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Community Calendar

This Community Calendar Page was designed to post announcements of events around the Polk County area. The announcements are listed according to the date of the event.

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

BoCC seeking residents to serve on Polk County Sidewalk Advisory Committee

Polk County Commissioners are looking for volunteers who would like to serve on the newly established Polk County Sidewalk Advisory Committee.

The 12-member advisory committee will assist the Board of County Commissioners in determining priority of locations for new sidewalk replacement throughout the county. Five members of the committee will be appointed by the Board, with each board member appointing one member. Five members will be county staff selected by the county manager, one member will represent the Polk County School Board and the final member will be a staff member of the Polk Transportation Planning Organization.

Terms for members of the Sidewalk Advisory Committee will be for three years, with members eligible to be re-appointed for one additional term. Members appointed by a commissioner must be approved by the board prior to serving.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Polk County Sidewalk Advisory Committee, please contact the Communications Division of the BoCC at (863) 534-6090 or email miannenelson@polk-county.net.

Women's Care Center in Bartow

The Women's Care Center is finding their pantry food supplies dwindling down very low and they are in real need for toiletry items such as toilet paper, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.

The Women's Care Center of Bartow is a non-profit organization. It provides a transitional living center for homeless women and their children.

For more information please call 863-534-3844. Donations can be drop off at the Care Center, located at 490 E Boulevard Street in Bartow.

If you would prefer to make a monetary donation, please mail your contributions to:

Women's Care Center
P.O. Box 1041
Bartow, Florida 33831

Thank You, and for more information please visit, http://wccbartow.blogspot.com.

Emergency Home Energy Assistance Available for Elderly

Polk County Elderly Services seeks eligible applicants for limited emergency home energy assistance for low-income, elderly residents with overdue utility bills.

At least one household member must be at least 60 years old and a Polk County resident. Applications must include proof of identity, age and residence for all household members, household income, and over-due utility bill.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 863.534.5320.

Miss Bartow Softball Signups, Now thru February 5

Miss Bartow Softball is holding registrations every Tuesday and Thursday thru February 5, from 6 pm to 8 pm. Girls ages 5 to 16 are invited. Signups are located the Miss Bartow Softball complex on County Road 555 in Bartow.

Please bring birth certificate. Payment options include PayPal, Credit, Debit, Cash or Money Order. $50 per player for Tee Ball, $65 for the older divisions. Sibling discounts available.

For more information please visit: www.missbartowsoftball.org.

January Happenings at the History Center

Journey into Polk history this month at the Polk County History Center. The following programs and events are open to the public and free of charge:

Jan. 31, 10 a.m. to noon – Preserving Polk Pride, Workshop 3: Promoting Preservation: National Register of Historic Places, Historic Districts, and Heritage Tourism Marketing - The final workshop in the Preserving Polk Pride event series will include information about the National Register nomination process, a presentation about heritage tourism in Polk County and tips for marketing historic sites. We will wrap up the workshop with a special tour of the Old Polk County Courthouse by restoration architect Tom Hammer.
Ongoing Events:
Experience the permanent exhibit featuring Jacob Summerlin’s walking stick. Originally presented to Jacob Summerlin in 1887 at the cornerstone dedication ceremony for the Summerlin Institute in Bartow, the cane features a gold head, wood body and brass tip. Jacob Summerlin Jr. was instrumental in the founding of downtown Bartow and its designation as the county seat. A shrewd businessman, Summerlin was one of the wealthiest cattle barons in Florida for more than two decades. His wealth allowed him to purchase land and later donate it for the creation of cities, churches, government buildings and schools in Polk County.
The History Center will host a new interactive kiosk on ‘Water’ beginning in 2015. Sponsored by the Florida Humanities Council and in conjunction with a new upcoming Smithsonian exhibit on water, the kiosk features a history of the importance of water in shaping the United States from a national state and local perspective. The History Center produced content which highlights Polk County’s special connection to water, recounting the stories of Kissengen Spring and Cypress Gardens. The touch-screen kiosk will be on display through 2015.
The Civil War exhibit, ‘Edge of Wilderness: Polk County in the Civil War,’ remains on view through April 2015, to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.
Docent-led tours of the History Center occur every Friday at 11 a.m., beginning in the rotunda.
New Exhibit: All Aboard – Polk County Railroads - Visit the History Center’s expanded permanent exhibit on the history of railroads in Polk. The exhibit features updated text panels, new artifacts and imagery chronicling the story of the county’s railroads.
Polk County Historical & Genealogical Library - Interested in discovering your family roots or learning more about the history of your town? Stop by the Polk County Historical and Genealogical Library located on the second floor of the Polk County History Center. With a wide range of resources, the PCHC library is a perfect place to dive into your research projects.
The Polk County Historical Commission and Marker Committee will meet at the Polk History Center on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 2:30 p.m. The meetings are open to the public.

The Preserving Polk Pride workshops are sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources and the State of Florida.

About the Polk County History Center: The Polk County History Center is located at 100 E. Main St. in Bartow and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Visit www.polkhistorycenter.org or call 863-534-4386 for more information on exhibits and programming.

Women of Compassion Giving Society, February 6

On Friday, Feb. 6, from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., the Women of Compassion giving society will host Key to a Confident Heart – an inspiring and educational conference event especially for women. The event will feature best-selling author Renee Swope of Proverbs 31 Ministries. Swope will share inspiring key points from her best-selling and award-winning book, A Confident Heart. The event will begin in the chapel of the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes’ Lakeland campus located at 1015 Sikes Blvd.

Also during the event, there will be a special tour, shopping, lunch by Sweet Magnolia’s Tea Bistro and a video presentation from the organization’s president, Jerry Haag, Ph.D., CFP®. Women of Compassion members will also vote to decide how their dollars will be used in the coming year to help more children in Florida and in developing nations.

Women of Compassion members are invited to attend free-of-charge and guests are invited to attend for only $45. Women of Compassion is passionate about changing the lives of innocent children who have been abandoned, neglected or abused. Last year, Women of Compassion gave more than $100,000 to help children through FBCH, Orphan’s Heart and The Porch Light. To join, members are asked to give $1,000 or more to the Women of Compassion fund for children in one calendar year.

Florida Baptist Children’s Homes is proud to be celebrating more than 110 years of helping children! From the opening of our first orphanage in 1904 to our present day ministries that have expanded to provide safe, stable, Christian homes and services to children and families in need across the state and around the globe, we are honored to be helping children in tangible ways.

For more information about the Key to a Confident Heart event or Women of Compassion giving society, contact Kristen Hitchcock, director of major gifts, at Kristen.Hitchcock@FBCHomes.org or visit FBCHomes.org. For media inquiries, contact Katy Martin, vice president of communications at (863) 687-8811 (office) (863) 608-1050 (mobile).

Annual Daddy/Daughter Dance Gets the Frozen Treatment, February 6-7

The Auburndale Parks and Recreation Department will present its 2015 Daddy/Daughter Dance next month with a new twist. To capture the popularity of the hit Disney movie, “Frozen,” Parks and Recreation officials have adopted the movie as this year’s theme. The dance will be held Feb. 6 and Feb. 7 at the Auburndale Civic Center from 6-8 p.m. The event includes dinner, a photo, music and dancing. Tickets are $15 per person and must be purchased in advance at the Parks and Recreation Department, 119 W. Park St. Grandfathers, uncles and big brothers are welcome to attend. This is the 11th year for the dance. The city held its first Daddy/Daughter Dance in 2005. The event was so popular that Parks and Recreation officials expanded it to two nights the following year. For more information, call 863-965-5545.

Bartow Football Banquet, February 10

Bartow Yellow Jacket Head Football Coach Jason Butler would like to invite the Bartow community to join the team in celebrating their accomplishments on the field, including their first playoff appearance in many years.

The Football Banquet is Tuesday, February 10 at the Polk County Youth Fair. Tickets are $3, available from Bartow High School, and Coach Ken Riley will be our guest speaker.

Come expreience the highlights of a great season.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles, February 21

Saturday, February 21, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the fifth annual Planes, Trains & Automobiles event will take place at the Plant City Airport.

It's a chance to see real airplanes, remote control planes, helicopters, model trains in operation and on exhibit, and classic and exotic car displays.

As part of the EAA Young Eagles Program, kids ages 8-17 will be able to take free airplane flights (limited to the first 150). Boys Scouts will have an opportunity to earn their aviation merit badge as well as their search & rescue badge at the event and the Cub Scouts will also have scheduled events.

There will be activities of interest for the entire family including food and merchandise vendors, K-9 demonstrations, live entertainment, and a children's play area.

Admission is free; parking is $5.

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce presents Planes, Trains & Automobiles at the Plant City Airport, 4007 Airport Rd., Plant City 33566.

For more information, contact the Chamber at 813-754-3707, or log on to www.plantcity.org or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PlanesTrainsAutos or follow the event on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PlanesTrainAuto.

Ribs on the Ridge, February 27-28

On February 27-28, 2015, in affiliation with the Florida Bar-B-Que Association, the Haines City Leisure Services Department will host the seventh annual Ribs on the Ridge at Lake Eva Park. This event will draw barbecue teams from across Florida and other states. Professional and amateur teams will compete for cash prizes, trophies and “bragging rights.” This is also an opportunity to expose local residents to the art of outdoor barbecue cooking. This competition sanctioned by the Florida Bar-B-Que Association, is a qualifier for:

The Jack Daniels Invitational, the super bowl of BBQ world championships
The American Royal in Kansas City, MO which is the largest and oldest contest world championship
The Florida Bar-B-Que Associations new invitational – Sonny’s Smokin’ Showdown Invitational.

In addition to the professional and amateur barbecue divisions, other competitions planned are a sauce competition and a dessert contest on Friday evening and Kid’s-Q division, on Saturday. These are open to the public. Scheduled activities that include live outdoor entertainment featuring local bands will round out the festivities.

New this year is the VIP Beach Party on Friday, February 27th from 9-11 PM, on the beach, featuring Coastal Acoustic Barefoot Music playing all your favorites. Tickets, which include Hors d’ oeuvres and beer are $20.00 per person when purchased in advance.

The event is open to everyone to attend and/or compete. To enter a team, download an application from the City’s website at hainescity.com. Please contact us at 863-421-3700 for more information.

Whether you are a backyard cook, a professional or would just like to enjoy good barbecue, we invite you to join us in the fun.

8th Annual Chili Challenge, February 28

Join us on Saturday February 28th, from 5pm to 8pm for our 8th Annnual Chili Challenge, presented by Circle of Friends Ministries. We are a non profit organization for the enrichment of adults with disabilities not funded by medwavier or any other state or federal monies - private, private grants etc. The Chili Challenge is $7.00 for adults, $3.00 for children, and comes with all the fixins, tea, water and desert. We will have music, a chinese auction, a antique car show and festive time for all ages.

Apply Now for Commercial Fishing Permits

Commercial fishermen will soon have the opportunity to operate in Saddle Creek Park. The park has been unavailable for commercial fishing for many years. Polk County is offering 10 one-year permits, to qualified fishermen to harvest Tilapia and/or Brown Hoplo from the park. The permit holders will be determined by a lottery. Permits are $3,000 each and will be valid from April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016. To enter the lottery, applications may be picked up at the Polk County Parks and Recreation Offices, 515 E. Boulevard St., Bartow or at Saddle Creek’s office at 3716 Morgan Combee Road, Lakeland. Applications may also be accessed online at polk-county.net/parks. Applications, along with a $100 non-refundable application fee, must be returned to the either the Bartow or Saddle Creek office by 5:00 p.m. on February 28. The drawing will be held at Saddle Creek office at 6:00 p.m., Monday, March 2. Those selected will have until 5:00 p.m. on March 14 to pay the remaining balance of the permit fee. The $100 application fee will be applied to the balance. Background checks will be performed prior to the final permit being issued. For additional information, please call (863) 534-4340 or visit our website at polk-county.net/parks.

Webber International University Athletic Department 6th Annual Golf Outing, April 25

The Webber International University Athletic Department will be hosting their 2015 golf fundraiser at Oakwood Golf Club, in Lake Wales, on Saturday, April 25th. The shotgun start is set for 9:00 a.m. The format is a 4-person scramble over the 18 hole event. Oakwood is located at 3301 Old Wales Road, off of Highway 60.

The entry fee is $60.00 per person. This includes cart, driving range, 18 holes of golf, lunch, drinks, and prizes. There will be fun games: Adidas Closest to the Pin, Long Drive, Straightest Drive Contest, mulligans, raffle prizes, live auction and more. A putting contest will be held to win a flat screen T.V. Hole-in-one prizes include an Ireland Golf Trip, $10,000, a Vegas Vacation Trip, and golf lessons.

For more information on the tournament, whether you are interested in playing or being involved as a sponsor, please contact the Event Coordinator and Chair, Steve Rassel. He can be reached at 386-867-0803 or at rasselse@webber.edu. All proceeds will benefit the Webber International University Athletic Department.

Polk County Relay For Life Events

Several communities throughout Polk County will host Relay For Life events to raise money for the American Cancer Society and the fight against cancer.

Please find enclosed the dates, places and times for the American Cancer Society’s Polk County Relay For Life Events.

POLK COUNTY RELAY FOR LIFE EVENTS:

Winter Haven: April 18, 2015, Lake Region High School
Lakeland: May 2, 2015, Lakeland High School
Haines City and Davenport: March 2, 2015, Lake Eva Park
Bartow and Lake Wales: April 17, 2015, Bartow High School
Auburndale: TBD, Auburndale High School
Florida Southern College: February 20, 2015, Florida Southern College
Fort Meade and Frostproof: March 21, 2015, Fort Meade Middle Senior High School
Mulberry: April 24, 2015, Mulberry High School

For more information about the American Cancer Society, visit www.cancer.org or call 1-800-ACS-2345.

For more information about Relay For Life of Winter Haven, visit www.relayforlife.org/winterhavenfl.

For more information about the Relay For Life of Lakeland, visit www.relayforlife.org/lakelandfl.

For more information about the Relay For Life of Haines City and Davenport, visit www.relayforlife.org/hainescityfl.

For more information about the Relay For Life of Bartow and Lake Wales, visit www.relayforlife.org/bartowlakewalesfl.

For more information regarding the Relay For Life of Auburndale, visit www.relayforlife.org/auburndalefl.

For more information regarding the Relay For Life of Florida Southern College, visit www.relayforlife.org/fscfl.

For more information regarding the Relay For Life of Fort Meade and Frostproof, visit www.relayforlife.org/ftmeadefrostprooffl.

For more information regarding the Relay For Life of Mulberry, visit www.relayforlife.org/mulberryfl.

To search for other Relay For Life events throughout Polk and neighboring counties, visit www.relayforlife.org.

Celebrate .Remember. Fight Back.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to Celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, Remember loved ones lost, and Fight Backagainst the disease.

Each year, more than 4 million people in over 20 countries take part in this global phenomenon and raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer.

For more information, please contact: Patricia Wright, Specialist, Relay for Life Florida Division/American Cancer Society, Inc. 1920 South Florida Avenue Lakeland, FL 33803 863-688-2326

Winter Haven Nautical Club

WINTER HAVEN NAUTICAL CLUB meets the 1st Wednesday of every month -We are a group of people that own boats or love to associate with boaters that cruise out Florida water ways.

New people that would like to explore membership, please call Bill at 863-965-7915 or join us at a meeting. New meeting location is at the rear Room 2 Winter Haven Complex with the pool, corner of US 17 and Cypress Gardens Blvd. Meeting begins at 7 PM.

Updated Polk County Directory of Services Now Available

The latest update of the Polk County Directory of Services is now available. The county Directory of Services is a biennial publication produced for the residents of Polk County to provide easily accessible information on county services. The booklet features a guide to county government, contact information for congressional and state representatives, a directory of county services, details for the recorded information line, and other features on government services. Hard copies of the directories are most commonly available at local government centers, public libraries and area chambers of commerce. A web and mobile-friendly directory is available at www.polk-county.net/directory. For more information or if your organization would like to receive directories, contact the Polk County Communications Division at 863-534-6020.

New Restrictions Allow For Two Days of Watering a Week

As part of the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s extended watering restrictions, Polk County Utilities water customers and those in unincorporated Polk County are allowed lawn and landscape watering from groundwater sources two days a week. These restrictions apply to everyone receiving water from Polk County Utilities, private wells, surface water sources or reclaimed water, and are effective through July 31, 2013.

Homes and businesses with even addresses are allowed to water on Thursdays and Sundays. Odd addresses are allowed to water on Wednesdays and Saturdays. All common areas and properties where no address can be determined are allowed to water on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Watering is allowed between midnight and 10 a.m. or between 4 p.m. and midnight. Hand watering or micro-irrigation of landscaping (not including actual lawn areas) is allowed at all times.

Further information about watering restrictions is available online at watermatters.org. Residents with questions or concerns should contact the Polk County Utilities Water Resource Enforcement Office at 863-298-4211.

Barbershop Singers- The Sentimental Journeymen, Thursdays

Did you know that the Winter Haven area has a men’s Barbershop Chorus which is licensed through the Barbershop Harmony Society? www.barbershop.org We are the Winter Haven chapter and are known as the “Sentimental Journeymen” Chorus.

Our desire is to attract men of all ages but with an emphasis on younger singers who may fear being associated with the stereotypical handlebar mustaches, straw hats and bow ties. We in-fact have several members in their 20's and have worked hard to "modernize" the barbershop image.

The chorus, and quartets which are formed from within the group, are available for performances and we welcome all male singers who would like to participate in our four part, a cappella style of singing.

We meet and rehearse every Thursday evening at the Saint Matthew Catholic Church, 1991 Overlook Dr. Winter Haven, Fl. at 7pm.

For more information, please visit www.sentimentaljourneymen.com or call 863-661-2235.

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.

Citrus Lake Chorus of Polk County

The Citrus Lakes Chorus of Polk County, invities all men in the area who have a desire to lift their voices with other men who enjoy singing in barbershop fashion, please come and be with us... any Monday at 7:00pm at the Lakeland First Methodist Church on Lake Morton Drive in Lakeland. We meet in the adult choir room.

For more information please call President Al Smith at 863-815-9783 or visit our website at www.citruslakeschorus.com.

Auditions not required, but provided by trained directors, if desired, for your voice placement.

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.

PCSO and Florida Refuse Partner Together to Fight Crime Through Waste-Watch

Waste-Watch is a partnership between the Polk County Sheriff's Office and Florida Refuse Service workers in which employees of Florida Refuse assist law enforcement by observing and reporting suspicious activity while out in neighborhoods during the normal course of their duties collecting refuse.

The idea for this partnership grew from Operation Bright Eyes, a partnership between law enforcement and Bright House networks technicians. The goal of partnerships like these is to enhance the safety of our communities by training those workers who spend their entire workday in our neighborhoods to be alert to their surroundings and anything that would be considered a crime or suspicious in nature. In a county as large as Polk, it is difficult for law enforcement to be everywhere they need to be. Programs such as Bright Eyes and Waste-Watch expand our public safety resources, resulting in increased safety for those who live, work, and play in Polk County.

So far, 185 Florida Refuse workers have been trained by PCSO to observe and report suspicious activity, through Waste-Watch.

For more information about Waste-Watch, please call the PCSO Crime Prevention Unit at 863.534.6677.

Civil Air Patrol

The Polk County Composite Squadron SER-FL. 274 of the Civil Air Patrol, Auxiliary of the United States Air Force will meet at the Summerlin Academy JROTC Class Rooms located at Bartow High School, Tuesday Nights starting at 6:30 PM till 9:00 PM.

Both Cadets (must be at least 12 years and no older then 18) and Seniors (Starting at 18) are invited to attend from throughout the Polk County Area.

For more information contact either: 
Captain Jon R. Petersen, CAP 
SER-FL 274 Squadron Commander 
Telephone Number: 863-221-4231 
E-mail: Polk274@verizon.net 
or 
1 Lt Robert-Gregory Gibson,CAP 
Telephone Number 863-632-7081 
E-mail: Gibsonserfl274@aol.com

For more information on Civil Air Patrol, visit the CAP website: www.cap.gov

Alzheimer's Support

The Lake Wales Alzheimer's Support Group meets the fourth Thursday of each month, from 1 to 2 pm , at the Lake Wales Care Center, 140 East Park Avenue. This group formerly met at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Family, friends, and caregivers of Alzheimer's or dementia sufferers are welcome.

KnitWits Monday Meetings

The Polk County Chapter of The Knitting Guild of America, the KnitWits, meet each Monday from 10am to Noon at the First Presbyterian Church located at 175 Lake Hollingsworth Drive in Lakeland.

Knitters of all ages and levels, beginner to advanced, are welcome to join the group. For further information, call 863-944-2806.

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.

Winter Haven Optimist Club

The Winter Haven Optimist Club invites everyone to attend there club meetings at Perkins Resturant on Cypress Gardens Blvd. in Winter Haven each Monday night at 6:30pm. Come enjoy great speekers on Community events. Service to youth has been the foremost principle of the Optimist Club for more than 70 years. Our motto " Freind of Youth" is exemplified by the various projects our club sponsors every year. Some of our projects include Essay Contest, Youth Appreciation, Oratorical Contest, Youth Sports as well as Scholarships to graduating Seniors to Winter Haven, Lake Region and Auburndale High Schools. Fund rasing events include our Christmas Tree Sale which we have done since 1972 at the Orange Dome in Winter Haven. For further information please call (863) 293-7972.

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.

Bartow's VFW Post 2405

Bartow's VFW Post 2405 is known throughout the State of Florida as a Christian post. Our post is involved in many veteran and community activities. If you are a Veteran of Foreign War, we need you as a member. Please contact one of the following men for more information: James Slaughter, Commander 863-533-9381, J. B. Sellers, Quartermaster 853-533-6267, or Andrew L. Ford, Chaplain 863-533-3445.

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.