LIVINGSTON, TX – In a move that has left residents both amused and bewildered, lifelong Polk County resident and self-proclaimed “proud redneck” Bubba Jenkins has started a petition to change the county’s name to “Bubba County.”

Jenkins, who runs a successful BBQ joint on the outskirts of Livingston, explained his reasoning behind the proposed name change: “Polk County just doesn’t do justice to who we are as a community. We’re a county full of proud Bubbas, and it’s time our name reflects that. Plus, Bubba County has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?”

The petition, which Jenkins is circulating at his BBQ joint and online via eastexasnews.com and polkcountytoday.com, has already gathered over 500 signatures from residents who share his sentiment. “I signed the petition because I think it’s time we embrace our roots and show the rest of Texas what we’re all about,” said local farmer and avid deer hunter, Cletus McAllister.

However, not everyone is on board with the proposed name change. Longtime resident and retired schoolteacher, Mildred Johnson, expressed her opposition: “I don’t see the point in changing the name of our county just because some fella wants to put his nickname on it. Polk County has history and tradition, and that should be respected.”

County officials have yet to comment on the petition but have assured residents that any name change would require a lengthy and thorough process. In the meantime, Bubba Jenkins remains undeterred in his quest to see “Bubba County” grace the maps of East Texas.

As the debate heats up in Polk County, one thing is for certain – this small rural community is not one to shy away from a good ol’ fashioned name change showdown.