LOCAL NEWS

HURRICANE SEASON

In preparation for hurricane season, which begins on June 1, Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing and Polk County Emergency Management have partnered with Publix Super Markets to produce and distribute the “Polk County Public Shelters” maps for 2021. The map is designed to assist both resident and tourist evacuees in finding shelter during an impending storm. The public shelter maps are available at Central Florida’s Visitor Information Center, located at 101 Adventure Court, Davenport, a half mile south of I-4 on Highway 27 and at Publix Super Markets in Polk County. The map contains updated information for 2021. Area lodging facilities and chambers of commerce will also have maps on hand in the event of a storm. For information about emergency preparedness in Polk County, visit www.polk-county.net/em.

DRIVERS NEEDED

Meals on Wheels of Polk County, Inc. urgently needs more full-time Polk County residents to volunteer their time to deliver freshly-cooked meals to homebound people during the late spring and summer months. Potential volunteer drivers can apply online at mealsonwheelspolk.com, call Susan Eldridge at 863-299-1616 or visit Meals on Wheels headquarters any weekday between the hours of 9:00 am and 2:00 pm. Meals on Wheels is a non-profit organization that prepares and delivers nutritious hot meals every weekday for homebound people residing in Winter Haven, Auburndale, Lake Alfred, Dundee, Haines City, Lake Hamilton, Davenport, and parts of Lakeland.

SCHOLARSHIP

The Lem Geathers Future Change Maker $1000 Scholarship is awarded to a high school senior and Winter Haven resident based on their creative sharing, explanation or interpretation of the significant history of the emancipation of African Americans who had been enslaved in the United States. The award is open to exiting 12th-grade students at a public or private high school. Restricted to Winter Haven residents only. The student and teacher or school administrator must be willing to present the entry at the City of Winter Haven Juneteenth Celebration. More info at winterhavenchamber.com under the blog section.

RESTAURANT CLOSED

The Winter Haven Fire Department responded to a fire at Floridino’s Italian Kitchen and their swift response has saved the business. There were no injuries to fire personnel or civilians. Sunday (5-23-21) at approximately 8:48 a.m. a 9-1-1 call was received involving a fire at the Floridino’s Italian Kitchen located at 1919 8th St NW (Hwy 17 at the entrance to Spring Lake Square). As WHFD responders arrived, heavy smoke was seen coming from the front of the building. Preliminarily, it appears that an employee at the business started the daily procedures for opening when there was an incident involving hot oil. Due to the extensive damage to the kitchen and the roof, the restaurant will be closed until further notice.

FIREWORKS ARE BACK

Join The City of Winter Haven as they celebrate our Nation’s Independence at the Chain of Lakes Stadium, 500 Cletus Allen Dr. in Winter Haven. Next door to the New AdventHealth Fieldhouse, all are invited to enjoy this free fresh air event. Celebrate with live entertainment from B. Haven, food trucks, and much more, followed by the spectacular fireworks presentation. While last year’s celebration was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are looking forward to bringing back the most attended event with a bang! Join the fun on Saturday, July 3 from 6-9pm.

45-YEAR CAREER

Betty Dupree’s long ride with Polk County Public Schools has finally come to an end. Dupree dropped off her last passengers, ending a 45-year career as a PCPS bus driver in May. She is retiring … again. Dupree was first hired as a bus driver in 1974, working until 2008 before deciding to retire. It didn’t last long. She returned to the driver’s seat in 2010 and kept going until mid-May. Friends, colleagues, and other well-wishers invited Dupree to a special presentation at Auburndale High, where she was given a plaque, gift basket, and flowers. Fellow bus drivers parked around the school and blared their horns in salute. Congratulations!

NATIONAL CHAMPS

The Lady Bolts JROTC drill team from Ridge Community High has captured its first national championship in school history. On April 30, the Lady Bolts competed at the 2021 U.S. Army Cadet Command JROTC National Drill Championships (aka Army Nationals) in Daytona. They won first place in three of four events (color guard, inspection, and platoon regulation), and finished third in the squad exhibition event. That was more than enough to earn the top prize in the Army Nationals unarmed (without rifles) division. They competed against the top drill teams from around the country. Ridge’s JROTC drill team program has consistently performed well at the local level and has multiple state titles to its name.

PCPS HIRING

Polk County Public Schools is recruiting teachers for the 2021-22 school year. They’ve scheduled two virtual job fairs where you can connect with them via text chats or video interviews. The virtual hiring events will take place from noon to 2pm on Wednesday, June 2, and Wednesday, June 16. Register now at polkschoolsfl.com/jobfair. Got questions? Need more details? Please email jobs@polk-fl.net. PCPS also is hiring bus drivers and attendants for the next school year. Please call 863-534-7298 or email herschel. pipkins@polk-fl.net to inquire about opportunities.