Polk County School Board
The seven Polk County School Board members make decisions that directly affect nearly every aspect of the district’s day-to-day operations—from how tax dollars are spent and where new schools are built to student discipline policies, transportation, and the superintendent’s performance.
However, many high-profile education issues like academic standards, testing requirements and curriculum mandates are ultimately determined by the Florida Legislature or the Florida Department of Education rather than the local board.
Three of the seven school board seats are up for election.
Meet the candidates:
Dig Deeper ⤵
Polk County Commission
The Polk County Board of Commissioners is comprised of five officers. They make decisions that affect residents in unincorporated areas and provide countywide services. Responsibilities include adopting the county budget, setting the property tax rate, overseeing roads and transportation in unincorporated areas, planning and zoning, emergency management, public health and safety services, and funding agencies such as the Sheriff’s Office.
If your address says Lakeland but your trash can is gray, and your recycle can is black with a yellow lid, you live in unincorporated Lakeland and your waste services are provided by Polk County.
Florida 10th Circuit Court Judge
A Circuit Court judge presides over serious criminal cases, major civil lawsuits, family law matters such as divorce and child custody, probate and guardianship cases, juvenile matters, and appeals from county courts.
