Bok Tower Gardens Selects Miles Arnott as Next President and CEO
LAKE WALES, Fla. — Bok Tower Gardens today announced that Miles Arnott has been selected as its next President and Chief Executive Officer following a nationwide search. Arnott will begin his new role on July 6, 2026, guiding the National Historic Landmark into its next chapter of growth and stewardship.Arnott brings more than 20 years of experience in public garden leadership, horticulture, conservation, environmental stewardship, education, and nonprofit management. He currently serves as Vice President
A Transformational Year for Take Stock in Children Polk County: Expanded Scholarships, Milestones, and Unprecedented Student Success
May 27, 2026 The 2025–2026 school year was momentous for Take Stock in Children Polk County, a Polk Education Foundation program, marked by a 100 percent graduation rate, major scholarship announcements for seniors, and the Scholarship Scramble surpassing $1 million raised in its 23-year history. With 129 students supported through nearly 1,000 hours of mentoring and a wide range of enrichment and community-driven opportunities, the program advanced its mission in meaningful ways. Last year began with a
Open enrollment for the Fall 2026 Semester has started at Polk State College
Tuesday, May 26, 2026 — Open enrollment for the Fall 2026 Semester has started. Classes will begin on August 10.Currently enrolled Polk State students can register for classes in the Polk Portal. Prospective students should submit a free online application to the College by clicking here. Dual enrollment students should work with their high school advisors and email deregistration@polk.edu if they need assistance. Help with admission, advising, registration, and financial aid is available on campus and by
The Warrior Wire- Summer 2026
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
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
Florida SBDC at USF Announces 2026 Regional Performance and Small Business Award Winners
TAMPA(May 14, 2026) - The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at University of South Florida (USF) announced its 2026 performance and small business award winners on May 13, 2026, during the 2026 Florida SBDC at USF Annual Business Awards held at USF’s Phyllis P. Marshall Student Center. Winners are now eligible for Florida SBDC Network state awards. State award winners will be announced at the Network’s Annual Conference, held in Port Charlotte this coming August.During the awards, attendees
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
Wawa Summer Fun Days Back in 2026 with 8 Days of Complimentary Admission
Lake Wales, FL - Wawa and Bok Tower Gardens are teaming up again to offer Wawa Summer Fun Days featuring complimentary admission on the last Thursday and Friday of May through August.The 2025 Wawa Summer Fun Days will be May 28-29, June 25-26, July 30-31, and August 27-28.Pre-registration is requested for this complimentary offer. Visitors can register at https://boktowergardens.org/wawa-summer-fun-days-2026/ The extremely popular seek & find game "Where's Wally" will be back again adding another level
