Polk County’s rich history in early 20th-century phosphate mining and logging created a series of company-owned…
Month: July 2026
History of Lodwick Field: From WWII Airport to Tiger Town
Lodwick Field is a former municipal airport in Lakeland, Florida, that operated from 1936 until around…
Donate Pet Food for SPCA Florida 7 Days of Giving
Lakeland Fire Department is partnering with SPCA Florida as a community collection partner for the 7…
Retail Theft Ring Busted!
Lakeland Police bust an organized retail theft ring targeting Bath & Body Works customer accounts. Three…
Silver Moon Drive-In: Lakeland’s Historic Theater Documentary
The iconic Silver Moon Drive-In on New Tampa Highway continues to be one of Lakeland’s most…
FHP Trooper Rescues Lost German Shepherd in Haines City
An FHP Trooper on patrol in the Haines City area of Polk County came upon a…
Chick-fil-A employee saw something and said something; the burglar was quickly arrested
#ArrestedByThePolkCountySheriffsOffice – 43-year-old Jason Allan Braden of Lakeland. A South Lakeland Chick-fil-A employee played an important…
Lakeland’s budget plan: Raises, new tech, slightly higher tax bills
How will Lakeland's new budget affect your wallet? Discover how flat tax rates, rising property values,…
Detectives with the Lakeland Police Department arrest a Tampa man after he arranged for and then traveled to have a sexual encounter with a 14-year-old girl.
On July 14, 2026, 48-year-old Fozi Nagi Al-Zokari initiated a text conversation with a Lakeland Police…
Letter: You’re Not Undecided. You’re Just Waiting for Someone You Can Trust
Half of Florida Republicans are still undecided. That’s not confusion – it’s wisdom. Here’s the one…
Lakeland Regional holds a healthcare summer program to create a pipeline of workers for the future
Lakeland Regional Health’s DISCOVER Summer Enrichment Program is designed to build a local pipeline of healthcare…
Cannabis company cuts 211 jobs in Hillsborough, Polk
Atlanta-based multi-state cannabis operator Parallel—which operates in Florida under the Surterra Wellness brand—eliminated 211 jobs following…
Depression-Era Poor Man’s Casserole
Ingredients 1 lb ground beef 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced 1 can cream of mushroom soup…
City of Lakeland
Discover Lakeland Florida, a scenic gem between Tampa and Orlando famous for its beautiful lakes, historic…
Reclaiming Your Focus in a Hyper-Connected World
In an era where our pockets buzz with constant notifications and our screens demand perpetual attention,…
Live Music Friday Night at The Velvet Swan
The Velvet Swan is the place to be tomorrow evening as Sidney O’Sullivan takes the stage…
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spoke at Bonnet Springs to announce a long-sought regulatory change for the American citrus industry
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spoke at Bonnet…
Gubernatorial candidate James Fishback’s campaign attempted to host last-minute, unapproved stops at two prominent downtown Lakeland spots
What Happened The Gathering & Pivot to Munn Park Despite the lack of authorization and rain…
Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins made a campaign stop in Lakeland, pitching his record and military background to over 100 Republican voters
Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins made a campaign stop in Lakeland, pitching his record and military background…
High school teacher and tennis coach arrested for sexual relationship with student
Detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Winter Haven High School teacher on Thursday,…
Kelly Quinn, “The Board of County Commissioners is not powerless here.”
Kelly for Polk ( Kelly Quinn), candidate for Polk County Commission, District 2, addressed the Polk…
Florida Poly’s Athletics Program Secures Use of Auburndale Sports Facilities
Florida Polytechnic University and the City of Auburndale signed a three-year athletic facilities agreement, establishing a…
Pollution Notice
Pursuant to Section 403.077, F.S., the Department of Environmental Protection has received the following Public Notice…
The Lakeland City Commission unanimously approved a series of annual base rate increases for Lakeland Electric that will total 15.87% over four years
Key Details Why Is the Rate Increasing? According to a formal Cost of Service Study conducted…
Peace River Crisis Center Shut Down After State Investigation Into Patient’s Tragic Death
One of Polk County’s busiest mental health crisis facilities has been ordered to stop admitting new…
Publix vendor lays off 168 people in Lakeland, Sarasota after losing contract
A company that unloaded merchandise at five Publix Super Markets distribution centers, four in Lakeland and…
Former estate on Lakeland’s Hallam Drive is set for development
A developer got approval from Lakeland commissioners on July 20 to develop the former estate of…
Lakeland Police Investigating Shooting at South Lakeland Apartment Complex
Lakeland Police are investigating a shooting at The Park at Verona Apartment Homes in South Lakeland.…
Movie Review – The Odyssey
By Bob Garver Few film adaptations require more ambition than Homer’s “The Odyssey,” the quintessential…
Tropical Storm Bertha formed in the Gulf of Mexico just south of the Florida Panhandle
Here is the current situation and forecasted path according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC): Current…
The proposed 12-month moratorium in Lakeland extends beyond municipal borders due to how municipal utility services operate
While standard land-use or zoning moratoriums usually apply only within a city’s incorporated limits, Lakeland’s draft…
City Manager Shawn Sherrouse Appoints Joseph “Joe” Costine as Water Utilities Director
Lakeland City Manager Shawn Sherrouse is pleased to announce the appointment of Joseph “Joe” Costine as Water Utilities Director, effective Monday,…
The City of Lakeland is beginning construction on an important environmental initiative at Lake Morton
If you plan on driving or traveling through the area this week, here is what you…
𝗣𝗢𝗟𝗞 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗬 𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗠𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗟: 𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗔 𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗘
You can’t tell people to 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗣 feeding cats and then claim they 𝗢𝗪𝗡 those same cats…
Atlanta Investor Drops $67.7 Million on Lakeland Warehouse Trio
Atlanta-based MDH Partners has scooped up three newly built industrial buildings at Lakeland Commerce Center for…
Assistant director of a Lakeland middle school criminally charged for physical outburst during traffic stop
The Assistant Head of School at Academy Prep of Lakeland, a not-for-profit private school, was arrested…
Movie Review – Moana
By Bob Garver I am well aware of the case against Disney’s live-action remake of…
Gun at Country Chicken and Fish
By Yolanda Larocca Valoy At Country Chicken and Fish. Felt confused on if I should be…
Polk County Fire Rescue Battles Blaze on Combee Road
Polk County Fire Rescue crews responded to a two-alarm fire at a commercial structure on Combee…
Lakeland City Manager Shawn Sherrouse Announces Leadership Transition at Lakeland Electric
Lakeland City Manager Sherrouse announced that Michael Beckham, General Manager of Lakeland Electric, has submitted his retirement…