Why are Lakeland's bus stops so bare?
June 3, 2025 at 1:36 PM EDT
Shelter, shade — and the policy that prevents them.
Waiting for a bus shouldn’t mean risking heat stroke or being caught in a sudden thunderstorm.
But in Lakeland, most of the approximately 1,800 bus stops have little shelter, seating or shade — and no quick fix in sight.
Bus riders typically wait here, on South Lake Parker Avenue, to travel north. (1147x812, AR: 1.4125615763546797)
Safety: As Citrus Connection leadership puts it, the issue is about more than convenience — it’s about dignity and safety.
“I don’t want anyone waiting with a stroller with no shade in August,” said Tom Phillips, Citrus Connection’s general manager.
Meanwhile, Lakeland and greater Polk County are seeing hotter days and more extreme weather.
According to the Citrus Connections 2024 rider survey:
A designated bus stop at the corner of South Lake Parker Avenue and East Orange Street provides no shelter and little space. (1147x813, AR: 1.4108241082410824)
The cost: “Whether you’re building a Burger King or a bus stop, they both have to meet hurricane standards,” Phillips said.
Bus stop shelters must include:
A few locals have helped over the years: Barney and Carol Barnett are responsible for at least 5 shelters in the community, while Paula and Doc Dockery helped fund 15.
A bus shelter on Bartow Road in front of the Publix Super Market at Grove Park was provided through a private donation from Barney and Carol Barnett. (1143x817, AR: 1.3990208078335373)
Solution off-limits: Major cities such as Atlanta, Chicago and New York have global firms such as JCDécaux that install and maintain shelters, at no cost to taxpayers, in exchange for lifetime ad space.
In Lakeland, that’s not allowed. The city’s sign ordinance prohibits ads unless they’re directly related to a business on the same property.
This means a dentist advertising outside their office is allowed but a shelter ad for a local job fair, clinic or grocery chain is not.
Missed opportunity: You may have noticed some benches around Polk county aren’t Citrus Connection’s — they’re legacy contracts with cities and counties.
“Creative Outdoor Advertising benches are allowed — but only because of a decades-old exemption not tied to us,” Phillips said.
Citrus Connection can’t make shelter or bench agreements independently. Only cities and counties can under Florida law.
A bus stop on South New York Avenue by Cresap Street is well used and bare. (633x821, AR: 0.7710109622411693)
Lakeland city leaders have resisted changing the sign ordinance, citing concerns about ad content and potential legal challenges.
That leaves them having to choose between maintaining tight control over ad content or having riders wait without shelter.
And Citrus Connections ridership is increasing every year, with over 870,000 riders last year.
“We’re seeing more heat, more storms, more people standing in the sun,” said Phillips. “But the ordinance won’t budge.”
Kayla Borg is a reporter for LkldNow, a nonprofit newsroom providing independent local news for Lakeland. Read at LkldNow.com.
But in Lakeland, most of the approximately 1,800 bus stops have little shelter, seating or shade — and no quick fix in sight.
- Constructing a single bus shelter costs approximately $22,000, according to Citrus Connection, which operates public transit in Polk County.
- A Lakeland city ordinance blocks outside advertisers from funding shelter construction, as they do in many other cities.
Bus riders typically wait here, on South Lake Parker Avenue, to travel north. (1147x812, AR: 1.4125615763546797)
Safety: As Citrus Connection leadership puts it, the issue is about more than convenience — it’s about dignity and safety.
“I don’t want anyone waiting with a stroller with no shade in August,” said Tom Phillips, Citrus Connection’s general manager.
Meanwhile, Lakeland and greater Polk County are seeing hotter days and more extreme weather.
According to the Citrus Connections 2024 rider survey:
- 78% of customers use the system at least three times per week
- 47% ride five or more days a week
A designated bus stop at the corner of South Lake Parker Avenue and East Orange Street provides no shelter and little space. (1147x813, AR: 1.4108241082410824)
The cost: “Whether you’re building a Burger King or a bus stop, they both have to meet hurricane standards,” Phillips said.
Bus stop shelters must include:
- Hurricane-grade materials
- ADA access
- Solar lighting
- Sidewalk connectivity
A few locals have helped over the years: Barney and Carol Barnett are responsible for at least 5 shelters in the community, while Paula and Doc Dockery helped fund 15.
A bus shelter on Bartow Road in front of the Publix Super Market at Grove Park was provided through a private donation from Barney and Carol Barnett. (1143x817, AR: 1.3990208078335373)
Solution off-limits: Major cities such as Atlanta, Chicago and New York have global firms such as JCDécaux that install and maintain shelters, at no cost to taxpayers, in exchange for lifetime ad space.
In Lakeland, that’s not allowed. The city’s sign ordinance prohibits ads unless they’re directly related to a business on the same property.
This means a dentist advertising outside their office is allowed but a shelter ad for a local job fair, clinic or grocery chain is not.
Missed opportunity: You may have noticed some benches around Polk county aren’t Citrus Connection’s — they’re legacy contracts with cities and counties.
“Creative Outdoor Advertising benches are allowed — but only because of a decades-old exemption not tied to us,” Phillips said.
Citrus Connection can’t make shelter or bench agreements independently. Only cities and counties can under Florida law.
A bus stop on South New York Avenue by Cresap Street is well used and bare. (633x821, AR: 0.7710109622411693)
Lakeland city leaders have resisted changing the sign ordinance, citing concerns about ad content and potential legal challenges.
That leaves them having to choose between maintaining tight control over ad content or having riders wait without shelter.
And Citrus Connections ridership is increasing every year, with over 870,000 riders last year.
“We’re seeing more heat, more storms, more people standing in the sun,” said Phillips. “But the ordinance won’t budge.”
Kayla Borg is a reporter for LkldNow, a nonprofit newsroom providing independent local news for Lakeland. Read at LkldNow.com.