Polk County voters overwhelmingly rejected a transit referendum that would have increased the sales tax to pay for road maintenance and expanded bus service.
Seventy-two percent of voters cast "no" ballots against the referendum. Only 28 percent of voters supported the referendum.
The referendum, known as My Ride/My Road, would have increase the sales tax to 8 percent, and in the process raising money for road maintenance and expanded bus service throughout the county.
The referendum's developers said the sales tax increase would have raised more than $60 million per year, with half going to transit and the other half going to road projects. The increased tax would be in place until 2029, then would need voter approval to continue.
However, those who opposed the referendum say the sales tax increase would hurt business by increasing the cost of goods and services. In addition, they also said the county should look for ways to pay for services without raising taxes.
Soto retains District 14 seat in Florida Senate
Some Polk County voters also cast a ballot in the race for the District 14 seat in the Florida Senate.
In that race, incumbent state Sen. Darren Soto, D-Orlando, defeated Devin Norton, who is running for the seat without political affiliation.
Soto received 75 percent of the vote, while Norton received 25 percent.