Message from Polk Commissioners Chairman Bill Braswell regarding COVID-19

Message from Polk Commissioners Chairman Bill Braswell regarding COVID-19

May 27, 2020
To date Polk County has tested over 18,000 individuals for COVID-19 with 880 testing positive.   Fifty people have unfortunately lost their lives, 31 of the 50 were in nursing homes. We are averaging over 750 new tests per day.  
Over the last 4 weeks in reverse we have had 112, 110, 108, and 108 new positives. We have flat lined for at least one month.  Today we started antibody testing to determine how widespread we may have been infected, more details on this when I have some results.
We continue to see more individuals and small businesses apply and receive Polk Cares 2020 money. Keep those applications coming.
As the board continues to work out next years budget we remain focused on our priority, public safety. We are currently moving forward with 4 new fire/EMS stations. We are also moving up construction of the new government center between Lake Alfred and Haines City. By refinancing outstanding bonds (9 million dollar savings), moving construction forward ( 1 million dollar savings), and using money that was budgeted and not spent in this years budget we are able to go ahead with these projects and reduce property taxes for next next year.
I want to encourage everyone to get out and live your lives. COVID-19 is here forever so if you are vulnerable act accordingly. We must respect others while getting back to our normal routines. Shop and buy local when you can.