What does 'service by publication' mean in this notice?

It means the court is informing defendants by newspaper because their addresses are unknown; publication can satisfy notice requirements.

When is my response due?

You must serve written defenses within 30 days after the first date this notice was published.

What happens if I ignore the notice?

A default judgment may be entered against you, allowing the plaintiff to obtain the requested damages without your input.

Court Notice — 255 N. Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL (53-2026-CC-001769-A000-BA)

Official courthouse record · Indexed in NoticeRegistry archive · AI-enriched for research

Unpaid rent claim

Affects:DefendantsProperty BuyersGeneral Public

Plaintiff Kristen Martin filed a county court action seeking unpaid rent and damages under a residential lease against Garry Elliott and Erika Rendon. Defendants must file written defenses within 30 days after first publication or a default judgment may be entered.

Key Takeaways

Deadline: serve written defenses within 30 days after first publication
Claims: unpaid rent, damages, and other relief under a lease
Service by publication used because addresses are unknown
Failure to respond will likely result in a default judgment

Deadline · Response Deadline

May 20, 3040

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Published: May 13, 2026 · 6 days ago
Category: Court Notice
City: Winter Haven
Address: 255 N. Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL · 51 filings
Case #: 53-2026-CC-001769-A000-BA

Research context

51 filings at this address 122 court notice notices in Winter Haven (last 12 months)

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All filings for #53-2026-CC-001769-A000-BA with AI case analysis

If you don't respond

If the defendants do not serve written defenses within 30 days after the first publication date, a default will be entered and the court may grant the relief requested in the complaint.

What to do next

1
Prepare and serve written defenses
Serve a copy of written defenses to Plaintiff at PO Box 746, Bentonville, AR 72712 or email kris1717@gmail.com within 30 days after the first publication date.
2
File the original with the court
File your original defenses with the Clerk of Court at Polk County Courthouse, 255 N. Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830 before or immediately after serving the plaintiff.
3
Consult an attorney
Contact a landlord-tenant or civil defense attorney promptly to avoid default and protect your rights.

Frequently asked questions

What does 'service by publication' mean in this notice?: It means the court is informing defendants by newspaper because their addresses are unknown; publication can satisfy notice requirements.
When is my response due?: You must serve written defenses within 30 days after the first date this notice was published.
What happens if I ignore the notice?: A default judgment may be entered against you, allowing the plaintiff to obtain the requested damages without your input.

The suggestions and answers above are AI-generated for general information only. They can be wrong, and we don't take responsibility for their accuracy. Talk to a qualified professional before acting on them.

Legal terms in this notice

Service by publication: Notifying a defendant by publishing the notice in a newspaper when their address is unknown.
Default: A court decision entered against a party who fails to respond to a lawsuit.
Complaint: The initial court document that starts a lawsuit and states the plaintiff's claims.

Full Notice Text

IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
 IN AND FOR 
POLK COUNTY, FLORIDA
KRISTEN MARTIN,
Plaintiff,
v.
GARRY ELLIOTT and
ERIKA RENDON,
Defendants.
Case No.: 53-2026-CC-001769-A000-BA
NOTICE OF ACTION 
FOR DAMAGES 
(SERVICE BY PUBLICATION)
TO: GARRY ELLIOTT and
       ERIKA RENDON,
       Addresses Unknown
  YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action has been filed against you for unpaid rent, damages, and other relief relating to a residential lease, and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to:
Kristen Martin 
PO Box 746 
Bentonville, AR 72712 
Email: kris1717@gmail.com
on or before 30 days after the first date of publication, and file the original with the Clerk of the Court at: Clerk of Court Polk County Courthouse 255 N. Broadway Avenue Bartow, FL 33830 before service on the Plaintiff or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.
This notice shall be published once each week for four consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in Polk County, Florida.
DATED: March 19, 2026
CLERK OF COURT
By: A. Nieves
Deputy Clerk
(SEAL)
April 29, May 6, 13, 20, 2026    207755