Division. The library holds one of the largest genealogical and historical collections in the Southeast United States. Collections and services The Polk County Historical & Genealogical Library holds more than 40,000 items in its collection. The collection includes books, microfilm, and periodicals that include information about the history and genealogy of the entire eastern United States. The selection of materials related to the history of Polk County contains local newspapers dated back to 1881, aerial photography to 1938, city directories to 1925 and property tax rolls to 1882. Four full-time staff members are available for assistance at the library. The library also offers local obituary searches and basic looks-ups via email. Media Polk is part of the Tampa Bay media market. Newspapers The Polk County Democrat 1931–present The Lakeland Ledger 1924–present; owned by New Media Investment Group The Winter Haven News Chief 1911–present The Business Observer 1997–present Radio Television WMOR-TV (licensed to Lakeland, with studios in Tampa) Transportation Airports Lakeland Linder International Airport In 2017 Linder welcomed its first international flight, and in 2018 the name was changed to reflect the airport's international status. Bartow Municipal Airport Lake Wales Municipal Airport Jack Browns Seaplane Base Winter Haven's Gilbert Airport South Lakeland Airport Chalet Suzanne Air Strip River Ranch resort Airport Highways Limited Access Highways Interstate 4 – This interstate highway cuts across the northern part of the county, entering from Tampa and Plant City in the west, bypassing Lakeland, Auburndale, and Haines City, and heading northeast toward the greater Orlando area. Polk Parkway – With endpoints at I-4, this toll road traverses primarily around Lakeland, intersecting with several major routes in southern Lakeland and additionally providing access to Winter Haven and Legoland via SR 540, and Auburndale via US 92. It exists as SR 570. Central Polk Parkway (Under Development) Heartland Parkway (proposed) U.S. Highways US 17 – This U.S. highway enters Polk County from the southwest, bypassing Fort Meade on its way to Bartow, and eventually through Eagle Lake into Winter Haven. North of Winter Haven, in Lake Alfred, it joins with US 92 to form a concurrency that continues north and east through Haines City and Davenport toward Kissimmee and Orlando. US 27 – This primary thoroughfare in eastern Polk County bypasses several cities, including Frostproof, Lake Wales, Dundee, Lake Hamilton, Haines City, and Davenport. Its interchange with I-4 is a gateway to the Orlando area. US 92