Polk County Public Schools (PCPS) has announced upcoming increases to varsity football ticket prices, marking the first adjustment since 2011. The new prices will take effect for the 2025-26 and 2027-28 school years.
The district says the price increases are necessary to help support student-athletes, maintain high-quality athletic programs, and cover rising operational costs.
Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, regular admission for varsity football games will increase from $6 to $7. Another $1 increase is planned for the 2027-28 school year, bringing the ticket price to $8.
“We understand the importance of athletics in our students’ educational experience, and the role these events play in bringing our community together,” said Dan Talbot, senior director of athletics for PCPS. “These incremental adjustments will help us continue to provide safe, well-equipped facilities and meaningful opportunities for our student-athletes, while also addressing increased costs associated with hosting athletic events.”
According to PCPS, the district has maintained some of the lowest athletic event ticket prices in Central Florida. Revenue generated from the increases will go toward improving equipment, supporting transportation, and enhancing security for athletic events across the county.
The district emphasized its commitment to keeping school events accessible to families, with discounted student tickets and season pass options remaining available.
Polk County Public Schools serves more than 10,000 student-athletes and continues to focus on providing high-quality educational and extracurricular opportunities for all students.
For more information about the ticket price adjustments or available assistance programs, contact [email protected].
Ashley Bell Barnett, a respected business leader, philanthropist, and passionate advocate for education and community service in Central Florida, has been appointed to the Women United Global Leadership Council, an influential advisory group to United Way Worldwide.
The Council brings together women leaders from across the globe to help guide United Way’s work in strengthening families, empowering women, and expanding access to opportunities such as affordable, quality childcare. New members, including Barnett, were selected through a competitive nomination process for their experience, dedication to Women United, and demonstrated impact in their communities.
“Ashley has long been a passionate advocate for the communities of Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties, dedicating her time and energy to uplifting individuals and families across the region,” said Katherine Fitzwater, Director of Public Relations for United Way of Central Florida. “This new role is a testament to Ashley’s vision, compassion, and tireless work in advancing the mission of Women United.”
In her new role, Barnett will work alongside global leaders to further United Way’s mission of mobilizing communities to action so that all people can thrive. United Way Worldwide takes a comprehensive approach to addressing local challenges, focusing on improving health, expanding youth opportunities, and increasing financial security. Their work spans tens of thousands of communities, sharing innovations and scaling impact to help individuals and families reach their full potential—goals that align closely with Barnett’s long-standing commitment to community service.
Barnett’s service extends well beyond United Way. She is a trustee of Florida Polytechnic University, a member of the Florida Council of 100, and a District Board of Trustees member for Polk State College, where she also previously served as Foundation Chair. Her leadership in education, workforce development, and economic initiatives has made her a highly respected figure across the region.
Ashley has been the recipient of notable awards including the National Athena Award (2023), AFP philanthropist of the year, and Barnett was recently named a Florida Community Hero. Bell Barnett holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of South Florida and received a bachelor’s degree from Florida Southern College. She is a fifth-generation Floridian who lives in Winter Haven with her husband, Wesley, and their two daughters. Ashley is passionate about travel, especially to Southeast Asia, sailing, nature, music, and theatre.
Now, as part of the Women United Global Leadership Council, Barnett’s influence will help shape global strategies that benefit families not just in Central Florida, but around the world—building toward a future where every person, in every community, has the opportunity to succeed.
To learn more about Ashley Bell Barnett and the Women United Global Leadership Council, visit:
Notice is hereby given pursuant to the Fictitious Name Act, Section 865.09, Florida Statutes, that the undersigned is engaged in business under the fictitious name:
Goddess Links Permanent Jewelry
and intends to register the said name with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations.
Business Owner:
Manifest Fempire LLC
Principal Place of Business:
Mobile Business – Servicing Polk County and Surrounding Areas, Florida
The business provides mobile permanent jewelry services including welded-on jewelry installations, pop-up events, private parties, and personalized intention-setting rituals.
HAINES CITY – Sharon Ann Cook Gardner spent more than three decades shaping young minds in the Polk County School District, where she earned the admiration of generations of junior and senior high school students. Known for her strict but caring approach, she left a lasting impact on the thousands who passed through her classrooms.
After retiring from teaching, Sharon brought her passion for people and history to the heart of downtown Haines City by opening Hidden Treasures, a charming antique shop that quickly became a local favorite. There, she continued to connect with others—this time over vintage finds, shared stories, and a warm smile.
Sharon passed away in June in Brooksville, Florida. She was 82.
Born and raised in Haines City to citrus growers Rutherford “Rufus” and Mary Cook, Sharon was a standout student. She served as drum major of the marching band and was known both for her academic excellence and magnetic personality. After graduating high school in 1961, she earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisville and later, a master’s degree from Rollins College.
It was after college that she met the love of her life, Donald Louis Gardner. The couple shared a long and happy marriage until Don’s passing in 2017. Together, they raised three children and were blessed with three grandsons.
Her daughter, Mary Fair Gardner Weldon, is the mother of Cole and Andrew Weldon. Her daughter Lesley Gardner, married to Bucky Buchanan, has one son, Dalton Lott. Sharon’s son, Darin Gardner, is married to Lis Gardner. Sharon is also survived by her brother Hootie Cook and his wife, Barbara.
The Gardner’s built a life full of love, laughter, and lasting friendships. They enjoyed cheering for the Florida State Seminoles, weekend trips to the hunting camp and fishing.
“Sharon loved to saltwater fishing with the boys, Don and Buddy (Conroy). She caught sailfish and anything that got on her hook,” said lifelong friend Brenda Conroy.
Kathrine Addison Bronson, also a close lifelong friend she met in junior high, remembers many fishing trips including one to Little Gasparilla Island when they caught their limit in snapper.
“She just loved the outdoors,” Kathrine said.
After retirement, they fulfilled a lifelong dream by building a home in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, where they spent many joyful years enjoying the mountains and the friendships they formed there.
“Sharon never met a stranger,” Kathrine said. “She loved to travel and kept in touch with so many friends she met along the way.”
Brenda agreed. “She loved everyone. It was all about what she could do for someone else. It was hard for her to see the bad in anyone.”
From the Florida Keys to New York City, Rome, and Colorado, Sharon’s adventures were filled with laughter, meaningful connections, and memorable moments. “She was so thoughtful,” Kathrine said. “I can’t look anywhere in my house without seeing something she gave us. The world is not the same without her. She was one-of-a-kind.”
Sharon shared a special bond with Brenda, Kathrine and Joan McNair, all friends since the 1980s. They kept in close touch with one another, taking trips together, but, most importantly, making sure to always be there for each other.
“When Ronnie (Addison – Kathrine’s husband) died in 2008, Sharon called me and I was crying and upset,” Kathrine remembered. “It wasn’t two hours and people started showing up at my house – Don and Sharon, Howard and Joan (McNair), Brenda (Conroy), Cheryl and Denny (Wilkinson), Hootie and Barbara (Cook), and my neighbor. Sharon had called and gathered them all to support me. That’s just how she was – so thoughtful and supportive.”
Sharon taught junior high science from 1967 to 1985, then continued her career at the high school level until her retirement in 1997. Even after stepping out of the classroom, her work with the community didn’t stop. In addition to her antique shop, she co-founded Salon on the Park with her friend Kathy Prince and launched Legacy of Love—an annual gathering of local women friends to reconnect and share life updates.
She loved her hometown and was a founding member of the Haines City Historical Museum. According to the Museum’s Facebook page, “She (Sharon) and her husband, Don, wanted everyone to remember Haines City’s heritage and worked hard to make our museum a reality. Sharon touched so many lives in a positive way being a retired school teacher, community activist, and loving wife and mother and friend. She was truly a Southern Lady.”
Sharon Ann Cook Gardner will be remembered not only for her long and dedicated career as an educator, but for the way she built community, cherished friendships, and filled every room—whether a classroom, a shop, or a mountain home—with warmth, curiosity, and compassion.
As summer celebrations and holidays approach, fireworks and sparklers light up the night, bringing joy to families across the community. However, these dazzling displays come with risks, especially for children. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports thousands of firework-related injuries each year, with kids making up a significant portion. To keep the festivities safe, here are essential guidelines for parents to protect their children around fireworks and sparklers.
The Hidden Dangers
Fireworks and sparklers are not harmless fun. Sparklers, often handed to kids as a “safe” option, can burn at over 2,000°F—hot enough to melt metal. Burns, cuts, and eye injuries are common when safety precautions are ignored. Local fire departments urge families to prioritize safety to prevent avoidable accidents.
Firework Safety Guidelines
Stick to Professional Shows: The safest way for kids to enjoy fireworks is at professional displays, where experts follow strict safety protocols. Check local event listings for shows near you.
Maintain a Safe Distance: If using fireworks at home, keep children at least 50-100 feet away from the launch area, depending on the firework type.
No Handling by Kids: Children should never light or touch fireworks, including duds, which can still ignite unexpectedly.
Be Prepared: Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby to extinguish fires or soak used fireworks.
Dress Safely: Ensure kids wear snug clothing to avoid fire hazards. Flowy costumes are a risky choice during firework events.
Sparkler Precautions
Sparklers require extra caution, as they’re often given to children. Follow these tips to keep kids safe:
Adult Supervision: Never let kids use sparklers without an adult present. Young children should not handle them at all.
One at a Time: Limit kids to one sparkler to reduce the risk of burns or clothing fires. Teach them to hold it away from their body.
Protect Hands: Have kids wear gloves, preferably leather, to shield against burns.
Safe Disposal: After use, dunk sparklers in a bucket of water to cool them completely before disposal.
No Running: Instruct kids to stand still while holding sparklers to avoid tripping or collisions.
General Safety Tips
Educate Early: Talk to kids about the dangers of fireworks and sparklers in simple terms. Make it clear these are not toys.
Clear the Area: Use fireworks and sparklers in open spaces free of dry grass, leaves, or other flammable materials.
Know the Law: Check local regulations, as some areas ban consumer fireworks or have strict rules.
Be Ready for Emergencies: Keep a first aid kit with burn ointment, bandages, and antiseptic wipes on hand.
Handling Injuries
If an accident occurs:
Burns: Run cool water over the burn for 10-15 minutes, cover with a clean cloth, and seek medical help for severe cases.
Eye Injuries: Avoid rubbing the eye. Rinse gently with water and get immediate medical attention.
Cuts: Clean with water, apply a bandage, and consult a doctor for deep or infected wounds.
A Safe Celebration
Fireworks and sparklers can create lasting memories, but only if safety comes first. By supervising closely, keeping kids at a safe distance, and teaching them to respect these powerful tools, parents can ensure a joyful and injury-free celebration. Whenever possible, opt for professional displays, and always handle sparklers with care. Let’s make this holiday season bright and safe for everyone!
Bartow, Fla. (July 2, 2025) – Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) Battalion Chiefs Ramon Gonzalez and Charles True will be moving up the ranks to Deputy Chief positions effective next week.
Gonzalez, who has been with PCFR since August 2010, will be the Deputy Chief of Training/Professional Standards and True, who has been with PCFR since November 2006, will be the Deputy Chief of Emergency Medical Services.
“Their dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our organization have not only inspired their peers and respective battalions but have also significantly contributed to the safety and well-being of our community,’’ said Fire Chief Shawn Smith. “These promotions reflect their exceptional skill and the respect they have earned from their peers. We look forward to their continued guidance and vision as we move our organization forward.”
An industrial warehouse being constructed at Laurel Estates will gain direct access to North Ridge Trail now that Polk County Commissioners have approved an agreement for improvements to the trail.
At their regular meeting on Tues. July 1, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted unanimously to approve an infrastructure agreement between the County and EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC., the developer for Laurel Estates.
The agreement will allow the developer to “design and construct certain non-site related transportation improvements for the North Ridge Trail,” as explained by Thado N. Hays, CPM, Concurrency & Entitlements Manager.
North Ridge Trail is located next to the property currently owned by the developer, which is located south of Laurel Estates Phase 2, west of US Highway 27, and east of the Core of the Green Swamp.
“The Developer’s property is currently being developed with an industrial warehouse that will gain direct access to the North Ridge Trail once complete,” Hays wrote.
“This agreement will allow for these improvements to be made more rapidly by the Developer and at a reduced cost if Polk County were to program these improvements,” he continued.
The agreement and its transportation improvements are estimated to cost no more than $4,181,255. Funding through the county is available in the Roads and Drainage 5-year CIP General Capital Improvement Fund.
To improve communications during emergencies such as hurricanes, the Polk County Utilities Division has been approved to purchase emergency operations communications equipment and services.
At their meeting on Tues. July 1, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted unanimously to approve a request from the Utilities Division to purchase radios and other related essential services through a one-time expense of $269,754.
“The Utilities Division has identified the need to improve communications during emergencies such as hurricanes and other real-time events,” wrote Holden Wright, P.E., Utilities Projects Manager.
“During Hurricane Milton in 2024, Utilities lost the ability to communicate with cell phones and had to rely on existing radios for not only field staff, but also Contractors conducting emergency work to restore service,” he further elucidated.
The Utilities Division will purchase this equipment through an agreement with Motorola, which they had initially entered into on Nov. 5, 2019. The agreement, as Wright explained, provides “for the purchase of various Motorola equipment and services using discounted pricing and hourly rates.”
“These additional radios will ensure that all staff and authorized Contractors in the field are equipped with radios during storm events, increasing Utilities’ reliability and level of service,” Wright wrote.
Funding for this purchase is available through the Utilities Operating budget.
Red, White and BOOM at LEGOLAND – Winter Haven (LEGOLAND Florida Resort) • Special 3D-glasses fireworks show
Lakeland Flying Tigers Fireworks Spectacular – Lakeland (Publix Field / Joker Marchant Stadium) • Game starts at 5:00 PM; fireworks follow around 9:00 PM
Thunder on the Ridge – Haines City (Lake Eva Park, 555 Ledwith Ave) • 4:00 PM–10:00 PM – Live bands, food vendors, kids’ zone, beer garden, fireworks at 9:15 PM
Auburndale 4th of July Fireworks – Auburndale (Lake Ariana Park) • Fireworks at 9:00 PM
Bartow Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks – Bartow (Mosaic Park & Civic Center) • 2:30 PM–10:00 PM – Concerts, food, kids’ games, fireworks at 9:10 PM
Davenport 4th of July Celebration & Fireworks – Davenport (Lewis Mathews Sports Complex) • 3:00 PM–9:45 PM – Live entertainment, food vendors, fireworks at 9:15 PM
Dundee 4th of July Celebration – Dundee (Community Center, 603 Lake Marie Blvd) • 6:00 PM–9:30 PM – Games, bounce houses, live music, fireworks at 9:00 PM
Rockin’ the Ridge – Lake Wales (Lake Wailes Park) • Start 3:00 PM, family-fun + live music, fireworks at 9:00 PM
