Lakeland officials seek cause of 85,000-gallon raw sewage spill
LAKELAND, Fla. — Lakeland officials are still trying to figure out what caused thousands of gallons of raw sewage ran down a ditch on the side of Highway 98 on Friday after a pipe burst. City leaders say that about 85,000 gallons of sewage flowed down the side of...
Publix opens a new store, its 8th since late May
The Lakeland grocer opened its latest store July 2. This one is 48,388 square feet and located at 4601 9th St. N. in Naples’ Neapolitan Way shopping center off of U.S. Highway 41. It replaces a previous store demolished in 2024. The new store, says Publix, features its standard...
Lakeland police officer charged with falsifying time cards
A Lakeland police officer was arrested July 7 on charges of falsifying time slips for off-duty assignments. Lakeland Police said in a news release that Miguel Acevedo, 44, was charged with grand theft and scheming to defraud and immediately resigned from the department. According to the release, an internal investigati
Strong Thunderstorms, Heavy Rain For Tampa Bay, Southwest Florida
TAMPA BAY, Florida – The National Weather Service Tampa Bay forecasts scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms across the Tampa Bay region and Southwest Florida today, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. National Weather Service Tampa Bay Radar Loop for West Central and Southwest Florida. A light easterly flow combined with.
Late-Night Foot Chase In Haines City Ends With Bush-Hiding Suspect Behind Bars
Christian Romero POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 35-year-old Christian Romero...
This Florida Buffet Draws Crowds With Live Cooking Stations and Endless Plates
Forget everything you think you know about buffet food—this Tampa favorite plays by a completely different set of rules. Sizzling grills, chefs cooking right in front of you, and plates piled high with fresh-made dishes turn every visit into a feast that feels almost impossible to pace. Walk through...
Lakeland funeral home owner arrested in Clearwater for impersonating a police officer
A Lakeland funeral home owner was arrested July 4 after authorities said he used emergency-style lights on the Clearwater Memorial Causeway Bridge and led motorists to believe he was a law enforcement officer. According to an arrest affidavit, Reginald Cannon, 40, owner of Cannon Funeral Home, was driving a black...
BayCare To Start Tampa Bay’s First Medical Drone Delivery Service in Late 2027
BayCare Health System will launch Tampa Bay's first healthcare drone service in late 2027. The nonprofit plans to fly medications, lab samples, and critical supplies across the region. On Wednesday, BayCare announced its partnership with Zipline to begin operations in Pinellas County before moving into Hillsborough. Th
AARP awards more than $55,000 to Tampa Bay organizations to help older adults age...
RUSKIN, Fla. — AARP is investing more than $55,000 in five Tampa Bay organizations through its 2026 Community Challenge grant program, including two housing-focused projects designed to help older adults safely remain in their homes. One recipient, Florida Home Partnership, received a $15,000 grant to provide free home
New Bexley Box in Lakeland to help officers comfort young victims
The Lakeland Police Department received a Bexley Box on Monday to help comfort young children affected by crimes and traumatic incidents. The boxes are filled with essential items like diapers, toys, games, and snacks to calm fears and provide a welcome distraction. Other Bay Area police departments, including St. Pete
