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Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Ensures Legacy of Literacy in Polk
Founded to honor Parton’s father, the program distributed nearly 30,000 books to children in Central Florida in 2025, championing literacy while instilling a love of books and reading from an early age.
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From Lending to Leadership: Travis Stepro Launches Lakeland Advisory Practice
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Airport Improvements Coming to LAL Backed by Nearly $13 Million in Federal Grants
As demand increases at Lakeland Linder International Airport, the airport team plans to add an additional passenger waiting area, three airplane holding bays, and improve parking.
August Primary Decides County Commission District 2 and Circuit Court Judges
Incumbent Rick Wilson will serve a third term on the Polk County Commission; Chris Spath and Andrea DeMichael will join the 10th Judicial Circuit Court.
School Board Elections: District 3 Heads to Run-Off; Fields and Sharpless Cruise to Victory
Two of the three contested seats on the Polk County School Board were decided by Tuesday’s election while District 3 candidates Wallace and Sims head to a run-off in November.
Lakeland Votes: Primary Election Live Results
Live results for the August 18, 2026 Primary Election for Polk County. Check for updates.
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City Hall Scoop 8/17: Airport Terminal Expansion, Budget Anxieties
A four hour City Commission meeting distilled into a five-minute read.
Behind the $264K: 2026 Polk County School Board Campaign Funding
Seven candidates are running for three PCPS School Board seats that will be decided this coming Tuesday, Aug 18. We looked beyond the totals to see where support is coming from.
Little Free Libraries Open at Lakeland and Winter Haven Bus Terminals
Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance debuts Little Free Libraries at the Lakeland and Winter Haven bus terminals, stocked in part with United Way books aimed at Polk County’s kindergarten readiness gap.
Dixieland Elementary School Earns a B
School grades in Lakeland increased by an average of five percentage points in 2025-26 — but with an improvement of 24%, Dixieland jumped from a D to a B in a single year.
Lakeland Symphony Orchestra Announces 61st Season
With performances at Branscomb Auditorium and the AGB, the 2026-2027 LSO season will honor traditions and engage Polk County youth.
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