Because Polk County Commissioners had to hurry to Tallahassee for a county day, as well as a reception to be held that evening, the Tuesday, Feb. 7, agenda was processed as quickly as possible.

A presentation was made by Mike DelBovo, president of Saddle Creek Corp., whose Lakeland-based company is switching its fleet of trucks to compressed natural gas.

Commissioner Edwin V. Smith commented upon one of the other aspects, the placing of trailer skirts, which DelBovo explained is done not only for safety issues, but also improves gas mileage.

DelBovo gave the reasons for switching to CNG. For one thing, it reduces the dependency on foreign oil, plus it is safer to use, among other factors, he said.

There will be 40 new trucks, which will reduce 4,111,800 pounds annually, the equivalent of taking 364 cars off the road, and planting 86,500 trees. It also reduces noise pollution. The new trucks engines will be quieter.

“These are one-of-a-kind trucks,” said DelBovo, who added his company has been working with Freightliner to develop the trucks the past year, coming up with a design for trucks that can travel long distance. Altogether, it was a $16 million investment. It has also partnered with T. Boone Pickens’ company, TECO, Florida Natural Gas, and Clean Energy, and all of it without government assistance.

He wrapped up his presentation thanking the Board of County Commissioners for its assistance in expediting the permitting process.

“This is our first project, and partnering with the county made it all worthwhile,” concluded DelBovo.

A grand opening and ribbon-cutting will take place Feb. 29 at 11 a.m. He invited the BOCC to attend, and offered to give any of them rides in the new trucks.

Commissioner Bob English was impressed by the fact Saddle Creek had done this on its own, without turning to the government for funding.

“It’s a courageous thing to do. You’re sticking your head out, really,” said English. “We really admire your courage in doing it. Thank you.”

A proclamation was presented to Paul Wells declaring Feb. 7 as Circle F Dude Ranch Appreciation Day. Wells is the owner of the Lake Wales facility that contributes more than $2 million into the local economy, said County Manager Jim Freeman as he read the proclamation. Among the accomplishments and goals, read Freeman, was Wells’ plan to purchase an additional 450 acres.

Commissioner Melony Bell, who made the formal presentation, cited the many activities the ranch has made possible on behalf of numerous children.

“Polk County is very fortunate to have this ranch in this county,” Bell said. “Thank you for making memories for children and their families.”