7 Premios .1 Revista • 2 Idiomas • 1 Comunidad 7 Awards.1 Magazine • 2 Languages • 1 Community
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Una comunidad que crece, una misión que se fortalece
Los datos más recientes publicados por la Oficina del Censo confirman lo que observamos cada día: los hispanos representan el 33.1% de la población del condado de Polk. Aún más revelador es que casi el 43% de los estudiantes de nuestras escuelas públicas son hispanos. Estas cifras reflejan nuestro presente y anuncian el futuro de nuestra comunidad.
Esta realidad fortalece la misión que ha guiado a ¡Viva Polk! desde sus comienzos: informar, educar, inspirar y reconocer a nuestros líderes en dos idiomas. Cada edición procura tender puentes, celebrar nuestras raíces y destacar las historias que contribuyen al crecimiento y la diversidad de Polk.
En esta ocasión presentamos en la portada al chef Marcos Fernández y a Nineteen61, cuyo talento, perseverancia y amor por sus raíces han colocado a Polk en el mapa culinario. Compartimos también nuestra inolvidable aventura por Costa Rica y el verdadero significado de Pura Vida. Además, rendimos un merecido tributo a mi querida amiga, la comisionada Dra. Martha Rodríguez Santiago, con motivo de su jubilación y su extraordinaria trayectoria de servicio.
Nada de esto sería posible sin nuestros leales anunciantes, colaboradores y lectores. Gracias por creer en nuestra misión. Y a nuestro extraordinario equipo, gracias por entregar su talento, dedicación y corazón en cada página.
Con profunda gratitud,
Teresa Martínez
Editora en Jefe y Directora General
Dear readers:
A growing community, a stronger mission
The latest data published by the U.S. Census Bureau confirms what we see every day: Hispanics now represent 33.1% of Polk County’s population. Even more revealing, nearly 43% of students in our public schools are Hispanic. These figures reflect our present and point to the future of our community.
This reality strengthens the mission that has guided ¡Viva Polk! from the beginning: to inform, educate, inspire, and recognize our leaders in two languages. Each edition seeks to build bridges, celebrate our heritage, and highlight the stories contributing to Polk’s growth and diversity.
In this issue, we proudly feature Chef Marcos Fernández and Nineteen61, whose talent, perseverance, and love for his roots have placed Polk on the culinary map. We also share our unforgettable Costa Rican adventure and discover the true meaning of Pura Vida. In addition, we pay a well-deserved tribute to my dear friend, Commissioner Dr. Martha Rodríguez Santiago, upon her retirement and celebrate her extraordinary record of service.
None of this would be possible without our loyal advertisers, contributors, and readers. Thank you for believing in our mission. And to our outstanding team, thank you for bringing your talent, dedication, and heart to every page.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Teresa Martínez
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
The latest data published by the U.S. Census Bureau confirms what we see every day: Hispanics now represent 33.1% of Polk County’s population. Even more revealing, nearly 43% of students in our public schools are Hispanic. These figures reflect our present and point to the future of our community.
This reality strengthens the mission that has guided ¡Viva Polk! from the beginning: to inform, educate, inspire, and recognize our leaders in two languages. Each edition seeks to build bridges, celebrate our heritage, and highlight the stories contributing to Polk’s growth and diversity.
In this issue, we proudly feature Chef Marcos Fernández and Nineteen61, whose talent, perseverance, and love for his roots have placed Polk on the culinary map. We also share our unforgettable Costa Rican adventure and discover the true meaning of Pura Vida. In addition, we pay a well-deserved tribute to my dear friend, Commissioner Dr. Martha Rodríguez Santiago, upon her retirement and celebrate her extraordinary record of service.
None of this would be possible without our loyal advertisers, contributors, and readers. Thank you for believing in our mission. And to our outstanding team, thank you for bringing your talent, dedication, and heart to every page.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Teresa Martínez
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
Última Edición / Latest Issue
Marcos Fernández
Nineteen61 llega a Michelin
Siete días en Costa Rica
Donde la pura vida se comparte
Dra. Martha Santiago
Un legado de liderazgo y servicio
20 nuevas leyes de Florida que debe conocer
20 New Florida Laws You Should Know
Para ayudarle a comprender los cambios que podrían afectar a su familia, trabajo y comunidad, presentamos estas leyes en dos entregas de diez.
To help you understand the changes that may affect your family, work, and community, we are presenting these laws in two groups of ten.
To help you understand the changes that may affect your family, work, and community, we are presenting these laws in two groups of ten.
