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Meet the finalists for the Polk County Public Schools Superintendent search this week. PCPS has been hosting a “Super Search” over the past several months to fill the shoes of the Superintendent in one of the nation’s largest districts.
Starting tomorrow, the 5 finalists will be making their way to different cities within Polk County to partake in public Q+As, interviews, school tours, and will have the opportunity to answer questions from local residents.
Finalists include:
• Dr. Harold R. Border | Dr. Border is the current Chief of High Schools for Orange County Public Schools + was the former Area Superintendent for the Southwest Learning Community for Orange County Public Schools.
• Dr. James P. McIntyre, Jr. | The current Assistant Professor of Practice & Director for the Center for Educational Leadership (CEL) at the University of Tennessee. Dr. McIntyre also served as the Superintendent of Knoxville County Schools for 8-years.
• Dr. T. Nakia Towns | Dr. Towns works for the Hamilton County Department of Education as the Deputy Superintendent in Chattanooga, TN. Before working in her current position, Dr. Towns was the Assistant Commissioner in the Data and Research Division.
• Michael J. Ramirez | Michael currently serves as the Deputy Superintendent of Schools for Denver Public Schools + acted as the former Cadre Director for the Office of School Performance and Accountability for Broward County Public Schools.
• Frederick R. Heid | Frederick currently serves as the Superintendent for the Community Unit School District in Algonquin, IL. Previously, he served in Jacksonville, FL as the Chief Academic Officer for Duval County Schools.
All 5 finalists will make public appearances in Lakeland + Haines City this week according to the following schedule:
Wed., Apr. 21:
• Finalist Interviews | 8:30 a.m. (Dr. Harold R. Border), 10:45 a.m. (Dr. James P. McIntyre, Jr.), 1:45 p.m. (Michael J. Ramirez) | Jim Miles Professional Development Center, 4270 Wallace Rd.
• Community Meet & Greet | 6:30 p.m. | Lake Eva Center, 799 Johns Ave.
Thurs., Apr. 22 (The following events will take place at 4270 Wallace Rd.):
• Finalist Interviews | 9 a.m. (Frederick R. Heid), 11:30 a.m. (Dr. T. Nakia Towns)
• Employee Meet & Greet | 5:00 p.m.
• Community Meet & Greet | 6:45 p.m. |
| Know someone who would want to meet the finalists? Share this newsletter with them on socials. |
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Weather
○ 75º | T-storms | 100% chance of rain
Coronavirus
○ The Department of Health in Polk County has closed its online scheduling portal due to the increased availability of vaccines in the county. Lakeland Regional Health will now be taking over the scheduling of vaccine appointments. Polk County residents interested in accessing vaccines can inquire here. (News Channel 8)
○ Walk-up vaccinations are being provided at Lake Eva Event Center (799 Johns Ave.) in Haines City by The Department of Health in Polk County. Any adult 18 and older is welcome. No appointment is required.
○ On Monday, the Florida Department of Health announced 4,237 new cases of COVID-19 and 32 deaths in Florida. That brings FL’s total number of cases to 2,173,138 + the total deaths to 35,142. See Lakeland + Polk numbers here.
○ Monitor the Florida Department of Health in Polk’s website for the latest information regarding vaccines.
Politics
○ Vote-by-mail ballots are available for Haines City and Lakeland residents who wish to participate in the May 4 run-off municipal elections. To request your ballot, click here.
Announced
○ The Small Business Administration has released its Restaurant Revitalization Fund application. The RRF aims to provide relief to restaurants + other small businesses by giving them funding equal to their pandemic-related losses (up to $10 million per business or $5 million per physical location.) Read about eligibility and guidelines here.
Civic
○ The Boone Valley ATV Park (10427 County Rd. 630 W.) has received a $1 million grant from the state + $200,000 from the county to move forward with the construction of a bridge to link the two parks. The bridge will provide families with a safe way to navigate between parks + evade highway traffic.
Community
○ This week, we honor the sacrifices made by our friends, families, and neighbors by celebrating National Volunteers Week. Do you know of a great volunteer opportunity in Polk County? We’d love to share it with our readers. Drop us a line.
Watch
○ Charley Belcher visited Lake Crago Outdoor Recreation Complex (525 Lake Crago Dr.) and shared his experience on Fox13 News. The facility offers activities, water sports equipment rentals, and you can even rent spaces on the property for private events. (Fox 13 News)
Edu
○ Florida Southern College theatre program seniors are live-streaming their senior capstone performances via Zoom on May 8-9. Tune in to see the skills and creativity that each student wants to showcase. 🎭
○ The Polk County School Board is holding a lottery for magnet and choice school seats that are still available for the 2021-2022 school year. Parents can check Parent Portal or their emails for invitations to apply. The deadline to decline or accept an invitation is 4 p.m. on Apr. 30.
Deal
○ In the market for a new A/C unit? Payne Air Conditioning’s Cool Cash rebate program lets customers save up to $1,650 with 0% interest for 3 years. The local pros at Payne Air Conditioning – who’ve been serving central FL since 1936 – can hook you up, no sweat. Ⓟ
Finance
○ This no annual fee cash back credit card has a $200 bonus offer, and 3% cash back on the category of your choice — like online shopping, dining, travel, or home improvement. Bonus: 0% interest for 15 months + a 75% bonus reward for qualified customers. Ⓟ
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Arts
○ Spring Guitar Concert | Tues., Apr. 20 | 7-8 p.m. | Harrison School for the Arts, 750 Hollingsworth Rd. | $9+ | Come hear the guitar students of Harrison School for the Arts.
Dish
○ Burger Time | Tues., Apr. 20 | 6-9 p.m. | Publix Aprons Cooking School, 4730 S. Florida Ave. | $50 | Pick up some new burger styles for the next grill day like lamb burgers + pita fries. 🍔
TryThis
○ Virtual Game Night | Tues., Apr. 20 | 7-10 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Trivia, charades, Pictionary + drinking games from the comfort of your home.
Cause
○ Mobile Food Pantry | Tues. Apr. 20 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Blessings & Hope Lakeland, 2150 E. Edgewood Dr. | Free | If you’re in need, pick up a box or bag of prepackaged food. 🥫 |
| Disclaimer: It is up to readers’ discretion to determine whether they feel comfortable participating in any mentioned events based on COVID-19 protocols and precautions. If you have questions, please contact the event’s organizers directly.
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| Prepare to take shelter against rising insurance premiums | Photo via Heacock Insurance
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Over the last decade, a storm has been brewing over the insurance market — and it’s finally hit. In the first half of 2020, insurance companies reported huge losses. So now, Florida carriers are raising homeowners’ insurance rates.
As an independent agency, Heacock Insurance has solutions to help their clients find the best plan to meet their needs. And as rates begin to rise, they can help Lakelanders find the best coverage at the most competitive rates. Ⓟ
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