Pursuant to Section 403.077, F.S., the Department of Environmental Protection has received the following Public Notice…
Category: Local
Parents of teens involved in ‘takeovers’ to face charges, Polk County sheriff says
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has made it clear that local law enforcement will not tolerate…
Lakeland server steals customer’s debit card info to make nearly $900 in spa, cosmetic purchases
This recent incident was just announced by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Here is what happened…
New Succession Plan at LEDC and Catapult
A changing of the guard is officially underway for two of Lakeland’s primary economic engines. Christin…
Free Screenings Saturday — ECGs Are Now Required for High School Athletes
Beginning July 1, Florida will require electrocardiogram (ECG) screenings for all first-time high school athletes, in accordance with…
Avelo brings back two popular routes out of Lakeland for 2026 holidays
Great news for local travelers looking to book their winter getaways early! Avelo Airlines officially extended…
Multiple Food Service Jobs Now Hiring
The local food service landscape has a wide variety of open positions right now, ranging from…
Proposed Hallam Drive development raises fears of flooding and traffic
The proposed development at 1212 Hallam Drive has officially stepped into the spotlight, immediately sparking familiar…
What Killed the Fish at Lake Hollingsworth?
The fish kill at Lake Hollingsworth was caused by a completely natural “perfect storm” of environmental…
OnlyFans model left terrified after alleged harassment from Florida man
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 41-year-old Rickey Collins of Winter Haven, Florida, after he allegedly…
This is developing news out of downtown Lakeland today
A person was found dead on a bench at Veterans Memorial Park in Lakeland the morning…
PCSO Deputy With Cowboy Hat In Hand Wrangles Large Gator
Talk about a quintessential “only in Florida” moment—and right in Polk County’s backyard, no less! The…
Lakeland City Commission voted to approve redevelopment of the former Wedgewood golf course
The long-running debate over the redevelopment of the former Wedgewood golf course reached a major milestone…
Wedgewood developer offers city $423K and land in exchange for 825 units
The City of Lakeland is moving forward with a revised development agreement and a “Minor Modification”…
A Landmark Milestone for Lakeland
Gospel Inc. officially cut the ribbon on 48 new permanent supportive housing apartments at Gospel Village,…
Lakeland Christian School students win National High School Mock Trial Championship
This is a historic win for Lakeland Christian School (LCS)! On Saturday, May 9, 2026, the…
Kevin and James Move Toward Permanent Housing
Two longtime Lighthouse guests are taking brave next steps toward independence. Kevin and James will soon…
FATAL CRASH INVESTIGATION
On Thursday, May 14, 2026, at approximately 9:08 a.m., officers responded to a traffic crash at…
Lakeland’s Squeeze Shuttle from a fixed-loop shuttle to an on-demand, app-based service
Citrus Connection officially unveiled the plan today, May 13, 2026, to transition The Squeeze from a…
Polk Sheriff Grady Judd gets covered in milk
On Monday, May 11, 2026, Sheriff Grady Judd was doused in milk and cereal as part…
FWC has confirmed that they have been getting reports of gizzard shad deaths in Lake Hollingsworth
That makes perfect sense. Gizzard shad are often the “canary in the coal mine” for Florida…
Lakeland Hosts Free Hurricane Expo May 30
The Lakeland Hurricane Expo will take place on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the RP Funding…
Is a Homeless shelter serving expired food?
When dealing with food served at homeless shelters or food pantries, there is an important distinction…
FATAL CRASH INVESTIGATION
On Friday, May 8, 2026, at approximately 10:50 p.m., officers responded to a traffic crash in…
Pilot Walks Away After Plane Makes Emergency Landing Near South Lakeland Airport
On Friday evening, May 8, 2026, a pilot escaped injury after a small plane experienced engine…
Multiple reports and Facebook posts warn of a recurring scam targeting the historic Polk Theatre in Lakeland
While there are reports of significant issues with productions presented by Star Entertainment GmbH (associated with star-entertainment.org),…
Polk County Fire Rescue Earns Mission: Lifeline EMS® Gold Award for Second Straight Year
Polk County Fire Rescue’s dedication to exceptional prehospital care earned the organization the coveted American Heart…
The Teddy Bear Parade was paws-itively adorable!
These incredible Girl Scout Troops marched all the way from Munn Park to the station, arms…
Publix suffers rare earnings decline
Publix reported a rare decline in net income for the first quarter of 2026, though the…
Polk County Officials Reinstate Burn Ban
As drought conditions persist across the county, Polk County officials made the decision to reinstate the…
FATAL CRASH INVESTIGATION
On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at approximately 12:38 p.m., officers responded to a traffic crash in…
New Congressional Districts Shift Boundaries in Lakeland
Governor Ron DeSantis signed a new congressional redistricting map into law on Monday, May 4, 2026,…
Man charged in connection with 66 thefts from Publix
Michael Micklon, a 38-year-old Lakeland man who was recently arrested following a lengthy investigation into a…
Polk County woman leaves more than $740,000 to local nonprofits
The generous gift comes from the estate of Mabel Schaefer, a lifelong educator and dedicated member…
Have you ever donated clothes to charity?
Donating clothes is a popular way to declutter responsibly, with items typically resold in thrift stores,…
The Lakeland City Commission voted to decrease the fuel charge for Lakeland Electric customers
The Lakeland City Commission voted on Monday, May 4, 2026, to decrease the fuel charge for…
Lakeland Commissioners OKs 10-year stormwater fee increase. Will it be enough?
On Monday, May 4, 2026, the Lakeland City Commission voted 6-1 to approve a 10-year stormwater…
Publix’s executive chairman to step down
Publix Super Markets Executive Chairman and former CEO Todd Jones is retiring from the company after…
Lakeland City Commission officially approved the construction budget for the new Fire Station #8
BIG NEWS for northwest Lakeland! This morning, on International Firefighters Day, the Lakeland City Commission officially…