Polk County

Board/Staff Agenda Review Meeting

2009 Regional Transportation Forum

Defensive Driving Class

All students must have their Florida drivers' license with them to take the class.  For more information, contact Bob Chase at 534-5281

Gateway Selected Area Study Public Workshop

Agenda will include discussion of the Existing Conditions Report. For more info contact Thado Hays 534-6093.

ESOL Classes

Free ESOL Classes to anyone wanting to learn conversational English in a structured classroom setting with a certified instructor. Manuals and materials will be provided for use during class.

*This class runs concurrently with the Polk County School Board school year calendar, and there will be no classes offered during the student summer holiday.

For more information, contact the Eloise Resource Center at (863) 298 - 4485 or eloiseresourcecenter@polk-county.net.

BoCC Board Meeting

Steps to Starting a Small Business

Cost $35; Class will be held in Room LLC-2124; To register for a class, please contact (863) 667-7913 or visit http://www.polksbdc.org.

ESOL Classes

Free ESOL Classes to anyone wanting to learn conversational English in a structured classroom setting with a certified instructor. Manuals and materials will be provided for use during class.

For more information, contact the Eloise Resource Center at (863) 298 - 4485 or eloiseresourcecenter@polk-county.net.

Sustainable Polk-Growth Management Initiatives Workshop

The proposed Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) based amendments to the Comprehensive Plan will be discussed.

39 Miles of Great Yard Sales Along Ridge Scenic Highway

(Bartow,FL October 21, 2009) The Ridge Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity is sponsoring the “39 Miles of Great Yard Sales,” throughout six different municipalities along State Road 17 Ridge Scenic Highway on Saturday, November 7^th from 7am to 2pm.

The six different locations and contacts for those sales are as follows:

»  Lake Hamilton: 519 Smith Avenue (contact-Marlene Wagner (863) 438-0023)

»  Dundee: Community Center, 603 E. Main Street (contact (863) 419-3121)

»  Lake Wales: Trail Welcome Center, 450 N. Scenic Highway (Elianna  (863) 678-4209)

»  Lake of the hills: community club, 47 East starr avenue (off of SR 17)    

             (Johanna  Buscher (863) 676-4854)

» Babson park: Across from WEbber Int’l university, 1050 N scenic Highway  

            (Susan Welborn (83)638-7308)

 »  Frostproof: Downtown C street South to Wall Street(Wes Wise (863) 528-8265)

To download a copy of the Yard Sale flyer, go to www.polktpo.com. For more information contact Susan Welborn at (863) 638-7308.  

Backyard Gardener Festival & Plant Sale

The Polk County Master Gardeners present the Backyard Gardener Festival & Plant Sale. Gardening workshops, displays, free literature and information, soil testing, plant sale, rain barrels sale, melaleuca mulch sale, and much more! Call (863) 519-8677 for more information.

Veterans Day Ceremony

A new monument to Veterans Organizations will be unveiled.  The keynote speaker will be Norb Ryan, Admiral, U. S. Navy, Retired. Please visit www.polkveteranscouncil.org/veteransday.html for more information about the parade and other events.

For those unable to attend, we'll start streaming the events live on the internet at 9:45 a.m.  Please use this link to watch the festivities online: http//www.ustream.tv/channel/polk-veterans-council

Veterans Day Parade

Please visit www.polkveteranscouncil.org/veteransday.html for more information about the parade and other events.

For those unable to attend, we'll start streaming the events live on the internet at 9:45 a.m.  Please use this link to watch the festivities online: http//www.ustream.tv/channel/polk-veterans-council

Veterans Day Patriotic Festival

The Patriotic Festival will have displays and events for all ages.  Please visit www.polkveteranscouncil.org/veteransday.html for more information about the parade and other events.

For those unable to attend, we'll start streaming the events live on the internet at 9:45 a.m.  Please use this link to watch the festivities online: http//www.ustream.tv/channel/polk-veterans-council

Veterans Day Celebration

For more information, contact: Justin Laferriere at (863) 420-2586 or Justin@visitcentralflorida.org

Discovery Kids Activity - Among the Trees

For kids aged 2 - 10 years of age, join us for an exciting hour of story, activity and craft as we explore what is growing around Circle B, parents are asked to attend with their children.

Polk’s Nature Discovery Center located in the Circle B Bar Reserve 4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 

For more information, call 863-668-4673.

Veterans Day Celebration

For more information, contact: Justin Laferriere at (863) 420-2586 or Justin@visitcentralflorida.org

Selection Committee Meeting

Selection Committee for RFP 10-002-CAR, Banking Services

Florida-Friendly Plant Selection for Polk County Yards

This event will be at the Circle Bar B Reserve, Polk's Nature Discovery Center on Winter Lake Road in Lakeland. What plants should you use in your Polk County yard? Learn the nine principles of Florida Yards & Neighborhoods and the appropriate plants to use in Polk County yards. This workshop is free of charge and will help you start landscaping your way to a Florida-friendly yard! Call (863) 519-8677 ext 121 to register, or register online by email to AnneAnne@ufl.edu You will not receive a confirmation of your registration.

Planning Commission Work Session

The County Commission Boardroom is located within the Neil Combee Administration Building, 330 W. Church St., Bartow. 

Lakeland Area Mass Transit District Meeting

Selection Committee Meeting

Selection Committee for RFP 09-094-CJC, Equipment and Vehicle Maintenance and Asset Management.

Value Adjustment Board Hearings

Planning Commission Meeting

The County Commission Boardroom is located within the Neil Combee Administration Building, 330 W. Church St., Bartow.

Veterans Day Celebration

For more information, contact: Justin Laferriere at (863) 420-2586 or Justin@visitcentralflorida.org

Bartow Leadership Roundtable and Lunch

Building the Ultimate Business Plan I

Cost $35; Class will be held in Room LLC-2124; To register for a class, please contact (863) 667-7913 or visit http://www.polksbdc.org.

Charter Review Commission Meeting

The County Commission Boardroom is located within the Neil Combee Administration Building, 330 W. Church St., Bartow. 

Skyview Utilities Public Meeting

Hosted by Lakeland Water Utilities and Polk County Utilities.  The public hearing will be held in the Martin Power Center.

ESOL Classes

Free ESOL Classes to anyone wanting to learn conversational English in a structured classroom setting with a certified instructor. Manuals and materials will be provided for use during class.

*This class runs concurrently with the Polk County School Board school year calendar, and there will be no classes offered during the student summer holiday.

For more information, contact the Eloise Resource Center at (863) 298 - 4485 or eloiseresourcecenter@polk-county.net.

Veterans Day Holiday

The offices of the Board of County Commissioners will be closed in observance of Veterans Day.

Veterans Day Celebration

For more information, contact: Justin Laferriere at (863) 420-2586 or Justin@visitcentralflorida.org

Development Review Committee Meeting

The Growth Management Division is located within the Neil Combee Administration Building, 330 W. Church St., Bartow. 

TDC Marketing and Sports & Special Events Meeting

Safety Committee Meeting

The Polk County Safety Committee will meet on November 12, at 1:30 P.M. The location of the meeting is room 413 of the Neil Combee Administration Building. Our scheduled guest presenter is County Manager Mike Herr. 

The meeting is open in nature; all interested parties are invited to attend. 

Burt McKee, Safety/Regulatory Manager

Polk County BOCC

Water Policy Advisory Committee Meeting

The meeting will be held in the Conference Room.

ESOL Classes

Free ESOL Classes to anyone wanting to learn conversational English in a structured classroom setting with a certified instructor. Manuals and materials will be provided for use during class.

For more information, contact the Eloise Resource Center at (863) 298 - 4485 or eloiseresourcecenter@polk-county.net.

Sierra Club - Connect to your Environment

Join Polk County Environmental Lands Tabitha Biehl-Gabbard for an update on Polk Environmental Lands which includes management of Circle B Bar Reserve and upcoming activities at Polk's Nature Discovery Center.  See how staff and volunteers are providing opportunities for students and the visiting public to connect to Polk County's water and natural resources.

Polk’s Nature Discovery Center located in the Circle B Bar Reserve 4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 

For more information, call 863-668-4673.

Board/Staff Agenda Review Meeting

Tools of the Trade: Free Workshop for Afterschool Program Staff

Training program, without charge, for any Polk County-based afterschool provider will be held at the Cooperative Extension Office, 1702 Hwy 17 So, Bartow. The training is especially valuable for sites serving children and youth in grades 3-12. Includes snacks and lunch. Call 863-519-8677 (ext 110 or 113) for more information and to register.

West Central FL MPO CCC Board Meeting

Birding Guided Hike

This hike offers a chance for a look at the seasonally changing birds and migrants that visit Circle B each year.  The hike is designed for beginning and intermediate bird watchers.

Polk’s Nature Discovery Center located in the Circle B Bar Reserve 4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 

For more information, call 863-668-4673.

Birding 101

Learn about bird identification and how to practice the fastest growing sport in the United States.  The workshop is designed for beginning and intermediate bird watchers.

Class will be held in the Classroom

Space is limited; sign up at the reception desk of Polk’s Nature Discovery Center located in the Circle B Bar Reserve 4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 

For more information, call 863-668-4673.

CERT Annual Business Meeting/Luncheon

Opening ceremony begins at 11:00 a.m. The Skywarn Class Business Meeting begins at 12:00 p.m. followed by the luncheon. 

***Please call Lt. Nancy Gutierrez at (863) 519-8544 to RSVP by November 6th. 

Bird Photography Workshop

Learn techniques and details on capturing bird photos in a professional and affordable way.  Topics include equipment, basic setup & lens handling techniques. 

Class will be located in the classroom

Space is limited; sign up at the reception desk of Polk’s Nature Discovery Center located in the Circle B Bar Reserve 4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 

For more information, call 863-668-4673.

Lake Hamilton Station Dedication

The event will begin at 3:00 p.m. with a dedication ceremony followed by a spaghetti dinner at 4:00 p.m. hosted by Lake Hamilton's Women Group (tickets available in advance by calling the Lake Hamilton City Hall).

Activities will include the Fire Safety house, the bounce house, EMBER the clown and much more.  Station tours will also be provided. 

Lake Hamilton Fire Station Dedication and Open House

Residents are encouraged to bring their family out to tour the new station.

Movie in the Park in Loughman, now showing: UP

Polk County Parks & Recreation presents "Movie in the Park". Free admission, and free popcorn. Concessions (hot dogs, etc) and drinks will be sold by the North East Polk Soccer League.

Now showing: UP (rated PG). Bring a blankets or chairs to sit on, and insect repellent! There will be a DVD giveaway, so fill out a response card and give us feedback!

For more information, contact Parks & Recreation at (863) 534 - 6911 or jenniferwilson@polk-county.net.

This event is sponsored by Folsom Construction.

Nature Tour (Tram Tour)

Requires Sign Up.  Tour the Banana Creek Marsh with guides who will point out plants, birds and history of the property. 

Space is limited; sign up at the reception desk of Polk’s Nature Discovery Center located in the Circle B Bar Reserve 4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 

For more information, call 863-668-4673.

Sunset Nature Tour (Tram Tour)

Requires Sign Up.  See Circle B as the lights go out.  Tour guides who will point out plants, birds and history of the property as we travel through the marsh. 

Space is limited; sign up at the reception desk of Polk’s Nature Discovery Center located in the Circle B Bar Reserve 4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 

For more information, call 863-668-4673.

Central Florida Development Council (CFDC) Board Meeting

The meeting will be held in the Community Room, Third Floor.

Public Safety Coordinating Council Meeting

The Commissioners' Conference Room is located within the Neil Combee Administration Building, 330 W. Church St., Bartow. 

Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board Meeting

BoCC Board Meeting

Nature Tots - Seeds

Pre-registration is required. Each program is limited to 10 children.
For ages 2-4 with parent or guardian.

Nature Tots programs will provide hands-on nature adventures in which young children (ages 2 to 4 years) and their grownups explore basic ecology ideas while connecting with nature. Through imaginative play, stories, art, song, movement, and of course, up close examination of the natural world, participants will get to know more about the nature theme of the day and the world around them.  Each program will be a focused, age-appropriate study and celebration of the wonderful things observed in nature. Adults will be expected to stay with their children to assist with hands-on activities.

Event will be located in the Orientation Theater

Space is limited; sign up at the reception desk of Polk’s Nature Discovery Center located in the Circle B Bar Reserve 4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 

For more information, call 863-668-4673.

Building the Ultimate Business Plan II

Cost $35; Class will be held in Room LLC-2124; To register for a class, please contact (863) 667-7913 or visit http://www.polksbdc.org.

Native Plant Society

There will be a Potluck dinner at 6:15 the program starts at
7:00. Native plants will be available with a silent auction.

Event will be located in the Workshop.

Space is limited; sign up at the reception desk of Polk’s Nature Discovery Center located in the Circle B Bar Reserve 4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 

For more information, call 863-668-4673.

ESOL Classes

Free ESOL Classes to anyone wanting to learn conversational English in a structured classroom setting with a certified instructor. Manuals and materials will be provided for use during class.

*This class runs concurrently with the Polk County School Board school year calendar, and there will be no classes offered during the student summer holiday.

For more information, contact the Eloise Resource Center at (863) 298 - 4485 or eloiseresourcecenter@polk-county.net.

Urban Form Focus Group Meeting

Topic for the meeting will be Residential Densities - Manimum and Minimum

For more information contact John Bohde at 534-6473 or by email johnbohde@polk-county.net

This meeting will be broadcast as a webinar on The Ledger website (theledger.com) and residents may send in questions online for the focus group to discuss. The meeting will also be available to watch on PGTV  Channel 33 Comcast, Channel 20 Verizon, and channel 622 on Bright House.

Pesticide License Program

This program is for Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance Pesticide Certification Training. To register or for more information please call David Shibles at (863) 519-8677 or email David at gammatwo@ufl.edu 

Community Open House Sheriff's Northeast Command Facility

Code Enforcement Special Magistrate

ESOL Classes

Free ESOL Classes to anyone wanting to learn conversational English in a structured classroom setting with a certified instructor. Manuals and materials will be provided for use during class.

For more information, contact the Eloise Resource Center at (863) 298 - 4485 or eloiseresourcecenter@polk-county.net.

Citizens Healthcare Oversight Committee

COC Agenda - November 20, 2009 (REVISED) 

Movie, "Division Streets" by Eric Bandick

Sponsored by the Lake Region Audubon Society.

This is not your father’s road trip. Roads and cars have fragmented wild landscapes, ushered in urban sprawl and challenged some of the bedrock values we once took for granted. But as the transportation crisis appears to be spiraling out of control, a new generation of ecologists, engineers, city-planners, and everyday citizens are transforming the future of the American road. From pristine roadless areas to concrete jungles, follow filmmaker Eric Bandick as he tours North America, dodging Yellowstone’s grizzlies and Miami’s taxicabs and highlighting sustainable road projects and wildlife corridors for the 21st century.

Space is limited; sign up at the reception desk of Polk’s Nature Discovery Center located in the Circle B Bar Reserve 4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 

For more information, call 863-668-4673.

Know Where it Flows: Watershed Awareness Month

Watch for us the third Saturday of every month at the Farmer's Curb Market in Downtown Lakeland. Come and buy your local produce and learn something from the City of Lakeland, Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program, UF/IFAS Polk County Extension Service, Master Gardeners, and the Polk County Builder's Association. We will have information on new topics each month and feature free giveaways, literature, and helpful gardening advice. Every curb is a shoreline! This month we will feature information on how you can do your part in protecting and preserving the lakes and ponds in our area. The Master Gardeners will be selling Florida-friendly plants, books, and other items. For more information call (863) 519-8677 and ask to speak to Anne.

Florida-Friendly Gardening

 Learn the principles of Florida-friendly landscaping and how to apply
them to your garden, while saving money and protecting the environment.
Program presented by John King, Jr. horticulturist, educator and landscape designer.

Event will be located in the Workshop

Space is limited; sign up at the reception desk of Polk’s Nature Discovery Center located in the Circle B Bar Reserve 4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 

For more information, call 863-668-4673.

Group Horseback Ride

Bring your horse and enjoy nature out on the Circle B Bar Reserve
trails. Alternate entrance used for trailers and horses one day only please contact 863-534-7377 for more details.

Located at the service entrance.

Polk’s Nature Discovery Center is located in the Circle B Bar Reserve 4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 

Arts, Poetry, and Crafts Festival in South Lakeland

Polk County Parks & Recreation presents the Arts & Poetry Festival at the Medulla Resource Center. Admission is free, some vendors will charge fees for food or items for sale.

Activities include craft vendors, food vendors, live entertainment, and activities for kids. Do your holiday shoppnig early while supporting local vendors at the same time!

Event Flyer (left click to view or right click to save)

For more information, or to be a vendor, contact Parks & Recreation at (863) 393 - 3603 or borisrodriguez@polk-county.net.

Native Americans of Central Florida

An overview of native American cultures in Florida beginning
12,000 years ago. Presented by Kathy Couturier, Cultural Resource Manager/Archaeologist for the Avon Park Air Force Range.

Event will be located in the Workshop

Space is limited; sign up at the reception desk of Polk’s Nature Discovery Center located in the Circle B Bar Reserve 4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 

For more information, call 863-668-4673.

Group Horseback Ride

Bring your horse and enjoy nature out on the Circle B Bar Reserve
trails. Alternate entrance used for trailers and horses one day only.  For more details contact 863-534-7377.

Located at the service entrance

Polk’s Nature Discovery Center located in the Circle B Bar Reserve 4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 

ESOL Classes

Free ESOL Classes to anyone wanting to learn conversational English in a structured classroom setting with a certified instructor. Manuals and materials will be provided for use during class.

*This class runs concurrently with the Polk County School Board school year calendar, and there will be no classes offered during the student summer holiday.

For more information, contact the Eloise Resource Center at (863) 298 - 4485 or eloiseresourcecenter@polk-county.net.

Thanksgiving Holiday

The office of the Board of County Commissioners will be closed in observance of  Thanksgiving Day.

ESOL Classes

Free ESOL Classes to anyone wanting to learn conversational English in a structured classroom setting with a certified instructor. Manuals and materials will be provided for use during class.

For more information, contact the Eloise Resource Center at (863) 298 - 4485 or eloiseresourcecenter@polk-county.net.

Thanksgiving Holiday

The office of the Board of County Commissioners will be closed in observance of  Thanksgiving Day.

Nature Tour (Tram Tour)

Requires sign up. Tour the Banana Creek Marsh with guides who
will point out plants, birds and history of the property.

Space is limited; sign up at the reception desk of Polk’s Nature Discovery Center located in the Circle B Bar Reserve 4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 

For more information, call 863-668-4673.

Florida Reptile Presentation

Discover the wonderful world of Florida reptiles from their
individual characteristics to their importance within the environment.

Event will be located in the Workshop

Space is limited; sign up at the reception desk of Polk’s Nature Discovery Center located in the Circle B Bar Reserve 4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 

For more information, call 863-668-4673.

Macro Photography

Learn to solve a variety of problems that macro photographers
face in the filed, including how to master the light control, the elements and what to do when you forget to pack the macro lens.

Event located in the Workshop

Space is limited; sign up at the reception desk of Polk’s Nature Discovery Center located in the Circle B Bar Reserve 4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 

For more information, call 863-668-4673.