About 7.8% of Lakeland households — roughly 1 in 13 — have no vehicle, according to U.S. Census estimates. That’s higher than the county-wide average of 5.3% homes.
But that number only portrays part of the story. Census figures leave out people whose cars need repairs they can’t afford and those who are barred from driving because of suspended licenses or other legal problems.
A survey of 2,194 Polk County residents found that transportation-related stress is widespread. More than half — 53% — said people in their community could not reliably reach work, school, groceries, or a doctor’s appointment…