BARTOW, Fla. – Bartow’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has partnered with Citrus Connection to offer a free “Squeeze” shuttle service in the downtown area. This initiative aims to encourage workers in Bartow to frequent local restaurants and shops during their lunch breaks.
The eight-seat golf cart shuttle operates from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday through Friday, making stops every 10 minutes along a route that includes Main Street.
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While the service began on August 7th, a public celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony are scheduled for Tuesday, August 20th, at Tom’s Chicken Shack. CRA Director Howard Smith emphasized the goal of providing easy access to downtown businesses for the thousands of city, county, and state workers in Bartow each day, and the hope that this will stimulate economic activity in the area.
The CRA’s $63,000 investment in the Squeeze shuttle aligns with their broader marketing strategy to promote the downtown district as a vibrant destination. City Manager Mike Herr underscored the importance of showcasing Bartow’s revitalized downtown, especially given Polk County’s rapid growth.
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The convenient shuttle route includes stops near major employment centers like FDOT, the Polk County History Center, the Polk County Courthouse, and Bartow City Hall, making it readily accessible for workers.
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