Beginning in February 2010, Polk Vision has been in the process of conducting a comprehensive revision of the original priorities and strategies developed in 2004 which we are calling “Polk Vision Refresh.” We have been gathering community input through focus groups, social media communications and surveys.

During the months of July and August, each of the six areas of focus task forces (Education, Economic Development, Infrastructure, Quality of life, Government and Private Sector Leadership) will conduct open meetings to revise the strategies contained in the original Polk Vision document.

Interested parties are encouraged to participate in the task force meetings either in person or via webinar (more information on webinar hosting sites will be released in July).

July 12 – Quality of Life
July 14 – Economic Development
July 19 – Infrastructure
July 20 – Education
July 21 – Private Sector Leadership
August 2 – Government

Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: LTB Auditorium at the PSC/USF Poly campus
3433 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland, 33803

photo illustration credit: Jon Smith

The period from May 3 to May 28 is the final opportunity for student applications to Polk County magnet and choice schools for the 2010-2011 school year. Applications can be submitted online only at www.polk-fl.net. Individuals without computer or Internet access can complete the application on school district computers at any magnet or choice school or by visiting the Office of Magnet and Choice Schools at the school district administrative office, 1915 South Floral Avenue, Bartow. Applications will be processed according to the date received. For more information: (863) 534-0631.

froint photo credit: Tom Hagerty for Metro I4 News

photo credit: Tom Hagerty for Metro I4 News

Playing primarily at the Chain of Lakes Park in Winter Haven and Lake Myrtle Park in Auburndale*, the teams also use fields at Henley Field, Polk Community College, Southeastern University, Webber International University, Warner University, Pat Thomas Stadium and some of the area’s top high school fields.

It’s well played Spring baseball without major league prices and Metro I4 News photographer Tom Hagerty has attended many of the games. Here are a few shots…

See the rest of the Central Florida Invitational photos here…

* – Corrected after reader feedback. Originally read “Playing primarily at the Chain of Lakes Park in Winter Haven, the teams also use fields at Lake Myrtle Park, Henley Field….”

photos credit: Tom Hagerty for Metro I4 News

“It is important to complete your registration by March 8th,” said Lori Edwards, Polk County’s Supervisor of Elections “any person submitting a form after that date will not be eligible to vote in the City Election.”

You can download a voter registration form at www.polkelections.com. Your always-helpful public library has forms on hand. Each city hall and numerous local businesses have copies, but a visit to the library is fun for the whole family. If you’re already registered, you can use the opportunity to update your information with the election office.

For further information regarding the Book Closing deadline or any other election related questions please contact the elections office at 534-5888.

For years, officers have trained by shooting at stationary targets. A big step was popup targets as officers moved through training buildings. Today training can be more realistic.

The Polk County Sheriff’s office spends considerable time training officers. Just before the Thanksgiving holiday the department added a tool to improve that training. Imagine a room with a wall size video screen. Like a videogame on steroids, videotaped actors move through scenarios, responding or not to a live trainee’s commands and weapon fire.

You’re a deputy with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. You’ve standing in front of a mini-van as a father explains why he has pulled to the side of the road. He’s upset, but attempting to explain his predicament. A teen sits fidgeting in the front seat. Younger children in the back seat are yelling at the teen. You’re watching inside the van as you glance back at the father. His hands are down at his side, palms open and facing you. The children are agitated. You start to step toward the minivan’s passenger side as the teen opens the door. You shout for him to stay seated. He continues opening the door.

You see his hand come up. Is that a smile? Is he angry? Does he have a gun? You have less time than it takes to read this sentence to decide. Decide while his father is yelling. Decide while children are jumping in the back seat. Decide while the teen continues out of the car.

One-third of a second has passed. You take too long to decide. You’re shot and killed.

In the facility, officers use standard weapons and tools outfitted with sensors instead of bullets. Cameras track officers as they work through real-life, real-time scenarios. Instructors use interactive media to alter the scenarios to respond to the skill level of the trainee. After the training scene is over, instructors can replay the video and show officers where they did well, and where they could improve.

Running though a scenario quickly starts to feel real. The actors fall when shot. They shoot back when they’re missed or only wounded. Trainees don’t feel the return shots, but the video turns red if the officer would have been killed.

Lieutenant Rick Wright is the training supervisor at PCSO Burnham McCall Training Center, “We are the first in this area to bring this simulated training to use.”

Wright points out how little an officer know when responding to a call. They know the location and a very brief description such as “shooting” or domestic disturbance. “Deputies don’t really know what they’re getting into,” Wright says. He says the department uses the video facility to train officers to make informed situation-based decisions.

Scenarios are about two minutes long with branching options that allow a single scenario to have various outcomes. The videos are guided. An officer can’t choose to open a door or not. Though some scenarios seem to start slow, action happens lightening quick.

Trainer Sgt Larry Traylor, points out that the methods is realistic. “In these scenarios, we’re training action and reaction all at real-life speed.” Wright says the scenarios are short for a good reason, “We’re focusing on the decision-making process.”

In addition to the realistic training, Wright finds the system cost effective, “It was half the cost of most simulators on the market.” He added that the department will see significant savings, “A case of 1000 rounds (of ammunition) is approximated $260. A case of the CO2 cartridges (to power the training weapons) is $340.“ A quick bit of math, and Wright figured the Sherriff’s Office gets around 45,000 rounds out of that CO2 case.

Wright says the training isn’t only for new officers. Veteran deputies spend time in the facility. “You can never get enough training,” says Wright. He expanded on the cost effective aspect of the facility, “We need just one instructor in here versus seven in an old-fashion simulation training. Weather is also a big factor. We can now operate during inclement weather.”

Lt. Rick Wright prepares to fire as Sgt. Larry Traylor manages the training scenario.

That’s because of the interactive nature of the training facility. An instructor sits at a computer behind the trainee. He watches and listens and can alter the direction of the scenario based on the responses of the trainee. If the deputy uses the proper language to handle an explosive situation, the instructor can show the video actor calming down. Improperly handle the scene, and the actor gets belligerent and the situation escalates.

Wright explains that they focus on two major training procedures: analytic and intuitive. Classrooms are big on giving analytic training – ask the right questions and learn the right answers. “We train the intuitive thought process through this training,” Wright says of the facility, “It paints a cognitive map in the deputy’s mind. In the field the deputy now has an idea in his mind what he should do.”

The training facility has proved very popular with the deputies. “I haven’t heard one negative comment. Once they start they don’t want to stop,” Wright said.

With over 150 scenarios, each with numerous branching options, the facility offers something new each time a trainee use it. If one were to run through each scenario, Wright is prepared, “We automatically receive video updates at no cost.”

The department can also build scenarios using Polk County locations and actors. Using simple built-in tools, Sheriff’s Office video is imported, potential targets are identified, and branching options programmed. Wright says they have already constructed a simple scenario of the department shooting range.

Training isn’t all video and shooting though. Instructors can display department policies, case law, constitutional amendments, and outside video and photos to help a deputy understand the particulars of a scenario.

One aspect of the training that Wright highlights is the video of the trainee during training. An unobtrusive camera records the trainee and the screen. After the scenario, the instructor can show the trainee where he or she performed well or missed an important clue.

“We’re trying to teach them to see beyond the obvious. You get that thorough experience and that is what this (facility) does,” says Wright.

The department’s training isn’t the cutting edge of the technology. The next step is 3D to allow a trainee to step into the middle of scenarios. It adds another level of realism to the training, “It is just like me and you looking at each other,“ Sgt Traylor says. He did the yeoman’s work to find the present system and has studied the new 3D equipment. He pointed out that the department’s current system can be easily upgraded when the 3D projector is released from the manufacturer.

Lt. Wright can’t wait, “3D is going to open a plethora of training opportunities.”

photo credit: wumpiewoo

— REPUBLICAN —
Melony M. Bell:  (Fort Meade /Auditor) -  Campaign Web Site – Facebook Page
Former Mayor, City of Fort Meade
Former Commissioner, City of Fort Meade

Tom Presley:  (Bartow / Pastor) -  Facebook Page

POLK COUNTY COMMISSION – DISTRICT 4
This district covers the northeast area of the county, including the cities/towns of Davenport, Dundee, Haines City, Lake Hamilton, and areas of Winter Haven.
— DEMOCRAT —
Jean Reed:  (Incumbant /Winter Haven) -  Campaign Web Site – Facebook Page – Commission Bio Page -

— REPUBLICAN —
Todd Dantzler:  (Winter Haven / Realtor) -  Personal Web Page

John Hall: (Auburndale / Retired Polk County Building & Codes Director) – Campaign currently does not have an online presence.

POLK COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD – DISTRICT 3
The winner will replace incumbant board member Hazel Sellers, who is term-limited.
— NONPARTISAN —
Victoria Meares:  (Teacher /Lakeland) -  Campaign Web Site – Facebook Page -

POLK COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD - DISTRICT 6
The winner will replace incumbant board member Margaret Lofton, who is term-limited.
— NONPARTISAN —
Terry E. Pittman: (Eagle Lake / Former Facilities Managment Director) – Campaign Web Site -

Lynn Wilson, Jr.:  (Winter Haven / Certified Public Accountant) -  Campaign Web Site – Facebook Page -

POLK COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD - DISTRICT 7
— NONPARTISAN —
Tim Harris (Lakeland /Real Estate Sign Installation Business Owner; Real Estate Investiment Partner / Incumbant) – Campaign Web Site

COUNTY COURT – GROUP 6
— NONPARTISAN —
J. Kevin Abdoney:  (Lakeland / Attorney) -  Judicial Bio Page -

photo credit: a•Andres

Michael E. Arth: (DeLand / Landscape & Urban Designer, Author) -  Campaign Web Site – Facebook Page -

Phillip J. Kennedy: (Crestview) -  This candidate currently has no online presence.

Farid A. Khavari: (Miami / Businessman, Economist) -  Campaign Web Site – Facebook Page

Anthony “Tony” Knox, Sr.: (Quincy) -  This candidate currently has no online presence.

Jouse LaRouse: (Fort Lauderdale / ) -  Campaign Web Site

Darrin E. McGillis: (Miami / Concert Promoter, Artistic Manager) -  Campaign Web Site – Facebook Page -

Alex Sink: (Tampa / Retired Banker, Current Commissioner of Financial Services) -  Campaign Web Site – Facebook Page – Financial Services Bio Page -

— REPUBLICAN —
Tim Devine: (Kissimmee) -  Campaign Web Site -

Paula Dockery:  (Lakeland / Citrus & Cattle Grower) -  Campaign Web Site – Facebook Page – Legislative Web Page -
Currently Member, Florida State Senate, District 15
Previous Member, Florida House of Representatives

Ed Heeney: (Boynton Beach / Senior Paralegal) -  This candidate currently has no online presence.

Bill McCollum: (Tallahassee / Attorney) -  Campaign Web Site – Facebook Page – Attorney General Bio Page -
Currently Attorney General of Florida
Former Congressman,

James A. Van Driessche: (Largo / Various Businesses) -  Facebook Page -

— INDEPENDENCE PARTY OF FLORIDA —
Peter L. Allen:  (Riverview / Electrical Contractor) -  Campaign Web Site -

— LIBERTARIAN —
John Wayne Smith: (Leesburg / Awning Installer) -  Campaign Web Site – Facebook Page -

— INDEPENDENT (NO PARTY AFFILIATION) —
Karl C.C. Behm: (Crescent City / Land Clearing Contractor) -  Campaign Web Site -

Herman L. Giger: (Hollywood / Pilot) -  Campaign Web Site -

C.C. Reed: (Miami / Businessman) -  Campaign Web Site -

Lesther Trujillo: (Miramar / Limosine Driver) -  Candidate currently has no online presence.

ATTORNEY GENERAL OF FLORIDA
The winner will replace Republican incumbant Bill McCollum, who is running for Governor.
— DEMOCRAT —
Dave Aronberg:  (West Palm Beach / Attorney) -  Campaign Web Site – Facebook Page – Legislative Web Page -
Current Member, Florida State Senate – District 27

Dan Gelber: (Miami Beach / Attorney) -  Campaign Web Site – Facebook Page – Legislative Web Page -
Current Member, Florida State Senate – District 35
Former Member, Florida House of Representatives,

— REPUBLICAN —
Anna Holiday “Holly” Benson: (Pensacola / Attorney) -  Campaign Web Site – Facebook Page -

Pam Bondi: (Assistant State Attorney / Tampa)  – Campaign Web Site – Facebook Page -

Jeff Kottkamp: (Fort Myers / Attorney) -  Campaign Web Site – Facebook Page – Lieutenant Governor Bio Page -
Current Lieutenant Governor of Florida
Former Member, Florida House of Representatives

Jim Lewis: (Fort Lauderdale / Attorney) -  Campaign Web Site – Facebook Page -

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF FLORIDA
The winner will replace Democratic incumbant Alex Sink, who is running for Governor.
— DEMOCRAT —
Loranne Ausley: (Tallahassee / Attorney): – Campaign Web Site
Former Member, Florida House of Representatives

Joshua LaRose: (Fort Lauderdale / ) – Campaign Web Site

Ken Mazzie: (Palm Coast / Certified Public Accountant) – Candidate currently has no online presence.

— REPUBLICAN —
Jeff Atwater: (North Palm Beach / Banker) – Campaign Web Site – Facebook Page – Legislative Web Page -
Current Member, Florida State Senate, District 25; Senate President
Former Member, Florida House of Representatives
Former Vice Mayor, Village of North Palm Beach

Pat Patterson: (DeLand / Insurance Agent) – Campaign Web Site - Legislative Web Page -
Current Member, Florida House of Representatives, District 26
Former Member, Volusia County Council

COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES OF FLORIDA
The winner will replace Republican incumbant Charles H. Bronson, who is term-limited.
— DEMOCRAT —
Thaddeus “Thad” Hamilton: (Sunrise / Retired Federal Employee; Retired Military) -  Campaign Web Site -

Randy Hatch: (Branford / Agribusinessman ) -  Campaign Web Site – Facebook Page -
Former Member – Suwannee County Commission

Scott Maddox: (Tallahassee / Attorney) -  Campaign Web Site – Facebook Page -
Former Chairman, Florida Democratic Party
Former Mayor, City of Tallahassee
Former Member, Tallahassee City Commission

O.R. “Rick” Minton, Jr.: (Fort Pierce / Real Estate) – Campaign Web Site -
Former Member, Florida House of Representatives, District 78

— REPUBLICAN—
Carey Baker: (Eustis / Gun Shop Owner) -  Campaign Web Site – Facebook Page – Legislative Web Page -
Current Member, Florida State Senate, District 20
Former Member, Florida House of Representatives

Adam Putnam: (Bartow / Citrus & Cattle Businessman) -  Campaign Web Site – Facebook Page – Congressional Bio Page -
Current Member, United States House of Representatives, District 12
Former Member, Florida House of Representatives, District 63

— REAL FOOD PARTY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA —
James Harlin Carter: (Live Oak) -  Candidate currently has no online presence.

FLORIDA STATE SENATE – DISTRICT 10
— REPUBLICAN —
Paul M. Phillips: (Valrico / Attorney, Retired Military):  Facebook Page -

Ronda Storms:  (Incumbant / Brandon / Teacher, Attorney ) -  Campaign Web Site – Legislative Web Page -
Former Member, Hillsborough County Commission

FLORIDA STATE SENATE – DISTRICT 15
The winner will replace Republican incumbant Paula Dockery, who is running for Governor.
No candidates have qualified to run for this seat.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES – DISTRICT 63
— REPUBLICAN —
This district covers much of of southwest Polk County, including Crystal Lake, Lakeland Highlands, Medulla, and Winston plus areas of Bartow and Lakeland, as well as portions of southeastern Hillsborough County
Seth McKeel:  (Incumbant /Lakeland / Real Estate) – Campaign Web Site – Facebook Page – Legislative Web Page -
Former Member, Lakeland City Commission

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES – DISTRICT 64
This district covers much of northwest and north-central Polk County, including Gibsonia, Kathleen, Polk City, as well as areas of northern Lakeland.
— DEMOCRAT —
Carol Castagnero: (Lakeland / Retired Teacher) – Campaign Web Site

— REPUBLICAN —
C.A. “Neil” Combee, Jr.:  (Polk City/ Realtor) -

Linda Ivell:  (Lakeland / Realtor) -  Campaign Web Site – Facebook Page

Kelli Stargel:  (Incumbant / Lakeland / Investment Property Manager) -  Campaign Web Site – Facebook Page – Legislative Web Page -

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES – DISTRICT 65
This district covers much of north-central and northeast Polk County, including Auburndale, Davenport, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lake Hamilton, and portions of Winter Haven
— REPUBLICAN —
John Wood:  (Incumbant / Winter Haven / Attorney, Realtor) - Legislative Web Page -

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES – DISTRICT 66
This district covers areas of southern Polk County, including Fort Meade, Frostproof, Highland Park, and Wahneta, as well as portions of Bartow and Winter Haven, all of Hardee County and areas in Highlands County.
The winner will replace Republican incumbant Baxter Troutman, who is term-limited.
— REPUBLICAN —
Ben Albritton:  (Wauchula / Citrus Grower) -  Personal/Florida Citrus Commission Bio Page

Gary Newberry: (Winter Haven / Chiropractor) -  Campaign Web Site – Facebook Page -

Leviticus Reed:  (Winter Haven) -  Campaign Web Site – Facebook Page -

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES – DISTRICT 79
This district covers much of southeastern Polk County, plus areas of Okeechobee, Orange, and Osceola counties
— REPUBLICAN —
Thomas E. Chalifoux, Jr.:  (Kissimmee / Developer) -  Campaign Web Site –  
Former Member, Osceola County School Board

Mike Horner:  (Incumbant /Kissimmee / Chamber of Commerce CEO) -  Campaign Web Site – Legislative Web Page -

front photo credit: sun dazed

Wednesday, January 20, a second quake shook the already destroyed country creating even more panic for survivors and volunteers in the small Caribbean country.

Many national organizations and celebrities have quickly come forward to assist non-profit organizations like the American Red Cross, Partners in Health and many others. The United Nations, United States and other countries, too, are doing everything possible to help and keep order in the midst of the unimaginable disaster.

Although it is great that nations and national organizations have taken the lead in helping Haiti’s victims, it is important to know how local businesses and individuals are helping the cause.

Soon after the disaster reached the masses, in a Twitter update, Publix Super Markets shared that Publix Charities donated $100,000. And a week later, they shared that employees and customers had collected $2 million, and counting.

Despite what some have called a “dying music scene,” Lakeland bands, with the assistance of TJ Alcock, owner of Central Florida Entertainment & Promotions, are doing what they love most to help raise money for the Red Cross and to bring this unfortunate event to the minds and hearts of most of the (863)’s citizens.

The show was scheduled prior to the disastrous events, but the opportunity to do something meaningful could have not been missed.

“We are donating our cut from the door as well,” Alcock said.

The show will take place in Lakeland’s own Mojo’s Winghouse, Friday, January, 29. And the doors will open at 8 p.m.

Like always, it is $5 to get in and this is an all-ages show.

For more information and to pre-purchase tickets, click here.

Editor’s Note: Alex Santiago’s Band 48 States Away is playing the benefit show.

photo credit: US_Air_Force

The sale has the potential to put Polk back on the tourism map and generally to be one of the 2010 game changers for the region. But as a timely teaser, I thought I’d comment on two quick links – the first one is the “traditional media” news story from the Orlando Sentinel. The only point here is that it’s important for Polk Countians to know that our neighbors East and West are watching – which is a good thing. Our game changers make news in their markets too. They acknowledge that Polk is open for business and truly is the “belt buckle” (to borrow a phrase from Mayor Fletcher) of the I-4 corridor.

The second is a very interesting post by Robert Niles in Theme Park Insider blog: It features some interesting insight as to the potential viability of a Legoland park in Polk, and both optimism and Mr. Niles’ pessimism are expressed. Most notably, the pessimistic view that the park list too far away from

Like the rest of the county, I’m looking forward to the announcements today. Candidly, I am also happy for LandSouth. They found a solid buyer in the amusement industry with the potential to preserve the character and use of the regional gem, Cypress Gardens. And I think history will prove they were good stewards of a Polk treasure during unprecedented economic times, the depths of which few predicted.

Bottom line: I know my stated goal is to comment on the unheralded nuggets of news shaping our region, but this one’s too big not to address. And you can bet it’ll be the subject of my musings for a while to come.

photo credit: mliu92

As you’ve probably seen by now, I will write in this space about wins and losses – and call them as I see them. The vision and creation of Lake Myrtle Park is a huge regional win for Polk County. On ground-breaking in 2008, we learned of Polk‘s vision for a first class sports facility attracting athletes and their families from all over the world. Bay News 9 covered the groundbreaking and outlined the proposal.

As the park opens, there are clearly a host of exciting events and opportunities surrounding it, but two recent developments sparked my regional interest. The Florida Youth Soccer Association plans to MOVE it’s offices from Orlando to Lake Myrtle Park. That’s right, MOVE from Orlando to Polk. The FYSA will use the soccer complex here in Polk County as a primary tournament venue, and they’re moving their headquarters because of a strategic investment in world class facilities.

As well, the Disney Soccer Showcase, affiliated with Disney’s Wide World of Sports kicked off a partnership with Lake Myrtle Park to be one of their main soccer venues. This first Disney event alone brought teams from 34 states. My bet is that if Disney recognizes the potential for this complex, we probably hit a home run.

And my point for the region is this: You may not see the Lake Myrtle Park complex as a regional “game changer” for Polk (e.g. USF Poly, Polk Parkway, proposed High Speed Rail, etc.), but I hope you’ll see that these two developments are an indicator – a strong indicator to the larger region that Polk is open for business. And while I spend a lot of time fighting for the “game changers,” I know that these critical, strategic moves on the chess board will ensure success in the end.

It’s exciting that Polk County Sports Marketing, the County Commission, the CFDC and most importantly, the City of Auburndale shared a vision to make a good move and to foster a strategic investment that will advance our long-term viability in the region. Don’t look now, but here’s further proof that when we invest in ourselves, then reach out to cooperate with players in the region, we can expect great dividends.

photo credit: Catch Central Florida

The Chapter is looking for sponsors who will purchase a pair of TOMS Shoes to be donated to a child in one of three Polk County shelters: Lighthouse Ministries, Salvation Army – Lakeland, and Lake Wales Care Center. The great thing about TOMS Shoes is that for each pair you purchase, a second pair will be given to a needy child somewhere around the world. It’s like buying shoes for two needy children for the price of one pair!

This idea was kicked off when the DP/PC Chapter learned that TOMS Shoes founder Blake Mycoskie will be speaking at Florida Southern College on February 17. Afterwards, he will visit at least one of the local shelters involved to watch and help the children decorate their new shoes.

Donations for this charitable opportunity start at $44, which purchases one pair of shoes for a local child and one pair of shoes for a child internationally. If anyone is interested, you can contact Teresa O’Brien, DP/PC Vice President at teresa.obrien at polk-florida.net or Shirley Whitney, Community Involvement Chair, at rwhitney1 at tampabay.rr.com.

Originally published on LakelandLocal.com

home page photo credit: jmogle