The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) will be informing consumers about scams targeting utility customers during the 21st Annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), March 3–9, 2019. [Read more…] about PSC to Help Consumers in Polk County for National Consumer Protection Week
polk county
FDOT Public Hearing for the Proposed Jurisdictional Transfer of State Road (SR) 559 in Polk County
Proposed Jurisdictional Transfer of SR 559 between Recker Hwy and Fred Jones Blvd and
S. Lake Shipp Drive and Crosstown Drive from the Florida Department of Transportation
to the Polk County Road System Public Hearing scheduled December 19, 2018
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is holding a public hearing to obtain public input concerning the transfer of jurisdiction of existing SR 559 (Main Street/Ariana Boulevard/Polk City Road) from Recker Highway to C. Fred Jones Boulevard and S. Lake Shipp Drive and Crosstown Drive to the Polk County Road System. [Read more…] about FDOT Public Hearing for the Proposed Jurisdictional Transfer of State Road (SR) 559 in Polk County
Gov. Scott Appoints Rick Wilson to Polk County Board of County Commissioners
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Rick Wilson to the Polk County Board of County Commissioners. He is appointed to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Melony Bell on October 1, 2018. [Read more…] about Gov. Scott Appoints Rick Wilson to Polk County Board of County Commissioners
Public Workshop for Lakeland Area Alternatives Analysis in City of Lakeland
Public Workshop to be held Thursday, August 2, 2018
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is hosting a public workshop regarding the Lakeland Area Alternatives Analysis. The study will assist the FDOT and its transportation partners (City of Lakeland, Polk County, Citrus Transit) in defining a program of context-based projects envisioned to improve all modes of transportation for safety, mobility, quality of life, and economic development. [Read more…] about Public Workshop for Lakeland Area Alternatives Analysis in City of Lakeland
RoadWatch Advisory for Ewell Road Closure and Temporary Signal in Polk County
POLK COUNTY
Ewell Road from east of Irby Lane to Old Highway 37:
Ewell Road will CLOSE at the Poley Creek bridge, starting Tuesday, May 29, and will remain closed through the end of summer. Motorists should follow the posted detour using Lunn Road, West Pipkin Road and Yates Road to detour around Poley Creek. Trucks will be directed to detour using SR 37 (South Florida Avenue), Shepherd Road and County Line Road.
A temporary signal has been placed at the eastern Lunn Road intersection. The signal will remain on flash mode until the detours are in place, Tuesday, May 29, when it becomes fully operational. Use extreme caution until everyone is used to the new signal and traffic pattern and be prepared to stop.
This project includes replacing the bridge over Poley Creek, adding traffic signals and turn lanes at both Lunn Road intersections, resurfacing and upgrading signal equipment at Old Highway 37, drainage improvements, and milling and resurfacing in various locations. The contractor is SEMA Construction. Expected completion is Early 2019.
For more information about the project, click here.
Combee for Congress Proud to Announce More Polk County Endorsements
Former State Senator and Former Florida State House Representative J.D. Alexander, Former State Attorney Jerry Hill, Former Polk County Commissioner and Former Mayor of Auburndale Jack Myers, Former Polk County Commissioner Jerry Carter, Former Lakeland City Commissioner Don Gifford, and Former Polk County Commissioner and member of the Southwest Florida Water Management District Paul Senft, have announced their support of Neil Combee for Florida’s 15th Congressional District.
“I have known Neil Combee for many years now, and there is no one else who’s as passionate about serving others, agriculture, small business owners, or preserving our constitutional rights. He will always stand up for what’s right in Washington, and won’t forget those of us back here at home. I’m proud to endorse Neil for Congress,” Fmr. State Senator J.D. Alexander said.
Fmr. State Attorney Jerry Hill says, “We need someone in Congress who respects that we are a nation of laws. Neil Combee knows this, and he will work in Washington to make sure that we secure our borders, stand up for our constitution, and keep our nation a nation of law and order.”
“I served with Neil on the Polk County Commission, and I am proud to support him for Congress. His conservative values and common sense, policy-focused mind makes him the best choice in this race,” Fmr. Polk County Commissioner and former mayor of Auburndale Jack Myers said.
Fmr. Polk County Commissioner Jerry Carter said, “There aren’t many people out there today that are like Neil. His integrity, grit, spirit, and passion alone will make him a great congressman, however the most outstanding trait of Neil Combee is his heart for service. I’ve known Neil for 40 years now, and Washington needs more people like Neil, and I am proud to support Neil for Congress.”
“I’m proud to stand by Neil Combee for Congress. He has done a great job in the past of championing free market principles, gun rights, and job creation. I have no doubt that Neil will be highly effective as our congressman,” Fmr. Lakeland City Commissioner Don Gifford stated.
Fmr. Polk County Commissioner and member of the Southwest Florida Water Management District Paul Senft says, “One of Florida’s most precious resources is our water and environment. Neil Combee understands this, and will fight to protect Florida’s resources, the Everglades, and those who need these resources to make a living—our farmers.”
“I am blown away from the support that this campaign is getting, and I am honored that these folks think so highly of me that they would put their name behind this run for Congress. I am excited to have them on Team Combee,” Neil Combee responded.
These endorsements join the growing list of endorsements by State Rep. Ben Albritton, State Rep. Mike LaRosa, State Rep. Josie Tomkow, Fmr. State Rep. John Wood, Mayor Tim Pospichal of Auburndale, and Mayor Joe LaCascia of Polk City. There will be many more to come.
Paid for by Friends of Neil Combee
Public Hearing for State Road 60 from County Road 630 in Polk County
Public Hearing for State Road 60 from County Road 630 in Polk
County to east of the Kissimmee River Bridge in Osceola County
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is holding a public hearing for the State Road (SR) 60 Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study from County Road (CR) 630 in Polk County to east of the Kissimmee River Bridge in Osceola County. All members of the public are invited to attend.
The hearing will be held on Thursday, May 24, 2018 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Westgate River Ranch, Main Hall at 3200 River Ranch Boulevard, River Ranch, FL 33867.
There will be an open house at 5 p.m. during which staff will be available to discuss the project and answer questions, followed by a formal hearing presentation at 6 p.m., after which participants may provide their verbal comments to all present. People attending the hearing can review project displays and speak one-on-one with project team members about the proposed project improvements. Written statements or exhibits submitted at the hearing, emailed, or mailed and postmarked by Monday, June 4, 2018 will become part of the official hearing transcript.
FDOT selected a recommended widening alternative that will construct two new travel lanes separated from the existing travel lanes by a 40-foot-wide grassed median. The median will improve safety by creating a buffer between eastbound and westbound traffic. The proposed improvements will require FDOT to acquire right-of-way, or property, for road widening and stormwater management areas. Existing access to properties along SR 60 will change due to the addition of a median, a result of widening the road. The no-build alternative, where no improvements other than routine maintenance are made to SR 60 through 2040, will remain viable throughout the remainder of this study. Project staff will display plans and answer questions about the proposed widening alternative for SR 60. Project information and graphics showing the project’s location and proposed improvements will be available for public viewing from May 2, 2018 to June 11, 2018 at two locations. One is the Lake Wales Public Library, 290 Cypress Garden Lane, Lake Wales, Florida. Please call the library at (863) 678-4004 for hours of operation. The other location is the FDOT District One Headquarters, 801 North Broadway Avenue, Bartow, Florida. Please contact FDOT project manager, Patrick Bateman, E.I., by phone at (863) 519-2792 or by email at [email protected] to make an appointment to review the materials. You can find additional information on the project website.
FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) pursuant to 23 U.S.C. §327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated December 14, 2016, and executed by the Federal Highway Administration and FDOT. Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or people who require translation services (free of charge) should contact FDOT project manager Patrick Bateman, E.I., at (863) 519-2792 or [email protected] at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting.
Neil Combee Campaign Proud to Announce First of Many Polk County Endorsements
Florida State House Representatives Ben Albritton, Mike LaRosa, and Josie Tomkow, Frm. State Representative John Wood, along with the Mayors of Auburndale and Polk City, Tim Pospichal and Joe LaCascia, have announced their support of Neil Combee for Florida Congressional District 15.
“Neil Combee has been a friend of mine for years. He and I share a common bond, agriculture. Neil is a natural born leader. I’ve never seen him back away from a fight to protect conservative principles and our Constitution. I’m proud to endorse Neil Combee for U.S. Congress,” Representative Ben Albritton stated.
Representative Josie Tomkow said, “I’ve known Neil and the Combee family my whole life, and there is no one who will fight harder for our area than him. He is fair, honest and humble. He means what he says, and his word is as good as gold. He is the only one in this race who will work to continue making America great again.”
“I’m proud to put my name behind Neil Combee for Congress because Neil has always worked hard to put forward good, conservative, common sense policy to make life better for all Floridians,” Representative Mike LaRosa said.
Fmr. Representative John Wood stated, “If you love your liberty, you will love Neil Combee in Congress. No one will fight to protect our rights and conservative values than Neil Combee.”
“I’m backing Neil because he will never forget who he is or where he comes from. Washington won’t change him, he will change Washington,” Polk City Mayor Joe LaCascia said.
Auburndale mayor Tim Pospichal said, “Main Street America needs Neil Combee. There is no one else I trust to keep this economy prosperous. Lets send Neil to Congress.”
“These folks wake up everyday trying to make life better for their neighbors. That’s what service is about. It’s truly humbling to have earned their trust and support,” Neil Combee responded. “The campaign is picking up momentum. Together we won’t let the liberals destroy our great Country.”
Paid for by Friends of Neil Combee
Polk County lakes researched as source of biofuel
Students at Florida Polytechnic University are looking into ways of creating a source of biofuel by using algae known as diatoms, which are found in Polk County lakes.
The search for viable alternatives to fossil fuels is a hot topic worldwide with biofuel being one possible solution. This study, headed by professor of biology Dr. Melba Horton, seeks to determine the viability of using endemic diatoms from local lakes for various technological applications, including as a source of renewable energy.
Polk County Parks and Recreation provided students with water samples from more than 50 lakes around the county. The diatoms they found were grown and harvested in both indoor and outdoor photobioreactors. After periods of 15 and 30 days, results of a preliminary extraction showed a yield of more than 30 percent, which is on par with other biofuel sources, but with the promise of better cost efficiency.
“Algae is already used for biofuel, but it is still very expensive,” said Horton. “This option with endemic diatoms would make producing biofuel less costly considering the local supply and availability of the resource.”
The research, funded by Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research Institute (FIPR), utilizes space saving photobioreactors for mass production of the diatoms, which can also be used for agricultural applications. Diatoms are known for their porous silica shells. Once mass produced, they can be added to improve dewatering of clay settling areas from phosphate mining operations in Florida.
“The main goal we want to accomplish with this research is to grow the diatoms and utilize them for the dual purpose of producing biofuel, and also to mix them with the clays that have limited land use potential, so that these lands can be more productive,” said Gary Albarelli, FIPR representative.
This Florida Poly research explores other technological applications of diatoms, including the use of its silica wall to capture and store methane gas, as well as biomedical and electrical purposes.
Polk County man claims share of $1.4 million LUCKY MONEY™ jackpot
The Florida Lottery announces that Roy Leath, 59, of Lake Wales, claimed his $700,000 share of the $1.4 million LUCKY MONEY™ jackpot from the February 20, 2018, drawing at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. The other jackpot-winning ticket, sold in Miami, has not yet been claimed.
Leath chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $495,762.76. He purchased his ticket at Cash Mart, located at 333 South First Street in Lake Wales. The retailer received a bonus commission of $1,000 for selling the jackpot-winning ticket.
The next LUCKY MONEY drawing will be held tomorrow, February 27, 2018, at 11:15 p.m. ET, with a $550,000 jackpot. The LUCKY MONEY drawings are broadcast on 17 carrier stations throughout the state. Winning numbers are available on the Lottery website, at retailers statewide and by phone at (850) 921-PLAY.
