News
What is salvation, and who will be saved?
There are a mixture of Biblical interpretations about eternal salvation, including the idea that Jesus will…
Who won the Iran war? Was there a winner at all?
The short answer is no—there was no clear winner. The 2026 Iran War (which began on…
How many people live in subsidized housing in Polk County, FL?
In 2025, about 9,400 people lived in subsidized housing in Polk County, FL. This was equivalent…
Disneyland and Disney World are home to a well-known colony of community cats that live throughout the resort grounds
Most visitors head to Disneyland and Disney World expecting to see princesses, pirates, and a certain…
Roller Derby Info Night at Swan Brewing in Lakeland! Stop by anytime, 6:30-8:30 PM on Monday, June 29th
Roller Derby Info Night at Swan Brewing in Lakeland! Stop by anytime 6:30-8:30 PM on Monday,…
Stray Cat Escapes Shelter, Walks Home
In Lakeland, Florida, a stray cat named George stunned locals after pulling off a daring escape…
Polk County detectives arrested a Haitian national who is in the United States illegally, after he tried to arrange a sexual encounter with a 14-year-old girl
Detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man on Thursday, June 18, 2026, who…
Florida Is About to Put the Brakes on E-Bikes, and It Could Set a National Precedent
Florida is currently at the center of the national conversation regarding micromobility. The Florida Legislature recently…
Publix Super Markets has elected Jill Livesay to its board of directors, effective July 1, 2026
Livesay, 58, currently serves as the chief accounting officer and controller at CarMax—a position she has…
These areas will soon be off-limits to sex offenders under a new Florida law
Florida’s newly passed legislation (Senate Bill 212), which takes effect on July 1, 2026, adds specific…
BIG NEWS FOR SHELTER PETS
Last week, the U.S. Conference of Mayors passed a landmark resolution encouraging mayors across the country…
Florida law targeting ‘forever chemicals’ set to take effect July 1
The law taking effect is HB 1019, officially dubbed the “Joe Casello Act.” It passed the…
‘Elf,’ ‘Couples Retreat’ actor jailed with no bond after Florida arrest
An actor best known for roles in “Elf” and “Couples Retreat” is behind bars with no…
US says goodbye to Air Force One as Qatari jet awaits
The nostalgic social media posts from White House staff signaling a “goodbye” to Air Force One…
Jay Collins earns endorsements from a Lakeland official
Lt. Gov. Jay Collins secured the endorsement of Lakeland Commissioner and Lakeland County Commissioner Guy LaLonde,…
Polk rejects Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return, many neighboring counties don’t
It is a major point of frustration for local animal advocates. While Polk County maintains a…
Lakeland Celebrates Juneteenth with Festival and Community Events
Lakeland and the surrounding Polk County area are marking Juneteenth with multiple vibrant community celebrations, blending…
Snack tables just got better This Ultimate Dip Lineup is loaded with easy favorites everyone will love
Ingredients 1. 7 Layer Dip 2 cans of refried beans 3 tablespoons water 1 ½ cups…
1,200-year-old ‘Robin Hood’ oak tree has died
It is incredibly sad news. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) confirmed that…
Gospel Village: Welcome Home Mike!
At the time of crafting this letter, it will have been just over 3 weeks since…
Ex-probation officer used court database to warn drug traffickers
The incident you are referring to involves Crystal Lawson, a 32-year-old former juvenile probation officer in…
Recent graduate becomes Lakeland Collegiate’s first National Merit Scholar
Less than a month after graduating from Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School, Madison Dolan has…
Florida could soon ban undocumented students from public universities, colleges
The shift regarding undocumented students in Florida’s higher education system is moving rapidly. The state is…
Letter: Data Centers, Why?
By Angela Rotunda Otero I’ve spent the last several days researching the proposed data centers coming…
Pollution Notice
Pursuant to Section 403.077, F.S., the Department of Environmental Protection has received the following Public Notice…
Lakeland International Airport will install parking kiosks at the airport’s economy lot
The City of Lakeland issued a request for proposals (RFP-2026-051) to design and construct entrance modifications…
The Air Force officially identified all eight crew members who were killed when a B-52 bomber crashed earlier this week
It is a deeply tragic situation. On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, officials at Edwards Air Force…
Court says Florida 18-year-olds can carry guns, ending 40-year law
On June 17, 2026, a three-judge panel from Florida’s 4th District Court of Appeal unanimously struck…
Central Florida troopers were arrested in a major overtime fraud case
Two Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers surrendered themselves to the Osceola County Jail following a major…
There’s a new king of fast food in the U.S., ending Chick-fil-A’s reign
It is official—Jersey Mike’s Subs has taken the crown. According to the 2026 American Customer Satisfaction…
Why did Polk County Animal Control kill my four loving cats, then apologize for it
By Tracy Jillard On 6/6. I was taken to the hospital (where I stayed for a…
Florida Hospitals’ “Dumping” Patients: A Humanitarian Crisis on the Streets that is still going on today
The phrase we are referencing highlights a deeply challenging and heartbreaking issue that has significantly impacted…
Papa John’s closes stores in Florida, plans to close hundreds more
Papa John’s is currently executing a major restructuring plan to trim its footprint, and Florida is…
Pizza Hut was sold by Yum Brands for $2.7 billion
Yum! Brands officially announced that they have entered into definitive agreements to sell the Pizza Hut…
Public Notice: Emergency Utility Repair on Lakeland Highlands Road
The City of Lakeland Water Utilities Department has begun emergency repair work on a suspected leak…