Polk County Fire Chief David Cash to Discuss Value of Public Relations as Speaker at June 18 FPRA Meeting

POLK COUNTY, Fla. (June 5, 2008) – Polk County Fire Chief David Cash will discuss the value of public relations in the day-to-day operations of the department as guest speaker at a professional development meeting of the Dick Pope/Polk County chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) on Wednesday, June 18.

For full press release, click on the link above.

Jun 5, 2008 12:46 PM

County Will Unveil New, Improved Website Saturday

Bartow, Fla. (June 5, 2008)- Starting Saturday, visitors to Polk County's website will be able to locate information easier on the new, improved site that will feature links for residents, businesses, visitors and government officials, more sophisticated colors, service-based organization and a more robust, user-friendly search engine.

For full press release, click on the link above.

Jun 5, 2008 10:23 AM

County Hosts Public Meeting to Seek Comments
The Polk County Long Range Planning Division, the county office that forecasts and plans future growth in Polk County, will host a public meeting on Thursday, June 12th at the Association Of Poinciana Village Community Center, 395 Marigold Avenue, Poinciana, Florida.  To read more, click on the link.

Jun 4, 2008 03:48 pm

Shepherd Road Closure and Detour Needed to Replace Drainage Structures at Poley Creek

Bartow, FL-(June 3, 2008)- On June 16, 2008, Polk County will close Shepherd Road between Poley Creek Drive West and Newman Circle East. This road closure is required to replace existing drainage culverts across Poley Creek between Grandeview Boulevard and Newman Circle East.  Through-traffic will be detoured for approximately 120 days.

For full press release, click on the link above.

Jun 3, 2008 3:32 PM

Prevent Drowning Tragedy From Reaching Your Family This Year
BARTOW – June 2, 2008 – The weather is beautiful and many are taking to the water.  Polk County Public Safety reminds residents that having a plan in place, and keeping a close watch on your children while they are around water, can greatly reduce the risk of a drowning incident.  It only takes an instant for a child to slip or fall into as little as an inch of water and drown.  For full release, click on the link above.

Jun 2, 2008

County Manager Honored as ?Ultimate CEO? Finalist

BARTOW, Fla. (May 30, 2008) – The "Tampa Bay Business Journal" recognized County Manager Mike Herr last night as finalist for their inaugural "Ultimate CEO Award."

For full press release, click on the link above.

May 30, 2008 3:42 PM

Burn Ban Possible if Drought Continues

  BARTOW - (May 30, 2008) – Polk County Fire Chief David Cash announced today that if there is no appreciable rainfall this weekend, a county-wide burn ban could be issued early next week.
 The burn ban will affect the burning of trash, yard debris, campfires and bonfires. Residents should use extreme caution this weekend with any outside burning. For full release, click the link above.

May 30, 2008

Polk County Hosts Second Public Meeting to Review Land

Polk County is reviewing a new land use plan provided by Haines City for the unincorporated area of Polk County surrounding the Haines City area. This is the second public meeting Polk County Planning staff will be hosting on this topic. The purpose of this meeting is to review the following: the public comments made to date, changes proposed in response to these comments, and related staff recommendations.

The meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2008, 6pm, at Haines City High School, 2800 Hornet Drive, Haines City, FL 33844

To read entire story click on link.

May 30, 2008 2:14pm

Learn How to Prepare at Hurricane Expo
BARTOW – May 30, 2008 – This is it!  June 1st, the first day of hurricane season 2008, and Polk County Public Safety encourages you to get involved in preparing for the season by attending some of the many classes offered at the annual Hurricane Expo on Saturday, June 7 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Orange Dome in Winter Haven. For full release, click on the link above.

May 30, 2008

Polk County Employee Arrested - Charged with Dealing in Stolen Property
BARTOW - (May 23, 2008) – On Tuesday, May 20, Michael J. Caraway, a Polk County facilities electrician was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff's office and charged with 6 counts of dealing in stolen property, 1 count of scheming to defraud and 6 counts of defrauding a secondhand metal recycler.  The arrest stems from alleged theft and sale of materials from County construction sites.  For full release, click the link above.

May 23, 2008

Kids Prepare for Hurricane Season 2008 at Hurricane Expo
BARTOW – May 21, 2008 – Hurricane season is less the two weeks away and it's time to make a last minute check of your hurricane supplies.  Polk County Public Safety wants to encourage you to get your kids involved in your preparation.  Bring them to the annual Hurricane Expo on June 7 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Orange Dome in Winter Haven to learn how they can create their very own disaster supply kit.  For full release, click on the link above.

May 21, 2008

Polk TPO Citizen's Advisory Committee to Meet
The Polk Transportation Planning Organization, the long range transportation planning organization for Polk County, will have its Citizen's Advisory Committee Meeting on Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 07:00 PM to 09:00 PM at the Neil Combee Administration Building, 1st Floor Boardroom, 330 W. Church Street, Bartow.  To read more click on the link.

May 16, 2008 01:41pm

Scenic Highway Focus Group Meeting Planned
The next Ridge Scenic Highway Focus Group will be Tuesday, May 20th, 2008, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at the Florida's Natural Grove House (Visitor Center) located at 20160 US Highway 27 in Lake Wales, one mile north of State Route 60. The purpose of this meeting is to continue reviewing the Land Development Code text and to review the findings of the trail subcommittee. The revised Land Development Code draft text is available for review before the meeting by contacting Tom Wodrich, Principal Planner, Polk County Land Development Division 863-534-6792.

May 16, 2008 10:47AM

Congressman and Chief Financial Officer to Speak at Hurricane Expo
BARTOW – May 15, 2008 – Congressman Adam Putnam and Florida's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Alex Sink are the headliners scheduled to speak at this year's annual Polk County Hurricane Expo.  The Expo is slated for Saturday, June 7 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Orange Dome in Winter Haven.  For full release, click on the link above.

May 15, 2008

Polk County?s Northeast Regional Wastewater Facility Earns State Recognition

POLK COUNTY, FL (May 14, 2008) – Polk County's Northeast Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility was named runner up for the Florida Water Environment Association's 2008 Earle B. Phelps Award in the secondary wastewater treatment plant category. The award was presented at the annual Florida Water Resources Conference held in Orlando.

For full press release, click on the link above.

May 14, 2008 11:25 AM

Polk County Fire Rescue Presents 6 Month Progress Report
(Polk County, May 7, 2008) – Six months ago, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners approved an increase in the fire assessment fee to make many critically needed fire station, equipment and safety improvements. Chief David Cash of Polk County Fire Rescue presented a six month progress report during this morning's Board of County Commissioner's meeting where he reported they are "ahead of schedule and under budget."  Good stewardship of fire fee dollars and attention to detail have allowed the department to accomplish more with less.  Some highlights of the accomplishments are:  For full release, click on the link above.

May 7, 2008

Deaf Interpreters at Polk County Hurricane Expo
BARTOW – May 7, 2008 – The Polk County Public Safety Department will provide deaf interpreters at the annual Polk County Hurricane Expo on June 7th from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Orange Dome in Winter Haven.  Interpreters will be on hand to provide translation during the many activities and classes offered at the event.  They will also be available throughout the day as needed.  For full release, click on the link above.

May 7, 2008

One Night Only: Historical Museum to Show Classic Films

BARTOW, Fla. (May 5, 2008) – The Polk County Historical Museum will host an inaugural Classic Film Festival on Saturday, May 17 beginning at 4 p.m.

For full press release, click on the link above.

May 5, 2008 11:16 AM

Hike, Discover Wildlife at Circle B Bar Reserve

POLK COUNTY, FL (May 5, 2008) – Hikers can enjoy a special one-day hiking and wildlife watching opportunity May on 10 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland. Visitors may see a variety of birds, including bald eagles, wood storks, great blue herons and many other wading birds, as well as vistas across Lake Hancock and Banana Creek Marsh.

For full press release, click on the link above.

May 5, 2008 10:58 AM

Homeland "Good Ol' Days Festival" This Saturday

BARTOW, Fla., (April 29, 2008) – Polk County Leisure Services will host the grand re-opening of  Homeland Methodist Church at Homeland Heritage Park on Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

For full press release, click on the link above.

Apr 29, 2008 4:44 PM

FREE Health Awareness Expo in Lake Wales

BARTOW, FL (April 28, 2008) – Make plans to attend the FREE Lake Wales Health Awareness Expo on May 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lake Wales High School, 1 Highlander Way, during "National Cover the Uninsured Week 2008."  

For full press release, click on the link above.

Apr 28, 2008 6:35 PM

Water Policy Advisory Committee Meeting Canceled

BARTOW, FL (April 25, 2008) – The Water Policy Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for May 5 at 9 a.m. in the Natural Resources Division's conference room, has been canceled. The meeting will be rescheduled.

Visit Polk County on the web, www.polk-county.net

Apr 25, 2008 6:05 PM

"Alvin and the Chipmunks" at Wahneta Park

Bartow, Fla. (April 21, 2008) –Polk County Leisure Services presents "Alvin and the Chipmunks," a PG-rated movie in the park. This free, family-friendly event will take place at Wahneta Park tennis courts on Saturday, May 3 at 8:00 p.m.

For full press release, click on the link above.

Apr 21, 2008 4:43 PM

Leisure Services to Host 8th Annual Kids' All-American Fishing Derby

BARTOW, Fla. (April 21, 2008) – The Polk County Board of County Commissioner's Leisure Services Division presents its "8th Annual Kids' All-American Fishing Derby" on Saturday, May 10 from 7 a.m. until 12 noon. The derby will be held at Simmers-Young Park, located at 5630 W. CR 542 in Winter Haven (behind the Auburndale Speedway).

For full press release, click on the link above.

Apr 21, 2008 4:39 PM

Public Notice: Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Meeting Meets Monday

BARTOW, FL (April 18, 2008) - A follow-up special meeting of the Housing and Neighborhood Development Division's Affordable Housing Advisory Committee will be held in Room 413, Neil Combee Administration Building, on Monday, April 21, 2008 at 3:00 p.m.

More than one commissioner may attend.
-30-

Apr 18, 2008 5:37 PM

Small Business Development Center Offers Seminars in May

BARTOW, FL (April 18, 2008) - The Small Business Development Center at Central Florida Development Council, is offering several business seminars in May. Seminars cost $35 each unless otherwise indicated and are held at the PCC/USF-Lakeland Campus, 3433 Winter Lake Road, (LLC-2201) in Lakeland.

For full press release, click on the link above.

Apr 18, 2008 2:18 PM

Have Family Fun at Lake Wales Community Center

BARTOW, Fla. (April 18, 2008) – Polk County Leisure Services and the Highland Park Manor Neighborhood Association invite families see what their community center has to offer during a free "Family Fun Day."

For full press release, click on the link above.

Apr 18, 2008 1:45 PM

Scales and Tails Pet Festival to be held at Hunt Fountain Park

Bartow, Fla. (April 18, 2008) – The Polk County Board of County Commissioners' Leisure Services Division will host the Scales and Tail Pet Festival on Sat., April 26 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Hunt Fountain Park in North Lakeland (corner of Duff and Green Roads).

For full press release, click on the link above.

Apr 18, 2008 1:41 PM

Citizens' Academy Kicks Off Again This September

BARTOW, Fla. (April 18, 2008) – The Polk County Board of County Commissioners is kicking off it's seventh Citizens' Academy class this September – inviting 30 more Polk County residents and business owners to discover Polk County government through a series of interactive classes that include on-site field trips to county facilities.

For full press release, click on the link above.

Apr 18, 2008 1:36 PM

FREE Gardening and Irrigation Workshop Monday

BARTOW, Fla. (April 17, 2008) – The Polk County Board of County Commissioner's Natural Resources Division and Utilities Department will hold a free workshop where participants will learn about Florida-friendly gardening and irrigation systems.

For full press release, click on the link above.

Apr 17, 2008 3:20 PM

2008 Public Shelter Map Available
BARTOW, FL (April, 16, 2008) – Polk County's Emergency Management division has distributed free copies of the 2008 Hurricane Public Shelter map.  Pick up this year's shelter map at Publix and your local library.  For full press release, click on the link above.

Apr 17, 2008

Camp R.O.C.K. Orientation April 19

Bartow, Fla. (April 10, 2008) –Teens age 13 -17 are invited to attend junior counselor orientation for Polk County Leisure Services Division's summer recreation program, Camp R.O.C.K. Camp runs 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday from June 16 thru August 8.

Volunteer positions are available at six Polk County camp sites (elementary schools): Garden Grove, Griffin, Highland City, Hillcrest, Loughman Oaks and Wendell Watson. Junior counselors assist camp staff with monitoring the safety of indoor and outdoor play, running arts and crafts projects and assisting with chaperone duties during field trips.

For full press release, click on the link above.

Apr 10, 2008 3:32 PM

Hike, Discover Wildlife at Circle B Bar Reserve

POLK COUNTY, FL (March 27, 2008) – Hikers can enjoy a special one-day hiking and wildlife watching opportunity April 12 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland. Visitors who enjoy the outdoors and wildlife may see a variety of birds, including bald eagles, wood storks, great blue herons and many other wading birds, as well as vistas across Lake Hancock and Banana Creek Marsh.  To read the entire article click on the link.

Apr 2, 2008 09:30am

The Small Business Development

 BARTOW, FL (April, 1, 2008) - The Small Business Development Center at the Central Florida Development Council is offering several business seminars in April. The seminars are held at PCC/USF-Lakeland Campus, 3433 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland.
 
April Schedule:
• Steps to Starting a Small Business   April 3 -- 9:30a.m. –12:00p.m.
• Building the Ultimate Business Plan-I April 10 – 10:00a.m. – 12:00p.m.
• Building the Ultimate Business Plan-II April 17 – 10:00a.m. – 12:00p.m.
• Where to Find the Money ($15)  April 22 – 10:00a.m. – 12:00p.m.
• Quickbooks ($65)    April 24 – 12:00pm – 3:00pm

 (The cost for each seminar is $35, unless indicated)
For more information, or to register for a seminar, please contact the Small Business Development Center at (863) 667.7913.

Apr 2, 2008 09:27am

Historical Commission meeting set for April 3
BARTOW - (JANUARY 12, 2008) – The regular meeting of the Polk County Historical Commission will be held Thursday, April 3 at 4:15 p.m. at the Historical Courthouse in downtown Bartow. This meeting replaces the March 27 meeting initially scheduled at Heritage Park in Kathleen.

Apr 2, 2008 09:24am

Robert Butler Exhibit at Polk County Historical Museum
 Bartow, Fla. (April 1, 2008) – The Polk County Historical Museum is featuring the exhibit, "Reclaimed Highwaymen Paintings by Robert Butler" from April 9 through the end of May.
The seven works of art on display in the museum's changing exhibit gallery were bequest to the museum in 2003 by Lakeland art patron Dr. Jane Carver Holmes.  For more than 40 years, Lakeland resident Robert Butler travelled Florida back roads and wilderness. He is a "historian with a paint brush" capturing the vanishing landscapes of Florida and unquestionably Polk County's best known international artist.   To read entire article please click on the link.

Apr 2, 2008 09:22am

Citizens Invited to Help Decide Future County Transportation Projects

The Citizen's Advisory Committee (CAC) provides community based recommendations on the need for transportation projects and programs in Polk County.  The committee consists of citizen volunteers from throughout the county with a variety of transportation related interests.  You are encouraged to become a part of this group as we work towards better transportation for Polk County.

The CAC meets every other month on the fourth Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. in Room 413 of the Polk County Administration Building, located at 330 West Church Street in Bartow.  If you are interested in serving on the CAC, membership applications are available on our website at the following link:

http://polktpo.com/downloads/339-Application-for-the-Citizen-s-Advisory-Committee
or contact Brigitte D'Orval at (863) 534-6490.

Mar 21, 2008 03:55pm

"Teens Making a Difference" During All-America Teen Summit

POLK COUNTY, Fla., (March 21, 2008) – Polk County's Teen Pregnancy Prevention Alliance's Youth Leadership Team, a program of the Healthy Start Coalition of Hardee, Highlands and Polk Counties, Inc., will use music, dance, dramatic skits and a guest appearance by the NFL's Chicago Bears tight end Desmond Clark to help bring awareness to and educate more than 1,000 local youth about teen pregnancy and risky behaviors.

For full press release, click on the link above.

Mar 21, 2008 1:15 PM

DiOGi Park Will Close for Flea Treatment

POLK COUNTY, Fla., (March 19, 2008) – Polk County's DiOGi Park dog park will be closed March 26-27 for routine pest treatment targeting fleas, ticks and ants. Unless heavy rains or high winds prevent safe application, the park will re-open March 28 after the treatment has had time to work and dissipate. Puppy parents should look for signs indicating the park's status.

For more information call Mike Wallace at (863) 499-2613. Visit Polk County on the web, www. polk-county.net.

Mar 19, 2008 5:27 PM

Pinwheels Dot Lawn, Partners Cut Child Abuse

BARTOW, Fla., (March 18, 2008) – Child welfare professionals, home visitor service providers, youth, volunteers, child advocates, judges, commissioners and service providers will come together to raise awareness and encourage empowerment and prevention during a Blue Ribbon Ceremony to celebrate April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This year's theme, "Winds of Change: Creating Positive Family Interactions for Children."

For full release, click on the link above.

Mar 18, 2008 2:52 PM

"March Madness" in Winter Haven

BARTOW, Fla., (March 18, 2008) – Polk County Leisure Services invites your team to the Wilfred Smith Resource Center on March 29 for a 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament. In recognition of "March Madness," this event provides a safe atmosphere for children and families to have fun. Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. and tip-off is at 9 a.m.

For full press release, click on the link above.

Mar 18, 2008 1:35 PM

Mayors Put Down Pens, Pick Up Meals

BARTOW, Fla., (March 17, 2008) – Elected officials throughout the county will put down their pens and deliver meals to elderly residents during the inaugural "Mayors for Meals Day" on March 19. To increase awareness of Polk County's Elderly Services' Nutrition Program, local mayors will ride with drivers and deliver meals to homebound elderly citizens between 10 a.m. and 12 noon.

For full press release, click on the link above.

Mar 17, 2008 9:58 AM

Save a Life - Change Smoke Alarm Batteries
BARTOW, Fla. (March 7, 2008) –The Polk County Fire Department reminds residents to change the batteries in their smoke alarms when turning clocks ahead one hour on Sunday, March 9.  Recycle the old battery by putting it in a radio or other household item.  Remember, "No battery means No chance".  For full release, click on the link above.

Mar 7, 2008

County Hosts West Polk Town Hall Meeting
Polk County- (March 4, 2007)- The Polk County Board of County Commissioners will host a Town Hall Meeting at Lakeland Kathleen High School, 2600 Crutchfield Rd. on Thursday, March 13. Residents can view educational displays from county divisions and departments from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Residents of western Polk County are encouraged to attend and address the commissioners and county department directors about any and all issues relative to county government.  To see full article click on link.

Mar 4, 2008 02:20pm

Polk County 2007 Annual Report Now Available On-Line
BARTOW -  February 27, 2008 – The Polk County Board of County Commissioners' 2007 Annual Report to the People is now available on-line.  To view or print your copy, just go to the County's website at www.polk-county.net and click on the Annual Report ´hot topic button' located on the home page.   For full release, click on the link above.

Feb 27, 2008

Collective Bargaining Meeting Canceled
POLK COUNTY, FL (February 25, 2008) – A Collective Bargaining meeting between the representatives of Polk County Board of County Commissioners and the International Association of EMTs and Paramedics scheduled for Friday, February 29, 2008, at 9:00 a.m. has been canceled.

Feb 25, 2008 4:46 PM

Boat Ramps to Close for Repairs

BARTOW, FL - (February 22, 2007) – In order to make necessary repairs, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners' Leisure Services Division will be closing three boat ramps. Weather conditions may affect completion dates. Ramps will be closed as follows:

• Lake Parker in Lakeland, March 3 – 7
• Lake Gibson in Lakeland, March 10 – 14
• Lake Mariana in Auburndale, March 17 - 21

For more information, contact James Kummer, Polk County Leisure Services at 499-2613. 

Feb 22, 2008 9:44 AM

Low Water Levels Force Boat Ramp Closures

POLK COUNTY, FL (February 13, 2008) – Water levels in several area lakes have fallen below boat ramps. Because of this, Polk County Leisure Services has closed the following boat ramps: Lake Buffum (southeast of Alturas), Lake Livingston (south of Frostproof), Crystal Lake (in Lakeland), Lake Deeson (east of Lakeland) and Lake Sears (in Winter Haven). The ramps will remain closed until water levels cover the ramps.

For more information contact James Kummer at (863) 499-2613.

Feb 13, 2008 2:39 PM

Hike, Discover Wildlife at Circle B Bar Reserve

POLK COUNTY, FL (February 13, 2008) – Join Polk County for a special one day hiking and wildlife watching opportunity on February 23rd at Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland. Visitors who enjoy the outdoors and wildlife from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. may see a variety of birds, including bald eagles, wood storks, great blue herons and many other wading birds, as well as vistas across Lake Hancock and Banana Creek Marsh. Due to ongoing construction, not all trails will be open, but the hiking trails through the marsh, to the lake and parts of the oak hammock will be accessible.

For full press release, click on the link above.

Feb 13, 2008 1:02 PM

Get into "The Game Plan" at Jan Phyl Village Park

Bartow, Fla. (February 7, 2008) –Polk County Leisure Services presents "The Game Plan," a movie in the park. This free, family-friendly event will take place at Jan Phyl Village Park on Saturday, February 23 at 7:00 p.m.

For full press release, click on the link above.

Feb 7, 2008 10:45 AM

County Seeks Public Input for New Park

Bartow, Fla. (February 7, 2008) – The Polk County Neighborhood Services Department and Leisure Services Division are asking