Honoring Roy P. Gladney & Marlene Duffy-Young: Legacies in Polk Government

To commemorate Polk County’s 165th anniversary, two local leaders were nominated for inclusion in the Legacies in Polk Government Leadership exhibit at the Polk County History Center. This distinction recognizes individuals who have served in elected or appointed roles and made significant contributions to Polk County residents, helping to preserve and shape the history of Polk County, Florida. All nominees must meet the criteria established by the Polk County Historical Commission, including being recognized posthumously.

Having met these requirements, the contributions of Roy P. Gladney and Marlene Duffy Young were honored during a ceremony at the Polk County History Center on March 10, 2026. Their photos and biographies have been added to the exhibit.

Visitors can also explore an interactive feature by scanning the exhibit’s QR codes to learn more about each inductee and their lasting impact on Polk County, Florida.

Roy P. Gladney (1941-1963): A Champion for Health and Progress

Roy Penson Gladney of Mulberry, Florida, was elected to the Polk County Board of County Commissioners in 1941. Before his career in public service, he worked in the phosphate industry and was a member of the Mulberry Kiwanis. His 22-year term on the board was defined by a consistent focus on public health and infrastructure.

Gladney pushed to purchase new equipment for the Polk General Hospital in 1941 and the following year championed public health surveys to curb the spread of hookworm, typhoid, tuberculosis, and malaria. In 1946, he championed the creation of a school for physically handicapped children at the Bartow Air Base, expanding educational access for exceptional children in Polk County. He also advocated for the Mulberry Health Clinic, a joint city-county-state-federal project dedicated in 1960.

His tenure saw other significant milestones, including the opening of U.S. Highway 27 between Haines City and Lake Wales, the establishment of the Polk County Fire Department, and the creation of the Polk Centennial Committee. He served as chairman of the board for seven consecutive years from 1950 to 1957, was named Florida’s Outstanding County Commissioner in 1959, and served as president of the State Association of County Commissioners. When Gladney died on Dec. 24, 1969, the Board of County Commissioners passed a resolution honoring his 22 years of service, noting “his restless insistence on progress” and crediting his tenure with “the period of the greatest growth and progress Imperial Polk County has ever known.”

Marlene Duffy Young (1988-2000): The Lioness of the County Commission

Marlene Duffy Young of Winter Haven, Florida, was elected to the Polk County Board of County Commissioners in 1988. She had previously served on the Winter Haven City Commission and as mayor of the city, the first woman to hold that office.

During her tenure on the county commission, Duffy Young championed the creation of the Polk County Library Cooperative and played a key role in the Polk County Environmental Lands Program Referendum of 1994, the adoption of the Polk County Charter in 1998 and a gas tax increase to fund road improvements that continues today. She served as commission chairwoman in both 1990 and 1995 and as president of the Florida Association of Counties in 1993.

Her work extended beyond government policy. She served as president of Girls, Inc., supported the Children’s Service Council’s Living Doll program, and helped organize Polk County’s first rape crisis center and a spousal abuse support program. She also pushed the state to fund domestic violence services through marriage license surcharges.

Duffy Young was not re-elected in 2000 but remained involved in county government, including mentoring her successor, Jack Myers. She died on May 22, 2008, from injuries sustained in a car crash in Winter Haven.

“If Ted Kennedy is the lion of the Senate, she was the lioness of the County Commission.”

– Former Polk County Commissioner Randy Wilkinson, 2008

“God blessed Polk County by giving us, Marlene Young. She was the smartest person I’ve ever served with or worked with.”

– Former Polk County Commissioner Neil Combee, 2008

“A warrior for good government… She never shied away from a tough vote.”

– Former Polk County Manager Mike Herr, 2008

A Legacy Worth Celebrating

Through the additions of Roy P. Gladney and Marlene Duffy Young into the “Legacies in Polk Government Leadership” exhibit, the Polk County History Center continues to honor leaders whose service helped guide Polk County through periods of change and progress. Their stories will now live on as a part of the Polk County Museum experience, where residents and visitors can explore the county’s rich history at 100 E. Main St. in Bartow.

How Can You Nominate a Local Leader for Polk County’s Legacy Exhibit?

Recognition of Legacies in Polk Government Leadership is made through public nomination and approved by the Polk County Historical Commission. Many individuals have shaped Polk County Government, and the History Center is committed to preserving and sharing their stories. To begin the nomination process, contact the Polk County History Center at (863) 534‑4386.

Tags: commissioner, exhibit, history, leaders, legacies, Marlene Duffy-Young, Mulberry, past, Polk County, Polk County Board of County Commissioners, Polk county government, Polk County Historical Commission, polk county history, Roy P. Gladney, Winter Haven

SEE WHAT'S NEW

Two New Inductees Added to the Legacies in Polk Government Leadership Exhibit

Roy P. Gladney (1941-1963): A Champion for Health and Progress

A Legacy Worth Celebrating

How Can You Nominate a Local Leader for Polk County’s Legacy Exhibit?