News Archives - Polk County Government

Three participants of a color run event joyfully run while being covered in green powder, with one participant throwing blue powder into the air.

Celebrating Parks and Recreation Month

July is Parks and Recreation month and we’re celebrating the people, places and programs that make Polk County Parks and Recreation special. Every day, Polk County staff tend the parks and facilities that bring families and communities closer together, promote healthy lifestyles and create unforgettable memories. Whether it’s maintaining safe and inclusive playgrounds, preserving natural […]

Polk County Utilities employee Buddy the Water Buddy standing outside the Direct Potable Reuse Pilot facility in Polk County, Florida, showcasing an advanced water recycling and purified drinking water treatment project.

Introducing: The Water “Buddy”

Each weekday, Buddy Gary makes his rounds throughout Polk County Utilities’ (PCU) Northwest service area. He stops at each water production plant, checking to see that all processes are functioning properly. During his checks, Buddy makes sure the well pumps are in good condition, checks the pressure of the water running through the pipes and […]

image of hurricane cyclone spiral storm from satellite view of earth

2026 Florida Hurricane Season is Here: Don’t Wait to Prepare

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1 and will continue through Nov. 30. Whether you’re a lifelong Floridian or experiencing your first hurricane season in Polk County, preparing now can make a significant difference when severe weather threatens. Florida continues to welcome new residents and visitors every day, and many have never […]

A hand holds a small paper cutout shaped like a house that is made from a one dollar bill. The background is a bright green grass surface.

New SHIP Funding Expands Housing Support for Polk County Residents

Bartow, Fla. (May 26, 2026) – Polk County residents will have access to new housing assistance opportunities beginning this summer. Polk County Housing and Neighborhood Development staff have received $4.7 million in State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program funds for the 2026 to 2027 state fiscal year to expand access to safe and affordable housing. […]

A smiling family of four stands together in a swimming pool outdoors, with two parents holding their young daughters while enjoying time together in the water on a sunny day.

Water Safety Tips for Enjoying Polk County’s Lakes and Waterways

One of the perks of living in Polk County, Florida, is being close to the water year-round. While the coast is a bit of a drive, the county has more than 550 lakes where residents can enjoy fishing, boating, and many other water activities that complement the warm climate. To ensure everyone has a safe […]

A two‑story brick armory building with a metal roof, tall rectangular windows and a prominent chimney‑like tower on one end. The structure sits beside a walkway with trees and open green space.

Five Historic Places on the National Register of Historic Places in Polk County, Florida

Every community has places that shape its story. The historic county courthouse was once the heart of government. The hill where generations of children have watched their parents’ cars seem to roll the wrong way. City Hall has anchored downtown for nearly a century. Many of these places are recognized as notable historic sites in […]

Two New Inductees Added to the Legacies in Polk Government Leadership Exhibit

To commemorate Polk County’s 165th anniversary, two local leaders were nominated for inclusion in the Legacies in Polk Government Leadership exhibit at the Polk County History Center. This distinction recognizes individuals who have served in elected or appointed roles and made significant contributions to Polk County residents, helping to preserve and shape the history of […]

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, 1871. The disaster killed an estimated 300 people, displaced more than 100,000 others and destroyed about 17,500 buildings. Fire safety has come a long way since the Great Chicago Fire, […]

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 year-round to help residents and visitors solve their family history mysteries. The Historical and Genealogical Library is located on the second floor of the History Center. It is a non-circulating […]

hand holding a small test tube of clear water with white diamond printed on bottle

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 in the water production and distribution systems seven days per week in six water service areas. Polk County Utilities (PCU) serves areas throughout unincorporated Polk County from 27 water plants […]

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