Chamber Blog

Polk County Public Schools’ 2021 graduations will once again feature important safety measures to reduce to spread of coronavirus, including limiting capacity. “We are truly looking forward to celebrating our graduating seniors and all of their hard work,” said Tami Dawson, regional assistant superintendent for high schools. “This has been another unusual and challenging year,…

Lakeland, FL – Today, the Lakeland City Commission voted to amend the current Lease and Transfer Agreement between the City of Lakeland and Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, effectively affirming the outstanding commitment of the two organizations to providing the best healthcare services to the community. “We appreciate the leadership and foresight of the Lakeland City…

EFFECTIVE April 1, 2021 LAKELAND, Fla. (March 2, 2021) – The Lakeland City Commission voted Monday, March 1, to increase the electric fuel charge for Lakeland Electric customers for the next fiscal quarter (April/May/Jun. 2021). After giving a presentation at the Utility Committee meeting on Monday, staff recommended increasing the fuel charge by $5.00 from…

LAKELAND, Fla. – There is still time to register for Southeastern University’s annual leadership Forum at SEU on Thursday, March 11, 2021, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. (EST). For the first time, the event will be held virtually and made completely free for all participants.  Featured speakers will include New York Times best-selling author…

Central Florida Health Care will be providing drive-up and walk through COVID-19 screening and testing, at no charge, throughout the month of March. For those who qualify*, screening and testing will be from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., while supplies last. Please see calendar for dates and locations for the second week of March. Click…

Did you know that in Florida, child care is more expensive than in-state college tuition? Many parents struggle paying for high child care costs along with other major expenses in their budget. The Early Learning Coalition of Polk County is here to help! The Early Learning Coalition is currently assisting over 5,000 families in Polk…

LAKELAND, Fla. – After a thorough nationwide search, Southeastern University announced today that the university’s new provost and chief academic officer will be Meghan Griffin, Ph.D.  Griffin currently serves as the associate provost and dean of unrestricted education at Southeastern. In that role, she was the lead academic officer of the university’s largest academic unit.…

LAKELAND (March 1, 2021) – Florida Southern College has named Dr. Ridvan Gedik as the David P. and Constance W. Lyons Endowed Chair in Logistics in the Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise. “The Florida Southern community remains extremely grateful to Constance Lyons and Scott and Jennifer Thornton for their significant contributions to…

LAKELAND, FL (March 1, 2021) – Swan Nesting Season is upon us in Lakeland, and we have a very rare occurrence on Lake Morton. The lone male Black Neck Swan that lost his mate during nesting season last year has wooed a new mate. This is very rare among swans to not only find a…

The Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) application window for 2021-22 will open on Monday, March 1. The VPK application process is now being conducted entirely online. Applications will no longer be accepted in person or by mail. Click here for more information, including how to apply online. – A virtual meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, March…