Lake Wales citizens honored for life-saving actions
The Lake Wales Police Department recognized four community members with the Citizen’s Life Saving Award for their heroic response during a medical emergency. On Monday, February 16, former Lake Wales Fire Chief Jerry Brown, along with Amanda Gamble, Ernesto Gonzalez, and Meibol Mas, found an unresponsive person and...
Construction begins on massive solar plant in North Lakeland
Construction has officially begun on a new solar farm that could increase Lakeland's access to renewable energy by five-fold. Lakeland officials joined with Williams Corp. and Lakeland Electric to hold a ceremonial groundbreaking on a 74.8-megawatt solar plant near Florida Polytechnic University on March 5. "Lakeland...
Jolt for Lakeland residents, bill deletion, response to Welch, risky med cuts, women take...
A blast of winter weather sent Lakeland Electric’s fuel costs soaring. Now the utility is raising its fuel charge. Why do customers pay the difference, and what role could growing electricity demands play?. We'll power into that topic to start a busy "Florida Matters Live & Local." Then, just...
Polk County residents work to block new Kathleen government center
KATHLEEN, Fla. — Some residents in Polk County are pushing back against plans for a new government building in the Kathleen area. The center would replace the county’s current office, which is a leased building in downtown Lakeland. Resident Destiny Anderson says the growing number of signatures on her online...
Missing Zephyrhills Man Found Deceased
ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. – A months-long search for a missing Pasco County man has ended in tragedy. Authorities confirmed Friday that 38-year-old Michael Irizarry has been found deceased. The Pasco Sheriff’s Office had been searching for Irizarry since late last year. He was originally classified as missing and endangered...
Female-led Tampa Bay nature group removes invasive species, plants native trees and shrubs
TAMPA — A Tampa Bay-based organization is getting people out into nature, to help save it. The group, Mindful Action for Regeneration (MAR), is working to rid our green spaces of invasive species, replacing them with their native counterparts. With Women's History Month focusing on a "sustainable future" this...
Gunfight Outside Lakeland Pool Hall Leaves One Dead
LAKELAND, Fla. – A late-night dispute outside a local billiard hall turned fatal early Thursday morning, leaving a 48-year-old man dead following an exchange of gunfire. Detectives with the Lakeland Police Department are currently investigating the shooting, which took place in the parking lot of Wally’s Poolhall at...
Cheapest gas prices in the Tampa Bay area
As gas prices in Florida and across the country surge to new wallet-squeezing levels, cash-conscious drivers are keeping their eyes peeled to save a few pennies a gallon. But there's no need to burn money trying to find the best deal. Below, you'll find the 10 lowest-priced stations today in...
Woman coming home from church claims she hit a bump before deadly Winter Haven...
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - A deadly motorcycle crash is under investigation in Polk County. It happened shortly after 7 p.m. on Wednesday near the intersection of 3rd St SW and Ave G SW in Winter Haven. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, a 2025 Nissan Rogue was traveling northbound...
‘We are exhausted’: Tampa Bay rescue races to save accidental litter, begs community to...
Mercy Full Project founder Heydi Acuna says her Tampa-based rescue is overwhelmed and urgently needs fosters after taking in 10 puppies from an accidental litter found in a backyard kennel in Dover. The nonprofit focuses on Dover, Plant City and Wimauma, does its own intake and vetting, and is currently...
