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Author Archives: Krista Silva

health insurance form

As the end of the year approaches, you may be scrambling to renew or find health coverage for the coming year. Depending on your needs, private insurance, employer-offered insurance, Medicaid, Medicare or Florida’s healthcare marketplace insurance may be options for you.

Or, if you do not qualify for Medicaid, the Polk HealthCare Plan may be available to assist you.

 Hundreds of thousands of Florida residents have been disenrolled in Medicaid due to the end of the COVID 19-related public health emergency, leaving them without health insurance.  Also, Florida’s minimum wage recently increased, but many Polk County residents are still facing more financial demands than they can handle.

The Polk HealthCare Plan is not insurance and members do not pay annual deductibles, monthly fees, enrollment fees or submit claim forms. It offers eligible Polk County residents access to healthcare. Members only pay small copays for doctor visits or filled prescriptions.

The Polk HealthCare Plan partners with licensed medical providers in the county to connect low-income Polk residents with the care they need in the areas of primary and specialty care, urgent care, emergency services and behavioral healthcare.

Learn more or see if you’re eligible at https://www.polk-county.net/services/indigent-health-care/polk-healthcare-plan/.

Is the Polk HealthCare Plan An Option?

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Building plan inspection for Polk County permit

When are Polk County building permits necessary? You might wonder if you need to obtain a building permit to work on your own house, or what kinds of projects require a permit. Well, it is not always needed, but when it is, it’s for the good of the community. Obtaining a Polk County permit means that building inspectors have reviewed your plans to make sure that they meet building codes for your safety and the safety of others.

When Do I Need a Building Permit?

Whether you’re building a shed or planning renovations, we can answer your questions about Polk County permitting. For an extensive list of projects that require permits, please visit our permitting page.

Polk County permits for building and construction

You do not need a permit for simple jobs, such as:

  • Screen replacements
  • Minor roof repairs
  • Interior remodels or renovations
  • Minor electrical, plumbing or interior repairs

You do need a permit for:

  • Construction or demolition of any structure, regardless of size
  • Pre-manufactured storage buildings, residential buildings, and commercial buildings
  • Commercial and residential docks, piers, sea walls, boathouses, bulkheads and boat ramps
  • Conversion of any non-habitable space to habitable space, including the enclosure of garages, carports, porches or similar structures
  • In-ground swimming pools and spas, above-ground swimming pools and spas more than 24 inches deep
  • Decks, walkways, platforms, stairs and landings

Do I Need a Permit to Build a Shed?

Home construction Polk County permitting

Here, are answers to some of your frequently asked questions about building permits in Polk County.

Do I need a permit to build a shed? Yes. A building permit is required to construct a building or structure. This includes sheds, decks and fences more than eight feet high.

Does Polk County perform virtual inspections? Yes. More information about virtual inspections and how to schedule one can be found on our inspections page.

Are there building and permitting construction fees? Yes. All construction permitting fees are due at the time the permit is issued.

Where can I find previously issued Polk County permits? Polk County permit search allows you to view historical building permits dating back 15 years. For permits from 2010 to current, you can visit the Polk County Accela Citizen Portal.

Why You Need a Building Permit.

Building plan inspection for Polk County permitA building permit is like insurance for your project. By having the county’s professionals review your plans or your contractor’s plans, you’re able to make sure that you’re not missing anything. Ultimately, this will help keep your project on track. Working without a permit on a project that requires one is a gamble. If you’re caught, you will need to undo the work you’ve done and there may be a fine, as well. This is why you need a building permit?

The good news is that building inspectors understand you want to get things done as soon as possible. So they try to work within your planned schedule. You also can do a lot of inspection work virtually by visiting our inspections page.

To obtain a Polk County building permit, please fill out an application online and complete the steps for permitting.

All information about Polk County permitting, including when a permit is required, the steps to receive a permit, building and construction permitting fees, transportation zones and more can be found on our permitting page.

Polk County Building Permits

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construction plans

It’s no secret that Polk County is growing. The question is how does the county manage that growth? How do we make sure it’s done in a way that is beneficial to residents?

It all starts with a document known as the comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan brings multiple plans together to address everything the community needs to thrive, from affordable housing to a sustainable water supply.

The plan aims to guide Polk County’s growth and change by establishing goals, objectives and policies that are tailored to our physical characteristics and development. Developing a comprehensive plan is a complex process, but the idea behind it is simple: Create a guide to the orderly development of Polk County.

The county’s Land Development staff, with cooperation from other county agencies, implements the comprehensive plan by reviewing all proposed development, ensuring it will grow the community within the plan’s guidance. But the comprehensive plan is about to change.

Polk County has grown and changed significantly since the original plan was created in 1991. We are currently embarking on a new journey to evolve the plan for a new future. We hope you will participate as we reimagine our plan over the next year-and- a-half.

Staff hopes to welcome public participation in the spring of 2024. Please check https://www.polk-county.net/government/planning-and-development/land-development/ for further information, or call Chanda Bennett at (863) 534-6484.

How Do We Plan For Polk County’s Future?

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soldier in distress

For many people, the holidays are filled with Yuletide cheer and happiness. Families spend time together, and the smells of traditional desserts fill houses across America.

However, the experience for some of our nation’s veterans is quite different. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also referred to as the “winter blues,” impacts many veterans, as does PTSD. SAD is a serious subset of depression, and it can cause a relapse in PTSD. If you know a veteran, or if have one in your family, keep an eye on them during the holidays. Look for signs of SAD, which might include:

  • A lack of interest in holiday activities with family.
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Feelings of restlessness.
  • Having trouble concentrating at work or home.

If you are a veteran or if know someone who may need extra assistance during the holidays, please contact Polk County Veterans Services at (863) 534-5200. Our knowledgeable staff can connect you with resources that can assist you in this difficult time. If you are in crisis and need immediate support, please contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 then press 1, or text them at 838255.

 

The Holidays Are Not Always a Happy Time for Everyone

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household hazardous waste facility

Can you imagine if Polk County didn’t have a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility?

Where would electronic items like broken TVs or computer monitors go? They are incompatible with the landfill and they can’t be carted away with the regular garbage. Instead, they’d probably end up sitting on the side of the road, littering our county.

Fortunately, there’s an alternative for Polk County residents. Household chemicals and electronic waste are accepted at no additional fee at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility, located at 5 Environmental Loop Rd. South in Winter Haven.

This facility provides a safe, convenient way for residents to properly dispose of hazardous materials free of charge. Some examples of household hazardous waste accepted at the facility are old paint, pesticides, motor oil, compact fluorescent light bulbs, pool chemicals and lithium-ion batteries.

Each of these materials requires special handling. They should never go into the trash or down the drain, or anywhere other than the Household Hazardous Waste Facility.

Trained and properly equipped staff works at the facility to safely collect, sort, recycle and dispose of these items. This prevents hazardous materials from ending up in landfills or wastewater treatment plants where they can cause environmental harm.

So, now, it’s up to you to do the right thing. When you use the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility, you’re helping to keep your neighborhood safe and healthy.

For information about Polk County’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility and upcoming disposal events, visit https://www.polk-county.net/services/waste-and-recycling/household-hazardous-waste/.

Polk County’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility

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NE Government Center

Did you know that county governments were, at least in part, created to make life easier for residents? Florida’s first counties – Escambia and St. Johns – were formed in 1821.

Consider the travel situation in the 1800s. It couldn’t have been convenient for people to travel to their state capitol every time they needed to interact with government. We wouldn’t want to do that now, even though we have asphalt roads and comfortable cars. So, imagine having to make the journey via a horse-drawn wagon, on bumpy dirt roads, just to fill out paperwork or request information from the government.

County governments are not simply convenient, though. Many people would say that county government is the government level that most directly impacts residents.

Thanks to the formation of counties and the associated government structure, Polk County residents have the power to elect leaders such as county commissioners, the sheriff, the tax collector and many more. We elect the people who are responsible for managing our $2.5 billion budget, enforcing laws, carrying out state mandates, etc.

Since every county has different elected leaders, every county is unique. No two counties deliver services to residents in the same exact way, and local issues can be handled by local people developing local solutions.

From those two original counties, Florida has grown to 67 counties, making it easier than ever for the Sunshine State’s residents to get the services they need locally.

Why Are Counties Important?

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people in the voting line

Polk County has five commissioners who govern the county by setting property tax rates and approving the county budget each year. They also adopt resolutions and local laws, and they make final determinations on local land use.

In Polk County, commissioners are elected to four-year terms and they can serve for a total of up to three terms. Each of the five commissioners represent a different district of the county, and they each must reside in the district they represent.

Polk’s commissioners typically meet at 9 a.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month, in the boardroom of the County Administration Building. Local policies are discussed, and established, at these meetings, which are open to the public. In fact, the public can address the commissioners at these meetings. The meetings, which are also televised, serve as opportunity for residents to gain and share information.

Commissioners are not the only elected officials in the county, though. Nor are they the sole policymakers. Polk County residents also elect the county’s sheriff, tax collector, supervisor of elections, property appraiser, and clerk and comptroller. Each of these officials have independent authority to develop policies for their area.

Polk County’s commissioners also appoint a county manager, who is responsible for overseeing the county government’s day-to-day activities. The county also employs more than 2,200 people, who help provide the government’s many services.

Ultimately, though, the people who vote the commissioners into office – Polk County’s residents – have the power to run the county government. By choosing which candidates to vote for, you can voice your opinion and show what’s important to you.

Who Governs Polk County?

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man stamping a paper

You might wonder if you need to obtain a building permit to work on your own house. Well, a permit is not always needed, but when it is, it’s for your own good and for the good of the community. Getting a permit in Polk County means that building inspectors have reviewed your plans, making sure that they meet building codes and are safe.

You don’t need a permit for simple jobs, such as:

  • The replacement of screening;
  • Minor roof repairs;
  • Interior remodels or renovations; and
  • Minor electrical, plumbing or interior repairs.

While you can find more information about jobs you do need a permit for on the permitting page, here are some examples:

  • Construction or demolition of any building or structure, regardless of size;
  • Conversion of any non-habitable space to habitable space including the enclosure of garages, carports, porches or similar structures;
  • In-ground swimming pools and spas; and above-ground swimming pools and spas more than 24 inches deep; and
  • Decks, walkways, platforms, stairs and landings.

A building permit is like insurance for your project. By having the county’s professionals review your plans, or your contractor’s plans, you’re able to make sure that you’re not missing anything. Ultimately, this will help keep your project on track. And working without a permit on a project that requires one is a gamble. If you’re caught, you will need to undo the work you’ve done, and there may be a fine, as well.

The good news is that building inspectors understand you want to get things done as soon as possible, and they try to work with your planned schedule. You also can do a lot of inspection work virtually by visiting our inspections page.

Do I Need a Building Permit?

SEE MORE
potholes

In 1914, Polk County’s roads were little more than the wagon trails used by soldiers during the Seminole Wars. They were made of dirt and clay. So, Polk County residents formed a “Good Roads Association” to sponsor a $1.5 million bond issue for roadway pavement.

With the passage of the bond, Polk County contracted for 217 miles of asphalt highways. This was the largest construction project of its kind in the south and it linked every major Polk city.

By the early 1920s, the county had 326 miles of paving, at a cost of $3 million.

With the advent of paved roads, however, came potholes. Polk County has been patching and filling holes or severe cracks in pavement with hot asphalt or cold patch ever since.

Fast forward to present-day Polk County, where the Roads & Drainage Division supervises the maintenance of nearly 2,700 miles of county roads.

Not all Polk County roads are maintained by the county. There are also city and state roadways within the county’s boundaries. Cities manage about 1,280 miles of roads, which is less than half Polk County’s inventory, while the Florida Department of Transportation manages around 461 miles of paved roads in Polk County.

To find out if your road is maintained by the county, call the Roads & Drainage Division at (863) 535-2200.

Let’s Talk Potholes … Are All of Polk’s Roads Serviced by the County?

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can of paint

It’s important to dispose of household hazardous wastes the correct way. HHWs contain ingredients that are flammable, corrosive, combustible, toxic and/or reactive. HHWs include:

  • Used motor oil
  • Automobile batteries
  • Household rechargeable batteries
  • Gasoline
  • Paint, thinners and solvents
  • Pesticides
  • Fluorescent bulbs and compact fluorescent bulbs
  • Pool chemicals
  • Cleaning supplies

HHWs from Polk County residents are accepted at no additional fee at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility located at the North Central Landfill. Auto and boat batteries, household batteries, fuel and gas cylinders, used oil and antifreeze filters, pesticides, mercury and fluorescent lights, flares, paint and used cooking oil are accepted.

But why do you have to pay extra attention to how disposing of HHWs? Well, they can be harmful to humans, wildlife and the environment. They can contaminate water supplies, and they should never be thrown in the trash, poured down the drain, storm sewers or on the ground. Never leave hazardous products within the reach of children or pets.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re transporting HHWs to the landfill:

  • Do not mix chemicals together;
  • If containers are in poor condition, pack securely in a sturdy box or bucket when transporting (do not pack in plastic bags); and
  • Place containers in a well ventilated trunk or truck bed.

Call (863) 284-4319 for more information.

How To Get Rid of Household Hazardous Wastes

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