News
AX-Caliber Axe Venue & Coffee House Closing
With a broken-heart emoji, Ax-Caliber, the Lakeland restaurant that allowed patrons to throw axes among other activities, announced…
The Great Purpling of Lakeland
Streetlights in Lakeland are turning purple. Is it just a fluke — or a warning of…
DeSantis vetoes healthcare education bill backed by Florida Nurses Association
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday vetoed a bill that would have increased state requirements for nursing-education…
IRS says churches can endorse political candidates without losing tax-exempt status
The IRS said in a new federal court filing that churches can endorse political candidates to their congregations without risking the loss…
Last night FL-TF4 received orders to activate a Type 3 Task Force in response to the floods in Texas
. Early this morning, the team deployed from its warehouse. The team includes 35 members with…
Lakeland commissioners approve plans for 30 midtown townhomes despite concerns about density and traffic
Lakeland commissioners have given the green light to plans to build 30 townhomes on one midtown…
Polk County schools receive ‘B’ grade for the first time since 2019
Polk County’s school superintendent calls the district’s “B” grade an “affirmation” for his employees. “It really…
TSA to end shoe removal policy at some airport security checkpoints, government source says
The Transportation Security Administration will let many travelers leave their shoes on at U.S. airport checkpoints, ending a…
Polk County, Florida Animal Control stats from January through June, 2025
The numbers speak for themselves. 2,552 animals were killed. 647 dogs, 1652 cats, and 253 others.…
City of Lakeland Selects RMA to Revitalize Midtown CRA with Comprehensive Redevelopment Plan Update
RMA (rma.us.com) a leading economic development firm, has been awarded a contract by the City of…
Tampa Seafood Restaurant to Open
A Tampa restaurant will open its second location at the site of the former Andrew’s Coffee,…
Polk County Approves New Three-Year Agreement with Firefighters Union
Polk County Board of County Commissioners approved a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Polk…
Lakeland Regional Health Awarded American Heart Association Stroke Gold Plus
Lakeland Regional Health is nationally recognized for its commitment to providing high-quality stroke care The American Heart…
FEASTS OF PERSIA ANNOUNCES FULFILLMENT PARTNERSHIP WITH SPURZILE’S
TO DELIVER PREMIUM, CULTURALLY RICH MEALS AND PRODUCTS Two Trusted Local Names Join Forces to Fuel…
Blackstone acquires Florida resort for $200M
Overseers of funds affiliated with Blackstone Real Estate have agreed to acquire the Sunseeker Resort Charlotte…
Lakeland Vandalism Leads To Capture of Georgia Fugitive behind Dumpster
Suspect Found Hiding behind Dumpster, Wanted on Felony Warrant for Burglary and Theft History A Georgia…
Foxtail Coffee Co.’s first Lakeland location
Lake Wire (322 Kathleen Rd.) on Wednesday, July 9 at 6:30 a.m. This Central Florida favorite…
Hypocritical Lee County Sheriff Caught Speeding In A Lamborghini On Video
Whether you’ll admit it or not, everyone’s broken the speed limit at least once. Maybe it…
Lakeland man arrested for attacking a bicyclist and stealing the bike
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Lakeland man for a robbery that occurred early Sunday…
Fatburger Signs Deal to Open 40 New Stores Across Florida
Fatburger is set to expand significantly in Florida with a new deal to open 40 locations over…
Lakeland man threatens roommate, then attacks deputy
A Lakeland man was arrested on Saturday, June 28, 2025, after threatening to cut a roommate…
Fire destroys home in Lakeland
A fire destroyed a home in Lakeland on Sunday morning, according to Polk County Fire Rescue…
He Took a Bullet for America — Now He’s Deported: Purple Heart Veteran Forced to Leave U.S. After 48 Years
A 55-year-old decorated Army veteran was forced to leave his home and family in Hawaii this week after…
Summer StoryTime at the Florida Air Museum Continues!
Did you know that every Monday and Tuesday at 10:00 AM throughout the summer you can…
Rain spares Lakeland’s annual Red, White & Kaboom celebration
There were no raindrops at Lake Mirror on a pleasant Thursday night. Instead, there were thousands…
“He Started Eating Himself”: Noem Describes Shocking Cannibal Incident on Deportation Flight
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem made a shocking claim on Tuesday, stating that a detained undocumented immigrant “began eating…
Florida physician group acquired by AdventHealth
Winter Haven, Fla.-based Bond Clinic, a 90-provider physician group, has been acquired by AdventHealth. Altamonte Springs, Fla.-based AdventHealth…
Jurassic World: Rebirth – Movie Review
By Bob Garver After three “Jurassic Park” movies and three “Jurassic World” movies, it seems…
Florida Abruptly Loses 3 Factories as Job Exodus Escalates
Bad news out of Florida – three major factories are shutting down within just a few…
Lakeland Fire Department will begin fundraiser for pet supplies and SPCA donations on July 7
The Lakeland Fire Department is preparing to launch its annual fundraiser for some of its beloved furry friends.…
Latest homelessness count in Volusia-Flagler, Polk shows mixed results
The latest results on an annual census of people experiencing homelessness in a region have shown…
Polk County Fire Rescue to Promote Two Polk County Fire Rescue Chiefs
Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) Battalion Chiefs Ramon Gonzalez and Charles True will be moving up…
Did you Know?
By Paul Waldmiller Did You know that President Trump is scheduled on July 1st, to visit…
F1: The Movie – Movie Review
By Bob Garver “F1: The Movie” takes viewers inside the exciting world of Formula One…
WESTERN TRUNK GRAVITY SEWER LINE – PHASE ONE CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
LAKELAND, FL (July 1, 2025) – The City of Lakeland Water Utilities has launched Phase One of…
Paris Richardson crowned Miss Florida 2025, marking historic win for Gainesville
Paris Richardson, the reigning Miss Gainesville, made history Saturday night when she was crowned Miss Florida…
THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS
We’re one week away from auditions for the wildest, sexiest, most unapologetic show in Polk County…