$6.2 million for Polk County organizations

Following a vote by Florida’s Legislative Budget Committee, 13 Polk County organizations have been awarded a share of $6.2 million in local grant funding.

Keep reading for a by-the-numbers look at how each organization, eight of which are right here in Lakeland, will put their grant to work.

Lakeland recipients

• $950,000 — Lakeland Se7en Wetlands’ new water education center will be a space for outreach programs, professional trainings, and citizen engagement.
• $866,651 — Peace River Center will get new IT infrastructure and increased cyber security.
• $808,600 — New Beginnings High School will further its academic offerings with new innovation labs.
• $457,500 — Pathways School of Excellence at Southeastern University will purchase a residential property where students can hone practical skills, known as the LifeSkills House.
• $450,000 — Aerospace Center for Excellence and Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo will use funds for a resiliency plan designed to plan for the program’s future success.
• $300,000 — One More Child will provide mentoring, activities, prevention programs, and life skills in its new health education program.
• $247,500 — Lakeland will get an upgraded SewerCAD model.
• $100,000 — Lakeland’s police and youth mentoring program will build relationships between local youth + police officers.
• $5 million — In addition to its Lakeland impact, One More Child received funds for a Sarasota campus.

Image via @seuniversity, Graphic by 6AM City

Polk County recipients

• $700,000 — Fort Meade will get a new fire engine to replace an existing 1986 engine.
• $500,000 — Heartland for Children, Inc. will use funds to support respite care and placement for Polk County children.
• $500,000 — Lake Clinch in Frostproof will get necessary upgrades to outdated stormwater drainage systems as well as shoreline stabilization support.
• $250,000 — The Fort Meade area will get a multi-use emergency shelter, also functioning as a non-emergency equestrian center.
• $103,380 — Fort Meade will get refurbished tennis + pickleball courts.