The Central Florida Welcome Center will host their Fall Festival “Jack O’Lantern Jubilee” on Saturday, Oct. 29. This FREE, family-friendly event will take place from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. including trick-or-treating, a pumpkin carving contest (see entry details below), a free caricature artist and free face-painter, plus local vendors. Costumes are welcome.
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Press Release provided by: Florida Blue
Flu Season is here! Come visit our local Florida Blue Center flagship locations to get your yearly Flu Shot to protect yourself and those around you. Enjoy food, treats, special giveaways, and a variety of fun fall-themed activities. Plus, when you get your $0 flu shot or other vaccines with Walgreens, you’ll receive a $10.00 Publix gift card*. Insurance cards from any carrier are welcome, but health insurance is not required. In addition, Florida Blue members who get their Personal Health assessment completed on-site will also receive a special gift!* *(While supplies last. Limit 1 per person.) Now through this Sunday, Oct. 9, $20 from every LEGOLAND® Theme Park ticket sold on LEGOLANDFlorida.com will be donated to the American Red Cross to help support Hurricane Ian relief efforts up to a maximum of $100,000. This donation will enable the American Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster.
LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park and Peppa Pig Theme Park reopened on Saturday, Oct. 1 following an incredible clean-up effort by the Resort’s dedicated team of employees and partners. LEGOLAND® Water Park will reopen on Saturday, Oct 8. Two of the Water Park’s slides, the Twin Chasers and Splash Out, will remain temporary closed. Bartow Ford is sending its event plans into high gear with an incredible Country Music concert that will feature Florida’s own Country superstar Michael Ray. Bartow Ford is partnering with 97 Country and The Dallas Bull for the November 5 event, which will be held at the dealership. The event features Special Guest Jon Langston. “We are so excited to bring this entertainment experience to Polk County, at a ticket price that makes it affordable for more people in our community,” said Benny Robles Jr, President of Bartow Ford. “We promise it will be a night to remember.”
East Area Adult School has moved to Ridge Technical College!! We are now located at 7700 SR 544 (Lucerne Park Rd.), Winter Haven, FL 33881. As a Polk County Public School, we are excited to announce class offerings in the Winter Haven and Eastern Polk areas!
East Area Adult School at Ridge Technical College assists adults to prepare to take the GED tests, complete high school credits, and provides English classes for speakers of other languages. We also provide the GED preparation in SPANISH! We strive to encourage adults to advance in their post-secondary education and/or to improve their employability skills. Polk State College’s campuses and centers will close today, Tuesday, at 12 p.m. This includes collegiate high schools and on-campus dual enrollment classes. Online classes will continue through the evening. The College will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday due to Hurricane Ian. This includes all campus operations and online classes. The College’s Emergency Management Team will continue to meet daily to determine if closures need to be modified or extended for the remainder of the week. Updates will be provided on polk.edu and through local and social media.
Polk County Public Schools Will be Closed Due to Hurricane Ian on Tuesday (Sept. 27) and Wednesday (Sept. 28). Public schools in Polk County will be closed on Tuesday (Sept. 27) and Wednesday (Sept. 28) in response to Hurricane Ian. County emergency officials and the National Weather Service have urged PCPS to activate some of our schools that will be serving as storm shelters for those evacuating their homes. County emergency officials will be sharing shelter information with the public as it becomes available.
Polk County Public Schools is issuing the following update from Superintendent Frederick Heid:
PCPS continues to work closely with its partners at Polk County Emergency Management and all county agencies to prepare for any impact to our area. Our top priority is always the safety of our students and employees. The district is carefully monitoring the latest weather forecast. Tropical Depression Nine was upgraded on Saturday (Sept. 24) to Tropical Storm Ian. The forecast as of this afternoon shows this system will likely continue to develop over the next 48 hours, gaining strength and size into a hurricane. Last night we gathered at Nora Mayo Hall to kick off our 2022 Celebrate Winter Haven event! This year, we awarded the 97th Banker's Cup Citizens of the Year, the Small & Large Business of the Year and even introduced a brand new award, The Entrepreneur Award. And, we can't forget, the passing of the gavel from Chamber Chairwoman, Jennifer Fasking to our 2022-2023 Chamber Chairwoman, Dr. Angela Falconetti. It was a fabulous evening to celebrate all of the things happening in Winter Haven and the people who are making it happen. Polk State President Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis on Friday, September 16, 2022, to serve as member of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention State Advisory Group. President Garcia Falconetti will support Secretary Dr. Eric Hall of the Department of Juvenile Justice in the advancement of Florida’s System alongside Advisory Group members. Emily Rogers Consulting + Coaching launches Leadership Essentials On-Demand Micro-learning Series9/14/2022 Emily Rogers Consulting + Coaching announces launch of new on-demand leadership development tool. Leadership Essentials is designed to provide leaders with the most “essential” skills needed to improve their leadership effectiveness and impact. Topics we frequently discuss with our clients are included and useful for all levels of leadership from first-time managers to C-suite executives. A one-year subscription is $129.00 and includes six, 5-minute episodes accessible anytime, anywhere. Each episode includes an engaging audio recording, a downloadable handout, links to supplement resources, and the opportunity to record key takeaways to ensure retention. Leadership Essentials is available now at https://emilyrogers.com/resources/leadership-essentials/ Subscriptions also include access to quarterly bonus episodes and the opportunity to participate in live virtual Leadership Essentials gatherings facilitated by Emily. Emily Rogers Consulting + Coaching exists to help organizations and individuals grow and realize their full potential in purposeful and balanced ways. Bartow Ford Company is hosting a luncheon to honor the heroes of Polk County – local law enforcement. Local law enforcement agents from around the county will be the guests of honor, and they will be served a barbecue lunch from 11 AM to 1 PM on October 6, 2022, at the dealership. While the lunch is for law enforcement personnel only, the public is invited to show their support for the heroes who protect us daily.
Polk State College has announced the return of its on-campus Hispanic Heritage Month festivities which will begin with the Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-Off on September 15 at noon in the Lakeland Technology Building at 3425 Winter Lake Road. The event will feature Polk County Public Schools Superintendent Frederick Heid as keynote speaker as well as food and performances. The event is free and open to the public. Come celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Fire Prevention WeekTM at LEGOLAND Florida Resort when the National Fire Prevention Association presents Heroes Weekend! During this three-day-only special event, families can meet LEGO® Policeman, see the firefighter stilt walkers, help build a LEGO City mosaic, learn the best ways to stay safe and hear how to become a hero too!
Press Release provided by: Tinsley Creative Citizens Bank & Trust held a groundbreaking ceremony August 26 for the Bank’s Plant City office, located on James L. Redman Parkway near Johnson Road. The new site marks the first newly-constructed building outside Polk County in the Bank’s 102-year history. “We are honored to be expanding our commitment to Plant City with a new building in the growing Trapnell area,” said Greg Littleton, President and CEO of Citizens Bank & Trust. Last night we gathered at the Bartow Civic Center to honor the young professionals across Polk County making a difference in their communities. We had the privilege of honoring 21 nominees this year, as well as the 5 recipients of the night. The 2022 Polk Emerging Leaders Awards recipients were Antionette Pollard, Chad Barron, Kevin Albaum, Nick Plott and Lauren Albaum. Before the pitter-patter of little feet came running onto campus for the first day of school, State Farm collaborated with the Garden Grove team, a local plant nursery and Polk County Public School Liaison, Steve Warner, to transform the school's entrance to make a perfect welcome for parents, students and staff. This makes Garden Grove the 6th school to benefit from State Farm's generous heart and collaborative spirit. 30 volunteers from State Farm came out to weed, hedge, plant new plants, spread mulch and clean up the property to make it look brand new. Steve Warner expressed how community oriented these initiatives are, saying, "These projects always feels like when your neighbors from around your neighborhood get together to help you beautify your home." This week, State Farm Corporate donated over 160 backpacks to Wahneta Elementary School with the help of Polk County Public School Liaison, Steve Warner. All State Farm employees in Central Florida were invited to participate by going on Amazon to pick and purchase backpacks for these much deserving students. State Farm's Jennifer Dorris shared with us how proud they are to support local schools in this way. "We are proud to support Wahneta Elementary for State Farm’s third annual back to school drive benefitting Polk County Schools! Our employees love the opportunity to give back to our local community and had so much fun picking out backpacks for the students! We appreciate the partnership and can’t wait to hear how the students like their new gear!" Nilda Caraballo, Principal of Wahneta Elementary expressed her gratitude saying, "Thank you for your support and providing students at Wahneta Elementary with amazing book bags. The smiles you all brought to their faces were priceless. Thanks a million for your generosity!" Last week, 381 teachers showed up for a FREE Teacher Pop-Up Market. Polk County Public School Liaisons, Steve Warner and Betsy Cleveland, collaborated with the leadership team at Freedom Tour to give teachers FREE supplies for their classrooms. Teachers walked away with bags full of classroom decorations, pens, notebooks, hand sanitizer and so much more. While supply drives are popular for our students, it's very rare to see an event that's all about equipping our teachers with the supplies they need to give their students the best year ever. Check out this video to see what a success it was! Press Release Provided By: Polk State College A seasonal staple will return to Polk State College this fall. The College will hold its annual FallFest on Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Upwards of 100 locals, businesses, and College clubs will set up booths all throughout the Winter Haven Campus with exciting, seasonal, and innovative homemade arts, crafts, and products. After a two-year hiatus related to COVID-19, FallFest will be held for the 36th year. The event is free and open to the public with fees from craft booths going to the Polk State College Foundation to benefit the College’s deserving students. The Foundation supports the College’s educational mission in many ways, including establishing scholarships and purchasing equipment for students. “This is an event the community has looked forward to every year,” said Nancy Lozell, Program Manager for The Arts at Polk State. “There’s always such a wide variety of arts, crafts, and things to do.” The event will also feature family-friendly activities such as games, haunted houses, bounce houses, shows, and presentations from local law enforcement and EMS. Polk State College clubs and athletics programs will also participate in the event to raise money for their organizations by hosting different activities and food sales. “The whole campus will be transformed,” Lozell added. “It’s always great fun for the whole family.” There will be live music and other entertainment throughout the day, including Polk State’s Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and the Polk State Choir. Chain O’ Lakes Big Band will also be among the event’s performers. For $60, vendors will be assigned a booth on campus. Limited spots are available inside the Student Center for $70. For business vendors looking to promote their business, the cost is $150. Registration will remain open until Oct. 1. More information, including how to register or volunteer for the event, is available by contacting Lozell at 863.297.1050 or by emailing fallfest@polk.edu. The FallFest office is located in the Polk State Winter Haven Fine Arts Building, room WFA 147A. Press Release Provided By: Legoland Florida The biggest, fun-est (yes, we said it!) party of the year will be even more monstrous this fall at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort when Brick-or-Treat presents Monster Party! Families will be screaming in excitement as they enjoy more candy, more LEGO® characters and more spell-binding surprises than ever before with 12 nights of Halloween fun – each Saturday and Sunday, beginning September 24 through October 30. This Halloween spectacular will bewitch families with amazing NEW experiences, live shows, spooky LEGO® decorations and Monster mischief around every corner – all included with general park admission and select Annual Passes. NEW! Monster Mania IRL and in 4-D! Monsters are taking over LEGOLAND Florida Resort! Enjoy a host of thrilling meet and greets with never-before-seen LEGO® Monster characters, including Zombie Cheerleader, Plant Monster and Tiger Woman. Then, catch these ghoulish characters on the big screen in the ALL-NEW, hauntingly hilarious, 4D movie “The Great Monster Chase” complete with some sneaky special effects. Press Release Provided By: Polk County Public Schools Polk County Public Schools is sharing some important updates on back-to-school topics. The message below (see italics) was emailed to students’ families this afternoon. The information has also been shared on the district’s website (polkschoolsfl.com) and social media. Superintendent Frederick Heid is available tomorrow (Aug. 4) at 1 p.m. for news media seeking comment on these back-to-school topics. He will speak with news media at the school district office, 1915 South Floral Ave. in Bartow. RSVPs are appreciated for planning purposes. News media can RSVP by emailing jason.geary@polk-fl.net. Dear families, It’s hard to believe, but the first day of school is coming up soon on Aug. 10! I hope that you and your loved ones had a great summer break. For our students and families, please know that we missed you, and we’re all excitedly awaiting your return. If you and your child are new to Polk County Public Schools, let me be the first to welcome you. As we get ready to go back into the classroom, I’ve got some important news and information to share. Click on any of the following topics for information: I know this is a rather long update, but I appreciate your patience. We’ve been working hard to get everything ready for classes to resume. We look forward to seeing everyone on Aug. 10! Sincerely, Fred Heid Superintendent Polk County Public Schools Press Release Provided By: Polk County Supervisor of Elections Sample ballots for the upcoming Statewide Primary Election are now available online at PolkElections.gov with the Voter Lookup feature. “Voters are encouraged to study their choices in advance, and bring their sample ballot when they go to vote,” said Supervisor of Elections Lori Edwards. Voters may also request a vote-by-mail ballot or update voter information online.
For more information, visit PolkElections.gov, or call the Elections Office at 863-534-5888. Governor DeSantis Appoints Polk State President Falconetti to Education Commission of the States8/2/2022 Governor Ron DeSantis announced on Friday Polk State College President Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti’s appointment to the Education Commission of the States alongside Florida Department of Education Senior Chancellor Dr. Henry Mack. Falconetti and Mack will represent Governor DeSantis and Florida Department of Education Commissioner Manny Diaz as an extension of the state’s education policy team. Press Release Provided By: Polk County Supervisor of Elections Polk County voters have three easy ways to vote in the August 23rd Statewide Primary Election, according to Supervisor of Elections Lori Edwards.
Early Voting Locations Bartow Polk Street Community Center 1255 Polk Street Davenport Sheriff’s NE District Office 1100 Dunson Rd Haines City Haines City Library 111 N 6th Street Lakeland Simpson Park Community Center 1725 Martin L King Jr Ave Lakeland Polk County Government Center 930 E Parker Street Lake Wales Tourist Club 205 N 5th St Mulberry Mulberry Civic Center 901 NE 5th St Poinciana Poinciana Community Center 397 Marigold Avenue Winter Haven Gil Jones Northeast Polk County Gov. Center 3425 Lake Alfred Road For more information, visit PolkElections.gov or call the Elections Office at (863) 534-5888. |
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