Meet Kelly Quinn
Running for Polk County Commission
District 2
Rooted in Polk. Shaped by Land and Community.
I’m a Polk County local and third-generation Floridian. I grew up in the woods and wetlands of the Lake Wales Ridge, where sandy scrub, lakes, swamps, wildlife, and rural communities shaped the way I see the world. Polk County has always been more than a dot on the map to me — it’s home.
Over the past year, I served on a citizen committee helping update Polk County’s Comprehensive Plan, which guides how our county grows and plans for the future. That experience gave me a front-row seat to the challenges we’re facing — rapid growth, infrastructure strain, rural land loss, water concerns, and the need for better long-term planning.
I believe Polk County can grow without losing itself. We can protect rural communities, respect landowners, support local businesses, plan for infrastructure, protect water, and make smarter decisions about where and how growth happens.
I’m not a career politician. I’m a listener, a visual thinker, a community advocate, and someone who cares deeply about this county. I’m running because I believe we need leadership that is approachable, prepared, transparent, and willing to think creatively about Polk County’s future.
A Career in Art, Design, and Public Outreach
My background is in art, design, conservation communication, and community engagement. I studied Fine Arts at the University of Florida and have worked with organizations like the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, the University of Florida, and other conservation and research groups across Florida. My work has often focused on helping people understand complicated issues through visuals, storytelling, education, and public outreach.
Full Candidate Discussion
Candidate Meet & Greet for Polk County Commissioner District 2 | Republican Club of Lakeland | July 1st, 2026
Listen to both Republican candidates speak on key Polk County topics; water, housing, and protecting rural Florida.
This video captures the entire discussion; including full answers from candidate Kelly Quinn, and the incumbent Rick Wilson. Both candidates had two minutes to answer the same four questions asked during the event. I believe voters deserve the opportunity to hear directly from each candidate, compare our priorities, and make an informed decision.
During the forum, I shared my perspective on:
• Responsible growth and infrastructure
• Property taxes, affordability, and growth paying for growth
• Water supply, aquifer protection, and natural resources
• Protecting rural communities while planning for Polk’s future
My campaign is focused on protecting Polk from high-impact growth, strengthening infrastructure accountability, defending our water and rural lands, and making sure county decisions are transparent and citizen-centered.
Vote August 18th in the Republican Primary!
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