WELCOME TO POLK COUNTY

Polk County is in a unique and enviable position – literally – that no other county in Florida can claim. Polk is the fastest growing county in the state. Why? We’re the connecting force between people, places and potential…the crossroads of opportunity. Located between the Orlando and Tampa metro regions along the I-4 corridor, Polk is a blend of rapidly urbanizing growing communities in the northern section. Yet south of State Road 60, which crosses through the midsection of the county, you will find miles of rural ranch and scrub land, left unscathed by development. In Polk, you will find the ideal combination of access, affordability and untapped opportunity for visitors, residents and prospective businesses. Visit Polk County, Florida. It is truly a great place to visit and live.

NEWS

Polk County Government Offices Will Be Closed Due to Hurricane Milton on Wednesday and Thursday

Bartow, Fla. (Oct. 7, 2024) — County Manager Bill Beasley has announced that all Polk County Government offices will be closed to the public for…

Sandbag Sites Will Be Open 8 a.m. to Noon on Tuesday

Bartow, Fla. (Oct. 7, 2024) — Polk County sandbag sites, which are open until 5:30 p.m. today, will be open from 8 a.m. to noon…

What Polk County Residents Need to Know About Shelters

Bartow, Fla. (Oct. 7, 2024) – Polk County’s public and pet-friendly shelters will open at noon on Tuesday, Oct. 8. Special needs shelters will open…

Polk County Shelters to Open

Bartow, Fla. (Oct. 6, 2024) – Based on the current projections and estimated time of Hurricane Milton’s arrival to Polk County, the following public shelters…

Polk County Opens Citizen’s Information Line

Bartow, Fla. (Oct. 6, 2024) – Polk County’s Emergency Management Division has activated the Citizen’s Information Line to answer Tropical Storm Milton-related questions. Please note…

Polk County Sandbag Sites to Open Sunday

Bartow, Fla. (Oct. 5, 2024) — Polk County sandbag sites will be open to residents at the locations listed below Oct. 6 and 7 from…

Polk County Fire Rescue Expands its Specialty Operations Capability

Bartow, Fla. (Oct. 4, 2024) — Polk County Fire Rescue has expanded its specialty operations capacity with the addition of two bariatric ambulances and an…

CSXT Closing Saddle Creek Road for Two Days of Track Repairs

Bartow, Fla. (Oct. 1, 2024) — Previously postponed due to Hurricane Helene, CSX Transportation (CSXT) will close Saddle Creek Road starting tomorrow morning, Oct. 2,…

Hurricane Helene Debris Assistance

Bartow, Fla. (Oct. 1, 2024) – Polk County was largely spared from Hurricane Helene, but the storm did generate some debris. While no emergency declaration…

Polk Resident Traces Genealogy Back to Nobel Prize Winner

Marilyn Tucker’s journey into learning about her family history began in the 1990s when she received a message from a distant relative whom she had…

How Florida’s Water Dilemma is Impacting Polk Utilities Rates

We’re running out of inexpensive water. Polk County’s Utilities Division (PCU) has been a leader in water conservation. Conserving water is important to Polk County…

Polk County Solid Waste Division’s New “Green” Projects

The Polk County Solid Waste Division will be implementing two new “Green” projects focused on sustainability and renewable energy. The Solid Waste Division is doing…

Prosper 2050: Planning for Polk County’s Future

Polk County for Life, Work and Play You’re noticing more housing developments, cars on the road, and the notable change in the 15-minute commute to…

Building Inspectors Help Keep Polk County Homes Safe

Imagine this: It’s hurricane season and the storm clouds are rolling in. The wind is ramping up. Forecasters are calling for 80-mile per hour (or…

Legacies in Polk Government Leadership

The Board of County Commissioners Then… The size and makeup of the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) has evolved since Polk County’s establishment in 1861.…

Fireworks: Ways to Stay Safe and Enjoy the Show

Tradition and Safety Fireworks are an American tradition, used to commemorate several national holidays. For instance, Independence Day firework displays date back to the United…

Let’s Get Ready for Hurricane Season in Florida

Hurricane season is beginning in Florida. Whether you’re new to Central Florida or a seasoned Floridian, it’s crucial to be prepared for this hurricane season.…