Polk County Community Calendar

Community

Submit Annoucement

Community Links

Hope Equine Rescue

Welcome to the WBF Community Calendar. This page is designed to post announcements of events around the Polk County area.

The announcements are listed according to the date of the event, current events at the top.

Click here, If your club or organization would like to post an announcement on this page.

Bartow Farmer's and Community Market, October 16

Everyone is invited to the Main Street Bartow Farmers and Community Market is held every Wednesday at Fort Blount Park, at the corner of Main Street and Broadway Avenue in downtown Bartow, from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm.

Vendors include produce, local honey, jams, jellys, brittle, six flavors of jerky, plants, blended teas, handmade candles, skin care products and soaps, specialty cheeses, dips and soup mixes and crafts. The park is also a beautiful spot for a leisurely lunch, and food vendors offer hamburgers, hotdogs, pulled chicken sandwiches, kettle korn, and much more!

Main Street Bartow continues to seek vendors offering top quality fresh products and artisan crafts. The vendor fee for a 10 x 10 space is just $10.00. For a Farmers Market Vendor Form, contact Main Street Bartow at 863-519-0508.

Make your plans to visit the Main Street Bartow Farmers and Community Market, Wednesday at the corner of Main Street and Broadway Avenue in downtown Bartow, from 10 to 2!

Join us at this FREE event as we celebrate the wonderful season of fall! The night's activities include games, crafts, light refreshments, candy,prizes, and a costume contest. Several community partners will join us in the fun and provide special treats to our guests.

Main Street Winter Haven's 13th Annual Oktoberfest presented by Victor Smith Law Group will kick off October 18th at 6:00PM in South Central Park - complete with over 40 Florida Craft and German beers! Over 10 Florida breweries will be joining in on the fun - pouring their signature and Oktoberfest style beers! Rick's BBQ and Nutwood will be grilling brats, bbq, pork sandwiches and more. If you are in the mood for wine, grab a glass of Riesling or Pinot Noir Rose' (both German). Beer tents will surround a LARGE traditional BIERGARTEN at the center of the fun!

General Admission: $25 (includes 15 tasting tickets) ... VIP: $40 (15 tasting tickets plus access to the MyBox VIP Suite, 4 VIP exclusive beers and bites)

1 Tasting Ticket = 4 oz taste of beer
2 Tasting Tickets = 8 oz pour of beer
3 Tasting Tickets = 6 oz glass of wine

Admission is FREE if you want to enjoy food and music WITHOUT partaking in the beer tasting.

Special thank you to our sponsors: Victor Smith Law Group, MYBOX, Home Remedy Winter Haven, Wauchula State Bank, The Promo App, and City of Winter Haven Parks, Recreation & Culture!!

FACE YOUR FEAR!!!

Once again, we present the ever-popular and super-scary annual Haunted Jail Tour benefiting The United Way of Central Florida.

From 6:00 pm through 10:30 pm, on Friday & Saturday, October 18th & 19th, and Friday & Saturday, October 25th & 26th, 2019, at the PCSO old jail located at 455 North Broadway Avenue in Bartow (across the street from Bartow P.D.), PCSO volunteers will present "Phobia."

For the little ones who are too young to go through the haunted jail, there will be a separate room with treats and games! Bring the whole family for a night of fun.

Food and drink will be on sale every night.

The cost to go on the tour is a $6.00 donation to the United Way of Central Florida.

This is a fun event each year, and we also raise lots of money for charity.

Enter if you dare - and face your fear!

Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market, October 19

The Downtown Farmers Curb Market is a key component of a vibrant, diverse and exciting Downtown. It is designed to serve and bring together all segments of our community. It is a positive force in bringing people Downtown to purchase fresh produce, plants and local handcrafted items. The 11-month Market (closed in August) is a showcase for the talents and the work of local artisans and local growers. The Downtown Farmers Curb Market is a project of the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority (LDDA).

The 11-month market (closed in August) is a showcase for the talents and the work of local artisans and local growers, can be found at 200 North Kentucky Avenue in Lakeland from 8am to 2pm.

Winter Haven Saturday Market, October 19

Free Community Event / Pet Friendly / Fresh Farmers Saturday Market in beautiful Central Park downtown Winter Haven. Open twice per month from 9am-3pm. Free Parking!

Arts, crafts, home made goods, raw local honey, wood furniture, antiques/ vintage, food trucks, kettle corn, live music, and much more for everyone.

For more information about the markets, season dates, and vendor applications please visit: www.WinterHavenSaturdayMarkets.com.

This is a completely free event. Fun for the whole family! We will have inflatables, games, candy, food, drinks, train rides and more. Come and enjoy a free fun time with your family.

	
Saturday, October 19, 2019 at 4 PM – 8 PM
Aldine Combee Arena
Fish Hatchery Road, Lakeland
Hosted by Gapway Baptist Church

Polk County Parks & Recreation's 23rd Annual Haunted Halloween Hayride & Happenings event offers a fun and safe alternative to traditional “trick or treating” for children and families of Polk County. This event offers a variety of attractions including a hayride to a haunted walking trail, an adventure park, carnival games, live entertainment, a trick or treat village, costume contest, pie eating contest, food vendors and much more!

Entrance: $5 per person
2 and under free with a paying adult 
*Day of event cash ONLY*

Advance tickets on sale Sept 30 - Oct.  18
*Hayride band FREE with advance purchase*
Advance Tickets sold at the 
Polk County Parks & Recreation office (4177 Ben Durance Road, Bartow)

Admission is limited to 3,500

Midflorida Auto Show & Lake Mirror Concours, October 19

Please join us at the MIDFLORIDA Auto Show and Lake Mirror Concours in picturesque Lakeland, Florida, on October 19, 2019. Circle the 1920’s art deco-inspired Lake Mirror Promenade to view hundreds of beautifully restored show vehicles and wooden boats. Then, meander through the shaded streets of charming Downtown Lakeland to view hundreds more collector cars. There's fun for the whole family with kids activities in Munn Park and food trucks to satisfy anyone's tastes!

Learn more about this must-attend event at https://www.midfloridaautoshow.com/event-info.

Fashion Show, October 23

The Bouquet Garden Club of Winter Haven will be hosting its 63rd Annual Fashion Show Fundraiser, "April in Paris" on Wednesday, October 23, 2019. Seatings are at 12:00 noon and 6:00pm at the Winter Haven Garden Center, 715 Third St. NW, Winter Haven, FL. Fashion trends ranging from casual to dressy fashions for the whole family will be provided by Macy's of Winter Haven with local models on the runway. A Silent Auction is always a hit with guests as it includes donations from local businesses, regional theme parks and individuals. These Silent Auction items range from gift certificates to gift baskets art pieces, collectibles and to fine jewelry. Door Prizes are awarded at both seatings. Local area restaurants provide tastes of their special foods and beverages for our lunch and dinner Taste 'N Tell samplings.

Tickets are $25.00 and will be available September 1st at the Winter Haven Garden Center, 715 3rd St. NW, (863) 293-7638. Office Hours: Wed-Sat 9am-1pm (closed Sun, Mon, and Tues). As a not-for-profit organization, proceeds from this fundraiser will help us support our numerous charitable out-reach programs including Project Love located in Eloise, Landscaping for Habitat for Humanity, Keep Polk County Clean and Beautiful, Maintenance of the Blue Star Marker at Inman Park, Avon Park Garden Therapy Program, Environmental Camp Scholarships for Florida youth, Florida Coral Garden Restoration, Florida Federation of Garden Club Scholarships, and Penny Pines Program.

We are excited to be celebrating our 73rd anniversary as a Garden Club and the 63rd Annual Fashion Show to support our local charities.

Annual Trunk or Treat, October 23

The Auburndale Community Church is hosting an amazing, free, community event on Wednesday October 23rd 6 to 8 PM.

We will have a bounce house, hot dogs, water games and fun for all. All FREE for our wonderful community!

The Auburndale Community Church is located on Stadium Road in Auburndale.

For more information please call 863-956-2685.

77th Annual Crickette Club Parade and Carnival, October 24

The Crickette Club of Bartow will hold there 77th Annual Crickette Club Parade and Carnival on Thursday, October 24, 2019. The Parade with begin at 4:00 pm starting at First Avenue and Main Street in Downtown Bartow and end at Mosaic Park. Parade entries will be taken beginning September 1st through our website at www.Crickettes.org. The Carnival will begin approximately at 5:30 pm at the Mosaic Park between Broadway and Floral where the Parade ends.

If there are any students wanting to earn Community Service hours at this event, please contact Maria Gallo at 863-640-3109.

The Costume Contest will begin at 6:00 pm and registration forms may be picked up at the Stage Area starting at 5:00 pm. Trophies will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in each age group for both homemade and store-bought categories.

Food vendors will be offering a wide variety of types of food. Lakeland Moonwalk will have games and activities for all age groups. The Crickette Club will have Bingo, Sports Arena, Fish Pond, Bean Bag Toss and Pick-a-Pumpkin for all to participate in. Also, the famous “Cake Walk” will be offering delicious cakes to winners beginning at 5:30 pm. Area Girl Scout troops will have sweet treats for all to purchase.

The Annual Crickette Drawing will take place at 8:00 pm and you do not need to be present to win. Tickets can be purchased from any Crickette member before the event, someone will be selling them along the Parade route, and you can also purchase them at the information booth during the Carnival. The price is $1 donation per ticket or $5 donation for six tickets. Prizes are $500, $250 or $100 in cash.

All proceeds for the Carnival benefit Bartow area Girl Scouts and The Bartow Community.

Celebrate Oktoberfest without leaving Lake Wales. This Oktoberfest celebration in downtown Lake Wales features authentic bratwurst and sauerkraut; sip craft beers from Grove Roots and listen to entertainment by local bands. Enjoy family-friendly entertainment with LIVE MUSIC, dancing in the streets and a night Farmers Market. FREE COMMUNITY EVENT!

Be ready to howl and dance the night away at Polk County Parks & Recreation’s Spooktoberfest. This FREE family Halloween event will feature music, dance contests, a trick or treat village and light refreshments.

Friday, October 25
Eloise Resource Center 
710 Snively Ave.
Eloise, FL 33830

For more information, please call (863) 298-4485.

You are invited to a Spooktacular Halloween event at the Wabash Community Center. The free family event will feature candy, a food vendor, arts & crafts, games, costume contest and a coloring contest.

For more information, please call (863) 284-4223.

Winter Haven Saturday Market, October 26

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event, October 26

Keep Polk County Beautiful, Inc. in partnership with Polk County Board of County Commissioners- Waste and Recycling’s Household Hazardous Waste Division and the City of Bartow Solid Waste Division is bringing their Tire Recycling and Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event back to Bartow on Saturday, October 26, 2019.

This event will be held at Bartow High School, (Enter from E. Georgia St. ONLY and exit onto S. Broadway Ave. -No Vehicle Entry on S. Broadway only Exit) from 8 a.m.– 12 p.m. (noon).

Polk County residents and agricultural land owners may dispose of up to 24 tires per vehicle. Legal hauling limits will be strictly enforced. Absolutely NO Commercial or Automotive Businesses will be allowed. For questions on limitations, Call Keep Polk County Beautiful, (863) 875-8911, for more information.

This event is held in conjunction with Polk County Board of County Commissioner’s Waste and Recycling Division’s Mobile Collection Events for Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics. For information on Hazardous Waste and Electronic disposal, contact (863)284-4319.

Join us on Saturday, October 26 from 10 am to 1pm for this classic car show. It is going to be a real treat! Grab your ghouls and goblins for our first ever Classic Car Show & Trunk or Treat!

Presbyterian Church in the Highlands
1010 Lake Miriam Drive in Lakeland

Haines City is proud to present this year's edition of Touch-a-Truck: Trunk or Treat. This year's event will take place at Lake Eva Park (555 Ledwith Ave, Haines City 33844). Touch-a-Truck is a family event for kids to explore all types of vehicles!

We will have police cars, emergency vehicles, trucks, farm & construction equipment, tow trucks, and more! We will also have food trucks, bounce houses & crafts!

This year's event will be Halloween themed and we encourage you to wear your most spooktacular costume! Bring your carved pumpkins for a chance to win the pumpkin carving contest(pumpkins to be carved at home).

If your business is interested in bringing out a vehicle please contact our Parks and Recreation team at parksandrec@hainescity.com.

Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 4 PM – 8 PM
Haines City Parks & Recreation
555 Ledwith Avenue in Haines City

Annual Pioneer Days Festival, October 26-27

44th Annual Pioneer Days Festival is a free community event celebrating the heritage of Lake Wales. Free admission and parking on both days.

Pioneer of Year Celebration includes honoring a recipient of the annual "Pioneer of the Year," award. On Saturday, October 26 at 10 a.m., we will recognize a resident of Lake Wales who has made an outstanding contribution to the quality of life and community of Lake Wales.

Over 100 heritage artisan and craft art vendors will be showcasing handmade goods and crafts for sale including handmade/blown glass, homemade and organic bath and body products, baskets, candles, prepared culinary gifts, clothing and accessories, kitchen accessories, home goods, and holiday décor, decorative painting and folk arts, sculpture, woodcraft, metalwork, pottery, outdoor & garden accessories, furniture, gourds, jewelry, leather goods, quilts & textile items.

Small Town, Big Heart Community Vendors - This year’s Pioneer Days Festival aims to enhance the variety and presence of our fellow community organizations, non-profits, churches, charities, and service clubs. Community vendors are welcome to display information about their organization, and are provided a complimentary 10’ x 10’ space.

Activities for the whole family will include a petting zoo, old-fashioned games, facepainting, hay & pumpkin patch & photo station. Historical and heritage activities will include a Civil War camp, Talako Indian Dancers, Architectural Tours of Lake Wales, Antique car & tractor display, Fiber Arts demonstrations & more to come!

Eat Fresh - Enjoy freshly prepared and grilled options all day long made by our festival food vendors! Menu options will include Pork or Chicken Kebabs, Fresh Garden & Greek Salad Bar, Mediterranean Rice, Falafels, Gyros, Pizza, Hamburgers, Corn Dogs, French Fries, Philly Cheese Steaks, Bratwurst, Italian & Polish Sausages, Funnel Cakes, Fresh Squeezed Lemonade & more to come!

Good Drinks - Craft & Domestic Beer Favorites, Wine, Sodas, Water & more to come!

Entertainment will feature dance performances and live bands, guitarists, and vocalists playing familiar folk, bluegrass, country, 50's, 60's & 70's tunes. The Lake Wales High School Highlander Band will perform at the beginning of the Pioneer of the Year Celebration beginning at 10 AM on Saturday, October 26.

Fall Festival, October 27

Fall Festival is a great family event that is free for everyone. Scott Lake Baptist Church's Fall Festival offers inflatable bounce house, slides, and sports games. We also have Dodge Ball & GaGa Ball. Free food, water, candy, and popsicles. As well as crafts znd everyone's favorite Trunk or Treat.

Sunday, October 27, from 3:30 PM to 6 PM
Scott Lake Baptist Church
5811 Scott Lake Road, Lakeland
Hosted by Scott Lake Baptist Church

Truck or Treat is a free and fun halloween-themed family event hosted by the City of Lakeland, FL - Government public safety agencies: Lakeland Fire Department and LakelandPD. The event will take place around the north bank of Lake Mirror and adjacent Fire Station 1.

Kids attending in costume is encouraged! Visitors will get to meet Lakeland firefighters and police officers, trick or treat at different fire apparatus and police vehicles, and learn lots about how to stay healthy and safe at different stops along Lake Mirror and adjacent Fire Station 1. There will be 14+ stops for children to collect candy, Halloween goodies, and safety giveaways.

There will be fun activities like a parade of costumes, a costume contest, prizes for first responder costumes, spooky dance-alongs, and much more; so be sure to join LFD and LPD October 28 for a fun night of learning how to have a safe trick-or-treating experience on Halloween night.

The event is open to everyone but is targeted to children ages 12 and under.

More about the event:

Monday, October 28, 2019 from 5 PM to 8 PM.
Truck or Treat will happen along the north and east bank of Lake Mirror and at adjacent Fire Station 1. A detailed map will be made available soon, so be sure to check back. You can enter the event from any direction, as there will not be any start or end point.

Parade of Costume and Costume Contest:
Starts at 6:30 PM. Registration is required. Open to the first 125 registrants registered before 6:15 PM. Follow signs for registration at event, near stage. The parade of costumes will help judges pick their finalist and winners. The costume contest is targeted to children/teens 17-years-old and younger. Adults NOT allowed. Sorry, but it’s an event targeted towards children. Awesome public safety prize-packs and trophies will be awarded to winners in each category.

First-Responder Costumed Kids:
Be sure to stop by the designated area on your way out to pick up your special gift for representing your community heroes.

There will be lots of cool fire and police vehicles to see inside and out, as well as Firefighters and Police Officers to meet while you collect goodies at each stop.

***Note*** We have stocked up on lots of goodies but due to demand, may run low, so please remember, goodies are first come first served and while supplies last.

All are welcome to join us for our 4th annual Trunk or Treat event on Wednesday October 30th! There will be games, trunk decorating contest and of course lots of candy!

Our food trucks this year are The Rolling Gourmet and Chief’s Chill Out! So come and join us in your best Halloween costume for a fun family night!

For more information or trunk decoration ideas, please call the office at 863-324-3040.

It's time again for the Just Cares' Annual Fall Festival. Remember to save the date, Thursday, October 31st, 2019, which marks our 8th Annual Fall Festival and also the 7 year anniversary of Just Cares Inc.

Just Cares' Fall Festival has become the biggest family-friendly alternative to Halloween event in downtown Lakeland. Come join us for a night of fun for the whole family.

There will be lots of games, bounce houses, activities, music, dancing and a ton of candy.

DATE: Thursday, October 31, 2018
TIME: 6:00pm to 9:00pm
COST: FREE
LOCATION: 124 South Kentucky Avenue; Lakeland, FL 33801
Downtown Lakeland between Main Street and Lemon Street
The Stage is located in front of Just Dance.

Any proceeds, sponsorships, and donations will help Just Cares Inc. which is a 501(c)3 Non-for profit, to provide future programs and events to our community.

Join us at the Simpson Park Community Center for Spookfest. This free community event includes bounce houses, crafts, games, and did we mention candy? There will be some candy :)

Activities geared towards elementary school-aged children.

Simpson Park Community Center
863-834-2577
1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave

Winter Haven Saturday Market, November 9

Bartow Adult Concert Band, November 10

The Bartow Adult Concert Band will present a concert on Sunday, November 10th. This one-hour FREE concert will be held inside the Bartow Civic Center (2250 S. Floral Avenue) beginning at 2:30 P.M. with Phil Wharton conducting.

Fall is in the air!! Polk County Parks & Recreation and the Town of Dundee present Fall-O-Ween Fest. This FREE family friendly event will feature fun family entertainment and activities.

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: East Central Park (5555 Lake Trask Rd., Dundee)

Activities:
Kids Inflatables
Pumpkin Patch
Carnival Games
Obstacle Course
Food Vendors
Informational Vendors

Live entertainment:
DJ
Harvest Walk
Live performances
12:30 p.m. - Fall Costume Contest
1 p.m. - Doughnut Eating Contest (first come, first served)

For more information, please call Polk County Parks & Recreation (863) 534-6911

Join us Saturday, November 9 for the Main Street Bartow Antique Market from 8am to 2pm on Main Street in downtown Bartow.

Come find just what you've been looking for! The Antique Market features items such as antiques, vintage, collectibles and crafts. Call Tony at 863-533-4383 for anyone that would like to be a vendor, vendor cost is $20.

Winter Haven Saturday Market, November 23

The Junior League of Greater Lakeland FL and the City of Lakeland are proud to host the 39th annual Lakeland Christmas Parade! The parade will take place in Downtown Lakeland on Thursday, December 5th, 2019.

The theme of this year’s parade is “The Joy of Giving.” This theme was inspired by the continuous generosity and love displayed within our community as touted by the nickname, “the Giving City.”

Awards will be presented to outstanding participants at the Lakeland City Commission meeting in December.

Email christmasparade@jlgl.org for more info, or visit lakelandgov.net/christmasparade.

Snowfest 2019

There is SNOW in the forecast for downtown Lakeland! Join us for the 39th Annual Snowfest on December 7th in Munn Park on from 10 am - 2 pm. There will be an artisan craft fair, inflatables, Snow Mountains, and Santa.

Saturday, December 7 at 10 am – 2 pm
210 East Main Street in Lakeland
Hosted by City of Lakeland Parks & Recreation

Main Street Winter Haven is THRILLED to announce our 31st Annual Carols in the Park presented by Citizens Bank and Trust!

For over thirty years, artisans, specialty food vendors, and local choral groups have gathered in Downtown Winter Haven’s Central Park to kick off the holiday season. This event has become a tradition for multiple generations, with a special Candy Cane Corner for children of all ages! Kids will enjoy FREE pictures with Santa Claus, a take-home holiday craft, and a bounce house…among other fun activities! Bring your families and enjoy the sound of local school and community choral groups ALL DAY LONG!

Sponsorships are available, please contact us at carolsintheparkwh@gmail.com if interested in learning more about our opportunities to market and network in the community through sponsorship of Carols in the Park!

If you have any questions, please give us a call at 863.295.9422, or email us at carolsintheparkwh@gmail.com.

On December 13th, Downtown Lake Wales will become a winter wonderland! Main Street Lake Wales invites you to ring in the season with a holiday celebration in historic downtown Lake Wales at the 9th annual Make It Magical holiday event. Enjoy shopping in our sweet downtown and strolling through local shops, art and craft vendors with plenty of holiday decor and live music. Free admission treats guests to crafts, activities, a visit with Santa and SNOW!! 5:00-8:00 p.m. for event!

A fun festive 5k! Proceeds from the event go to the perpetual care fund for the 3 Parks Trail.

Join us Saturday, December 14th for the 5th Holly Jolly Jingle Bell Jog 5k and Kids' Reindeer Dash, finishing at the Cleveland Heights Golf Course!

The Jingle Bell Jog is a fun festive event including a chipped 5k. Runners and walkers of all levels are welcome. (Strollers are asked to start towards the back.) A kids' fun run - The Reindeer Dash - is another way for the little ones to jingle all the way.

For more information and registration link visit: www.JBJog.com.

5k starts at 7:30am - on Buckingham just north of Golf Course
Reindeer Dash will start at approximately 8:15am - adjacent to the 5k finish.

Parking will be available in the grass lot north of Common Ground Playground.

Following the race we will have an athletes' village with a stage, dj, SANTA!, and opportunities to hear about great City programs.

DECK THE PAWS ANIMAL LOVERS & VENDORS! Polk County Parks & Recreation is looking for vendors who want to join us for the 4th Annual Jingle Bark at Northeast Regional Park on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019!

Please contact Ashton at 863-344-2547 or Sydney at 863-534-7860 for more information!

Come bring your furry friends for HOWLiday fun and treats.

Winter Haven Saturday Market, December 14

Back by popular demand! The Christmas Parade in Haines City returns this year on Friday, December 20th at 7PM. Join us for an exciting, family-friendly, holiday themed parade through Haines City. Santa Clause will be there too!

Parade Route: 
Starting on Live Oak Avenue at C Street
Right onto Peninsular Drive
Left onto Peninsular Street/1st Street
Right onto Ledwith Avenue 
Right onto 6th Street
Ends at 6th Street and Wood Avenue
 (Lake Eva Aquatic Center parking lot)

Winter Haven Saturday Market, December 21

49th annual Fine Art Festival brought to you by Bartow Art Guild, Greater Bartow Chamber, and Main Street Bartow.

Over 100 artists from all over the country. Student art, kids activities, Bloomin Bike Ride, Bartow Garden Club Flower Show, Car Show (Saturday Only), live entertainment with a free 3 hr concert Sunday at noon. Food trucks, local restaurants...lots to see and do.

To apply as an artist, go to this link https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=7896

City of Bartow Customers Urged to Sign Up for Emergency Notification System

Bartow citizens are urged to sign up for a new notification service from the city to keep citizens informed in emergencies.

The new phone and email service will provide customers with important information in a timely manner. Customers can sign up through the city’s website www.cityofbartow.net or by calling the city’s customers service department at 863-534-0188.

The system will be used for emergency alerts, community alerts and other urgent communication. For example, it is expected to be used to share information on major power outages or significant weather events. The messages will be important information that needs to be communicated quickly and widely for public safety.

Frank Canovaca, the city’s director of information technology, said customers need to opt in to the system by providing their contact information. “If your phone number is not in the database, we will not be able to contact you,” he said.

All individuals and businesses are urged to log on to www.cityofbartow.net and follow the link to the “SmartNotice Community Notification Enrollment” page. Each customer will want to enter their first and last name, street address (physical address, no P.O. boxes), city, state, zip code, primary phone number and any additional phone numbers.

The easy way to sign up is with a text. Just text BartowAlerts as one word to the number 99411. Again, text BartowAlerts as one word to 99411.

“SmartNotice allows geographically based message delivery,” Canovaca said, “which means street addresses are required to ensure notification calls are received by the proper individuals in a given situation. The system works for cell phones, but we need to have an associated street address to provide geographic-relevant messages.”

SmartNotice gives those who want to be included an easy and secure method for inputting information. The data collected will only be used for notification purposes.

Questions about the new emergency notification system should be directed to Bartow Customer Service at 863-534-0188.

Monitor and protect your personal information by registering for Property Alert.

Once you register for the free service, you’ll receive email alerts when documents are filed in our office using your name and/or property information. Find out more at Polk County Property Alert.

Meals on Wheels Volunteers

Meals on Wheels needs drivers to deliver hot meals to seniors throughout Polk County. Kitchen volunteers are also needed to help package the meals.

The Meals on Wheels program delivers hot meals to approximately 315 homebound residents.

Service areas include Winter Haven, Lakeland, Auburndale, Haines City and Davenport. Volunteers may choose to work from one to five days a week. For information call 863-299-1616 or visit www.mealsonwheelspolk.com or facebook.com/mealsonwheelspolk.

VISTE's Volunteers

Volunteers in Service to the Elderly is a community-based non-profit organization that was started Lakeland since 1983.

VISTE’s primary goal is to help frail senior citizens continue living independently and safely in their own home. VISTE is a United Way agency.

VISTE, which is a United Way agency, works with schools, churches, civic groups, local corporations and individuals.

To volunteer, attend one of VISTE’s monthly orientations. A volunteer application can be found at http://viste.org/become-a-viste-volunteer.

For more information, call 863-284-0828 or email info@viste.org.

L.E.A.P - Emergency Notification Program for Residents Age 55 and up

Do you have a loved one, age 55 or older, living independently in Lakeland? Encourage them to sign up for Lakeland’s Elderly Assistance Program (LEAP) to ensure you are notified in case of an emergency that involves first responders. This voluntary program is designed to provide a quick resource to public safety entities so they can easily contact family members in case of an emergency.

How Does the Program Work?

First, complete a registration form. Forms are available online at http://www.lakelandgov.net/lpd/special-svcs/community-services-section/leap-lakeland-elderly-assistance-program or you can call the number below and request a form be mailed to you. Registration will include requests for emergency contact information. A member from the Lakeland Police Department will enter the information into the LEAP database, making the information accessible only to first responders. Once the resident is registered they will receive a small sticker to be placed in a visible location on the front window or door with a unique identification number. The sticker will immediately notify first responders to check the LEAP database for additional information should an emergency situation occur.

If you have additional questions regarding the LEAP program, call 863.834.6912.

SPCA of Lakeland

Each month SPCA Florida provides over 200 pets in the community with supplemental pet food and supplies through its Ani-meals program. Due to increasing community need, SPCA Florida is asking the community for donations of cat food and litter. Donations can be dropped off at 5850 Brannen Road South in Lakeland, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. or Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit spcaflorida.org or call (863) 646-SPCA for more information.

The SPCA, Inc. in Lakeland is in desperate need of cat litter. Any type of cat litter is welcome. Donations can be dropped off from 11am to 5pm, Monday through Saturday. For more information, call the SPCA at 863-646-7722.

New Hazardous Waste Collection Program Available for Small Businesses

Polk County businesses that produce less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste per month can properly dispose/recycle it the third Wednesday of each month by appointment-only at the North Central Landfill’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility. The first collection day will take place February 16.

Quotes will be based on the quantity and types of waste materials to be disposed/recycled. Participants must complete a registration form and inventory sheet and may need an onsite inspection prior to participating. Waste materials being collected include: paint, solvents, waste ink, fluorescent lamps, used oil, antifreeze and other hazardous waste.

For more information, paperwork and appointment schduling, visit www.polk-county.net or Contact Andrea at (863) 284-4319 ext.203, andreastermer@polk-county.net.

The North Central Landfill is located at 5 Environmental Loop South in Winter Haven.

Viewing of Adoptable Pets

The Polk County Sheriff's Office, in an effort to help adopt out as many eligible animals as possible, has added a new feature to their website www.polksheriff.org. The link, located at the bottom of the home page, is titled "Animal Services Section".

The "Pet Harbor" is a brand-new feature offering viewers a searchable database of adoptable pets, in and out of Polk County. Customers can select whether they are looking for a dog or a cat, an age range, a gender and even a size. Photos of the animals are available at the click of a button, and are updated on a routine and timely basis.

The section also has a wealth of information such as laws, rabies, spaying/neutering and is very user-friendly.

American Red Cross

The Polk County Chapter of the American Red Cross is offering Community Disaster Education presentations to the community, free of charge. The Community Disaster Education program teaches people how to prepare themselves, their families and their property for disasters, such as hurricanes or tornadoes.

For more information about the program, or to schedule a presentation, call the Polk County Chapter at 863-294-5941.

Girl Scouts

Adult volunteers can have just as much fun as the Girl Scouts they serve. Adults can volunteer as troop leaders and advisors so that they work with the same girls all year. Volunteer opportunitites also exist for guest speakers, teachers for specific skills and projects, advisory committee members, and a wide range of other volunteer services to girls and Girl Scouting.

To find out more about becoming a Girl Scout volunteer, contact the Lakeland office at 863.688.7648.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection

The Polk County Board of County Commissioners' Hazardous Waste Section collects household hazardous waste Monday through Friday 7:45a to 3:45p, and Saturday 8a to 5p at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility. The facility is located on SR 540 at the North Central Landfill, four miles east of highway 98.

At the facility, the county accepts household paints. aerosol cans, motor oil, gasoline, antifreeze, kerosene, diesel fuel, pool chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, cleaners, polishes, paint strippers, paint thinner, fluorescent tubes, mercury containing devices, household and auto batteries.

All household items are accepted during these times except biohazardous materials, i.e. hypodermic needles or lancets. No explosives or radioactive wastes will be accepted at this location. No waster generated by businesses will be accepted for disposal. For more information call the Polk County Household Hazardous Waste Section at 863-499-2771 or 863-499-2689.