WELCOME TO POLK COUNTY

Polk County is in a unique and enviable position – located between the Orlando and Tampa metro regions along the I-4 corridor, Polk is a blend of rapidly urbanizing growing communities in the northern section. Yet south of State Road 60, which crosses through the midsection of the county, you will find miles of rural ranch and scrub land, left unscathed by development. In Polk, you will find the ideal combination of access, affordability and untapped opportunity for visitors, residents and prospective businesses. Polk is the connecting force between people, places and potential…the crossroads of opportunity. Visit Polk County, Florida. It is truly a great place to visit and live.

NEWS

Thornhill Road Scheduled to Close March 5, 2026

Bartow, Fla. (March 5, 2026) – A portion of Thornhill Road in Winter Haven is scheduled to close at 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 5 for…

Polk County Fire Rescue Responds to Fatal Fire in Lakeland

Bartow, Fla. (March 3, 2026) — Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) crews responded to a fatal fire off Ralph Road in Lakeland on Tuesday Morning.…

Polk County Solid Waste Division to Accept Recent Freeze-Related Yard Waste for Flat Fee

Bartow, Fla. (March 3, 2026) — In an effort to help Polk County residents get rid of yard waste from the recent cold snap but…

Brian Cogswell Appointed New Polk County Solid Waste Division Director March 3, 2026

Bartow, Fla. (March 3, 2026) – County Manager Bill Beasley announced the appointment of Brian Cogswell as the new Director of the Polk County Solid…

Public Hearing for Proposed Polk County Right-of-Way Sign Enforcement Ordinance Continued to March 17, 2026

Bartow, Fla. (Feb. 27, 2026) – The public hearing for the proposed Polk County Right-of-Way Sign Enforcement Ordinance scheduled for Tuesday, March 3 has been…

Polk County Board of County Commission Agenda Review Feb. 27, 2026

Bartow, Fla. (Feb. 27, 2026) — The Board of County Commissioners will have its Agenda Review and Work Session at 9 a.m. on Friday, Feb.…

Polk County Hosts Town Hall Meeting for Future Agricultural Center

More than 150 residents gathered on Tuesday, Feb. 24 for the unveiling of the conceptual renderings for the future Polk County Agricultural Center. The town…

Polk County Celebrates the Holloway Family Trail Ribbon Cutting Feb. 24, 2026

Bartow, Fla. (Feb. 24, 2026) – Polk County officials and project partners gathered Tuesday, Feb. 24, for a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of the…

Oversight Committee Strategizes to Improve Healthcare Access for Polk Residents

Bartow, Fla. (Feb. 23, 2026) – The Citizens Healthcare Oversight Committee (COC) met for its annual retreat on Friday, Feb. 20. The COC monitors the…

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WHAT'S NEW

Fire Prevention Week

This week marks the 100th annual Fire Prevention Week in the U.S. The nationally observed week commemorates the Great Chicago Fire, which happened Oct. 8-10,…

Solving Family Mysteries at the Polk County History Center

Uncover Your Family Roots at the Polk County History Center October is Family History Month. However, the Polk County History Center’s Historical and Genealogical Library works…

Producing Safe Water for Polk County

Sept. 18 is World Water Monitoring Day, but for Polk County Utilities, every day is a water monitoring day. Operators test samples from multiple points…

Understanding Polk County Government’s Mosquito Control Services

Some of the features that make Polk County an incredible place to live— beautiful lakes, vast wetlands and a warm climate— are the same that…

Hurricane Milton Recovery Resources in Polk

As Polk County embarks on recovering from Hurricane Milton, Polk County Emergency Management is working to connect residents to resources. Below you will find the…

Preservation’s Place in Florida’s Fastest Growing County

Polk County is very fortunate to be home to so many historic attractions and monuments, from the beautiful Bok Tower Gardens to several historic districts…

Save Money on Your Water Bill by Saving Water on Your Lawn

If your New Year’s resolution is to save money and lower your water bill, your lawn might be a great place to start. In Polk…

Community Kindness and Renewed Hope After the Ashes

Betty Frey, 85, faced a devastating loss on Jan. 15, 2024, when a fire in Polk County consumed almost everything she owned, including her beloved…

Where to Celebrate Holiday Events In Polk County, Florida

Looking for festive fun events this holiday season? Polk County has you covered! Whether you’re a long-time resident or visiting Polk for the first time,…

WHAT'S NEW

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WELCOME TO POLK COUNTY

NEWS

Thornhill Road Scheduled to Close March 5, 2026

Polk County Fire Rescue Responds to Fatal Fire in Lakeland

Polk County Solid Waste Division to Accept Recent Freeze-Related Yard Waste for Flat Fee

Brian Cogswell Appointed New Polk County Solid Waste Division Director March 3, 2026

Public Hearing for Proposed Polk County Right-of-Way Sign Enforcement Ordinance Continued to March 17, 2026

Polk County Board of County Commission Agenda Review Feb. 27, 2026

Polk County Hosts Town Hall Meeting for Future Agricultural Center

Polk County Celebrates the Holloway Family Trail Ribbon Cutting Feb. 24, 2026

Oversight Committee Strategizes to Improve Healthcare Access for Polk Residents

WHAT'S NEW

Fire Prevention Week

Solving Family Mysteries at the Polk County History Center

Producing Safe Water for Polk County

Understanding Polk County Government’s Mosquito Control Services

Hurricane Milton Recovery Resources in Polk

Preservation’s Place in Florida’s Fastest Growing County

Save Money on Your Water Bill by Saving Water on Your Lawn

Community Kindness and Renewed Hope After the Ashes

Where to Celebrate Holiday Events In Polk County, Florida

EVENTS

Free Health Screenings and Polk HealthCare Plan Enrollment March 2026