{"id":62851,"date":"2026-02-19T20:35:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T01:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/?p=62851"},"modified":"2026-02-19T20:35:06","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T01:35:06","slug":"polk-county-we-need-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/2026\/02\/19\/polk-county-we-need-you\/","title":{"rendered":"POLK COUNTY \u2014 WE NEED YOU!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By Animal Defenders of Polk County<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Are you passionate about animals? <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" src=\"\" alt=\"\ud83d\udc3e\">, your community <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" src=\"\" alt=\"\ud83c\udfd8\ufe0f\">, and the future of Polk County, Florida? Then THIS is your moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An opportunity on the Polk County Board of Commissioners is open \u2014 and we need someone who truly CARES to fill it.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" data-dominant-color=\"ad92a5\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"318\" height=\"159\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/download-3-2.webp?resize=318%2C159&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-62853 not-transparent\" style=\"--dominant-color: #ad92a5; aspect-ratio:2.00009828009828;width:418px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/download-3-2.webp?w=318&amp;ssl=1 318w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/download-3-2.webp?resize=300%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Imagine having the power to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" src=\"\" alt=\"\u2705\">Fight for stronger animal welfare protections<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" src=\"\" alt=\"\u2705\">Invest in safer, stronger neighborhoods<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" src=\"\" alt=\"\u2705\">Tackle the real issues affecting everyday families in Polk County<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" src=\"\" alt=\"\u2705\">Be the voice for those who have NO voice<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You don\u2019t have to be a politician. You just have to care \u2014 and be willing to show up. The best leaders aren\u2019t found in boardrooms. They\u2019re found right here in our community. <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" src=\"\" alt=\"\ud83d\udc9a\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is your chance to stop wishing things were different and start making them different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" src=\"\" alt=\"\ud83d\udccb\">HOW TO FILE &amp; QUALIFY \u2014 HERE\u2019S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" src=\"\" alt=\"\ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f\">Qualifying Period: Noon on Monday, June 8, 2026 through Noon on Friday, June 12, 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(Documents can be submitted starting May 25, 2026)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" src=\"\" alt=\"\ud83d\udccc\">Where to File: Polk County Supervisor of Elections Office<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(County candidates file directly with the county Supervisor of Elections \u2014 NOT the state)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" src=\"\" alt=\"\u2714\ufe0f\">Basic Requirements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2014 Must be a registered voter in Polk County<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2014 Must be a resident of the district you wish to represent<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" src=\"\" alt=\"\ud83d\udcdd\">Steps to Get Started:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" src=\"\" alt=\"1\ufe0f\u20e3\">File the Appointment of Campaign Treasurer &amp; Designation of Campaign Depository (Form DS-DE 9) \u2014 this must be done BEFORE accepting any contributions or spending any money<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" src=\"\" alt=\"2\ufe0f\u20e3\">Within 10 days, file the Statement of Candidate (Form DS-DE 84) with your qualifying officer<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" src=\"\" alt=\"3\ufe0f\u20e3\">Pay the qualifying fee (6% of annual salary for partisan offices OR waive it by collecting petition signatures from 1% of registered voters in your district)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" src=\"\" alt=\"4\ufe0f\u20e3\">Complete all qualifying documents during the official qualifying window<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" src=\"\" alt=\"\ud83d\udcde\">Contact the Polk County Supervisor of Elections:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" src=\"\" alt=\"\ud83c\udf10\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.polkelections.gov\/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEyeFpjU0hCNG96V2xUTnFiRnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6ZELLybtSqgIXQUOaQBj1DK4quVmkQmLDphUlcXQ-M-OUWX6dO76gVJV3xLw_aem_VVLyAfcq9Ew7DqhDsWtAOg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">www.polkelections.gov<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" src=\"\" alt=\"\ud83d\udce7\">info@polkelections.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" src=\"\" alt=\"\ud83d\udcf1\">(863) 534-5888<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" src=\"\" alt=\"\ud83d\udc49\">Share this post so it reaches someone who needs to see it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" src=\"\" alt=\"\ud83d\udc49\">Tag a friend who has the heart, the passion, and the drive to lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" src=\"\" alt=\"\ud83d\udc49\">Comment below if YOU are interested or want more information!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Polk County deserves bold, compassionate leadership. Could that be you? <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" src=\"\" alt=\"\ud83c\udf34\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" src=\"\" alt=\"\u2b50\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Animal Defenders of Polk County Are you passionate about animals? , your community , and the future of Polk County, Florida? Then THIS is your moment. An opportunity on&hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":62853,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_robots_follow":"","_seopress_robots_imageindex":"","_seopress_robots_snippet":"","_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"15","_seopress_robots_breadcrumbs":"","_seopress_robots_freeze_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_custom_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_canonical":"","_seopress_social_fb_title":"","_seopress_social_fb_desc":"","_seopress_social_fb_img":"","_seopress_social_fb_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_height":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_title":"","_seopress_social_twitter_desc":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_height":0,"_seopress_redirections_value":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled_regex":"","_seopress_redirections_logged_status":"","_seopress_redirections_param":"","_seopress_redirections_type":0,"_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"","inline_featured_image":false,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"wpai_generated_summary":"","footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":true,"token":"eyJpbWciOiJodHRwczpcL1wvaTAud3AuY29tXC9sYWtlbGFuZGdhemV0dGUuaW5mb1wvbmV3c1wvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNlwvMDJcL2Rvd25sb2FkLTMtMi53ZWJwP2ZpdD0zMTglMkMxNTkmc3NsPTEiLCJ0eHQiOiJQT0xLIENPVU5UWSBcdTIwMTQgV0UgTkVFRCBZT1UhIiwidGVtcGxhdGUiOiJoaWdod2F5IiwiZm9udCI6IiIsImJsb2dfaWQiOjE2MzA0MDY2MX0.ozWYqn3WA-gO3Scz3o2LzJ6i0GbtKs8VqiqydawqeQQMQ"},"version":2,"attached_media":[{"id":62853,"url":"http:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/download-3-2.webp","type":"image\/jpeg"}]},"_wpas_customize_per_network":false},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-62851","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-politics"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62851","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=62851"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62851\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":62854,"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62851\/revisions\/62854"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/62853"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=62851"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=62851"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=62851"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}