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PRECO returns more than $726,000 to members

PRECO returns more than $726,000 to members

Wauchula, FL -- Residents are about to get a check from their own utility company. The Board of Directors of Peace River Electric Cooperative (PRECO), based in Wauchula,  has authorized the release of more than $726,300 in capital credit payments to approximately 11,500 consumer-members this month.

A benefit from electric cooperatives owned by served individuals is that they can see a return of excess revenue, called margins, in the form of capital credits. Meaning, when there is excess revenue, the co-op pays its members in cash.

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Local health officials: get flu vaccine

Bartow, FL - The Polk County Immunization Coalition recognizes National Influenza Vaccine Week December 4-10, 2011. 

This is a nationwide observance that highlights the importance of continuing influenza vaccination throughout the holiday season and into the New Year. 

Flu season in Florida peaks during February, so there is still plenty of time, they say, to be protected.

Anyone can get the flu. For those at greater risk of complications from this vaccine-preventable illness, getting the flu vaccine is especially important.

Police: Missing girl, 13, found safe; posed as 19-year-old

Police: Missing girl, 13, found safe; posed as 19-year-old

Winter Haven, Florida -- A 13-year-old girl who went missing in Winter Haven over the weekend has been found safe.

Police say she was with a man twice her age whom she had met through a dating website that's supposed to be for adults.

To look at her Facebook page, you might never guess that 5'9", 140 pound Lorei Parkins is just 13 years old.

31 arrested in Polk online prostitution busts

31 arrested in Polk online prostitution busts

Bartow, Florida -- Polk deputies say more than two dozen people were arrested as a result of an online prostitution sting.

The three day operation began when undercover detectives answered online advertisements posted on websites such as Craigslist, Backpage, and CityVibe, and detectives also posted their own fictitious ads on websites.

Mug Shot Gallery: Polk online prostitution sting

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13-year-old disappears with man she met online

Winter Haven, Florida - Winter Haven Police say a 13-year-old girl who was reported missing over the weekend was with a 26-year-old man she met in an online dating service.

Matthew Calvin was arrested after investigators say he picked up Lorei Mashea-Hale Parkins, provided her alcohol and then took her to Pinellas County over the weekend.

Police were called Friday after Parkins didn't return home from school.  An extensive search began, which ultimately led investigators to her location at Herbert Street in Auburndale.

'Pet Connection' interactive webcast series debuts with holiday show

'Pet Connection' interactive webcast series debuts with holiday show

Polk County, FL -- Polk’s Government Television (PGTV), in partnership with Orchid Springs Animal Hospital, announces the debut of a new interactive webcast series especially for animal lovers.  “Pet Connection with Dr. Mitsie Vargas” kicks off with a holiday theme on Tuesday, Dec. 6, from 7-8 p.m.

Unlike with a television show, internet viewers determine the content of the program, with each webcast having a specific theme or topic.

Busy library closing for maintenance

Busy library closing for maintenance

Winter Haven, Florida -- The Winter Haven Public Library will close for two days in December for building maintenance.

On Dec. 9 & 10, the library will be closed. Some of the projects slated to be accomplished during the 2-day closure include carpet and tile cleaning and pressure washing of the roof.

The Winter Haven Library had more than 750,000 visitors last year.

The Library will re-open Dec. 12 for regular business hours.