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.

Bartow Farmer's and Community Market, May 23

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

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 other items.

More vendor space remains! Main Street Bartow continues to seek vendors offering top quality fresh products ranging from local produce to seasonal flowers, sauces and other food items, and artisan crafts. The vendor fee for a 10’ x 10’ space is just $10.00.

For further information or a Farmers Market Vendor Form, contact Main Street Bartow at 863-519-0508.

Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market, May 26

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.

Food Trucks in Historic Downtown Lake Wales, May 26

Lighthouse Ministries' Memorial Day Movie and Meal, May 28

Lighthouse Ministries’ Memorial Day Community Movie & Meal will be held on Monday May 28 at 6pm at Lighthouse Ministries’ Men’s Gospel Rescue Mission located at 117 E. Magnolia St., Lakeland, FL 33801. Join us as we honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. We will have dinner and a screening of Louis Zamperini: Captured by Grace – Olympic track star Louis Zamperini survived a brutal Japanese POW camp and returned home from the war to a hero's welcome. But, he would soon see that his life was far from unbroken; in fact, everything around him was falling to pieces. Tortured now by nightmares, bitterness, and violent anger, Zamperini was on the verge of losing his wife and daughter. Then, in 1949, God changed everything. This is an outreach to our neighbors.

All are welcome to come and enjoy the food, fellowship, and fun. Admittance is free and is open to the public.

Bartow Farmer's and Community Market, May 30

Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market, June 2

40th Reunion, June 2

Haines City High School Class of 1978 is having our 40 year class reunion, June 2 at Southern Dunes Clubhouse in Haines City. Informal Gathering June 1 in Lake Hamilton. Deadline for tickets is May 15,2018. Cost for June 2 function is $60 per person. For more info please contact tracy.suarez78@yahoo.com, or Lynda_Moore@live.com any proceeds go to charity!

Auburndale's Second Saturday Cruise In, June 9

2nd & 4th Saturday Markets In Downtown Winter Haven, June

Our 2nd and 4th Saturday Markets In Downtown Winter Haven are FREE community events, family and pet friendly. More than 50 local vendors offering: fresh & organic greens, raw local honey, food trucks, kettle corn, antiques, art painting, jewelry, all natural & organic body care products, wooden furniture, balloon artists, facial paintings, local crafts, fair trade, baby dresses, third party networks, non-profit, local businesses, cold treats, jams & jellies, baked goods, cottage products, live music, book signing, and much more!

Saturday, June 9 & 23 - 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
41 5th St NW
Winter Haven, FL 33881

Make your Fairy tails come true with Princess Tiana & her bayou friends at the 2018 Daddy Daughter Dance. This semi formal dinner & dancing affair is a perfect Daddy/Daughter date.

Thursday Squared Food Truck Rally, June 14

Join us on the second Thursday of every month for this food truck rally, which features about 20 food trucks. If the lines are too long, no worries! Our restaurants and bars are open for your dining pleasure. See you downtown!

Thursday Squared Food Truck Rally by DLP
Date/Time: June 14, 6 pm to 9 pm
Location: Munn Park
100 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland
Admission: Free

Frostproof Farmer's Market and Community Fest, June 16

Come and join us at the Farmer's Market and Community Fest every 3rd Saturday of the month, Year Round! from 9am to 3pm at Wall Street Park (100 West Wall Street) in Frostproof.

For more information please call Cindy at 863-274-8433, or visit thunderthumpin.wixsite.com/ttep.

County Extension offer six-week wellness series in Poinciana, June 19

Our health is one of our most important assets for living a quality life. Nutritionists from the UF/IFAS Extension programs in Polk and Osceola counties are offering a six-week series focusing on making healthy food choices with strategies that work.

The classes will be taught on Tuesdays from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. beginning on June 19 in the Mary Jane Arrington Center at Vance Harmon Park, 625 County Club Drive, Kissimmee, 34758. Cost for the entire session is $15; participants may bring one family member or friend free. All participants must be at least 14 years old.

Program topics include: Nutrition 101, reading food labels, being physically active and how the affects your lifestyle. You may pre-register at http://ocfcs.eventbrite.com.

For more information call Andrea Nikolai at (863) 519-1041 or email andreanikolai@ufl.edu.

Food Trucks in Historic Downtown Lake Wales, June 23

Central Florida Healthcare Job Fair, July 12

Looking for a career in healthcare? Whether you're ready to get your career started or a seasoned professional. plan to attend the Central Florida Healthcare Job Fair For more details visit https://centralfloridamediagroup.com/events

Location: Auburndale Community Center
405 Bennett Street
Auburndale, FL 33823
Date/Time: Thursday, July 12, 10 am to 2 pm
Admission: Free

Thursday Squared Food Truck Rally, July 12

Thursday Squared Food Truck Rally by DLP
Date/Time: July 12, 6 pm to 9 pm
Location: Munn Park
100 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland
Admission: Free

9th Annual Warrior Walk Lakeland, July 28

The Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of Polk County in conjunction with the Polk County Veteran's Council would like to invite you to a patriotic Themed "Warrior Walk" around beautiful Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland, Florida. The purpose of this event is to honor our U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who have been killed in action while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

Location: First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland
175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr
Lakeland, FL 33801
Date/Time: Saturday, July 28 at 8 am
Admission: Free

Summer Palooza 2018, August 4

New Beginnings High School gives back to the community with the 3rd Annual Summer Palooza. Join us for a FUN FREE day of FAMILY activities! We "Refuse To Loose" so come get connected to resources in our community, Grocery & Hygiene Product Giveaway, haircuts, celebrity appearances, hot meals and more.

Location: Simpson Park
1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.
Lakeland, FL
Date/Time: Saturday, August 4, 10 am - 3 pm
Contact Information: New Beginnings High School 863-298-5666
Admission: Free

Thursday Squared Food Truck Rally, August 9

Thursday Squared Food Truck Rally by DLP
Date/Time: August 9, 6 pm to 9 pm
Location: Munn Park
100 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland
Admission: Free

Thursday Squared Food Truck Rally, September 13

Thursday Squared Food Truck Rally by DLP
Date/Time: September 13, 6 pm to 9 pm
Location: Munn Park
100 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland
Admission: Free

Food Trucks in Historic Downtown Lake Wales, September 22

Food Trucks in Historic Downtown Lake Wales, October 27

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.