Polk County - Lake Wales Daily News

Barnett Family Invests in Future of Treatment at Moffitt Cancer Center Location Coming to Polk County

carl — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 23:19:03 +0000

By Maria Iannucci

Within the next few years, Polk County residents will have a valuable new option for quality cancer care that won’t involve driving to Tampa or Orlando.

On February 15, 2026, at the 31st Annual Magnolia Ball in Tampa, local philanthropists Wesley Barnett and Ashley Bell Barnett of Lakeland pledged $10 million to Moffitt Cancer Center towards the development of a state-of-the-art outpatient facility of Moffitt Cancer Center to be built in Polk County. The Magnolia Ball is Moffitt Cancer Center’s annual signature fundraising event.

Philanthropist, Barney Barnett, center, with daughter-in-law Ashley Bell-Barnett, and son, Wesley Barnett, right, at the Magnolia Ball in Tampa February 15, 2026.

Ashley says the new Moffitt location, which will be built on a 34-acre site in Highland City, will fundamentally change the access Polk County residents have to cancer care.

“Just having first-hand knowledge of friends and family affected by cancer has shown me how significant the need is to have options for treatment,” Ashley says.

“Just having first-hand knowledge of friends and family affected by cancer has shown me how significant the need is to have options for treatment,” Ashley says.

The idea for this extension of Moffitt Cancer Center sparked three years ago, as a result of a brief conversation.

“I was in Tallahassee in 2023 and I ran across the CEO of Moffitt, Dr. Patrick Hwu, as we were at an event together. We didn’t know each other, and we got to talking. To tell you the truth, he planted the seed right there. He’s just such a charismatic, wonderful man. I later found out he was the CEO of Moffitt. After meeting him, I met another community advocate who worked for Moffitt, Celia Ferman, then a member of Moffitt’s Board of Directors. Together, we began these important conversations.”

Patrick Hwu, MD, President and CEO of Moffitt Cancer Center; Rose Baker Reilly, Chair of the Moffit Foundation, with Philanthropists Ashley Bell-Barnett and Wesley Barnett at the Magnolia Ball in Tampa February 15, 2026.

Individuals undergoing treatment for cancer have a variety of needs and are often referred to Moffitt in Tampa for the state-of-the-art treatment options. Having this type of care available locally will be a game changer, Ashley says.

“I have close friends and family that I that I have made that drive for, people that have had treatment there over the last 15 years. This was just a no-brainer.”

According to Merritt Martin, chief of staff at Moffitt Cancer Center, Polk County residents currently make more than 29,000 trips annually to Tampa for medical treatment, many of them traveling up to three hours round-trip for essential care. When you’re nauseated, or you have just come out of radiation, and must go to be there early mornings and late nights for four days in a row for six weeks, I just can’t imagine the burden and stress of having that diagnosis and demand. Right now, those patients are making a three-hour round-trip every day.

“Now we will have a world-class gem right in our backyard.”

Wesley Barnett, Ashley’s husband, says that while they are pleased to be a part of the initial investment, the community will be integral in bringing the Moffitt campus to fruition.

“Our family is proud to make the first major investment in this much-needed facility, but $10 million only gets us to the starting line. The finish line is $50 million and world-class cancer care right here in Polk County. I am personally committed to seeing this through, and I hope others in this community are inspired to join us.”

After focus groups indicated an established need for this kind of care in Polk County, it became clear to the interested parties that the initiative should move forward.

The Barnetts have pledged the first $10 million, but the total project cost with land is estimated to be $142 million. The donation of the land brings the project much closer to reality.

The Rogers family of Lakeland has generously donated approximately 34 acres of land off of US 98 in Highland City, which will be the main site for Moffitt, with the possibility of a surgical center coming at a later time.

Editor’s Note: The Rogers family’s donation of land will be featured in a separate upcoming Daily Ridge Media story highlighting their generous and vital contribution to the project.

“Polk County desperately needs to support a project of this caliber,” says Ashley.

“Some may think healthcare is becoming too competitive in Polk County. I’d say it’s the opposite — Moffitt elevates everyone. It raises the talent pool, expands access, and creates real partnerships with Lakeland Regional Health and other institutions through fellowships and collaboration. We’re not just bringing a cancer center; we’re bringing jobs, education, and a better quality of life to this community.”

Ashley says that when the announcement was made at the February fundraiser, it was important to take note of one important fact.

“The announcement at the Magnolia Ball wasn’t for the people in that room. It was for generations to come — families who will get the treatment they need, right here at home, and who will be part of the work toward a cure

The post Barnett Family Invests in Future of Treatment at Moffitt Cancer Center Location Coming to Polk County first appeared on Lake Wales Daily News.

Fatal Crash Reported At Hwy 27 And Hwy 630A Near Frostproof

carl — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 23:59:11 +0000

FROSTPROOF, FL – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that a crash at Hwy 27 and Hwy 630A near Frostproof is a fatal traffic accident.

The call came in shortly after 6:12 PM. Multiple agencies responded, including Polk County Fire Rescue, the Frostproof Fire Department, and deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

As of this time, Hwy 27 northbound is shut down, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Drivers should expect significant delays and are urged to use alternate routes until the roadway is reopened.

The Sheriff’s Office has not yet released the identity of the individual involved, pending notification of next of kin.

This is an active and ongoing investigation. Additional details will be released by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office as they become available.

The post Fatal Crash Reported At Hwy 27 And Hwy 630A Near Frostproof first appeared on Lake Wales Daily News.

Polk County Commissioners Approve Tax Exemption to New Business to Build Data Center

Maria Iannucci — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 05:30:00 +0000

by James Coulter

More than 50 new full-time jobs, each with an annual wage 200 percent greater than the county’s average annual wage, will be created now that county commissioners have approved granting a tax exemption to a new business.

At their regular meeting on Tues. Nov. 4, 2025, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance granting an Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption to Fort Meade DC, LLC.

The new business seeks to create 50 new full-time jobs, each paying at least $107,000 in annual wages, which is more than 200 percent of the county’s average annual wage as of 2025.

“The Company also plans to invest $1.2 billion in real property improvements, and $1.64 billion in tangible equipment, to construct and operate a 1,925,000 square foot data center facility in Fort Meade,” wrote Sandra Howard, Deputy County Attorney.

The Property Appraiser reported that, while $14,837,536 in ad valorem taxes will be lost each year during the ten-year tax exemption period between 2029 to 2038, the new business will generate new tax revenue, including $13,159,501 for the school board, $2,040,518 for the Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU), and $474,348 for the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD).

Many commissioners praised the new business for seeking to locate in Polk County, not only bringing high-quality, high-paying jobs, but also generating tax revenue to help fund government services.

“This is a project that I think is our responsibility to bring to Polk County,” said Commissioner Martha Santiago. “It is our responsibility to not only bring jobs, but really good jobs, good-paying jobs….I look forward to the game changer and how it will impact not only Fort Meade but the whole of Polk County. I think this is good for us.”

“Projects like this make a big difference in potentially saving future escalated costs,” said Commissioner Michael Scott. “We are glad you all chose Polk County.”

“There might be concerns about tax exemption..[but] this is really low impact to the majority of our infrastructure,” said Commissioner Becky Troutman. “This [company] is what we need in this county, and I will gladly support it.”

The post Polk County Commissioners Approve Tax Exemption to New Business to Build Data Center first appeared on Lake Wales Daily News.

$8 Million Purchase of 197 Acres Near Lake Wales to Host New Wastewater Facility

Maria Iannucci — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 16:59:28 +0000

by James Coulter

A new wastewater treatment facility will be constructed near Lake Wales now that 197 acres of property have been approved to be purchased for nearly $8 million by Polk County commissioners.

At their regular meeting on Tues. Oct. 21, 2025, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted unanimously to approve an agreement for the sale and purchase of property located along the north side of Masterpiece Road to the north and east of Lake Wales.

“The site contains approximately 150 acres of contiguous property along Masterpiece Road along with approximately 47-acres located adjacent to the northwest thereof for a total of 197-acres,” wrote R. Wade Allen, Director of Real Estate Services.

The 197 acres of land will be purchased from the site’s current owner, Texas Aquatic Harvesting, Inc., for a total of $8,500,000. Funds are available within the county’s Utilities Capital Expansion Fund.

Furthermore, aside from serving as a site for a new wastewater treatment facility, the property could also facilitate other county operations and services, as well as aid in conservation efforts.

“After further review, it was determined that any additional property could be utilized for other public services needed in the area to include roadway maintenance, fleet maintenance, and sheriff operation as well as future public service needs that may arise,” Allen wrote.

Commissioner Bill Braswell asked whether construction of the new facility would take five or ten years; he was told it could be completed in under two years.

Commissioner Mike Scott praised county staff for acquiring a property that advances conservation goals and allows productive use of adjacent parcels.

The post $8 Million Purchase of 197 Acres Near Lake Wales to Host New Wastewater Facility first appeared on Lake Wales Daily News.

PCSO’s Volunteer Sheriff’s Service Officers Program Seeks Community Members to Enhance Efficiency

Maria Iannucci — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 19:30:59 +0000

Graphic credit: PCSO

PCSO: The PCSO’s Volunteer Sheriff’s Service Officers (VSSO) program supports sworn deputies and detectives so that they can remain focused on providing efficient law enforcement service to the citizens of Polk County. VSSO members are not utilized to replace sworn or other paid positions within the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, but rather to enhance the efficiency of the agency in order to reduce and solve crime.

VSSO tasks may include; Clerical Support – General office duties, Data Entry, Reception desk, Special projects and events, Neighborhood patrols, Take reports for past-occurred crimes, Conducting minor traffic crash investigations, Investigating parking violations, and Issuing Citations.

There are Level 1 VSSOs who volunteer a minimum of eight hours a month and only work in the offices. Level 2 VSSOs are required to volunteer a minimum of 24 hours a month and they patrol neighborhoods and help by supporting investigations and traffic enforcement. They are unarmed and drive patrol vehicles with yellow lights.

Sergeant Mike Reckhart is the coordinator of the nearly 30 VSSOs.

If you would like more information about the VSSO program or you wish to become a VSSO CLICK HERE to go to the PCSO website.

The post PCSO’s Volunteer Sheriff’s Service Officers Program Seeks Community Members to Enhance Efficiency first appeared on Lake Wales Daily News.

County Commission Approves Changing Future Land Use Subdistrict of 178-Acre Property near Thornhill Road to Facilitate Polk Parkway

Maria Iannucci — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 20:35:01 +0000

by James Coulter

To help reflect the changing character of Thornhill Road, especially due to the construction of the Polk Parkway, county commissioners approved a Future Land Use subdistrict change of a 178-acre property.

At their regular meeting on Tues. Aug. 19, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted 3-2 to approve changing the future land use subdistrict of a 178-acre property from Residential-Low-1 (RL-1) to Residential-Low-4 (RL-4).

The subject property is located south of Thornhill Road, east of Lake Hancock, and north of the City of Bartow. The Central Polk Parkway, a proposed extension from State Road 570B to US 17, is expected to cut through the site with a bridge crossing over Thornhill Road.

The subdistrict change was requested by the property owners, who claimed “the retaining walls used for the Central Polk Parkway’s proposed bridge over Thornhill Road will affect the ability to develop the property,” according to the county staff report.

“Although the type of bridge should not be the determining factor in deciding the appropriateness of a land use, staff acknowledges the applicant’s statement that the proposed bridge over Thornhill Road will change the character of the area,” the staff report explained.

Commissioner Bill Braswell compared the proposed bridge to a “mountain” that would divide the property almost into “two different communities” where it would almost be impossible to “see the other side.”

Many residents took to the podium during public comments to voice their concerns about the property change, especially with the construction of the proposed bridge.

One resident, Mike Harrison, expressed concerns about potential traffic issues. He mentioned how traveling along Thornhill Road to State Road 40 took at least 27 minutes in the morning due to congestion.

Another resident, Daniel Dentz, worried that the number of accidents could potentially increase along the road. Having lived there for nearly 30 years, he claims to hear ambulances routinely racing down the road due to accidents along it.

“Our way of life is being sold out,” he said. “The more you let them develop that area and more units, the more density and the worse it will be. If I wanted to live in Tampa, I would move there, and I don’t want to live there. If you all had to live out there, you would not vote for this.”

The post County Commission Approves Changing Future Land Use Subdistrict of 178-Acre Property near Thornhill Road to Facilitate Polk Parkway first appeared on Lake Wales Daily News.

Polk County Parks and Recreation Facilitating Letters from the North Pole

Maria Iannucci — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 12:52:23 +0000

Mark your calendars! Polk County Parks and Recreation’s annual Letters From the North Pole returns. This year, the friendly North Pole staff are ready to write their custom letters and certificates for the children of Polk County. Don’t miss out on this magical tradition.

Here’s the link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/8br7wgt

Registration Information:

This program is intended for children up to the age of 12
Registration is free but limited to 1,200 households
Each household can include up to five children’s names

Please call the Parks and Recreation office at 863-534-6911 for more information.

The post Polk County Parks and Recreation Facilitating Letters from the North Pole first appeared on Lake Wales Daily News.

Register Now for Rec@Home Kits from Polk County Parks and Rec

Maria Iannucci — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 22:23:15 +0000

Update 8-15-25: registration has reached capacity and is now closed.

Polk County Parks and Recreation August Rec@Home kits contain cool activities to celebrate the last of summer and the start of the school year! Activity kit registration is free, but there is a limit of 500 registrations. Limit one registration per household.

Each kit is packed with fun for your little explorers to do at home! Each mailer will include the following free activities:

Apple Tree Craft
Camping Themed Maze Puzzle
Caterpillar Craft
Ladybug/Bumblebee Tic Tac Toe Game
Pencil Themed Craft
Stickers

Kits will be mailed on August 15.

The post Register Now for Rec@Home Kits from Polk County Parks and Rec first appeared on Lake Wales Daily News.

Central Polk Parkway Extension near Thornhill Road Raises Concerns About Traffic, Schools, and Flooding

Maria Iannucci — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 19:21:39 +0000

by James Coulter

An extension to Central Polk Parkway near Thornhill Road in Bartow has many residents raising concerns about potential traffic problems, flooding, and overcrowded schools.

At their regular meeting on Tues. July 15, Polk County commissioners voted unanimously to change the land use designation of 158 acres near Thornhill Road.

The land use designation will be changed from Agricultural/Residential-Rural (A/RR) to Residential-Low (RL), and from Rural Development Area (RDA) to Urban Growth Area (UGA).

The subject property is located south of Thornhill Road, east of Lake Hancock, and north of Bartow. Its land use designation change will help facilitate further urbanization of the area due to the extension of Central Polk Parkway.

Bart Allen, an attorney representing the property owner, mentioned how the property has been bifurcated due to the parkway expansion, which “dynamically changes the feel of the property” and is “urbanizing this area in an area that is urbanized already.”

“You have seen a tremendous amount of growth coming to this piece of property,” he said. “You have the infrastructure in place, the water, the utilities, and that is why it is now appropriate to go to the residential low and urban growth boundaries.”

However, the change to the property, along with the construction of the parkway, has raised concerns from residents in the area. Several residents spoke during public comments to express their concerns about traffic and other potential problems these changes will create.

One resident, Daniel Bentz, inquired about the intent of the property. As the property was a wet area with ditches, he asked where the water would go if something were built there.

“I’m opposed to it, but I know nothing I will say or do will change all of your minds because they will get their way because they are rich and powerful people,” he said.

Another resident, Kerry Forsell, brought up the potential traffic issues the parkway extension could create for Thornhill Road. He mentioned how the road was already dangerous due to the semi-trucks that regularly drive along it.

“I have seen accidents taking my garbage out at the end of the road,” he said.

Jennifer Castro, a teacher at a local school, raised concerns about the impact on local schools. If the property becomes the location of new development, the influx of new residents could potentially overcrowd already overcrowded nearby schools.

“Our schools are at a very high capacity,” she said. “Our schools are brimming, so something like this will really impact your schools.”

Allen returned to the podium to address these concerns. He mentioned that the parkway will implement drainage and culverts to alleviate potential flooding, and that local schools had the capacity to receive new students.

“Even looking at the areas, that property is already residential low, so we are not changing anything in that area,” he said. “So, we are not having any significant change on what can be developed in that area.”

The post Central Polk Parkway Extension near Thornhill Road Raises Concerns About Traffic, Schools, and Flooding first appeared on Lake Wales Daily News.

Transfer of Conner Road from County to City Raises Concerns About Flooding

Maria Iannucci — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 03:04:23 +0000

by James Coulter

Residents living along Conner Road may not be concerned whether the road is owned by the city or the county, so long as the road and its culvert are properly maintained to prevent potential flooding.

At their regular meeting on Tues. July 15, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve an ordinance thatwould approve a Road Transfer Agreement to transfer Conner Road from Polk County to Lake Wales.

During public comments, Jessica Brower, a resident along county road, raised concerns she and other residents had about the road’s maintenance. Specifically, they are concerned about the road’s culvert that empties stormwater into Lake Dance and thus prevents flooding.

“We don’t care if it’s the county or the city [maintaining the road], we just want to be sure that the responsiveness that the county has provided in maintaining the culvert,” she said. “If it [the culvert] fails, all our properties will be flooded. We want the city to be sure and mindful to maintain the culvert so our houses don’t flood.”

Commissioner Carol Gillespie commented that, once the road has been transferred, the public works department remains mindful about these concerns and properly maintains the road and its infrastructure.

“This is apparently a road that could fail and undo these homes, and that would certainly be a negative,” she said. “[If] after the culvert has failed, and your house has been undone, that really wouldn’t be much comfort. So, yes, our public works people need to keep that in mind and keep an eye on that during the transition.”

Commissioner Keith Thompson assured residents living in the area that the road would be placed in good hands with the city government.

“With this coming into the city, I hope it will encourage the residents out there to know that your city government will react a whole lot faster in regards to this, and possibly we will be given a chance to make this road and culvert even better,” he said.

The post Transfer of Conner Road from County to City Raises Concerns About Flooding first appeared on Lake Wales Daily News.