Polk County residents approved a county school board referendum to raise additional money for Polk County Public Schools (PCPS). The measure passed with 60% of the vote.
Category: Education
Posted inEducation
Polk Teen Creates Online Hub to Help Students Find Volunteer Opportunities in Their Community
Diora Franqui-Marchand knows what it is like to be a student trying to figure out what local opportunities are available for teens. Now, she wants to make that process easier with her website, Astraea.
Posted inArts & Culture
Florida Southern’s Miller Planetarium Reopens to the Public
Florida Southern’s restored planetarium combines Frank Lloyd Wright’s original design with the latest technology and new programming for students and the public.
Posted inSports
Florida Poly Takes the Field with Expanded Sports Programs
Florida Poly spent its first decade building an identity around STEM. Now, as the university enters its next stage of growth, it’s adding intercollegiate athletics.
Posted inEducation
Southeastern University’s Record Growth Bucks Private College Enrollment Trends
Leaders attribute SEU’s growth to expansion strategies, local industry partnerships, and its conservative Christian identity.
Posted inPolitics
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.
Posted inEducation
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.
Posted inCity Hall / Local Gov't
School Board Candidates Meet at LkldNow Public Forum
On July 16, Voters got their first opportunity to hear from all seven candidates seeking seats in District 3, District 5, and District 6 on the Polk County School Board.
Posted inSports
Florida Poly’s Fledgling Athletics Program Secures Use of Auburndale Sports Facilities
The Phoenix will use the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex, Auburndale Softball Complex, and Auburndale Community Center for three years, beginning with the inaugural men’s soccer match next month.
Posted inPolitics
DeSantis Vetoes Three of Lakeland’s Four Budget Requests
The city’s projects took a hit — but higher education, the Sixth District Court of Appeal, and local nonprofits secured millions.
