Polk Vision

10/16/2026

This week, Leadership Polk Class XX explored the industries that built Florida! 🚌🍊

Class Day 1 took us across Southwest Polk County to explore the history, industries, and community partnerships that have helped shape our county.

With a focus on two industries that built central Florida — citrus and phosphate— we saw firsthand how our past connects to our present and future.

Rich stories came to life at places like the Historic L.B. Brown House and the Fort Meade Historical Society train cars. We explored the history of phosphate mining at and we learned about efforts to strengthen citrus production and grow agritourism at . A visit to provided insight into its one-of-a-kind virtual air traffic controller program. We heard from Bartow city officials about their efforts to enrich their town's cultural assets. Redevelopment initiatives at and showcased the impact of Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) partnerships.

From the industries that helped build our communities to the innovation and collaboration shaping what comes next, every stop offered a new perspective on Polk County.

A big THANK YOU to all of our hosts and community partners who shared their time, knowledge, and passion for our community. You helped make our first class day a wonderful success!

Leadership Polk Class XX is off to a great start! 🧡💜🩵❤️

10/02/2026

Did you know that the Polk Vision Smart Communities Team also serves at the Local Technology Planning Team for Polk County, in partnership with the Florida Commerce Office of Broadband? The team is a proud supporter of this initiative as well as expanding Broadband access throughout Polk County.

09/29/2026

Last Chance to Register: Experience the Realities of Poverty Through a Powerful Community Simulation on October 1

Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/c26277fb-c0e9-4542-82dc-40e9d90486f0

09/29/2026

“I had no idea.”

That might become the unofficial phrase of our Inside PCPS experience.

Our first class day took us into the northeast part of Polk County and gave us a firsthand look at the size, complexity, and incredible reach of Polk County Public Schools.

Just consider the numbers:
📚 114,000+ students
👩‍🏫 13,000+ employees
💰 $2 billion+ budget
🏫 One of the 30 largest school districts in the country
🚌 56,000+ miles traveled by PCPS buses every day — roughly the equivalent of circling the Earth twice! Polk County is geographically larger than the entire state of Rhode Island.

But the biggest lesson wasn't just about size. Visiting three schools showed us just how different the neighborhoods, students, and needs can be. We got to meet many caring and knowledgeable people—all working together to serve students.

We also learned something else: there are so many ways for our community to support local schools.
Mentoring. Volunteering. Sharing your expertise. Hosting a workplace tour. Judging student projects. Supporting teachers. Helping at school events. And so much more.

You don't always have to write a check to make a difference. Sometimes you just need to share your time, talent, connections, or resources.

That’s what Inside PCPS is all about—learning more about our public schools so we can become better-informed, more engaged community partners.

And if our first class day is any indication, we have a lot more “I had no idea” moments ahead!

09/26/2026

09/24/2026

Can't make it in person this morning?

Join us via livestream for the 16th Annual Mayors Roundtable and be part of the conversation from wherever you are.

🎥 Watch live here:
https://youtube.com/live/GAnoCQ9Rv_s?feature=share

Text Questions: 863-888-2911

We look forward to having you join us virtually!

With Polk Government Television (PGTV), you can learn more about yo...

09/23/2026

Bartow, we want to hear from you. 📢

Join us from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the Polk County History Center for a Polk Vision Zero Community Workshop focused on South Broadway Avenue and Summerlin Street.

Learn about the upcoming demonstration project, a temporary street installation that will test potential safety improvements before longer-term changes are considered. Share your experience walking, bicycling and driving through the area and provide feedback on potential improvements.

Your local knowledge and feedback will help shape the project.

Light refreshments will be provided.

📍Polk County History Center
100 E. Main St. | 1926 Courtroom, 2nd Floor

➡️Register: https://bit.ly/3Ti6q29

Learn more: https://polktpo.com/news/vision-zero-safety-demonstration-projects-bartow-wahneta/


Main Street Bartow City of Bartow, a Florida Municipality

09/23/2026

📣 Last Chance to Register for the 16th Annual Mayors Roundtable!

The 16th Annual Mayors Roundtable takes place tomorrow at 9 am at the Polk State College Winter Haven Fine Arts Theatre.

Register for your spot today at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/4ex5a77

09/18/2026

You're Invited: Community Poverty Simulation

Join Polk Vision and Polk County Public Schools' HEARTH Project for a powerful and eye-opening Community Poverty Simulation.

This interactive experience gives participants the opportunity to step into the shoes of individuals and families facing financial hardship. During the simulation, you'll navigate an entire month while managing limited resources, unexpected challenges, and difficult decisions, providing valuable insight into the barriers many people in our community face every day.

By participating, you'll gain a deeper understanding of poverty, build empathy, and learn how we can work together to create a stronger, more supportive community.

📅 Date: October 1
🕗 Time: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
📍 Location: UF/IFAS Stuart Center, Bartow
💲 Cost: Free to attend

We welcome community members, nonprofit organizations, educators, business leaders, and anyone interested in making a positive impact in Polk County.

✅ Register today: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/c26277fb-c0e9-4542-82dc-40e9d90486f0

Together, we can foster greater awareness, understanding, and support for the challenges many families face right here in Polk County. We hope to see you there!

09/16/2026

Meet the newest Best Class Ever! 🏆

Last week, Leadership Polk Class XX gathered at Camp Margaritaville Auburndale for their opening retreat, kicking off a year of connection, collaboration, leadership development, laughter, and learning.

This class is already showing up, engaging with curiosity, and leading with a spirit of service.

If the opening retreat is any indication, it’s going to be a great year. Welcome, Class XX!