MEMBER MICRONEWS

CITRUS CONNECTION'S BUS ROUTE
EXPERIENCING CAPACITY ISSUES

Due to impending necessary budget cuts at Citrus Connection - Lakeland’s public transit entity – bus riders are already starting to feel the effects, even before the main cutbacks are initiated on July 6^th next month.

As a byproduct of the recent staff reductions and successful proactive relocation initiative by Citrus Connection, Route 1 (South Florida Ave) service was changed from 30 minute pick-up service to 1 hour pick up service June 8th through July 6^th.

“Reducing pick up times doesn’t reduce our riders’ need for public transportation, and many customers right now are feeling the discomfort of these cutbacks well before the actual service reductions take hold,” said Citrus Connection Executive Director Tom Phillips. “On Route 1, the bus is sometimes over capacity, including any available standing room. Customers may experience longer wait times due to this, and we regret any inconvenience this causes.”

The bus on Route 1 is currently transporting 50-80 people per stop who are trying to get to work and appointments in that area.

“We want the public to know first and foremost, we don’t want to see this happen, added Philips. “Our public transit needs keep expanding, but everyone here is determined to continue to provide the best possible service for our customers regardless of the service reductions. We’re going to do the best we can with what we have to work with. We have everyone that can drive a bus behind the wheel, and all available busses running, including our largest capacity bus servicing Route 1. And if you ride the bus and bring your bike, please bring a bike lock to secure your personal item.”

On July 6^th, Route 1 service will revert back from 1 hour pick-up to 30 minute pick-up service.

“We’re continually working with the community to provide public/private partnerships and positive community programs like the Summer of Safety,” said Phillips. “We’re properly utilizing our available funds to maintain our staff and fleet for a safe, service-oriented experience. And we will continue to do everything we can within our budgeted means.”

Public transit in Polk County is provided by Citrus Connection, Winter Haven Area Transit and Polk County Transit Services, operated through Polk County. Citrus Connection picks up and delivers more than 6,000 people to work, play and school and other destinations every day. They provide specialized transportation for citizens who are unable to use regular service. For more information regarding the program, visit www.ridecitrus.com.

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SBAC ONLINE RESOURCES LISTED

The Polk County Small Business Assistance Center is pleased to announce 2 additional online resources for Polk County small business owners.

The updated website now features a FAQ section that can answer most preliminary questions that perspective small business owners have. In addition a downloadable strategic plan is available for business owners that are at any stage in their operation that wish to formulate or revise their existing strategic plan.

Links to SBAC website/homepage as well as links to the FAQ and Strategic Business Plan (also on the SBAC homepage) can be found below.

http://www.cfdc.org/sbac/

http://www.cfdc.org/CentralFlorida/media/Central-Florida/Start%20Expand/SBAC-FAQ-2015.pdf

http://www.cfdc.org/CentralFlorida/media/Central-Florida/Start%20Expand/SBAC-Strategic-Development-Plan-2015.pdf

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WATSON CLINIC ANNOUNCES
UPCOMING PLASTIC SURGERY LECTURE

Watson Clinic is pleased to invite community members to attend an informative lecture to be held in July. This event is free of charge, but seating is limited. Light refreshments will be provided.

Date: Saturday, July 11 at 10 AM
Speakers: J. Scott Ferguson, DO and Pranay Patel, MD
Topic: ‘Lifts, Tucks & Fillers - Bringing Out Your Best’
During this special event, two highly-respected Watson Clinic specialists join forces to discuss the latest options available for facial and body enhancements. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Scott Ferguson and facial plastic surgeon Dr. Pranay Patel will cover both non-surgical and surgical alternatives designed to enhance your appearance.
Location: Bella Vista Building – 1st Floor Lobby, 1755 North Florida Avenue in Lakeland
RSVP: 863-904-6231 or online to www.WatsonClinic.com/Events

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FRIDAY FEST TO KICK OFF BARTOW'S JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

Bartow’s next monthly Friday Fest to be held on Friday, June 19, from 6:00 - 9:00 P.M., along East Main Street and Central Avenue in downtown Bartow, will kick off Bartow’s annual Juneteenth celebration. This street party is sponsored by Kelley Buick GMC and will feature live music by “On the Avenue”. Activities for the children will include dodge ball and children’s games. A wide variety of food will be available from vendors on the street including hot dogs and sausage, boiled peanuts, and cotton candy, and the downtown restaurants will be open as well. There will also be an open car cruise-in.

Friday Fest is held on the third Friday of every month and is hosted by Main Street Bartow, Inc., Bartow’s Community Redevelopment Agency, the City of Bartow, the Polk County Democrat, and Kelley Buick GMC. For more information, call 863-519-0508.

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BARTOW'S UPTOWN YARD SALE IS JUNE 20

Bartow’s monthly Uptown Yard Sale & Flea Market will be held on Saturday, June 20, along the 300 block of East Main Street in downtown Bartow. Hours are from 8:00 AM until 1:00 PM, with set-up beginning at 7:00 AM. Vendors will be charged a $10.00 fee, and no preregistration is necessary.

For further information call Irene at 863-646-0644 or the Main Street Bartow office at 863-519-0508. The Uptown Yard Sale & Flea Market is held the third Saturday of each month, and is sponsored by Main Street Bartow, Inc., Bartow’s Community Redevelopment Agency, and the City of Bartow.

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2-STORY MURAL CELEBRATES FRIENDSHIP

Don't forget to check out this beautiful mural painted as part of this year’s international celebrations between France and the United States for the frigate Hermione's arrival in the US this month. The Mahoney Group commissioned the painting of the Hermione to pay tribute to the enduring friendship between France and the United States. Hermione is the exact replica of the ship that brought Marquis de LaFayette to the U.S. back in 1780 to fight with the Colonists in the Continental Army, for their freedom from British rule, alongside General George Washington and was instrumental in winning the battle of Yorktown. With regards to the 2-story mural that was completed by Tom Haas on the Mahoney building (3825 S. Florida Avenue in Lakeland), an official dedication and unveiling took place on June 4, 2015, officiated by Mr. Philippe Letrilliart, General Consul of France in Miami.


MEMBER MICRONEWS CITRUS CONNECTION'S BUS ROUTE EXPERIENCING CAPACITY ISSUES Due to impending necessary budget cuts at Citrus Connection - Lakeland’s public transit entity – bus riders are already starting to feel the effects, even before the main cutbacks are initiated on July 6^th next month. As a byproduct of the recent staff reductions and successful proactive relocation initiative by Citrus Connection, Route 1 (South Florida Ave) service was changed from 30 minute pick-up service to 1 hour pick up service June 8th through July 6^th. “Reducing pick up times doesn’t reduce our riders’ need for public transportation, and many customers right now are feeling the discomfort of these cutbacks well before the actual service reductions take hold,” said Citrus Connection Executive Director Tom Phillips. “On Route 1, the bus is sometimes over capacity, including any available standing room. Customers may experience longer wait times due to this, and we regret any inconvenience this causes.” The bus on Route 1 is currently transporting 50-80 people per stop who are trying to get to work and appointments in that area. “We want the public to know first and foremost, we don’t want to see this happen, added Philips. “Our public transit needs keep expanding, but everyone here is determined to continue to provide the best possible service for our customers regardless of the service reductions. We’re going to do the best we can with what we have to work with. We have everyone that can drive a bus behind the wheel, and all available busses running, including our largest capacity bus servicing Route 1. And if you ride the bus and bring your bike, please bring a bike lock to secure your personal item.” On July 6^th, Route 1 service will revert back from 1 hour pick-up to 30 minute pick-up service. “We’re continually working with the community to provide public/private partnerships and positive community programs like the Summer of Safety,” said Phillips. “We’re properly utilizing our available funds to maintain our staff and fleet for a safe, service-oriented experience. And we will continue to do everything we can within our budgeted means.” Public transit in Polk County is provided by Citrus Connection, Winter Haven Area Transit and Polk County Transit Services, operated through Polk County. Citrus Connection picks up and delivers more than 6,000 people to work, play and school and other destinations every day. They provide specialized transportation for citizens who are unable to use regular service. For more information regarding the program, visit www.ridecitrus.com. ### SBAC ONLINE RESOURCES LISTED The Polk County Small Business Assistance Center is pleased to announce 2 additional online resources for Polk County small business owners. The updated website now features a FAQ section that can answer most preliminary questions that perspective small business owners have. In addition a downloadable strategic plan is available for business owners that are at any stage in their operation that wish to formulate or revise their existing strategic plan. Links to SBAC website/homepage as well as links to the FAQ and Strategic Business Plan (also on the SBAC homepage) can be found below. http://www.cfdc.org/sbac/ http://www.cfdc.org/CentralFlorida/media/Central-Florida/Start%20Expand/SBAC-FAQ-2015.pdf http://www.cfdc.org/CentralFlorida/media/Central-Florida/Start%20Expand/SBAC-Strategic-Development-Plan-2015.pdf ### WATSON CLINIC ANNOUNCES UPCOMING PLASTIC SURGERY LECTURE Watson Clinic is pleased to invite community members to attend an informative lecture to be held in July. This event is free of charge, but seating is limited. Light refreshments will be provided. Date: Saturday, July 11 at 10 AM Speakers: J. Scott Ferguson, DO and Pranay Patel, MD Topic: ‘Lifts, Tucks & Fillers - Bringing Out Your Best’ During this special event, two highly-respected Watson Clinic specialists join forces to discuss the latest options available for facial and body enhancements. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Scott Ferguson and facial plastic surgeon Dr. Pranay Patel will cover both non-surgical and surgical alternatives designed to enhance your appearance. Location: Bella Vista Building – 1st Floor Lobby, 1755 North Florida Avenue in Lakeland RSVP: 863-904-6231 or online to www.WatsonClinic.com/Events ### FRIDAY FEST TO KICK OFF BARTOW'S JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION Bartow’s next monthly Friday Fest to be held on Friday, June 19, from 6:00 - 9:00 P.M., along East Main Street and Central Avenue in downtown Bartow, will kick off Bartow’s annual Juneteenth celebration. This street party is sponsored by Kelley Buick GMC and will feature live music by “On the Avenue”. Activities for the children will include dodge ball and children’s games. A wide variety of food will be available from vendors on the street including hot dogs and sausage, boiled peanuts, and cotton candy, and the downtown restaurants will be open as well. There will also be an open car cruise-in. Friday Fest is held on the third Friday of every month and is hosted by Main Street Bartow, Inc., Bartow’s Community Redevelopment Agency, the City of Bartow, the Polk County Democrat, and Kelley Buick GMC. For more information, call 863-519-0508. ### BARTOW'S UPTOWN YARD SALE IS JUNE 20 Bartow’s monthly Uptown Yard Sale & Flea Market will be held on Saturday, June 20, along the 300 block of East Main Street in downtown Bartow. Hours are from 8:00 AM until 1:00 PM, with set-up beginning at 7:00 AM. Vendors will be charged a $10.00 fee, and no preregistration is necessary. For further information call Irene at 863-646-0644 or the Main Street Bartow office at 863-519-0508. The Uptown Yard Sale & Flea Market is held the third Saturday of each month, and is sponsored by Main Street Bartow, Inc., Bartow’s Community Redevelopment Agency, and the City of Bartow. ### 2-STORY MURAL CELEBRATES FRIENDSHIP Don't forget to check out this beautiful mural painted as part of this year’s international celebrations between France and the United States for the frigate *Hermione's arrival in the US this month. The Mahoney Group commissioned the painting of the Hermione* to pay tribute to the enduring friendship between France and the United States. *Hermione* is the exact replica of the ship that brought Marquis de LaFayette to the U.S. back in 1780 to fight with the Colonists in the Continental Army, for their freedom from British rule, alongside General George Washington and was instrumental in winning the battle of Yorktown. With regards to the 2-story mural that was completed by Tom Haas on the Mahoney building (3825 S. Florida Avenue in Lakeland), an official dedication and unveiling took place on June 4, 2015, officiated by Mr. Philippe Letrilliart, General Consul of France in Miami.
Newsletter1 - June 15, 2015