Auburndale hears Citrus Connection ridership briefing, honors interim manager and considers K-9 gift

At its April 6 meeting the Auburndale City Commission heard a brief presentation from Citrus Connection, received a request to consider acceptance of a gift for the Police Department K-9 program, and issued proclamations recognizing April as Water Conservation Month and Child Gun Safety Education Month.

Tom Phillips, executive director of Citrus Connection, presented maps of service within Auburndale and shared boarding, ridership and financial statistics for the area, thanking city staff and the Commission for support. Interim City Manager Amy Palmer announced the Polk County Blueberry Festival scheduled for the coming weekend and invited festival organizers to speak with the Commission.

Skiles Jones of Patriot Legal Group asked the Commission to formally accept a gift from the trust of Carol Lackey intended for the Auburndale Police Department K-9 units and asked that the City Attorney review any trust restrictions and provide a recommendation. Police Chief Terry Storie gave background on Ms. Lackey’s past contributions to the department’s K-9 program; Palmer said staff will review the trust terms and return to the Commission if action is required.

Mayor Alex Cam and Vice Mayor Jordan Helms honored Interim City Manager Amy Palmer for her service. City Attorney Frederick J. Murphy Jr. read the proclamations; representatives of In-Gauge of Polk County accepted the Child Gun Safety Education Month proclamation.

Why it matters: The Citrus Connection briefing informs local transit planning and budgeting, the K-9 gift could affect police K-9 capabilities pending legal review, and the proclamations and festival announcement reflect community outreach and event scheduling.

What’s next: Staff will review the trust terms for the proposed K-9 gift and present any recommended action to the Commission in a future meeting.