United Way of Central Florida Celebrates Community Impact, Honors Local Leaders at 2026 Annual Celebration
United Way of Central Florida Celebrates Community Impact, Honors Local Leaders at 2026 Annual Celebration United Way of Central Florida welcomed more than 275 community leaders, partners, and supporters to its 2026 Annual Celebration on May 14 at Bonnet Springs Park, highlighting a year of measurable impact across Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties while honoring local leaders whose service continues to strengthen Central Florida.Centered on the theme “Moving the Needle,” the
Polk Education Foundation Awarded $80,000 from the Mabel Schaefer Legacy Grant through GiveWell Community Foundation to Expand AmeriCorps Polk Reads Literacy Initiative
Polk Education Foundation has been awarded an $80,000 grant from GiveWell Community Foundation in honor of Mabel Schaefer’s legacy. This investment will allow the Polk Education Foundation AmeriCorps Polk Reads program to pilot Building Blocks Literacy: an expansion beyond its traditional Polk County Public Schools kindergarten through 3rd-grade focus that will begin serving 4th - and 5th -grade students over the next two years. This pilot will help determine how well upper-elementary students
SUNCOAST CREDIT UNION INVESTS $50,000 IN POLK EDUCATION FOUNDATION TO BENEFIT POLK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS STUDENT SUCCESS
The Polk Education Foundation received a generous $50,000 investment from Suncoast Credit Union, strengthening multiple programs and initiatives that directly support students, teachers, and schools across Polk County. Suncoast Credit Union awarded a major gift of $25,000 to purchase much-needed school supplies for the Free Teacher Market, helping Erase the Need for students and classrooms. Teachers shop the resource store at no cost and fill an orange Suncoast Credit Union tote with supplies that
AdventHealth Heart of Florida and AdventHealth Lake Wales earn national recognition for promoting or
Local donors help save and enhance dozens of lives across Florida DAVENPORT, Fla. (Monday, May 04, 2026) -- AdventHealth Heart of Florida in Davenport and AdventHealth Lake Wales have received national recognition for their efforts to help more people receive lifesaving and life enhancing organ, eye and tissue transplants through the DoNation Campaign. Behind this recognition are patients and families whose lives have been changed by the generosity of donors in the community. According to LifeLink of
Five Polk State Baseball players named All-Citrus for 2026
Friday, May 1, 2026 — After a fifth 30-win season in six years, Polk State Baseball was wellrepresented on the All-Citrus Conference Team, released Friday. Five Eagles were recognized as All-Conference performers. Freshman catcher Marvin Montenegro was the lone first-team selection. This season, the Lakeland native hit .342 with five home runs, 45 RBIs, 52 runs scored and 16 stolen bases. Montenegro also led the Eagles with four triples. Freshman outfielder Bradyn Potter, redshirt freshman
Webber International University Concludes 99th Academic Year with Commencement Ceremony
Babson Park, FL (May 2, 2026) — Webber International University marked its 99th Commencement Ceremony on May 1 in the Sabbagh Athletic Center on the University’s campus. Mr. Royce Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer of AdventHealth Lake Wales, graciously accepted the invitation to serve as Webber’s 99th Commencement Speaker. Mr. Brown delivered a moving address highlighting the many opportunities now available to graduates as a result of their diligent academic accomplishments. During the
CareerSource Polk Launches 2026 Annual Meeting with Interactive Theme and Community Fundraiser
POLK COUNTY, FL. (April 20, 2026) – CareerSource Polk announces that registration is now open for its Annual Meeting and Best Places to Work Awards Breakfast, taking place Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 8:00 am at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. FL. This year’s event marks a major milestone as CareerSource Polk celebrates 30 years of workforce development and support in Polk County. The 2026 Annual Meeting and Best Places to Work Awards Breakfast will bring together business leaders, community
