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Farmers helping farmers find a return on their truck investment is how AgPack® was born. Now, 10 years later, AgPack benefits to farmers can quickly add up to over $30,000* in real operational savings. Three Low Payment King dealerships recently renewed their eligibility in the Certified Ag Dealer Program (CAD) allowing them to continue offering AgPack to their farm customers.
Now, accessibility to AgPack for farmers in Central Florida is being maintained. This nationwide program will continue to be available at three Low Payment King dealerships-Lake Wales Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Winter Haven and Posner Park Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT which had previously completed stringent training when they become an official CAD. That training helps them better understand the specific demands ranchers, farmers and growers have of their farm vehicles. “While trucks are a critical tool on the farm, the bottom line for farmers is also critical,” noted Ralph Mahalak, one of the owners of the Mahalak Auto Group. “Being able to provide our customers with access to AgPack through a new or used vehicle is game changing. We can help the agriculture buyer save thousands of dollars in their daily operations through the AgPack exclusive rebates and discounts on products and services from some of agriculture’s leading brands.”
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 The City of Winter Haven is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael "MJ" Carnevale as the new Deputy City Manager. After a nationwide search launched in April 2023 attracted more than 70 highly qualified applicants, Carnevale was selected for his relentless dedication to this community, innovative leadership strategies, and ability to keep pace with the City's growth and improvement efforts.
City Manager T. Michael Stavres elaborated on the decision, stating, "The role of Deputy City Manager requires a dynamic, highly organized individual adept at managing multiple projects and fostering cooperative relationships across departments, partners, and constituents. MJ has proven himself capable of doing the job over the time he's been with the City. He has demonstrated professional excellence in navigating complex capital projects, providing proactive problem-solving solutions, and communicating effectively with the public and various community groups. Additionally, his engagement with important diversity and inclusivity efforts and his passion to make Winter Haven the best it can be are outstanding." Carnevale’s 11-year tenure with the city, and his current role as the Public Works Director, have equipped him with a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of Winter Haven's operations and infrastructure. With an impressive background in natural resources and public works and a track record of successful cross-departmental collaboration, Carnevale brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to his new role. Throughout his tenure as Public Works Director, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, working closely with various departments across the City. He has been instrumental in spearheading numerous community initiatives and has played a key role in advancing projects that enhance the city's infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and overall livability. Carnevale has been instrumental in numerous community outreach programs, including last year's launch of CityU and the Access Winter Haven mobile app. Since 2017, he has played a key leadership role in post-emergency response efforts associated with hurricane debris management and roadway operations. He is also actively involved in multiple professional organizations and is a regular speaker at local and industry events. Carnevale’s collaborative approach, innovative problem-solving skills, and dedication to public service make him a valuable asset to Winter Haven as he assumes his new responsibilities as Deputy City Manager. With his diverse expertise and passion for excellence, he is poised to make a lasting impact on the City's future, working towards its continued success and prosperity. Beyond his professional achievements, Carnevale's personal investment in the City of Winter Haven is evident. He shared, "I have been a City resident and employee for more than 11 years and have come to love this community. It has truly become a home to my family. My goal is simply to continue building those memories and experiences while doing good for the community. I want to help keep the City in the relentless pursuit of excellence.” The City of Winter Haven is excited for this new chapter with Michael "MJ" Carnevale as the Deputy City Manager.  Main Street Winter Haven has been designated as an Accredited Main Street America™ program for meeting rigorous performance standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of Accredited programs to recognize their exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™.
“We are very proud to acknowledge this year’s 862 Accredited Main Street America programs, and their steadfast dedication to nurture economically and culturally vibrant downtown districts,” said Hannah White, Interim President & CEO of Main Street America. “The increase in the size and impact of our network speaks volumes to the power of the Main Street movement to respond to the needs of local communities and drive innovative solutions.” In 2022, Main Street America programs generated $6.2 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 7,657 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 29,174 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 10,688 historic buildings, and leveraged 1,528,535 volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar that a Main Street program spent to support their operations, it generated $24.07 of new investment back into their downtown communities. Collectively, 2 million people live or work within the boundaries of designated Main Street America districts. An estimated workforce of 1.1 million people contribute their skills and expertise to advancing the missions of these historic downtowns and commercial corridors. Main Street Winter Haven’s performance is annually evaluated by Florida Main Street, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet rigorous national performance standards. To quality for Accreditation status, communities must meet a set of rigorous standards that include commitments to building grassroots revitalization programs, fostering strong public-private partnerships, nurturing economic opportunity for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and actively preserving historic places, spaces, and cultural assets. “This Accreditation acknowledges the impact our program has had on our downtown community. The success of our Main Street program would not be possible without the continued support and commitment of our board of directors, staff, members, countless volunteers, and our downtown businesses” -Wendy Whitehead-Venters, Main Street Winter Haven Chair Discussing estate planning can be a delicate and emotional subject for many families. Rignanese & Associates Law have developed a step-by-step guide on how to have this conversation with your Florida family. Access the guide HERE
 Who wants to go on a no-stress date, and receive unconditional love? Lunch maybe? Or how about a pup-cup? Better yet doggie kisses? SPCA Florida has the perfect solution with the daily Doggie Date Program. The Doggie Date Program allows shelter dogs to interact with faces and spaces outside of the
adoption center and gives the dogs more exposure to potential adopters. Families and students who cannot foster or adopt an animal have an opportunity to interact with a dog and plan a fun, safe adventure for their furry friend. Doggie-Date Time Schedule Pick-up Times* MORNING: 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM AFTERNOON: 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM Drop-off Times* MORNING: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM AFTERNOON: 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM There is a $10 fee per doggie date, however if you become a “frequent dater”, 5 doggie dates -you get 1 date free! Doggie Dates are only available for the kennel dogs, 40 pounds and over. To view available dogs for the Doggie Date Program, please visit https://www.spcaflorida.org/doggiedate SPCA Florida is asking for financial, foster, and adoption support. To help, go online at www.spcaflorida.org and donate, foster or check out our available dogs and cats.  Polk County’s Parks and Natural Resources Division announced that the Marsh Rabbit Run Trail and a portion of the Alligator Alley Trail at Circle B Bar Reserve will be temporarily closed until further notice. Circle B Bar Reserve is a 1,267-acre Polk County and Southwest Florida Water Management District Environmental Land site located on the northwest shores of Lake Hancock in Central Polk County.
The recent trail closings are necessary for the safety of our visitors and resident wildlife. Some trails may be periodically closed on any environmental land site for management and safety reasons. For a location map and additional information on Polk County Environmental lands, visit www.polknature.com. Those interested in obtaining additional information on trail closures should contact Polk County Parks and Natural Resources Division at (863) 668-4673.  The Mahalak Auto Group is hosting their 10th annual ‘18 Aces to Conquer Cancer' golf outing on Wednesday, June 14th at Monroe Golf and Country Club in Monroe, Michigan.
The online Silent Auction will go live on Thursday June 8th at 6 AM and will conclude on Wednesday June 14th at 3 PM. Anyone interested should visit www.YourCharityAuction.com, find Auction, search by name: Karmanos Cancer Institute, and register for the Silent Auction and get in on the fun. “This year we are introducing an online Silent Auction that is open to the public. This auction is packed with great items like tickets to the 2024 Masters Tournament, University of Michigan golf course time, Autographed memorabilia, Michigan International Speedway races, Wrigley Field Experience, trips and so much more!”, said Ralph Mahalak Jr., co-owner of the Mahalak Auto Group. We would like to thank all of our partners for the amazing items that have been contributed to our online auction.”, he added. The annual event has raised over $100,000 for pancreatic cancer research and other related programs. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute for Pancreatic Cancer Research. There will be $31 million dollars’ worth of vehicles to give away at the event. Each year, the event is rotated between venues to be close to one of the seven Low Payment King Mahalak Auto Group dealerships-Winter Haven Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, Lake Wales Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, Posner Park Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM FIAT, Winter Haven Alfa Romeo FIAT, Buckeye Jeep Superstore, LPK Jeep of Defiance & Monroe Dodge Superstore. For more information about 18 Aces to Conquer Cancer visit: www.18AcestoConquerCancer.com Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of 41 Nation Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Supported by thousands of volunteers and financial donors, Karmanos strives to prevent, detect, and eradicate all forms of cancer. For more information, visit www.karmanos.org.  Calling all kitten cuddlers!
Are you looking to relieve stress? Are you needing some kitten kisses? Or are you just needing some snuggles? Then we have the event for you. SPCA Florida in partnership with the Orlando Cat Café, are hosting Kitten Cuddle & Adoption Event on Saturday, June 3 rd from 10:00am-2:00pm at the Orlando Cat Café. There is still availability to schedule an appointment to cuddle with a tiny kitten! For a $15.00 donation, you can cuddle and love on an adorable kitten for 30 minutes. Kittens will be available for adoption at the close of the event at Orlando Cat Café. Orlando Cat Café 532 Cagan Park Ave Clermont, FL 34714 Make your kitten cuddle reservations here  The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1, and the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project team has predicted a “slightly below-normal” Atlantic hurricane season this year.
“Don’t let the words ‘slightly below-normal’ make you think you don’t need to prepare,” said Paul Womble, director of Polk County’s Emergency Management Division. “It only takes one hurricane to bring everything in our community to a halt.” In September 2022, Hurricane Ian hit Polk County with winds of nearly 80 mph and more than a foot of rain, causing widespread power outages and flooding. The storm also was responsible for the deaths of two County residents. Here are a few things you can do now to prepare:
For information on hurricane safety, visit www.polk-county.net/emergency-management or go to Polk County Emergency Management’s social media accounts:
AWESOME family fun meets action-packed entertainment this summer with the premiere of Go Xtreme!, a live-action stunt show, at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort! This ALL-NEW show will have families on the edge of their seats with thrilling, hilarious and extreme stunts from world-class performers. The high-energy experience and more summer offerings will thrill guests select dates May 27-Aug. 6
The stunt show action unfolds on the set of LEGO® City’s favorite TV show “Go Xtreme!”, where Producer Tom, a new character to LEGOLAND Florida Resort, is leading the show’s talent auditions. Families can join in the fun as part of the “live studio audience” while hopeful stunt performers compete for their big break on the show. Skill and agility take center stage with crowd-thrilling stunts by BMX riders, scooter riders, a Cyr wheel artist, an inline skater and a world-record-holding pogo athlete, who’s sure to deliver more than a few laughs. A panel of fun-loving guest judges will determine which extreme stunts make the cut for the newest season of the show. Also NEW this summer, The Rhythm Bricks will bring a unique musical flair across the Theme Park, as a roaming percussion group and interactive instrument experience for families. Pirate Island Pool Parties also return to the Resort nightly with swashbuckling entertainment and fun for all ye buccaneers that keeps the fun coming even after the Theme Park closes. Polk County’s behavioral health and mental wellness funding fiscal year 2022-23 totals $15.8 million. This is a 117% increase over fiscal year 2021-22.
Polk’s behavioral health and mental wellness funding comes from four sources:
The half-cent sales tax funding enables Polk County’s Indigent Health Care services to administer a local healthcare safety net program. Grants from the federal and state governments allow for an expansion of behavioral health services. The opioid dollars, meanwhile, will be spent on opioid abatement, including prevention efforts, treatment and recovery services. Behavioral health and mental wellness services are available a little or no cost for qualified Polk County residents. These services include visits with professional therapists and treatment programs for substance use disorder. For more information, contact Indigent Health Services at 863-533-1111 or visit https://www.polk-county.net/indigent-health-care.  Rise and shine! Mornings this summer will be filled with extra oinks and giggles with the debut of Breakfast with Peppa at the World’s First Peppa Pig Theme Park! This oinktastic NEW experience, available for a limited time Fridays and Saturdays beginning June 9, includes a specially crafted breakfast menu and exclusive time with Peppa Pig.
Breakfast with Peppa will be an immersive breakfast experience, designed with little ones in mind, in Miss Rabbit’s Diner. The morning starts with a preschooler-friendly buffet featuring a selection of delicious breakfast dishes and treats, including waffles with sugar pearls, fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and more. The all-you-care-to-enjoy meal will also feature new favorites for grown-ups, like chicken apple links, plant-based overnight oats, and a signature breakfast sandwich on a freshly baked and deliciously crusty baguette. While enjoying their meal, little ones and their grown-ups will see Peppa and her family for the best tableside hugs and photos. Breakfast with Peppa also includes exclusive early ride time on Daddy Pig’s Roller Coaster, Grampy Rabbit’s Dinosaur Adventure, and playtime on the nearby play areas, all before the Park opens to the public! Breakfast with Peppa is the perfect first character dining experience for little ones. Tickets go on sale today at PeppaPigThemePark.com/Florida. Pricing starts at $34.99 per child (ages 2-9) and $44.99 per adult (ages 10 and up). Guests under 2 are free. Same-day Park admission or a valid Annual Pass for Peppa Pig Theme Park is also required and sold separately. Supervisor of Elections Lori Edwards is hosting information meetings for anyone interested in serving as an election worker. The one-hour meetings will be held:
Attendees will learn how to apply for temporary paid positions, including working at polling sites. Seats are limited, so it is highly recommended for interested applicants to reserve their spot. Attendees should also bring along their valid Florida ID and Social Security card for payroll purposes. Voters who have served as election workers in Polk County in recent years are welcome, but do not need to attend. For more information, contact the Elections Office at (863) 534-5888, or visit PolkElections.gov.
Polk State College will host its 128th commencement with two ceremonies on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. Ceremonies will take place at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., and graduates have been notified of their assigned ceremonies via their my.polk.edu emails. Graduates will receive additional email communication from the RP Funding Center about redeeming their six allotted tickets. Tickets are not needed for graduates or attendees 2 years old or younger.
 Bartow Ford, who recently celebrated its 75th year in business, held its 30th Annual Drive for Excellence by honoring 20 Polk County Junior and Seniors for their academic success on April 22, 2023. Every year, the event offers local students who achieved A’s and B’s the chance to be drawn as a top qualifier for the opportunity to win a new Ford Mustang. Those twenty qualifiers were at Bartow Ford, and each were given the opportunity to draw one of 20 keys from a bucket – but only one of those keys would actually open the beautiful blue 2023 Mustang.
Press Release Provided by: Bartow Ford Bartow Ford, who recently celebrated its 75th year in business, will soon have another reason to celebrate: The local company will hold its 30th Annual Drive for Excellence by honoring 20 Polk County Junior and Seniors for their academic success on April 22, 2023.
The Bartow Ford Drive for Excellence program was established in 1993 by Benny Robles Sr. to encourage excellence in education among Polk County High School students. “I am so proud that we have been able to continue this wonderful program that my father began 30 years ago,” said Bartow Ford President, Benny Robles Jr. “Through community efforts like this and participation at the Polk County Youth Fair, we work hard to support Polk County’s young people.” Harrison School for the Arts is excited to host the Spring Jazz Concert on Friday, April 28 th at 7:00 p.m. in the main theatre. The Harrison Jazz Orchestra will be performing jazz standards from at least four decades of musical history! Come out and hear favorites including Round Midnight, Spain, How High the Moon, My One and Only Love, and many others! Tickets are $12 adults, $9 students/seniors at www.harrisonarts.com. Tickets are for General Seating. Wheelchair seating available upon request at the door Harrison School for the Arts is located at 750 Hollingsworth Rd., Lakeland, FL 33801.
Webber International University hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on April 10th to mark the start of construction of their new Health Sciences Center. The first phase of the Center will be home to the University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), which had already admitted their student cohorts for their programs. The University began planning the state-of-the-art facility in 2019 and now is set to launch the construction with a completion date of August 2023.
Press Release provided by: SPCA Florida Did you know SPCA Florida’s Medical Center is a full-service medical center committed to providing quality veterinary care throughout the life of your personal pet. Performing regular exams, vaccinations, microchipping, spay/neuter surgeries, dental care, X-rays, and more complicated, specialty procedures. We also have an in-house pharmacy to accommodate your pet's needs. In addition, SPCA Florida’s Medical Center offers services to focus on spay and neutering Polk County’s feline population.
 Jake Crews, Chief Executive Officer of Charlotte State Bank & Trust, Crews Bank & Trust, Englewood Bank & Trust and Wauchula State Bank, has announced the four family-owned banks will unify under one brand, Crews Bank & Trust, beginning fall 2023.
“Unifying under Crews Bank & Trust allows us to blend the trust of a local bank with the capabilities of a larger institution,” shared Crews. “We pride ourselves on serving the individuals, families and businesses of Florida by providing premier banking services with a hometown touch just like my great-grandfather did over 90 years ago.” Find a GAZILLION ways to build awesome memories with Annual Passes and vacation savings at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort! Starting today for a limited time, families can buy one Gold or Platinum Annual Pass and get the second Pass 50% off its full price. Here’s a look at the savings:
Buy One Gold or Platinum Annual Pass, Get One 50% OFF! – save up to $149.99
 AdventHealth has been named one of the nation’s “Best Employers for New Grads” by Forbes. 20,000+ young professionals were surveyed on topics including workplace safety, competitive pay, opportunities for advancement, diversity and inclusion and company image. Forbes also recognized AdventHealth as a Best in State overall employer in Florida. Visit JoinAdventHealth.com to apply for open positions.
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