Local Reporting
Reporting focused on community resilience, educational opportunity, and the people shaping local enterprise.
Polk Voters To Decide on Referendum To Add $65.6 Million in Annual School Funding
Polk County Public Schools said the additional revenue is necessary to address employee pay and staffing shortages while funding school safety and other programs.
What to Expect This Flu Season in Polk County
Healthcare providers say late September and October are the ideal months to get vaccinated before flu season hits.
Polk County Women Mean Business Builds a Community Around Women Entrepreneurs
The new organization pairs traditional business networking with mentorship, mental health resources, professional clothing and a monthly market.
Tutoring, Hot Meals, and ‘AI-Proof’ Trades: Polk’s Free After-School Boys & Girls Clubs
As Polk County students head back to the classroom, families face a familiar after-school hours scramble. Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County helps ease the strain.
A Lifeline for the Middle: Polk HealthCare Plan Opens Doors to Thousands More
Polk County Expands HealthCare Plan eligibility to 300% of federal poverty level.
Tabletop & Togetherness: Lakeland’s Growing Gaming Scene
Lakeland has a growing community of tabletop gamers and an increasing number of hosted game nights at community centers, local libraries, churches, and living rooms.
$80K Grant Expands Polk Reads AmeriCorps Program
The Polk Education Foundation plans to expand AmeriCorps Polk Reads into fourth and fifth grades and five additional schools, with a GiveWell grant honoring Mabel Schaefer.