Lakeland Chamber Hosts Politics in the Park; Announces Results of Straw Poll

The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce brought business leaders, community members and local elected officials together for Politics in the Park, presented by Orlando Health Lakeland Highlands Hospital, providing an opportunity for the community to connect with the candidates and issues shaping Lakeland and Polk County.

Held in a relaxed, community-focused setting, Politics in the Park is designed to make civic engagement more accessible while encouraging meaningful conversations between the business community, elected officials and residents. The event reflects the Chamber’s commitment to advocacy, providing a space for civic engagement, and to ensuring that businesses have a voice in the decisions that impact the local economy and quality of life.

Throughout the event, attendees had the opportunity to meet with candidates, hear from local leaders and learn more about the priorities and perspectives influencing the community. The gathering also offered an important reminder that advocacy goes beyond the halls of government; it starts with informed, engaged citizens who take the time to understand the issues and participate in the civic process.

A highlight of Politics in the Park was the event’s straw poll, conducted by the Polk County Supervisor of Elections, gave attendees an opportunity to weigh in on the races and candidates featured at the event.

Straw Poll Winners:
• U.S. Senator: Ashley Moody
• U.S. House, District 9: Darren Soto
• U.S. House District 18: Scott Franklin 
• U.S. House District 16: Sydney Gruters
• Governor: Jay Collins
• Attorney General: James Uthmeier
• Chief Financial Officer: Blaise Ingoglia
• Commissioner of Agriculture: Wilton Simpson
• Florida Senate, District 12: Colleen Burton
• Florida House, District 48: Jon Albert
• Florida House, District 49: Jennifer Kincart Jonsson
• Florida House, District 50: Jennifer Canady
• Florida House, District 51: Hilary Holley
• Polk County Commission, District 2: Rick Wilson
• Polk County Commission, District 4: Omar Arroyo
• Circuit Judge, Group 23: Chris Spath
• Circuit Judge, Group 24: Andrea DeMichael
• Polk School Board, District 3: Kate Wallace
• Polk School Board, District 5: Sam Neelam
• Polk School Board, District 6: Justin Sharpless

The Politics in the Park straw poll is an informal, non-scientific poll of event attendees and does not represent an endorsement by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce.

The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce thanks Orlando Health Lakeland Highlands Hospital for presenting Politics in the Park and for supporting opportunities that encourage civic participation and community dialogue, and gratitude for our other sponsors:
• Presenting Sponsor - Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital
• Gold Sponsor - Borem Fire Protection
• Patron Sponsors - GEICO, AdventHealth Polk County, Lakeland Electric, Polk State College, and The Mahoney Group
• Advertising Sponsor - View Outdoor
• Supporting Sponsors - MABE Production & Installation, TLC Catering by Terrie Lobb, Premier Parties, LLC, Blankskriptz Filmz LLC, and Two Men and a Truck

As the voice of business in the community, the Chamber remains committed to fostering engaged leaders and strong businesses while advocating for policies that contribute to a prosperous Lakeland and Polk County.

Politics in the Park is one of the many ways the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce connects its members and the broader community with the people, policies and conversations that shape our region.

Get out and vote in the primary election on August 18, 2026!

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