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fox13news.com

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Voters approve property tax increase in Polk County

A major boost is coming to Polk County classrooms after voters approved a property tax increase Tuesday to fund teacher retention, school safety and core student programs. FOX 13's Carla Bayron reports.

Polk County, FL · 4d
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The Ledger

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Haines City warns developers it lacks water capacity | Exclusive

Haines City has already stretched its potable water and wastewater capacity beyond its regulatory limits, but has found a way to continue approving new construction — at the developers' own risk. City Commissioners voted unanimously on Nov. 5 to approve a Concurrency Developer Agreement for all new construction applications going forward. Haines City officials admit they cannot guarantee when the city will have adequate drinking water or wastewater services available, and are putting developers on notice. "We have recognized the deficiencies in our utility system," Interim City Attorney Seth Claytor said. "Until that is resolved, no vertical construction would be approved. " It's a workaround to prevent implementing a moratorium on new development as the city faces water shortages and infrastructural strain on its wastewater system. Developers who sign the agreement have to agree to hold the city and its employees harmless, aiming to limiting their ability to sue if projects get stranded. "It's the best protection I can give the municipality," Claytor said. Deputy City Manager James Keene said any developments applying for approvals will be required to sign it, understanding that they can begin paperwork and horizontal development such as laying or relocating utilities, paving roads, curbs and

Haines City, FL · 1d

WFLA

partner publisher · 249.9K followers
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Polk county trashes pilot program aimed at curbing illegal dumping around Haines City

Polk County is throwing out a pilot program aimed at reducing illegal dumping after cases actually went up in the target area.

Polk County, FL · 2d

thecitrustea.com

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Things to Do This Weekend in Polk County: Christmas Comes Early in Bartow and Lakeland Goes Country! Nov. 6–8

Stroll Lakeland’s First Friday with your best Western look, because Kentucky Avenue is going absolutely COUNTRY! Or, head on over to First Friday in Downtown Winter Haven for shopping and live music at Bowen Yard and the Ritz!. Ready or not, Christmas opens in Bartow on Saturday as the...

Polk County, FL · 2d
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hoodline.com

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Polk County Flooding Swamps Lakeland Roads as Cars Get Pulled From Ditches

Flooding swamped parts of Polk County on Monday, sending water over roads near Memorial Boulevard in Lakeland and forcing tow trucks and residents to pull cars out of roadside ditches. Rainfall totals across the county ranged from 2 to 6 inches, and reporter Alexis Jones said water was coming up past her ankles as she covered the scene.

Lakeland, FL · 6d

The Ledger

partner publisher · 23.7K followers

Data center planned for existing warehouse in Auburndale | Exclusive

(This article was revised to include comment from the CEO of the Central Florida Development Council.) Another data center is planned for Polk County, and the developers hope to avoid the fervent opposition that greeted a proposed facility in Fort Meade . Hillwood Development Company filed an application on Nov. 4 for a building permit on the Auburndale Technology Center, which will occupy two existing buildings at 810 Pace Road. The 75-acre site lies within the Central Florida Innovation District surrounding Florida Polytechnic University. The two buildings, totaling about 500,000 square feet, have been vacant since construction finished last year. The property, just east of the Polk Parkway, lies within Auburndale’s city limits. “This was the right place, the right location, the right scale for this kind of a project,” said Charles Korrell, senior vice president for Texas-based Hillwood Development Company. “There aren't many of those around the country, and there are plenty of large greenfield developments. You see them all over West Texas. You’re seeing them here in Florida, seeing them all over the country. Not much industrial space is appropriate or available for this kind of development.” Pace Road DC Development Company, a subsidiary company, bought the property

Auburndale, FL · 3d

Tampa Bay 28

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Polk County teachers set to receive $3,700 pay increase after referendum passes

Polk County teachers say they feel valued and supported after voters overwhelmingly approved a property tax increase to boost education funding.

Polk County, FL · 2d

Lakeland Gazette

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Lakeland Italian Festival Under the Stars 2026

The inaugural Lakeland Italian Festival “Under the Stars” takes place along South Kentucky Avenue in Downtown Lakeland on Saturday, November 7, 2026, running from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Organized by the Italian American Club of Central Florida, this evening block-party-style celebration brings regional Italian cuisine, art, and...

Lakeland, FL · 3d

airwaysmag.com

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FAA Announces Operational Digital Towers in Florida and Alaska

WASHINGTON — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said November 6 that digital air traffic control towers are operational at Bartow Executive Airport (BOW) in Florida and Kenai Municipal Airport (ENA) in Alaska, expanding its deployment of camera-based systems for controllers. The agency's announcement identifies Frequentis as the selected supplier....

Alaska · 1d

hoodline.com

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New North Lakeland ER Opens With 18 Rooms, Round-the-Clock Care

Lakeland Park Center — New North Lakeland Emergency Department. North Lakeland residents now have a round-the-clock emergency room just off Lakeland Park Center Drive. Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital opened its freestanding emergency department on Wednesday, bringing 18 private treatment rooms, on-site imaging and a resuscitation room to a part of Polk County that has been waiting on the project for years.

Polk County, FL · 4d

LkldNow

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Arts and Health Week 2026 Inspires Creativity Across Lakeland

Make your mark on downtown Lakeland during the Farmers Curb Market by joining in Color Wave’s community mural. What: A free family and pet friendly outdoor festival celebrating the arts. When: Sunday, Nov. 8, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: Swan Brewing, 115 W Pine St. New this year:

Lakeland, FL · 1d

mynews13.com

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Kissimmee commission must appoint a new commissioner to fill open commission seat post suspension

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — One week after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Jackie Espinosa from her position as Kissimmee mayor, city commissioners are preparing to fill the commission seat left vacant when Angela Eady moved into the mayor’s role. Espinosa, who was elected mayor in 2024, was suspended after...

Kissimmee, FL · 2d

Lakeland Gazette

publisher · 24.7K followers

Polk County Voters Approve 1-Mill School Tax Increase

Polk County voters approved a 1.0 ad valorem millage (1-mill) property tax increase on November 3, 2026. The measure passed with approximately 60% of the vote (145,311 “Yes” to 94,758 “No”). This marks the first time Polk County voters have passed an operational school tax referendum...

Polk County, FL · 2d

centralfloridaagnews.com

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Winter Haven’s Mann Lake Supports Vets Through Hives for Heroes

When Joshua Diggins learned about Hives for Heroes, he saw an opportunity to put his beekeeping knowledge and military experience to work. A Navy veteran and Florida branch manager at Mann Lake’s Winter Haven location, Diggins became a volunteer mentor for the nonprofit, which connects veterans and first responders with experienced beekeepers across the country.

Winter Haven, FL · 2d

Bay News 9

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Property tax cut raises concerns for Lakeland Community Theatre

LAKELAND, Fla. — Concerns are growing for Lakeland Community Theatre as Amendment 3 could affect funding for the historic building the nonprofit calls home. Florida voters approved Amendment 3 on Tuesday, increasing the homestead exemption for average homeowners. The change is expected to provide residents property tax relief, but Lakeland officials estimate it could reduce the city’s general fund revenue by about $12.5 million over the next two years.

Lakeland, FL · 2d

The Citrus Tea News

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Bartow Electric System Inventory Starts Nov. 9 as Osmose Crews Map 13,400 Poles and 13,600 Meters in $486,174 Project

Bartow Electric Utility hired Osmose Utilities Services to inventory about 13,400 poles and 13,600 meters in a $486,174 project that begins with a Nov. 9 pilot. The post Bartow Electric System Inventory Starts Nov. 9 as Osmose Crews Map 13,400 Poles and 13,600 Meters in $486,174 Project first appeared on The Citrus Tea News and was written by Steven Steiner . The Citrus Tea News covers Polk County, Florida. Truly Local News. Truly Polk County. thecitrustea.com

Bartow, FL · 1d

businessdailynetwork.com

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The Ruthvens President Brandon Clark Named Chair of the Central Florida Development Council

The Ruthvens, Central Florida’s warehouse specialists, is pleased to announce that President Brandon Clark has been named Chair of the Board of Directors of the Central Florida Development Council (CFDC), Polk County’s economic development organization. Clark assumed the role on October 1, 2026. Clark’s appointment reflects The Ruthvens’...

Lakeland, FL · 1d

floridayimby.com

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73-Unit ‘Kissimmee Cove’ Continues Construction at 1790 N Hoagland Blvd, Kissimmee, Florida

An affordable housing project is under construction in Central Florida. Kissimmee Cove will host 73 apartments in a four-story building, with floorplans including one-bedroom and two-bedroom models. In-unit finishings will include quartz countertops, tile floorings, and Energy Star appliances. Communal amenities will include a resort-style swimming pool, fitness center, and business center. Other offerings include a library and bicycle storage stations.

Kissimmee, FL · 19h

Bay News 9

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Hillsborough County to eliminate countywide commission seats

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Hillsborough County voters have approved expanding the county commission from seven to nine members, replacing three countywide seats with nine single-member districts ahead of the 2028 election. The change comes as the county continues to grow. Its population has more than doubled since the current...

Hillsborough County, FL · 3d