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In This Issue
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Polk Proclamation
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W.H.A.T.
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Sheriff's Office
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Clerk of Courts
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Property Appraiser
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Tax Collector
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Citrus Connection
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Supervisor of Elections
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Free Bicycle Helmets
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| Join Our List |
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| A Very Special Thank You... |
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Please support our local businesses, who helped make this event possible.
Palace Pizza
105 E. Main St.
Bartow, FL
(863) 533-9300
One of a Kind
Interior Decor & Staging
330 E. Parker St.
Bartow, FL
(863) 661-3945
Havana Delights Cafe
155 E. Main St.
Bartow, FL
(863) 533-6947
Cool Shoppe Ice Cream
135 S. Central Ave.
Bartow, FL
(863) 533-1365
The Landes Image
Photography Studio
165 E. Main St.
Bartow, FL
(863) 533-7237
Good Measure Coffee
135 E. Main St.
Bartow, FL
(863) 559-8414
Organizations
511 Traffic Info
Citrus Connection
City of Bartow
FDOT District 1 Safety Dept.
Polk Co. Clerk of Courts
Polk Co. Property Appraiser's Office
Polk Co. Board of County Commissioners
Polk Co. Facilities
Polk Co. Sheriff's Office
Polk Co. Supervisor of Elections Office
Polk Co. Tax Collector's Office
Polk Co. Transit Services
Winter Haven Area Transit
Individuals
Commissioner Jean Reed
Paul Simmons
Elba Lopez
Ben Walker
Jan Parham
Sarita Taylor
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| BoCC Transportation Trophy Winner |
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The Polk County BoCC will be announcing the winner...stay tuned.
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| Team Challenge Winners! |
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Winners from the Polk County Property Appraisers office
Sheryl Forbus, Maxine Clark, Terri Kohler, and Ashley Bunn received a large pizza from Palace Pizza
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| Team Challenge Winners!
Polk County Tax Collector |
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Team prize of a Large Pizza from Palace Pizza |
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| Newly Registered?
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Tips for Getting Started:
- View your matchlist online, or Call Commuter Services to have one sent to you.
- Look for a group of friends and co-workers who have a similar work schedule. Plan ahead! Make arrangements to meet potential rideshare partners ahead of time to map out all the details.
- Be open-minded but establish some ground rules.
- Do something fun! Bring donuts once in a while or meet for lunch. Ridesharing can be a great way to meet people and establish friendships.
- Check out our Carpool Checklist
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| Prize Drawing Winners! |
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Gwen Barnett - Landis Image free studio time
Robin Robertson - Sunpass mini
Shane Kent - Cool Shoppe ice cream gift certificate and Caroline Swanson - shoe cell phone holder from One of a Kind
Cirilo Cati - Cool Shoppe ice cream gift certificate
Rebecca Stoff - Good Measure coffee gift card
Mary Murphy - Sunpass mini
Miriam West - Sunpass mini
Julissa Alvarado - Gas card
Terry Hobbs- Sunpass mini
Not Pictured
Cassie Lewis - Gas Card
Ruth Smither - Sunpass mini
Allison Garrett - Cool Shoppe ice cream gift certificate
Carolyn Bunke - Landis Image studio session
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| Meet Russell McDermott |
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Russell McDermott is the new Commuter Services outreach coordinator for Polk County and the northernmost region of FDOT District 1's 12 county region.
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Get Assurance: Commuters Don't have to Worry with the Emergency Ride Home Program
One of the most common reasons people give for not trying commute options is the fear of being stranded at work or unable to get home quickly in an emergency. The Emergency Ride Home program takes the fear out of leaving your car at home.
Unscheduled overtime?
Sick child?
Carpool partner working late or leaving early?
The solution to all of these questions and more is the Emergency Ride Home (ERH) program provided by Commuter Services.
ERH FAQ's
Am I Eligible?
If you are registered with Commuter Services as a carpool, vanpool, transit, bike or walk participant (not for drive along commuters), and your employer is offering the program at your worksite, you are eligible for the Emergency Ride Home program.
4 Free Rides?
Commuter Services will reimburse up to four rides per year via taxi or rental car; we'll even reimburse mileage for a co-worker who drives you home.
What Qualifies as an Emergency? The ERH program can only be used for personal and family emergencies of you or the driver of your carpool/vanpool, or unscheduled overtime at the request of your supervisor. It is not intended for rides to work, scheduled appointments or planned overtime. To be sure your employer is offering the Emergency Ride Home program, call: 1.866.585.RIDE or view list online
Get Assured!
2. Regularly use a commute alternative: carpool, vanpool, transit, bike, or walk. 3. Be sure your employer is currently offering the program at your worksite, then obtain contact information for your ERH onsite coordinator. In the Event of a Qualified Emergency:
1. Notify your onsite ERH coordinator, who will verify your eligibility and can help you find a ride.
2. Contact other members of your carpool/vanpool so they aren't waiting on you!
3. Obtain a receipt from the cab or rental car company, or record a co-worker's mileage.
4. Contact your onsite ERH coordinator again, upon returning to work, to complete the Trip Summary form and submit the original receipt. A reimbursement will be mailed directly to you.
Where Can You Go?
Every emergency is different, and you may need to reach a different destination during each unexpected situation. The ERH Program offers flexibility to people who experience a qualified emergency, allowing you to choose from a variety of destinations that serve your unique needs, including:
To your vehicle (if you are parked at a Park & Ride lot or transit station)
To your child's day care or school
To medical facilities
Interim stops will also be accepted if they are part of the emergency.
Questions?
If you are unsure if your specific situation qualifies, want to know if your employer is offering the program, or need to contact your onsite ERH coordinator, please contact Commuter Services at: 1.866.585.RIDE or Email
Customer Service. | |
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| Issue: Polk County Kick Off |
June/2009 |
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Polk County Commissioners Challenge Other Counties!
The Polk Board of County Commissioners, with support from Polk County Transit Services and Commuter Services hosted Polk County's "Commuter Services Kick Off" on Thursday May 21st in Fort Blount Park. Attendees were treated to a free lunch and enjoyed an old fashion community picnic. The Board of County Commissioners sponsored the event to bring downtown commuters together to support alternative transportation.
"We hope this will make employees of all organizations conscious of helping the environment while saving money on fuel and vehicle expenses." - Dave Walters, Polk County Transit Services
 In an effort to take the lead on Governor Charlie Crist's Green Initiative throughout FDOT's District One, the Polk County BoCC proclaimed May 21st as Commuter Services Day.
Each Polk County constitutional office was asked to participate in the event to raise awareness and play a role within the county to encourage co-workers, friends and neighbors to learn more about alternative transportation, such as carpooling, vanpooling, taking transit, riding a bike or walking.
 Partners and stakeholders staffed tents and tables and shared information from their offices, distributed giveaways and helped register travelers with Commuter Services. As an added incentive, each office was challenged to bring in the most applicants, where the office registering the most commuters would win the coveted Polk BoCC Transportation Trophy. Read on for their individual stories.
 At the end of the day, over 400 people living or working in downtown Bartow were registered with Commuter Services, adding to the 1,200 already participating in the program. The following week, registered commuters were mailed or emailed a "match letter" that listed their neighbors, whom they could share a ride with in a carpool or vanpool, find a buddy to "try transit" together, or even start a walk/bicycle group!
 Nearly 1,000 new and existing commuters received potential ride share matches (one commuter received 289 prospects) and can now begin to share the ride with a neighbor, to save money on fuel and reduce carbon emissions.
Thank You, Polk County!
Left to Right Front Row: Melissa Calandros (Polk Sheriff), Terri Kohler (Polk County Property Appraiser), Colleen Jones (Polk County Clerk of Courts), Bonnie Holly (Polk County Tax Collector), Dave Walters (Polk County Transit), Elaine Walters. Second Row: Christine Diaz and Lauren Lane (Commuter Services). Third Row: Chris Crowell, Becky Moses (Polk County Clerk of Courts), Sonia Carillo (Citrus Connection), Mary Jane Montgomery (Commuter Services), Christina Hernandez (Citrus Connection), Lisa Zolnier (Commuter Services), Phyllis Clay (Polk County Property Appraiser), Sheryl Forbus (Polk County Property Appraiser), Sherry Baker (Polk County Tax Collector), Sunit Dowudon, Anna Paduani (Polk County Tax Collector), Victoria Reynolds (Polk County Supervisor of Elections). Back Row: Lance Fulse (Polk Sheriff) Russell McDermott (Commuter Services), Paul Simmons (Polk Transit), Ivan Maldonado (Polk transit), Colleen Dickerson (Polk County Property Appraiser), Ashley Bunn (Polk County Property Appraiser) |
| Polk County Board of County Commissioners |
May 21st Proclaimed Commuter Services Day
In delivery of the Proclamation, Commissioner Jean Reed (pictured below with Florida Department of Transportation's Intermodal Systems Development Manager, Ben Walker) described the congestion in Polk County, "and I do not refer to the flu-like symptom,"as a statewide issue that requires attention from all Floridians.
"The State of Florida is dedicated to improving air quality, improving health and physical fitness, and reducing energy consumption. The Polk County Board of County Commissioners and the Constitutional Officers, through its cooperation with the Commuter Services program, contributes to these state goals by reducing traffic congestion and lowering greenhouse gas emissions throughout Polk County by promoting the use of alternative commute modes. Polk County has joined Commuter Services as part of its regional Employer Outreach activities to shift commuters away from drive-alone travel."
 In acceptance of the Polk County Board of County Commissioners Proclamation, Ben Walker stated "Commuter Services is one of the few programs in the State where we service the individuals, work with individuals directly -- you the individual driver out there -- to help make smarter commute choices. Commuter Services can show an immediate impact, on our roadways and in the wallets of daily commuters. Through today's activities and our ongoing outreach efforts, FDOT wants to lead the challenge  to improve the air we breathe by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Together we can make a dent in congestion levels," says Ben Walker, pictured above and left with Proclamation from the Polk BOCC, Jan Parham from FDOT, and Christine Diaz from Commuter Services.
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| Winter Haven Area Transit (W.H.A.T.) |
Got Transit ?
Winter Haven Area Transit (W.H.A.T.) parked one of their buses at Fort Blount Park, giving commuters (and Commissioner Reed!) a chance to get hands on experience aboard one of the local bus systems.
While some opted to find a seat and look out the windows, other went right for the driver's seat to get the full experience.
Pictured is Polk County Commissioner Jean Reed, with the route and schedule leaflet, to see the transit destinations of Winter Haven Area Transit's 500,000 annual riders.
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| Polk County Sheriff's Office |
Setting an example
Playing active parts on the streets and roads of Polk County, the Sheriff's office is an enthusiastic partner of Commuter Services.
 Officers and administrative staff commented on the benefits of reduced traffic congestion and were pleased to see FDOT's Safety Department distributing bicycle helmets.
Facing their own long distance commuters to work, administrative staff was eager to find matches for ridesharing.  The Officers do their part by marking sure to properly maintain their vehicles, check tire pressure, keep a clean air filter and other fuel-saving strategies.
" The Commuter Services event was well attended and it was a great opportunity for all county constitutionals and their members to come out and get a better understanding of the purpose and goals of commuter services.
 The Polk County Sheriff's Office is excited about partnering with Commuter Services. It's a great benefit to our members while also helping to preserve our environment." Says Lance Fulse, Organizational Development Manager, pictured bottom right of photo.
Thank you to Lance Fulse and Melissa Calandros, who represented the Sheriff's department during the Kick Off event. |
| Polk County Clerk of Courts |
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Top Achievers! 
The Clerk of Courts seemed to pull out all the stops for this event, with 156 employees registered from their office. With results like that, it certainly gives these ladies something to smile about, especially when they are working to help their fellow co-workers.
"The Clerk's Office had a GREAT time at the Kick Off for Commuter Services. We had such a HUGH turnout and are very excited about starting our very own customized commuter plan just for us!  We just want to say Thank you Commuter Services for helping us help ourselves, and our community by cutting down on fuel costs, and saving our roadways from traffic congestion!" Says Becky Moses, pictured above with Colleen Jones. |
| Polk County Property Appraiser |
"We Challenge all Polk Constitutional Offices!"
Vowing to get 75 percent of their Bartow Staff registered for Commuter Services, the Polk County Property Appraiser challenged any Constitutional Office and the BoCC to beat their figure.
The representatives from the Polk County Property Appraisers office were some of the hardest workers on the day of the "Kick off." Pictured: Phyllis Clay, Mike Hartnett, Ashley Bunn, Colleen Dickerson, and Sheryl Forbus.
 This group knew how to have fun while working with their upbeat can do attitude. This positive attitude was translated into success on the day of the Polk County "Kick off" as the Property Appraisers table registered 128 commuters at their booth, and 57 PCPA employees registered with Commuter Services that day, to put this group well on the way in achieving their goal. "We are excited and proud to have participated in the Commuter Services Kick Off event held in May. Along with the other state and local offices, we were able to reach numerous individuals to  educate them on all of the "perks" associated with the program to include carpooling, vanpooling, bicycling, "going green" and the Emergency Ride Home Program. Participants and newly registered enrollees were fed a great lunch and received prizes and giveaways. It is this type of immense support when we all come together that ensures we are involved in a great Commuter Services Program. We look forward to seeing the continued success of these practices." Says Linda Lacourse, pictured above with Christine Diaz, Commuter Services Program Director. |
| Polk County Tax Collector |
Going Green! 
Event participants from the Tax Collector's Office shared a table with the Polk County Clerk of Courts, and used the opportunity to stage a joint effort to take on the Property Appraiser's challenge.
The competition was fierce, as fearless participants carried clipboards and forms motioning passersby to register for Commuter Services.  "It's a FREE program!" They yelled, as they distributed reusable sports bottles, "You can get an Emergency Ride Home if you carpooled and need to go home sick!" It seems as if the Tax Collector's office has set a healthy pace for the rest of Polk County to follow. Tax Collectors have also taken their program a step further and by implementing a "green team" for their office. "The Polk County Tax Collector's Office was out in full force at the Kick Off Event. Under the able leadership of Sherry Baker, the office has now formed a "Green Team" to initiate and promote energy conservation and recycling. Their first project is to set up recycling containers throughout all their offices, inviting staff to bring in recycled papers, cans, bottles and plastic, which can be measured and tracked. The monies saved will go for their Christmas party and other benevolences. They will also be meeting regularly and taking suggestions from staff on developing goals and initiatives that promotes green lifestyles. Good things are on the way, so stay tuned!" Says Martha Roe Burke, Polk county Tax Collector, pictured above with Sherry Baker, Bonnie Holly, and Anna Paduani. |
| Citrus Connection |
Going your way! 
If you're interested in trying out the bus system, route and fare information can be found online at www.ridecitrus.com or call 863.688.RIDE (7433). Then sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!
 Cristina Hernandez and Sonia Carillo (pictured here with current rider Michelle Austin, center) from Citrus Connection were available to help interested riders read bus routes and schedules, and plan out their trips to work riding the bus. Many commuters were surprised to find that transit would fit into their schedules very conveniently, and were even more surprised at this low cost commute alternative - weekly passes are only $9 and monthly passes are $37.
Cath  y Wolosin, Marketing Manager for Citrus Connection commented on the day's turnout and Sonia and Cristina's fabulous outreach initiatives, stating: "What a great turnout for the Commuter Services Kick Off Day! Thank you for having Sonia and Cristina join in the event - they did a great job out there, helping interested riders learn how to read Citrus Connections bus maps, routes and schedules, while also giving tips for first time riders, including using the fare box, and getting on and off the bus. Citrus Connection was very excited to participate in the Commuter Services Kick Off Day, and enjoyed meeting our current riders and hearing their stories! We look forward to working with Commuter Services in the future to increase the awareness of alternative means of commuting and going green. A big "Thank You" to Polk County, from all of us at Citrus Connection!" |
| Polk County Supervisor of Elections |
| Dual Outreach Duty!
Matt Hinton and Victoria Reynolds from the Supervisor of Elections were very busy at their table, registering commuters, signing up poll workers, registering voters, updating name, address, or party affiliation changes, absentee ballots, handing out election information, answer questions about upcoming elections and meeting with Polk County voters.
 It was great to have the Supervisor of Elections join in the event to show support for Polk County's green initiatives, and to serve Polk citizens on the electoral process. "We had quite a few people sign up to work the polls," said Victoria Reynolds. "This turned into a great day for Polk County, and we're glad to be out here as part of Polk County's green initiatives," said Matt Hinton, pictured third from left, with Vi Thornberg, Victoria Reynolds, and Kathleen Minshew. |
| Florida Department of Transportation District One Safety Department |
 Free Helmets and Fitting
The helmet giveaways were arguably one of the most popular attractions of the day. The Department of Transportation had bike safety experts show commuters how to properly wear and fit a helmet. Pictured Above: Sherry Moss from the Florida Department of Transportation Safety Department.
This was a special treat for those in attendance as they had fun  while learning to be safe, and met with other bikers in the area. Registered commuters working for employers that offer the Emergency Ride Home Program (ERH) are qualied to use the program, even if they chose to bike or walk to work.
Many thanks to Sarita Taylor, Debra Stallings and Sherry Moss from FDOT's Safety Department for providing the bicycle helmets, performing helmet fittings, and as always, your time and support! |
| Commuter Services |
Thank You! 
The Commuter Services team wishes to thank everyone who went above and beyond by offering their time and support to help the Polk County Commuter Services Kick Off set the bar high for other counties across Florida. Pictured left to right: Roxanne Lake, Russell McDermott, Christine Diaz, Mary Jane Montgomery, Lisa Zolnier, Lauren Lane, and Jan Parham. | |
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