The 59-year-old convicted sex offender, Awny Basta, is back behind bars after violating his probation by…
Month: June 2026
Movie Review – Backrooms
By Bob Garver Last week, I reviewed “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” which was based on…
Public Notice: Data Center Application Update – June 3 DRT Meeting Cancelled
This afternoon, the applicant for the proposed Lakeland data center requested cancellation of the scheduled Wednesday,…
16-year-old boy from Polk County arrested in shooting at Clearwater Beach
A 16-year-old boy from Haines City in Polk County was arrested and charged following a shooting…
Letter: Puppy Adopted from Polk Animal Shelter Needs Help
I adopted a puppy from Polk Animal Shelter over the weekend. She is extremely sick. I’m…
Lakeland Computers Store Opening on Hwy 98 N
A new name will appear on the storefront, but the story behind it carries decades of…
Polk County Urges Residents to Prepare for Hurricane Season Now
With the official start of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season on June 1, Polk County Emergency…
Letter: City Hall Cover-Up (Part 2)
Mayor and City Commissioners: I am writing to formally place the entire City Commission and Administration…
What should Lakeland do if it loses $14.5M from the Governor DeSantis property tax plan?
If the City of Lakeland faces a major $14.5 million revenue deficit due to the sweeping…
The Lakeland Police Department (LPD) has proposed a major technology overhaul, a 10-year, $21.3 million proposal
The Lakeland Police Department (LPD) has proposed a major technology overhaul that would expand its contract…
Letter: SERIOUS POLK COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL MATTER
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing an official complaint to bring to…
Lakeland residents demand answers on proposed data center
The community pushback over Project Swan—the proposed hyperscale data center in west Lakeland near Old Tampa…
Letter: THIS IS NOT A SOLUTION
Need community service hours for Diversion Court in Polk County? Apparently, adopting an animal from the…
Hyperscale Data Center Assault (pt 2)
Noise Pollution: The Never-Ending Hum Data centers don’t sleep. The WHO recommends nighttime noise below 40…
Coalition Rallies Against Lakeland Data Center Proposal
More than 50 residents attended the June 1 City Commission meeting to oppose the project, despite weekend…
Lakeland AI data center proposal sparks online backlash
The online buzz across local community groups is hitting a fever pitch over Project Swan—a proposed…
One of downtown Lakeland’s most stubborn eyesores is finally getting a second chance
The historic Hartsell-Lohr Building (located at 106-114 E. Main St.) has sat vacant and neglected for…
Hyperscale Data Center Assault (pt 1)
EMF: The Invisible Assault A single hyperscale data center draws 100–300 megawatts — the output of…