Great Explorations is soliciting community input on a proposed Discovery Center for older kids, with public forums in July and a feasibility study underway.

New studies and local reporting show Florida families facing higher child-care bills; some parents report monthly daycare costs above $1,600. State and national data point to supply and budget gaps.

Heartland for Children and Polk County say more than 500 children were removed from homes across Polk, Hardee and Highlands last year. The agency is recruiting dozens of foster families ahead of May's recognition month.