Over the past 16 years, Polk County High Schools have reached a level of athletic achievement that might exceed any period in the county’s history. It is not coincidental that Don Bridges has served as the county’s athletic administrator over that time. Don supervises the athletic programs of the 13 high schools in the county, drawing upon his 48 years of experience as a coach, official, and athletic administrator. 

Over the years, Don has played an instrumental role in bringing numerous FHSAA state championship events to Polk County. In conjunction with everything that is already on his plate, Don has also served as a registered FHSAA contest official in baseball and basketball for more than 10 years, and in 2002, was inducted into the FHSAA Hall of Fame. He also serves on the FHSAA Athletic Directors Advisory Committee, for which he is often looked to for leadership and ideas that the FHSAA adopts each year. 

Don has also been honored by numerous other organizations from across Florida. Those honors include: FIAAA Administrator of the Year in 1999, NIAAA Certified Athletic Administrator in 1999, induction into the FACA Hall of Fame, a former Polk County All-Sports Award winner in 2006 as the Bernie Little Executive of the Year, the FACA Lifetime Membership and Meritorious Service Award, the FIAAA Meritorious Service Award, and serves on the Board of Directors for the FIAAA and FACA. 

Don also has a storied involvement in other parts of the community. He is a member of the Championship Committee and the Tournament Coordinator for FHSAA finals events in Lakeland. He also served as athletic director at Lake Wales High School from 1977 to 1985, where he also coached previously. He is also an active official, having served as a high school and collegiate basketball official for over 50 years.