Following the latest inflation data released in mid-May 2026, estimated projections for the 2027 Social Security…
Month: May 2026
Keep the change. Pennies have been ‘discontinued’ in Florida
You’re right on the money—literally! It’s wild to think about, but the U.S. Mint did officially…
Governor Ron DeSantis Makes Three Judicial Appointments in Polk
Kevin Kohl, of Lake Wales, to serve as Judge on the Tenth Judicial Circuit Court Judge…
PCSO Deputy With Cowboy Hat In Hand Wrangles Large Gator
Talk about a quintessential “only in Florida” moment—and right in Polk County’s backyard, no less! The…
Movie Review – Mortal Kombat II and Obsession
By Bob Garver With “The Devil Wears Prada 2” and “Michael” still ruling the domestic…
Lakeland City Commission voted to approve redevelopment of the former Wedgewood golf course
The long-running debate over the redevelopment of the former Wedgewood golf course reached a major milestone…
The Winn-Dixie Company celebrated two new Winn-Dixie stores in Lakeland
The transition from Harveys Supermarket marks another step in the Winn-Dixie Company’s ongoing transformation and continued…
Pabst Shuts Down Schlitz Beer After 177 Years of Continuous Production
End of an era for a true titan of American brewing history. Pabst Brewing Company officially…
Canady Returns to Lakeland Public Library for Mobile Office Hours
State Representative Jennifer Canady’s recurring constituent outreach. The mobile office hours are held on the third…
Eczema cream recalled over risk of ‘life-threatening’ staph infection
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a nationwide recall for a specific over-the-counter eczema cream…
Families Struggle to Find Affordable Adult Day Care
The reality facing many families right now is incredibly tough. As the population in Polk County…
New Donut Shop Looks to Be Opening in Lakeland
It looks like the local food scene is buzzing! Public plan-review documents were just submitted for…
Florida State Representative Angie Nixon (D-Jacksonville), who is currently running for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate, was arrested Friday evening
Florida State Representative Angie Nixon (D-Jacksonville), who is currently running for the Democratic nomination for the…
50th Annual Polk County Schools Poetry Contest Awards
The 50th Annual Polk County Schools Poetry Contest Awards ceremony took place on May 11, 2026,…
This is a massive hire for Polk State College!
This is a massive hire for Polk State College! Bringing in someone with the pedigree of…
Wedgewood developer offers city $423K and land in exchange for 825 units
The City of Lakeland is moving forward with a revised development agreement and a “Minor Modification”…
A Landmark Milestone for Lakeland
Gospel Inc. officially cut the ribbon on 48 new permanent supportive housing apartments at Gospel Village,…
Lakeland Christian School students win National High School Mock Trial Championship
This is a historic win for Lakeland Christian School (LCS)! On Saturday, May 9, 2026, the…
Polk Sheriff’s Office Moves Fast To Protect Jail Healthcare Services After National Provider Files Bankruptcy
That is a major move by Sheriff Judd, and honestly, a necessary one given the circumstances.…
Kevin and James Move Toward Permanent Housing
Two longtime Lighthouse guests are taking brave next steps toward independence. Kevin and James will soon…
FATAL CRASH INVESTIGATION
On Thursday, May 14, 2026, at approximately 9:08 a.m., officers responded to a traffic crash at…
With $70M grant, Polk County plans projects for the Lake Hancock basin
That $70 million grant is a major win for Polk County’s water infrastructure. This funding, largely…
Lakeland’s Squeeze Shuttle from a fixed-loop shuttle to an on-demand, app-based service
Citrus Connection officially unveiled the plan today, May 13, 2026, to transition The Squeeze from a…
Florida education commissioner picked as Polk State College president
The Polk State College Presidential Search Committee officially recommended Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas as the sole finalist…
Did you Know?
By Paul Waldmiller Did you know that denaturalizations of Floridians have increased in 2026? There has…
Polk Sheriff Grady Judd gets covered in milk
On Monday, May 11, 2026, Sheriff Grady Judd was doused in milk and cereal as part…
FWC has confirmed that they have been getting reports of gizzard shad deaths in Lake Hollingsworth
That makes perfect sense. Gizzard shad are often the “canary in the coal mine” for Florida…
Riverside Seafood sets sights on Lakeland
Riverside Seafood is continuing its expansion into Lakeland. While the brand already has a strong presence…
International Market World marks four decades
It is an impressive milestone for the International Market World in Auburndale. Since opening its doors…
Spring 2026 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades have been released
The Spring 2026 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades were released on May 6, 2026, showing a strong…
Florida Teacher Arrested After Fentanyl Found in Classroom
Christopher Tokenin, a teacher at Lely High School in Collier County, Florida, was arrested after fentanyl…
Remembering Moorehead Community
The Moorehead community was Lakeland’s first African-American neighborhood, established in the late 19th century south of…
The 10,000-Year Partnership: Why TNVR Matters
The bond between humans and cats goes back nearly 10,000 years. When early civilizations began farming,…
A US Secret Service officer was arrested in Miami, Florida, following a disturbing incident at a local hotel.
A US Secret Service officer was arrested in Miami, Florida, following a disturbing incident at a…
Do I qualify for SNAP in Florida? USDA makes more food stamp changes
To determine if you qualify for SNAP in Florida, you’ll need to look at your monthly…
Passengers on the MV Hondius cruise ship with a hantavirus outbreak have arrived at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska
Seventeen American passengers evacuated from the MV Hondius cruise ship arrived at Offutt Air Force Base…
Polk County Commissioner Santiago Will Not Seek Re-election to Third Term
Polk County Board of County Commissioner Martha Santiago has announced she will not seek re-election for…
Mom Charged With Child Abuse After Toddler Found With A Tattoo
A Kentucky mother was arrested after authorities discovered her 22-month-old son with a tattoo, and found their…
In Full Bloom at Notta
For one evening, Swan City Ballet transformed the gallery into something living. Between the color, texture,…