Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

BARTOW | Chandra Frederick will return to county government this fall as the new director of Polk's Building Division.

In other action Tuesday, the County Commission: - Approved a $220,000 host agreement with USA Matches Inc. for the 2014 International Practical Shooting Confederation World Shoot, scheduled in October at Universal Shooting Academy near Frostproof.

- Approved the change in the county's growth map from business park to residential on 124 acres at the edge of the Green Swamp Area of Critical State Concern south of Minute Maid Ramp Road 1, which is south of Interstate 4 and U.S. 27.

- Approved a $312,000 agreement with Select Medical Rehabilitation Services to provide therapy at the Rohr Home.

- Renewed the $584,632 contract with Tri-County Human Services to provide services for alcohol and substance abuse and mental health.

- Approved a contract totaling $783,121 to support work at five volunteer clinics.

- Approved a memorandum of understanding between the County Commission and the Behavioral Health Court and the Public Defender's Office.

- Approved the Polk County Workforce Development Board budget.

- Appointed Wanda Hollingsworth to the Citizens Health Care Oversight Committee.

- Appointed Dan Williams as an alternate to the Board of Adjustment.

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Former Polk County Official Returns With New Job

Story Created: Sep 2, 2014 at 5:48 PM CDT

Story Updated: Sep 2, 2014 at 8:19 PM CDT

If you have noticed your lawn turning brown a little too early, you may be a victim of an armyworm infestation.

Lawn experts say these insects have not been this bad locally in years.

"I've been doing this 30 years, and I've never seen it this bad," said Keith Lovelace, owner of Lovelace Lawncare.

Lovelace says the infestation is particularly bad this year because of the mild summer. The worms thrive in cooler temperatures and with more rainfall.

Wanda Sims' property has fallen victim to the pests. "My tenant called me, and they said 'We have worms.' I was like 'Worms! What do you mean worms?' She said, 'we got worms everywhere!'"

Thousands of them have taken over Sims' yard. She told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News she got the jitters after seeing the worms crawling everywhere.

The worms are the caterpillar stage of a moth. "The moths just lay the eggs, and then the armyworms come out and eat their environment," Lovelace said.

He says they are called armyworms because they move across your lawn like an army.

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Armyworm infestation invades West Tennessee

2014-09-02

Supplied with a 40L grassbag and featuring 15 fixed cutting blades and a powerful and reliable Briggs and Stratton engine, the Hayter Scarifier will make light work of de-thatching - helping maintain a healthy lawn, simply and efficiently. Cutting depth is easily adjusted to suit different lawn types and there is also a transport position to ensure easy movement across paving with no damage to blades.

homeowners can get the best treatment for their lawns at a fraction of the price it would cost individually

Julie Dommett

But, as it's something not used all that frequently, probably twice a year, many people may think it's difficult to justify the investment. Julie Dommett, marketing manager for Hayter offers a solution: "Communities are sharing all sorts of things these days, so why not a lawn scarifier? Gardening club members or neighbours who enjoy gardening can get together and share the cost of ownership. That way homeowners can get the best treatment for their lawns at a fraction of the price it would cost individually. Or alternatively, entrepreneurial gardeners could buy a scarifier and then rent it out to neighbours either privately, through a neighbourhood scheme, or alternatively via a website such as http://www.rentmyitems.com!"

The Scarifier is available from Hayter authorised dealers nationwide (RRP 559). Local dealers can be found at http://www.hayter.co.uk - or by calling 01279 723444.

- ends -

For further information please contact Caroline Bennett, PR Inc for Hayter/Toro Tel: 01932 847731 Email:

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Lawn Looking A Bit Lacklustre? A Scarifier Could Be The Answer - Hayter Are Encouraging Communities To Share!

As date to nominate for $50,000 UBC prize approaches, a chat with last year's recipient.

The $50,000 Margolese National Design for Living Prize is awarded annually by UBC's School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture to a Canadian who has made and continues to make outstanding contributions to the development or improvement of living environments for Canadians of all economic classes. Applications for this year's prize remain open until Oct. 1 and the criteria for who might make an excellent nominee are here.

Last year's recipient, Vancouver architect and urban designer Bing Thom, received the nod for his broad vision of place-making, as exemplified by the reshaping of Surrey City Centre from a generic swatch of streets to a dense matrix of stores, homes, office tower, public library, university and civic plaza. His other major works include the Chan Centre and Sunset Community Centre in Vancouver, the transformation of Washington, D.C.'s historic Arena Stage Theater complex, and Tarrant County College in Fort Worth, Texas -- all of which have redefined the neighbourhoods they are built in. Next up, among other projects, is the eye-popping $335-million Xiqu Centre opera house in Hong Kong, scheduled for completion in 2016. Bing Thom met with Tyee contributor Adele Weder recently to discuss the implications of the Margolese Prize. Here are edited and condensed excerpts from their conversation:

Created by a generous estate gift made to the University of British Columbia by Leonard Herbert Margolese.

Awarded to a Canadian who has made outstanding contributions to the development or improvement of living environments for Canadians of all economic classes.

Prize Amount: $50,000 CAD.

Deadline for applying: Oct. 1, 2014

Eligibility: Nominees must be Canadian citizens still actively making outstanding contributions to the development or improvement of living environments for Canadians of all economic classes.

More on the award, including past stories by The Tyee, can be found here.

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Margolese Prize Winner Bing Thom on the Art of Placemaking (in Presents)

(PRWEB) September 02, 2014

Intensive code schools are gaining notoriety among people interested launching programming careers as well as the tech companies who are hungry to hire talent. The Iron Yard, a nationally-renowned code school, is opening the first coding bootcamp in Orlando. On September 22nd, they will welcome their first round of students, many of whom have already applied and been accepted (though there are still spots available).

What type of student fits the mold at an immersive programming school? The Iron Yard aims to change the landscape of education in technology, beginning by opening their courses to candidates from all walks of life. From mid-career IT professionals to creative-types and stay-at-home parents, the common vein that runs true at The Iron Yard is a passion for learning and a propensity for problem solving.

With no coding experience required, how far could a three-month course take students? Far enough to launch a career, get a job, or start a company. Students spend the final two weeks of their project-based curriculum building a robust application for over 80 hours each week, tackling everything from concept to deployment. That capstone project serves as proof that they are ready to work as a professional and solve programming problems for companies and clients.

"Computer coding is the new language of commerce and life," says Rafael Gerena, a former Wall Street Journal economics reporter who enrolled at The Iron Yard's Orlando campus. "People who learn to speak this language will have the literacy to pursue next-generation opportunities. These skills will help Iron Yard students become vibrant players in Orlando's digital economy."

Students arent the only Orlando area residents excited about the launch of the school. The Iron Yard has already begun to build an advisory board of companies and officials who are excited about hiring graduates and bolstering an already-robust tech economy by creating (and attracting) high-paying development jobs into the area. Local leaders like Gregg Pollack, Founder of Code School and Envy School, Ted Murphy CEO of Izea, Todd Sampson CEO of Cloudspace, and several more have all joined the board. One of the first board members, Orrett Davis, Executive Director of Orlando Tech Association, sees the impact The Iron Yard will bring to Central Florida,

The Iron Yard is going to have a profound impact on the Orlando tech community. Theres a tremendous demand for technical talent here. The most frequent ask that my organization gets from our members is for connections to high quality developers. The Iron Yard is going to grow local talent and help our local economy retain the companies that have chosen to call Central Florida home.

The Iron Yards campus will be inside the Church Street Exchange Building, the heart of Downtown Orlandos fast-growing tech hub. Doors will open in early September. Video and interview opportunities are available, call to schedule.

Classes start on September 22nd and applications are still open for the Front End Engineering course.

Interested in learning to code or hiring development talent? Check out theironyard.com to find out more.

Read more here:
The Iron Yard's Coding Bootcamp Launches in Orlando's Tech Hub

St. Petersburg, FL (PRWEB) September 02, 2014

Intensive code schools are gaining notoriety among people interested in launching programming careers as well as the tech companies who are hungry to hire talent. The Iron Yard, a nationally-renowned code school, has planted roots in St. Petersburg. On September 22nd, they will welcome their first round of students, many of whom have already applied and been accepted (though there are still spots available).

What type of student fits the mold at an immersive programming school? The Iron Yard aims to change the landscape of education in technology, beginning by opening their courses to candidates from all walks of life. From mid-career IT professionals to creative-types and stay-at-home parents, the common vein that runs true at The Iron Yard is a passion for learning and a propensity for problem solving. With no coding experience required, how far could a three-month course take students? Far enough to launch a career, get a job, or start a company. Students spend the final two weeks of their project-based curriculum building a robust application for over 80 hours each week, tackling everything from concept to deployment. That capstone project serves as proof that they are ready to work as a professional and solve programming problems for companies and clients.

Alyssa, who is enrolled in one of The Iron Yards upcoming courses, has a background in sales and marketing. Shes been looking for a career change and classes on nights and weekends werent cutting it. Of The Iron Yard, she says:

I chose The Iron Yard because it is offering something that no other school has yet: education on up-to-date material that meets current job market demands, an expedited course time, and an environment of people with the desire to learn. Since the course is taught by someone who is active in the field theres no worries about learning something thats already obsolete, which gives a greater chance of getting ahead of the curve.

Students arent the only Tampa Bay residents excited about the launch of the school. The Iron Yard has already begun to build an advisory board of companies and officials who are excited about hiring graduates and bolstering an already-robust tech economy by creating (and attracting) high-paying development jobs into the area. Local leaders like Gavin Stark of Real Digital Media, Sean Kennedy of Manager of The Greenhouse Economic Development Coordinator at St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, Dan Denny, creator of the Front End Design Conference and several more have all joined the board. One of the first board members, Sylvia Martinez of Collaborative Technologies, sees the impact The Iron Yard will bring to the Bay area:

This determination and passion to make Tampa Bay an incredible place to work, live, and play is apparent just about everywhere I go. People are collaborating more than ever before because it's common knowledge that we all share the same goal. That collaboration and willingness to help one anotheralong with important economy-building efforts like The Iron Yardwill no doubt take Tampa Bay to that next level of success"

The Iron Yards offices will be in downtown St. Petersburg, where theyve partnered with a local developer to turn what once was a hotel into an ecosystem of tech companies, code education and coworking space. Doors will open in early September.

Classes start on September 22nd and applications are still open for both the Front End Engineering and Ruby on Rails Engineering courses.

Interested in learning to code or hiring development talent? Check out theironyard.com to find out more.

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The Iron Yard Launches Tampa Bay Code School

The opening week of the 2014 football season produced a few surprising results, but none were quite as attention-grabbing as Boca Raton's 25-21 win against Seminole Ridge, a team expected to contend for its sixth consecutive trip to the playoffs.

Boca Raton, which has not qualified for the playoffs since 2009, has been a below-.500 team each of the past three seasons. Less than two weeks into spring practices in May, head coach Jeff Dellenbach surprisingly handed in his resignation, leaving the program after only one year at the helm.

Eric Davis, a 1979 Boca Raton graduate who has been an assistant coach for 30 years at a handful of Palm Beach County schools, including his alma mater, was handed the reins in mid-May, becoming the Bobcats' fifth head coach in seven years. He quickly scrambled to assemble his own coaching staff and make systematic changes.

Graduation and transfers left the Bobcats with only one returning starter when August practices began, and another mediocre season appeared on the horizon. That perception changed, at least temporarily, Friday night when junior quarterback Philip Santiago connected with senior wide receiver Ben Smith on a game-winning 65-yard touchdown pass with 2:20 remaining, avenging a 30-7 loss to Seminole Ridge last year.

"It was a big win," Davis said. "We're trying to teach them how to win and how to finish."

Asked to give his team an overall grade on their performance Friday night, Davis handed out a 'B' and commended the Bobcats for the character they showed in not giving up. Next up for Boca Raton is neighboring rival Atlantic, which will be another challenging test for the young Bobcats, who suddenly are feeling better about this season than they did back in mid-May.

Champs have work cut out

Dwyer had a magical run in 2013, winning the Class 7A state title to cap a 15-0 season. The Panthers might have a tough time defending their district title this year, however.

Glades Central's defense smothered quarterback Daniel Parr and the Panthers' offense in a 12-7 win Friday night a week after Plantation-American Heritage rolled over Dwyer in a preseason Kickoff Classic matchup that was televised live on ESPN.

Glades Central sacked Parr, the 2013 7A state player of the year, four times and limited Dwyer's offense to 138 yards.

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Boca win, Dwyer loss shake up landscape early

I am a parent of a child who just finished his fifth grade year at the Beacon Hill International School. After reading The Times article, Seattle school under review for big jump in state test results [Local News, Aug. 27], I wanted to express concerns over what I feel were gaps in the story.

In 2009, Beacon Hill International School became the second language immersion program at a public elementary school in Seattle. As a parent, Ive seen this program have a direct and very positive effect on my childs learning experience.

I expect the schools commitment to help students develop fluency in a second language may have had a significant and positive impact on their test scores. (Certainly, their immersion experience has impacted students academic performance and growth in many other areas.) The 2014 fifth grade class at the school is the first class to complete the schools immersion program. It would make sense, then, that if the program was successful students test scores would be higher than the scores of the previous years class.

Southeast Seattle, and Beacon Hill in particular, is a community of mixed incomes and incredible ethnic diversity and this makes for an amazing cultural landscape. It also creates a unique set of challenges for educators who need to work across languages and cultures, and accommodate families with a range of resources.

From my perspective the school has found a pathway to success through a well-taught immersion experience, and Im not at all surprised to see the success of such a program reflected in test scores.

I would encourage The Times to dig deeper into the benefits immersion programs can create, and to take a closer look at the incredible work of the educators involved with making the school a success, especially as the district considers adding more immersion programs throughout the city.

Josh Chaitin, Seattle

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Beacon Hill International School: Immersion program made difference

SCOTTSBORO, AL (WAFF) - The removal of the 150-year-old Scottsboro maple tree is on indefinite hold at the moment.

The Jackson County Courthouse Landscape Committee met Tuesday morning and there was a motion before the committee by Judge John Graham that a certified arborist be hired at the county's expense to provide a professional assessment of the tree and a recommendation.

A petition of approximately 150 names was also presented to the committee by committee member Mike Williamson requesting that the county not cut the tree down without a full assessment of the tree's condition.

"[The residents] just feel that an effort needs to be made to save the tree," Williamson explained, adding that the tree has provided generations with color, beauty and oxygen, withstanding years and decades of nature and urban development.

Commission chairman Matthew Hodges says he is in contact with a Huntsville arborist and will pass along the committee's recommendation to the full county commission when they meet Tuesday afternoon.

The Jackson County Commission is looking to cut down the only remaining maple tree on the square that's nearly 150 years old.

Commission Chairman Matthew Hodges said a limb fell a couple of weeks ago, the tree is dying, and they see it as a safety issue to residents who come to the courthouse.

However, tree specialist Dr. Olaf Ribiero wants to lend a hand to help save it. He believes there is a good possibility the tree can be saved and willing to determine that absolutely free to the county.

Ribiero said he would analyze samples of the tree free of charge.

"I would go on record as saying in front of everybody that whatever the recommendation of the arborist is, I say we go with it," said Landscape Committee Chairman Judge John Graham. "If it's to trim the tree and try to save it... if it's to cut the tree, I would be willing to defer to the expert."

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Removal of 150-year-old tree on indefinite hold

10/50 farce gives green light for clearing native vegetation
The 10/50 rule has created an atmosphere of unrestrained land clearing in Western Sydney.

By: Daniel Taylor

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10/50 farce gives green light for clearing native vegetation - Video