Polk County Community Calendar

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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.

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.

“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.

Bartow Farmer's and Community Market, August 14

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!

Bartow Idol Returns to Friday Fest, August 16

Join Main Street Bartow, Inc. for the next monthly Friday Fest on August 16 in downtown Bartow -- with an Entertaining Twist -- BARTOW IDOL! Friday Fest festivities begin at 6:00 PM and conclude at 9:00 PM. Plan to meet your neighbors, family, and friends on Main Street for dinner at a local downtown restaurant as you are entertained by some of Bartow’s top talent, and as you cheer on your favorites. The events will take place along historic Main Street as usual, and there will be family activities, open car cruise in sponsored by Kelley Buick GMC, adult beverages, and lots of opportunity to just enjoy Main Street Bartow. Downtown shops will be open as well. Vendor opportunities are available -- call 863-519-0508. The event is sponsored by the Bartow Rotary Club and SLS Entertainment. In case of rain on August 16th, the contest will reconvene at Hacienda Mexico Restaurante.

Friday Fest is held on the third Friday of every month and is hosted by Main Street Bartow, Inc, Bartow’s Community Redevelopment Agency, the City of Bartow and Bartow CRA. For more information, call 863-519-0508.

Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market, September 7

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.

Join us Saturday, September 14 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.

Downtown Yard Sale, Septemner 21

Bartow’s monthly Downtown Yard Sale will be held on Saturday, September 21, along the 300 block of East Main Street in downtown Bartow. Hours are from 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM, with set-up beginning at 7:00 AM. Vendors will be charged a $10.00 fee, and no preregistration is necessary.

For further information call or the Main Street Bartow office at 863-519-0508. The Downtown Yard Sale is held the third Saturday of each month, and is sponsored by Main Street Bartow, Inc., Bartow’s Community Redevelopment Agency, and the City of Bartow.

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.

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.

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.