Barbara L. Cheatham Nov 16, 2008
Born Oct. 19, 1934 in Frostproof, she was a lifetime resident of Polk County, a member of the First Baptist Church of Auburndale and loved to care for other people. She retired as a bookkeeper for several churches. (Lake Wales News, FL)
NC sheriff steps down before rape trial begins Nov 16, 2008
Polk County Sheriff Chris Abril says in a letter this week that the turmoil surrounding the trial that begins Monday has taken away too much time from his job and family. Abril was elected sheriff in 2006 despite the charges being revealed in the middle of the race in the small county in the southern Appalachian foothills. (WSVN-TV Miami, FL)
Prop 8 Dissenters March In Cities Across Country Nov 16, 2008
It was legal in Polk County for two days in August 2007. One couple was married before a court ended the practice. (Click2Houston, TX)
Sex scandal rocks Haines City Police Department Nov 14, 2008
HAINES CITY The Polk County State Attorney says the top two men in charge of the Haines City Police Department used their rank and standing in the community to violate law enforcement ethics policies ... Stewart was released from Polk County Jail after posting $50,000 bail. (Florida Today)
Number of foreclosures continues to rise in Tampa Bay area Nov 14, 2008
Polk County was up 49 percent compared to October 2007 but was down 28 percent from September, while Manatee County rose 32 percent year-over-year but dropped 2 percent from the month before. Sarasota and Hernando counties are seeing some stabilization in foreclosure numbers. (Tampa Bay Business Journal, FL)
State May Temporarily Shut Some Parks To Save Money Nov 14, 2008
Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek State Park - Polk County. Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park - Escambia County. (News4Jax.com, FL)
Luncheon honors our caregivers Nov 13, 2008
The Polk County Commission issued a similar proclamation on Nov. 5 ... Applying that value to the estimated 25,000 family caregivers in Polk County means that family caregivers save the taxpayers of Polk County $175 million each year ... To help the Polk County community celebrate National Family Caregivers Month 2008, Polk County Family Caregivers, Inc. is hosting the ninth annual Family Caregiver Appreciation Luncheon on Monday, Nov. 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bartow Civic Center. (Lake Wales News, FL)
Lake Rosalie air boat tours irk nearby residents Nov 13, 2008
The dispute bubbled over at last week s meeting of the Polk County Board of Commissioners, who heard both from homeowners who say the noise and closeness of the boat as it passes near their homes has become a big problem, and others who claim that Captain Fred s Airboat Tours is a good neighbor and has brought an economic boost to the area. And, for the moment, the county is caught in the middle of the dispute since it is still investigating whether or not the commercial air boat venture is... (Lake Wales News, FL)
End of the Reagan Era (1) Nov 13, 2008
In Polk County, where 40 years ago any voter who registered as anything other than a Democrat basically disenfranchised himself in local elections because only Democrats sought office, the Republican Party became the dominant political force. Although registered Democrats still outnumber registered Republicans in Polk County 131,000 to 120,000 the GOP has held a virtual monopoly in local politics from the Polk County Commission to the 12th Congressional District ... Even Congressman Adam Putnam,... (Lake Wales News, FL)
Many projects underway in Lake Wales Nov 13, 2008
Polk County Health Clinic The Health Clinic located next to the Fire Station will be relocating to Hwy. 60 when the County completes a new facility. (Lake Wales News, FL)
Dear Candidates of 2008, Nov 13, 2008
Thank you for representing the Polk County Democratic party. We are very, very, proud of you all, each and every one of you. (Lake Wales News, FL)
Community Calendar Nov 13, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008. The area code for all phone numbers is 863 unless otherwise stated. (Lake Wales News, FL)
C. Fla. bulldozer driver dies in accident Nov 12, 2008
MULBERRY Polk County Sheriffs detectives say a construction worker has died after his bulldozer fell into a pit of water. Authorities arent sure why the bulldozer operated by 53-year-old Charles Lanier fell down a 20-foot embankment into the pit on Tuesday. (Florida Today)
Exclusive: Beaten Cheerleader Speaks Out Nov 9, 2008
A video of the attack, which was released by the Polk County Sheriffs Department, shows Lindsay literally backed into a corner and attempting to cover her head while the girls alternate pummeling her and yelling at her. "What am I going to do?" she told "Good Morning America." "I thought I was going to die, honestly. I couldn't fight back. There was too many of them. So my only thought was just to protect myself and not to hit back and try to move, like, away when they were punching.". (ABC News)
More of this story Nov 6, 2008
The new facility, however, may be a mix of affordable housing based on the median income in Polk County, he said. As for the board, Kirkland said, he is quite pleased with them. (Lake Wales News, FL)
Many states grapple with voting status of felons Nov 3, 2008
Polk County District Attorney William Lee Hon, a Republican, said the local registrar of voters noticed the inmates included return addresses matching the death row unit in nearby Livingston. "I've never seen anything like this before," Hon says. (USA Today)
Palin's Conservative Fans May Point Alaskan Toward 2012 Presidential Race Nov 3, 2008
She could have just as easily been born and raised in Polk County as Alaska,'' said Republican U.S. Representative , who organized the rally. She's got a bright future in national politics. (Bloomberg -- US)
THE MADDIE CLIFTON SAGA: A timeline of events from the day she disappeared Nov 2, 2008
April 22: Circuit Judge Charles Arnold moves the trial to Bartow, in Polk County, because of pretrial publicity in Jacksonville ... Sources: Times-Union archives, Duval and Polk County court records. (Florida Times-Union)
THE MADDIE CLIFTON SAGA: Her killer fights back tears when asked about Maddie and her family Nov 2, 2008
Phillips was indicted as an adult and convicted of first-degree murder by a jury in Polk County, where his trial was moved because of publicity in Jacksonville. He was sentenced to a mandatory life term in prison, where he remains today. (Florida Times-Union)
GHOST-FLORIDA Nov 1, 2008
The worst-attended of these are the Life Skills Center of Polk County, with an average absenteeism rate of 48 percent, and the Life Skills Center of Opa Locka, where absenteeism averaged 45 percent. White Hat Management issued a written statement to Scripps Howard when asked about the absenteeism. (Scripps Howard News Wire)
1 in 6 Fla. Children Lack Health Insurance Oct 31, 2008
Web Search powered by YAHOO. You must fill in all fields. (The Ledger)
Pound Puppy Becomes Narcotics Dog In Florida Oct 29, 2008
Text Size: (AP) When his chief told him there was no money for a new narcotics dog, Polk County Sheriff's Deputy John Maney went to the pound, adopted and trained a dog himself. Maney, who has previously worked as a handler for five canines, turned down several dogs. (CBS News)
From Pound Puppy To Deputy Dawg Oct 29, 2008
When his chief told him there was no money for a new narcotics dog, Polk County Sheriff's Deputy John Maney went to the pound, adopted and trained a dog himself. More News. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Weird News)
Police searching for missing boy who could be in danger Oct 29, 2008
(WSVN) -- Miami Gardens Police are assisting the Polk County Sheriff's Office in the search for a missing endangered child, who is believed to be in the company of his father ... The younger Hargrovewas reported missing Monday from Bartow, Florida, in Polk County, and will turn 6 on Friday ... If you have any information concerning the whereabouts of this endangered person, please contact the Polk County Sheriff's Office at 863-534-6200 or 911. (WSVN-TV Miami, FL)
Tomoka warden demoted, transferred after security audit Oct 22, 2008
Lowe was shipped to Brevard Correctional Institution in Brevard County and Johnson will be going to DeMilly Correctional Institution in Polk County. The new warden at Tomoka, Don Davis, started his job on Monday, Plessinger said. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
FSU's Stewart delivers Oct 22, 2008
Like Haggins, Stewart grew up in Polk County. "[Haggins] came and recruited me himself, so he expects a lot out of me, being that we're both from Polk County," Stewart said. (Florida Times-Union)
Measure 62 assigns lottery money for crime labs Oct 21, 2008
Polk County Sheriff Robert Wolfe says he has just two criminal detectives who are trying to handle 100 cases between them. Wolfe said the measure would boost his 7 million biennial budget by more than 650,000 and allow him to hire more detectives. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Golfers seek state berths Oct 20, 2008
State competition is in Polk County next week. Viera is the top local contender among Class 1A girls, while Melbourne Central Catholic and Cocoa Beach also are alive. (Florida Today)
State prisons: Building bridges Oct 15, 2008
McNeil said the new Demilley Correction Institution in Polk County will be the state's first prison geared exclusively to prepare inmates for a work release and better transition back into society. The inmates involved are in prison on drug or other non-violent crimes with between 18 months to three years left to serve time. (Florida Times-Union)
Cards have helped solve 2 cold cases Oct 14, 2008
Giving "cold case" playing cards to inmates was first started in Florida by the Polk County Cold Case Assessment team in 2005, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. FDLE then started a statewide project in July 2007, distributing 100,000 packs of playing cards with information about unsolved cases across prisons in the state. (Florida Today)
Our views: We recommend Bill Posey Oct 13, 2008
Bill Posey, who has earned the chance to serve the people of the 15th Congressional District that includes much of Brevard, Indian River and Osceola counties and part of Polk County. Posey began his political career on the Rockledge City Council and served four terms in the Florida House of Representatives before his election to the Florida Senate in 2000. (Florida Today)
Teachers work more for less Oct 7, 2008
"Little prep time While salaries seem the most important issue for both sides, finding preparation time for teachers at all grade levels has troubled administrators and teachers.Brevard's secondary teachers are given two class periods a day, which each last about 47 minutes on a traditional schedule. But one of those is considered an additional planning period and may be used for other duties.And while the high school schedule of switching classes each period provides a natural break for... (Florida Today)
Texting teen steps in front of car, killed Sep 23, 2008
Officers in Polk County said Christopher Cepeda was with three friends preparing to cross state Road 25 and Legacy Park Boulevard in Davenport when Christopher stepped in front of a 1998 Buick. The vehicle's bumper hit Christopher, causing him to be thrown over the hood and into the windshield. (Florida Today)
State puts limit on freshwater turtles Sep 18, 2008
A five-per-day limit would extinguish the livelihood of people who catch turtles for a living, said John Thomas, a Polk County fisherman and turtle dealer. deirdre. (Florida Times-Union)
Monday with Mike Sep 15, 2008
He also played soccer (he was the Polk County player of the year) and tennis (he was the school's No. 1 singles player). He also had a GPA of better than 4. (Notre Dame Sports -- Rivals.com)
Vickery named McCain campaign's county chairman Sep 13, 2008
Jay Neal; Chattooga County Betty Brady; Cherokee County Jenny Beth Martin; Dade County Freddie Paris and Regina Paris (Co-Chairs); Floyd County Chad Whitefield; Haralson County Larry Hutcheson; Paulding County Micah Gravley; Pickens County Kevin Osborne; Polk County Bill Byrne; Walker County Chip Catlett and Doug Grammer (Co-Chairs); Whitfield County Charles J. Bethel. Classifieds. (Calhoun Times, GA)
Another rare plant found at Oakland Nature Preserve Sep 11, 2008
The largest know habitat of this rare plant was in Polk County, east of Lake Hamilton, and has recently been cleared for a golf course. Other populations were cleared for citrus growers. (Winter Garden West Orange Times, FL)
Diana dresses coming to Lakeland as permanent home planned Sep 9, 2008
As part of an outreach effort to students, The People's Princess Charitable Foundation is partnering with the Watson Clinic Foundation in Lakeland to allow children in Polk County to view the exhibit free of charge. Polk County schools will receive 55,000 admission vouchers. (Tampa Bay Business Journal, FL)
Richmond Co. native co-authors new book (2) Sep 8, 2008
As a member of the national board of directors of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) from 2004 to 2007, the Florida NAMI board of directors from 1999 to 2005, and the Polk County chapter president from 1999-2001, Slate has advocated tirelessly for the rights of the mentally ill. He has published numerous articles, given dozens of presentations and interviews, and testified before the U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime about mental health reform. (Rockingham Daily Journal, NC)
Arrests made in area vehicle theft cases Sep 5, 2008
Three were reported stolen from Gordon County, one from Polk county and four from Bartow. Only one vehicle was recovered intact. (Calhoun Times, GA)
Polk deputies investigate invasion, find grow house Sep 2, 2008
WINTER HAVEN The Polk County Sheriffs Office says deputies discovered a marijuana grow house while they were investigating a home invasion. According to a news release, a woman called investigators to the Winter Haven home early Monday morning, saying armed men were inside the house. (Florida Today)
Peggy Adkins is glad to be ‘home' Aug 28, 2008
She is a National Board Certified Teacher; was Bartow Elementary Academy Teacher of the Year; and a finalist for Polk County (Fla. Teacher of the Year. (Keokuk Daily Gate City, IO)
Local agencies receive Enterprise Florida grants Aug 28, 2008
The EDC of Florida's Space Coast also received $60,000, as did the Central Florida Development Council of Polk County. The purpose of the Florida International Business Expansion Initiative grants is to support efforts to expand direct investment and international trade development in Florida. (Orlando Business Journal)
Lakeland lures WellDyneRx Aug 26, 2008
Polk County won out over competing locations in Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina. The Central Florida location provides immediate access to major drug distribution centers and national transportation services for timely, cost effective shipments to WellDyne s clients nationally. (Tampa Bay Business Journal, FL)
New CVTC manager puts emphasis on community Aug 26, 2008
Carter has been with Coosa Valley Technical College since 1997 and has overseen the academic programs at the Rome and Polk County campuses as Director of Instruction. I believe that making a difference happens one person at a time. (Calhoun Times, GA)
Minor wreck turns into deadly trauma Aug 20, 2008
The Polk County Sheriff's Office tracked Till to his home through a pill bottle left at the scene late Sunday night ... Till was being held Tuesday in the Polk County Jail on charges of murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, carjacking and improper exhibition of a weapon. (Florida Today)
Obama calls McCain campaign cynical but not racist Aug 2, 2008
center, walks with Polk County resident Adrianne Rebello after a conversation on foreclosure crisis, Friday, Aug. 1, 2008, in Lakeland, Fla. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong). (Florida Times-Union)
Brevard jail's work farm helps cut food costs Jul 30, 2008
The cost-cutting measures in Brevard come at the same time Polk County announced changes to the jail meals its staff cooks. There, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd plans to cut about $195,000 by doing away with chocolate milk, tea, coffee and juice ... "The biggest complaint (inmates) have is they miss the peanut butter," Polk County Sheriff's spokeswoman Carrie Rodgers said. (Florida Today)
Mysterious disease taking toll on Florida's palm trees Jul 25, 2008
The mass killer has spread through South Florida, Sarasota and Tampa, and into Polk County dropping trees up to 50 feet tall. But there are no reports of the bacterial threat yet in Volusia or Flagler counties, said Karen Stauderman, University of Florida extension agent in DeLand. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Florida school district bans spanking Jul 24, 2008
Polk County schools can no longer spank kids ... Polk County schools can no longer spank kids ... Polk County elementary school principals can no longer discipline students by spanking them. (The Palm Beach Post)
Food fight simmers at jail Jul 20, 2008
In Bartow, at the Polk County Jail, inmates have lost several items from the food menu. Items like chocolate milk, coffee, juice, cornbread and peanut butter-and- jelly sandwiches were bumped from the menu when Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd slashed $200,000 from the jail's budget earlier this month. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Transit dreams to cost billions Jul 13, 2008
Polk County Florida, and I include a former family member in Polk County government with this, is attempting to stand in front of all Rail plans in Florida. So Polk County will have these funds rail planners are seeking for the benefit solely of Polk County ... The only reason Tri-Rail did not see it funding source this year is because of a Polk County Lakeland State Senator, Dockery. (The Palm Beach Post)
Fourteen Florida Nonprofit Organizations to Receive Grants Totaling More Than $1 Million From the Blue Foundation Jun 28, 2008
-- We Care of Polk County -- $26,000 -- pharmaceuticals and diagnostic services for the uninsured of Polk County. -- WomanKind, Inc. -- $40,300 -- licensed mental health professional to expand mental health program in Key West. (PR Newswire)
Cyber-bullies Jun 28, 2008
Sheriff Grady Judd is handling the case in Polk County, Florida. He said that websites need to be more proactive: "There are no checks and balances by our internet providers such as MySpace or Facebook. They say 'you can't come in until you're 14', [but] how do you know they're 14? "There needs to be a system in place where a parent would log a child in using a parent's credit card. (BBC News -- Technology)
Report: Number of new homes in Central Florida remains high Jun 24, 2008
Northeast Polk County has the most, 110 such communities, while the Kissimmee/St. Cloud submarket is No. 2 with 107. (Orlando Business Journal)
Feds Copy Fla. Nursing Home Model Jun 22, 2008
"Eighty percent of nursing homes nationwide have sprinklers, according to CMS. Fifteen percent have partial sprinkler systems.It will cost almost $847 million for them to become fully sprinkler compliant within five years.Almost all in Florida have sprinkler systems."We have a total of 672 licensed facilities, 4 without sprinkler systems - none of which are located in Polk County," said Fernando R. Senra, press secretary with the Agency for Health Care Administration.The Florida Health Care... (The Ledger)
Clean Coal - Pipe Dream Or Next Big Thing? Jun 21, 2008
Clean Coal - Pipe Dream Or Next Big Thing. Coal Industry Launches Ad Campaign To Support Energy Alternative, But Some Say Technology Hasn't Caught Up Yet - CBS News. (CBS News)
The Capture of Two Suspects on the Run Surprised Law Enforcement Jun 19, 2008
The Polk County Sheriff's office says the two are wanted for a pair of brutal murders they believe are drug related. Foote said there were no incidents. (WSJA.com, AL)
Deputy Found In Road Charged With DUI Jun 16, 2008
Polk County Sheriff's Office booking photo of Jesus Contreras Jr. ... The 22-year-old failed a sobriety test and was taken to the Polk County Jail. (News4Jax.com, FL)
Charges Dropped For 3 In Videotaped Attack Jun 14, 2008
Kidnapping and battery charges were dropped against Cara Murphy, 16, Stephen Schumaker, 18 and Zachary Ashley, 17, said Chip Thullbery, a spokesman for the state attorney's office in Polk County. "After further investigation, there was insufficient evidence for prosecutors to move forward," Thullbery said. (News4Jax.com, FL)
Rising water forces evacuation of Iowa hospital Jun 13, 2008
They shored up the levee with about 60,000 sandbags, and the levee was holding, said A.J. Mumm, spokesman for the Polk County Emergency Management Agency. There are about 200 homes in the neighborhood, which is under a voluntary evacuation. (Florida Times-Union)
Judge orders teens to post apology on YouTube Jun 9, 2008
This spring, Polk County officials said six girls and two boys filmed the beating of a cheerleader specifically so they could post it online. The beating of a 12-year-old Brevard girl was posted last year on the video-sharing site PhotoBucket. (USA Today -- Tech)
Deltona DJ killed in nightclub shooting May 29, 2008
Jamaica native Kevin Jordache Webster drove from his Deltona home to Polk County last week to promote his first reggae CD in a scene known for its Caribbean sounds ... Early Saturday morning, Webster, 29, and two Tampa hip-hop reggae DJs were gunned down at an Auburndale bar, Donna Wood, a spokeswoman for the Polk County Sheriff's Office said ... Parson was involved in that fight and told people prior to the shootings he was going to kill Rattigan and others, Polk County investigators said in a... (Daytona Beach News Journal)
More of this story May 25, 2008
Gibson noted that Lake Wales is becoming noted for its graduation speakers, which in recent years have included Polk County Community College President Dr. Eileen Holden and Warner Southern College President Dr. Gregory Hall. That s a nice line up that any school would be proud of. (Lake Wales News, FL)
3 People Killed At Central Florida Bar May 25, 2008
Polk County Sheriff's spokeswoman Donna Wood said two members of Poison Dart, a group described on their MySpace page as "Reggae/Hip Hop/Roots" music performers, were shot and killed shortly before 3 a.m. Saturday ... Polk County Sheriff's spokeswoman Donna Wood says two members of Poison Dart, a group described on their MySpace page as "Reggae/Hip Hop/Roots" music performers, were gunned down shortly before 3 a.m. Saturday. (News4Jax.com, FL)
