BARTOW, Fla. — There is a new way to get around downtown Bartow — by golf cart!

What You Need To Know

  • The Bartow Squeeze launched earlier this month

  • It’s a free golf cart ride offered by Citrus Connection

  • It has several stops in downtown Bartow

  • The free service runs Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The service called the Bartow Squeeze aims to help downtown workers on their lunch break.

The Bartow Squeeze is a form of microtransit that launched earlier this month.  

It’s a golf cart that is offered by Citrus Connection, in partnership with the Bartow Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).

The downtown Bartow stops include the courthouse, government office, shops and restaurants.

“A golf cart is extremely easy to get on to,” said Dr. Thomas Santarlas, Vice Chairman of the CRA. “It’s mobile. It makes things a lot more friendly. You’re able to talk with the people you’re riding with. And be able to enjoy the scenery of Bartow.”

Santarlas said the goal is to bring together the business owners and the employees of the city.

The free service runs Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

It’s geared toward office workers who don’t want to give up their coveted parking spots but also want to get a quick bite during their break.

Shana Bennett, owner of the Cookie Jar bakery, is excited to see the service launch and hopes it will have a positive impact on her business.

“People can experience what we have to offer and enjoy what their hometown brings to the table and not have to worry if they’re going to make it back in time or not,” Bennett said.

Citrus Connection has found success with similar services throughout Polk County, including the Lakeland Squeeze and the Lake Wales Squeeze.