Happy Holidays!
This season is such an exciting time of the year! Last minute mall runs, frantic all night bakeathons, and the hectic whirlwind of parties keep us on our toes. No matter what you believe in, you know this is not what a holiday should be about. It is a season for giving. Treat yourself to some tranquility and think of those less fortunate this special time of the year. In addition, stay mindful of the safety ips in handling real and artificial trees, tree lights and certain ornaments.
Progress is seen in a number of ventures around Poinciana. A new sginal has been installed at the norther most drive way on Pleasant HIll Road. New sidewalks are planned north of the school on the west side to provide a continuous path. The Country Commission approved 07/08 fiscal year budget appropriating funds for sidewalks within the country. Presently, County staff is coordinating with the local maintenance distrct to fund the completion of the sidewalks on Walnut Stret near Bordeaux.
The City of Kissimmee and Osceola County through a joint participation project have selected a consultant to perform a preliminary engineering for Hoagland Boulevard/Pleasant Hill Intersection Corridor Improvements from US 192 to US 17/92. The intent is to widen the roadway to a 4-lane typical section to improve traffic flow. This project will go to final design in late 2008 and should be under construction in 2010.
LYNX has started a rural service for the Poinciana area to link rural residents with LYNX fixed route bus network. Residents can contact LYNX for this service to connect to Link 26 for bus service.
FDOT has started a preliminary study for US 17/92 improvements from US 192 to Portage and the intersection improvement at Pleasant Hill Road intersection.
Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful and joyous holiday and a very Happy New Year! Let's begin the year with fresh promise. Here is our chance to start again, to have another shot at success, at glory, at just accomplishing what we resolve to do. "Welcome to the bright New Year and a fond farewell to the old; foreseeing the things that are yet to come and reminiscing at the memories that we hold".
If I can be of assistance to you, feel free to contact me at my office, my cell phone (407) 301-3086 or by email at kshi@osceola.org. You are welcome to visit my office at the Association of Poinciana Villages Office. To schedule an appointment, please contact Iris Soto at 94070 343-2206 or email her at isot@osceola.org.
As a reminder for next month, the Ninth Judicial Court and County Administration Offices will be closed on Tuesday, January 1st in observance of New Year's Day and January 21st in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Ken Shipley, Chairman
Commissioner District 3

Last month our column focused on the history of Polk Country's Code Enforcement Program and common neighborhood code violations. As we continue our efforts to improve the quality of life in Polk County, we must also continue to enforce the Land Development Code.
Growth and progress demand more code enforcement servies, and code enforcement will continue to be a reactive service. The only problem is that if we try to keep up with the demand, we will end up with very large code enforcement units. No grovernment budget could ever support this strategy.
The future of our communities is not simply to require compliance; it is to obtain cooperation in creating better neighborhood environments. We have to get everyone involved in neighborhood improvement. Many communities suport special cleanup days such as the "Great American Clean Up: and/or the "Adopt a Road" program. The "Paint Your Heart Out" program provides another step in the right direction, because those residents that are the receipients of the program's efforts work side by side with community volunteers.
Such proactive efforts are crucial to the future of Code Enforcement as the demand for effective service becomes a greater challenge. Getting citizens involved in educting each other about the importance of maintaining their properties and helping each other works best.
Code Enforcement is essential in your community. Be part of the solution and not the problem. Volunteer to help those in your community. If you would like to participate in one of the programs listed above, we would be pleased to put you in touch with the appropriate contact.
My sincere wishes to each of you at this Holiday Season for a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year in 2008.
As always, I want to hear from you so we can address issues of importance to your community. If there are any Polk County issues you would like to see addressed, please feel free to email JeanReed@polk-county.net or call our office at (863) 534-6422.