While a Broward County judge recently ruled that red-light camera citations are unconstitutional, Lakeland is not currently affected by this decision

While a Broward County judge recently ruled that red-light camera citations are unconstitutional, Lakeland is not…

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has sparked a sharp intra-party debate by labeling a recent pivot by Republican sheriffs as “incoherent.”

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has sparked a sharp intra-party debate by labeling a recent pivot by…

The news regarding the Florida State University kicker is developing rapidly. Sophomore kicker Conor McAneney was arrested early Wednesday morning

The news regarding the Florida State University kicker is developing rapidly. Sophomore kicker Conor McAneney was…

This news marks a significant shift for downtown Lakeland’s residential landscape

This news marks a significant shift for downtown Lakeland’s residential landscape. Three of the area’s most…

Is Sheriff Grady Judd woke now?

Sheriff Grady Judd’s recent comments have certainly sparked a lot of conversation across Polk County this…

Age is not an excuse for being unhealthy

This might be one of the most unpopular articles of all time, but as I sit…

Seasons Change

By Dr. Glenn Mollette  There aren’t that many seasons of freedom in life. If you are…

YES, IT’S A RELIGIOUS WAR

Genesis 16:12 “And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man,…

Help! Social Security Reduced my Monthly Payment

My last Social Security payment decreased by about $400, so I went to my online SS…

Magic legend Tracy McGrady to relaunch 1-on-1 basketball league

It is perfect timing—Tracy McGrady officially announced the relaunch of the Ones Basketball League (OBL) today,…

A Lakeland veteran has indeed just been recognized with the nation’s highest military honor for his actions during the Vietnam War.

Command Sergeant Major Terry P. Richardson was awarded the Medal of Honor on March 2, 2026,…

Polk County Commissioners Approve New Polk County Right-Of-Way Sign Enforcement Ordinance

The Polk County Board of County Commissioners approved a new Polk County Right-of-Way Sign Enforcement Ordinance…

Today, our community came together to honor the life and service of Army Reserve Major Cody Khork as his procession passed Florida Southern College along Lake Hollingsworth Drive

Photos by Lakeland Electric, Polk County Fire Rescue, and Lakeland FD Video by Lakeland PD Today,…

Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) crews responded to an unexploded ordnance

Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) crews responded to an unexploded ordnance in Fort Meade. The call…

It is so REWARDING and HEARTWARMING when I drive past SPCA FLORIDA early weekday mornings and see people in line for the BACKYARD CAT PROGRAM

By Street Cat Project of Polk County It is so REWARDING and HEARTWARMING when I drive…

Did you Know?

By Paul Waldmiller Did you know that the city of Tampa ranks number 6 on a…

Sheriff Grady Judd Recommends a Path for Undocumented Residents Not Breaking the Law

In a notable shift in tone during mid-March 2026, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd—serving as chair…

Woman goes to Tampa airport to catch flight. Then a Southwest worker forced her to pay for another ticket because she’s ‘wide at the bottom’

This incident occurred recently at Tampa International Airport and has since gone viral, sparking a heated…

On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, U.S. Army Reserve Major Cody Khork – who was killed in the line of duty serving his country in the Middle East – will return home to Polk County

On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, U.S. Army Reserve Major Cody Khork – who was killed in…

Can you help identify?

Detectives are attempting to identify two suspects in connection with a vehicle burglary with damage during…

The two Harveys Supermarket locations in Lakeland are officially transitioning to the Winn-Dixie banner

The two Harveys Supermarket locations in Lakeland are officially transitioning to the Winn-Dixie banner. This change…

”I’m not a cop hater! As a matter of fact I retired from 25 years from the Sheriff’s Office” [Sheriff Grady Judd] 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟯 𝗼𝗳 𝟲 — 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟯 𝗼𝗳 𝟲 — 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆 This video focuses on what citizens, a retired deputy,…

Leprechaun Lemonade

The Twisted Mixer email [email protected] phone 863 709 6023 The Leprechaun Lemonade is a bright, citrusy, and slightly…

That is an impressive feat! Rocco Cammarota, an 18-year-old Publix employee from Georgia, won the 2026 National Grocers Association (NGA) Best Bagger Championship in Las Vegas

That is an impressive feat! Rocco Cammarota, an 18-year-old Publix employee from Georgia, won the 2026…

In a notable policy shift, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has recently emerged a more nuanced approach to immigration enforcement

In a notable policy shift, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has recently emerged as a prominent…

March 16, 2026, a federal judge in Boston issued a preliminary injunction that temporarily halts the U.S. government’s recent efforts to scale back childhood vaccine recommendations.

On Monday, March 16, 2026, a federal judge in Boston issued a preliminary injunction that temporarily…

Joshua Roelofs, a former Polk County deputy. He was sentenced to 32.5 years in state prison, followed by 5 years of probation for a fatal 2022 crash

Today, March 16, 2026, marks the conclusion of a high-profile case involving Joshua Roelofs, a former…

Lakeland Man Who Fired Bullets That Killed 70-Year-Old-Grandmother and Injured 13-Year-Old Girl in 2020 Christmas Eve Shootout Pleads Guilty

Taqiy Lewis (27, Lakeland) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted…

A Florida panther will remain at ZooTampa after rehabilitation

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reached out to ZooTampa last year.  They had…

This cat survived. Many others didn’t.

By Maria Consuelo Barrero A rescue partner recently responded to a case involving multiple cats surrendered…

Lawmakers adjourned without passing a state budget. This means while the “regular” clock has stopped, the work is far from over

Florida’s 2026 regular legislative session came to a close on Friday, March 13, but with a…

This bill approved adjustments to how Floridians will register and identify themselves at the polls

The Florida Legislature has officially approved HB 991, a sweeping election bill modeled after the federal…

Culver’s will open its 8th Polk location this summer

That’s right—the “ButterBurger” footprint is growing again. Culver’s is set to open its 8th Polk County…

The Polk County School Board unanimously approved a two-year pilot program to bring the WonderHere education model to Philip O’Brien Elementary School

The Polk County School Board unanimously approved a two-year pilot program to bring the WonderHere education…

Neo-Nazis & Hate Groups Surge in Florida as Anti-DEI Laws Reshape the State’s Identity

In recent years, Florida has seen a documented increase in the activity of extremist and hate…

Plant City High School Student Robs Classmates at Gunpoint

On Friday, March 13, 2026, a 16-year-old student at Plant City High School was arrested following…

The Florida Department of Health has confirmed that measles cases have reached 132 statewide as of March 2026

This marks a significant increase from previous years and currently places Florida with the third-highest case…

Driver killed after fiery crash on EPCOT Center Drive

A fatal single-vehicle accident occurred on EPCOT Center Drive early Sunday morning, March 15, 2026. The…

Lakeland Electric Took home a first-place trophy in an event like the Triple Threat Journeyman is no small feat

That is an impressive win! Taking home a first-place trophy in an event like the Triple…

A Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) helicopter made a precautionary landing earlier today

A Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) helicopter made a precautionary landing earlier today, Sunday, March 15,…

Polk County FLORIDA Animal Control Crisis – The Numbers Don’t Lie

These are the official statistics for January–February 2026 from Polk County Animal Control. Read them carefully.…

Letter: Will the new Lakeland solar farm lower or raise bills?

Will the new Lakeland solar farm lower or raise bills? An article in The Ledger indicates…