Baked Turkey with Peas and Beans

Not sure what to cook for dinner tonight? Adam Cole has you covered with this fresh new recipe.

Polk County Schools Offers 2 Learning Options For New School Year

Instead of students choosing among three learning options, as they did last year, the 2021-2022 school year will have in-person or virtual.

2021 College Aid: How Lakeland Area Compares In Application Rates

Nationally, applications for financial aid are down this year.

Multiple School Crossing Guard Positions Open In Polk County

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is hiring for school crossing guard positions in several locations.

Masks No Longer Required for Polk Public Schools' Students, Staff

The Polk County School board voted unanimously Tuesday night to lift mask requirements for students during the upcoming school year.

2 High School Grads Achieve Perfect Attendance K-12

The Polk County Public Schools District will honor two recent high school graduates who had perfect attendance every school year.

Salute Your 2021 Graduate On Lakeland Patch

Tell us why your grad is special and send a message of congratulations on Lakeland Patch.

Meet Polk County Public Schools New Superintendent

After almost a year of reviewing more than 50 applications and conducting dozens of interviews, Polk Schools has hired a new superintendent.

College Financial Aid Applications In Lakeland Area: Compare To FL

FAFSA completions are down nationally. Here is how Lakeland area high schools have done so far.

Kindergarten Registration Open For 2021-2022 School Year

Polk County Public School Districts has provided a registration guideline for parents sending their 5-year-olds to kindergarten.

Transfer Enrollment Opens To Polk County Students

Polk County students will be allowed to attend a school outside their school zone in the fall through its open enrollment program.

Bartow Teacher Recognized As MVP By Congressman

U.S. Rep. Greg Steube​​ honored a Bartow Middle School teacher for her dedication to educating students through Future Farmers of America.

In Lakeland Area, Share Of College Grads Increasing

The portion of U.S. residents holding four-year or higher degrees has been growing. Here's how it’s changed in Polk County.

Vaccine Event For Polk County School Staff: Age 50 And Older

Lake Region High School will host an indoor vaccine event for school personnel. Attendees can choose between Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

Normal Graduation Ceremonies For Polk Seniors During Pandemic

Health precautions will be in place at the senior graduation ceremonies, according to the school district.

A Bus Attendant Hero Who Puts Kids First

Shemika Davis likes making a difference in the daily lives of kids by cheering them on for good grades, and listening to them in bad times.

Polk Bus Driver Knows The Importance Of Kindness To Kids

A bus driver in Polk County loves to be the light for her students when they have bad days.

Substitute Crossing Guards Needed In Three Polk Locations

Applications are open for one of three substitute part-time crossing guard positions.

Love The Bus Month Honors Polk Bus Drivers

February is Love the Bus Month, and Polk County Public School District is honoring local bus drivers throughout the month.

Polk Takes 1st Step Securing COVID-19 Vaccine For School Workers

The Polk County Public School District has asked employees who wish to get a vaccine to fill out a survey.

2021 Polk County Teacher Of The Year Announced

The Polk County School District announced its 2021 Teacher of the Year and 2021 School-Related-Employee of the Year at a ceremony.

School Crossing Guards Needed At Two Polk County Schools

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is hiring part-time school crossing guards at school locations in Polk.

Record Graduation Rates For Polk County High Schools

High schools in Polk County have reached a new record high with its graduation rates, according to the Florida Department of Education.

Polk School Sports Suspended Due To Growing Coronavirus Concerns

The Polk Public Schools athletic programs are temporarily suspended due to more than 50 students recently testing positive for coronavirus.

New Quarantine Guidance For Students In Polk County

The Polk County Public Schools District has updated quarantine standards for students who have been exposed to positive coronavirus cases.

6-Year-Old Polk County Girl Is A 9-1-1 Hero For Getting Help

A 6-year-old girl was honored by Polk County Fire Rescue for remaining calm in an emergency situation and calling an ambulance for help.

Polk County Public Schools Schedule Reopening

Polk schools plan to reopen classes and extracurricular activities after closing on Thursday for Tropical Storm Eta precautions.

Polk County Schools Close Thursday Due to Tropical Storm Eta

Due to Hurricane Eta, Polk County Public Schools will not have class on Thursday.

'Guaranteed Admissions' Program For Kathleen High Students To USF

The University of South Florida has entered a partnership with Kathleen High that guarantees college acceptance to USF for students.

District Wants Polk Community's Opinion For New Superintendent

The Polk County School District has opened surveys and forums to the public to learn the qualities expected from a person in this role.

Substitute Crossing Guards Needed In Polk County: Sheriff

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is seeking residents in the area to fill open positions for substitute crossing guards at schools.

COVID-19 Suspends Fall Sports At Florida Southern College

Florida Southern College in Lakeland said it has suspended all of its fall sports after three athletes tested positive for coronavirus.

Lakeland Chamber Of Commerce Launches Adopt A School Program

Schools in the Lakeland area have a goal to raise $5,000 for each school to help supply students and staff with coronavirus safety supplies.

Over 100 Reported Cases Of COVID-19 Across Polk County Schools

Polk County Public Schools officials are keeping parents informed of the latest reported coronavirus cases, which top 100.

Parents In Polk County Can Change Learning Format For Children

The Polk County Public Schools District has given parents a temporary opportunity to change their child's school learning format.

PCPS Forgoes Tax Deferment Program: School District

Polk Count Public Schools does not see a financial benefit for employees if it participates in a tax deferment program.

Free Coronavirus Testing For PCPS Staff And Students

Students and teachers at Polk County Public Schools can receive free testing and priority scheduling at three area testing centers.

Two Polk County Schools Earn 'Florida's Finest' At Award Program

Two Future Farmers of America chapters in Polk earned the same title, and one of them is the only finalist in Florida for excellence award.

Polk County Schools Shift To Strict Coronavirus Guidelines

Polk County Public Schools said it is now following safety practices designed for critical infrastructure employees.

School Bus Driver Called Hero For Keeping Blood-Covered Man Away

A Lakeland school bus driver has been called a hero for keeping her students safe when a blood-covered man tried to get on her bus.