Publix releases first seasonal limited-edition ice cream flavors of 2026
LAKELAND, Fla. - The first batch of Publix limited-edition ice cream flavors of 2026 are on the shelves. The Lakeland-based grocery store has released 12 half-gallon returning favorites and seven pint-sized treats that include four new flavors and three returning favorites. Publix limited-edition half-gallon ice...
Planned Parenthood to shut down its Lakeland clinic next month
LAKELAND, Fla. — Planned Parenthood of Florida will be shutting down its health center in Lakeland next month. The organization confirmed the closure on its website, stating patients can obtain their records at the Lakeland location through March. 13. The final day of medical services by appointment only will be...
Polk County Sheriff’s Office mourns sergeant who died after heart surgery
POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said it is heartbroken to announce the death of one of its own, Sergeant Lonnie Weatherford. Weatherford had heart surgery but passed away from unexpected complications in the hospital on Feb. 14, according to the sheriff’s office. He was 47 years old....
56-year-old accused of pretending to be Child Protective Services employee to kidnap boy from...
A 56-year-old Florida woman, Nicole Terry Thomas, has been arrested in Lakeland, Fla., following an alleged attempt to kidnap a 9-year-old boy from his babysitter, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office reported. Thomas allegedly arrived at a residence, claiming to be from Child Protective Services (CPS), and demanded the...
Lake Wales Charter school employee arrested after traffic stop
At around 8:15 a.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026, a Polk County deputy sheriff conducted a traffic stop on a gray Nissan SUV in the area of Ridgewood Lakes and U.S. Hwy 27 in Davenport after being notified that the registered owner of the vehicle had a suspended driver's license.
Amazon Truck Fuel Leak Triggers Extended I-4 Shutdown Following Four-Vehicle Crash
PLANT CITY, Fla. – A major traffic disruption ground eastbound Interstate 4 to a halt Wednesday evening following a chain-reaction crash involving four vehicles, including an Amazon semi-truck. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the incident occurred around 7:00 PM just west of Mile Marker 21, near the...
Shooting Reported at Walmart in Central Florida
A shooting was reported at the Walmart in Central Florida. The post Shooting Reported at Walmart in Central Florida appeared first on West Orlando News .
Polk County Sheriff’s K9 Kane Snags Fleeing Bartow Woman After Neighborhood Foot Pursuit
POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A Bartow woman is back in custody following a Wednesday night confrontation that ended with a short-lived escape attempt and a run-in with a sheriff’s K9. The incident began around 9 p.m. on February 18, when Polk County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report...
Central Florida Traffic Alert: I-4 Westbound Shut Down In Polk County After Depression Forms
POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Drivers in Central Florida are facing a major headache tonight as a significant portion of westbound Interstate 4 has been completely shut down in Polk County. A depression in the pavement—essentially a dip or hole in the road surface—has forced state troopers and highway crews to block off all...
Florida education head: Report teachers encouraging student protests
Following two student protests in Brevard and walkouts throughout the state in response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions, Florida's commissioner of education told parents to report school employees if they had encouraged kids to participate in protests. Anastasios Kamoutsas posted to X on Feb. 18 ,...
