This marks a significant increase from previous years and currently places Florida with the third-highest case…
Category: Local
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.…
𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟮 𝗼𝗳 𝟲 — 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆
This video highlights testimony from speakers who described the heat, smell, and deteriorating conditions inside Polk…
Foreclosure in Lakeland Florida climb deepens as pressure builds on vulnerable borrowers
Recent data confirms that Lakeland, Florida, has become one of the most pressured foreclosure markets in…
Over the past 9 months, citizens have provided testimony — some under oath — raising concerns about Polk County Animal Control 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟭 𝗼𝗳 𝟲 · 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆
By Maria Consuelo Barrero This video begins a compilation series highlighting some of those statements. In…
Chestnut Road Scheduled to Close March 16
A portion of Chestnut Road in Lakeland will close at 9 a.m. on Monday, March 16,…
As of mid-March 2026, Janard Dominic Childs remains at large and is the subject of an active manhunt by the Lakeland Police Department
An arrest warrant was issued for Childs, 34, following a fatal shooting on February 22, 2026,…
More than 45,000 animals have been euthanized at Polk County Animal Control since 2018
This graphic reflects publicly reported shelter intake and outcome data showing that more than 45,000 animals have been…
Yesterday, March 11, 2026, marked a historic milestone at Lakeland Linder International Airport with the inaugural all-female Flight of Honor
While the Polk Veterans Council has been conducting these missions since 2015, this specific trip was…
FATAL CRASH INVESTIGATION
On Thursday, March 12, 2026, at approximately 10:00 a.m., officers responded to a traffic crash involving…
In Polk County, the statistics are sobering: nearly 43% to 50% of students are starting kindergarten without the necessary language and literacy skills
In Polk County, the statistics are sobering: nearly 43% to 50% of students are starting kindergarten…
Fugitive Arrested After Standoff At Local Lakeland Mobile Home Park
PCSO served a warrant at a Lakeland mobile home park that ended in two arrests after…
You’re spot on. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) just released its 2026 Allergy Capitals report this month, and Lakeland officially landed at #20 on the list
It is actually the only city in Florida to make the top 20 this year. While…
A Mulberry man was arrested earlier today, March 11, 2026, for allegedly using artificial intelligence to create child sexual abuse material (CSAM)
According to reports from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Steven Gugel, 47, was taken into custody…
Lakeland saw the sharpest spike of homeowners dropping their insurance
Floridians continue to make tough financial choices. A new study by LendingTree shows nearly 20% of…
This is a harrowing story out of the local area. On March 8, 2026, a 17-year-old girl in Lakeland was seriously injured when the golf cart she was riding in flipped over, pinning her beneath its roughly 900-pound frame.
The accident has highlighted both a frightening moment of crisis and an incredible act of quick…
Who do you call when an owl is hanging from a tree? We will give you a hint, it’s not the Ghostbusters
Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) assisted Fort Meade Fire Department, Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), and…
A former firefighter filed the lawsuit against Polk County in U.S. court for Florida’s Middle District in Tampa on March 28, court records show.
A former firefighter filed the lawsuit against Polk County in U.S. court for Florida’s Middle District in Tampa on March 28, court records…
Sheriff Grady Judd says ‘troll’ crossed lines of First Amendment in ‘threats’ made to Kaitlin Bennett
Sheriff Grady Judd is known for his “plain talk” and firm stance on law and order,…
Florida Polytechnic University officially announced today, March 10, 2026, that it is launching a new athletics program
That is a huge move for the Phoenix! Florida Polytechnic University officially announced today, March 10,…
Deputies box man’s car in at intersection to arrest him following battery
Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a residence in the area of…
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 32-year-old Emmanuel Sanchez of Lakeland on March 9, 2026, following reports of “inappropriate and disgusting behavior” involving students at two different middle schools.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 32-year-old Emmanuel Sanchez of Lakeland on March 9, 2026, following…
Lakeland Meth Trafficker Sentenced after Lakeland Hotel Bust Source
On January 27, 2026, Wesley Anderson, a 46-year-old from Lakeland, was sentenced to 18 years in…
DUI Manslaughter Arrest Jeffery Ronald Allen
On March 7, 2026, traffic crash investigators with the Lakeland Police Department arrested Jeffery Ronald Allen…
A 29-year-old motorcyclist from Plant City, identified by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office as Justin Fuller, was killed on Saturday night, March 7, 2026
Tragic story. A 29-year-old motorcyclist from Plant City, identified by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office as…
That’s a fantastic milestone for a local talent! Kennedy Davenport, a senior at the Harrison School for the Arts, is making her debut with the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra tonight, Saturday, March 7, 2026
As the winner of the 2025/26 Beth Mason Young Artist Competition, Davenport is not only performing…
The pushback in Kathleen has become a significant focal point for Polk County growth discussions
As of early 2026, residents of this historic community north of Lakeland are actively organizing to…
Scholarship created in honor of Polk County soldier killed in Kuwait at Florida Southern College
Captain Cody A. Khork, a 35-year-old Lakeland native and graduate of Florida Southern College (FSC), who…
Lakeland Fire Station 1 crew hosted the City of Lakeland, FL – Government Citizens Academy last night
Lakeland Fire Station 1 crew hosted the City of Lakeland, FL – Government Citizens Academy last…
LPD has arrested Kevin Lamont Reed Jr., 23, in connection with the fatal shooting of 48-year-old Steven Michael Magee outside Wally’s Pool Hall in Lakeland
Police have arrested Kevin Lamont Reed Jr., 23, in connection with the fatal shooting of 48-year-old…
The GMF Steel Career Fair, held on February 27, 2026, at the Sun ‘n Fun Expo Campus in Lakeland, Florida, successfully drew over 800 students from 18 high schools
The GMF Steel Career Fair, held on February 27, 2026, at the Sun ‘n Fun Expo…
Williams Breaks Ground on 74.8 MW Solar Facility
Williams joined with Lakeland Electric and City of Lakeland leaders to break ground on a new…
Fatal shooting occurred early this morning at Wally’s Poolhall on East Main Street
A fatal shooting occurred early this morning, Thursday, March 5, 2026, in Lakeland following an argument…
Homicide Investigation
Detectives with the Lakeland Police Department are investigating a shooting that occurred early Thursday morning outside…
Filing taxes doesn’t have to break the bank
Filing taxes doesn’t have to break the bank. For 2026, the United Way of Central Florida…
Buffalo Wild Wings GO Brings the Heat to Mulberry: Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Set for March 12
It’s time to get the wet naps ready! Buffalo Wild Wings is officially bringing its “GO”…
That is a classic “full circle” moment for Kara Kirkland
That is a classic “full circle” moment! Kara Kirkland, a Lakeland native who once donned the…
Pollution Notice
Pursuant to Section 403.077, F.S., the Department of Environmental Protection has received the following Public Notice…
Former Tampa Bay Lightning captain and franchise legend Vincent Lecavalier filed a lawsuit in early February 2026 against the Lakeland Ice Arena
It looks like the “Bolt” is striking in court this time. Former Tampa Bay Lightning captain…