Resources and support after the storm
As students, faculty, and staff prepare to return to campus after Hurricane Idalia, the College has compiled a list of community resources to assist in recovering from the impacts of the storm.
Polk State’s campuses and centers, including the collegiate high schools, dual enrollment, and online classes, will reopen Thursday. Faculty and staff are communicating with students about details specific to their classes and activities, and they are exercising flexibility because they understand that additional resources and assistance may be needed.
United Way of Central Florida’s 2-1-1 provides emergency information, natural disaster relief, available shelters, financial assistance, and more. To get connected, text your zip code to 898-211, email uw211help@gmail.com, or dial 2-1-1 on your phone.
American Red Cross of Mid-Florida
American Red Cross in Winter Haven is available by calling 863.294.5941 or calling the American Red Cross toll-free at 800.733.2767.
Polk State’s My Brother’s Keeper
Students in need of food or school supplies can email salo@polk.edu with “Hurricane Assistance” in the subject line to be connected with resources and informed of upcoming distributions on College campuses.
Polk State Pantry
The Polk State Pantry on the Lakeland Campus also provides food, hygiene items, and supplies. Students can contact a Teaching Learning Computing Center (TLCC) staff member in person, by calling 863.297.1044, or by emailing Kim DeRonda at kderonda@polk.edu. Times can be arranged to accommodate students, and services are confidential.
Public transportation is free with a Polk State student ID.
Free WiFi
Comcast has opened public Xfinity WiFi hotspots in its areas of service in Florida. For a map of public Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit Finder.wifi.xfinity.com.
When a hotspot is within range, select the “xfinitywifi” network on a device’s list of available networks and launch a browser. Sign-in options will appear for both Xfinity customers and non-customers. Non-Xfinity internet subscribers need to look for the “Get Connected” section and agree to the Terms and Conditions to be connected.
BayCare Student Assistance Program
Polk State students have access to BayCare’s Personal Advantage, an online resource for help with everything from preparing for exams to creating a personal budget to managing stress. Students can also call 1.800.878.5470 to receive immediate assistance over the phone from a licensed counselor. All services are free and confidential.
Winter Haven Recreational & Cultural Center
The City of Winter Haven’s Winter Haven & Cultural Center is offering the School’s Out Camp from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 31, for those who need childcare. The cost is $5 for Winter Haven residents and $10 for nonresidents.