News
ICE to Buy $20M in Electric-Shock Gloves for Officers
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is moving to acquire electric-shock gloves for its officers and…
Lamp Repair and Shade Studio Keeps Fading Craft Burning Bright
In an era dominated by disposable home goods and quick-ship fixtures, one local workshop is holding…
Lakeland Tops US Foreclosure Rates: Key Drivers Explained
Data from real estate analytics firm ATTOM confirms that the Lakeland-Winter Haven metropolitan area consistently ranks…
Tropical Storm Cristobal Forms as NHC Tracks Two New Waves
Tropical Storm Cristobal formed in the far northern Atlantic, becoming the third named storm of the…
Andrew Gillum Arrested in Alabama on Meth Charges
Former Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum was arrested in Alabama after testing positive for meth and…
Florida Minimum Wage: $15/Hour Guide for 2026
On September 30, 2026, Florida’s minimum wage officially reaches $15.00 per hour for standard non-exempt workers.…
How Publix Defends Its Market Share Against Discounters
Publix is navigating a shift across the Southeastern grocery landscape. Despite growing price sensitivity among consumers,…
Florida’s data center boom sparks bipartisan backlash
By Trimmel Gomes By Josh Israel for the Florida Independent. Broadcast version by Trimmel Gomes for Florida News Connection…
Why Polk County Is Florida’s Deadliest Animal Shelter
Written by USA Paw The Numbers Don’t Lie. Polk County is Still Florida’s Deadliest Shelter System.…
Haines City Officer Arrested for Misusing Flock Database
Haines City Police Officer Christopher Goodson, 31, was arrested after an investigation revealed he allegedly used…
Lakeland Drug Dealer Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison
Curtis Charles Tinsley (47, Lakeland) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday to 25 years…
Amped Fitness Expands Across Florida with New Lakeland Club
Amped Fitness®, an immersive Florida-founded fitness brand redefining the modern gym experience, today announced its plans…
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝘆𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗸 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆
Citizens have asked the BOCC for Animal Control reform since at least 2022 — including 14…
Ebisu Life Store Opens Largest Location in Tampa Palms
Ebisu Life Store opens its largest location ever this Friday, August 14, 2026, in Tampa Palms.…
NHC Monitors New Tropical Wave: What You Need to Know
The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a broad area of disturbed weather associated with a tropical…
A second Miniso could be coming to Lakeland
We found a building permit filed with the City of Lakeland for a $450,000 remodel at…
Florida to Test Electric Air Taxis at SunTrax by 2026
Florida is expanding its transportation research efforts at the SunTrax Advanced Air Mobility and Autonomous &…
Lakeland Symphony Orchestra Announces 2026–2027 Season
The Lakeland Symphony Orchestra (LSO) has officially announced its 61st season lineup for 2026–2027, themed “Tradition…
𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮’𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿
Polk County Animal Control kills more animals than any shelter in Florida — without taking in…
TGH Aeromed Celebrates Recovery of Polk County K-9 Ace
By TGH Aeromed Today was a moment our TGH Aeromed team will never forget. We had…
NHC Monitors 3 Atlantic Tropical Systems: What to Expect
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is currently monitoring three areas of interest in the Atlantic basin.…
18th Annual Honoring Heroes Dinner Benefits Lakeland K-9s
The Lakeland Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association, Inc. will host its 18th Annual Honoring Heroes Dinner and…
Amputee K9 Officer Ace: I Will Serve Again
By Raul Rodriguez I may have lost a leg, but I have not lost my purpose.…
Injured K9 Hero Ace Returns Home After Saving Deputies
By PCSO Our K9 hero Ace was shot & critically injured protecting deputies and our community…
USPS Reports $2.5 Billion Q3 Loss as Deficit Grows
The U.S. Postal Service reported a net loss of $2.5 billion for its fiscal third quarter.…
Controversy surrounds GOP star Rep. Byron Donalds over heated confrontations and top advisor’s disturbing arrest history
By Bob Norman When U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds is mentioned in the media, his name is routinely…
Twin Diesel Performance: Why We Need Political Help Now
Quick update video: owners of Twin Diesel Performance on the information shared with us. The blame…
What Is Candida Auris? Symptoms, Risks, and Prevention
Candida auris (C. auris) is a multi-drug resistant yeast that poses a serious threat to vulnerable…
The Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance (PACA) announced its 2026 Polk Arts & Culture Hall of Fame class
The honorees represent a broad spectrum of disciplines, including music, visual arts, historic preservation, philanthropy, and…
SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE INVESTIGATION — AMAZON WAREHOUSE
A significant emergency response is underway at the Amazon warehouse located at 1760 County Line Road…
K9 ACE: FROM THE SEARCH TO THE FIGHT OF HIS LIFE
By Brian Butler The story of what happened to Polk County Sheriff’s Office K9 Ace began…
The secret is finally out…
This year’s Lakeside Village Halloween Bash theme is… BOOGIE NIGHTS! Get ready for a Halloween celebration…
Early Voting for the August 18th Primary Election starts tomorrow!
Ten polling locations will be open across Polk County from August 8th through August 15th, daily…
BREAKING NEWS: K9 Ace Surgery Update!
We’re relieved to share that K9 Ace is in stable condition following emergency surgery this afternoon…