Polk State College will celebrate 133rd commencement on December 3
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 — Polk State College will celebrate its 133rd commencement on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. and include remarks by Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti, President of Polk State College, and Larry G. Williams, Jr., Chief Executive Officer and President of Peace River Center, who will be honored as the December 2025 Distinguished Alumnus. The Fall 2025 Graduating Class is comprised of 1,189 students who are
AdventHealth Lake Wales Recognized for excellence with ACC Chest Pain Center Accreditation
The accreditation means patients can trust that the team at AdventHealth Lake Wales is ready to provide fast, accurate, and compassionate care when it matters most (photo courtesy: AdventHealth) AdventHealth Lake Wales Recognized for excellence with ACC Chest Pain Center Accreditation LAKE WALES, Fla. (Monday, November 10, 2025) -- If you or a loved one experiences chest pain, every second counts. AdventHealth Lake Wales has been recognized
United Community Relief Fund Activated to Support Residents Impacted by Government Shutdown
In response to the growing uncertainty caused by the government shutdown, United Way of Central Florida and the GiveWell Community Foundation have reactivated the United Community Relief Fund to provide urgent assistance to residents in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties.  As government-funded programs face disruption, families across our region are struggling with rising inflation and wages that no longer cover basic living expenses. One critical example: more than 130,000 individuals in the
Love's Fundraising Campaign - Children's Miracle
YMCA Child Care is Back in Lake Wales – Let’s Support Local Families Together!
Dear Community Partner,We’re excited to announce that the YMCA Early Learning Center at McLaughlin Middle High School is opening child care services in Lake Wales on August 11, and enrollment is NOW OPEN!This isn’t just a new child care center—it’s a place where children learn and grow, families feel supported, and our community thrives.We invite you to help us spread the word or explore ways we can partner to strengthen early childhood education and care in Lake Wales.What We Offer:Voluntary
Warner University - Discounted Online Education
We’re excited to offer a 15% tuition discount on all of our online degree programs to your Lake Wales employees! We know that the Lake Wales community pursues excellence and are committed to serving the people around them—values that align closely with Warner’s mission. This partnership would allow your team members to pursue affordable, flexible higher education while continuing to thrive in their roles. Program Highlights:15% tuition discount on all online programsFlexible scheduling designed for
