A Handbook for City Commission Meetings — by Floridian Future What Big Tech Won’t Tell You…
Month: May 2026
The Lakeland Hyperscale “Project Swan” Data Center Proposal: What We Now Know
A new application has been submitted to city planners detailing a massive data center complex in…
Exclusive: Lakeland International Airport Director has left for a new job
Kris Hallstrand has left the Lakeland International Airport Director job to work for Sun ‘N Fun
There has not been a final approval by the City of Lakeland for a proposed data center
This morning at the City of Lakeland Agenda Study meeting, City Manager Shawn Sherrouse addressed speculation…
BayCare remains in network with United Healthcare!
We’re pleased to share that BayCare Health System has reached a new agreement with United Healthcare…
2026 Lakeland Hurricane Expo
WHAT: The City of Lakeland, in partnership with United Way of Central Florida, Age Friendly Lakeland,…
PokéKon is coming to the RP Funding Center this Saturday, May 30
It looks like a huge weekend for Pokémon fans in Lakeland! If you’re planning to head…
Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies made multiple drug arrests on Thursday
Detectives from the PCSO Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) and Tactical Drug Unit (TDU) arrested multiple suspects…
Polk tax collector slams state’s unreliable motor vehicle system
Polk County Tax Collector Joe G. Tedder has publicly called out the Florida Department of Highway…
Why Google wants to release 32 million weird mosquitoes in Florida
It sounds like the plot of a sci-fi movie: a massive tech company breeding millions of…
As UnitedHealthcare and BayCare dispute over money, patients bear the burden
It is the classic healthcare standoff, and you are spot on—when multi-billion-dollar regional health systems and…
The 2026 Florida Michelin Guide results just dropped, and Nineteen61 officially earned its place on the prestigious “Recommended” list.
This is a massive win for the local dining scene. The 2026 Florida Michelin Guide results…
“Mark my words, there’s trouble a-brewin’!’’ Disney Golf Unveils New “Grumpy’s Gauntlet’’ Statue at Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course
Disney Golf unveiled a new Grumpy statue Friday that marks the entryway of the recently redesigned…
Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake
Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is ultra moist, tropical, and packed with sweet pineapple, fresh carrots, coconut,…
Rest in Peace, K-9 Pantera “Ace” — We’re Going to Miss You, Buddy
Our hearts were broken yesterday as we said goodbye to K-9 Pantera “Ace,” a faithful partner,…
Hyperscale Data Center “Project Swan” Proposed for Lakeland
Fresh details have emerged regarding “Project Swan,” a newly revealed concept for a massive 600,000-square-foot hyperscale…
Potato salad season is here! Which one are you bringing to the cookout?
From creamy classic potato salad to German potato salad, loaded baked potato salad, ranch potato salad,…
100 block of East Main Street downtown was asked to evacuate for a little over 30 minutes on Thursday morning, May 28
That evacuation was due to a reported gas leak at the restaurant Hakucho. By 9:00 a.m.,…
Florida Poly raises fees for non-resident students to meet state rule
Florida Polytechnic University is moving forward with a 15% increase in out-of-state tuition and fees, a…
Florida Man Sentenced for Abusing Girlfriend’s Cats
In Defense of Animals is pleased with the sentencing of Travis Keith Fehr, who was charged with two…
Blue Origin lines up 1st New Glenn launch since rocket was grounded
Blue Origin’s 322-foot New Glenn heavy-lift rocket.. Source: Blue Origin The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officially…
State budget offers millions for Polk colleges, cities, road projects
Florida’s legislative sessions have prioritized substantial financial backing for Polk County’s rapid growth. Following the recently…
The Lakeland City Commission approved significant pay raises for 252 union-covered members of the Lakeland Police Department
The Lakeland City Commission approved significant pay raises for 252 union-covered members of the Lakeland Police…
The Peach Cobbler Factory, Lakeland
Peach Cobbler Factory Lakeland is located at 5261 US Hwy 98 S #8C, Lakeland, FL 33812.…
Lights, Camera, Memories: New Documentary to Celebrate the Silver Moon Drive-In’s 80th Anniversary
Filmmakers Seek Polk County Community Members to Share Their Stories A new documentary film is in…
Florida lawmakers reach deal to reverse HIV drug cuts, step up oversight of spending
This is a massive relief for thousands of Floridians. After months of intense anxiety and fierce…
Did you Know?
By Paul Waldmiller Did you know that Senator Rick Scott and Representative Vern Buchanan have advanced the…
Lakeland student wins scholarship for art in America250 FL contest
That is a massive win for a local student! The talented artist is Noah Sisson, a…
Lakeland Linder sees passenger growth as major airports expect a decline
Lakeland Linder is definitely experiencing a major growth phase, but the major hubs aren’t actually seeing…
Construction to Begin on Fire Station 8
The City of Lakeland is officially moving forward with the construction of Fire Station 8, a…
NOAA Hurricane Hunters Prepare For A New Generation Of Aircraft
By Chris Elrod For decades, the roar of NOAA’s aging Hurricane Hunter aircraft has become synonymous…
Operation Pop-Top: 10 stores checked, two failed
Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office continued their Operation Pop-Top checks on Wednesday, May 20,…
Movie Review – The Mandalorian and Grogu
By Bob Garver “The Mandalorian and Grogu” is coming at an interesting time in the…
Breaking down the cost of living in Lakeland
Lakeland’s overall cost of living is roughly 6% to 12% lower than the national average. It…
A second developer recently filed with the City of Lakeland to redevelop the former Hooters restaurant
According to a recent filing with the City of Lakeland, a developer is proposing to redevelop…
Lakeland Youth Council to Shift Focus to Eighth Graders
The Lakeland City Commission recently voted unanimously to revamp the Lakeland Youth Council as it enters…
Bridge construction will cause detours on SR 33 at I-4 in Lakeland
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has scheduled several nightly closures for that intersection next week…
For nearly 2 months, citizens have tracked how many animals are available for adoption at Sheriff Judd’s Polk County Animal Control
By Coalition for Animal Rights and Education in Polk County Florida For nearly 2 months, citizens…
Letter: City Hall Cover-Up (Part 1)
City Hall Cover-Up (Part 1) This timeline shows how multiple layers of city oversight have failed…