Auburndale Commission unanimously adopts ordinance to annex FDOT SunTrax property

The City of Auburndale City Commission on Feb. 2, 2026, voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance No. 1846 to annex two parcels totaling approximately 67.47 acres (general location: Pace Road and Polk County Parkway) into the city limits to allow the owner to access city utilities and city services. Community Development Director Julie Womble presented the petition from the Florida Department of Transportation and explained the location and intent.

Womble told the Commission the property lies east of the Polk Parkway and south of Pace Road and is adjacent to the city limits; she said, "the annexation does not create an enclave" and that "the proposed annexation is as a result of the owner's request for city utilities and city services." City Attorney Frederick J. Murphy Jr. read Ordinance No. 1846 by title only prior to final action.

There was no citizen comment on the ordinance. Vice Mayor Jordan Helms moved to approve Ordinance No. 1846 on second and final reading; Commissioner Sean Levy seconded the motion. Upon vote, all ayes, and the ordinance was adopted.

The action taken on Feb. 2 covers annexation only; establishing a future land-use designation and zoning classification for the parcels will be considered at public hearings before the Planning Commission and the City Commission at later dates. Staff presented graphics depicting the proposal and recommended approval of the annexation on staff grounds. The ordinance becomes effective as provided in its text and any implementing administrative steps will follow the standard public-hearing process.