Bartow, Florida -- Have a hard time hearing? You may qualify for a free phone. FTRI Phone Distribution is taking place this week in Bartow. 

FTRI offers a variety of amplified telephones to meet the need of persons with a mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss.

These amplified telephones are available at all of the 24 Regional Distribution Centers located throughout the state. The free amplified phone distribution is for Florida residents who have a hearing loss and/or a speech problem.

Polk County, Florida-- The Polk County Sheriff's Office is seeking locals who have a love for volunteering and serving the community, and an interest in working alongside deputies to make a difference. 

In the release below, officials have included information on their Volunteer Sheriff's Service Office program (VSSO), in which participants will undergo 80 hours of training in both the classroom and the field to contribute to the county:

Bartow, FL -- Families of kids with certain challenges including hearing loss will be getting together this week in Bartow.

Thursday will mark Florida Hands & Voices Family Fun Night. The Support session by the Florida Hands & Voices Group has been established to provide education, advice, self-help skills for the parents of deaf or hard of hearing children discover new potentials and possibilities.