Published: January 6, 2025
Bartow, Fla. (Jan. 6, 2025) – Polk County has been designated a nationally Certified Local Government Program by the United States Department of the Interior.
The designation opens doors for additional historic preservation program funding, grants, training, and technical assistance. It will also be a tool to help Polk County property owners who are seeking historical designations.
“Polk County’s history is a source of pride for our residents and this county. This distinction will allow us to better maintain our historical and architectural values,’’ said County Manager Bill Beasley. “We are very honored to have been designated as a Certified Local Government and we are very grateful to our Historic Preservation Manager Myrtice Young and her team.”
The Certified Local Government (CLG) Program was enacted as part of the National Historic Preservation Act Amendments of 1980. The program links three levels of government: federal, state and local, into a preservation partnership for the identification, evaluation and protection of historic properties.
On Dec. 5, 2023, the Board of County Commissioners adopted the Polk County Historic Preservation Ordinance that would make historic preservation in Polk a matter of public policy. The ordinance would also enable the Polk County History Center, with the support of the Polk County Historical Commission, to recommend Polk County for the national Certified Local Government Program.
For more information about the Certified Local Government program visit, nps.gov/subjects/clg.