LOCAL NEWS

STATE FARM SCHOLARSHIP

Annually, the Winter Haven Chamber Foundation partners with State Farm Insurance to offer college and vocational training scholarships to public high school seniors in the Winter Haven area. In May, State Farm announced Tayler Wright as the winner of the $1,000 scholarship. Wright graduated from Winter Haven High School with a 3.9 GPA and exceptional grades. During her time at WHHS, Tayler was a part of the Pride of Winter Haven band, the soccer team, and the lacrosse team. With the State Farm scholarship, Tayler plans to attend Florida Southern College to pursue Criminology, along with her interests in band and athletics.

FREE PHYSICALS

AdventHealth clinicians and Bond Clinic in partnership with 10 Polk County high schools provided annual sports physicals to more than 500 pre-registered student-athletes to make sure they were fit and well for their upcoming sports seasons. Providers checked blood pressure, height and weight as well as looked for skeletal, mobility, and muscular issues. All physicals were free for all students in attendance on June 4. If Polk County high school students weren’t able to make it to the event, they can receive a sports physical for $25 by making an appointment at any AdventHealth Medical Group primary care location in Polk County.

RODIN

The Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College presents “Rodin: Contemplation and Dreams / Selections from the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Collections” on view June 25 through October 30, 2022, in the Museum’s Dorothy Jenkins Gallery, Gallery II, and Perkins Gallery. Featuring more than 40 works by the renowned and celebrated French sculptor Auguste Rodin, this exhibition brings one of art history’s most famous and influential French masters to Central Florida.

GREG LITTLETON

Greg Littleton, President, and CEO of Citizens Bank & Trust has been named 2022 Banker of the Year by the Florida Bankers Association (FBA). The award is given to an individual who demonstrates the highest level of commitment to both the banking industry and service to his or her community. Littleton was recognized at the FBA’s annual meeting, held in Orlando. Littleton currently serves as immediate past chair for the BancServ, Inc. Board of Directors and is beginning his second term on the government relations council.

POLK STATE COLLEGE

Polk State College achieved its 2022 legislative priorities and estimates it will receive $53.1 million in the upcoming fiscal year, which will begin on July 1. Funding includes $13.8 million for phase one of construction for the Polk State Northeast Ridge Project, a new college campus on U.S. 27 in Haines City; $16.7 million for renovations to the science building on the Winter Haven Campus; and $10.1 million for much-needed deferred maintenance across all campuses. Additionally, the College is expected to net $7.5 million in recurring operational support and $5 million in nonrecurring funds to expand the College’s critical health sciences programs including Respiratory Care, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Nursing, and more.

PCPS IS HIRING

Polk County Public Schools starting teacher salary is $45,487 and beginning July 1, the minimum wage for all PCPS employees will increase to $15 per hour. PCPS will also provide health insurance, employee health clinics, Florida Retirement System benefits, generous vacation and leave time, and more. You can browse the current vacancies at polkschoolsfl.com/employmentopenings. For bus driver and attendant jobs, please contact 863-534-7298 or herschel.pipkins@polk-fl.net.

GO OUTDOORS!

Throughout the summer until September 12, the Florida Department of State and the Florida State Parks are hosting “Real Florida Reader State Park Passes.” Florida library cardholders will be able to check out a park pass that provides admission for up to eight people in a vehicle for dayuse. The Winter Haven Library has two passes available on a first come, first served basis that can be checked out for seven days. Visit their website for more information: mywinterhaven.com/library/realflreaderpass

PRIDE MONTH

On Monday, May 23, the City Commission proclaimed June 2022 as LGBTQ + Pride Month in the City of Winter Haven, Florida, in honor of freedom from prejudice and bias in any form, and in recognition and praise of those members of our community who constantly fight the battle for equal treatment for all citizens regardless of sexual organization, gender identity, gender expression, race, color, creed, ethnic origin or religion. Pastor Mel Wilkinson of Christ Promise Church joined commissioners to accept the proclamation.