Hello Thursday.
April 25 2024
The Sunshine State is one of the final states to receive COVID-19 relief, and Polk County Public Schools has budgeted $202.3 million, based on the funding.
Presently, the funding is planned for the current school year from the Elementary and Secondary School Relief Emergency Relief Fund — allotted from the American Rescue Plan’s $1.9 trillion package. Here’s a breakdown of how PCPS plans to allocate the budget for the remainder of the school year:
- $65.2 million — sanitation efforts including cleaning, ventilation, and air quality
- $33 million — resources for instruction such as software, books, and updated curriculums
- $32.8 million — technology for students and staff including new computers
- $31.2 million — funding for Polk County’s charter schools
- $16.5 million — additional education such as summer school, tutoring, etc.
- $14.4 million — administrative expenses
- $5.4 million — staff advancements like stipends, professional development, and hiring
- $3.8 million — wellness enrichment such as physical + mental health, plus any other medical support needed
Share this budget with your classmates, students, and PCPS staff to spread the wealth.
If you could control the budget, where would you allocate the funds? Share your hypothetical ideas with us to keep the conversation going.
Play financial planner with us.
Today
- Music Bingo | Tues., Oct. 12 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free | Prizes are on the line, so keep your ears open and your bingo card close for this free-to-play game.
Wednesday
Thursday
- Lakeland Foodtruck Rally | Thurs., Oct. 14 | 6-9 p.m. | Munn Park | Free | Head to downtown Lakeland + sample a variety of delicious dishes from 20+ vendors like Mr. C's Grilled Cheese.
Friday
- Swan Derby | Fri., Oct. 15 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | Lake Crago Park | Free | Come out for this community event featuring swan boat races, performances, ticket drawings + food trucks — proceeds support Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine. 🦢
- Catapult Pop-Up: Casita Verde | Fri., Oct. 15 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland, 502 E. Main St. | Free | This Friday, find Catapult Kitchen Member Casita Verde, serving flavorful Nicaraguan fare. Ⓟ
Saturday
- Steampunk Shenanigans | Sat., Oct. 16 | 7:30 p.m. | The Stage Room, 310 E. Lemon St. | $10 | Sci-fi fans can enjoy this eccentric act about machines, sea monsters, and time travel, featuring work by local writers.
Sunday
- Progressive IMS Outdoors Motorcycle Tour | Sun., Oct. 17 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus | $20+ | Motorcycle enthusiasts can check out the latest bikes + experience entertainment and demo rides. 🚲
Monday
- 10th Annual Pumpkin Latte Giveaway | Mon., Oct. 18 | 7-11 a.m. | Both Black and Brew Coffee House & Bistro locations | $1+ | Stop by Black and Brew + donate $1 to get a 12 oz. pumpkin pie latte — all proceeds benefit the United Way of Central Florida.
Tuesday
- Tasty Tuesday | Tues., Oct. 19 | 4:30-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | $25+ | Skip dinner and instead try dishes from different participating downtown restaurants — tickets sold in packs of 10. 🍴
We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Weather
- 89º | Mostly sunny | 10% chance of rain
Coming Soon
- A Nashville hot chicken joint + a spot to score fish and chips are coming soon to Polk County. Brothers Ian and Adam Lieberman are opening a “Dave’s Hot Chicken” location in Lakeland, and Anne and Jimmy Jones' spot, “The Chippy” opens sometime this week in Davenport. 🍲 (The Ledger)
Number
- $9.4 million. That's how much Winter Haven was granted by the state of Florida for road improvements. Along with the road work, the funding will be utilized for the extension of Winter Haven's fiber-optic infrastructure. (The Ledger)
- $28 million. That’s how much money Polk County still has to distribute to renters impacted by COVID-19. Polk County has teamed up with the court system and 3 nonprofit organizations to more efficiently distribute the funds. (The Ledger)
Biz
- Legoland is celebrating its 10 year anniversary this Fri., Oct. 15. Join in the celebration with birthday bash pop-ups, music, surprise dance parties + character appearances. (The Ledger)
- Winter Haven biz, 3B Medical Inc. named a new president. The new addition, Tom Pontzius, is a former executive at Philips, with over 35 years of experience dealing with healthcare manufacturing + the distribution process. (Business Observer Florida)
Feel Good
- Lakeland Firefighter Clay Geiger returned to work on Friday after a 16 month long battle against cancer. Clay was welcomed back to a strong support system, who during his fight donated around $4,000 in gift cards while other Polk County Fire Departments made t-shirts in his honor. ❤️ (The Ledger)
Show
- Lakeland musical artist Van Plating is playing a show in St. Pete this Fri., Oct. 15 at Seven C Music. Tickets are available for $10, and doors open at 6:30 p.m.
- In case you missed it: Jason Aldean is bringing his Back in the Saddle Tour to the Midflorida Credit Union Amphitheatre on Sat., Oct. 30. Get your tickets (and a special presale code) here. 🎶 Ⓟ
Shop
- Who doesn’t love starting the weekend with a deal? Everyone who visits Scout & Tag this Fri., Oct. 15, will receive a $5 certificate, redeemable for purchases at the store as well as Rafa Natural. The certificate is only valid from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Friday.
Answered
- Yesterday, we asked you to share your favorite spots to enjoy the nighttime views, and Reader Michael S. said "Pull up a blanket and watch the sunset over Lake Hunter from Lake Hunter Drive." That sounds like a great plan, Michael. Have any other suggestions? Share them with us.
Finance
- These top cards offer a ridiculously long 0% intro APR period and no annual fee. Some offer cash back rewards, too. 💳 Ⓟ
Didja get a load of Venus this weekend? If you were out and about and looked to the skies, you might have caught a glimpse of the planet — no telescope required, as seen here behind the Southgate Shopping Center.
If you missed out on Venus, don’t fret. You have a chance to catch a view of Jupiter + Saturn tomorrow through Friday.
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Yesterday, we asked you to share which lake you'd like us to cover in the third installment of our Lakeland lakes guide. The winner of the poll was Lake Mirror, with 55% of votes.
Want to try to swing the poll? There's still time to vote here.
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