POLK COUNTY FIRE ADMINISTERS FIRE-EVER ENTRY LEVEL EXAM

BARTOW – March 26, 2008 – A total of 89 firefighter candidates met at the Stuart Center yesterday to take the County fire department's first-ever entry level written test.  This is the largest number of applicants the department has ever had apply at one time, and to fill just one entry level position.  The commercially produced test from Fire and Police Selection, Inc. is designed to test candidates on a variety of skills such as reading comprehension, map reading, math, and interpersonal skills.

 "This is a tremendous ´problem' to have.  We had so many people interested in pursuing a career with the Polk County Fire Department that we had to begin a series of testing to aid us in choosing the individual(s) most qualified and who will be the best fit for our department," said Fire Chief David Cash.  "We not only offer stellar service to the residents of Polk County but we provide an atmosphere that breeds success, and now men and women from all over the state are taking notice."  To read entire story click on the link.

Mar 26, 2108 10:43am

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

TPO Board Awards Prizes for Students?

Apr 11, 2008 04:24pm

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

Polk County Students Picture the Future of Transportation

Feb 25, 2008 12:12pm

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 for public input regarding development plans for a new park. The Daughtery Road Park master plan meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria at Dr. N.E. Roberts Elementary School.

For full press release, click on the link above.

Feb 7, 2008 10:40 AM

Polk Citizens Academy Begins in February

BARTOW, FL (January 24, 2008) – The Polk County Board of County Commissioners will begin its sixth Citizens Academy Program in February allowing Polk's residents and business owners to increase their awareness of services available in Polk County. 

For full press release, click on the link above.

Jan 24, 2008 2:52 PM

Citizens Are Invited to Voice their Opinions on Polk Growth
Bartow, FL – The Planning Commission will hold a Public Work Session to discuss the Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR), and the proposed comprehensive plan amendment to adopt the County's 10-Year Water Supply Plan into the Comprehensive Plan.  To read the entire article click on the link.

Jan 18, 2008 03.56pm

CELEBRATE BLACK HERITAGE AT SECOND ANNUAL FESTIVAL

Bartow, Fla.  (January 17, 2008) – Polk County Leisure Services will host the Second Annual Black Heritage Festival at the Medulla Community Center on Saturday, Feb. 16, from
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

For full press release, click on the link above.

Jan 17, 2008 10:35 AM

Daddies and Daughters Dance the Night Away

Bartow, Fla. (January 17, 2008) – Polk County Leisure Services will host the inaugural Daddy/ Daughter Dance at the Polk County Historical Museum in Bartow on Saturday, Feb. 9, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. 

For full press release, click on the link above.

Jan 17, 2008 10:32 AM

Ridge Woodcarvers and Rick Powers Featured at Historical Museum

Bartow, Fla. (January 15, 2008) –  Two special exhibits, the "Ridge Woodcarvers of Lakeland" and "A Land Remembered Series by Rick Powers" are featured at the Polk County Historical Museum through February.

For full press release, click on the link above.

Jan 15, 2008 3:28 PM

Board of County Commissioners Attend Recognition Ceremony
Bartow, Fla. (January 15, 2008) – Two or more county commissioners may attend the Polk County Public Safety Department's annual recognition ceremony scheduled for Thursday, January 17 at 8:30 a.m. The ceremony will take place at the Stuart Center, located at 1702 US Hwy 17 S. in Bartow. 

Jan 15, 2008 12:58 PM

Board of County Commissioners Will Meet in Closed Meeting
Bartow, FL – The Board of County Commissioners will meet in the County Commissioners' Conference Room, at 330 W. Church Street, Bartow,  Room 407, in private with its attorney to discuss pending litigation in the case of Lamar Advertising of Lakeland, et al, vs. Polk County, Case No. 2004-CA-004531 on Monday January 14, 2008 at 8:30am in accordance with Chapter 286.011 of the Florida Statutes.  The names of persons who may be in attendance are as follows: County Commissioners Jack Myers, Jean Reed, Bob English, Sam Johnson, Randy Wilkinson, County Attorney Michael Craig, Deputy County Attorney Linda L. McKinley, Assistant County Attorney Randy Mink, Mark Miller, Esquire, Kristie Hatcher-Bolin, Esquire, and County Manager Mike Herr.

Jan 8, 2008 03:10pm

Students Remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Polk County (January 7, 2008) – Polk County students who submitted winning essays to the Seventh Annual Dr. Martin Luther, Jr. essay challenge will be recognized Thursday morning. 

Hosted by the Polk County Board of County Commissioners' Equal Opportunity Office, in conjunction with the Community Relations Advisory Council, elementary through high school students submitted essays which interpreted this year's theme: "Capturing the Essence of the Dream – Make it a Day On, Not a Day Off!"

For full press release, click on the link above.

Jan 7, 2008 10:19 AM

Staying Warm in 2008 - Be Vigilant

                                                                                                                                                               BARTOW, Fla. (January 2, 2007) – The first official cold snap of 2008 is here.  The Polk County Public Safety Department cautions residents on the dangers associated with space heaters, chimneys and other alternative means of space heating.  For full release, click the link above.                                                                                                            

Jan 2, 2008

Here's To Your Health Hike

County Commissioner Bob English will be the host of New Year's Day "Here's to Your Health
Hike" at 9 a.m. at the 551 acre Lakeland Highlands Scrub environmental lands site located at the
south end of Lakeland Highlands Road.

Fir full press release, click the link above.

Dec 26, 2007 10:19 AM

"Meet the Robinsons" at Polk City Ball Field

BARTOW, Fla. (December 21, 2007) –Polk County Leisure Services and Polk City present "Meet the Robinsons," a movie in the park. The free event will take place at the ball field in Polk City on Saturday, January 12 at 7:00 p.m.

For full press release, click on the link above.