Much Loved Mexican Restaurant El Olivo Finds a New Home
El Olivo, a much loved fixture in the Winter Haven community that has been serving authentic Mexican dishes for decades, closed in January. Just one day after Christmas, the Villarreal family broke the news to their loyal customers on Facebook: “It saddens me to say that we will be temporarily closing our doors....
Tampa, Clearwater, Sarasota and Lakeland Start With Dense Morning Fog Before Sunshine Pushes Temperatures...
TAMPA, FLORIDA — Residents across Tampa, Clearwater, Sarasota, St. Petersburg and Lakeland are waking up to low clouds and pockets of dense fog, especially in coastal communities, before sunshine returns later today and temperatures climb into the upper 70s. Forecasters say the fog will create reduced visibility...
56-unit Lakeland community sells for $10M
A 56-unit apartment community in Lakeland sold for $10 million, according to Colliers. Colliers brokers Miles Tombrink and Luis Baez handled the sale of the property at 915 Ariana Street. Rentlakeland Ariana LLC sold the community to Ariana Apartments Silverado LLC and Ariana Webster LLC. Seller expanded the property...
Losses adding up for Plant City berry farmers hit by freezes
Strawberry farmers are getting a better idea of losses now that frost damage is appearing days later. Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson estimated the state saw more than $1 billion worth of crop damage from the wintry weather. “I think it’s kind of the consensus that this was the...
Have you seen him? Auburndale police searching for 15-year-old boy last seen on Wednesday
AUBURNDALE, Fla. — The Auburndale Police Department is searching for a 15-year-old boy who was last seen on Wednesday. Police say Jonathan Francis Bass left his house on a bicycle at around 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 11. He reportedly traveled to the area of Half Acre Road near Old Dixie Highway.
Lakeland Linder Levels Up: Round-The-Clock Safety Crew Takes Flight
LAKELAND, Fla. – Starting this week, the Lakeland Fire Department has officially shifted its airport safety operations into a higher gear. As of February 11, 2026, the department’s Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting unit, known as ARFF-2, is now permanently staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Strawberry picking and huge kids zone highlight Keel Farms Strawberry Bash this February
If your February needs a little more joy, a little more fruit, and a lot more “how did I end up watching a strawberry shortcake eating contest at 11 am,” Keel Farms has your weekend plans handled. The annual Strawberry Bash returns to Keel Farms (5202 Thonotosassa Rd) in Plant City on Saturday and Sunday, February 21...
After a Decade of Barriers, Lakeland’s Road Diet Moves Forward
Lakeland’s much-debated South Florida Avenue road diet has reached a major milestone: the project is now 60% through the design phase. Construction expected to begin in spring 2027. City officials shared new renderings Friday, Feb. 13, of what the rebuilt corridor from Ariana Street to Lime Street will look...
Drug trafficking investigation nets 51 arrests
In a sweeping multi-agency operation that spanned several months and crossed jurisdictional lines, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the dismantling of two massive drug trafficking syndicates on Friday morning during a press conference in Winter Haven. FOX 13's Carla...
Polk County firefighters remind of burn ban following brush fires
Firefighters in Polk County reminded residents Friday of the countywide burn ban after a recent uptick of brush fires.
