Big changes are coming to Auburndale, starting with Sunday brunch.
Watch the quick breakdown below, or keep scrolling for the details.
| What to Eat. Where to Go. (@polksqueeze)Auburndale is one of the fastest-growing cities in Florida. It went from 15,616 people in 2020 to an estimated 21,677 in 2025, up almost 39%, according to the University of Florida's Bureau of Economic and Business Research.
That's #18 out of more than 400 cities in the state, and more than twice as fast as Polk County as a whole.
Now the city is changing some of its rules to keep up.
On Oct. 19, commissioners gave final approval to let restaurants start serving drinks at 10 a.m. on Sundays. Right now, they can't serve until noon. The vote was unanimous.
What's changing
Restaurants can start serving all alcoholic drinks at 10 a.m. on Sundays, instead of noon.
Downtown restaurants can serve drinks in a designated seating area on the sidewalk, street or alley, as long as they're in the city's central business district.
Drinks are also allowed at approved city events, with written permission from the city manager.
Stores can sell liquor on Sundays starting at noon. Before, they could only sell beer and wine on Sundays.
That's good news for downtown spots like The Abigaile on East Lake Avenue, which has quickly become the place for Sunday brunch in Auburndale.
Why now?
City staff said Auburndale has seen new restaurants open downtown, and some already have outdoor seating.
Staff also found that Lakeland, Bartow and Winter Haven already allow alcohol to be served before 10 a.m. on Sundays.
Commissioner Tijerina said that, as it stands, if you wanted a cocktail with brunch, you had to go outside city limits, according to the meeting minutes.
Mayor Cam said more restaurants are coming to Auburndale, and the city wants them to be as successful as possible.
What's next
The new hours start once the ordinance takes effect.
We found this in the City of Auburndale's commission minutes and agendas.
Have a tip about something happening in Polk County? Email us at [email protected]
Sources: Winter Haven City Commission agenda packet, Aug. 10, 2026 (staff report and site plan, pages 84 to 96); Winter Haven City Commission minutes, Aug. 24, 2026
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