News
Polk County Targets 11 Major Properties for Massive Land Conservation Push
The Polk County Board of County Commissioners approved moving forward with evaluating and pursuing 11 environmentally…
A Century of Care: How Polk County Transformed Health Access for Residents in Need
Polk County is marking 100 years of providing access to health care for low-income residents, a…
Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa ARRESTED
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier just announced that Democrat Mayor Jackie Espinosa was taken into custody…
Italian American Club to host first Lakeland Italian Festival
The Italian American Club of Central Florida is hosting the inaugural Lakeland Italian Festival “Under the…
Made in the Shade marks nearly three decades of lawn care service in Lakeland
Made in the Shade, a Lakeland landscaping and lawn maintenance company founded in 1997, has outlined…
Lakeland Considers Abolishing Citizen Code Enforcement Board for Special Magistrate System
Here are the key details surrounding the proposed changes: Key Details of the Proposal Timeline &…
Florida Polytechnic University Police Department to Add Flying Electric eVTOL Vehicle to Its Fleet
Florida Polytechnic University announced that its university police department is set to become the first law…
Did you Know?
By Paul Waldmiller Did you know that a Florida female teenager is facing several charges after…
Looking in the Mirror. You Can’t Properly Understand YOUR Life Unless You Get YOUR Place in History
Everyone has a personal history. Millions of Americans’ eyes glaze over when they hear the word…
Truck or Treat 2026: Everything You Need to Know for Monday, October 19th
**E MAIN STREET (from east of the train station entrance to Rose St.) WILL BE CLOSED…
Letter: Dear Commissioner Wilson and Members of the Polk County Board of County Commissioners
I am writing to express my outrage and deep concern regarding the reported conditions and number…
Multiple Students Hospitalized After Heat Exposure at Lake Gibson High School JROTC Event
Friday afternoon, medical crews responded to Lake Gibson High School in Lakeland after reports that several…
Attending Lakeland Horror Film Festival at CMX Cinemas
By Jose A Roldan Jr. After a long day of filming, I left Groveland and drove…
Joe Redner, Tampa Strip Club King and Activist, Dies at 86
Joe Redner, the longtime Tampa businessman, adult entertainment mogul, and outspoken political activist, died peacefully in…
Midnight Ghost Hunt at Mims Property Ends in Four Arrests
By PulsePoint & Patrol Just after midnight on October 12, an alarm sounded at the Mims…
Florida Fisherman, 71, Killed by Massive 12-Foot Alligator While Fishing at Lake
A 71-year-old fisherman, identified as Steve Hamilton, was killed by a large alligator on Friday afternoon,…
Experience The Captured Bird: Violinist Sarah Morrison Live at Lakeland Public Library
On Saturday, October 24th at 2 PM, violinist Sarah Morrison brings her project The Captured Bird…
Shocking Youth Football Brawl Sparks Police Probe Into Illegal Betting on 8-Year-Olds
A brawl at an October 10 youth football game in Florida involving eight-year-olds has led Polk…
Florida Southern College Dedicates ROTC Building to Distinguished Alumnus Lt. Gen. Donald L. Kerrick
By Florida Southern College Florida Southern College honored distinguished alumnus Lt. Gen. Donald L. Kerrick on…
Letter: Early voting starts Monday. Bring a neighbor
Early voting starts Monday. Bring a neighbor. Starting Monday, Oct. 19, every registered voter in Polk…
Why South Florida Avenue’s Road Diet Rebuild Will Take Years Longer Than Expected
The permanent rebuild of the South Florida Avenue (SR 37) road diet corridor between Ariana Street…
Cops for Kids Toy Program Registration Opens October 26: Dates, Times, and Requirements
The Lakeland Police Department will be accepting applications for the 2026 Cops for Kids Toy Donation…
Is God Dead? Near-Death Experiences
Maria, as a result of a heart attack, died in the emergency room of a hospital.…
Four Florida panthers in one remarkable frame
One moves through the foreground. Another stands nearby. Two more sit farther down the trail. For…
Dreamfinder and Figment Return to EPCOT
At the D23 Ultimate Disney Fan Event in August 2026, Disney Experiences announced that Dreamfinder and…
Lake Mirror Classic Car Show 2026: Schedule & Guide
The 27th Annual Lake Mirror Classic Concours d’Elegance & Car Show is set for Friday, October…
Polk State to host Seussical the Musical in November
For two weeks in November, the magic of Dr. Seuss will come to Polk State College’s…
Share Your Story: Join the Lakeland Gazette as a Citizen Reporter!
Join the Lakeland Gazette as a citizen reporter and share hyper-local news, civic updates, and neighborhood…
Hero Ace has a new “magic leg”
Thanks to Westcoast Brace & Limb in St. Pete, our hero Ace has a new “magic…
Pt16: Ft. Myers Council members walk out of meeting during public criticism of Mayor Kevin Anderson
By Bob Norman It was while a Dunbar High School student was speaking about how she…