, 2024, with a public celebration and ribbon cutting.
“Bartow plays host to thousands of City, County and State workers every day and we want them to have easy access to our downtown retail and dining establishments,” explained Bartow CRA Director Howard Smith. “In addition, we hope to invigorate our downtown business commerce for both existing storefronts and those looking to make Bartow their home.”
The CRA is spending $63,000 for one year of the Squeeze service. The investment aligns with the CRA’s marketing goal to increase awareness of the CRA district as a destination point for residents, employees, visitor and developers.
“Howard and the entire CRA Board have been working hard to improve and enhance our CRA district,” said City Manager Mike Herr. “As the capital city of one of the fastest growing counties in the country, we need to let everyone know that Bartow is, indeed, open for business in our downtown and beyond.”
The Squeeze shuttle serves stops on Church, Main and Polk Streets, as well as Wilson and Mill Avenues, Boulevard Street and South Broadway.
“Citrus Connection is excited to have the City of Bartow and the Bartow CRA partner with us to bring the Squeeze to those who live, work and play in Bartow,” said Citrus Connection General Manager Tom Phillips. “Microtransit is a growing facet of public transportation and it’s great to have communities in Polk County take the initiative to provide more transportation options for their residents and visitors.”
PUBLIC NOTICE
AUGUST 5, 2024
Citrus Connection’s Launch of Bartow Squeeze Shuttle Service
Free shuttle service operates between 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., weekdays.
The shuttle circulates through areas around Main Street every 10 minutes.
AUGUST 20, 2024 – 9:30 A.M.
Ribbon Cutting – Bartow Squeeze Shuttle Service
Tom’s Chicken Shack, 901 E. Main St., Bartow
This initiative is funded by Bartow’s Community Redevelopment Agency and the City of Bartow.
