Local Politics · Polk County
The Polk County Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted to turn off comments on all 21 official county government social media channels. Commissioner Bill Braswell stated the decision aims to eliminate misinformation and abusive remarks that distract from essential public safety information, such as road closures and emergency alerts. The resolution applies only to county-managed accounts and excludes constitutional officers like the Sheriff's Office. County officials emphasized that residents can still access accurate information via the county website at polkfl.gov.
Community News · Polk County
Registered voters in Polk County can access free transportation to polling locations during the 2026 midterm election through a partnership between Citrus Connection and the Polk County Supervisor of Elections. Free rides are available for early voting from Oct. 19 through Oct. 31, daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Election Day, Nov. 3, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Riders must show their driver a voter identification card and bring valid photo ID with a signature to the polls.
Public Safety · Lakeland, FL
The Florida Polytechnic University Police Department in Lakeland has become the first law enforcement agency in the United States to integrate a manned electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle into its operations. The Jetson ONE aircraft, nicknamed "Astro," is awaiting final FAA approval before it can be used for police duties such as campus monitoring, storm response, and emergency supply delivery. Polk County is also participating in the FAA's eVTOL and Advanced Air Mobility Integration Pilot Program, with testing at the SunTrax facility in Auburndale expected to begin by the end of 2026. The aircraft will additionally support Florida Poly's new aerospace engineering degree program as a research and student-learning tool.
