MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS & Newsletters
Our Chamber Members have a lot of exciting news to share! Check out the latest Press Releases & announcements below:
- February 17, 2026: WATSON CLINIC UROLOGIST FIRST IN LAKELAND TO OFFER BREAKTHROUGH KIDNEY STONE REMOVAL TREATMENT
- February 5, 2026: Polk State College appoints Dr. Anne B. Kerr as interim President
- January 7, 2026: HCA Florida Healthcare to open new freestanding emergency department in Polk County
- January 6, 2026: Polk State President Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti recertified as Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE)
- November 5, 2025: Watson Clinic Foundation - City of Lakeland Issues Proclamation Recognizing Arts and Health Week
Check out the latest newsletters from our Members:
March 2026 newsletter from Central Florida CATS: Click HERE to read the newsletter.
March 2026 newsletter from the United Way: Click HERE to read the newsletter
February 2026 newsletter from On Time With Care Transport: Click HERE to read the newsletter.
January 2026 newsletter from Florida Foundation for Correctional Excellence: Click HERE to read the newsletter.
January 2026 Polk State College Foundation Legacy Report. Click HERE to read the report.
CareerSource Polk 2025 Labor Market Report. Click HERE to read the report.
January 2026 News around BayCare: Click HERE to read the newsletter
January 2026 newsletter from the United Way: Click HERE to read the newsletter
January 2026 newsletter from ELC Polk: Click HERE to read the newsletter.
Sign up for the latest newsletter from Andrey Kolchurin, KW Realty at the Lakes. Subscribe here: https://realty-edge.kit.com/d577f41eb5 or scan the QR Code below:
Have a newsletter you would like us to share? Please email a pdf of your newsletter to: info@northeastpolkchamber.com
2026 Community Impact Grant AdventHealth Polk County Market now open through June 1st -
Through the Community Impact Grant, AdventHealth Heart of Florida and AdventHealth Lake Wales seeks to award funding to programmatic initiatives in our communities that tackle the identified needs from the most recent Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). This 2026 grant cycle will provide funding in various amounts for this year only and will be eligible to organizations in Polk County. The grant aims to enhance community well-being, address population- specific health challenges, and improve access to high-quality healthcare services.
In the 2026 funding cycle, AdventHealth Heart of Florida and AdventHealth Lake Wales have prioritized Mental Health, Health Care Access and Quality, and Nutrition and Healthy Eating, as the key areas of focus for this grant. Click HERE for eligibility details and more info.
Applications for the grant can be submitted at:
https://adventhealth.formstack.com/forms/adventhealth_west_florida_division_partnership
New Duke Energy programs offer Florida customers more choices related to electric vehicles
- Various incentives offered for residential and business customers through the Charger Prep Credit, Off-Peak Charging Credit and Fleet Advisory programs
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Today, Duke Energy Florida announced the launch of three new programs – the Charger Prep Credit, Off-Peak Charging Credit and Fleet Advisory programs – to offer both residential and business customers more choices related to electric vehicles (EVs).
Click HERE for the Press Release and more info!
Check out this exciting news from Chamber Member HCA Florida Poinciana Hospital!
"Now Open!!! We’re excited to announce that HCA Florida Auburndale Emergency, a part of HCA Florida Poinciana Hospital, is now open!
Our new freestanding emergency department brings the same exceptional, 24/7 emergency care you trust from our main hospital now conveniently located in the Polk community.
2885 Havendale NW Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33881
As part of HCA Florida Healthcare, the largest network of care in Florida, we’re proud to provide expert, compassionate emergency care when you need it most."
ELC Polk is now accepting applications for VPK!
VPK is a FREE Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten program that enhances children’s learning and prepares them for elementary school. VPK providers near you give children the opportunity of engaging in an early learning education. Here is how to apply for VPK in Polk County.
Important Documentation:
- Proof of Florida Residence
- Proof of your child’s age
- If you are enrolling your child in VPK Specialized Instructional Services (VPK SIS), include an individual educational plan (IEP) from your local school district.
Steps:
- Click the Family Portal button on our website
- Register to create your account
- Fill out an application
What Happens Next:
Once you submit your VPK application, ELC Polk will review the application and email you additional instructions. If your application is approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Eligibility to take to any VPK provider.
Need Help?
Contact the Early Learning Coalition of Polk County at 863-577-2450