Communication Builds Our Community

(1255) stories found containing 'Polk'


Sorted by date  Results 1001 - 1025 of 1255

Page Up

  • Considerations for Care of Veterans

    Tracy Robert RN-CHPN, Contributing Writer|Updated Jan 10, 2021

    November is designated a time when American's recognize our nation's veterans for their service. Throughout the month, communities schedule special ceremonies to honor the men and women who have served in the military. While these honors are important, many may not realize that veterans could have emotional and physical service-related conditions that require consideration beyond expressions of gratitude. For example, veterans who served in World War II experienced different...

  • Juanita Branch, 1936-2019

    Updated Dec 10, 2019

    Juanita Meeks Branch, 83, of Lake Wales passed away Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019 at her residence. She was born Aug. 14, 1936 in Eagle Lake to the late Thomas C. and Sally E. (Lane) Meeks. She has been a resident of the area since 1947 coming from Winter Haven. She was a retired administrator for the Public Defender's office in Polk County and has the distinction of serving under the first Public Defender LeRoy Horton and 3 of his successors. She was a member of the Lake Wales...

  • Polk State named Philanthropic Corporation of the Year; Student Also Recognized

    Polk State Newsroom|Updated Dec 5, 2019

    Polk State College and the Polk State College Foundation were collectively named the Philanthropic Corporation of the Year during the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Greater Polk County's National Philanthropy Day Celebration, where student Makenna Hansel was also honored with the Youth in Philanthropy Award. Polk State joins corporations recognized in previous years including Allen & Company, Citizens Bank & Trust, Mosaic Company, Regal Lakeland, and Publix...

  • Ritz Theater Hosts Winter Wonderland Dec. 7

    Updated Dec 5, 2019

    The Ritz Theater in Winter Haven will host a Winter Wonderland event Saturday, Dec. 7. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. during Carols in the Park and will feature a picture with Santa and Mrs. Clause, cookie decorating, Christmas entertainment and create your own reindeer mix. Gift wrapping will be available for a donation Attendees who bring a new unwrapped toy, three non-perishable food items or make a $5 donation will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a...

  • Polk Furniture Store Looking for New Owner

    Drew Truitt, Associate Editor|Updated Nov 27, 2019

    If you are are in the market for buying an existing business with plenty of goodwill and lots of potential look no further than Steve Seisel's Polk Furniture Store. A bargain at $16,500 Steve says the store is so well known he never has to go out and search for inventory. People call him, often "two or three time a day," says Seisel. "As far as I know I am the only consignment shop in Winter Haven." While that may or not be totally accurate it doesn't matter because in my own...

  • Polk State Wins Florida College System Chancellor's Best Practice Award for First Year Experience and Guided Pathways

    Polk State Newsroom|Updated Nov 27, 2019

    For the second consecutive year, Polk State College received a Chancellor's Best Practice Award from the Florida College System – this time for its First Year Experience and Guided Pathways programs focused on ensuring students persist on their paths to degrees and careers. College representatives accepted the award Thursday in Palm Harbor alongside colleagues from State College of Florida, Eastern Florida State College, and Florida SouthWestern Sate College who were also r...

  • United Way of Central Florida COO Penny Borgia to Retire in March

    Updated Nov 27, 2019

    United Way of Central Florida President and CEO Christina Criser Jackson has announced the upcoming retirement of Chief Operating Officer Penny Borgia in March 2020. "I cannot thank Penny enough for the countless hours of hard work and the passion she has poured into this organization," Criser Jackson said. "A United Way without Penny is hard to imagine but I'm confident she has set us up for success. Her transformational community impact initiatives will strengthen our...

  • TrophyCatch Partner Bartow Ford Drives Conservation Forward

    Updated Nov 27, 2019

    Honk if you love bass fishing! Bartow Ford is investing in Florida bass conservation by partnering with FWC's TrophyCatch angler recognition program. The company has provided a Ford F-150 to be the "TrophyCatch Truck," which is being used to promote the program throughout Florida. The F-150 is also the designated tow vehicle for the TrophyCatch boat, donated by partner Phoenix Bass Boats. The colorfully wrapped duo of truck and boat provide a mobile billboard that encourages...

  • Four Polk Colleges Training Cybersecurity Experts and Analysts

    Sean Mallott, Contributing Writer|Updated Nov 27, 2019

    As the nation struggles to train enough cybersecurity experts and analysts to fill a shortage that has grown by 50% since 2015, four Polk County colleges are offering courses and degrees to help prepare students for this growing field. In the next two years, about half a million cybersecurity jobs will remain unfilled, according to the Principles for Growing and Sustaining the Nation's Cybersecurity Workforce. Around the world, that number could reach 3 million, according to...

  • Polk Avenue Developing Students into Confident, Effective Leaders

    Chevon T. Baccus APR, Executive Editor|Updated Nov 21, 2019

    Reading, writing, math and other academic subjects are important, but Principal Gail Quam wants to make sure students also leave Polk Avenue Elementary with leadership skills. That's why the school for 10 years has been participating in the Leader in Me program, patterned after Stephen Covey's Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Polk Avenue is a Leader in Me Lighthouse School, incorporating a schoolwide process that develops staff and students as leaders, transforming...

  • Inaugural Fine Art Show on Display through Jan. 23

    Updated Nov 14, 2019

    The Lake Wales Arts Council put out an all-call for artwork for its Inaugural Fine Art Show and Juried Competition received 124 submissions. Fifty works from Florida artists, including across Polk County were chosen for the exhibit. The show will open to the public at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 with a catered reception and open bar at the Lake Wales Arts Center, 1099 SR 60 East. The artists will be celebrated and 10 awards totaling $1,400 will be presented. Awards include $500...

  • Toys for Tots Application Deadline Nov. 15

    Updated Nov 13, 2019

    The U.S. Marines Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program of Polk County continues to accept family and non-profit applications for toys. The deadline is Nov. 15. In 2018, due to the generosity of Polk County residents, businesses, and volunteers, the Toys for Tots program provided new toys to over 12,362 needy children in Polk County. Once the application is submitted, the applicant will receive a email acknowledging the application. Applicants must follow all instructions in the...

  • Festival of Wreaths at Polk History Center Nov. 7 through Dec. 12

    Updated Nov 13, 2019

    The Polk County History Center kicks off its annual Festival of Wreaths from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7 with music and a visit from Santa and his elf, who will pose for selfies with attendees. The wreaths will be on display and up for silent auction until Dec. 12 during regular 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. hours of the history center, located at 100 E. Main St. in Bartow. Various businesses and organizations decorate and donate the wreaths. Opening night will include a performance from...

  • Two Lake Wales Men Arrested for Child Pornography

    Updated Nov 13, 2019

    Two Lake Wales men were among 17 arrested by the Polk County Sheriff's office Nov. 4 as part of a month-long special operation to identify people who possessed and shared child pornography. Undercover detectives from the sheriff's Computer Crimes Unit carried out the operation, called "Guardians of Innocence IV: Fall Haul." "The people arrested during this operation prey on the most innocent and vulnerable among us---our children," said Sheriff Grady Judd. "The undercover...

  • Florida Poly Professor and Wife Donate $100,000 to Endow Scholarships

    Updated Nov 13, 2019

    Dr. Muhammad Rashid knows from experience what a difference education can mean in a person's life. As a first-generation college graduate, he sees his own struggles and concerns reflected in many of the students he encounters at Florida Polytechnic University, where he is professor and chair of the electrical and computer engineering department. That's why he and his wife decided to make a $100,000 gift to the University to create the Drs. Muhammad H. and Fatema Rashid Future...

  • McLaughlin in Transition, Shooting for Improved School Grade

    Chevon T. Baccus APR, Executive Editor|Updated Nov 13, 2019

    The stakes are high, but the leaders are optimistic. Unless McLaughlin Middle & Fine Art Academy raises its state grade this year the school faces the possibility of being closed, turned charter or run by a private company. Co-Principals Sharon Chipman and Debra Wright-Hudson are reaching out to the greater Lake Wales community to share their goals for improvement and to ask for help. The school on Nov. 5 hosted its first Community Assessment Team meeting of the year, sharing...

  • Sonya Frantz, 1963-2019

    Updated Nov 13, 2019

    Sonya Lee Frantz, 56, went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019, She was born August 8, 1963 in Lake Wales, the daughter of the late Robert L. Meeks and Elaine Wingate. Sonya retired from the Polk County School Board in 2018. She enjoyed bowling, crocheting, painting and playing bingo with her many friends. She will always be remembered for her kindness of the underprivileged and will be missed dearly. She is survived by two daughters Cara Lee Frantz of Port Huron, MI, Cassie Lynn Frantz of Clyde, MI,...

  • City Growth Keeps Development Office Busy

    Chevon T. Baccus APR, Executive Editor|Updated Nov 6, 2019

    Recognizing her increased responsibilities in development services as the City of Lake Wales experiences a growth spurt, Kathy Bangley recently was promoted to assistant city manager for planning and economic development. Bangley's promotion carries with it an annual salary of $98,000, a pay increase of 10 percent over what she was making in July. Bangley's office has been extremely busy working with numerous developers planning new restaurants, retail establishments and...

  • Sheriff's Office Hosts Free Active Assailant Training Nov. 12

    Updated Nov 6, 2019

    The Polk County Sheriff's office is holding a free "Surviving an Active Assailant" training to help prepare citizens for a horrific event. The training will be from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12 at the sheriff's Operations Center, 1891 Jim Keene Blvd, Winter Haven. Conducted by highly trained PCSO law enforcement professionals, the training is designed for churches, businesses or individuals to help prepare citizens for a possible active assailant event. Participants will learn...

  • Polk County Public Schools and Educator Union Reach Tentative Agreement

    Polk County Schools|Updated Nov 6, 2019

    Polk County Public Schools and the Polk Education Association have reached tentative salary and contract agreements for the 2019-20 school year. "I am grateful that the district and union were able to work together to stabilize our 2020 calendar year health plan," said Superintendent Jacqueline Byrd. "This year, a major focus was making sure employee costs for the plan did not rise. We were able to accomplish this. There are no increases to premiums, co-pays or deductibles...

  • Polk State Opens Enrollment for January Classes

    Updated Nov 6, 2019

    Enrollment is open at Polk State College for the spring 2020 semester that starts January 6. Currently enrolled students may register for classes through PASSPORT. Prospective students must submit a free online application at www.polk.edu/admission-aid. Information on how to complete online orientation and register for classes is included in email communication after the application process, as well as online at www.polk.edu/admission-aid/admissionsteps. Students will also...

  • Green and Gold Foundation Honors Gladys Howell for Service to Community

    Chevon T. Baccus APR, Executive Editor|Updated Nov 6, 2019

    The Green and Gold Foundation Nov. 2 honored retired school teacher Gladys Howell for her dedication and contributions to the Lake Wales community. Howell was surprised with a tribute at the foundation's gala, which raised funds for the B Street Community Center. Howell and her school teacher husband, Robert, moved their family to Lake Wales in 1964. She started her local career at Roosevelt High School and then taught at Polk Avenue Elementary, retiring in 1992. She earned...

  • Lake Wales Library Eliminates Overdue Fines

    Tina Peak, Contributing Writer|Updated Nov 6, 2019

    We get it. Life can get in the way, and library materials are suddenly overdue, with fines building. Beginning Nov. 1 the Lake Wales Public Library no longer charges daily overdue fines on their materials. Existing overdue fines will be removed from Lake Wales' materials. The library's goal is to provide full access to their books, movies, magazines, electronic resources and services without undue financial hardships to valued customers. Recognizing the financial barriers...

  • Burglary Suspect Found Inside Convenience Store After Tripping Alarm

    Updated Nov 6, 2019

    Responding to a burglar alarm at 5:20 a.m. Nov. 5, Lake Wales Police arrested a man found inside a convenience store. Police said when they arrived at QP Convenience store at 704 N. Scenic Hwy. they found the front window smashed. Officers surrounded the building and discovered the suspect wearing all black clothing and a black mask hiding behind the counter, apparently attempting to conceal himself from officers. Police later identified the man as Shamar Sheldon Scott, 22,...

  • Meet Attorney Tonya Stewart, a Compassionate Advocate

    Drew Truitt, Associate Editor|Updated Oct 30, 2019

    Lake Wales is home to attorney Flora "Tonya" Stewart where she lives with her husband, Sam, and three children ages 3, 8 and 10. But she works here, too, and operates Tonya Stewart Law, P.A. from an office located at her 1924 downtown building purchased in 2017 at 229 E. Park Ave. in Lake Wales. She also has an office in West Polk County at 1102 Florida Ave. S., Lakeland. Her phone number is 863-279-4473. Why use Stewart and her law firm? She says she is a "compassionate...

Page Down

Rendered 07/12/2025 04:24