Polk County is strategically located in the center of the Florida peninsula, about equal distance from the east and west coast and half way between the Georgia-Florida border and the Southern tip of the peninsula. Polk lies on the Interstate-4 corridor, 25 miles east of Tampa and 35 miles southwest of Orlando. As the geographic center of Florida, it is estimated that more than 7.5 million people reside within a 100 mile radius of Polk County. This is one of the largest concentrations of population in the southeast.
"Imperial" Polk County was the nickname given to the county by a newspaper editor to recognize the county's prominence in agriculture, phosphate and cattle with the timber, turpentine and naval stores operations making strong contributions. In 1914, the county issued a $1.5 million bond to pave a number of roads. That bond issue was considerable for those days, and allowed for 9-foot-wide roads to start from Bartow to Mulberry, Lake Wales, Fort Meade, Winter Haven, Lakeland and Auburndale. According to historical reports, then-county commission clerk W.S. Wev had the idea of erecting an arch over every paved road at its entrance to Polk County, proclaiming that the motorist was about to enter "Imperial Polk County." The name has since remained.
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Back to School Bash
When: Saturday, August 11, 2012 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Eloise Resource Center, 710 Snively Avenue, Eloise, FL 33880
Description:
Polk County Parks & Recreation presents Back to School Bash at the Eloise Resource Center (710 Snively Avenue, Eloise, FL 33880).Admission is free. School supplies will be handed out on a first come, first served basis to children entering kindergarten through 5th grade. A variety of vendors and exhibitors will be on site. CLICK HERE to view the Back to School Bash (ERC) flyer.Sponsored by: Cutrale Citrus Juice and A&E Auto Body.For more information, contact the Eloise Resource Center at (863) 298-4485 or annasancruzado@polk-county.net. CLICK HERE to view the complete 2012 Polk County Parks & Recreation calendar. Parks & Recreation can be reached at (863) 534-6911 or jenniferwilson@polk-county.net.LIKE US on Facebook or FOLLOW US on Twitter.