Current City Updates

On June 3, Governor DeSantis signed EO 20-139. Phase 2 of the Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery will go into effect on Friday, June 5.
On May 26, Gov DeSantis issued EO 20-131.
On May 15, Gov DeSantis issued EO 20-123: Florida’s Full Phase 1 Plan for Florida’s Recovery. Modifications made in Full Phase 1 are listed here.
Auburndale Public Library has reopened. Our Library Pickup Service is still in operation for guests who do not want to enter the Public Library to pick up an item. Check out how our Pickup Service works.
While the Downtown City Park has been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City has taken the opportunity to replace equipment and the artificial turf throughout the playground. As soon as the installations of the equipment and turf are complete, the City plans to reopen the playground. The City expects the improvements to be completed in June.
The City’s 2020 summer recreation programs have been cancelled. This includes the Kids Quest and Teen Xtreme programs. This difficult decision was made due to the many challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. For further information about program closures, please call (863) 965-5545. The City will continue to explore ways to provide activities for kids while following the appropriate guidelines this summer.
Polk County Public Schools will continue providing meals for students during the summer. A new schedule and list of meal sites will go into effect June 1 through July 23. PCPS is reducing the number of school-based food distribution sites to Caldwell Elementary in the Auburndale area. The site will only operate on Mondays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children will receive three breakfasts and three lunches each day so they are fed throughout the week.
The following City Offices have reopened for walk-in customers: City Hall (City Manager’s Office, Community Development, Construction Services Desk), Public Works, Utility Billing, Finance/City Clerk, Parks & Recreation, Police Department, and Fire Department. Changes have been made at these locations to allow for social distancing and the disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces.
While the Public Utilities Office is reopened to public access, we continue to encourage the use of the utility collection boxes located at the Public Utilities parking lot and on Pontotoc Street next to the Post Office. You can also pay your utility bill online.
The following park and recreational facilities have been reopened: Dog Park at Lake Myrtle, Cindy Hummel Tennis Facility, Rotary Butterfly Garden.
On May 19, Polk County opened up registration for qualified Polk County residents and small business owners to receive financial assistance through Polk’s portion of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act grant. The online application process will require residents and business owners to fill out a form, and attach verifying documentation with the application. More information can be found at www.polk-county.net/polk-cares-2020.
Polk County Fire Rescue issued a Burn Ban on March 31 for all of Polk County. This ban remains in effect until further notice.
Mayor Tim Pospichal issued a Letter to the Citizens on March 19, 2020
The following park and recreational facilities have been closed: Downtown City Park Playground, Lake Ariana Park (not including boat ramp), neighborhood parks (Earl Wright, Tropical Acres, and Century Boulevard), park pavilions and funbrellas, Auburndale Community Center, Spivey Baseball Complex, Bridgers Athletic Fields, Auburndale Softball Complex, Lake Myrtle Sports Complex Athletic Fields, and the Racquetball Courts. Bathroom facilities at these locations are also closed.
The Friday Morning Old Timer’s Coffee Club Gathering, at the Senior Center, is canceled until further notice.
Auburndale Youth Baseball has postponed their season.
Auburndale Youth Soccer has postponed their season.
Auburndale Youth Basketball’s Spring League has been postponed.
Miss Auburndale Softball has postponed their season.

COVID 19 Updates

Local Resources for Help

FDOH Data and Surveillance Dashboard

SBA Disaster Assistance - Loan Programs

Florida DEO Reemployment Assistance

Florida DEO Reemployment Assistance Paper Application

Visit CDC and Florida Department of Health for latest information about the virus.

Event Updates

June 15: City Commission Meeting

Stay Active

Stay Active Through Physical Fitness

3 Butterfly-Friendly Plants for Your Garden

City of Auburndale COVID-19 Response

As a city, we are actively responding to the threat of COVID-19. We are working closely with the Florida Department of Health, who in turn is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

We’re also joining our partners, including Polk County, to remind residents and visitors of the simple steps that they can take to help prevent the spread of active respiratory diseases like the flu and COVID-19:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and discard the tissue into a trash can
Clean and disinfect frequent touched objects and surfaces
Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care
Practice social distancing by putting space between yourself and others.
Wear a cloth face covering while in public spaces

We encourage you to stay informed by following the CDC and Florida Department of Health websites and social media accounts. There you will find new information, frequently asked questions and the current status of cases nationwide.