Polk County's unemployment rate climbed to 8.1 percent in October, the area's highest figure in 11 years.

BARTOW | For now, M.M. Parrish Construction Company, the Gainesville contractor for the Polk County School District that is under investigation by the FBI, will continue doing work for the county.

Thanksgiving break for Polk's public school students starts Monday.<br>Students will be off through Friday. They will return to school Dec 1.

City Commission's own investigation of corruption will include City Manager Ann Toney-Deal's handling of the department and her overall management.<br><a href="/article/20081120/NEWS/811200275"><b>Document: Michael Pruitt Report on Haines City Police Department</b></a><br>

Congratulations to <B>Mrs. William H. Tindle, Jr.</B> of Lakeland, who was elected as state district director V of the Florida Division of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Tindle will have direction over six chapters within Central Florida. Tindle is a member of the Annie H. Darracott 791, United Daughters of the Confederacy Chapter in...

The Lake Wales Police Department reported these criminal activities from Nov. 10 through 13:<br><b>BURGLARY</b><br><B>Burglary and grand theft</B> were reported Nov. 11 in the 1000 block of Palmetto Avenue.<br><B>Burglary</B> was reported Nov. 11 at McLaughlin Middle School, 800 S. Fourth St.<br><b>DRUG POSSESSION</b>

POINCIANA | To the raucous sound of 600 grade schoolers shouting "Shave your head!" over and over again, a pair of physical education teachers at Lake Marion Creek Elementary School had their heads shaved Friday, the last day of classes before the Thanksgiving break.

TAMPA | Hillsborough County's first openly gay commissioner was sworn in Tuesday, with his partner at his side.<br>Democrat Kevin Beckner took the oath of office before a standing-room-only crowd that spilled into the first floor at County Center.

Polk County's unemployment rate climbed to 8.1 percent in October, the area's highest figure in 11 years.

Forget the wish list. Shoppers may be giving the gift of necessity this holiday season, buying up cards for gas, groceries and even utilities to help friends and family through lean times.