The first-ever major Hispanic leadership conference took place in Polk County on Saturday at Southeastern University,…
Category: Local
RP Funding Center Open House Photos
by Tom Hagerty Photography RP Funding Center Open House. Lakeland, Fla., Sept.6, 2025. (© Tom Hagerty)
Lakeland approves plans to demolish affordable housing complex, residents share concerns
The Lakeland Housing Authority is one step closer to bringing new affordable housing for seniors to…
Former Lakeland pet clinic manager accused of nearly $100K fraud
A former manager of a Polk County animal clinic is accused of stealing thousands of dollars…
I know it’s hard to believe, but we can’t make this stuff up as the Sheriff says
In the first 6 months of 2025, Polk County Animal Control KILLED 647 dogs, 1652 cats,…
Stealing Steak And Oxtail Lands Lakeland Woman In Polk County Jail
A retail theft call at the Mulberry Walmart on Sunday evening, August 31, took an unexpected…
Man charged, to be deported after blocking train, fighting Polk County K-9: officials
A man is facing deportation and a slew of felony charges following an incident on a…
Golden Corral cited for 5 violations during food health inspection
Golden Corral, a popular buffet-style restaurant chain at 4705 US Highway 98 North in Lakeland, received…
Winter Haven Man’s Ride Through Lakeland At 85 MPH Ends In Polk County Jail
A traffic stop on Thursday afternoon in Lakeland led to the arrest of a 25-year-old Winter…
School bus cameras prompt new class action lawsuit
Florida’s new school bus cameras, which capture drivers who pass a bus while its stop arm…
Polk County Fire Rescue Achieves Perfect Score on CAAS Reaccreditation
Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) received a perfect score on its renewal from the Commission on…
Man claimed he had bomb in his backpack while walking near Polk County school
Authorities confirmed that there was no bomb or explosive device found. A man was arrested after…
Polk County Fire Rescue Members and Hartl Family Reunites at Highland City Station
photos by Thomas Hagerty click here to see more Polk County Fire Rescue’s Highland City crew,…
Lakeland Couple Arrested After Committing String Of Armed Robberies
United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the arrest and filing of criminal complaints charging Andres Correa…
New center aims to teach students life skills
Chemistry, algebra, literature and… balancing a budget? Students in Polk County will soon learn life skills…
Hometown Hero Andrew Reynolds Celebrates Lakeland Skatepark’s Grand Opening
Andrew Reynolds returned home to Lakeland, Florida, this past weekend to help break in what his…
Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) crews save owl trapped in dense palm fibers
Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) crews, assisted by the Raptor Center of Tampa Bay, successfully rescued…
Labor Day Rally and March
Rally and March hosted by Indivisible Polk, Defund Oligarchy Blessed by Liberty, Polk Progressives, Unitarian Universalist…
“Workers Over Billionaires” Rally and March
Labor and Community Plan Next Mobilization Against the Billionaire Agenda This Labor Day and Demand “Workers…
Is Excel Christian Academy & Preschool being investigated by DCF?
The parents of all preschool children were called last Tuesday and told they had to come…
Pursuit of attempted homicide suspect ends in rollover crash in Polk County; 3 injured
A multi-county pursuit of a suspect wanted for attempted homicide ended with a rollover crash in…
PCSO charges 32 suspects during “Operation Capital City Crack Down,” a yearlong investigation of illegal drug trafficking
Detectives from the PCSO Tactical Drug Unit, Organized Crime Unit, and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking…
Excel Christian Academy Here We Go Again …. “tickle time”
Some new and interesting information has come out of Excel Christian Academy. A parent of a…
Lakeland Man, Former Correctional Officer, Arrested For Domestic Violence
A Lakeland man, a former state correctional officer, was charged with domestic battery after allegedly striking…
Polk County Fire Rescue Crew Delivers Child in Highland City
Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) members assisted in welcoming a new life on Tuesday, Aug. 19…
Amtrack Naked Man Arrest
Video Courtesy of Jonathan Wayne Andress & Studio61productions.com According to Amtrak, the man was on the train,…
Marriott to Cut 136 Lakeland Jobs in Shift to Outside Vendors
Marriott Vacations Worldwide is shifting certain administrative functions to third-party vendors, a move that will eliminate more…
Polk County legislators hear animal welfare pleas and funding requests in annual meeting
Disappointed with their reception within Polk County, animal advocates addressed their arguments to a higher authority:…
Animal Ordinance Needs to Change in Polk County
By Street Cat Project of Polk County Recently, The Ledger posted an article about the Animal…
PCSO investigating fatal single-vehicle crash on I-4 in Lakeland
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) is investigating a single-vehicle crash that resulted in the death…
6-Year-Old Airlifted to Hospital After Dog Attack in Lakeland
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a dog bite incident that occurred on Thursday evening…
Lakeland Man Sentenced for Masturbating in Lyft Vehicle
Justin Cole of Lakeland has been sentenced in the Tenth Judicial Circuit Court for the charge…
Florida Teamsters at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Win First Contract
Over 270 warehouse workers at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits in Lakeland, represented by Teamsters Local…
New owner for KLAL FBO
Aero Centers has acquired the Sheltair FBO at Lakeland Linder International Airport (KLAL), adding it to…
Animal advocates continue pressure on Polk Commissioners for the TNVR program
For the third time since June, animal advocates peppered Polk County commissioners with allegations of abuse…
35-year-old Katelyn Harrison of Lakeland was arrested and charged with knowingly selling or offering to sell counterfeit goods
35-year-old Katelyn Harrison of Lakeland was arrested and charged with knowingly selling or offering to sell…
Lakeland restaurant closed for roach and rodent activity. 5 others fall short in early July
Egg Factory of South Lakeland, at 6960 S. Florida Ave., was temporarily closed on July 10…
Five Star Seafood has now opened…
3601 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL Previously, Andrew’s Coffee was at this location. Taco Bell originally…
Polk County Boosts Emergency Prep with New Shelter Needs Warehouse
Polk County Commissioners, County and Emergency Management officials gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion…