The recent opening of Polk Period Pantry marks a significant step in addressing period poverty in…
Category: Local
Lakeland No Kings Rally Photos 3/28/2026
Photos by Elrod Images Over 400 people attended the North Lakeland Rally The “No Kings” movement has…
On March 24, 2026, the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission posthumously awarded the Carnegie Medal—the highest civilian honor for heroism in North America—to Mark Bryson of Lakeland
On March 24, 2026, the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission posthumously awarded the Carnegie Medal—the highest civilian…
Lakeland Punk Rock Flea Market FREE EVENT from Noon-6pm this Sunday
You don’t have to be a punk to enjoy yourself at the punk flea. All Ages,…
On March 26, 2026, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and health officials confirmed that a bat found in Lake Wales tested positive for rabies, marking the county’s first confirmed case of the year
The incident occurred in the 1700 block of Masterpiece Road on Saturday, March 21, when a…
It’s always a bit bittersweet to see a local landmark like Bent’s Cycling & Fitness close its doors after six decades, but it’s great news for the local cycling community that the expertise isn’t leaving the area
For those who spent years trusting the crew at Bent’s, the transition to Platt’s Cycles is…
With “No Kings 3” scheduled for this Saturday, March 28, 2026, the movement has shifted from a reactive protest into a sophisticated political force
With “No Kings 3” scheduled for this Saturday, March 28, 2026, the movement has shifted from…
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has officially moved the region, including Polk County, into a Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage
While the order was approved on March 24, 2026, the strict new rules officially go into…
New sports complex with track and field stadium planned for South Lakeland
Plans are moving forward for a major athletic expansion in South Lakeland, primarily focused on the…
Hilary Holley wins HD-51 Special Election
It’s official—Hilary Holley has won the Special Election for Florida House District 51. The results from…
No more warnings: Swiftmud orders ‘extreme’ water restrictions
You heard correctly—the situation has officially escalated. As of today, March 24, 2026, the Southwest Florida…
3 pets dead, 8 people left homeless after lithium-ion battery sparks fire in Lakeland
This is a devastating situation for the Lakeland community. The incident you’re referring to happened today,…
Kait’s Unsafe Space in Lakeland
Triggered Democrats threaten to PUNCH and TRESPASS me from the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market for…
Maj. Cody A. Khork was laid to rest with full military honors today, Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell
Maj. Cody A. Khork, a 35-year-old U.S. Army Reserve officer from Polk County, is being laid…
Lakeland Residents Near Crews Lake Road Under Precautionary Boil Water Notice
A precautionary boil water notice has been issued for Polk County Utilities customers on Marie Drive,…
Your Voice Matters for the Most Vulnerable!
Your Voice Matters for the Most Vulnerable! Please join us and speak up for those who…
Investigation at Lakeland Home Depot after a man’s body was discovered inside a display shed
Lakeland Police are investigating after a man’s body was discovered inside a display shed at the…
The management of Polk County Animal Services (PCAS) by Sheriff Grady Judd and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) has been a flashpoint in local debate, especially as residents in 2026 raise concerns about transparency and policy
While the Sheriff’s Office remains active in investigating animal cruelty cases and promoting pet adoptions, many…
This month, a notable division has emerged between Florida’s top executive leadership and a prominent group of local law enforcement officials regarding mass deportation policies
The State Immigration Enforcement Council, led by Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, recently signaled a significant…
𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟲 𝗼𝗳 𝟲 — 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆 This final video focuses on the human impact
Becky Bywater, who volunteers with Polk County Bully Project, shared a heartbreaking reality about the calls…
𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟱 𝗼𝗳 𝟲 — 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆
“𝗜𝗻 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗼𝗴𝘀 𝗲𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗻𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗱. 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗴𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁…
According to recent updates from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Steven Gugel, a 47-year-old man from Mulberry, is facing 16 additional charges following a deeper forensic investigation into his digital devices
According to recent updates from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Steven Gugel, a 47-year-old man from…
Governor Ron DeSantis has indeed ordered that the United States and Florida flags be flown at half-staff on Saturday, March 21, 2026, to honor the life and service of Major Cody A. Khork
Major Khork, a 35-year-old Lakeland resident and Winter Haven native, was one of the six U.S.…
Today was a very special day. Promises made, promises fulfilled
By Guy LaLonde From the very beginning, I have stood firmly in support of public safety,…
The tension surrounding the relocation of Talbot House Ministries has reached a new peak today, March 20, 2026, as protesters gathered at the intersection of Ingraham Avenue and Memorial Boulevard
Signs read, “STOP Talbot House Relocation,” “Great Mission, Wrong Location,” and “No Talbot, Not Here.” Don…
A fatal collision between a truck and a train occurred this evening, Thursday, March 19, 2026, in northwest Lakeland
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office reported the following details regarding the incident: This area has seen…
Three Missing Adults with Disabilities – Active search going on now in N. Lakeland
Officers are currently looking for 3 missing disabled adults with developmental issues who left from the…
𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟰 𝗼𝗳 𝟲 — 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆
“𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺.” This video…
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…
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…
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…
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…
”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,…
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…
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…
This cat survived. Many others didn’t.
By Maria Consuelo Barrero A rescue partner recently responded to a case involving multiple cats surrendered…
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…