Guide to Polk County

POLKGUIDE TO

SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2011 | WWW.GUIDETOPOLK.COM

BUSINESS | SPORTS | RECREATION | ENTERTAINMENT | HEALTH | RECREATION | ENTERTAINMENT |EDUCATION | EDUCATION | GOVERNMENT |HEALTH | BUSINESS | SPORTS | EDUCATION | HEALTH | BUSINESS | SPORTSENTERTAINMENT | EDUCATION | RECREATION | RECREATION | SPORTS | GOVERNMENT |HEALTH | BUSINESS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | HEALTH | EDUCATION | GOVERNMENT | RECREATION | HEALTH | BUSINESS | SPORTS| BUSINESS | GOVERNMENT | HEALTH | RECREATION | ENTERTAINMENT | BUSINESS | GOVERNMENT

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Recognized by the American Stroke Association as one of the nation’s top rated stroke centers, Winter Haven Hospital’s Stroke Center combines the best physicians and nurses with the latest of research-based protocols and rehabilitation services to provide the best stroke care possible. All backed by the hospital you trust, Winter Haven Hospital. Learn more at www.winterhavenhospital.org.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS UPFRONT

Who We Are 4

ENTERTAINMENTAttractions 6The Arts 7Music 8Theater 10-11Museums 12-15Festivals 15-16

EDUCATIONPolk County School District 18School District Overview 20Private Schools 20Colleges and Universities 22-24

RECREATION AND YOUTH SPORTSPolk’s Parks 29-34Gymnastics 35Basketball 36Soccer 37Football, Tennis 38

GOVERNMENTPolk County Budget 40Municipalities 41-49Polk’s Elected Offi cials 46-47

BACK OF THE BOOKPolk’s Hospitals 49Veterans Services 49Business 50

FOR EXTRA COPIESThe Guide to Polk is a publication of the Ledger Media Group. Extra copies of the March 13, 2011, edition of The Ledger, which includes the Guide to Polk, may be purchased at The Ledger’s offi ce in Lakeland at 300 W. Lime St. or the News Chief offi ce at 455 Sixth St. N.W., Winter Haven. For mail copies, contact The Ledger’s Circulation Department at 863-802-7227.

2010 POPULATION FIGURES While the county has lost population in the past two years because of the economy, the number of county residents has still increased by almost 21 percent since the 2000 census. Actual decennial population figures will not be released by the U.S. Census Bureau until later in the year. The cities of Davenport and Haines City have increased population in the last 10 years by more than 40 percent. PERCENT CITY 2010 2000 EST. CHANGE CHANGEAuburndale 13,894 11,032 2,862 25.9% Bartow 17,397 15,340 2,057 13.4 Davenport 2,768 1,924 844 43.9 Dundee 3,284 2,912 372 12.8 Eagle Lake 2,825 2,496 329 13.2 Fort Meade 5,744 5,691 53 0.1 Frostproof 2,764 2,975 —211 —7.0 Haines City 18,762 13,174 5,588 42.4 Highland Park 248 244 4 1.6 Hillcrest Heights 252 266 —14 —5.2 Lake Alfred 4,632 3,890 742 19.0 Lake Hamilton 1,395 1,304 91 7.0 Lake Wales 13,076 10,194 2,882 28.3 Lakeland 93,967 78,452 15,515 19.8 Mulberry 3,368 3,230 138 4.3 Polk City 1,692 1,516 176 11.6 Winter Haven 34,691 26,487 8,204 30.9 Unincorporated 363,570 302,797 60,773 20.1 Florida 18,771,768 15,982,824 2,788,944 17.5% Polk 584,329 483,924 100,405 20.7%

SOURCES: 2010 Population estimates from the University of Florida's Bureau of Economic and Business Research. 2000 decennial census from the U.S. Census Bureau.

WHO OWNS,AND WHO RENTS THEIR HOME In 2008, Polk home ownership decreased by 0.9 percentage point from 2006, while ownership state-wide decreased 2.6 percentage points during the same period.

POLK CO. FLORIDAUnits 222,239 6,987,647Own 158,662 4,785,064 Percent 71.4% 68.5%

Rent 63,577 2,202,583 Percent 28.6% 31.5%

SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau;2009 American Community Survey

SOURCE:Polk County Supervisor of Elections, January 2011

SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau;2009 American Community Survey

VOTERREGISTRATION

Once a bastion of Democratic Party power, Polk County still has more registered Democrats than Republicans, but there are no Democrats in the County in partisan elective office here. All are Republican.

WHO WE ARE

POVERTY STATUS OF FAMILIESIn 2009, the poverty level in Polk increased for the fourth year in a row.

Above poverty:132,607(86.2%)

Above poverty:4,054,209(89.3%)

Above poverty:67,574,922(89.5%)

SOURCE:

Republican37.8%

Democrat41.2%

Independent/other: 21.0%

Families: 153,607POLK COUNTY

In poverty:21,000 (13.8%)

Families: 4,542,466FLORIDA

In poverty:488,257 (10.7%)

Families: 75,530,746UNITED STATES

In poverty:7,955,824 (10.5%)

TO OUR READERS

Welcome to the 2011 edition of the Guide to Polk, The Ledger’s annual publication about all things Polk County.

In this magazine you will fi nd valuable information on Polk County’s parks, the School District, art galleries, museums, youth sports, area golf courses and ten-nis courts, hospitals, mini-profi les of the county’s 17 municipalities, and charts de-tailing our county, state and federal elected offi cials.

Each year’s Guide is the result of a tremen-dous amount of work by Ledger reporters who diligently double-check facts, telephone numbers and websites. You’ll fi nd the result of much of

that work within these pages. We value your opinion. If you have

thoughts on this section, please feel free to email Assistant Metro Editor Jeff Kline at [email protected] or call him at 863-802-7524.

THE STAFFEDITOR: Jeff Kline PAGE DESIGNER: Betty Williams

COVER DESIGN: John Pitts GRAPHIC ARTISTS: Julia Estrada, John Pitts

POLKGUIDE TO

SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2011 | WWW.GUIDETOPOLK.COM

BUSINESS | SPORTS | RECREATION | ENTERTAINMENT | HEALTH | RECREATION | ENTERTAINMENT |EDUCATION | EDUCATION | GOVERNMENT |HEALTH | BUSINESS | SPORTS | EDUCATION | HEALTH | BUSINESS | SPORTSENTERTAINMENT | EDUCATION | RECREATION | RECREATION | SPORTS | GOVERNMENT |HEALTH | BUSINESS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | HEALTH | EDUCATION | GOVERNMENT | RECREATION | HEALTH | BUSINESS | SPORTS| BUSINESS | GOVERNMENT | HEALTH | RECREATION | ENTERTAINMENT | BUSINESS | GOVERNMENT

Supplemental information for some categories can be found online atwww.guidetopolk.com.

S

LENORE DEVOREManaging Editor, The Ledger


Polk County’s Waste Resource Management Division contracts to collect residential waste for residents living in unincorporated Polk County (outside of city limits).

Garbage will not be collected on the following holidays:

New Years Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. If your collection day falls on a Holiday, your pick up will be delayed by one day. For example, if the holiday falls on Thursday, then Thursday collection service will be provided on Friday.

PLASTICSEmpty and Rinse

Plastic containers marked 1-6, such as:

peanut butter

PAPER MATERIALS

remove liner)

folded and broken down to 3’ by 3’)

GLASS all colors)

ALUMINUM CANSSTEEL CANS

Materials accepted curbside include:

may be brought to

Collection Facility FREE of Charge. The facility is located at the North Central Landfi ll Monday - Friday, 7:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. and Saturday, 7:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. No commercial

It is unlawful to deposit these items at any recycling drop-off location or other unauthorized disposal site.

tubes/fi xtures

Accessories

There’s a New Can in Town!Once Per Week Pick Up. Place ALL Garbage By The Curb On Your Day!

Place ALL garbage inside your new cart.Garbage NOT inside the cart will not be picked up.

Polk County Waste Resource Management Division

10 Environmental Loop, Winter Haven


[ guide to polk | attractions ]

Legoland Newest Addition to Polk’s Attractions LEGOLAND FLORIDA

Legoland Florida, the much-welcomed and much-an-ticipated addition to Polk County’s attractions is due to open this fall at the site of the former Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven.

Last year, when Merlin Entertainments Group CEO Nick Varney announced his plans to bring Legoland to Winter Haven, he said he planned to keep the essence of Cypress Gardens alive by keeping the decades-old botanical gardens, and likely continuing the water-ski shows on Lake Eloise.

Children between the ages of 2 and 12 will feel most at home at Legoland, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be fun for the whole family.

General admission tickets remain available at $65 for adults and $55 for children and seniors, $10 less than the planned regular prices. Standard annual passes are being sold at the reduced price of $99.

For more information, call 877-350-5346. The website is http://fl orida.legoland.com/

BOK TOWER GARDENS

If you’re in need of an escape to a quiet place where you can bond with nature and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, look no further than the Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales.

The National Historic Landmark offers quiet gardens, deep grounds and lush woods perfect for enjoyment and exploration.

At 1 and 3 p.m. daily, a carillon concert is offered. After the live concert, guests can meet the carillonneur.

Visitors can also take a tour of Pinewood Estate, a 20-room Mediterranean-style mansion built in 1929.

The mansion is decorated for Christmas each season. Bok Tower Gardens is at 1151 Tower Blvd., three miles

north of Lake Wales on County Road 17A. It is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day of the year with

last admission at 5 p.m. The Visitor Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

General admission tickets are good for one day only and do not include special ticketed events.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $3 for children ages 5 through 12. Children younger than 5 are free. Group rates are available.

Admission is half off before 9 a.m. Saturdays.For more information, call 863-676-1408 or log onto

the website at boktowergardens.org.

FANTASY OF FLIGHT

When it comes to experiencing the thrill of fl ying, it’s hard to beat the real thing. Fantasy of Flight, the aviation-themed attraction, has more than 40 rare and vintage aircraft on display. These airplanes have been restored to fl yable condition, including a World War II B-26 Ma-rauder, the B-24 Liberator and B-17 Flying Fortress bomb-ers, and the P-51 Mustang fi ghter.

A variety of planes used in movies are on display, in-cluding the 1929 Ford Tri-Motor passenger plane used in “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” and the Nieuport 17 World War I fi ghter featured in 2006 fi lm, “Flyboys.”

Daily aerial demonstrations, weather permitting, are

performed giving visitors a chance to see the aircraft in fl ight.

Fantasy of Flight was founded in 1995 by Kermit Weeks, an aerobatics competitor and aircraft designer, as a way of showcasing the aircraft he had acquired over the years.

Fantasy of Flight is at 1400 Broadway Blvd. S.E., Polk City, just north of Interstate 4 at exit 44.

The attraction is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas. And hours may vary occasionally for special events.

Admission is $28.95 for adults, $26.95 for seniors ages 55 and older, and $14.95 for children ages 6 to 15. Children younger than 6 are admitted free.

Hot-air balloon rides start at $175 per person, with a minimum of two passengers per ride.

Biplane rides are $69.95 per person in the 1929 New Standard or $229 in the 1942 Boeing Stearman PT-17.

For more information, call 863-984-3500 or visit the website at www.fantasyoffl ight.com.

HOMELAND HERITAGE PARK

Homeland Heritage Park may be the closest you can come to time travel in Polk County.

The park, an open expanse housing several buildings dating to the late 19th century, offers a sense of what life was like here before modernity arrived.

The former one-room Homeland School, the oldest pub-lic school building in Polk County, is one of the main attractions. The wood-frame structure, built in 1878, hosts students for demonstrations of a school lesson circa 1880s.

The fi ve-acre park also contains the Old Homeland Methodist Church, which was built in 1887, the formerMethodist parsonage and church annex, the Raulerson House, built in 1880, and the English family’s log cabin and barn, built in 1888.

The park is located at 249 Church Ave. in Homeland. It is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, and byappointment Saturday.

Admission is free.Educational tours are offered on weekdays. Tours for

senior citizens and school children are offered by ap-pointment. Schools can arrange fi eld trips by calling in advance.

For more information regarding fees and available dates, call 863-534-3766 or log onto www.polk-county.net/ and click on parks and recreation.

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT COLLECTION

Frank Lloyd Wright, recognized as one of the premierAmerican architects, visited Lakeland in 1938 at the in-vitation of Ludd Spivey, who was president of Florida Southern College at the time.

Amid the orange groves that were then near Lake Hollingsworth, Wright envisioned buildings rising “out of the ground, into the light and into the sun.”

The collection of buildings, which Wright named Child of the Sun, and the 1½ miles of esplanades con-necting them, bear Wright’s distinctive use of geometric shapes.

The entire project took 20 years to complete, with Wright visiting occasionally to review the work. They are the largest collection of Wright’s work in one location.

The Wright campus was recently placed on the World Monuments Fund’s Watch List of 100 Most Endangered Sites in the world along with other threatened architec-tural wonders such as The Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu and The Taj Mahal.

The Florida Southern College campus borders the north side of Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland, between Lake Hollingsworth Drive and McDonald Street.

The Visitor Center has a permanent display of photo-graphs and furniture designed by Wright and drawings depicting Wright’s relationship with the college.

Guided tours are available. Call for times and prices. Self-guided walking tours are available daily.

For more information, or to schedule tours, call 863-680-4444.

The college’s website, www.fl southern.edu, has a sec-tion devoted to the Wright collection, including an interac-tive virtual tour of the buildings. Click on “About FSC” and then on “Child of the Sun Visitor Center.”

LEDGER FILE PHOTO

BOK TOWER in Lake Wales has long been a place visitors can go to relax and enjoy nature. The attraction features carillon concerts daily and orchestral concerts twice a year.


[ guide to polk | arts ]

Galleries Off er Art Exhibits POLK MUSEUM OF ART

The Polk Museum of Art sponsors an average of six to eight major exhibitions, 12 smaller-sized shows and eight student exhibitions every year. Beginning in April, the museum is bringing in a special pho-tography exhibition, “Annie Leibovitz: Women.”

In addition, the museum hosts live per-formances, lectures, discussions, classes and workshops, as well as other special events held throughout the year.

The art museum has 12,000 square feet of exhibit space in nine galleries and a permanent collection that includes works by Henri Matisse, Marc Chagall, Robert Mapplethorpe, Miriam Schapiro and Ansel Adams.

The Polk Museum of Art is at 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland, where it shares a parking lot with the Lakeland Public Library.

The museum is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Sun-day and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. It is closed Monday. There are reduced hours during the summer.

General admission is $5. Seniors pay $4. Members, students and children age 5 and younger are admitted for free. Everyone is admitted free from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.

For more information, call 863-688-7743 or log on to its website at www.polkmuseumofart.org. The Educa-tion Department can be reached at 863-688-5423 or 863-688-7743, ext. 230.

LAKE WALES ARTS CENTER

The Lake Wales Arts Center is a cultural center that offers everything from live mu-sical performances and art exhibits to a summer program for the children.

Based in one of Polk County’s most dis-tinctive buildings, a renovated, Spanish Mission-style former Catholic church, the center is operated by the nonprofi t Lake Wales Arts Council.

From the center, the council offers a va-riety of art, music and dance classes and instruction for both adults and children during the fall and spring.

The Arts Center is also home for the Lake Wales Chorale. Under the direction of Robert Wilson, the chorale blends more than 70 voices of people who enjoy choral music and sharing their talents with the community.

The Lake Wales Arts Center is at 1099 State Road 60 E. It is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission to the gallery is free.

Special events and live performances have admission charges, which will be announced along with the event.

For more information, including how to volunteer, call 863-676-8426 or log onto www.lakewalesartscouncil.org.

RIDGE ART ASSOCIATION

The Ridge Art Association, one of Polk County’s oldest art organizations, is known also as one of the area’s most cutting-edge art galleries.

The organization showcases local talent, helping artists break into the art scene and giving the public a chance to choose their favorites. The center also offers classes.

The association sponsors the annual Central Park Art Festival, held the third weekend in March.

The Ridge Art Gallery is at 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd. S.W. in Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes Complex.

The gallery is open from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, and one hour before Theatre Winter Haven productions.

Admission is free.For more information about the gal-

lery or information about volunteering, call 863-291-5661 or visit its websitewww.ridgeart.org.

ARTS ON THE PARK

Arts on the Park was established in 1979 in an effort to bring creativity to Lakeland through competitions, shows and special events. The organization showcases local talent, helping artists break into the art scene and giving the public a chance to choose their favorites.

The gallery puts on 10 to 12 shows a year. The upper fl oor of the gallery has been renovated and is rented by members to display their work. The artwork changes frequently.

Arts on the Park is at 115 N. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland. It is open from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Admission is free.For more information, call 863-680-2787

or log onto www.artsonthepark.org.

THE ART COTTAGE

The Art Cottage is located in a yellow house surrounded by a picket fence.

Opened 23 years ago by Velma and Dexter Daniels, the gallery has a collec-tion of about 40 artists who specialize in everything from paintings, stained glass sculptures, jewelry, porcelain crafts, and original note pads and papers.

Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and by appointment. All of the pieces are for sale.

The Art Cottage is at 185 Ave. D N.W., Winter Haven. For information on exhibits, call 863-294-2350.


[ guide to polk | music ]

Take Your Pick: Classical, Popular, Show Tunes IMPERIAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Now in its 45th season, The Imperial Symphony Orchestra is a volunteer or-ganization composed of 90 local mu-sicians, both amateurs and teaching professionals.

It began in 1965 with a group of musi-cians led by Florida Southern College Professor Ken Anderson and Lakeland businessman and educator Jay Erwin. Er-win conducted, calling it Lakeland Civic Symphony.

The orchestra’s season includes a sched-ule of 12 serious, light classical and pops concerts performed around the county under the baton of music director and conductor Mark Thielen.

The symphony’s Masterworks Series forms the heart of its schedule in the Youkey Theatre at The Lakeland Center, 701 W. Lime St. Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.

The next concert in the series is April 12 with “An Evening of Broadway.” Members of Lakeland Community Theatre will be performing with the symphony.

All children and full-time students are admitted free to the Masterworks Series.

An educational program, Tea and Sym-phony, is presented a week before each of the Masterworks Series concerts. The next program is April 5.

The early evening sessions include comments by Thielen, excerpts from the works to be performed, and tea and hors d’oeuvres.

For the 10th year, the orchestra presented “A Night at the Opera,” a fully staged opera with professional singers as a fundraising event in January.

The orchestra has an Outdoor Pops Se-ries, with fall concerts in Lakeland and Winter Haven.

Other events include the popular “Mu-sic & Martinis,” and a Sunday afternoon “Cookie” concert for families.

The cookie concerts and pop concerts are free.

The Imperial Symphony Orchestra con-cludes its season April 30 with the Concert Under the Stars at Bok Tower Gardens. The theme is “Tribute to Our Troops.”

Season ticket packages range from $48 to $180 for adults. Children and full-time students are free.

Maestro’s Circle package for $1,000 in-cludes two gold seats, reserved parking, Tea and Symphony programs and after-concert receptions. Price includes a $500 donation to the symphony.

Single tickets for the concert series range from $20 to $40 for adults.

Admission is included in Maestro’s Circle

and Grand Series packages. Single tickets are $15.

A Night at the Opera tickets are sold separately. Ticket prices range from $20 to $150 for adults and $10 to $50 for full-time students and children 12 and younger.

Advance tickets for Concert Under the Stars at Bok Tower Gardens are priced separately.

For information, call the Impe-rial Symphony Orchestra office at 863-688-3743 or visit the website atwww.imperialsymphony.org.

LAKELAND CONCERT BAND

The 80 musicians in the Lakeland Con-cert Band range in age from teenagers to performers in their 90s.

Local members come not only from Lakeland, but from other Central Florida communities such as Bartow, Dade City, Plant City, Valrico, Winter Haven and Zephyrhills.

Other members are seasonal visitors from several northern states and Canada.

The band is in its 32nd season of per-forming a repertoire that ranges from big band classics and pop standards to Sousa marches, classical scores and show tunes.

The season generally begins in November.

The fi nal performances are today at the Branscomb Auditorium at Florida South-ern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive,

Lakeland, and April 10 at the Youkey The-atre at The Lakeland Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland.

Concerts are at 2:30 p.m. Sundays, with a 1:45 p.m. preshow.

The shows are free, except for a parking charge at The Lakeland Center. Parking is free at Florida Southern College.

Musicians are invited to join the band.Rehearsals are held from 7 to 9 p.m.

Mondays at The Lake Mirror Center, 121 S. Lake St. in Lakeland.

To help raise money for the all-volunteer, nonprofi t band, an offshoot group called The Ambassadors Dance Band performs three fundraising dances each year.

For more information, call 863-660-8428 or see the band’s website atwww.lakelandconcertband.com.

For information on The Ambassadors Dance Band, call Hugh Patterson at 863-686-1312.

OVER 55 SHOW BAND

In 1988, a music professor at Polk Com-munity College, now Polk State College, in Winter Haven wondered whether there were enough senior citizen musicians to start a volunteer band.

The answer, Roger Hewitt found, was a resounding yes.

Now more than 20 years later, the Over 55 Show Band, which he still directs, re-mains popular.

The group of 23 musicians performs big

band standards, modern arrangementsand show tunes, all in the big band style, bycomposers such as Glenn Miller and Tom-my Dorsey, along with newer material.

The Show Band performs 12 shows ayear.

All regular-season performances are at2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays in the FineArts Theatre at Polk State College, 999Ave. H N.E., Winter Haven.

The remaining concerts are April 9 and10 and May 22.

Tickets are $8 each for donations to thePSC Foundation and are available only inadvance from the foundation.

Tickets can be mail ordered by sending acheck to: Cultural Events, Polk State Col-lege, Station 22, 999 Ave. H N.E., WinterHaven, FL 33881.

For a ticket request form or for more in-formation on the Over 55 Show Band, call863-297-1050.

Credit card orders are available byphone.

BARTOW ADULT CONCERT BAND

The Bartow Adult Concert Band pro-vides a venue for experienced, volunteermusicians to perform in a series of popu-lar community concerts throughout theyear.

Many of the band’s 70 musicianshave been playing all their lives, andmost of them are full-time Polk Countyresidents.

Although the band is made up of adultsof all ages, their target audience is the re-tired population around the county, andband members come from all parts of thecounty.

Now in its 20th season, the band per-forms one free concert a month in the Bar-tow Civic Center between November andApril. The civic center is located at 2250S. Floral Ave.,

Upcoming concert sates are March 20,April 17, Nov. 6, Dec. 4., Jan. 15, 2012, Feb.19, 2012 and March 18, 2012 and April 15,2012.

All concerts are performed on Sundaybeginning at 2:30 p.m. Concerts are free.

An exception is the special concert ev-ery July 4 that typically fi lls the 1,000-seatcivic center.

The band performs a wide variety ofmusic, including marches, classics, Lat-in-infl uenced pieces, jazz and Broadwayshow tunes.

Director John DeYoung, a retired PolkCounty high school band director, orga-nized the band in 1990, patterning it aftersimilar concerts in northern states.

For more information, call 863-534-0120.

LEDGER FILE PHOTO (2001)

THE IMPERIAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA has spent 45 years performing classical music throughout Polk County.


THEATRE WINTER HAVEN

Since 1970, Theatre Winter Haven’s mis-sion has been to “nurture cultural growth by providing live theater through presen-tation, participation and training to the community.”

Today, TWH has about eight full-scale productions each year.

The upcoming Main Stage production is “Dearly Departed,” which will be April 14 through May 1.

The theatre’s Summer Mummers Mu-sical, “Evita,” will be performed July 22 through Aug. 7.

TWH’s Theatre Academy productions are “The Sword in the Stone,” which will be presented April 25 through April 27 and “The Secret Garden,” which will be May 18 through May 22.

The academy program includes two main stage plays, two touring shows, a summer musical for youngsters,

StageRead plays,and theater classes and workshops.

StageRead plays, where actors use only a few props while reading from scripts, are also presented. These plays are usually of a serious nature.

StageRead productions this season will be “The Who’s Tommy,” which will be pre-sented March 15 and 16, and “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf,” which will be presented April 5 and 6.

Besides offering many high-caliber performances a year, the theater has put together a senior citizens’ acting troupe called Act IV Players. The elder thespians bring the delights of live theater to other senior citizen in the community for free.

Theatre Winter Haven presents its plays at the Chain of Lakes Complex, 210 Cy-press Gardens Blvd. in Winter Haven.

Show times are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

Single tickets for musicals or nonmusi-

cal productions are $20 for adults and $17 for students. Theatre Academy tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students 17 and younger.

StageRead plays are $10 each or $24 fora series of three.


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[ guide to polk | theater ]

Local Theater Groups Raise The Curtain on Live Shows

ERNST PETERS | THE LEDGER

HAINES CITY COMMUNITY THEATRE presented Neil Simon’s “London Suite” in February. Pictured rehearsing are, from left, David Smith, Dot Monahan and Jack Newton.

[ PLEASE SEE THEATER, 11 ]

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[ guide to polk | theater ]

For more information about shows or to reach the box offi ce, call 863-294-7469 or call the theater offi ce at 863-299-2672.

T h e t h e a t e r ’ s w e b s i t e i swww.theaterwinterhaven.com.

LAKELAND COMMUNITY THEATRE

Lakeland Community Theatre, formerly the Pied Piper Players, has been delighting audiences with productions since 1985.

More than 800 volunteers a year donate their time to keeping the theater strong.

The theater also offers children’s classes.

The 2010-11 season began in September with fi ve main stage shows, two youth shows and a few special productions.

Performances are held at the Lake Mirror Center, 121 S. Lake Ave., but renovations has forced some temporary relocation.

Curtain times are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Select shows are also held at 2 p.m. Saturdays.

Single tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students 18 and younger, and $15 for col-lege students. A college ID is required. Children’s Theatre tickets are $9 for adults and $7 for students 18 and younger.

For box offi ce information and informa-tion about volunteering or trying out for a part, call 863-603-7529.

T h e L a k e l a n d C o m m u -n i t y T h e a t r e ’ s w e b s i t e i s : www.lakelandcommunitytheatre.com.

LAKE WALES LITTLE THEATRE

The Lake Wales Little Theatre offers three adult productions each season that run for three weekends.

The season also includes one children’s production and one teen production. They each run for two weekends.

The Little Theatre gives all its perfor-mances in the former Lake Wales High School band building at 411 N. Third St. in Lake Wales.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays.

Single tickets for adult shows are $14 for adults and $10 for students and children 18 and younger. Ticket prices for next season are subject to change.

Children and teen production tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and children 18 and younger.

For ticket information, call the box offi ce at 863-679-8587.

For other inquiries, call 863-676-1266 or go to www.lwlt.org.

FLORIDA DANCE THEATRE

Florida Dance Theatre is a contemporary ballet and modern dance company and training academy that performs around the county and the entire state.

Its outreach programs include a Summer

Intensive, scholarship programs, and on-and-off-site training programming includ-ing Family Fundamentals.

Florida Dance Theatre’s home is a 4,000-square-foot facility at 305 W. Main St. in downtown Lakeland.

For more information about the com-pany and its performances, call Ar-tistic and Founding Director Carol Erkes at 863-802-0399 or e-mail her atfl [email protected].

T he t heater ’s webs i te i s a twww.fl oridadancetheatre.org.

COMEDY BUFFET

Comedy Buffet, a Polk comedy improvi-sational troupe, dishes out laughter every Friday in at various locations.

The material is appropriate for the whole family.

In addition to regular performances, there are competition shows between performers.

For those who want to sharpen their funny bones, Comedy Buffet also offers Improv Comedy Classes for teens and will likely have classes for adults again.

Ticket prices vary. Call 863-299-5698 for information. The troupe’s website iswww.comedy-buffet.com.

FSC VAGABONDS

Florida Southern College’s student the-ater company, the Vagabonds, stages four productions during the academic year in Buckner Theatre on the college campus.

Florida Southern College is at 111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland.

Reserved tickets for individual perfor-mances are $15 for general admission, free for FSC students and $7.50 for non-FSC students. Group rates are also available.

For more information, call 863-680-4226. To reach the box offi ce, call 863-680-3089.

The troupe’s website is www.fl southern.edu/academics/theatre/vagabonds.htm.

HAINES CITY COMMUNITY THEATRE

The Haines City Community Theatre, which began as a way to raise money for Haines City High School in 1980, now puts on about three productions a year.

The theater’s offerings include dramas, mysteries and comedies.

The Haines City Community Theatre stages its performances at the Clay Cut Center, 801 Ledwith Ave.

Show times vary.A season subscription costs $25. Single

tickets are $10. Tickets for groups of 20 or more are $8 each.

For more information about performanc-es or auditions, call 863-421-1893.

T h e t h e a t e r ’ s w e b s i t e i swww.hainescitytheater.com.

[ CONTINUED FROM 10 ]


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[ guide to polk | museums ]

Museums Off er More Than a History Lesson EXPLORATIONS V CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

The focus is on young people at Explora-tions V Children’s Museum in Lakeland.

Here, children can visit an orange grove, plunge into a wet wildlife habitat, shop in a supermarket just for kids, broadcast the news, perform on stage and explore the mysteries of the human body, all in one place.

Children and their families can explore three fl oors of kid-powered exhibits de-signed to provide a hands-on, fun-fi lled adventure in learning using all five senses.

The museum features interactive ex-hibits and engaging arts and science programs of fer ing a journey of discovery.

Explorations V Children’s Museum is located at 109 N. Kentucky Ave. in down-town Lakeland.

The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It is closed Sundays and major holidays.

Currently admission is $5 per person. Seniors 65 and older pay $2.50. A price change is scheduled for June 1 to $7 a person.

Children younger than 2 and museum members are admitted free.

Annual family memberships, fi eld trips, birthday parties and private rentals are available.

For additional information, call 863-687-3869 or email [email protected].

The museum’s website is www.-explorationsv.com.

FROSTPROOF HISTORICAL MUSEUM

The building that is home to the Frost-proof Historical Museum was built in 1922. It was the site of the fi rst public library in town.

After the Latt Maxcy Memorial Library was established in 1978, the Frostproof Historical Society began to use the build-

ing for the museum.Inside the museum, visitors can fi nd his-

torical artifacts that are important to the city’s history. There are also photographs, maps, newspapers, books and other re-cords in the genealogical section.

The Frostproof Historical Museum is at 210 S. Scenic Highway.

The museum is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays from June through September

and Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdaysfrom October through May.

FORT MEADE HISTORICAL MUSEUM

The Fort Meade Historical Museum is apicture into the city’s past.

Restored since the hurricanes in 2004,the museum welcomes visitors to experi-ence and view a part of the city’s history.

Among the artifacts, the museum dis-plays pictures, clothing and items frompioneer families, teaching utensils, farmtools and early newspaper clippings.

Uniforms of past Fort Meade militarymen are also on display.

Guests can also see a phosphate displaywith fossils and shark teeth.

The museum occupies a 19th-century,two-story wood structure thought to bethe home of the fi rst indoor school in thecity.

The Fort Meade Historical Museum is atBroadway and Tecumseh Avenue.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. tonoon Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday andSaturday. Admission is free.

The Fort Meade Historical Society ac-cepts donations for the museum.

Checks may be sent to: The Fort MeadeHistorical Society, P.O. Box 1021, FortMeade, FL 33841.

For more information or to volunteer,contact Don Marchman, the president ofthe Historical Society by writing the his-


RICK OLIVO teaches children the painting style of Winslow Homer during a painting class at Explorations V Children’s Museum in Lakeland. The museum has three floors of activities and exhibits for children.

[ PLEASE SEE MUSEUMS, 13 ]


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torical society. The museum’s number is 863-285-7474.

LAKE WALES DEPOT MUSEUM

The Lake Wales Depot Museum displays trains big and small, including a 1944 die-sel locomotive on the outside and a scale-model railroad on the inside.

Offi cially named The Lake Wales De-pot Museum and Cultural Center, but most popularly referred to as The Depot, the museum is housed in a 1928 former rail-road depot.

The museum consists of four buildings at 325 S. Scenic Highway, along with a red caboose from 1926 and a 1916 Pull-man car.

In addition to railroad-themed history, the museum has several permanent exhib-its about local industries and the history of Lake Wales.

The museum is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. It is closed Sunday and national holidays.

Admission is $2 adults with children younger 12 free. Donations are accepted.

For more information, call 863-678-4209 or visit the museum’s website atwww.cityofl akewales.com/depot. E-mail is [email protected].

THE MARGARET KAMPSEN HISTORIC DUNDEE DEPOT MUSEUM

The Margaret Kampsen Historic Dundee Depot Museum focuses on the town’s history, the citrus industry, which was a source of town pride for decades, and the railroads that produced its setting.

The museum, which opened in 1998, showcases early photographs and news-paper articles, as well as memorabilia from citrus packing houses, and the At-lantic Coast Line and Seaboard Air Line railroads.

The Margaret Kampsen Historic Dundee Depot Museum is at 102 Main St. in downtown.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays.

Admission is free.Donations are accepted, and can be sent

to: P.O. Box 1254, Dundee, FL 33838.For more information, call the museum

at 863-439-1312 or 863-419-3145 or visit the website at townofdundee.com.

MULBERRY PHOSPHATE MUSEUM

The Phosphate Museum covers the dis-covery of phosphate in the 1880s and the development of the mining industry that once made Mulberry the phosphate capital

of the world. The museum refl ects the in-dustry’s long history in Polk and it also dis-plays many of the fossils that were turned up during phosphate mining through the years.

The museum is in the city’s historic 1899 railroad depot, supplemented by four rail-road boxcars, a caboose and an engine.

The gallery contains artifacts from the community’s history, including remnants of the tree from which the town takes its name.

The Mulberry Phosphate Museum is 101 S.E. First St., at State Road 37, one block south of State Road 60 in downtown Mul-berry, behind City Hall.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

For more information, call 863-425-2823.

Information is also available on the Greater Mulberry Chamber of Commerce website at www.mulberrychamber.org/attractions.htm.

BAYNARD HOUSE MUSEUM

One of the oldest remaining houses in Auburndale is a repository for reminders of the city’s history.

The Baynard House Museum occupies

the former home of Ephriam Mikell Bay-nard, one of the city’s founders. Baynardis known for rebuilding the city with hisown money after devastating fi res in theearly 1900s.

The two-story, wood-frame house, builtin 1894, is on the National Register of His-toric Places.

After the city acquired it in 1992, thebuilding was restored through the com-bined efforts of the city and students fromAuburndale High School.

In May 1997, the Baynard House openedas a museum and special events venue.

This year, the house will be the site ofvarious events as Auburndale celebratesits centennial the week of May 25-28.

The Baynard House Museum is open fortours upon request. The house is at 208W. Lake Ave., just off Lake Stella neardowntown.

For more information, call the city’sParks and Recreation Department at 863-965-5545.

POLK COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

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[ PLEASE SEE MUSEUMS, 14 ]


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of the most striking sights in the county. The inside is just as compelling for those with an interest in the county’s past.

One exhibit highlights the Native Ameri-cans who originally inhabited the territory that would become Polk County. The dis-play includes a dugout canoe found in the bed of a local lake.

Florida’s Natural World, a room covered in murals, displays the state’s varied habi-tats, ranging from wetlands to the sandy Lake Wales Ridge.

The museum occupies parts of the fi rst and second fl oors of the Old County Court-house in downtown Bartow. Two court-rooms from the 1908 building have been preserved for the benefi t of visitors.

The Polk County Historical Museum, 100 E. Main St. in Bartow, is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Admission is free.For more information, call 863-534-4386

or visit the museum’s website at www.polkcountymuseum.org.

POLK COUNTY HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL LIBRARY

Have you ever wanted to track your fam-ily ancestry? If so, look no further than the

Polk County Historical and Genealogical Library, locally one of the best resources for genealogists.

The Ancestry database is a much sought-after one that contains family history data for the entire world.

It is expensive for individuals to buy, but the library has made it available to users for free through the Polk County Library Cooperative.

The only condition is that users must come to the Historical and Genealogical Library or one of the other public libraries in the county.

In addition to genealogical records, the library has holdings of historical docu-ments and photos about Polk County, including a microfilmed set of Ledger archives.

The library’s catalog can be seen on the website of the Polk County Library Coop-erative, www.pclc.lib.fl .us.

A website, http://library.mypclc.org/historical, is equipped with many online resources which can be accessed from any computer.

The Polk County Historical and Genea-logical Library is in the east wing of the Old Polk County Courthouse, 100 E. Main St. in downtown Bartow.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, except national holi-days. It is closed Sunday and Monday.

Admission is free. For more information, call 863-534-

4380 or visit the museum website at http://library.mypclc.org/historical.

FLORIDA AIR MUSEUM

The Florida Air Museum at Sun ’n Fun displays a variety of aircraft and artifacts covering the history of the fi rst 100 years of fl ight.

The 20,000-square-foot museum houses a collection of approximately 45 experi-mental and home-built aircraft along with several assorted outdoor displays. Overall, the museum exhibits more than 80 aircraft.

The museum is operated by the Sun ’n Fun Aviation Foundation, a nonprofi t or-ganization that was founded in 1987.

The Florida Air Museum is at 4175 Me-dulla Road in Lakeland.

The museum is open from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for se-niors and $6 for students. Children young-er than 5 are admitted free.

For more information, call 863-644-0741 or log onto the website www.fl oridaairmu-seum.org or www.sun-n-fun.org/content and click on the museum link at the top of the Sun ’n Fun Fly-in page.

AMERICAN WATER SKI EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

The American Water Ski Educational Foundation is home to the Water Ski Ex-perience Hall of Fame and Museum.

When guests enter the big blue build-ing off Interstate 4, they sign into an in-teractive guest book under a giant ski handle.

From there, they are introduced to a timeline starting with the creation of wa-ter skiing in 1922 and continuing through to the modern era with the latest in ski technology.

For kicks, guests can buckle into a vir-tual water ski machine to get a hint of the exhilaration felt speeding across a lake.

The American Water Ski Educational Foundation and Hall of Fame is at 1251 Holy Cow Road in Polk City.

It is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Weekend tours are avail-able by appointment. Group tours are also by appointment all week.

Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for se-niors and $3 for children younger than 12. Children age 5 and younger are ad-mitted free.

For more information, call 863-324-2472 or log on to the website atwww.waterskihalloffame.com.



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We provide American farmers with nutrients to grow the food we need. But our work doesn’t

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[ guide to polk | festivals ]

MIDFLORIDA MAYFAIRE-BY-THE-LAKE

MidFlorida Mayfaire-By-The-Lake will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 7 and 8 on the shores of Lake Morton near downtown Lakeland.

Art work ranges from jewelry to photo-graphs with all art work for sale.

Admission is free.For more information, call 863-

688-7743, ext. 237, e-mail [email protected] or log ontowww.polkmuseumofart.org.

CRACKER STORYTELLING FESTIVAL

The spoken narrative with a Florida flavor comes to life each year with the Cracker Storytelling Festival. This year’s festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 8 and 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 9 at Homeland Heritage Park, off Second Avenue, one block south of County Road 640 in Homeland. The Whip Cracking Contest will be at noon Oct. 9.

Admission is $6 for adults and

$4 for students. For more information, call 863-534-

3766.

SUN ‘N FUN FLY-IN

The Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In is one of the largest aviation events in the country. The 2011 Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In is scheduled for March 29 to April 3 at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport on Drane Field Road south of Lakeland.

Daily admission varies and packages are available.

For more information, contact the Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In at 863-644-2431 or visit its website at www.sun-n-fun.org.

ALAFIA RIVER RENDEZVOUS

The Alafi a River Rendezvous will be held in January 2012 at the end of Azalea Street in Homeland, south of State Road 640, just west of U.S. 17-98.

Dates will be set later. For more information, log onto the web-

site www.fl oridafrontiersmen.org.

CENTRAL PARK ART FESTIVAL

More than 90 artists compete annually for prizes and purchase awards at the Central Park Art Festival.

The 2011 Central Park Art Festival will be held March 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and March 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, call the Ridge Art Association at 863-291-5661 or visitwww.ridgeart.org.

LAKE WALES MARDI GRAS

This pre-Lent event may not be as big as celebrations in New Orleans and other cities, but it’s still fun.

The 27th Lake Wales Mardi Gras was held March 5.

Admission is free.For more information, log onto

www.lwmardigras.com.

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

This year’s Strawberry Festival, which

annually celebrates one of Central Flori-da’s favorite locally grown fruit, ends to-day. The festival is held at the Plant CityFairgrounds, 303 N. Lemon St., just southof U.S. 92.

Admission and ticket prices vary. For more information, call 813-752-

9194 or visit the festival’s website atwww.fl strawberryfestival.com.

BLOOMIN’ ARTS FESTIVAL

Art isn’t the only draw to this yearly fes-tival. There is a car show, fl ower show andkid-friendly activities.

The 40th Bloomin’ Arts Festival was heldMarch 5 and 6.

Admission is free.For more information, contact the

Greater Bartow Chamber of Com-merce at 863-533-7125 or online atwww.bartowchamber.com.

Festivals Celebrate Aviation, Arts and Autos

[ PLEASE SEE FESTIVALS, 16 ]


[ guide to polk | festivals ]

BLUEGRASS, CLOGGING AND BBQ FESTIVAL

The Bluegrass, Clogging and BBQ Cook-off Festival runs March 17 through March 20 at International Market World, 1052 U.S. 92 W., Auburndale.

Tickets are $20 for Thursday’s dinner shows, and $20 on Friday and Saturday. Donations are accepted Sunday. A four-day pass is $50 in advance or $60 at the gate. The fl ea market area is free.

For more information, call International Market World at 863-665-0062 or visit the website at www.intlmarketworld.com.

LAKE WALES PIONEER DAYS

Pioneer Days not only pays tribute to long-deceased city founders, it also honors a living contributor to the city’s heritage with the presentation of the Pioneer of the Year award.

Lake Wales Pioneer Days will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 29 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 30. There is also a quilt recep-tion the evening of Oct. 29.

Admission and parking is free.For more information, call the Depot

Museum at 863-678-4209 or visit www.cityofl akewales.com/depot/pioneer_day.shtml

LAKE MIRROR CLASSIC AUTO FESTIVAL

The Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival attracts hundreds of classic vehicles each year and thousands of people who like to look at them.

This year’s festival will be held Oct. 14 to Oct. 16 at the Lake Mirror Prom-enade and on Tennessee, Kentucky and Massachusetts avenues in downtown Lakeland.

For more information, call 863-683-2228 or log onto the websitewww.lakemirrorclassic.com.

HAINES CITY FALL FESTIVAL

The Haines City Fall Festival has grown from a sidewalk sale to a full-blown event with entertainment, food and arts and crafts.

The 2011 Haines City Fall Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 29 at Railroad Park in downtown Haines City. Admission and parking are free.

For more information, call Haines City Parks and Recreation Depart-ment at 863-421-3700. The website iswww. ci.haines-city.fl .us.

BLOODHOUND BASH

The Bloodhound Bash is held at the Auburndale City Park in downtown, on the evening before the Auburndale High School football homecoming game. The date will be announced later this year.

Admission is free.For more information, call Auburn-

dale’s Parks and Recreation Depart-ment at 863-965-5545 or log ontomyauburndalechamber.com.

LAKE WALES ART SHOW

The 40th Lake Wales Art Show will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 26 and 27 on the shores of Lake Wailes.

The two-day event draws about 130 art-ists and 30,000 people each year.

Admission is free.For more information or to volunteer,

call 863-676-8426 or log on to the website www.lakewalesartscouncil.org.

FLORIDA FLYWHEELERS ANTIQUE ENGINE CLUB

Admission for November, January, and February shows is $7 per person or a four-day pass for $21. Children younger than 12 are admitted for free. Visits by

school groups may be arranged during the shows.

For information on the Florida Fly-wheelers Antique Engine Club’s 2011-12 schedule, or for more information about the club or the park, call 863-285-9121 or log onto the club’s website atwww.fl oridafl ywheelers.org.

It’s located at 7000 Avon Park Cutoff Road, three miles south of U.S. 98 or eight miles west of U.S. 27.

KATHLEEN HERITAGE DAY FESTIVAL

The Kathleen Area Historical Society Heritage Day Festival will be held on Sat-urday, March 19 at Heritage Park, a 9-acre site at 8950 N. Campbell Road, off West Socrum Loop Road, across from Bethel Baptist Church in Lakeland.

Admission is free.For more information call Bootsie

Smith 863-686-9036 or Bonnie May-hew 863-859-6853. The website iswww.kathleenahs.org.

KATHLEEN FALL FESTIVAL The Kathleen Area Historical Society

Fall Festival will be Oct. 15.The festival will begin at 9 a.m. and run

until late afternoon at Heritage Park, a 9-acre site at 8950 N. Campbell Road, off West Socrum Loop Road.

Admission is free.Information call 686-9036 or 859-6853.

For vendor information, call 859-3280 or email [email protected]. The so-ciety’s website is www.Kathleenahs.org.

SPIRIT OF THE BUFFALO POW WOW

The Spirit of the Buffalo Pow Wow is held every January at International Mar-ket World, 1052 U.S. 92 in Auburndale. Dates will be announced for next year’s event.

For more information call International Market World at 863-665-0062 or on the Web at www.intlmarketworld.com.

GREEK FESTIVAL

The St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church Greek Festival typically takes place over a three-day weekend in February.

The church is at 1030 Bradbury Road off of State Road 540, or Winter Lake Road, west of Winter Haven.

Times, dates and admission cost will be announced later. For more information, call 863-299-4532.


AERIAL DEMONSTRATION TEAMS are a popular feature of the annual Sun ‘n Fun fly-In held in Lakeland. This photo shows the Aeroshell Team flying their T-6 planes performing an airshow.

Festivals[ CONTINUED FROM 15 ]


A Special Thank You to the Medical Community

Serving Central Florida Since 1991

As we mark our 20th anniversary, The Center for Retina and Macular Disease would like to thank our patients and the medical community for placing your trust in us to provide comprehensive retina care.

In 1991, Dr. David Misch founded this practice from a small office in Winter Haven. Today, The Center for Retina and Macular Disease has grown to eight locations and a team of highly trained physicians dedicated to providing exceptional retina care and innovative treatments. We are also proud to offer an extensive clinical research department and a complete low vision rehabili-tation program.

Our deepest respect and appreciation,Adam Berger, MD Benjamin Kim, MDSonya Braudway, OD David Misch, MDKaren Gehrs, MD Jin Moon, MDRichard Hamilton, MD Michael Tolentino, MD

Our continued success has been made possible through the trust that the medical community has placed in us for the care and treatment of their patients. You, the CRMD staff, have played an integral role in achieving this success. You are exceptional by all measures and we appreciate your continued hard work and commitment to this practice.

Thank you for being part of the CRMD team!

Dedicated to providing the most modern and complete retina care available.

Thank You, Polk County

It has been a great honor to serve this community for the past 20 years. We look forward to a future of continuing to offer quality retina care to the individuals of Central Florida.

A Special Thank You to Our Patients

We credit our success to building strong partnerships with our referring physicians. Together we provide better quality eye care for individuals in our community. We look forward to many more years serving your practice, your patients and Central Florida.

A Special Thank You to Our Staff

SATELLITE OFFICES210 US Highway 27 N 2002 S Alexander StAvon Park, FL 33825 Plant City, FL 33563

HAINES CITY137 Patterson Rd

Haines City, FL 33844(863) 422-5737

WINTER HAVEN250 Avenue K, SW

Winter Haven, FL 33880(863) 297-5400

Toll Free: 1-800-472-8867

ZEPHYRHILLS6719 Gall Blvd, Suite 206

Zephyrhills, FL 33540(813) 788-8388

CLERMONT1735 E Hwy 50, Suite A

Clermont, FL 34711(352) 243-7311

LAKELAND3133 Lakeland Hills Blvd

Lakeland, FL 33805(863) 683-6699

SEBRING4180 US Highway 27 S

Sebring, FL 33870(863) 385-4220

(L-R) Dr. David Misch, Dr. Adam Berger, Dr. Jin Moon, & Dr. Karen Gehrs Dr. Sonya Braudway, Dr. Michael Tolentino, Dr. Benjamin Kim,& Dr. Richard Hamilton


4

27

98

27

98

60

33

17

570

5 miles

Lakeland

LakeWales

FortMeade

WinterHaven

Davenport

HainesCity

PolkCity

Frostproof

MulberryBartow

District 7

District 1

District 5

District 3

Dist. 6

District 4

District 2

POLK COUNTY SCHOOLS IN A NUTSHELL

SOURCE:SchoolDistrictWeb site:www.polk-fl.net

EXPENDITURES: $744.3 million

REVENUES: $744.3 million

2009-10 BUDGETThe general fund budget of $744.3 million is the operating portion of the budget.

DICK MULLENAXDistrict 4■ Term expires: Nov. 2012■ Phone: 324-6470■ E-mail:[email protected]

KAY FIELDSDistrict 5■ Term expires: Nov. 2014■ Phone: 802-5483■ E-mail: [email protected]

GRAD RATES Graduation ratesfor 2009-10. A comparison of students entering ninth grade with the number of students graduating four years later. State officials are excluding GED recipients.SCHOOL 2010 2009

Polk County 73.2% 71.6%Florida 79.0% 76.3%

STUDENT ENROLLMENTPre-K students are not included.YEAR STUDENTS2010-11 92,0002009-10 92,5202008-09 92,4932000-01 78,003

FCAT SCORES COMPARED These are average scores on the 2009 Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. The FCAT isrequired in Florida. The scale for reading and math is 100 to 500. The scale for writing is 0 to 6. Students in grades 3 to 10 take the FCAT. Only studentsin grades 4, 8 and 10 take the FCAT writing test.

SOURCE: Florida Department of Education

Statesources

$445,827,805 Local revenue$181,293,795

Beginning fund balance$68,818,030

Transfers$46,469,075

Federal sources$1,985,000

SCHOOL GRADESThese are the school grades for Polk’s 114 schools. School grades are based primarily on students’ 2009 FCAT scores

LORI CUNNINGHAMDistrict 2■ Term expires: Nov. 2012■ Phone: 224-3334■ E-mail: [email protected]

FRANK O’REILLYDistrict 1■ Term expires: Nov. 2012■ Phone: 647-1390■ E-mail: [email protected]

HAZEL SELLERSDistrict 3■ Term expires: Nov. 2014■ Phone: 533-4392■ E-mail: [email protected]

White: 49.2%

Other: 3.4%

STUDENT BREAKDOWN

Black23.6%

Hispanic23.8%

D: 6 F: 0

B: 22

C: 47A: 36

READING MATH WRITING Grade Polk Fla. Polk Fla. Polk Fla.

3rd 303 314 332 337 –– –– 4th 312 323 322 330 3.7 3.8 5th 300 310 330 336 –– –– 6th 304 315 305 319 –– –– 7th 313 322 302 314 –– –– 8th 302 312 314 324 4 4.1 9th 307 317 299 311 –– ––10th 295 310 321 331 3.7 3.9

SAT SCORES 2009-10 SCHOOL READING MATH WRITING

Auburndale 471 489 457Bartow1 487 476 464Chain of Lakes 520 504 498Fort Meade 491 460 479Frostproof 503 502 489George Jenkins 505 506 487Haines City2 479 466 459Harrison (Arts) 556 513 524Int’l Baccalaureate 636 636 618Kathleen 437 435 422Lake Gibson 481 479 456Lake Region 483 493 479Lake Wales 453 481 438Lakeland3 497 486 470McKeel Academy 473 491 450Mulberry 466 479 442PS Collegiate 526 502 508Ridge Community 448 442 422Tenoroc 453 455 440Winter Haven 478 478 456Polk 491 487 471Florida 496 498 479U.S. 501 516 492

Instructional $481,151,250Pupil personnel 12,490,220Instructional media 2,836,733Curriculum development 3,323,582Instructional staff training 773,634Instructional technology 6,010,588School Board 2,977,227General administration 2,611,745School administration 40,277,395Facilities acquisition const. 9,991,575Fiscal services 3,275,200Food services 45,108,200Central services 15,420,637Pupil transportation serv. 34,029,209Operation of plant 49,844,518Maintenance of plant 27,783,016Administrative technology 5,038,495Community services 323,374Debt service 1,379,857Ending fund balance 44,855,450

DEBRA WRIGHTDistrict 6■ Term expires: Nov. 2014■ Phone: [email protected]

TIM HARRISDistrict 7■ Term expires: Nov. 2014■ Phone: 808-0005■ E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE:Polk CountySchool District

37

Write to membersat P.O. Box 391, Bartow, FL 33831.The main number is 534-0500.

■ Enrollment: 92,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grades as of November 2010.

■ Schools: Polk has 160 school sites and centers including 66 elementary schools, 19 middle schools and 17 high schools. Also included are charter schools, career centers, adult schools and alternative schools.

■ Personnel: The district is the largest employer in Polk County with nearly 12,000 employees. About half of those are employed as teachers.

■ Personnel: Seven School Board members are elected to four-year terms. The chairwoman is Kay Fields. Board members must live in the geographic district in which they run for office, but are elected by a countywide vote. Sherrie Nickell, who was hired in 2010, is the second appointed and second female superintendent in Polk County.

1 Includes Summerlin Academy students.2 Includes Haines City Int’l Bacc. students. 3 Includes Harrison Center students.SOURCE: Polk County School District,Florida Department of Education

SHERRIE NICKELLSuperintendent■ Phone: 534-0521■ E-mail: [email protected]

OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS



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[ guide to polk | schools ]

Polk Has a Variety Of School Types

Polk County has the eighth-largest school district in Flor-ida. Within the district are a plethora of school types.

In Polk County, most ele-mentary schools serve kinder-garten through fi fth grades; middle schools serve grades six through eight; and high schools, grades nine through 12.

Polk has 161 schools, includ-ing 66 elementary, 19 middle and 17 high schools.

Included in the number of schools are eight mag-net schools and 11 choice schools.

Other programs available include career schools, adult schools, alternative education centers, conversion charter schools and start-up charter schools.

Polk County is home to Mc-Keel Academy in Lakeland, the first conversion charter school in the state, as well as the fi rst charter school district in the state at Lake Wales.

TO REGISTER

The following are required to enroll a student in a Polk County public school:

P r o o f o f l e g a l ■

guardianship.

Transfer papers from pre- ■

vious school with address and phone number if that school was not a Polk public school.

Birth certifi cate and proof ■

of age.A medical shot record ■

(HRS form 680) and list of current immunizations.

A physical from the past ■

12 months if the student has never been enrolled in a Flor-ida school.

Two proofs of residency ■

that show guardian’s name and street address. Proofs of residence include a utility bill, voter registration card, property tax bill, mortgage, deed, rental lease documents or government benefi ts docu-ments. Driver license and ve-hicle registration papers are not acceptable.

For more information, call the Polk County School Dis-trict Offi ce of Pupil Account-ing at 863-534-0716.

To register at a charter school, contact the school directly.

More information, includ-ing contact information for district and charter schools can be found on the district’s website at www.polk-fl .net.

— Merissa Green

A Sampling of Polk’s Private Schools THE LEDGER

Polk County has a number of private high schools for general education.

These are the major ones:

ALL SAINTS’ ACADEMYAll Saints’ Academy is an independent, college-

preparatory school with classes from pre-school to 12th grade.

The school, with an enrollment of about 600, is affi liated with the Episcopal Church.

It is accredited by the Florida Council of Inde-pendent Schools and the Florida Kindergarten Council.

Annual tuition for 2011-12 is $7,199 per year for prekindergarten and kindergarten; $9,013 for grades 1 to 5; $11,065 for grades 6 to 8; and $11,408 for grades 9 to 12. A sibling discount of 5 percent is available.

The school is located at 5001 State Road 540 W., between Winter Haven and Lakeland. The phone is 863-293-5980.

Its website is www.allsaintsacademy.com.

HAVEN CHRISTIAN ACADEMYBeginning in June, Haven Christian Academy be-

comes Oasis Christian Academy. It is affi liated with Oasis Church with pre-school through 12th grade.

The school is accredited by the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools and the Associa-tion of Christian Schools International.

Annual tuition for 2011-12 is $4,995 for kindergar-ten through 12th grade. Preschool is $4,800 for full day and $3,600 for half day. The school has upgraded its sports programs and joined FHSAA.

The school is at 2105 King Road, Winter Ha-ven. The phone is 863-293-0930. The website is www.myacademyoasis.org.

LAKELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOLLakeland Christian School is a nondenominational

Christian school with more than 1,000 students in

K-4 through 12th grade. The school is accredited by the Association of

Christian Schools International, the Southern As-sociation of Colleges and Schools, the Council onAccreditation and School Improvement, the FloridaCouncil of Independent Schools and the Florida Kin-dergarten Council.

Tuition for 2011-12 school year for K-4 and K-5 is$7,365; grades 1-5 is $8,035; grades 6-12 is $8,395.A second and third child each receive a 20 percentdiscount, while each additional child costs $2,500.

The school is located at 1111 Forest Park St., Lake-land. The phone is 863-688-2771. The website iswww.lcsonline.org.

LANDMARK CHRISTIANLandmark Christian School includes grades preK

through 12. The school also has a college.The school, operated by Landmark Baptist Church,

is accredited by the Florida Association of ChristianColleges and Schools and the Sunshine State As-sociation of Christian Schools.

Annual tuition for the 2011-12 school year is pre-school $3,070; kindergarten through sixth grade$3,200; seventh through 12th, $3,470. Discounts foradditional children are available. A Step Up programthat pays up to 100 percent of tuition is available.

The school is at 2020 E. Hinson Ave., HainesCity. The phone is 863-422-2037. The website iswww.lcspatriots.com.

SANTA FE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOLSanta Fe Catholic High School is a coeducational

institution of the Diocese of Orlando with grades 9to 12.

The school is accredited by the Southern Associa-tion of Colleges and Schools.

Annual tuition for 2011-12 is $8,900 for one child,$16,465 for two children and $23,140.

The school is at 3110 U.S. 92 E., Lakeland.The phone is 863-665-4188. The website is santafecatholic.org.


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[ guide to polk | colleges ]

By CARY McMULLENTHE LEDGER

The University of South Florida Poly-technic is one of four campuses in the University of South Florida system and the state’s only polytechnic college.

That means USF Poly focuses its efforts on business, education, engineering, in-formation technology and allied health disciplines.

Degrees are fully accredited Univer-sity of South Florida degrees. The school has applied for sepa-rate accreditation, which would allow it to expand its degree offerings.

The school currently shares a campus with Polk State College in Lakeland but is in the process of building a new campus at the intersection of Interstate 4 and the Polk Parkway, between Lakeland and Auburn-dale. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, one of the world’s leading architects, the new

campus is tentatively scheduled to openin 2013, pending funding for constructionfrom the Florida Legislature.Affi liation: A campus of the University of South Florida, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.Vice President and Campus Executive Offi cer: Marshall GoodmanPhone: 863-667-7000Website: www.poly.usf.edu

Degrees off ered: Information technology, industrial engineering, interdisciplinary social sciences, general business administration, management, marketing, elementary education, criminology, psychology, applied sciences, and general studies. USF Poly also off ers master’s programs in business

administration (MBA), educational leadership (M.Ed.) and reading education and counselor education degrees (MA) with school counseling and mental health tracks.


Polk State College is in the second year of an expansion from community col-lege to offering both two- and four-year degrees.

The college changed its name in July 2009 from Polk Community College to Polk State College. It is the largest school in the county, with more than 10,000 students.

The college has an “open door” admis-sions policy, admitting any applicant with a high school degree or GED certifi cate. It offers classes in traditional classroom

settings and via the Internet. Affi liation: Public college off ering two- and four-year degree programs. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.President: Eileen Holden

Phone: 863-297-1000Website: www.polk.edu Degrees off ered: Associate

of arts degree with 77 advising tracks, 30 associate of science degrees, 27 associate of applied science degree majors, two applied technical diplomas and 22 certifi cate programs, in addition to the newly started bachelor’s degree program.


Southeastern University is a private, liberal arts institution in Lakeland. It is the largest college affi liated with the Assemblies of God.

Located on the shore of Little Lake Bonny, the school has seen rapid growth over the past 12 years, roughly tripling its enrollment and raising its visibility in the community as

the host of a National Leadership Forum. Affi liation: Private Christian liberal arts university affi liated with Assemblies of God. Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.Phone: 863-667-5000Website: www.seu.edu

Degrees off ered: 42 bachelor’s degrees; eight programs leading to master’s degrees.

USF Polytechnic

Polk State College

Southeastern University




Florida Southern College has been on the shores of Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland since 1922.

Founded in 1885, Flor-ida Southern is a private college with programs in business, science, liberal arts, nursing, education, communication and music. It has received high rankings among simi-lar four-year colleges by several college guidebooks.

The school has 50 programs of study and emphasizes small class sizes, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 13 to 1.

One survey ranked it among the most beautiful campuses in the nation.

Affi liation: Private institution affi liated with the United Methodist Church and accredited

by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.President: Anne B. KerrPhone: 863-680-4131 or 800-274-4131 for admissions, 863-680-4444 for the Frank Lloyd Wright

Visitors Center.Website: www.fl southern.edu Degrees off ered: Fifty undergraduate degree programs; eight pre-professional programs in medical, dental, pharmacy, veterinary, physical therapy, law, engineering, and theology; and master’s degree programs in business, nursing and education.

Florida Southern College


Warner University in Lake Wales was founded as Warner Southern College in 1968 by the South-eastern Association of the Church of God of Anderson, Ind. The fi rst freshman class of 27 students entered in the fall of 1968 when all the facili-ties were on the East campus. In fall 2010, enrollment was about 1,000 students.

Affi liation: Church of God, Anderson, Ind. Ac-credited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s

degrees.President: Gregory V. HallPhone: 863-638-1426

Website: www.warner.edu Degrees off ered: Bachelor of arts and professional degree programs are off ered in more than 25 majors, including biblical studies, pre-law, biology, business administration, elementary education, political science, and sports and leisure management.

The college also off ers a pre-medical program and a master’s program in business administration, education, and management.

Warner University


Webster University is a private, not-for-profi t college based in St. Louis, Mo., with campuses in 10 Florida cities, more than 100 U.S. locations and in eight for-eign countries.

The Lakeland campus is at 1479 Town Center Drive, Suite 202, in the Lakeside Village mall on Harden Boulevard.

Affi liation: Private, nonprofi t. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association.President: Beth StrobleLakeland director: Angie BirdwellPhone: 863-687-9309Website: www.webster.edu/lakeland Degrees off ered: Master of business administration, master of arts in human resources management, master of arts in management and leadership and master of arts in counseling.

Webster University


Webber International University in Babson Park is a private nonprofi t col-lege specializing in business programs. The school of-fers associate’s and bachelor’s de g r e e s i n subjects that include ac -counting and hospitality. An MBA is also of-fered. Online courses are available. Affi liation: Private nonprofi t business school. Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.President: H. Keith Wade.Phone: 863-638-1431Website: www.webber.edu Degrees off ered: Associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration with majors in accounting, computer information systems management, corporate communications, general business studies, hospitality and tourism management, management, marketing, security management, sports management and fi nance. The school also off ers pre-law.

Webber International


Keiser University in Lakeland is a net-work of for-profi t schools, based in Fort Lauderdale, with 14 campuses in Florida that offers associate’s, bach-elor’s and graduate degrees in business, criminal justice, health care, technology, hos-pitality and education.

The school is geared toward adult students, who take one four-week class at a time, ei-ther daytime, evening or on-line. The student-to-faculty ratio is about 11 to 1. Affi liation: Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award

doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s and associate degrees.Chancellor: Arthur Keiser.Campus president: Rebecca McDonnellPhone: 863-682-6020

Website: www.keiseruniversity.edu/lakeland.php Degrees: Degree programs include health services administration, nursing, health sciences, medical assisting, nuclear medicine technology, radiologic technology, business administration, criminal justice, paralegal studies, sports medicine and fi tness technology, accounting, information technology

management, management information systems, and computer graphics and design.

Keiser UniversityLEDGER FILE PHOTO (2001)

VISITORS to Florida Southern’s Lakeland campus view some of the 1.5 miles of esplanades that cover the campus.


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For those with a high school diploma, the Flor-ida Technical College in Lakeland offers several programs in the areas of medical assistant, medical administrative assistant, medical billing and cod-ing, patient care technician, business and management, and criminal justice.

Affi liation: Private junior college. Accredited by the Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and Schools.President: Lisa VelardePhone: 863-619-6200Website: www.ftccollege.edu Degrees off ered: Associate degrees and certifi cates.

Florida Technical College

Located on Shepherd Road in Mulberry, Fortis Institute changed its name from Florida Career Institute in April 2010. It offers an eight-month diplo-ma program in medical fi elds including medical assisting. A new pharmacy technician program has been started. It also offers an 18-month Emergency Medical Services program to prepare students to sit for national and state exams.

Affi liation: Education Affi liates. Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Edu-cation and the Commission on Accreditation for

Allied Health Education Programs(CAAHEP.)Executive Director: Diana Simmons.Phone: 863-646-1400Website: www.fortis.edu Off ered: Diplomas and preparation for certifi cation.

Fortis Institute


Ridge Career Center in Winter Haven is administered by the Polk County School District and provides career education pro-grams for high school and adult students, serving pri-marily East Polk County.

High school students must be at least 16 years old, and the 18- or 24-credit high school diploma options allow them to complete their junior and/or senior years at Ridge as a dual-enrolled student.

There are 39 career education programs

for adult students and 22 for high schoolstudents.

Affi liated: Accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education, the Com-mission on International and Trans-Regional Ac-

creditation, and the Southern As-sociation of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement.Director: Lisa HardenLocation: 7700 State Road 544,

Winter Haven.Phone: 863-419-3060Website: polk-fl .net/ridge

Ridge Career Center


Traviss Career Center in Lakeland is administered by the Polk County School District and provides training in technical and occupational skills for high school students and adults. The center offers more than 35 programs with both traditional and alternative options for obtaining a high school diploma.

Traviss accepts students who are at least 16 years old and have taken the Test

of Adult Basic Education. Affi liation: Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement,

the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation, and the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.Director: Wayne DickensLocation: 3225 Winter

Lake Road just east of U.S. 98 South in Lakeland.Phone: 863-499-2700Website: www.traviss.edu

Traviss Career Center


Everest University, for-merly Florida Metropolitan University, is a network of 102 for-profit schools in 23 states and Canada that spe-cializes in career training and offers diplomas, asso-ciate’s, bachelor’s and mas-ter’s degrees. It is owned by the corporation Corinthian Colleges, Inc., based in Santa Ana, Calif. Its Polk campus is in Lakeland. Affi liation: Private institution. Accredited as a senior college of business by the Accrediting

Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.President: Silvina LamoureuxPhone: 863-686-1444

Website: www.everest.edu Degrees off ered: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business and criminal justice. Associate’s degree in applied management, medical assisting and medical billing and coding. Certifi cates in accounting, business, massage therapy, medical administrative assisting, and pharmacy technician.

Everest University

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[ guide to polk | parks ]

Parks Off er Variety of Recreation OpportunitiesBy TOM PALMERTHE LEDGER

Polk County has parks for almost every taste, from neighborhood playgrounds to hiking and canoeing in wilder, less-trav-eled areas.

There are state, county and city parks as well as some privately owned preserves, and more are on the way.

For a complete list, go online towww.guidetopolk.com.

STATE PARKS, FORESTSParks owned by state agencies comprise most of the park acreage in Polk County:Allan Broussard Catfi sh Creek Memorial Preserve: This 6,422-acre area is on Firetower Road off Hatchineha Road east of Lake Hamilton. Access is on foot only and no facilities are available. Admission is free. For information, call 863-696-1112. Note: This park may be closed this year because of state budget cuts.Colt Creek State Park: This 5,067-acre park on County Road 471 is in the Green Swamp north of Lakeland. Admission is $3 per vehicle. The park’s facilities are limited to hiking, picnicking, horseback riding and bank fi shing. For information, call 863-815-6758.

Lake Kissimmee State Park: This 5,857-acre park is on Camp Mack Road east of Lake Wales. Admission is $3.25 per vehicle. The park is open from 7 a.m. to sunset. This park has camping — both primitive and hook-ups — hiking trails, a boat ramp and marina, picnic areas, an observation tower and a re-creation of a 19th century cow camp. For information, call 863-696-1112.Lake Wales Ridge State Forest: This 26,563-acre natural area consists of a group of separate parcels east of Frostproof. The Arbuckle tract is on Lake Arbuckle Road, which is off Lake Reedy Boulevard. The Walk-in-the-Water unit is off Lake Walk-in-the-Water Road. Entry fee is $1. The Florida Division of Forestry also off ers $30 annual passes that allow the pass holder and up to seven other people free entry to any state forest in Florida. The forest is open during daylight hours only. For information, call 863-635-7801. Tenoroc Fish Management Area: A 7,332-acre former phosphate mine is in the Lakeland area. The main access is Tenoroc Mine Road off Combee Road. Tenoroc recently opened a new hiking trail that can be reached by way of Polk County’s Saddle Creek Park. Admission is $3. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday to Monday. Fishing is the main activity at the park. There are also hiking and horseback trails, a picnic area and a shooting range. For fi shing reservations, call 863-499-2422. For general information, call 863-499-2421.

WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT SITESThe Southwest Florida Water Management District and the South Florida Water Management District off er a number of recreation sites.Swiftmud’s sites in Polk County are primarily in the Green Swamp. SFWMD’s sites are along the Kissimmee River. For information on Swiftmud’s recreation sites, go to www.swfwmd.state.fl .us/recreation/ to download a recreation guide. For information on SFWMD’s recreation guide, go to tinyurl.com/ykg6z9v.

POLK COUNTY PRESERVESPolk County’s Environmental Lands Program operates a network of preserves that are open year-round for daytime use.For information, call 863-534-7377 or go to www.polk-county.net and follow the links to the Natural Resources Division.Sumica: A 4,031-acre mixture of pinelands, oak hammocks and lakefront on State Road 60 east of Lake Wales with frontage on Lake Walk-in-the-Water, Polk’s largest lake. It is open to hiking and nature study. Facilities include a boardwalk and observation area.Circle B Bar Reserve: This 1,275-acre nature park provides a series of nature trails and a new environmental education center. It includes frontage

on Lake Hancock, Polk’s fourth-largest lake. Circle B is on Winter Lake Road east of U.S. 98 and is open daily.Alafi a Reserve: Indian Oak Drive, off Turner Road south of State Road 60 west of Mulberry, has a picnic area, trails and a fi shing pier on this 334-acre tract on the North Prong of the Alafi a River.Crooked Lake Prairie: A 455-acre site on Crooked Lake off State Road 17 in Babson Park. This preserve is open for hiking, nature study and bank fi shing.Gator Creek Reserve: A 2,706-acre woodland area in the Green Swamp on U.S. 98 north of Lakeland. It has walking paths for hiking and nature study.Hickory Lake: A 57-acre example of some of the remaining scrub communities on the Lake Wales Ridge. It is on State Road 17 south of Frostproof.Lakeland Highlands Scrub: A 551-acre expanse of woodlands at the south end of Lakeland Highlands Road off of County Road 540A in the Lakeland Highlands. It has hiking trails and off ers a chance to see Florida scrub jays and other wildlife.Marion Creek: Contains more than 2,000 acres purchased by the county and additional lands purchased by the South Florida Water Management District. Two entrances for hiking and nature study are open on Cypress Parkway northeast of Haines City. Also, a third site has opened on Marion Creek

[ PLEASE SEE PARKS, 30 ]


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Road, which off ers access to Marion Creek.Peace River Hammock: This 43-acre preserve south of Fort Meade on Mount Pisgah Road contains a hiking trail that winds through forests and eventually reaches the Peace River. It is open from sunrise to sunset.

COUNTY PARKSPolk County maintains a system of 67 parks and boat ramps, ranging in size from less than an acre to four regional parks, each covering hundreds of acres. There are no admission fees to county parks, which are open year-round from sunrise to sunset unless otherwise posted or scheduled for exclusive use. For information about county parks, contact the Polk County Leisure Services Division at 863-534-4340. The website is at www.polk-county.net. Click on the Leisure Services link under the County Offi ces page.Aldine Combee Park, 1140 Fish Hatchery Road, Lakeland. Five baseball fi elds, restrooms and concessions, rodeo arena, lodge, picnic table, and open play area.Babson Mini Park, Fifth Avenue South, Babson Park. Basketball court and playground.Banana Lake Park, 5002 Tillery Road off Clubhouse Road, Lakeland. Picnic shelters and tables, paved walking trail, restrooms, playground, boat ramp and fi shing pier. Bradley Junction Mini Park, Pine and Whidden,

Bradley Junction. Picnic tables, one basketball court and one baseball fi eld, playground and open play area.Christina Park, 625 W. County Road 540A, Lakeland. Picnic shelters and tables, pavilion, four softball fi elds, one tee ball fi eld, restrooms and concessions, playground, and open play area.Crystal Lake Park, 2500 N. Crystal Lake Drive, Lakeland. Fishing pier and boardwalk, canoe access, open play area and picnic tables.East Central Park, 11 Lake Mabel Loop Road, Dundee. Four baseball fi elds, three multi-purpose fi elds, restrooms and concessions, and playground. Fort Meade, 1205 N.E. Ninth St., Fort Meade. Four baseball fi elds, one tee-ball fi eld, one softball fi eld, restrooms and concessions, and playground.Fuller Heights, Fourth Street and Avenue C, Mulberry. Two basketball courts, picnic shelters and tables, and playground.Gordon Heights Mini Park, Dudley Drive West, Gordon Heights. Picnic shelters and tables, one softball fi eld, and playground.Gordonville Park, South Street, Gordonville. Playground.Gordonville Mini Park, Richardson Street, Gordonville. One softball fi eld, a basketball court and playground. Highland City Park, 3930 Ball Park Road, Highland City. Three baseball fi elds, one softball fi eld, one tee-ball fi eld, restrooms and concessions, picnic tables, and playground.Highland City Senior Field, 5901 Strickland Ave., Highland City. One baseball fi eld and open play area.Homeland Heritage Park, 249 Church St., Homeland. Picnic pavilion and tables, restrooms,

one softball fi eld, one basketball court, open play area, and numerous historic buildings — church, schoolhouse, farmhouse and farming tools.

Hunt Fountain Park, Duff and Green Road, Lakeland. Four soccer fi elds, eight baseball fi elds,

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two football fi elds, restrooms and concessions, four-wall racquetball courts, basketball and tennis courts, two playgrounds, picnic pavilions and tables and horse arena.IMC Agrico Peace River Park, 2200 County Road 640, Homeland. Boardwalk, picnic facilities, horseback and hiking trails. Posted hours: 7 a.m. to dusk.Jan Phyl Village Park, 50 Coleman Road, Winter Haven. Five softball fi elds, two racquetball courts, picnic shelters and tables, restrooms and concessions, playground and open play area.Lake Annie Boat Ramp, off U.S. 27, Dundee. Unimproved ramp to accommodate small Jon-boat type launching only.Lake Arbuckle Park and Campground, 2600 Lake Arbuckle Road, Frostproof. Amenities include overnight camping, picnic shelters and tables, restrooms and bathhouse and boat ramp.Lake Cannon Park, Lake Cannon Drive, Winter Haven. Picnic shelters and tables, two playgrounds, restrooms and two boat ramps.Lake Gibson Park, 4901 Lake Gibson Park Road, Lakeland. Picnic shelters and tables and a boat launching ramp.Lake Hatchineha Park, Lake Hatchineha Road, Haines City. Boat ramp, campground and rental apartments.Lake Mariana Stormwater Treatment Area, Lake Mariana Drive West. Picnic area, bank fi shing, nature trail.Lake Parker Eastside Park, Lake Parker Drive, Lakeland. Picnic shelter and tables and boat launching ramp.Lake Pierce Ranchettes Mini Park, Fast Trot Drive, Lake Wales. Picnic tables, one softball fi eld and playground. Lake Reedy Park, Lake Reedy Drive, Frostproof.

Restroom, picnic shelters and tables and a boat launching ramp.Lake Rosalie Park and Campground, Tiger Road off State Road 60, Lake Wales. Overnight camping, picnic shelters and tables, restrooms and bathhouse and boat ramp.Lake Roy Park, South Lake Roy Drive, Winter Haven. Picnic tables, open play area and a boat launching ramp. Loughman Park, 6302 Old Kissimmee Road, Loughman. Four soccer fi elds, a basketball court, picnic pavilion, restrooms and playground.Loyce E. Harpe Park, 500 W. Carter Road, Mulberry. Eight baseball fi elds, four softball fi elds, one senior fi eld, restrooms and concessions, mountain bike trail and four boat launching ramps. Posted hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.Midway Gardens Mini Park, 2487 Smoke Road, Auburndale. One basketball court, one softball fi eld, picnic shelters and tables and playground. Mulberry Park, 1520 N.E. Second St., Mulberry. One basketball court, four baseball fi elds, three softball fi elds, one football and practice fi eld, restrooms and concessions, picnic shelters and tables and playground. Posted hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.Peace River Canoe Launch, State Road 60, Bartow. Unimproved ramp to accommodate canoes, kayaks and small jon boat-type craft only.Polk City Park, 5130 Duey Road, Polk City. Four baseball fi elds, one softball fi eld, one multi-purpose fi eld, restrooms, picnic pavilion and tables and playground.Rolling Hills Park, Dubose and Thomas Avenue, Mulberry. One basketball court, one baseball fi eld, restroom, picnic tables and playground.Saddle Creek Park and Campground, 3716 Morgan Combee Road, Lakeland. Overnight camping, picnic



BIRDERS’ GUIDE 1 Circle B Bar Reserve on

State Road 540 near Lakelandoffers opportunities to see birds of woodlands, grasslands and marshes as well as a portion of Lake Hancock’s shoreline. Bird life ranges from ducks and eagles to woodpeckers and warblers. There is no admission fee.

2 Mosaic Peace River Park is a county park on the Peace River at Homeland between Bartow and Fort Meade. The entrance is on County Road 640 east of U.S. 17-98. There is a boardwalk through the river floodplain and a trail system through woods and around a phosphate dike. There is no admission fee.

3 Lake Kissimmee State Park is on Camp Mack Road, about 15 miles east of Lake Wales. There are directional signs on major roads directing visitors to the park. There is a $5 admission fee per vehicle.Phone: 863-696-1112.

4 Lake Wales Ridge State Forest is on Lake Arbuckle Road, about2 miles east of Lake Reedy Boulevard near Frostproof. There is a $2 admission fee per person.

5 Saddle Creek Park is on U.S. 92, about 2 miles east of Lakeland. The nature trail entrance is at the back of the park, near the maintenance area and firing range. There is no admission fee.

6 Colt Creek State Park is a state park at the edge of the Green Swampon County Road 471.There is a $3 admissionfee per vehicle.

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shelters and tables, restrooms and bathhouse, fi ve boat launching ramps, nature trail, gun range, one baseball fi eld and two playgrounds.Simmers-Young Park, 5630 W. County Road 542, Winter Haven. Five multi-purpose and soccer fi elds, restroom and concessions, picnic shelters and tables, fi shing pond and playground. Posted hours: 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.Snively-Brooks Mini Park, 1004 Snively-Brooks Ave., Eloise. One softball fi eld, one soccer fi eld, picnic shelters and tables, restrooms and playground. Posted hours: 3 p.m. to dark school days and 7 a.m. to dark weekends. Wahneta Park, 118½ Rifl e Range Road, Wahneta. Three baseball fi elds, restrooms and concessions, picnic shelters and tables and playground.Washington Park, 1420 Washington Ave., Lake Wales. One baseball fi eld, restroom, pavilion, picnic shelters and tables and playground. Posted hours: 7 a.m. to dusk.Waverly Park, Hodge Street off County Road 540, Waverly. One baseball fi eld, one softball fi eld, restroom, picnic shelters and tables and playground.West Lake Wales Mini Park, off State Road 60 at West Lake Wales Road South and Holden Street, Lake Wales. Playground and open play area.Westwood Park, 1145 36th Ave. N.W., Winter Haven. Two soccer fi elds, restroom, picnic shelters and tables, grills, game table and playground. Posted hours: 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. winter and 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. summer.Winston Park, 1060 Sutton Road, Lakeland. Four softball fi elds, restrooms and concessions.

MUNICIPALITIESMany cities in Polk County have a number of popular parks and other recreational facilities.

AUBURNDALEMunicipal Beach, one of the few swimming beaches in Polk County. The 2-acre park also has a playground, volleyball area, boat ramp and fi shing pier. Admission to the swimming area between April or May, depending on weather, and October is $1 for residents and $2 for nonresidents.Downtown City Park, a 2.5-acre tract in downtown Auburndale, has tennis and basketball courts, playground equipment, a community center and shuffl eboard courts.Lake Myrtle Park, a 150-acre park off Berkley Road includes soccer fi eld, baseball fi elds and playgrounds and a connection to the Auburndale-TECO Trail. Rev. Earl Wright Park, Bridgers Avenue and Adams Street, playground equipment, picnic facilities and a path for bicycling and skating.Miss Auburndale Softball Complex, on Stadium Road northeast of downtown, baseball and softball fi elds for diff erent local leagues.Lake Stella Park, a walking trail and benches around this small lake just north of downtown on County Road 559. For information, call 863-965-5545.

BARTOWBartow Park, Agricola Road, a 90-acre park, baseball, softball, soccer and football fi elds, picnic facilities and a track for remote-control cars.Bartow Civic Center, 2250 S. Floral Ave., swimming pool, tennis courts, racquetball courts, meeting rooms and an auditorium. Adjacent to the Civic Center is a youth baseball fi eld, IMC Park and Mobil Park, which are open areas used for special celebrations such as the Fourth of July.Carver Recreation Center, 520 S. Idlewood Ave., heated pool, softball fi elds, meeting rooms, a playground and picnic area.Mary Holland Park, the city’s largest park, covers 95 acres at the end of Shumate Drive. Picnic areas and a fi shing pier.Nye Jordan Park, Orange Avenue and Stuart Street, tennis courts, playground equipment and picnic tables.Polk Street Community Center, 1255 W. Polk St., a gym, craft rooms, a weightlifting room, racquetball courts, a softball fi eld and a playground.Richland Manor Park, on Bear Creek, tennis courts and playground equipment. For information, call 863-534-0100.

DAVENPORTAdair Field, baseball complex on North Boulevard West.Wilson Park, on State Street, playground equipment and benches.Jamestown Park, off U.S. 17-92, playground equipment and a basketball court.Lake Play Park, behind City Hall, picnic shelters and a fi tness trail.

DUNDEEFourth Street Park, baseball fi elds.Nancy Street Park, baseball fi elds.Lake Marie Park, picnic facilities and playground equipment.Lake Menzie Park, picnic shelters and a walking trail.Merrill Avenue Park, a playground and handball courts.Myrtle Street Park, a playground and basketball courts. For more information, call 863-439-1086.

EAGLE LAKEEagle Lake Beach, at the end of Eagle Avenue, a swimming beach, picnic area, playground and boat ramp.City Hall Recreation Complex, on Seventh Street, basketball, racquetball and tennis courts.Baseball fi elds on Cooley Road. For more information, call 863-293-4141.

FORT MEADEFort Meade Outdoor Recreation Area, a 125-acre park on the east side of town on U.S. 98 on the Peace River, picnicking, fi shing and a boat ramp for canoeing. The park is also the site of the Fort Meade Jamboree at the park pavilion, featuring gospel, bluegrass and country music the second Saturday of each month. Admission to the park is free. It is open

during daylight hours only.Fort Meade Community Center, 10 S.W. Third St., a recreation center that schedules regular events. Outside are racquetball courts, shuffl eboard courts and a playground.Fort Meade Sports Complex, Edgewood Drive just north of Fort Meade High School, baseball and softball fi elds, tennis courts, racquetball courts and a playground.Heritage Park, 409 N.E. Third St., a neighborhood park near the location of a 19th century Army fort from which the city got its name. It has playground equipment and picnic facilities.Lanier Park, 591 S. Lanier Ave., a tot lot and picnic facilities.Monument Park, 801 S.E. Second St., a memorial to soldiers killed there during the Seminole Wars. The park includes a nature walk.Morrison Park, 130 S.W. Seventh St., basketball court, tot lot and sports fi elds.Patterson Park, a 16.5-acre park on U.S. 17-98, fi shing, volleyball and a walking trail. For more information, call 863-285-8191.

FROSTPROOFLake Clinch Park, a swimming beach. The 25-acre park also has two Little League fi elds, on North Reedy Boulevard. Handball courts are between the baseball fi elds.Playground and a park area, around the old rail depot on East Wall Street.Gym, east of City Hall on Oak Avenue. For more information, call 863-635-7855.

HAINES CITYEast Park, East Johnson Avenue, baseball and softball fi elds.Haines City Community Center, 219 S. Fifth St., fi tness room, gym and ping-pong tables.Lake Eva Park, on Lake Eva at the end of Fifth Street, playground, picnic facilities, a boat ramp and a swimming pool.Lion’s Park, Johnson Avenue, has baseball fi elds.Oakland Civic Center, 708 Ave. C, swimming pool, a playground and basketball courts.Cook Field, across from the Oakland Civic Center, baseball and football fi elds.Yale Field, next to Lake Eva Park, football, baseball and softball fi elds.Downtown tennis courts, Ledwith Avenue and Eighth Street, tennis, racquetball and basketball courts. For information, call 863-422-1910.

LAKE ALFREDLions Park, at end of Nekoma Avenue on Lake Alfred, is 3 acres with a boat ramp, playground, picnic shelters and restrooms.Lake Rochelle Park, primarily a boat ramp on U.S. 17-92 on the south end of the city.Lake Swoope Park, boat ramp and picnic tables.Gardner Park, U.S. 17-92 and Main Street, shuffl eboard courts.Career Development Center, Cummings and Glencruiten Street, senior league ballfi elds.

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FISHING AND HUNTING LICENSES The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission offers a service to buy hunting or fishing licenses with a credit card to a toll-free number. Call either 888-HUNT-FLOrida (486-8356) or 888-FISH-FLOrida (347-4356). A temporary license number will be provided until a permanent license arrives by mail, usually within 48 hours. There is a $3.25 service charge in addition to the cost of the license, plus a 2.5 percent surcharge of the total sale. For more information, call the commission’s Lakeland office at 863-648-3206 or check MyFWC.com.These are some of the licenses available:

LICENSE FOR RESIDENTS FEE Gold Sportsman’s license1 $100 Military Gold Sportsman’s2 20 Sportsman’s license3 80.50 Five-year hunting4 79 Annual hunting 17 Annual hunting/freshwater fishing 32.50 Annual hunting/saltwater and freshwater fishing 48 Annual freshwater license or saltwater license 17 Saltwater shoreline license Free Sportsman’s license5 (seniors 64+) 13.50 Resident senior citizen (65+) hunting/fishing certificate Free

LICENSE FOR NON-RESIDENTS Annual hunting $151.50 10-day hunting 46.50 Annual freshwater license or saltwater license 47 7-day freshwater license or saltwater license 30 3-day freshwater license or saltwater license 17

PERMITS (Residents & non-residents) ONE YEAR FIVE YEAR Wildlife Management Area $26.50 $126.50 Archery 5 25 Crossbow 5 25 Muzzleloading gun 5 25 Turkey 10 25 Deer 5 25 Non-resident Turkey 125 — Florida Waterfowl 5 25 Migratory Bird — Free1Gold Sportsman’s license, includes Hunting, Saltwater and Freshwater Fishing licenses; and Type 1 Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Deer, Turkey, Waterfowl, Snook and Lobster permits.

2Military Gold Sportsman’s license, includes Hunting, Saltwater and Freshwater Fishing licenses; and Type 1 Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Deer, Turkey, Waterfowl, Snook and Lobster permits. Available only at tax collector’s office.

3Sportsman’s License includes Hunting and Freshwater Fishing licenses; and Type 1 Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Deer, Turkey and Florida Waterfowl permits.

4Permits not included5Sportsman’s 64+ License, includes all licenses and permits included in the Sportsman’s License.

SOURCE: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission





Echo Terrace, Terrace Avenue, playground and basketball courts.Highlands Community Center, Third Street and Midway Avenue, basketball court and community center. For information, 863-956-3434.

LAKE HAMILTONTwo baseball fi elds, across the street from Town Hall off State Road 17 and another on Detour Road.Gunter Street Park, playground facilities, a basketball court and picnic facilities.Sample Park, off U.S. 27 on Lake Hamilton, picnic area and boat ramp. For information, call 863-439-1910.

LAKE WALESLincoln Park, Lincoln Avenue, picnic shelters and a playground.Crystal Lake Park, playground equipment.Lake Wailes Park, walking path, boat ramp and fi shing pier.Kiwanis Park, picnic and barbecue facilities, and baseball and softball fi elds.Ninth Street Park, playground equipment and a basketball court.North Field Park, baseball facilities. For information, call 863-678-4003.

LAKELAND

Most of Lakeland’s parks are open from dawn to 10 p.m. The exceptions are Lake Parker Recreation Area and Peterson Park, which are open from sunrise to sunset. For information, call 863-499-6090.

Adair Park, 1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd., skate park, baseball, soccer fi eld, picnic area.Bicentennial Park, 12 Lake Beulah Drive, rose garden.Bryant Stadium, 1125 N. Florida Ave., football and soccer stadium.Common Ground, 1000 E. Edgewood Drive, off ers playground equipment for children of all levels of ability and ages.Crystal Grove, 1661 Crystal Grove Drive, playground area.Curtis Peterson Park, 3700 Cleveland Heights Blvd., picnic area, boardwalk, boat and canoe ramps, and a youth baseball and soccer complex.Dobbins Park, 514 W. Ariana St., playground, picnic area, sand volleyball court and an athletic fi eld. Edgewood Park, 1000 E. Edgewood Drive, playground and facilities for tennis, racquetball, softball, football and soccer. Glendale Park, East Glendale Street and Lakeland Highlands Road, playground and an all-purpose court. Handley Park, 1419 Phyllis St., playground and an all-purpose court.Henley Field, 1125 N. Florida Ave., baseball fi eld.Hibiscus Building, 716 E. Orange St., meeting rooms.

Hollis Garden, 702 E. Orange St., patterned fl ower beds, public art, ornamental fountains.Horney Park, 205 E. Poinsettia St., playground,

picnic facilities, multipurpose fi eld.

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Interlachen Park, 200-500 Interlachen Parkway across from Lake Parker, playground and open areas.John Jackson Park, 1130 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., playground, park and an all-purpose court.Lake Bonny Shore, 1600 E. Main St., boat ramp and fi shing.Lake Bonny Park, 800 U.S. 98 S., baseball and softball fi elds, soccer fi eld, nature trail and jogging path, playground, and picnic pavilions. Lake Hunter, 75 Lake Hunter Drive, scenic walk, fi shing pier, boat ramp and picnic tables.Lake Morton, 20 Lake Morton Drive, waterfowl sanctuary and scenic walk.Lake Parker Recreation Area, 910 E. Granada St. at West Lake Parker Drive, picnic area, pavilions for group gatherings, nature trail, playground, soccer fi elds and a boat ramp.Lake Parker Shore, West Lake Parker Drive, jogging path and open area.Lake Somerset, New Jersey Avenue and Glendale Street, boat ramp and open area. Lake Ridge Recreation Center, 325 W. Second St. at North Virginia Avenue, supervised recreation programs. Northwest Park, 108 W. Third St., an all-purpose court.Scott Kelly Recreation Complex, 404 Imperial Blvd., multipurpose recreational building with two pools and eight tennis courts.

Sertoma Park, 1800 E. Memorial Blvd., boat ramp, picnic shelters and fi shing.Seventh Street Park, 1500 W. Seventh St., playground and an all-purpose court.Simpson Park, 1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., playground, baseball, recreation center, tennis court, picnic shelter and swimming pool.Southwest Softball Complex, 1444 W. Highland St., softball.Tigertown Complex, 2210 N. Lake Ave. at Lakeland Hills Boulevard, baseball, football, soccer and multi-purpose buildings.Washington Park, 301 W. Seventh St., playground and an all-purpose court.Westside Park, 1800 W. Oakhill St., softball complex, picnic shelter, playground and an all-purpose court.

MULBERRYSpence Field, Northeast 10th Avenue, swimming pool, tennis courts, skateboarding and ball fi elds.Mulberry Civic Center, Northeast Fifth Street, playground and an open play area.Playgrounds, Southeast Fourth Street, Northeast Fourth Avenue, Northwest Fourth Street, Southwest First Street and Northwest Ninth Street and Second Avenue. For information, call 863-425-1125.

POLK CITYFreedom Park, near County Road 655 and State Road 33, playground equipment and picnic facilities.Community Center, 220 S. Bougainvillea Ave., basketball, tennis and racquetball courts. For

information, call 863-984-1375.

WINTER HAVEN,Winter Haven has 22 parks of various sizes, from boat ramps and neighborhood parks to recreation centers. City parks are open during daylight hours only unless posted signs allow longer operation. For information, call 863-291-5656.

Aldora Park, 12th Street Northwest on Lake Hartridge, playground equipment and park benches.Central Park, Central Avenue between Fourth and Fifth Street Northwest downtown, benches, a fountain and is the site of regular special events.Chain of Lakes Baseball Park, Cypress Gardens Boulevard, baseball stadium and clubhouse and fi ve baseball practice fi elds.Chain of Lakes Recreation Complex, 210 Cypress Garden Blvd., community center, theater and art center, and swimming pool.Fairfax Athletic Complex, Fairfax Street and Avenue O Northeast, four softball fi elds and a concession stand.Inman Park, U.S. 17 and Avenue T Northwest, seven picnic tables. Lake Hartridge Park, Beach Parkway at 20th Street Northwest, boat ramp, fi shing pier, walking trail, playground, picnic facilities. Lake Martha Park, Third Street and Avenue C Northeast, beach, playground equipment, picnic shelter, tables and a restroom.Lake Shipp Park, Avenue X Southwest, Winter Haven, open 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eight restrooms, four shelters, 13 tables, fi ve Little League fi elds, two

soccer fi elds, an open play area, fi shing, one boat ramp and canoe access.Martin Luther King Jr. Park, South Lake Silver Drive at Third Street Northwest, beach, picnic tables,playground equipment, restrooms, recreation center and outdoor theater.R.H. Malcolm Park, Avenue N Southwest, playground equipment.Municipal Tennis Center, Third Street and Avenue F Northwest, 11 lighted tennis courts.Rotary Park, Sixth Street and Avenue C Northeast, neighborhood center, baseball fi eld, handball and racquetball courts, basketball goals. Senior Adult Center and Shuffl eboard Club, Third Street Northwest and South Lake Silver Drive, 24 shuffl eboard courts and a community center.Sertoma Little League Park, Recker Highway at County Road 540A, four baseball fi elds, two football fi elds and a concession stand.South Lake Howard Park, Lake Howard Drive, walking and bicycling trail, pier and an open area.Sportsman’s Park, Avenue U and Second Street Northwest, baseball fi eld, playground equipment and two basketball courts.24th Street Playground, Avenue B Northwest, playground equipment, park benches and a basketball goal.William G. Roe Park, Seventh Street Southwest, Winter Haven, open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Boat ramps onto Lake Shipp to provide improved access to the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes.Winter Haven Recreational and Cultural Center, Avenue T Northeast, baseball fi eld, softball fi eld and a playground.



Youth Can Learn Gymnastics, Tumbling, Cheerleading By LISA COFFEYTHE LEDGER

Polk County has a range of gymnas-tics clubs offering a variety of activi-ties including trampoline, tumbling and cheerleading.

Here are some of them:

AUBURNDALEPOLK COUNTY ACES are at 202 Park

St. N. In its 12,000-square-foot facility, the club offers gymnastics, competitive cheer-leading and recreational cheerleading for boys and girls ages 3 to 19. All instructors are certifi ed.

The club offers a tumbling course Tues-day from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The fee is $10 an hour.

Fees vary depending on the program.Membership is $20 per year.For more information, call 863-808-2200

or visit www.polkaces.com.

LAKELANDGYMNASTICS ETC. offers recre-

ational and competitive gymnastics and cheerleading, summer camp, after-school

camps, holiday camps, birthday parties, tot classes for 3- to 5-year-olds, and big and little gym for 2- to 3-year-olds.

The school offers competitive programs for gymnastics and cheerleading.

Big and little open gym for ages 5 and younger is offered from 11 a.m. to noon Thursdays with regular open gym from 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays.

Fees vary depending on size of family and the ability level of the student and class attendance.

The school is in an 18,750-square-foot facility at 3222 Winter Lake Road in the Ruthven Industrial Center, across from Traviss Career Center.

The gym also offers wrestling. Check for dates and times.

For more information, call 863-667-1281 or visit www.gymetc.org.

GYMTEK GYMNASTICS offers pro-grams for children of all abilities between the ages of 18 months and 18 years old.

Programs include beginner through ad-vanced boys’ and girls’ gymnastics classes, Funtastiks program for children ages 3 to 5, Mommy & Me for ages 18 months to 2

years, beginning through advanced tum-bling, and cheer and stunting classes.

Gymtek also has competitive girls’ gym-nastics teams and all-star cheer squads. Free trial classes are available.

Gymtek is at 2045 E. Edgewood Drive.For more information, call 863-667-0904

or visit www.gymtek.com.

MOORE’S GYMNASTICS ACADEMY offers competitive gymnastics, competitive cheerleading, tumbling, recreational gym-nastics, kindergym and summer camps. Moore’s is located at 4767 Drane Field Road, Lakeland. For more information, call 863-688-7909.

NORTH LAKELAND YMCA offers a gymnastics program for children ages 3 to 12 on Thursday evenings. Sessions are monthly. The Y is at 2125 Sleepy Hill Road. For more information, call 863-859-7769 or visit www.ymcawcf.org.

SOUTH LAKELAND YMCA offers gymnastics programs for children ages 12 months to 14 years old. Classes also are of-fered for cheerleading, ballet and gymnas-

tics. Tumbling and new pre-team classes isoffered for children ages 7 to 14.

Fees vary depending on age and abilitylevel.

Classes available for children with spe-cial needs.

The Y is at 3620 Cleveland HeightsBlvd. For more information, call 863-644-3528, ext. 225 or visit the website at www.ymcawcf.org.

WINTER HAVENFLORIDA FLIPS is at 501 Burns Lane

off Dundee Road. The club offers begin-ning through elite gymnastics classes forboys and girls ages 2 and older as well ascompetitive gymnastics, trampoline andtumbling teams for boys and girls.

The club also offers tumbling classes forcheerleaders.

Fees are $35 a month for pre-schoolersand $50 a month for beginners who comeonce a week. Fees increase depending onthe level of gymnast and the use of thefacility.

For more information, call 863-325-8494 or visit the website atwww.fl oridafl ips.net.

[ guide to polk | recreation ]


THE LEDGER

COURSES CITY PROFESSIONAL PHONE

PUBLIC Bartow Bartow Chris Banks 863-533-9183Big Cypress North Lakeland Dave Bishop 863-859-6871Big Cypress South Lakeland Dave Bishop 863-859-6871Bramble Ridge Lakeland Terry Parker (Mgr.) 863-667-1988Golf Club at BridgeWater Lakeland Dana Saad (Dir.) 863-682-3000Celebration Celebration Kenny Nairn 407-566-4653Cleveland Heights Lakeland Randy Sansing 863-834–2377Cypress Greens Auburndale Carol Ladd (Mgr.) 863-956-4179Deer Creek Davenport John Stephens (Dir.) 863-424-3153Diamondback Haines City Lynn Zemba 863-421-0437The Club at Eaglebrooke Lakeland John Greiner 863-701-0101Grenelefe Resor Haines City Billy Dickinson (Dir.) 863-422-7511 (ext. 5122)The Hamptons Auburndale Fred Brochu 863-666-8442Highlands Reserve Davenport Greg Tebbutt 863-420-1724 (ext. 3)Huntington Hills Lakeland Margie Serralles (Mgr.) 863-859-3689Indian Lakes Estates Indian Lakes Sandy Knightly (Mgr.) 863-692-1514Lake Bess Golf Club Winter Haven Richard Mansfield (Mgr.) 863-326-9171Lekarica Lake Wales Ralph Riedel 863-679-9478Lily Lake Frostproof Dave Hill (Mgr.) 863-635-1344Oakwood Golf Club Lake Wales Dan O’Neal 863-676-8558Providence Golf Club Davenport Jerry Callaway 863-420-2652Ridgewood Lakes Davenport Chuck McLoone 863-424-8688Sandpiper Lakeland Dennis Grasso 863-859-5461Schalamar Creek Lakeland Zoran Ilic 863-666-1623, (ext. 1)Skyview Lakeland —None— 863-665-4008Southern Dunes Haines City Kevin Woodard 863-421-4653, (ext. 1)Sun Air Haines City Julie Willis (Mgr.) 863-439-4958Stonegate (Solivita) Poinciana Aaron Merritt 863-427-7150Wedgewood Lakeland Brian Randolph (Mgr.) 863-858-4451Willowbrook Winter Haven David Hicks 863-291-5899YMCA Par 3 Lakeland Gerald Richardson (Dir.) 863-577-0236

PRIVATECountry Meadows Plant City Stacie Jackson (Mgr.) 813-752-4636Cypresswood Winter Haven Bob Schade 863-324-6174Four Lakes Golf Club Winter Haven Bob Griffith (Mgr.) 863-291-0930Grasslands Lakeland Steve Knott (Dir.) 863-680-1616Highland Fairways Lakeland —None— 863-858-0947ImperiaLakes Mulberry Cliff Wilson (Mgr.) 863-425-1154Lake Ashton Winter Haven Matt Pittsley 863-326-1032Lake Henry Winter Haven Bob Griffith (Mgr.) 863-299-2683Lake Region Winter Haven Tony Brabiner (Dir.) 863-324-4579Lake Wales Lake Wales Bob Forward 863-676-6519Lone Palm Lakeland Bryan Moran 863-499-5481Sweetwater Haines City Lester Ball (Mgr.) 863-956-5530Mountain Lake Lake Wales Jonathan Powell 863-679-2420Walden Lake Plant City Greg Gamester 813-754-8575 (ext. 225)Lake Region Winter Haven Tony Brabiner (Dir.) 863-324-4579Lake Wales Lake Wales Bob Forward 863-676-6519Lone Palm Lakeland Bryan Moran 863-499-5481Sweetwater Haines City Lester Ball (Mgr.) 863-956-5530Mountain Lake Lake Wales Jonathan Powell 863-679-2420Walden Lake Plant City Steve Mercer (Mgr.) 813-754-8575 (ex. 225)

POLK COUNTY AREAGOLF COURSE DIRECTORYHere is a quick look at area golf courses. Private courses are played by invitation of members only. Some courses have general managers (Mgr.) or directors of golf (Dir.) and may not have club professionals.

SOURCE: Ledger research


By LISA COFFEYTHE LEDGER AUBURNDALE YOUTH BASKETBALL: This league is for boys and girls ages 5 to 15. Registration is in September and October. Drafts are held the fi rst and second week of November. Games are played in December through February on Saturdays and Mondays at the Tracy McGrady Gymnasium in Auburndale. The fee is $60. Players are asked to register with a copy of their birth certifi cate. The program is part of the Junior Magic league. For information, call 863-967-0017 or visit www.auburndaleyouthbasketball.com.

CARVER RECREATION CENTER IN BARTOW: The center off ers opportunities for developing younger players with a middle school league with games beginning in March. Registration is held in January. Games are played on Tuesdays beginning at 4 p.m. The fee is $15 for residents and $25 for nonresidents. The center also off ers a league for players in kindergarten through fi fth grade. Registration is in late November. The fee is $45. Games are played every Saturday through mid-February. For information, call the Carver Recreation Center at 863-534-0161.

CITRUS CENTER BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB: The club off ers free basketball programs at all three units in Winter Haven, Haines City and Lake Wales. Registration is held in December for children ages 13-and-under. Play runs through March. For information on the Winter Haven unit, call 863-967-1532. For the North Ridge unit in Haines City, call 863-422-7014. For the Lake Wales unit, call 863-679-8582.

HAINES CITY PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT: The department sponsors the Haines City Youth Basketball League for boys and girls ages 5 to 15. Play begins in December and runs through February. Registration is held in October and November. Games are played beginning in mid-November at the Community Center and the Oakland Gym on week nights. The fee is $40 per child. For information, call 863-421-3700.

D. JONES YOUTH BASKETBALL LEAGUE: This league, for boys and girls 5 through 15, is run in conjunction with the city of Lake Wales. Registration is held in November. The fee is $40 per player. Games are played at the Kirkland Gymnasium and Lake Wales High School. For information, call Burney Hayes at 863-557-2047 or the YMCA at 863-676-9441.

LAKE WALES YMCA: The agency off ers a youth basketball program in the winter as well as youth sports clinics for players ages 5 and younger (Youth Super Sports) in April and September on Mondays. For information, call 863-676-9441.

LAKELAND FAMILY YMCA: The South Y, at 3620 Cleveland Heights Blvd., off ers youth basketball for boys and girls ages 6 to 14 in summer and winter/spring programs. The fee is $60 for members and $80 for nonmembers for players ages 6 to 14. Summer registration is held in May. Games are held Friday nights (age 12-14 boys) and Saturdays (ages 6 to 11 boys/12 to 14 girls). Winter registration is October through mid-December. Games are held January through February on Friday nights and Saturdays. Summer basketball clinics are off ered in July and August with registration in May and June for ages 3 to 5. The fee is $40 for members and $65 for nonmembers. For information, call 863-644-3528.

THE NORTH LAKELAND FAMILY YMCA off ers a summer basketball league for players ages 3 to 14 with a second winter season beginning in January. The Y is located at 2125 Sleepy Hill Road. For information, call 863-859-7769.

LAKELAND PAL: Off ers basketball for players ages 12-and-under. Games and practices are held weekdays and weekends from December through March. The fee is $45. For information, call Offi cer Greg Hardee or Linda Cohen at 863-834-2557.

LAKELAND/SIMPSON PARK: The center off ers a youth basketball program for boys and girls ages 4 to 16 in Lakeland. Registration begins in August with games December through March. Games are played on Saturdays at the Simpson Park Recreation Center. The fee is $45. For information, call 863-834-2577.

KELLY RECREATION CENTER IN LAKELAND: The center off ers youth basketball for boys and girls ages 4 to 18. Registration begins in September with games November through February. Games are on Saturdays. The fee is $35 for training league ages 4 to 7 and $55 for players ages 8 to 15. For information, call 863-834-3284.

POINCIANA YMCA: The Y off ers basketball for players ages 3 to 13 for members and nonmembers. The Y is located at 397 Marigold Ave. For information, call 863-496-1814.

WINTER HAVEN YMCA: The Y, at 6955 Cypress Gardens Blvd., off ers youth basketball for boys and girls ages 3 to 17. The program is a league with game practices. Registration begins Feb. 1. Play begins March 14. The fee is $50 for players ages 3 to 5, $63 for players ages 6 to 8 and $67 for players ages 9 to 17. The fall league begins with registration in October and games in November. The fees are the same as above. For information, call 863-292-0922.

Many Polk County churches off er youth basketball through www.upward.org.

Youth Basketball Opportunities


www.bondclinic.com


Soccer Programs Abound By LISA COFFEYTHE LEDGER

Polk County offers a variety of soccer programs for boys and girls. All fees listed are subject to change without notice. Here are some of them.

AUBURNDALEAUBURNDALE YOUTH SOCCER: This league is for girls and boys ages 4 to 18. Registration is at the end of July. The fall season runs August through December. For more information, call 863-602-2649 or visit www.auburndaleyouthsoccer.com.

BARTOWBARTOW SOCCER CLUB: This league is for children ages 4 to 17. Registration is in August. The season runs August through December. The league is sanctioned with Florida Youth Soccer.For more information, call 863-248-8366 or e-mail [email protected] or visit www.bartowsoccer1.com.

DAVENPORTNORTHEAST POLK SOCCER LEAGUE: This recreational league is for boys and girls in the Northeast Polk area.For more information, call 863-420-3344 or visit www.nepsl.org.

HAINES CITYHAINES CITY RECREATION DEPARTMENT: The department off ers indoor soccer for children ages 4 to 12 beginning with registration in April. League play begins the fi rst week of June and runs for eight weeks at the community center. For more information, call 863-421-3700.

LAKELANDLAKELAND F.C. The league off ers play in the North and South Lakeland divisions with recreation and competitive programs for girls and boys ages 4 to 19.For more information, visit www.lakelandfc.com or e-mail [email protected].

FONTAINE GILLS FAMILY YMCA: The Y is on 2125 Sleepy Hill Road in North Lakeland.Indoor soccer begins for ages 3 to 12. The season is Feb. 28 through April 30th. A second season begins in the fall. For more information, call 863-859-7769 or visit the website at www.ymcawcf.org.

NORTH LAKELAND YOUTH SOCCER: The league is for boys and girls ages 6 to 18. Registration begins in July. Games run from late August through December. Online registration is available at NLYS.ORG For more information, e-mail Mike Futrell at [email protected]. LAKELAND FAMILY YMCA: The Y off ers a coed indoor spring league in March and April for players ages 6 to 11. Games are played Saturdays. For more information, call 863-644-3528 ext. 225 or visit the website at www.ymcawcf.org.

RIDGEPOINCIANA FAMILY YMCA: Located at 397 Marigold Avenue. Registration begins in April for youth players. For more information, call 863-496-1814.

LAKE WALES SOCCER CLUB: The league is for girls and boys ages 4 to 18. The league has two seasons with one in the spring and one in the fall. For more information, call Robbie Shields at 863-676-3304 or Tony Mathewson at 863-678-3513 or visit www.lakewalessoccer.com.

LAKE WALES FAMILY YMCA: The Y off ers a youth super sports program/clinics for ages 5 and under on Monday evenings in June. For more information, call 863-676-9441.

RIDGE YOUTH SOCCER CLUB: This league is for girls and boys ages 4 to 17 in the Four Corners area covering Polk, Osceola, Lake and Orange counties. For more information, call 863-424-9600 or visit www.ridgeyouthsoccer.org. or e-mail league president Brian Farrelly at [email protected]

WINTER HAVENWINTER HAVEN YOUTH SOCCER: The league is for players ages 4 to 17 with recreation and competitive teams. It is part of Florida Youth Soccer. For more information, call 863-965-0809 or visit www.whysa.com.

WINTER HAVEN FAMILY YMCA: The agency off ers youth soccer for boys and girls ages 3 to 5. The indoor program is off ered August through October. A second outdoor league runs January through March at St. Paul Episcopal Church. The fee is $28 for members and $38 for nonmembers. For more information, call 863-292-0922.

[ local weather online ] www.theledger.com

A variety of youth football programs are off ered around the county. Here are some of them:

MID FLORIDA FOOTBALL CONFERENCE: This league for boys and girls ages 4 to 15 has teams from Frostproof, Haines City, Lake Wales, Lakeland, Poinciana, Winter Haven, Bartow, Mulberry, Lake Alfred, Davenport and Garden Grove areas. The teams are:Lake Wales Steelers, Richard Deloach, 863-605-0265. Frostproof Dawgs, Roman Mancillas, 863-287-5763. Lakeland Saints, Tracy Faison, 863-670-7840. Poinciana Predators, Al Bates, 407-467-6331.Winter Haven Wolverines, Bernita Riley, 863-287-3122.Mulberry Panthers, Mario Williams 863-608-1817. Bartow Yellow Jackets, Gareth Washington 863-440-1638. Lakeland Lumberjacks, Dreyfus Jones, 863-398-2653. Lake Alfred Raiders, Joey Wellman, 863-557-9618 or Cheryl Pierce at 863-585-7165. Haines City Wildcats, Morris West, 863-514-9561. Garden Grove Bulldogs, Dick Seibert, 863-899-6935. Northeast Rattlers, Joseph Hamilton, 863-206-8445. Players can also visit www.midfl oridafootball.org.

SUNSHINE/PAL: This league is affi liated with the Florida PAL and off ers fl ag football for children ages 4 to 6 and tackle football and cheerleading for ages 7 to 14. Auburndale Bulls, Ruth Hernandez, 863-514-9309. Lakeland Destroyers, Ivan Brooks, 863-583-0604 or visit www.lakelanddestroyers.com. Dundee Hornets, Brandi Clements, 863-287-7086. Lakeland Hurricanes, Greg Hardee, 863-834-2556. Lakeland Patriots, Steve Bryant, 863-934-5156. Polk County Titans, Eric Moody, 863-877-7477. Lake Wales Gators, Debra Rheiner, 863-676-6260. Haines City Rattlers, Buster Raggs, 863-236-

0408. Auburndale Hounds, Tara Banks, 863-618-7044, or 863-677-6174. Sebring Eagles, Cliff Howell, 863-253-7070 or Tim Hooks, 863-559-9599.

POLK COUNTY YOUTH FOOTBALL: This league is for players ages 4 to 15. Polk City Jaguars, Bob Howe, 863-984-2576. The Lakeland Titans, Robert Kendrick, 863-644-4481. Bartow Unlimited Athletics, Jose Bristol, 863-440-1347. The Lake Gibson Braves, Corey Sparks, 863-669-6991. Fort Meade Miners, David Music, 863-512-6001. For more, call league President Neva Green, 863-581-9894.

BARTOWBARTOW MIGHTY MITES: This intracity league is for boys ages 8 to 11 years old. For more information, call 863-534-0120.

LAKELANDLAKELAND EAGLES: This youth football and cheerleading program is for boys and girls ages 5 to 15. For more information, visit www.lakelandeagles.com.

LAKELAND GATORS: This youth football and cheer program is for boys and girls ages 4 to 16. The league off ers tackle football, fl ag football for players ages 4 to 6, and cheerleading for girls ages 4 to 16. More information: 863-688-4720 or www.lakelandgators.com

LAKELAND FAMILY YMCA: LAKELAND FAMILY YMCA: The Y off ers a coed indoor spring league in March and April for players ages 6 to 11. Games are played Saturdays. More information: 863-644-3528 or www.ymcawcf.org.

LAKE WALES FAMILY YMCA: The Y off ers

a fl ag football league April 2 to April 30 for children in second through eighth grade. The fee is $20 a person. For more information, call 863-676-9441.

WINTER HAVENWINTER HAVEN YOUTH FOOTBALL: This league based at Sertoma Park is for boys and girls ages 5 to 15. The league off ers fl ag football for players ages 5 to 7.WINTER HAVEN YMCA: The Y off ers rookie fl ag football in the fall for players ages 3 to 5. The season runs Sept. 19 through Nov. 12. It’s $32 for members and $42 for non members. Clinics are off ered once a week for an hour. More information: 863-292-0922.

DAVENPORT: Ridge Lightning. The league is part of Mid Florida Pop Warner with cheerleading and football for participants ages 5 to 15. More information: www.

ridgeyouthfoot ball.com or www.midfl oridapopwarner.com.

POINCIANAPOINCIANA YMCA: The Y off ers fl ag football. For more information, call 863-496-1814.



THE LEDGER

TENNIS ANYONE?Here is a list of the public and private courts availablein Polk County. Many locations offer lessons,tournaments and leagues. LOCATION CONTACT PHONE PUBLIC CITY COURTS Auburndale Municipal Courts Andy Durham 965-5544 Bartow Civic Center Larry Tucker 534-0120 Beerman Family Tennis Center (Lakeland) Dave Beerman 834-2374 Carver Recreation Center (Bartow) 534-0161 Dundee Ridge Middle School 419-3088 Frostproof Sports Complex 635-7866 Fort Meade 285-1110 Kelly Recreation Center (Lakeland) 834-3284 Lake Eva Park (Haines City) Jeff McCardle 419-3447 Lake Parker (Lakeland) 834-2233 Lake Alfred 291-5270 Lake Wales 678-4182 ext. 225 Nye Jordan Park (Bartow) 534-0120 Richland Manor (Bartow) 534-0120 Simpson Park (Lakeland) 834-2577 Winter Haven City Courts Bobby Woodard 291-5690 Woodlake Park (Lakeland) Dave Beerman 834-2374

PUBLIC COUNTY COURTS Wahneta, Rifle Range Road 499-2613 or 534-4340 Hunt Fountain Complex (Lakeland) 499-2613 or 534-4340 East Central Park (Dundee) to be opened 2011 534-4340

PRIVATE COURTS Cypresswood (Winter Haven) Eymard Capinpin 969-9005 Lake Region Yacht and Country Club Alex Bose 324-7019 Grasslands (Lakeland) Tomm Warneke 680-1133 Lake Wales Country Club Joe Hignight 676-2887 Lakeland Yacht Club Robert Hollis 688-7019 ext. 24 Oakview Swim and Tennis Club (Lakeland) Dr. Buck Bustard 646-8967 The Club at Eaglebrooke Larry Santos 670-8734SOURCE: Ledger research

Youth Football Programs Off ered Throughout Polk

EXTRA COVERAGE AT THELEDGER.COM

More SportsWinter Haven Horseshoe Club:

863-324-5499

The Lakeland Lawn Bowling Club:863-603-6302 or 863-834-2233 or www.lakelandlawnbowlingclub.com.

Lakeland Shuffl eboard Club: 863-603-6284 or [email protected].

Winter Haven Shuffl eboard Club:863-291-5870.

For information on sports not listed here go to www.guidetopolk.com


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Polk County Celebrating 150 Years in Existence By TOM PALMERTHE LEDGER

The Polk County Commission oversees one of the largest counties in Florida.

Over the past year one of the milestones was former County Manager Mike Herr’s decision to lay off county employees in an attempt to balance the budget in the face of declining property tax and sales tax revenue.

The challenges county offi cials face in 2011 will mainly involve raising enough revenue to maintain county services with-out further layoffs and other cuts.

One bright spot this year is the celebra-tion of the county’s sesquicentennial, a year long celebration that was kicked off in February.

Following is a list of county offi ces and constitutional offi ces such as tax collector and property appraiser.

Established: Feb. 8, 1861Size: 2,010.2 square milesPopulation: 584,329Government: Charter, with fi ve county commissioners and an appointed county manager and county attorney. Commissioners are elected to four-year terms in a countywide election, but commissioners must live in the districts they represent. They are elected on a rotating basis and are limited to serving two consecutive terms. The commission chairman is elected annually by the commissioners. The commission meets at 9 a.m. two Tuesdays a month.County Commission: Bob English, 863-534-6450, District 1, Southwest Lakeland; Melony Bell, 863-534-6434, District 2, South Polk; Ed Smith, 863-534-6050, District 3, Winter Haven and Central Polk; Todd Dantzler, 863-534-6422, District 4, Northeast Polk; and Sam Johnson, 863-534-6049, District 5, Northwest Lakeland.Budget: $1.3 billionProperty tax rate: $6.87 for every $1,000 of taxable value inside cities; $7.50 cents per $1,000 taxable value in unincorporated areas.County Administration Building: 330 W. Church St., Bartow, 863-534-6000.Web site: www.polk-county.netCounty manager: Jim Freeman, 863-534-6018County attorney: Michael Craig 863-534-6482Auditor: Clerk of Circuit Court Richard Weiss, 863-534-4540Animal complaints: Polk County Sheriff ’s Offi ce Animal Control, 863-499-2600 or 800-275-8941, for cases involving cats and dogs. For nuisance alligator complaints, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation

Commission toll-free at 866-392-4286.Boat registration: Polk County Tax Collector’s Offi ce, 863-534-4700 or go to www.polktaxes.com.Building permits: 863-534-6080. Forms and information on many aspects of building permits and inspection are available by going to www.polk-county.net and following the links to Building Inspection.Burning permits: Burning permits are issued by the Florida Division of Forestry. 863-648-3163.Code enforcement: Enforces land development codes and other ordinances regarding issues ranging from junk cars to overgrown lots in unincorporated Polk County. 863-534-6054.Cooperative extension services: Provides research-based education in agriculture, natural resources, human nutrition and the national youth development program 4-H. 863-519-8677 ext. 103.Deeds: Indexing and records, 863-534-4524, 863-534-4516 and 863-534-4528.

Driver licenses: Three locations: Lakeland, 863-499-2320, 863-499-2323; Haines City, 863-421-3201; and Lake Wales, 863-678-4160.Elderly services: Provides a variety of services including case management, adult day care and nutrition. 863-534-5320.Environmental lands: Manages more than 12,000 acres of environmental preserves, 863-534-7377.Fishing and hunting licenses: Polk County Tax Collector’s Offi ce, 863-534-4700 or go to www.polktaxes.com.Flooding and fl ood maps: To get a copy of the latest fl ood maps, contact Federal Emergency Management Agency at 800-358-9616. For drainage issues, call Polk County Roadway Maintenance at 863-534-7361 or Polk County Natural Resources at 863-534-7377. For pre-development fl ood determinations call Land Development Division, Floodplain Management Section at 863-534-6449. Have your 18-digit property identifi cation number available. Growth management: Processes

development applications and long-term planning projects, 863-534-6467. Planner on call 863-534-6084 or [email protected] for land-use and zoning questions.Hazardous waste: Polk County Solid Waste. 863-284-4319 or go to www.polk-county.net and follow the links.Lakes: Polk County Natural Resources. 863-534-7377 or go to www.polk-county.net and follow the links to Natural Resources, where you can fi nd the Polk County Lake Atlas.Marriage licenses: Clerk of the Court, 863-534-4547. Maps: Depending on the type of map you need, contact Polk County GIS, 863-534-7500; Polk County Land Development, 863-534-6467; or Polk County Property Appraiser, 863-534-4777 or go to www.polk-county.net and follow the links to the Polk County Map Viewer.Minority business procurement: Offi ce of Supplier Diversity, 863-534-5979.Mosquito control: Polk County Natural Resources, 863-534-7377.Local business tax receipts (formerly called occupational licenses): Polk County Tax Collector’s Offi ce, 863-534-4700 or go to www.polktaxes.com.PGTV: Broadcasts government access television, 863-534-5997.Parks and recreation: Polk County Parks & Natural Resources, 863-534-4341.Property appraiser: Polk County Property Appraiser’s Offi ce. Call 863-534-4777 or go to www.polkpa.org, which provides information on appraised values, ownership and most recent sales.Recycling: Polk County Waste Resources Management. 863-284-4319 or go to www.polk-county.net and follow the links.Soil maps: Maps are available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service in Bartow, 863-533-7121.Tax collector: Polk County Tax Collector’s Offi ce, 863-534-4700 or go to www.polktaxes.com.Transit services: Schedules door-to-door transportation for qualifi ed riders and coordinates countywide bus system. 863-534-5500.Utilities: Polk County Utilities, 863-298-4100 or 800-301-6039 or go to www.polk-county.net and follow the links.Vehicle registration: Polk County Tax Collector’s Offi ce, 863-534-4700 or go to www.polktaxes.com.Volunteer services: Coordinates volunteer eff ort for events and emergency responses, 863-534-6089.Voter registration: Polk County Supervisor of Elections Offi ce, 863-534-5888 or go to www.polkelections.com.

SOURCES: $1,335,672,994

EXPENDITURES BY DEPARTMENT: $1,335,672,994

SOURCE: Polk County Officeof Management and Budget

POLK COUNTY BUDGETFOR FISCAL YEAR 2010-11

Licenses & permits 0.26% Interest 0.64%

Miscellaneous 1.05%Charges for services 2.05%

Interfund transfer 2.77%Special assessments 3.09%

All other 3.81%

Debt proceeds 0.00%

Internal service funds 4.51%

Reserves/Transfers 29.33%

Infrast-ructure Mgt.

30.14%

CDFC of Polk Co. 0.75%Growth Mgt. 0.86%

Debt Services 1.95%Board of County Com. 4.05%

Human Services 4.63%Public Safety 5.19%

THE LEDGER

Taxes 20.74%Intergovernmental

8.18%

Cash/fundbalance forward

47.2%

Enterprise funds 5.53%

Fines and forefeitures 0.17%

Constitutional Officers13.75%

Support Services9.14%

NeighborhoodServices0.00%

County Manager 0.10%County Attorney 0.09%

[ guide to polk | county ]


www.polk.edu

years

From all of us at Polk State College –we are indeed proud to salute Polk County on its 150th anniversary.

999 Avenue H, Northeast � Winter Haven, FL 33881-4299863.297.1000 � www.polk.edu

Easy to celebrate, hard to pronounce.(Luckily, Polk State College offers a variety of speech communication classes every semester.)

“Sesquicentennial.”icente

WINTER HAVEN � LAKELAND � LAKE WALES � AIRSIDE

Polk State College is committed to and encourages equal opportunity/equity/accessfor its programs, services, and activities.

Let the celebration commence!WaterMatters.org

[ guide to polk | cities ]

By SUZIE SCHOTTELKOTTETHE LEDGER Incorporated: April 22, 1925Size: 5 square milesPopulation: 5,800Government: City Commission has fi ve members. The city manager is appointed. Commissioners choose a mayor from among themselves who serves a one-year term. Commissioners serve four-year terms on a rotating basis beginning this fall. Those in offi ce now serve three-year terms. The commission meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month. Commissioners are paid $100 a month.City Commission: Mayor Jim Watts, 863-519-2300; Commissioners Bob Elliott, 863-533-4926; Rick Cochrane, 863-285-8222; Maurice Nelson, 863-712-2774; and Barbara Manley, 863-285-8551.Budget: $13.9 millionProperty tax rate: $3.35 per $1,000 in taxable valuation.City Manager: Fred Hilliard, 863-285-1100

City Hall: 8 W. Broadway, www.cityoff ortmeade.comLaw enforcement: Polk County Sheriff ’s Offi ce; Fort Meade substation, 863-285-1100; www.

polksheriff .orgFire Department: 863-285-1100Electricity, water and sewer: City Hall, 863-285-1100Garbage service: Advanced Disposal, 863-967-5801Municipal mobile home park: 863-285-9742Public Library: 75 E. Broadway, 863-285-8287, www.pclc.lib.fl .us/location/fort_meade/infoRecreation: Patterson Park, Fort Meade Community Center, Heritage Park, Monument Park, Fort Meade

Outdoor Recreation Area, Morrison Park, Fort Meade Sports Complex and Lanier Park.Public schools: Fort Meade Middle and Senior High School, and Anna Woodbury Elementary, Lewis Elementary and Riverside Elementary schools.Chamber of Commerce: 214 W. Broadway St., 863-285-8253, www.fortmeadechamber.com

Fort Meade By KEVIN BOUFFARDTHE LEDGER Incorporated: 1925Size: Four square milesPopulation: 1,389Government: A mayor, who manages the town, and a fi ve-member Town Council. All serve three-year terms on a rotating basis. The mayor is paid $600 annually and council members, $420. The council meets at 7 p.m. the fi rst Tuesday of the month and has a work session at 7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday.Town Council: Mayor Marlene Wagner, 863-438-0023; and council members: Chairman Kathi Latimer, 863-439-2182; Micheal Bowen, 863-439-1332; Cora Roberson, 863-439-6385; Richard Swanson, 863-439-1332; and Gary White, 863-439-1910.Budget: $4.8 million

Property tax rate: $7 per $1,000 of taxable value.Town Clerk: Kimberly Gay, 863-439-1910Town Hall: 100 Smith Ave., 863-439-1910Police Department: Chief Edward Freeman, 863-439-1561Fire Department: Polk County Fire

Department, 863-439-9362, polkfi re.polkfl .comElectricity: Progress Energy. 800-700-8744Water Department: 863-439-4800. No municipal sewer service.Garbage: Florida Refuse Service Inc., 863-421-9854Recreation: Two Little

League fi elds, two playgrounds, picnic areas and a boat ramp.Schools: None inside the town limits. Students attend Haines City High School, Boone Middle School, Jenkins Middle School, Alta Vista Elementary School and Dundee Elementary School.

Lake Hamilton

98

17

640

630

1798

FORTMEADE

PeaceRiver

27

17

542

546

542LAKEHAMILTON

LakeHamilton


By SUZIE SCHOTTELKOTTETHE LEDGER Incorporated: July 1, 1882Size: 52 square milesPopulation: 17,000Government: City Commission with appointed city manager. The commission has fi ve members. Commissioners choose a mayor from among themselves to serve a one-year term. Commissioners are elected to three-year terms on a rotating basis. The commission meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fi rst and third Mondays of the month. Commissioners are paid $515 a month for service on the City Commission and $250 a month for serving as the Bartow Airport Authority.City Commission: Mayor Wayne Lewis, 863-533-9430; Commissioners Adrian Jackson, 863-533-1707; James Clements: 863-583-1100; Leo Longworth; 863-533-3136; and Pat Huff , 863-533-9430.Budget: $63.2 millionProperty tax rate: $3.99 per $1,000 in taxable value.City Manager: George Long, 863-534-0100City Hall: 450 N. Wilson Ave., 863-534-0100Website: www.cityofbartow.net

Police Department: 863-534-5034Fire Department: 863-534-5044Customer Service: 863-534-0188Public Works: 863-534-0100. After-hours

emergencies, 863-534-0134Electric Department: 863-534-0100. After-hours emergencies, 863-534-0134Water Plant: 863-534-0159Sewer Plant: 863-534-0146Solid Waste Department: 863-534-0181Golf Course: 863-534-0155Bartow Municipal Airport: 863-533-1195, www.bartow-airport.comParks and Recreation: 863-534-0120

Bartow Public Library: 2150 S. Broadway Ave., 863-534-0131, www.pclc.lib.fl .us/bartowPublic Schools: Bartow High School, International Baccalaureate, Summerlin Academy, Bartow Middle School, Union Academy Magnet Middle, Bartow Elementary Academy, Floral Avenue Elementary, Gibbons Street Elementary, James E. Stephens Elementary, Spessard L. Holland Elementary, Gause Career Development Center and Polk Life and Learning Center.Chamber of Commerce: 863-533-7125, www.bartowchamber.com

Bartow

17

98

60

640

555

LakeHancock

PeaceRiver17

98

BARTOW


By KEVIN BOUFFARDTHE LEDGER Incorporated: 1914Size: 20 square milesPopulation: 18,762Government: City Commission has fi ve members. The city manager is appointed. The commission is elected to four-year terms on a rotating basis. It picks a mayor and vice mayor from among members in May after the April municipal election. Commissioners are paid $6,000 a year and the mayor $7,200. The commission meets at 7 p.m. the fi rst and third Thursdays of the month.City Commission: Mayor Mayor Horace West, 863-419-1836; Vice Mayor Philip Hinkle, 863-422-2437; and commissioners Adam Burgess, 863-521-2291; Roy Tyler, 863-422-4407; and Joanna Wilkinson, 863-422-5635.Budget: $41.1 millionProperty tax rate: $6.99 per $1,000 of taxable value.City Manager: Ann Toney-Deal, 863-421-3650City Hall: 502 E. Hinson Ave., 863-421-3600, ci.haines-city.fl .usPolice Department: Chief Rick Sloan, 863-421-3636, ext. 224, www.hainescitypd.com

Fire Department: Chief Lon Cheney, 863-421-3612Public Works: Director Mike Stripling, 863-421-3777Water and sewer: 863-421-3600Electricity: Florida Power, 800-700-8744

Parks Department: Director Kelly Callihan, 863-421-3700Haines City Public Library: 303 Ledwith Ave., 863-421-3633Recreation Department: 863-421-3700Dolphus Howard Complex: 863-421-3720Recreation: Haines City Community Center, the Dolphus Howard Complex, Lake Eva Park, Clay Cut Centre, the Bethune Neighborhood Center, Cook Field, Larry Parrish Complex and East

Park. The city has two swimming pools.Public schools: Alta Vista, Eastside and Sandhill elementary schools and Bethune Academy; Boone Middle School and Daniel Jenkins Academy; and Haines City and Ridge Community high schools.Chamber of Commerce: 863-422-3751 or www.hainescity.comEconomic Development Council: Executive Director Paul Senft, 608 Ingraham Ave., 863-422-2525Haines City Main Street: Executive Director Ronni Wood, 235 N. Ninth St., 863-421-4100

Haines City

27

580

544

1792

HAINESCITY

BY RICK ROUSOS The Ledger Incorporated: 1911Size: 25.3 square milesPopulation: 14,033Government: The City Commission has fi ve members. The city manager is appointed. The mayor is elected by voters from among the commissioners who are not up for re-election and serves a one-year term. Commissioners serve four-year terms on a rotating basis. The mayor is paid $6,164 a year. Commissioners are paid $5,281 per year. The commission meets 7 p.m. the fi rst and third Mondays of each month.City Commission: Mayor Mayor Keith Cowie, 863-965-7339; Commissioners Marvin Wiley, 863-967-2930; Jack Myers, 863-967-8617; and Allen Johnson 863-967-5386.Budget: $28.8 millionProperty tax rate: $3.84 per $1,000 of taxable value.

City Manager: Robert R. Green, bgreen@auburndalefl .com, 863-965-5506.City Hall: 1 Bobby Green Plaza, 863-965-5500, www.auburndalefl .comPolice Department: 863-965-5555Fire Department: 863-965-5522Building and Zoning Department: 863-965-5530Public Utilities: 863-965-5500; Nights/weekends: 863-965-5555; Arrange for water and sewer in the Public Utilities Department at City Hall. Garbage pickup is handled by the city.

Electricity: Tampa Electric Co., Main Street. 888-223-0800, www.tampaelectric.comWater/Sewer Maintenance: 863-965-5549

Yard Waste and Large Items Pickup: Public Works Department, 863-965-5511Public Library: 100 W. Bridgers Ave., 863-965-5548, www.auburndalefl .com/citylibrary.aspParks and Recreation: 863-965-5545Recreation: Baseball, softball, soccer and football fi elds, municipal basketball courts, racquetball courts and tennis courts with Pro Shop (city tennis pro), Senior Center, Club House, Tourist Club, swimming, boating, fi shing, and a city beach with picnic area and boat landing on Lake Ariana.Public Schools: Auburndale High School, Tenoroc High School, Stambaugh Middle, Berkley Elementary, Auburndale Central Elementary, Lena Vista Elementary, Boswell Elementary and Caldwell Elementary.Chamber of Commerce: 111 E. Park Ave. 863-967-3400, www.auburndalefl .com/why_auburndale.asp

Auburndale33

4

655 559

542

570

AUBURNDALE


By SUZIE SCHOTTELKOTTETHE LEDGER Incorporated: 1917Size: 19 square milesPopulation: 13,100Government: The City Commission has fi ve members. The city manager is appointed by the commission. The mayor is elected annually from members of the commission not up for re-election. Commissioners are elected to four-year terms on a rotating basis. They are paid $378.23 a month. The commission meets at 6 p.m. on the fi rst and third Tuesday of each month.City Commission: Mayor Jack Van Sickle, 863-324-6191; and Commissioners Jonathan Thornhill, 863-604-8556; John Paul Rogers, 863-676-6764; Michael Carter, 863-679-9725; and Terrye Howell, 863-676-6284.Budget: $28.3 millionProperty tax rate: $7.3277 for each $1,000 of taxable value.City Manager: Judy Delmar 863-678-4182, ext. 225City Hall: 201 W. Central Ave. 863-678-4182, www.cityofl akewales.comPolice Department: 863-678-4223, lwpd.cityofl akewales.comFire Department: 863-678-4203, www.

cityofl akewales.com/lwfdElectric: Florida Power Corp., 800-700-8744Street Department: 863-678-4182, ext. 270Garbage, trash pickup: 863-678-4182, ext. 276

Water and sewer: After-hours Emergency: 863-632-2349; customer service, 863-678-4196; billing, 863-678-4197Utilities administration: 863-678-4182, ext. 294Public library: 290 Cypress Gardens Lane, 863-678-4004, www.cityofl akewales.com/libraryDepot Museum: 325 S. Scenic Highway, 863-678-4209, www.cityofl akewales.com/depot

Airport: 450 S. Airport Road, 863-678-0080, www.cityofl akewales.com/airport or www.lakewalesairport.net Recreation: Lake Wales YMCA, James P. Austin Community Center, Albert Kirkland Gymnasium and 150 acres of municipal parks.Public schools: Lake Wales High School, Bok Middle Academy and Babson Park, Polk Avenue, Janie Howard Wilson and Hillcrest elementary schools operated by the Lake Wales Charter School System. McLaughlin Middle School, Roosevelt Academy and Spook Hill Elementary operated by the Polk County School District.Chamber of Commerce: 863-676-3445, www.lakewaleschamber.com

Lake Wales

27

60

17

540

17A

LAKEWALES


By SUZIE SCHOTTELKOTTETHE LEDGER Incorporated: 1927Size: 500 acresPopulation: 273Government: Three commissioners manage the government. The mayor is selected by the commission. Commissioners serve three-year terms, with one member elected annually. Elections are held in April. None is paid. They meet at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of every other month, beginning with January.Commission: Mayor Mark Smith, 863-676-2695; Commissioners Brian Updike, 863-676-8068 and Brian MacCurrach, 863-676-8321.Budget: $242,476Property tax rate: $9.97 for each $1,000 of taxable value.

Village Manager: Brian Updike, 863-676-8068 and 863-455-6518Village Clerk: Maggie Taylor and Assistant

Village Clerk Blair Updike, 863-455-6518Law enforcement: Polk County Sheriff ’s Offi ce, 863-298-6200Fire: Lake Wales Fire Department, 863-678-4203Electricity: Progress Energy, 800-700-8744Water: Village of Highland Park. Contact the town clerk

for information.Recreation: 18-hole golf coursePublic schools: Lake Wales High School, Edward W. Bok Middle School, Polk Avenue and Hillcrest Elementary schools, operated by Lake Wales Charter Schools, and McLaughlin Middle School, operated by the Polk County School District.

Highland Park

27

60

17

Lake Easy

HIGHLANDPARK

By KEVIN BOUFFARDTHE LEDGER Incorporated: 1925Size: 3.5 square milesPopulation: 1,685Government: The City Council has fi ve members serving four-year terms on a rotating basis. The city manager is appointed. Council members select the mayor and vice mayor for one-year terms from among themselves. The mayor is paid $123.64 per month and council members $61.82. The council meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of every month.City Council: Mayor Joseph LaCascia, 863-984-7393; Vice Mayor Trudy Block, 863-984-5691; and Council members Nancy Adorno, 863-984-1375; Mike Blethen, 863-984-2690; and Don Kimsey, 863-984-2180.Budget: $3.8 millionProperty tax rate: $8.65 per $1,000 of taxable property value.Acting City Manager: Trudy Block, 863-984-1375, ext. 237City Hall: 123 Broadway Blvd. S.E., www.mypolkcity.orgLaw enforcement: Polk County Sheriff ’s Offi ce, Polk City substation, 863-984-8767,

www.polksheriff .orgFire: Polk County Fire Department, 863-965-6379, polkfi re.polkfl .comElectricity: Lakeland Electric, 863-834-6300,

and Tampa Electric, 298-6019Water and Sewer departments: Frank Sanderson, manager, 863-984-1375, ext. 247Garbage: Florida Refuse, 863-665-1489Library: Polk City Community Library, 215 S. Bougainvillea, 863-984-4340, www.polkcitylibrary.orgRecreation: Lake Agnes has

a boat ramp. Freedom Park at State Road 33 and Berkley Road has multipurpose courts for basketball, tennis and racquetball. McManigle Park at 505 Second St. has a playground and picnic area. The city runs a summer recreation program for children between the ages of 5 and 14 from May through July. The 29-mile Gen. James Van Fleet State Trail can be used for walking and riding bicycles or horses. Polk City Skate Park is near the trail and Freedom Park.Public schools: Auburndale and Tenoroc high schools; Stambaugh and Lake Alfred middle schools; and Polk City and Berkley elementary schools.

Polk City

4

33

559655

557A

570

POLKCITY

By JOHN CHAMBLISSTHE LEDGER Incorporated: 1901Size: 6.3 square milesPopulation: 3,368Government: The City Commission has an elected mayor and fi ve city commissioners. The city manager is appointed. All elected offi cials serve two-year terms on a rotating basis. The mayor is paid $5,018 a year and commissioners receive $3,345. Regular meetings are at 7:30 p.m. the fi rst Tuesday of the month at City Hall.City Commission: Interim Mayor Collins Smith, 863-425-3489; and Commissioners Andy Scrocca 863-425-5148; Jim Splaine, 863-425-4412, Jerry Woods, 863-698-8779; and Terry Evers, 863-640-5576.Budget: $6.4 millionProperty tax rate: $8.9 per $1,000 of taxable value.City Manager: Frank Satchel, 863-425-1125

City Hall: 104 S. Church Ave. 863-425-1125, www.cityofmulberryfl .comLaw enforcement: Polk County Sheriff ’s

Offi ce, Mulberry substation, 104 Church Ave. S., 863-425-1119, www.polksheriff .orgFire Department: 863-425-9747. Polk County Fire Station, 109 N.W. Ninth Ave., polkfi re.polkfl .comWater, sewer: 863-425-1125Public Works: 425-3146

Garbage: 863-665-1489Electricity: Tampa Electric Co. 888-223-0800, www.tampaelectric.comLibrary: Dr. C.C. Pearce Library, 103 E. Canal St., 863-425-3246, www.pclc.lib.fl .us/libraries/mulberry Recreation: Bicentennial Park, Mulberry Civic Center, Spence Field, W.S. Badcock Dixie Youth Field and fi ve playgrounds.Public Schools: Mulberry High School, Mulberry Middle School, and Kingsford, Purcell and Sikes elementary schools.

Mulberry

60

37

MULBERRY


By SUZIE SCHOTTELKOTTETHE LEDGER Incorporated: 1923Size: 100 acresPopulation: 252Government: Town Commission with fi ve commissioners who serve two-year terms, with all fi ve up for election at the same time in odd years. The next election will be in April . The mayor and vice mayor are picked by the commission. The mayor and vice mayor are paid $50 a month, and other commissioners are paid $40. The commission meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month.Town Commission: Mayor Sam Knight, 863-638-1231; and Commissioners Ray French, 863-638-2684; Trudy Marvel, 863-638-1305; Albert Welch, 863-638-0022;

and Mike Bishop, 863-638-1577.Budget: $105,422Property Tax Rate: 31.25 cents

for each $1,000 of taxable property.Town Clerk: Larry Blackwelder, 863-638-2732Town Hall: 151 N. Scenic Highway. 863-639-2732, www.townofhillcrestheights.comLaw Enforcement: Polk County Sheriff ’s Offi ce, 863-298-6200Fire Department: Caloosa Lake Fire Department, 863-679-4200Electricity: Progress Energy, 800-700-8744Water service: Polk County Utilities. 863-298-4100. After-hours emergencies, 863-534-7351.Garbage service: Advanced Disposal, 863-967-5801Public schools: Lake Wales High School, Frostproof Middle/Senior High School, McLaughlin Middle School, Edward W. Bok Middle School in Lake Wales, and Dale Fair Babson Park Elementary School.

Hillcrest Heights

27 17

CrookedLake

HILLCRESTHEIGHTS


By MIKE GROGANSPECIAL TO THE LEDGER Incorporated: 1915Size: 4 square milesPopulation: 2,758Government: City Commission with mayor and four commission members. The city manager is appointed. Commission members are elected to four-year terms on a rotating basis. The mayor is paid $1,200 a year, and commissioners are paid $600. The commission meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays of every month. The fi rst monthly meeting is a workshop for the discussion of issues to be voted on during the second monthly meeting.City Commission: Mayor Peter Rust; Vice Mayor H.B. Robinson III; and Commission members Bob Lynch, Tom Fellows and Crystal Williams. All can be reached through City Hall, 863-419-3300.Budget: $3.1 millionProperty tax rate: $6 per $1,000 of taxable valueCity Manager: Amy Arrington, 863-419-3300City Hall: 1 S. Allapaha Ave., 863-419-3300, www.davenportfl .orgPolice Department: Chief Charles Clements, 863-419-3306Fire Department: Fire Administrator Stuart McCutcheon, 863-419-3305Water: 863-419-3300. Sewer service is provided to a small number of residents, mostly in newer homes, from a temporary sewer plant. City Commission has approved building a new sewer plant for the rest of the city, but no construction date has been set.Electricity: Florida Power Corp. 800-700-8744Garbage: Florida Refuse. 863-638-2144Recreation: The city two ball fi elds, two tennis courts, basketball complexes and two parks with playground equipment.Public Schools: Ridge Community High School, Haines City High School, Boone Middle School and Jenkins Academy, Ridgeview Global Studies Academy, Horizons Elementary School, Loughman Oaks Elementary and Davenport School of the Arts.Chamber of Commerce: 5 S. Allapaha Ave., 863-422-3975, www.davenportfl .org

Davenport

27

1792

DAVENPORT

By KEVIN BOUFFARDTHE LEDGER Incorporated: 1915Size: 10 square milesPopulation: 4,627Government: The City Commission has fi ve members serving four-year terms on a rotating basis. Commissioners elect the mayor and vice mayor to one-year terms from among themselves. The mayor earns an annual salary of $3,600, while other commissioners get $2,400 a year. The city manager is appointed. The commission meets at 7:30 p.m. on the fi rst and third Mondays of the month.City Commission: Mayor Jack Dearmin, 863-604-0876; Vice Mayor Albertus Maultsby, 863-956-1856; and Commissioners Nancy Daley, 863-956-4622; Tracy Garcia, 863-651-2011; and Lowell Schmidt, 863-956-2160.Budget: $6.3 millionProperty tax rate: $6.58 per $1,000 of taxable property value.City Manager: Larry Harbuck, 863-291-5270City Hall: 120 E. Pomelo St., 863-291-5270Website: www.mylakealfred.comPolice Department: Chief Art Bodenheimer, 863-291-5200Fire Department: Chief Chris Costine, 863-291-5202Electricity: Tampa Electric Co., 888-223-0800Website: www.tampaelectric.comBuilding Department: Donnie True, 863-291-5748Public Works: Director John Deaton, 863-291-5275. After hours, 863-291-5200.Water and Sewer: 863-5274Public Library: 195 E. Pomelo St., 863-291-5378Website: www.pclc.lib.fl .us/location/lake_alfred/infoRecreation: Superintendent Jeff Tillman, 291-5270. Recreational opportunities include fi shing, golf, basketball and tennis. Public schools: Auburndale High School, Discovery Academy, Lake Alfred Elementary, Lake Alfred-Addair Middle, Best Program, and Karen M. Siegel Academy.Chamber of Commerce: Executive Director Fran Beach, 210 S. Seminole Ave., 863-291-5380. Website: www.lake-alfred.com

Lake Alfred

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BY RICK ROUSOSThe Ledger Incorporated: 1921Size: 4.5 square miles, including 1.8 square miles of water surfacePopulation: 2,921Government: The City Commission has fi ve members. The city manager is appointed. Commissioners are elected to two-year terms on a rotating basis. The mayor is selected by the commission. They are paid $100 a month. The commission meets at 7 p.m. the fi rst and third Mondays of the month. The Community Redevelopment Agency meets at 6 p.m. on the fi rst Monday of the month.City Commission: Mayor Angela Volz, 863-370-8846; Vice Mayor J.R. Sullivan, 863-293-4141; commissioners Suzy Wilson, 863-293-4141; Sherry Henry, 863-294-1162; and Wanda Petranick, 863-293-4141.Budget: $2.9 millionProperty tax rate: $7.65 per $1,000 of taxable property value.City Manager: Peter Gardner, 863-293-4141City Hall: 75 Seventh St. N. 863-293-4141, www.eaglelake-fl a.comLaw enforcement: Polk County Sheriff ’s Offi ce, Eagle Lake substation, 863-293-5677, www.polksheriff .orgFire Department: 863-295-5173, Polk County Station No. 32, polkfi re.polkfl .comBuilding and Street Departments: 863-293-4141Electricity: Tampa Electric Co., 888-223-0800, www.tampaelectric.comWater and Sewer: 863-293-4141. Emergencies, 863-293-5677.Garbage: Florida Refuse, 863-294-8778Public Library: 75 N. Seventh St. 863-293-2914, www.pclc.lib.fl .us/location/eagle_lake/infoRecreation: A variety of sports leagues, three city parks, two lakes with piers and boat access, and a city beach.Public Schools: Lake Region High School, Westwood Middle, and Eagle Lake and Pinewood elementary schools.

Eagle Lake

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30 LOCATIONSTHROUGHOUT CENTRAL FLORIDALakeland ■ Highland City ■ Auburndale ■ Winter Haven ■ Haines City ■ Bartow ■ LakeWales

Avon Park ■ Sebring ■ Lake Placid ■ Okeechobee ■ Wauchula ■ Arcadia ■ Tampa ■ Brandon ■ LandO’Lakes


THE CABINET

AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER ADAM H. PUTNAM (Republican)PL-10 The Capitol, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0810Phone: 850-488-3022 E-mail: http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Press Secretary: Sterling Ivey

ATTORNEY GENERAL PAM BONDI (Republican)PL-01 The Capitol, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1050Phone: 850-245-0150 E-mail: http://www.myfloridalegal.comPress Secretary: Jennifer Krell Davis

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER JEFF ATWATER (Republican)PL-11 The Capitol, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0300Phone: 850-413-2842 Website: http://www.myfloridacfo.com/Press Secretary: Alexis Lambert

GOV. RICK SCOTT (Republican)PL-05 The CapitolTallahassee, FL 32399-0001Phone: 850-488-4802E-mail: www.myflorida.com/eogGovernor’s Communications Director: Brian Burgess

U.S. REP. DENNIS ROSS 12th Congressional DistrictRepublican, Lakeland 404 Cannon House Office Bldg.Washington, D.C. 20515-0912 Phone: 202-225-1252 Fax: 202-226-0585 Website: www.dennisross.house.gov/ e-mail: Go to website to access

Chief of Staff: Frederick Piccolo Jr.Lakeland Field Office: 170 Fitzgerald Road, Lakeland, FL, 33813 District Director: Blaine Gravitt District Phone: 863-644-8215Boundaries: Polk County comprises 65 percent of the district. The district also includes parts of Hillsborough and Osceola counties.

U.S. REP. RICHARD NUGENT5th Congressional District Republican, Brooksville1517 Longworth House Office BuildingTelephone: 202-225-1002Fax: 202-226-6559Web site: http://www.house.gov/nugent/E-mail: Accessible through the Web site.

Communications Director: Harrison LewisDistrict Office: 16224 Spring Hill Dr., Brooksville, FL 34604Telephone: 352-799-8345 Toll Free: 866-492-4835Fax: 352-799-8776Boundaries: In Polk, the district’s boundaries are State Road 33 on the east and the Hillsborough County line on the west and I-4 to the south. In addition the district includes all of Citrus, Hernando and Sumter counties with parts of Lake, Levy, Marion

and Pasco counties.

U.S. REP.BILL POSEY 15th Congressional DistrictRepublican, Rockledge120 Cannon House Office BuildingWashington, DC 20515Phone: 202-225-3671 Fax: 202-225-3516Press Secretary: George Cecala

District Office: 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Building C, Melbourne, FL 32940Phone: (321) 632-1776 Fax: (321) 639-8595Website: www.posey.house.govBoundaries: Includes the northeast corner of Polk County, parts of Brevard, and Osceola counties and all of Indian River County.

Charlotte

Brevard

HERNANDO

HILLSBOROUGH

IndianRiver

OKEE-CHOBEE

Orange

Pinellas

SUMTER LAKE

Citrus

PASCO

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OSCEOLA

DESOTO

HARDEE

HIGHLANDS

GLADES

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ST. LUCIE

Sarasota

Seminole

Manatee

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17

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15

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10

POLK’SSENATE

DISTRICTS

FLORIDA GOVERNOR U.S. SENATORS

U.S. REPRESENTATIVES

POLK’S FLORIDA SENATORS

SEN. J.D. ALEXANDERRepublican, Lake WalesCapitol Office:412 Senate Office BuildingTallahassee, FL 32399-1100Phone: (850) 487-5044Legislative Assistants: Caitlin Murray District Offices:201 W. Central Ave.City Hall Complex, Room 115Lake Wales, FL 33853Legislative Assistant: Patty Harrison District Phone:(863) 679-4847Statewide Phone:1-800-444-9747Sebring Office:Legislative Assistant: Larry FordSebring Phone: 863-386-6016E-mail: [email protected] Committees: Chairman of the Budget Committee; Vice Chair, Rules; Agriculture; Banking and Insurance; Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax; Budget Subcommittee on Transportation, tourism and Economic Development Appropriations; Education PreK-12; Rules Subcommittee on Ethics and Elections and Chair of the Joint Legislative Budget Commission.

DISTRICT 17District boundaries: South and East Polk County beginning south of Haines City from Lake Hatchineha Road, South Lakeland beginning just north of the Polk Parkway and going south and east to the county line. Also includes Hardee, Highlands and Okeechobee counties and parts of DeSoto, Glades and St. Lucie counties.

DISTRICT 15District boundaries: The northern third of Polk, downtown Lakeland and Mulberry along with parts of Hernando, Lake, Osceola and Sumter counties.SEN. PAULA DOCKERYRepublican, LakelandCapitol Office:224 Senate Office BuildingTallahassee, FL 32399-1100Capitol Office Phone:(850) 487-5040Legislative Assistant:Rachel “Perrin” Rogers District Office:Legislative Assistants:Sarah Hardy, Laura Rodriguez, Anne Kathryn Bell.101 W. Main St., Suite 110Lakeland, FL 33815E-mail: [email protected]

Mailing Address:P.O. Box 2395Lakeland, FLDistrict Phone: 863-413-2900Statewide Phone: 1-866-248-6487Fax: 863-413-2902

Committees: Vice Chair, Commerce and Tourism; Budget Subcommittee on Education Pre K-12 Appropriations, Community Affairs, Criminal Justice and the Rules Subcommittee on Ethics and Elections.

DISTRICT 10District boundaries: Northwest Lakeland and western Polk Countyto State Road 60 and parts of Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

SEN. RONDA STORMSRepublican, ValricoCapitol Office:413 Senate Office Building404 South Monroe StreetTallahassee, FL 32399-1100Capitol Phone:(850) 487-5072E-mail: [email protected] District Office:421 Lithia Pinecrest RoadBrandon, FL 33511District Office Phone:(813) 651-2189

Legislative Assistants: Kristina Austin, Audrey Canney and Beth Sutkowy.Committees:Chair, Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; Budget Subcommittee on Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations, Community Affairs, Military Affairs, Space and Domestic Security, Reapportionment and Transportation.

U.S. SEN. BILL NELSON (Democrat)Chief of Staff: Pete Mitchell716 Hart Senate Office Bldg.Washington, D.C. 20510Website: http://billnelson.senate.gov e-mail: [email protected]: 202-228-2183Regional Director for Polk: Celeste

Brown (Located in Orlando office)Communications Director: Dan McLaughlinOrlando Field Office: 225 E. Robinson St., Suite 410, Orlando 32801 Orlando Region Phone: 407-872-7161

U.S. SEN. MARCO RUBIO (Republican)SD-B40A Senate Dirksen Office BuildingWashington, DC 20510Phone: (202) 224-3041Director of Media Affairs:Alex Burgos Orlando District Office:201 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 350,

Orlando, FL 32801 District Phone: 407-254-2573Tampa District Office: 3802 Spectrum Blvd., Suite 106Tampa, FL 33612 District Phone: 813-977-6450 Toll Free: 1-866-630-7106


District 1Bob EnglishR-Lakeland District: Southwest PolkPhone: 534-6450Executive Assistant: Sharon AhearnTerm ends: 2012

District 2Melony BellR-Ft. MeadeDistrict: South Central PolkPhone: 534-6434 Executive Assistant:Leon FosterTerm ends: 2014

District 3Ed Smith R-Lake AlfredDistrict: North Central PolkPhone: 534-6050 Executive Assistant: Kay HodgkinsTerm ends: 2012

District 4 Todd DantzlerR-Winter HavenDistrict:Northeast PolkPhone: 534-6422 Executive Assistant: Leon FosterTerm ends: 2014

District 5Sam JohnsonR-Lakeland District: Northwest PolkPhone: 534-6049Executive Assistant: Chris ChilaTerm ends: 2012

DeputyCounty ManagerBill BeasleyPhone:534-6429

POLK COUNTY COMMISSIONThe five Polk County commissioners, four Republicans and one Democrat, must reside in their respective geographic districts when they run for office, but they are elected by all Polk voters. The districts ensure all parts of the county are equally represented. The county manager is hired by the commissioners.■ Address: Neil Combee County Administration

Building, 330 W. Church St., Bartow 33830■ Phone: 863-534-6000■ Web site: www.polk-county.net■ E-mails: Scroll down on Web site and click on

“E-mail your commissioners” link.

County ManagerJim FreemanPhone:534-6444

POLK’S FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

REP. SETH MCKEELRepublican, LakelandCapitol Office:422 The Capitol, 402 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300Capitol Office Phone: 850-488-9890.District Office:4250 S. Florida Ave., Suite 4Lakeland, FL 33813-1725

District Phone: 863-647-4896 Legislative Assistant:Callie Neslund.District Secretary:Catherine Frasere-mail: Seth.McKeel @myfloridahouse.govCommittees: Chairman, State Affairs Committee; Appropriations Committee.

REP. MIKE HORNERRepublican, KissimmeeCapitol Office:222 The Capitol402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300 Capitol Office Phone: (850) 488-8992 District Office: 323 Pleasant Street Kissimmee, FL 34741-5763 Legislative Assistant: Adam LovejoyDistrict Secretary: Rose Hernandez

District Phone: (407) 943-3077 Committees: Chairman, Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee; Appropriations Committee; Health and Human Services Access subcommittee ; Joint Legislative Budget Commission; Transportation and Highway Safety Subcommittee.

REP. JOHN WOODRepublican, Winter HavenCapitol Office: 214 House Office Building 402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300 Capitol Office Phone:(850) 488-2721 District Office: 702 Main Street Haines City, FL 33844-4342 e-mail: [email protected]

District Phone: (863) 419-3470 Legislative Assistant:Hedy WeddingtonDistrict Secretary:Katherine BellCommittees: Chair, Health and Human Services Quality Subcommittee; Vice chair, Insurance and Banking Subcommittee; Health and Human Serv. Committee; Health Care Appropriation Subcommittee.

REP. BEN ALBRITTONRepublican, WauchulaCapitol Office:1301 The Capitol402 S. Monroe StreetTallahassee, FL 32399-1300Capitol Office Phone: 850-488-9465District Office:150 N. Central Ave.Bartow, FL 33830-4742District Phone:863-534-0073Mailing Address:P.O. Box 1966Bartow, FL 33831-1966

Legislative Assistant:Kevin ClearyDistrict Secretary:Karen WhaleyCommittees: Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations; Energy and Utilities Subcommittee; Health and Human Services Committee; Insurance and Banking Subcommittee and the Transportation and Highway Safety Subcommittee.

DISTRICT 64District boundaries: Lakeland north of Edgewood Driveand Polk County north of Interstate 4.

DISTRICT 65District boundaries: South of I-4, north of SR 60 east of the Polk Parkway. It includes Auburndale, Haines City, parts of Winter Haven, Davenport, Dundee, Loughman, Lake Hamilton, Eagle Lake, Lake Alfred and part of Lake Wales.

DISTRICT 79District boundaries: Southeast corner of Polk County, south and east of Frostproof and parts of Osceola County.

DISTRICT 66District boundaries: Lake Wales, eastern part of Frostproof, parts of Winter Haven, Hardee County and Highlands County west of U.S. 27.

DISTRICT 63District boundaries: South of Edgewood Drive, South Lakeland and Highland City, Mulberry, Bartow and into South Hillsborough County to Sun City Center.

KELLI STARGELRepublican, LakelandCapitol Office: 313 House Office Building 402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300 Capitol Office Phone:(850) 488-2270 District Office: 2000 E. Edgewood Dr., Suite 109 Lakeland, FL 33803-3639 e-mail: kelli.stargel @myfloridahouse.govMailing Address: P.O. Box 2839, Lakeland, FL, 3806-2839

District Phone: (863) 614-9156 Legislative Assistant: Rachel BarnesDistrict Aide: Chris DowdyCommittees: Chair, K-20 Innovation Subcommittee; Civil Justice Subcommittee; Education Committee; Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee; Pre K-12 Appropriations Subcommittee; Rules and Calendar Committee.

BREVARD

HILLSBOROUGH

INDIANRIVER

OKEE-CHOBEE

ORANGE

PINELLAS

PASCO

POLK

OSCEOLA

DESOTO

HARDEE

HIGHLANDS

MARTIN

ST. LUCIE

SARASOTA

79

MANATEE

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6564

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POLK’SHOUSE

DISTRICTS


Lakeland By JOHN CHAMBLISSTHE LEDGER Incorporated: 1885Size: 74.7 square milesPopulation: 93,967Government: City Commission with an elected mayor and six commissioners. The city manager is appointed. The mayor and commissioners serve four-year terms on a rotating basis. The mayor is paid $26,495 per year, while commissioners are paid $17,478 per year. The commission meets at 9 a.m. on the fi rst and third Mondays of the month. City Commission: 863-834-6005. Mayor Gow Fields, 863-683-2816; Commissioners Justin Troller, 863-665-4083; Edie Yates 863-688-8841, Glenn Higgins 863-859-1533; Don Selvage, 863-683-6783; Phillip Walker, 863-686-5507; and Howard Wiggs, 863-644-4444.Budget: $542 million, includes Lakeland Electric.Property tax rate: $4.16 per $1,000 of taxable value.City Manager: Doug Thomas, 863-834-6006City Hall: 228 S. Massachusetts Ave. 863-834-6000, www.lakelandgov.net Public access: Bright House Network, Channel 615, Comcast, Channel 33 and Verizon Fios, Ch 43. City meetings, services, projects and programs.Police Department: 863-834-6900, www.lakelandgov.net/lpd/home.htmlFire Department: 863-834-8200, www.lakelandgov.net/lfd/home.htmlLakeland Electric: 863-834-6300, www.lakelandelectric.com; for outages and interruptions, 863-834-4248.Planning Department: 863-834-6011

Public Information: 863-834-6264Wastewater Department: 863-834-8277Garbage: 863-834-8773Lakeland Linder Regional Airport: 3900 Don Emerson Drive. 863-648-3299, www.lakelandairport.comRecreation Department: 863-834-6035Lakeland Public Library: Main Branch, 100 Lake Morton Drive, 863-834-4280. Larry R. Jackson Branch, 1700 N. Florida Ave., 863-834-4288, www.lakelandgov.net/library/

home.htmlPublic schools: Collegiate High School, Lakeland High School, George Jenkins High School, Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, Kathleen High School, Lake Gibson High School, Tenoroc High School, Crystal Lake Middle, Kathleen Middle, Lake Gibson Middle, Lakeland Highlands Middle, Lawton Chiles Middle Academy, McKeel Academy, Sleepy

Hill Middle School, Southwest Middle, Traviss Career Center, Best Program, Blake Elementary, Carlton Palmore Elementary, Cleveland Court Elementary, Churchwell Elementary, Crystal Lake Elementary, Dixieland Elementary, Griffi n Elementary, Highlands Grove Elementary, Kathleen Elementary, Jesse Keen Elementary, Lakeland Elementary, Lincoln Avenue Acadmey, McKeel Elementary, Medulla Elementary, North Lakeland Academy, Oscar J. Pope Elementary, Padgett Elementary, Philip O’Brien Elementary, R. Bruce Wagner Elementary, Rochelle School of the Arts, Scott Lake Elementary, Sikes Elementary, Sleepy Hill Elementary, Socrum Elementary, South McKeel Academy, Southwest Elementary, Wendell Watson Elementary, Winston Elementary and Valleyview Elementary.Chamber of Commerce: 35 Lake Morton Drive, 863-688-8551. www.lakelandchamber.com

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Winter Haven BY RICK ROUSOS THE LEDGER Incorporated: Nov. 27, 1923Size: 39.7 square miles, of which 8.2 square miles is water surface.Population: 34,691Government: The City Commission has fi ve members. The city manager is appointed. The commissioners choose a mayor and mayor pro-tem from among themselves to serve one-year terms. Commissioners are elected to four-year terms on a rotating basis. The mayor is paid $14,561 a year, and commissioners are paid $11,705 a year. Commission meetings are at 7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month.City Commission: Mayor Jeff Potter, 863-294-4700; Mayor Pro-Tem J.P. Powell, 863-291-8504; and Commissioners Nat Birdsong, 863-299-3263; Jamie Beckett, 863-299-9012; Steven Hunnicutt, 863-326-9783.Budget: $83.3 millionProperty tax rate: $5.79 per $1,000 of taxable value. City Manager: Dale Smith, 863-291-5600; e-mail: [email protected] Hall: 451 Third St. N.W. 863-291-5600Website: www.mywinterhaven.comPolice Department: 863-291-5858Website: www.winterhavenpd.comFire Department: 863-291-5677Website: whfd.mywinterhaven.comSewer and Water: 863-291-5678; after hours, 863-291-5767Electric Service: Tampa Electric Co., 863-299-0800Website: www.tampaelectric.comPlanning Department: 863-291-5600Human Resources: 863-291-5650Garbage Pickup: 863-291-5757Street Cleanup Services: 863-291-5852Code Enforcement and Occupational

Licenses: 863-291-5697Building Permits and Business Tax Receipts: 863-291-5695Cemeteries: Lakeside, 863-291-5762; Rolling Hills, 863-291-5761Leisure Services: 863-291-5656Airport: Winter Haven Municipal Airport, 2073 U.S. 92., 863-293-2501, 298-4551Website: whma.mywinterhaven.comBuses: Winter Haven Area Transit, 863-688-

7433; Greyhound Bus Lines.Winter Haven Public Library: 325 Ave. A N.W., 863-291-5880.Website: www.mywinterhaven.com/cs/library.htmRecreation: Chain of Lakes Complex, 863-291-5656; Winter Haven Recreational and Cultural Center, 863-291-5675; Ridge Art, 863-291-5661; Senior Adult Center, 863-291-5870; Tennis Center, 863-291-5690; and Willowbrook Golf Course, 863-291-5897, 5899. The city has two swimming

pools at the Chain of Lakes Complex and the Northeast Recreational and Cultural Center. City parks include Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Rotary Park, Sportsman Park, Lake Martha Park and Inman Park. Nature parks: South Lake Howard, Lake Hartridge and Lake Maude. Boat ramps are off ered on many local lakes.Public Schools: Winter Haven High, Lake Region High, Chain of Lakes Collegiate High, Ridge Career Center; Jewett Academy, Denison Middle and Westwood Middle; Jewett School of the Arts; and Brigham Academy, Chain of Lakes Elementary, Elbert Elementary, Garden Grove Elementary, Garner Elementary, Inwood Elementary, Lake Shipp Elementary, Snively Elementary and Wahneta Elementary schools.Chamber of Commerce: 401 Ave. B N.W. Phone, 863-293-2138. Fax, 863-297-5818. e-mail, chamber1@winterhavenfl .comWebsite: winterhavenfl .com

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BY RICK ROUSOS The Ledger Incorporated: 1924Size: 10 square milesPopulation: 3,299 Government: The Town Council has fi ve members. The town manager is appointed. Council members serve two-year terms on a rotating basis. The mayor and vice mayor

are elected by the council. The mayor is paid $375 a month. Council members are paid $275 a month. The council meets

at 6:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month. The council

holds a work session at 6:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of every month.Town Council: Mayor Linda Riner-Mizell, 863-438-8341; Vice Mayor Randy Dowd, 863-439-2801; and Council members Melinda Carden, 863-439-9155; Samuel E. Pennant, 863-899-8243; Rick Johnson, 863-419-3100, ext. 263.

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DUNDEE

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“Cat Knapping”by Roundtree

[ guide to polk | health ]

5 Hospitals Treat Patients in Polk By ROBIN WILLIAMS ADAMSTHE LEDGER

Electronic health records are a major focus at hospitals throughout Polk County.

Bartow Regional Medical Center has scheduled an April 28 “go live” date for its hospitalwide system.

“I’m very excited about it,” said Trudy Alward, Bartow Regional’s health informa-tion management director.

Lakeland Regional Medi-cal Center implemented its electronic health records system in September 2010 for the emergency depart-ment and for services be-fore, during and after sur-gery. It hopes to have the whole hospital covered by May 2012.

Other Polk hospitals al-ready had electronic health records, sometimes called electronic medical records, in their emergency depart-ments and are at various stages of going paperless.

Winter Haven is aiming for late 2012 or early 2013 for full installation.

Heart of Florida Re-gional Medical Center and Lake Wales Medical Center have electronic systems in their emergency depart-ments. Both are working to implement the system hospitalwide.

Heart of Florida’s goal is to have its system in place throughout the hospital in two to three years. Lake Wales Medical Center hasn’t set a fi nal date yet.

POLK HOSPITALSBartow Regional Medi-

cal Center, 72 beds, 2200 Osprey Blvd., Bartow, 863-533-8111, www.bartowre-gional.com.

Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center, 200 beds, 40100 U.S. 27, Haines City, 863-422-4971, www.hear-toffl orida.com.

Lake Wales Medical Cen-ter, 160 beds, 410 S. 11th St.,

Lake Wales, 863-676-1433, www.lakewalesmedical-center.com.

Lakeland Regional Medi-cal Center, 851 beds, 1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lake-land, 863-687-1100, www.lrmc.com.

Winter Haven Hospital, 527 beds, 200 Ave. F N.E., Winter Haven, 863-293-1121, www.winterhaven-hospital.com. Regency Center for Women and Infants, 101 Ave. O S.E., is part of WHH.

[ Robin Williams Adams can be reached at [email protected] or 863-802-7558. Read her blog at robinsrx.blogs.theledger.com. Follow on Twitter at ledgerROBIN. ]

By BILL RUFTYTHE LEDGER

Polk County is veteran-rich, both for its climate and other amenities for the retired veterans and for its many reserve and national guard units that have par-ticipated in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Polk County Vet-erans Service Offi ce also provides a number of ser-vices from information about medical and Veter-ans Administration help to aiding in benefi ts and job searches.

The Polk County Veter-ans Council’s site has in-formation about veteran services and issues, and contact information for veteran organizations such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Marine Corps League and other groups.

To learn more aboutspecifi c veterans organiza-tions in your area or to fi ndout about veterans ben-efi ts, go to www.polkvet-eranscouncil.org.

Or contact the PolkCounty Veterans ServiceOffi ce at 863-534-5220. Itssite is www.polkcounty.ne.gov/veterans.html.

A veterans’ clinic at 4237S. Pipkin Road in Lakelandis operated by the James A.Haley Veterans Hospital inTampa.

The clinic is staffed bysix physicians, mentalhealth practitioners, a di-etician, a podiatrist, psy-chologists and audiologistsfrom 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon-day to Friday, except forholidays.

The phone number is863-701-2470.

The website is www.tampa.va.gov/visitors/lakeland.asp.

Services for VeteransBy SUZIE SCHOTTELKOTTETHE LEDGERIncorporated: 1918Size: 19.92 square milesPopulation: 2,900Government: City Council has fi ve members. The city manager is appointed. The mayor is elected annually by the council. Council members serve three-year terms. The mayor is paid $125 a month while council members are paid $100. The council meets at 6 p.m. on the fi rst and third Mondays each month.City Council: Mayor: Kay Hutzelman, 863-635-6849, and Council members Anne Dickinson, 863-635-4121; Ralph Waters, 863-632-5596; Diana Biehl, 863-635-2002; and Wesley Wise, 863-635-4421.Budget: $10.4 millionProperty tax rate: $7.8209 per $1,000 of taxable

propertyCity Manager: Tenny Ruth Croley, 863-635-7855City Hall: 111 W. First St.; www.cityoff rostproof.comCity Clerk: Sarah Adelt, 863-

635-7854Law enforcement: Polk County Sheriff ’s substation, 863-635-7849; www.polksheriff .orgFire Department: 863-635-7863Building Offi cial: 863-635-7851Electric: Progress Energy, 800-700-8744

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ReedyLake

Budget: $5.5 million. Property tax rate: $7 per $1,000 of taxable property valueTown Manager: Andy Stewart, 863-419-3100, ext. 222Town Clerk: Joe Delegge, 863-419-3100, ext. 238Town Hall: 141 W. Main Street, 863-419-3100, www.townofdundee.comLaw enforcement: Polk County Sheriff ’s Offi ce Substation, 105 Center St. 863-439-7966, www.polksheriff .orgFire Department: Fire Chief Joe Carbone, 863-419-3104Public Works: including water, garbage and sewer, Public Works Director C.J. Johnson, 863-419-3100, ext. 221Electricity: Florida Power Corp., 800-700-8744Cable: Brighthouse

Networks, 863-965-7766Finance Department: Finance Director Martin Munger, 863-419-3100, ext. 227Code Enforcement: The town operates under a code enforcement magistrate system, 863-419-3100, ext. 228 Public Library: 202 E. Main St. 863-439-9424, www.townofdundee.com/library.htmRecreation: The Dundee Community Center, 603 Main St., is available for rental for any occasion. 863-419-3121 Schools: Haines City High School, Dundee Ridge Middle School, Dundee Elementary School and Sand Hill Elementary School.Chamber of Commerce: 310 Main St. 863-439-3261, www.dundeechamber.com/index.asp

[ cities ]

Dundee[ CONTINUED FROM 48 ]

[ PLEASE SEE FROSTPROOF, 50 ]

By KEVIN BOUFFARDTHE LEDGER

The inevitable move of phosphate mining south of Polk County has been put on hold at least temporarily.

The Mosaic Co., the lone phosphate company based in Polk, had planned to extend its South Fort Meade mine last summer. The mining plan ap-proved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers called for extending the mine onto more than 10,000 acres in northern Hardee County.

Judge Henry Lee Adams Jr. of the U.S. District Court in Jacksonville halted the mine extension in June in response to a lawsuit fi led by the Si-erra Club Inc.; People for Protecting

Peace River Inc. of Wauchula; and ManaSota-88 in Nokomis.

The lawsuit claims the mine would destroy wetlands and pollute the Peace River watershed, including the Charlotte Harbor estuary, and that the Army Corps failed to conduct an environmental impact study on the mine extension as required under federal law. Adams halted the exten-sion and ordered the Army Corps to study less environmentally damag-ing mining alternatives.

The move was necessary because phosphate reserves in the Polk sec-tion of South Fort Meade are nearly exhausted. Phosphate offi cials es-timate all Polk reserves will be ex-hausted by 2020.

Mosaic in August laid off 140 of the 260 mine workers at South Fort

Meade. They were recalled in No-vember, when Adams approved an agreement between Mosaic and the environmental groups that allowed the company to extend the mine onto some 200 acres of the Hardee tract, enough to keep operating until about March.

Mosaic has appealed Adams’ rul-ing to the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta, which agreed to expedite its deliberation.

Polk was once the home to dozens of phosphate companies, making it the center of U.S. phosphate fertilizer production. The last two companies, IMC Global Inc. and Cargill Crop Nutrition, merged to form Mosaic

in October 2004.

Plym-outh, Minn.-based Mo-sa ic em-ploys more than 2,100 workers at

its Polk facilities, making it one of the county’s largest public employers. In addition to South Fort Meade, it oper-ates two other phosphate rock mines in Southwest Polk, named Four Cor-ners, and Hookers Prairie, and two fertilizer plants in Bartow and New Wales south of Mulberry.

The latter is the one of the world’s largest fertilizer manufacturing plants.

In January, Cargill Inc., an agri-cultural conglomerate and one of the world’s largest private compa-nies, announced it would sell off its 64 percent share of stock in Mosaic, a public company traded on the New York Stock Exchange. The tax-free transaction, worth more than $24 billion, is designed to keep Cargill a private company.


Cold Snap Brings OJ Price Worries By KEVIN BOUFFARDTHE LEDGER

Farm prices for Florida citrus have been rising since January 2010 follow-ing a historically long cold snap that struck much of the state for two weeks that month.

A l t hou g h f r e e z i n g weather appeared to have little effect on the 2009-10 citrus crop, by the end of the season in June buyers had bid up farm prices in anticipation of shortages. That scenario repeated it-self in December, when at least three freezes struck the state’s citrus-growing region.

Now many citrus grow-ers worry that too much of a good thing, even higher prices for their fruit, may hurt them in the long run.

If the higher farm prices lead juice processors — who buy 95 percent of Florida or-anges and about 60 percent of its grapefruit each year — to raise retail prices on juice products, consumers could react by buying less juice. If orange juice demand falls too far, America’s tradition-al morning beverage may fi nd it has priced itself off the breakfast table, leading to a farm price collapse in future years.

The Citrus Department projected crop damage from the December freezes would reduce OJ invento-ries in Florida, which sup-plies the lion’s share of the U.S. market, by 7 percent at the end of the season in June.

It had projected a mere 0.4 percent decline in OJ stocks at the season’s beginning in October, which was expect-ed to lead to stable farm and retail prices.

A smaller 2010-11 Brazil-ian orange crop than origi-nally projected also will add upward momentum to U.S. farm and retail prices, said

Bob Norberg, an economistand deputy executive direc-tor at the Citrus Depart-ment. Brazilian OJ stocksare projected to decline 16percent this year.

In yet another sign of his-tory repeating itself, theCoca-Cola Co. announcedup to an 8 percent price in-crease on Minute Maid juiceproducts this year. Norbergsaid Tropicana and otherbrands would follow.

The average increase inthe OJ retail price at U.S.supermarkets should beless than a double-digitpercentage, said Norberg,who declined to be morespecifi c.

Florida growers alsocontinue to battle the un-checked spread of citrusgreening, a bacterial dis-ease that threatens the vi-ability of the state’s largestagricultural sector.

The deadly bacterialdisease first surfaced inFlorida in 2005, and it tookonly about two years beforeit was found in every citrus-producing county in thestate. Scientists estimategreening has infected 18percent of the state’s citrusgroves, a figure that willdouble every year.

Polk County leads thestate’s citrus-producingcounties with 83,471 acresof commercial groves in2010. Polk historically leadsthe state in annual citrusproduction, including the2009-10 season, when lo-cal commercial growersproduced nearly 27.9 mil-lion boxes.

FORTUNE 500 PRESENCE These are Fortune 500 companies with ties to Polk County. Firms have substantial local office, retail, manufacturing, warehousing operations or employ more than 100 Polk residents. They are ranked by 2009 revenue, in billions of dollars:

RANK/COMPANY 2009 REVENUE

1 Wal-Mart Stores $408.2

11 Berkshire Hathaway 112.4

13 Verizon Communications 107.8

14 McKesson 106.6

17 Cardinal Health 99.6

29 Home Depot 66.1

34 State Farm Insurance Cos. 61.4

42 Lowe’s 47.2

44 Lockheed Martin 45.1

57 Walt Disney 36.1

60 FedEx 35.5

66 Caterpillar 32.3

72 Coca-Cola 30.9

99 Publix Super Markets 24.5

104 International Paper 23.3

113 Coca-Cola Enterprises 21.6

131 Time Warner Cable 17.8

174 Pepsi Bottling 13.2

203 Jacobs Engineering 11.4

231 Mosaic 10.2

239 Progress Energy 9.8

259 CSX 9.0

299 Campbell Soup 7.6

319 Sherwin Williams 7.0

338 Calpine 6.5

SOURCE: Fortune magazine

THE LEDGER

[ guide to polk | business ]

Lawsuit Halts Mosaic’s Move South

Th e average increase in the OJ retail price at U.S. supermarkets should be less than a double-digit percentage.

Th e lawsuit claims the mine would destroy wetlands and pollute the Peace River watershed, including the Charlotte Harbor estuary.

Water, garbage, sewer: 863-635-7850Public Library: Latt Maxcy Memorial Library: 15 N. Magnolia Ave., 863-635-7857Recreation Department: 863-635-7860Recreation: The Polk County School Board has taken over maintenance of the Frostproof Sports Complex,

which provides space for a variety of community recreational programs. The city has four parks. Friendship Park is around the city-owned Depot on East Wall Street and there is a play park on West Wall Street. A large park area is on the east side of Lake Clinch for public swimming and Fewox Park, a 2.5-acre facility on F Street, includes a track, bathrooms, pavilion, exercise area and

playground. A new fi shing pier is on Lake Reedy near the east end of Wall Street.Public schools: Frostproof Middle/Senior High School, and Frostproof Elementary and Ben Hill Griffi n Elementary schools.Chamber of Commerce: 118 E. Wall St., 863-635-9112;www.frostproofchamber.com

Frostproof[ CONTINUED FROM 49 ]

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