Lakeland Sunrise Rotary Club

09/03/2026

Informative meeting on the education of our next generation this morning at the Lakeland Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting featuring: Superintendent, Frederick Heid - PCSB

Professional Development Chair Dr. Thomas Range provided the introduction for Superintendent Heid. Members and guests were glad to hear Superintendent Heid present an overview of Polk County Public Schools’ $2.2 billion budget, operations, and the fiscal demands on the district, meeting needs which serves more than 100,000 students. Did you know the school buses of Polk County travel more than twice the circumference of the world each day? 🚌🌎

We presented Superintendent Heid with funding support for the B.U.S.S. program, which our club has hosted for more than 16 years, providing Belts, Undergarments, Shoes, and Socks to 26 different Title I elementary schools throughout Lakeland and Mulberry.

Tim S Davis, our Foundation Chair, shared about The Rotary Foundation and the good work we are a part of through our collective efforts around the world, from End Polio Now, to providing safe and clean drinking water to rural communities, to increasing educational opportunities in other parts of the world through our collective EREY Club status.

Be sure to save the date for our upcoming events:

🌟 Next Lakeland Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting featuring: Money Coach Kris
🌟 VISTE Serve Day
🌟 Collective Social & Fundraiser for Learning Resource Center of Polk County LRC — Paint & Pour
🌟 More to come!

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We are the , Rotary District 6890

08/31/2026

We had a great time of fellowship and networking at the Tigers Game Social at the On Deck Suite Experience! 🐯⚾

08/26/2026

Before she was “the Book Lady” to millions of children, Dolly Parton believed every child deserved the chance to fall in love with reading.

Through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, she partnered with Rotary International to expand access to books and support young readers, one story at a time. We were fortunate to have her grace the Rotary stage in 2010. 📚✨

Dolly, thank you for your commitment to literacy and helping bring books and the joy of reading to children around the world.

08/23/2026

Sometimes, all it takes is one connection to lead you to something meaningful. 💙💛

Pick a number. Follow the line. See where it takes you. But beyond the message, let this be a reminder: the same is true when we choose to get involved in our community.

You never know where one invitation, one meeting, one act of service, or one new connection may lead. It could be a friendship, a purpose, or an opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life.

Get involved. Serve others. Make the connection. You may discover that the impact changes you, too.

08/20/2026

Informative meeting this morning at the Lakeland Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting featuring: George Lindsey III - Former Polk County Commissioner! This morning, our club welcomed Jesus Coronado into membership. We believe his vocation, passion for civic engagement, and heart for serving others will make him a valuable addition to our club as we continue increasing our impact throughout our community.

Tim S Davis, our foundation Chair shared about the Rotary International Foundation and the good work we have a part in through the collective work around the world to End Polio Now, provide safe and clean drinking water to rural communities and increase educational opportunities in other parts of the world through our collective EREY club status.

Terry McGee provided the introduction for George Lindsey III. George is a charter member of the club and has exceeded 40 years of service to Rotary alone. He is a pillar in our community through his background in development and his service representing the Lakeland area on the Polk County Board of County Commissioners.

The topic of discussion was the property tax amendment that will be before each of us soon in the upcoming election. Thank you, Terrance, for organizing the program. Thank you to our in-kind sponsor Evolve Entertainment and Productions for the PA system this morning. 🎤

Be sure to save the date for our upcoming:
🌟 Lakeland Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting featuring: Superintendent, Frederick Heid - PCSB
🌟 VISTE Serve Day
🌟 Vibrant Club Workshop
🌟 Tigers Game Social at the On Deck Suite Experience

We are .

We are the , Rotary District 6890

08/19/2026

We look forward to welcoming you tomorrow, at the Lakeland Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting featuring: George Lindsey III - Former Polk County Commissioner.

George is a former Polk County Commissioner, representing District 1, and a charter member of our club.

Topic of Discussion:
Homestead Tax Exemption

Meeting Fee: $15
Includes a breakfast buffet.

We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!

08/12/2026

📸 Service Above Self — and a few memories along the way! 💙💛

The meals may be packed, but the memories from our Fifth Annual Back To School Backpack Meal Packing Party are just getting started as we prepare to deliver these meals.

One of our favorite parts of the evening was seeing our Service Above Self photo frame getting passed around. From Rotarians and volunteers to families, friends, and community partners, it was great to see everyone pause for a picture and celebrate the spirit of service that brought us together. 📸✨

These photos are more than just fun memories — they capture the people who showed up, rolled up their sleeves, and helped pack 6,000 meals into 1,000 meal packs for local elementary students facing food insecurity on the weekends.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this night such a success and to everyone who stepped into the frame! You are what makes so special.

Service Above Self looks good on all of you! ❤️💙💛

08/10/2026

08/08/2026

✨ What an incredible evening! ✨

The meals have been packed, and the pictures are in! The Lakeland Sunrise Rotary Club hosted our Fifth Annual Back To School Backpack Meal Packing Party — and it was a huge success! 🎒

Our members, Preferred Service Sponsors, and community volunteers packed 6,000 meals into 1,000 meal packs filled with shelf-stable items to support elementary students facing food insecurity at home over the weekend. These meal bags will be sent home discreetly on Fridays, ensuring children have food for Saturday and Sunday, in partnership with kidsPACK and Polk County Public Schools.

This sustainable Backpack Meal Packing Party serves as a wraparound addition to our club’s B.U.S.S. program, which stands for Belts, Undergarments, Shoes, and Socks, provided to 27 Title I public elementary schools in Lakeland and Mulberry.

It was inspiring to see so many Rotarians, family members, and friends come together in service to celebrate the start of a new school year while making a direct impact in our community. 💙💛 A big thank you to our Preferred Service Sponsors and presenting sponsor, Geneva Classical Academy, for providing the space! We appreciate everyone who joined in the fun, packed meals, and shared fellowship and sweets.

This is truly the Magic of ! 🌟 We are