Environment

Recent rains cause Polk to lift burn ban

Sunday, May 12th, 2013, 8:18am

Recent rains cause Polk to lift burn ban

Polk County, Florida - Recent rains have reduced the threat of wildfires in Polk County prompting the Fire Chief to repeal Polk's burn ban as of Friday, May 10.

Citizens are now allowed to burn trash, yard debris, campfires, bonfires, and construction debris, though per state law, the use of fireworks remains prohibited.

It is possible a burn ban could be reinstated if there is a severe lack of rain and/or extremely dry conditions develop in Polk between now and the start of the normal summer rainy season.

View Comments | Post a Comment

Earth Day celebration continues at Bok Gardens this week

Submitted by Eric Glasser, Anchor/Reporter

Thursday, May 2nd, 2013, 8:33am

Earth Day celebration continues at Bok Gardens this week

Polk County, Florida -- Folks from Bartow and all over the region can keep the Earth Day spirit going this week at nearby Bok Gardens.

Students are invited to participate in hands-on activities by environmental exhibitors from around Central Florida and learn about protecting wildlife, water conservation, gardening and more.

It's happening this Thursday, May 2nd at nearby Bok Gardens from 9 a.m. until Noon.

View Comments | Post a Comment

Dispose household hazardous materials for free

Submitted by Eric Glasser, Anchor/Reporter

Thursday, April 11th, 2013, 10:58am

Dispose household hazardous materials for free

Bartow, Florida -- It's sort of like an amnesty day for your household hazardous chemicals. Disposing of such materials properly can sometimes become expensive, but county officials don't want people resorting to dumping the items, because it can damage the environment.

So now, Polk County residents, including folks from Bartow, can safely dispose of household hazardous waste and electronic equipment for free during a collection event hosted by the county's Waste Resource Management Division.

View Comments | Post a Comment

Polk hazardous and electronic waste collection event set for March 9

Submitted by Taylor Katz, Web Producer, 10 News In Your Neighborhood

Tuesday, March 5th, 2013, 2:08pm

Polk hazardous and electronic waste collection event set for March 9

Bartow, Florida – How does one go about getting rid of an old television or computer? Or what about a video camera, and the dead batteries that go along with it?

If you're looking for a place to dump your electronic or hazardous waste for free, you'll want to take advantage of the upcoming collection event hosted by Polk County's Waste Resource Management Division and the City of Haines City.

View Comments | Post a Comment

Florida State Parks announces new, free mobile app

Submitted by Taylor Katz, Web Producer, 10 News In Your Neighborhood

Sunday, February 17th, 2013, 11:25am

Florida State Parks announces new, free mobile app

Florida-- Trees, lakes, trails, wildlife- they're all things that come to mind when thinking about Florida's parks. Techonology, smartphones and applications, howeverm are probably the last things to come to mind- until now!

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Park Services department has announced the launch of their new, free mobile application, which will serve as an interactive guide for users on the go at any of Florida's 171 parks, trails and historic sites.

View Comments | Post a Comment

Free household hazardous waste and electronics disposal

Submitted by Jennifer Stanton, Producer

Saturday, February 16th, 2013, 3:59pm

Free household hazardous waste and electronics disposal

Haines City, Florida -- Polk County residents can safely dispose of household hazardous waste and electronic equipment for FREE during a collection event hosted by Polk County's Waste Resource Management Division and the City of Haines City.

The collection will take place 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on March 9 at the Public Works Utility Complex, 300 N. 5th Street in Haines City.

View Comments | Post a Comment

Polk County Officials issue burn ban

Submitted by Taylor Katz, Web Producer, 10 News In Your Neighborhood

Saturday, February 9th, 2013, 11:13am

Polk County, Florida-- Due to the extended drought, Polk County Fire Rescue officials have issued a burn ban.

“We have held off as long as we possibly can on issuing this burn ban,” said Polk County Fire Rescue Chief David Cash Thursday. “Conditions are favorable for the rapid development and spread of brush fires and we need to take every step necessary to ensure the safety of Polk’s residents and their property.”

View Comments | Post a Comment