Communication Builds Our Community
Communication Builds Our Community
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The cost of dumping trash and yard waste at the county's only public landfill will rise this year and every year for the next five years following a vote by the Polk County Commission. The new charges will affect solid waste disposal fees at the North Central Landfill, effective Oct.1, 2025. The increase in "tipping fees" follows on the heels of significant increases in the fees assessed for curbside collection in Polk County. The cost of dumping at the landfill will increase...
Childhood vaccination rates have markedly declined across the U.S. since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new Johns Hopkins University study that shows that Polk is among the 78% of more than 2,000 counties reporting drops. The average immunization rate has fallen to 91% — below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity. While existing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data has historically shown broadly declining measles-mumps-rubella vaccination r...
A new three-year collective bargaining agreement between the Polk County Professional Firefighters I.A.F.F., Local 3531 and the Polk County Board of County Commissioners will allow for "significant improvements to employee compensation and scheduling," according to a statement released by the BoCC. In addition to providing fire-response and "advanced life support transport" to all residents unincorporated Polk County, the department provides fire suppression, rescue services...
The Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk) cautions the public of the presence of blue-green algae in Reedy Lake at Frostproof City Pier on June 26, 2025. Water sample testing is underway. Blue-green algae have the potential to produce toxins. Since environmental conditions can change at any time, it is important to exercise caution, even if presence of toxins has not yet been confirmed. Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions: Do...
Polk County residents who wish to address the Board of County Commissioners during board meetings will now have several opportunities to do so, thanks to changes recently enacted by the BoCC. Residents who wish to comment on a listed agenda item will be called during the "Public Comments Concerning Agenda Items" portion of the meeting, while those wishing to speak on a scheduled public hearing item will be invited to do so immediately following the presentation of that item,...
Polk's emergency responders are getting a new tool that may help save lives in the future. Several Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) Battalion Chiefs will begin carrying whole blood on their trucks and have the ability to administer blood transfusions to patients in the field. Blood for the effort will be supplied by OneBlood, which operates a mobile blood-donation bus across Polk County. Polk County Fire Rescue will maintain a ready supply of blood through coordinated exchanges...
Lake Wales' reputation as "A City in a Garden" got a big boost Friday as the newest park in the city's system was dedicated with a new name. Known by residents as "linear park," "library park," "railroad park," and even "James' Park" in recognition of City Manager James Slaton's support of the extensive landscaping project, the attractive spot has been officially named "Oakley Park" in honor of the couple that helped make it a reality. Honorees Lynn and Tommy Oakley were...
An appearance in Lake Wales by US Congressman Scott Franklin at the Lake Wales Arts Center Thursday brought out an audience of attentive Chamber of Commerce members and guests, as well as more than two dozen others who waved signs and flags outside in protest. Franklin, a former Lakeland city commissioner, is a Republican representing Florida’s 18th district, which includes most of Polk County and several counties to the south. He serves on several Congressional committees, i...
The public is invited to participate in a virtual forum beginning at noon this Friday, June 20, to help shape a Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) that will guide the expenditure of transportation funds for the next 25 years. The event is hosted by the Polk Transportation Planning Organization (TPO). The LRTP provides a plan to address the future transportation needs of the county, in accordance with federal requirements and to account for the ever-changing transportation...
An ill-conceived attempt to prevent Polk County Sheriff's deputies from arresting his brother left a West Frostproof man dead and his brother facing sharply-increased charges. According to the Polk County Sheriff's office, Primitivo Garcia, 43, has been charged with 2nd degree felony murder, resisting arrest with violence, resisting arrest without violence, escape, and petit theft, for his role last evening in the death of his brother, Francisco Garcia-Vega. The two brothers...
Polk County's behavioral health team has launched a website to help those seeking mental health and substance use disorder resources in the county. The website features a directory of behavioral health providers in Polk County, blogs from local professionals focusing on relevant health topics, as well as a statistical dashboard and provider accessibility in the county. According to reports from the Florida Department of Health in Polk, in 2022, about 17% of adults (18 years...
Rotary on The Ridge, one of three Rotary Clubs active in Lake Wales, enjoyed a patriotic indoor picnic on June 9, hosting members and guests as they celebrated their achievements and installed officers for the coming year. During the event Sara Irvine was installed as the tenth president of the club. Rotary on The Ridge was established in December 2016 and Irvine is a charter member. She has previously served as vice president and has chaired the club’s annual “Salute to Vet...
Toxic Exposure resulting in adverse health conditions among veterans is a major health crisis in our country. Millions of veterans of the US Armed Forces were exposed for decades to harmful chemicals and substances while on duty or just by being stationed at contaminated military sites. Many of these contaminants and occupational hazards are the silent enemy lurking on military bases in the air, soil, landfills, groundwater, and drinking water. Some examples include air...
Ongoing efforts to restore Lake Wales' reputation as "A City in a Garden" will get another boost on Friday, June 20 as the Parks & Recreation Department will dedicate a new downtown pollinator and sculpture garden. The new installation will enhance the newly-relandscaped "linear park" parallels Cypress Gardens Lane just across from the Lake Wales Public Library. City horticulturist Kevin Polk redesigned the park to include a winding sidewalk that weaves in and around various...
Medical services offered in Lake Wales continue to improve, and this week marked the official opening of a new heart care office, part of the expansion of AdventHealth in Polk County. The new office of Dr. Saiyed Mohib at 1255 SR 60 East marks the first cardiologist at AdventHealth Lake Wales, offering local patients the opportunity to find expert cardiovascular care closer to home. "Our patients no longer need to travel, they can get the services they need right here," Dr. Mo...
The newly-reconstructed block of First Street in front of the iconic Walesbilt Hotel in Lake Wales is being re-landscaped to avoid high long-term costs, according to city officials. Canary Island date palms are being replaced this week by different species that will be hardier. Work is expected to be completed by Thursday. City Horticulturist Kevin Polk made the decision to remove the rows of Canary Island date palms, which have been affected by a disease known as lethal...
An investigation into a report of animal cruelty resulted in five arrests by the Polk County Sheriff's office Sunday. Investigators found seven horses abused but alive, but sadly, one already dead when they arrived at the remote location on Poe Road, north of Canal Road in unincorporated Lake Wales. According to a press release, "PCSO received a tip regarding two horses in a field that appeared to be malnourished. The horses were found by deputies in the following conditions:...
Growth in Polk County continued to record steady, rapid growth year over year in 2024, according to preliminary taxable value figures released by the Polk County Property Appraiser's office. The county had been flagged as one of the nation's fastest growing. The total value of new construction in Polk last year was valued at $2,823,688,596, a $92 million increase over activity in 2023. That brought the county's total valuation to $72,161,387,998. An 8.8 percent jump. The...
The Polk County Parks and Natural Resources Division has received the 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award from the Southwest District of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The award recognizes local governments for their efforts to protect and enhance the region's natural environment. "This recognition is a testament to the hard work, innovation and passion that the Parks and Natural Resources team brings everyday to protect Polk County's water, wildlife and...
Polk County's medically-vulnerable residents should soon find a bit less paperwork standing between them and needed healthcare, thanks to changes being implemented by Polk County's Health and Human Services Division. Going forward, applicants will only be asked to provide one form of proof of residency rather than the two that were previously required.. The change will address the primary obstacle for prospective plan members, which is providing documentation to satisfy proof...
Swimming at Frostproof's popular Lake Clinch beach should be a bit safer if area boaters observe a new law requiring them to stay clear of designated zones on three Polk County lakes. Polk County Board of County Commissioners have approved an ordinance repealing and reinstating the Polk County Waterway Protection Code. Concurrently with this ordinance, the board passed a resolution establishing vessel exclusion zones for designated swim areas in certain areas of Frostproof's...
A street ride on a homemade go-cart on Alturas-Babson Park Cutoff Road (ABC Road) ended in tragedy for two men Saturday night. The Polk County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call around 9:20 p.m. on Saturday, May 24th, about a collision between the cart and a Hyundai Elantra on the Bartwo segment of ABC Road According to traffic homicide investigators, a 33-year-old man who lives in the area was operating the go-cart with a 38-year-old male passenger. As the pair were...
Heart failure patients at AdventHealth Lake Wales are taking control of their health and recovery outside of the hospital, with the help of free health supply kits. This is part of a new program working to address one of the region's most urgent health care challenges: heart failure. The heart care kits are used to monitor patients' progress after they are discharged from the hospital, with both English and Spanish versions being offered. The kits include a weight scale,...
With deep sadness and enduring love, we announce the passing of Jon and Wanda Hoaglin. Jon was born on September 8, 1936 in Hillsboro, Iowa. He passed away on April 21, 2025 in Lake Wales, Florida. Wanda was born on March 25, 1941 in Lakeland, Florida. She passed away on March 2, 2025 in Lake Wales, Florida. Jon and Wanda were devoted educators, beloved parents and grandparents, and lifelong partners. Their journey through life was marked by shared purpose, deep compassion,...
(Note: The following is heavily dependent on, and quotes from, Karen's autobiography she wrote as part of her application to her Music degree program) Karen Esther Annandale Siepman Zarandona "was born June 26, 1961 in the very hot little town of Saldanha Bay on the Western coast of South Africa." Not long afterwards, her parent moved further South to Oudsthoorn and, it was in this area, "the land of the Cango Caves and ostriches," that Karen had her "first childhood...
