News

Lakeland Approves $22M Deal to Let AI Listen to Bodycams and Write Police Reports

Lakeland approves a $22M deal to use AI for drafting police reports from bodycam audio. Learn…

Russia to Supply Diesel Fuel to US Under New Trump Deal

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Russia agreed to supply diesel fuel directly to the U.S.…

Hurricane Isaias makes Panhandle landfall near Destin as a Category 2 hurricane with 105 MPH winds

Summary of Current Landfall Details Hurricane Isaias officially made landfall near Destin, Florida, around 8:30 PM…

Rose Street Storm Sewer Installation with Westbound Lane Closure

Beginning Monday, October 12, City of Lakeland crews will begin installing a new storm sewer system…

How a Family Diagnosis Inspired This Fast-Rising Florida Elder Law Leader

By Beth Lubereck Kevin Albaum’s aunt was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, and he saw the…

Annual Cardboard Boat Challenge Sets Sail on Lake Hollingsworth Saturday

Get ready for a day of creativity, teamwork, and a little friendly competition as the annual…

Why a Global Sulfur Shortage Forced Mosaic to Shut Down a Major Fertilizer Plant

The decision by The Mosaic Company to temporarily idle its South Fort Meade phosphate mine—alongside similar…

Polk County Fugitive Arrested in Flagler County

A 34-year-old Ormond Beach man wanted on an out-of-county fugitive warrant from Polk County was arrested…

Watch Live: Hurricane Isaias Barrels Toward Panama City Beach and Northwest Florida

Santa Rosa Island Authority – West Cam Santa Rosa Island Authority – East Cam Santa Rosa…

Truck or Treat Returns Oct. 19!

Get ready for a night of Halloween fun with the Lakeland Police Department and Lakeland Fire…

SR 33 Bridge Demolition Over I-4: Detours & Delays

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has announced upcoming traffic changes and detours starting Sunday, October…

Hurricane Isaias Strengthens to Category 3 Near Gulf Coast

National Hurricane Center’s latest updates confirm that Isaias has rapidly intensified into a powerful Category 3…

The Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller provides free online resources for residents seeking protection

Key details regarding the process: Note: If you or someone you know is experiencing an immediate…

Letter: Dear Polk County Animal Control -Florida and Polk County Sheriff’s Office

By Coalition for Animal Rights and Education in Polk County, Florida Animals entering a shelter should…

Polk Deputies Arrest Two in Stolen Car, Theft Spree

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested two people on Monday, October 5, 2026, following an investigation…

Hurricane Isaias Strengthens, Threatens Florida Gulf Coast

Hurricane Isaias continues to gain strength while threatening the Florida Gulf Coast. Currently, Isaias is churning…

Fort Hood Shooter’s Firing Squad Execution to Be Livestreamed Publicly

Key details surrounding the announcement include:

Letter: Polk County BoCC: Stop Ignoring Animal Shelter Crisis

By Tracy Jillard Speaking with a friend, I was asked to describe what another friend (one…

Polk TPO is conducting the I-4 Passenger Rail Station Study

We want to hear from you. The Polk TPO is conducting the I-4 Passenger Rail Station…

Bartow Man Arrested, Faces Life in Prison for Horrific Abuse of Child

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began Wednesday after the victim told a…

A Candidate meet-and-greet will take place Oct. 15 at The Well

Community event hosted by the League of Women Voters of Polk County. Here is a quick…

Lakeland Swans Get Healthier After Bread Feeding Stops

That is a massive win for Lakeland’s famous Lake Morton flock! White bread and junk food…

Pin, Pals & Pixie Dust at the RP Funding Center

The Price Is Right Live™ is coming to the RP Funding Center in Lakeland – tickets on sale Oct 16, 2026

THE PRICE IS RIGHT LIVE™ Returns Bigger Than Ever with New Games, New Prizes- including a…

Publix will close a handful of locations

A sales slump is forcing the hand of Publix, as the grocer will close seven locations…

Pooch-O-Ween is THIS weekend!

Grab your favorite four-legged friend and join us Saturday, October 10, at The Lawn at Lakeside…

FCC considers allowing more political robocalls before midterms, including those created with AI

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering a waiver petition filed by the conservative advocacy group…

Here’s what to know ahead of the 88th Polk County Orange Cup Regatta

It’s that time of year again to gear up for one of the more anticipated spectacles…

Lakeland Man Arrested Backstage at Disney World in Undercover Child Predator Sting

On October 7, 2026, 37-year-old Michael Byrne of Lakeland, Florida, was arrested in an undercover child…

Lakeland’s royal flock of Swans undergoes comprehensive health exams

The 46th Annual Swan Roundup at Lake Morton moves into its second day on Wednesday, October…

Consolidation and Concentrated Power Costs Americans in Housing and Beyond – Why Antitrust Enforcement Should be Midterm Issue, But Isn’t

 “The Crooked E.” Theranos. WorldCom. Sam Bankman-Fried. The 2008 housing/financial crisis. Those are examples of massive…

The National Hurricane Center is projecting rapid intensification as Tropical Storm Isaias moves through warm waters in the Gulf of America

Current Advisory & Key Details Primary Risks Along the Coast

Polk County Board of County Commissioners voted 3–2 to permanently fire Stacy Campbell-Domineck as president and CEO of CareerSource Polk

On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners voted 3–2 to permanently…

Passersby Rescue Driver After Truck Overturns in Polk City Ditch

By PulsePoint & Patrol A single-vehicle crash involving a black truck was reported around 1:23 p.m.…

Pt 15: Fort Myers Mayor Accused of Sexual Misconduct Involving Student During His Time as School Resource Officer

By Bob Norman Machelle Chisum is a 60-year-old Christian and Republican — “I love God, my…

Publix Super Markets purchased Airpark Plaza, a 204,740-square-foot retail center in Miami where it serves as an anchor tenant, for $83.25 million

Transaction Overview Context & Strategic Shift Built in the 1970s, Airpark Plaza last changed hands in…

What kind of Confederate racist crap is this?

By the National Organization for Women What kind of Confederate racist crap is this? Florida has…

Today, Polk County was put on notice

By the Rescue Dog Network Today, Polk County was put on notice. For some reason, when…

How to Get $5 Florida State Fair Tickets in Exclusive 12-Hour Flash Sale

For 12 hours only on October 8, guests can purchase $5 admission and $5 parking with…

Lakeland’s 46th annual Swan Roundup

The City of Lakeland’s Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Division kicked off the 46th Annual Swan…

Ryan Taylor Chosen as Next County Manager for Polk County

The Polk County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved Ryan Taylor to serve as the next…

Lakeland Symphony Orchestra: America Our New World Concert

The Lakeland Symphony Orchestra opens its 2026–2027 Symphony Series season on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at…