Leadership Bartow Class XIV

May 19th was City Government
Day for Leadership XIV. George
Long, Bartow City Manager and
fellow Leadership class member
kicked off City Government Day by
welcoming us to City Hall and providing an overview of the City.
City Planner Bob Wiegers discussed the Clear Springs land use plan and how it will impact the future growth of Bartow.
Our City Commissioners, Leo Longworth, A.J. Jackson, James Clements, Mayor Pat Huff, and Wayne Lewis (also a classmate of Leadership XIV), addressed the class and allowed for an open forum for Q&A. This was a great opportunity to interact with the Commissioners and understand the passion they have for serving our community.
At the City Electric Department Ester Radford and other staff gave us a tour of the facility and provided tips on how we can help protect our linemen when running generators at our home during wide spread power outages.
We then met with Cindy Barrow, director of Bartow Municipal Airport, who welcomed us and gave a brief presentation on the history of the Air Base. The Terminal, which was completed in 2007, houses the Bartow Airport Authority, Bartow Flying Service, Alfredo’s Airside Delights Restaurant and a Historical Museum.
Touring the Bartow Water Plant and Wastewater Treatment Plant allowed us to understand how these two operations service the residents of Bartow.
The Leadership Class was able to attend the Watson Clinic-sponsored Spirit of Bartow Awards luncheon, where individuals in the community were recognized for their dedication and commitment to our community.
We then walked over to the Bartow Public Library, which was celebrating its 114th anniversary! Our library is the oldest library in Central Florida. The library offers many services which include public internet access, children’s reading classes, and a meeting room which can be used by businesses/organizations in Bartow.
Angie Whisnant, Director of Parks & Recreation, and also a fellow Leadership class member, discussed the Carver Recreation Center and the numerous activities that are offered to the youth of Bartow.
The Bartow Police and Fire Departments allowed us to tour their facilities. What a wonderful group of men and women that we have protecting our City.
And what a wonderful day we had, learning about our local government. Much thanks to everyone who took the time to show us around - you guys are great!