Winter Haven City leaders purchase property for land conservation
POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Winter Haven is taking steps toward preserving Florida’s natural beauty and waterways. City leaders recently purchased more than 100 acres that will be dedicated to conservation. City officials say green space can bring peace to people. What You Need To Know. Winter Haven city...
KFC’s Saucy Spin-off Expands in Tampa Bay
KFC has rolled out its new venture, "Saucy by KFC," aiming to expand its presence with multiple spots in Tampa Bay. They're looking to boost their share in the chicken dining scene. Saucy by KFC brings a fresh spin, focusing on personal choices with a menu centered around tenders. It...
‘Sonny’s is home’: Fire at Bartow restaurant impacts dozens of employees
Dozens of people are left without a workplace after an early morning fire in downtown Bartow on Wednesday.
FWC kills alligator behind deadly attack of 61-year-old Polk County woman
LAKE WALES, Fla. — Florida wildlife officials shot and killed the alligator responsible for the deadly attack of a 61-year-old Polk County woman back in May. On May 6, 2025, a husband and wife were in a canoe at the mouth of Tiger Creek into Lake Kissimmee when they passed over an 11-foot, 4-inch alligator, Florida...
Another sick dog from the Polk County Animal Control
“The German shepherd/husky mix puppy Nicole Odell adopted last year from the Polk County Animal Control came home bleeding, vomiting, and suffering from a highly contagious infection. “It’s hard for me to understand how she could be there for so long and be so sick … pooping blood and throwing...
Lakeland’s ultimate restaurant wishlist
We hear readers' hopes for future Lakeland eateries all the time. Now, we're compiling them all into a restaurant wishlist to see which foodie dreams come true.
Fire Destroys Pavilion, Restrooms at Marie B. Ellis Park
The late-night blaze prompts partial closure as officials assess damage and investigate the cause. A fire heavily damaged a combined restroom and pavilion structure at a city park in the early morning hours of Dec. 28, leaving part of the park closed while officials assess the damage and investigate the cause, Plant...
Deaconess Harriet Bedell: Honoring a local saint on her Feast Day
Deaconess Harriet Bedell left an indelible mark on Southwest Florida history. Today marks 57 years since she passed away on Jan. 8, 1969, in Davenport, Florida. She is honored as a saint in the Episcopal Church, with her feast day observed on this date. So, it felt appropriate to take...
New details after woman mauled to death by alligator at Lake Kissimmee
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – Months after a deadly alligator attack at Lake Kissimmee State Park, investigators have released a report detailing what exactly happened. The incident happened in May 2025 near the mouth of Tiger Creek into Lake Kissimmee in Polk County, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation...
Teen hospitalized after being hit by train in Brandon
A teenager was taken to the hospital Thursday after being hit by a train in Brandon, authorities said.
