About Us

Board of Directors

Dependable and Accessible Transportation for Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Ft. Meade, Frostproof and Surrounding Areas

Becky Troutman - Commissioner

H. William "Bill" Mutz - Mayor

Martha Santiago - Commissioner

Guy LaLonde - Commissioner

Sara Roberts McCarley - Board Chair

Citrus Connection is the Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC) for Polk County. This special program provides subsidized or reduced-price bus passes. We also provide door-to-door service to physically, mentally, emotionally or economically disadvantaged individuals. Call 855-POLKBUS (765-5287) to qualify.

In compliance with the Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan (TDSP), Citrus Connection Paratransit is our call ahead, door-to-door service for those who are unable to use our regular service. This specialized fleet of small, wheelchair lift-equipped buses is currently available to senior citizens, disadvantaged citizens and citizens with disabilities throughout Polk County. The cost of these services is a one-way fare of $2, or co-pay as low as $2. Once the qualification process is approved, requests for transportation can be made in advance at 863-534-5500. (TD requests for service may be subject to service availability). For more information or to see if you qualify for Paratransit service, download the application form at ridecitrus.com, or give us a call at 863-534-5500.

Becky Troutman

Commissioner

Commissioner Becky Troutman was first elected to the BoCC to serve as a Polk County commissioner in 2024. She claimed about 63% of the votes in the general election.

A Lakeland resident, she manages two small businesses—one specializing in school psychology and the other in interior decorating. Her professional background includes roles in education and corporate training. Before her election as commissioner, Troutman actively contributed to the community by serving on the boards of the United Way of Central Florida and The Learning Resource Center. She dedicated six years to the Polk County Planning Commission and volunteered with Guardian Ad Litem.

Commissioner Troutman is a dedicated resident of Lakeland, whose professional journey has beendeeply rooted in her commitment to serving others within the community.

H. William "Bill" Mutz

Mayor

Lakeland Mayor H. William “Bill” Mutz was born in Indianapolis, IN and graduated from Indiana University in 1976 with a BS in Finance and Marketing. Twenty years later, he moved to Lakeland where he became President of the Lakeland Automall making him a subject matter expert in the area of transportation. In 2012, Mayor Mutz left the Lakeland Automall and took on the role of Managing Partner for both Greenstar Panels & Greenovative Homes. In 2014, he became a Senior Consultant for Claridge Associates, where he remains today.

Mayor Mutz and his wife, Pam Gaiser Mutz, of Denver, CO, have been married for over 40 years and are parents of 12 children—seven boys and five girls: Cari, Jonathan, Jacob, Lori, Ozzie, Kelli, Michael, Eric, Mark, Kirsti, Stephen & Emma—ranging in age from 39 to 18 years old! Bill and Pam are also Grandparents of 19 grandchildren.

Bill and Pam speak nationally for FamilyLife WTR Marriage Conferences and are members of the First Baptist Church of the Mall, Lakeland, for 20 years, where they have taught Sunday School and Bill has served as Executive Committee Co-Chair & Personnel Committee Chairman. Bill is also a founding member of Grace City Church, Lakeland, FL and serves on Church Council.

Martha Santiago

Commissioner

Commissioner Martha Santiago, Ed. D. joined the Citrus Connection Board of Directors in Oct. of 2020 bringing representation to northeastern Polk County, one of the fastest growing regions in the state.

Commissioner Santiago recently retired as provost for Polk State College’s Winter Haven campus, Center for Public for Safety, Lake Wales centers, and Northeast Polk satellite location. Prior to being named Provost in 2014, Santiago was the dean of academic affairs for Polk State’s Winter Haven campus and Lake Wales centers.

Santiago, who resides in Winter Haven, was elected to the County Commission in November 2018 and is a strong advocate for public transits as well as economic development, growth & Infrastructure and Community Safety.

A proud wife, mother and grandmother, Santiago is the owner of Leadership Consultants, LLC and serves on various community boards including the United Way of Central Florida, Good Shepherd Hospice, Heart of Florida Hospital, Polk Vision, Women’s Resource Center and the Haines City and Winter Haven Chambers of Commerce.

Guy LaLonde

Commissioner

Guy LaLonde, a proud US Navy veteran and local business owner, joined the LAMTD Board in January of 2024. He is married to Tonya and has 7 children and 3 grandchildren.

He is a local business owner of Lakeland Moonwalk and Under One Tent Events.

His businesses serve Lakeland and surrounding cities and counties and have won numerous Best Small Business awards. Guy currently sits on the Polk County Housing and Finance Authority Board, as well as the boards for KidsPack and Central Florida Speech and Hearing.

Guy enjoys family time, hunting, fishing and anything community related.

Sara Roberts McCarley

Board Chair

Citrus Connection welcomed Sara Roberts McCarley to the board in 2019. McCarley was born in Lakeland, raised in Davenport and graduated from Florida Southern College. In her career, she is dedicated to making a difference. Through her work with Best Buddies International, she developed a program that was implemented in high schools nationwide to enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities through friendship and employment. Most recently her role as Executive Director at Polk Vision heightened her commitment locally while building public-private partnerships to serve the community.

Commissioner McCarley is dedicated to helping her community. She’s an active volunteer in and around Lakeland. Her current community involvement includes work with the Harrison School for the Arts Philanthropy Committee and Parent Association, the Lakeland High School Parent Teacher Partnership, Lawton Chiles Middle Academy PTO, First United Methodist Church Nominations Committee and Alter Guild, the Lakeland Area Cotillion Council, Leadership Lakeland Class XXXVI – Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, and the Leadership Polk Alumni Association.

She is also dedicated to cultivating leaders. After her first husband, Randy, passed away suddenly in 2009, McCarley converted her grief into action. She created the Randy Roberts Foundation in his legacy. Through this organization, she empowers young students to participate in government on the local, state and national level.

Sara Roberts McCarley was sworn in on January 22nd, 2019 and is Commissioner for Lakeland’s SW District.

Fixed Routes

Bus Systems

About Us

Board of Directors

Becky Troutman

Commissioner

H. William "Bill" Mutz

Mayor

Martha Santiago

Commissioner

Guy LaLonde

Commissioner

Sara Roberts McCarley

Board Chair

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