Polk County Government Florida

08/27/2026

A soldier’s illustration of Fort Gardiner on the Kissimmee River near Lake Kissimmee. During the Second Seminole War, Colonel Zachary Taylor carved a path from Tampa to Lake Okeechobee that cut through what would become Polk County. Temporary forts were established along the route as supply depots and communications posts, including Fort Gardiner. Visit the Polk County History Center to learn more about the Seminole Wars and the forts established in Polk County.

📍 100 E. Main St., Bartow, FL 33830
📷 Photograph courtesy of the Diary of Lieut. Henry Prince (1836 – 1842), P.K. Yonge Library of Florida History, Special Collections
🌐polkhistorycenter.org

08/27/2026

Need help finding resources in ? Visit www.pcbhr.org to find a directory of local providers, blogs, Polk County statistics and crisis hotlines, as well as resources to support whole-person wellbeing.

08/24/2026

Commissioner Bill Braswell and host Miles Vance visited the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) new K-9 training center to discuss its purpose, the training conducted there, and the meaning behind its name.

08/24/2026

This week on Inside Polk:
✔️ Property Tax Reform Discussion Work Session Recap.
✔️ PCSO K-9 Ace Recognized by Commissioners.
✔️ KPCB 2025-26 CLEAN IT UP Program Results.
✔️ Jerry Rodriguez to Serve as Polk County Building Division Director.
✔️ Commissioners Approve Environmental Land Purchase.

08/21/2026

ℹ️🔥Prescribed Burn Alert
If you see smoke, near Circle B Bar Reserve, don't be alarmed. Polk County Parks and Natural Resources staff plan to conduct a 25-acre prescribed burn today on the south side of Circle B Bar Reserve, located at 4399 Winter Lake Road in Lakeland. As a result, Eagle Roost Trail will be closed to the public Friday, Aug. 21.



Learn more:

Parks and Natural Resources Staff Conduct 25-Acre Prescribed Burn at Circle B Bar Reserve Published: August 21, 2026 Bartow, Fla. (Aug. 21, 2026) – Polk County Parks and Natural Resources staff plan to conduct a 25-acre prescribed burn today on the south side of Circle B Bar Reserve, located at 43...

08/21/2026

The Polk County Board of County Commissioners approved an agreement with Richard E. Wheeler, Jr. on Aug. 18, for the acquisition of approximately 80 acres along the north side of Masterpiece Road and west of Timberland Road in Lake Wales.

The property was previously reviewed, evaluated and approved by the Polk County Conservation Land Acquisition Selection Advisory Committee (CLASAC) in July 2025 as part of Polk County’s continued efforts to expand, restore and preserve environmental lands corridors.

The total cost for the agreement is not expected to exceed $3.6 million.
To learn more, visit: https://reflect-polk.cablecast.tv/show/7802

08/20/2026

This image shows a Future Farmers of America (FFA) tractor driving competition in 1974, when Fort Meade High School student David Bigsby brought home the pennant at the area competition. FFA brings agricultural education to life by providing opportunities for members to develop their skills and gain valuable work experience, sometimes through friendly competition. Visit to learn more about opportunities for students of all ages.

📍 100 E. Main St., Bartow, FL 33830
📷 Photograph courtesy of the Polk County History Center Collection
🌐polkhistorycenter.org

08/20/2026

On Tuesday, Aug. 18, Katie Hayes, Executive Director of Keep Polk County Beautiful, Inc., presented commissioners with an overview of the program’s Fiscal Year 2025-2026 community clean-up projects.

Throughout Fiscal Year 2025-2026, Keep Polk County Beautiful, Inc. hosted eight ‘Clean it Up to Green it Up’ events to promote the program’s mission and to combat the illegal dumping of waste throughout the county. The eight events resulted in the collection of 529,620 pounds of garbage and 11,951 tires.

For more information about Keep Polk County Beautiful, Inc., visit Keep Polk County Beautiful, Inc..

08/20/2026

After more than 13 years of service, Polk County’s Stormwater Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) has completed its work.

Established in 2013, STAC provided guidance to the Board of County Commissioners on stormwater projects and the use of funds to address water quality concerns caused by stormwater runoff.

During the Aug. 18 board meeting, committee Chairman Dave Carter, P.E., provided an update on STAC’s work before commissioners approved a resolution dissolving the committee.
The decision comes as Polk County’s stormwater program moves into a new phase focused on implementing water quality improvements across the county. County staff are actively working on projects involving Lake Gwyn, Lake Annie, Simmers-Young Park, Peace Creek Canal, Lake Lulu and other areas.

STAC’s five volunteer members have served since 2013, providing guidance to the board on stormwater projects and the use of funds to address water quality concerns.

With the committee’s advisory mission complete, Polk County staff will continue implementing stormwater and water quality improvement projects across the county.

08/19/2026

Polk County Fire Rescue has lost one of their own in a line of duty death. Volunteer Chaplain Hector Cruz passed away due to injuries sustained during a car crash in the Eagle Lake area Wednesday. The crash occurred while he was traveling between PCFR stations to check on crews.

Read the full release: https://www.polkfl.gov/news/polk-county-fire-rescue-volunteer-chaplain-dies-in-line-of-duty-car-crash/