Republican Jennifer Kincart Jonsson handily defeated Democrat Ashley Herrmann to gain a seat that was open because Rep. Melony Bell, R-Fort Meade, chose to run for Polk County Supervisor of Elections.

Frank Marasco, who has been serving as the interim county administrator for nearly six months, was formally appointed to a three-year term on Tuesday by a 3-2 vote.

Overall Polk County students improved in two-thirds of the categories, but fell in others. See how your school did.

Polk County School Board member Rick Nolte, who last attended a meeting on Jan. 28, is on medical leave, the school district said.

Polk County Public Schools announced new principals at three high schools, 14 elementary schools, a traditional middle school and a magnet.