This week marks the 100th annual Fire Prevention Week in the U.S. The nationally observed week commemorates the Great Chicago Fire, which happened Oct. 8-10, 1871. The disaster killed an estimated 300 people, displaced more than 100,000 others and destroyed about 17,500 buildings. Fire safety has come a long way since the Great Chicago Fire, […]
Uncover Your Family Roots at the Polk County History Center October is Family History Month. However, the Polk County History Center’s Historical and Genealogical Library works year-round to help residents and visitors solve their family history mysteries. The Historical and Genealogical Library is located on the second floor of the History Center. It is a non-circulating […]
Sept. 18 is World Water Monitoring Day, but for Polk County Utilities, every day is a water monitoring day. Operators test samples from multiple points in the water production and distribution systems seven days per week in six water service areas. Polk County Utilities (PCU) serves areas throughout unincorporated Polk County from 27 water plants […]
Some of the features that make Polk County an incredible place to live— beautiful lakes, vast wetlands and a warm climate— are the same that make Polk County an ideal place for mosquitoes. Polk County Mosquito Control plays a crucial role in managing mosquito populations to protect residents from mosquito-borne diseases. Effective mosquito control isn’t […]
As Polk County embarks on recovering from Hurricane Milton, Polk County Emergency Management is working to connect residents to resources. Below you will find the list of residential and commercial resources, as well as, others. Resources will be added as the come available. Residential Recovery Resources Long-Term Recovery Two organizations are working in Polk County […]
Polk County is very fortunate to be home to so many historic attractions and monuments, from the beautiful Bok Tower Gardens to several historic districts that demonstrate architectural trends through the years. As Polk County celebrates its 164th anniversary this year, our county historians have received a major boost in their efforts to engage in […]
If your New Year’s resolution is to save money and lower your water bill, your lawn might be a great place to start. In Polk County, irrigation should account for 30% of residential water usage; however, some areas are reporting up to 50%. Some Polk County Utilities (PCU) customers average up to 2,309 gallons of […]
Betty Frey, 85, faced a devastating loss on Jan. 15, 2024, when a fire in Polk County consumed almost everything she owned, including her beloved cat. Amidst the ashes of that tragic night, a remarkable journey began for Betty, revealing the extraordinary kindness of strangers and importance of community. The Tragic Night On the night […]
Looking for festive fun events this holiday season? Polk County has you covered! Whether you’re a long-time resident or visiting Polk for the first time, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Bring your family to seasonal events hosted by Polk County Parks and Recreation. Experience the magic of the 14th Annual Festival of Wreaths at […]
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 never met. The relative turned out to be the wife of a cousin of her own father. This person had sent Tucker a snapshot of a family book. A family […]