SPCA Florida is offering a FREE Vaccine Event on Friday, July 21st , from 8AM-4PM on SPCA Florida campus (5850 Brannen Rd S, Lakeland, FL 33813). Vaccines are FVRCP + Rabies Combo for felines only. Details: - No exam fee. 100% FREE - Cats over 16 weeks old with no previous vaccine reactions and no severe health conditions qualify. - The only vaccine given at the event will be the FVRCP + Rabies combination single vaccine. - The vaccine is FREE, thanks to Greater Good Charities! - Please bring your cat(s) in a cat carrier. - Only one cat per carrier. - Boxes, cages, and traps will not be accepted. - No feral cats. - Owner will stay in the vehicle & fill out the given paperwork. The technician will bring the cat inside the Medical Center where a doctor will vaccinate them. A technician will return the cats to the owner's vehicle. - Please prepare for a wait time as we expect a high volume of patients. - Doctor will determine if the cat is eligible to receive the vaccine based on health status. - Any additional vaccines, services, or treatments will require a separate appointment.
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Press Release Provided by: Winter Haven Hospital For the last 56 years, Winter Haven Hospital’s Center for Behavioral Health (CBH) has been providing outpatient mental health services to the community. The center was established in 1967 as one of the nation’s first comprehensive community mental health centers after President John F. Kennedy passed the Community Mental Health Act. This act and subsequent amendments provided funding and oversight to establish community-based mental health care as an alternative to institutionalization.
Beyonca West Welcomed as Newest Member Of Meals On Wheels of Polk County. Inc.’s Board of Directors7/10/2023 Meals on Wheels (MOW) of Polk
County, Inc. has announced Beyonca West of Haines City as the newest member of its board of directors West, who is employed as Director of Marketing for the City of Davenport, brings a passion for community service and helping people to the MOW board. “I am happy and elated to serve and am ready to pitch in to help wherever I can make an impact,” West said, after being nominated and elected to serve at a recent board meeting. “We are delighted to have Beyonca serving as a director. Her interest in serving people, expertise in marketing and familiarity with the Davenport community will help us immensely as we expand to serve more homebound people in northeast Polk County,” said Remington Brown, president of Meals on Wheels of Polk County, Inc.
The monsters are back! Brick-or-Treat presents Monster Party returns to LEGOLAND® Florida Resort this fall, select Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 16 to Oct. 29. This Halloween spectacular will have families screaming in excitement with more candy, more LEGO® characters and more spell-binding surprises – all included with general park admission and select Annual Passes. Monsters are taking over LEGOLAND Florida Resort again! This year’s party will be more rockin’ than before with new and returning live shows, boo-tastic LEGO décor, and of course, brick-or-treating throughout the Park. Keep an eye out for monster mischief around every corner, plus find more chances for all the little skeletons to boogie with ghoulishly great experiences from the moment you arrive. Press Release Provided by: The City of Winter Haven Last year, 20 citizens made up the inaugural class of CityU as they attended six sessions with City staff to learn all about City government operations. The program is back this year for class two! Winter Haven City University offers a behind-the-scenes look at how our departments provide exceptional customer service throughout our community. Participants will get to peek behind the curtain to learn how decisions are made and how our City operates on a day-to-day basis. Complete with presentations, interactive activities and immersive tours, this six-session class will equip graduates to be ambassadors in the community, advocates in City Hall, and supporters with our legislative delegation. The class will be made up of 20 citizens, five from each quadrant of the City (NE, SE, SW, NW). Preference will be given to residents, business owners, or non-profit leaders within City Limits, and those within the City Utility Service Area are also eligible to apply. The program is designed for adults (18 years and older).
Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Stacy Butterfield was bestowed with three honors at the Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers (FCCC) annual training conference. Clerk Butterfield was awarded the top honor of Clerk of the Year by FCCC President and Martin County Clerk & Comptroller Carolyn Timmann. “Clerk Butterfield can handle just about anything thrown her way,” Clerk Timmann said. “She tirelessly continues to serve others. She expertly led our efforts during this extremely important legislative session as the FCCC legislative chair. It was a big year, and it took a really calm hand at the wheel.” The Clerk of the Year Award is presented to an FCCC member who has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and a commitment to improving the ability of Clerks and Comptrollers to serve Floridians through professional education, legislative action, and public awareness of the office. Clerk Butterfield was also nominated by her fellow peers to Chair the Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation (CCOC). The CCOC was created at the direction of the Florida Legislature to provide professional budget support and workload performance standards for all 67 Clerks of Court to ensure fair and equitable allocation of the available resources needed to sustain court operations across the state. “It is an honor to be elected as the CCOC chair,” Clerk Butterfield said. “The CCOC is a vital component of supporting the critical services clerks provide to their communities. I’ve been involved in the CCOC process since its inception by the legislature. I have also served on many statewide boards, committees, and supreme court workgroups, so I look forward to the opportunity to serve in this position and further strengthen the funding measures that support clerks’ essential services.” Click HERE to read the full article! Main Street Winter Haven invites you on a month long Scavenger Hunt through Downtown Winter Haven. This is a FREE event where families are invited to find the hidden friendly monster murals scattered throughout Downtown. **The grand prize winner will receive four tickets to LEGOLAND® Florida Resort!!** From July 1st through July 31st, participants will be able to search for small murals featuring adorable and friendly monsters that will be carefully hidden around Downtown Winter Haven. Participants can use a smartphone or tablet to scan the QR code next to the monster you find to check in. We encourage participants to upload selfies with the monsters so we can post them on our social media using the hashtag: #mainstreetmonsterswh More info can be found on their Facebook Event Page SPCA Florida is on a mission to find loving homes for lovable large canines and adult felines. All large dogs, 30 pounds or larger, and adult cats, 2 years or older, adoption fee will be $20.23 starting Wednesday, June 21st, through Monday, July 31st. SPCA Florida’s Adoption Center is open to everyone, without an appointment, Monday through Friday 11:00am-6:00pm, Saturday and Sunday 11:00am-5:00pm. Residents can view photos/information about adoptable animals by visiting www.spcaflorida.org All qualified canines and felines are spayed/neutered, microchipped, and up to date on vaccinations. SPCA Florida Campus 5850 Brannen Rd S Lakeland, FL 33813 “We hope that animal lovers will take advantage of this discounted event and consider adopting a loving shelter animal into their home this year,” said Executive Director, Shelley Thayer. For more information on how you can help homeless pets, please call (863) 577-4600. Or go online to www.spcaflorida.org to donate, foster or learn more about our life saving mission. The Florida Department of Transportation invites you to participate in an online Virtual Interactive Workshop for the SunRail Extension Study to Polk County. The workshop will be available 24 hours per day, 7 day per week beginning June 16, 2023, through July 31, 2023. During this time, visit https://SunRailExt.meetsyou.online Please complete the survey at the end of the virtual public workshop. 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.” 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. |
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