‘Alligator Alley’ reopens at Polk County reserve
Circle B Bar Reserve’s Alligator Alley trail reopened Wednesday after being closed due to significant damage sustained during Hurricane Milton.
High-Speed I-4 Motorcycle Crash In Hillsborough County Claims Orlando Man’s Life
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – A 39-year-old Orlando man died early this morning following a high-speed motorcycle crash on Interstate 4 in Hillsborough County. The incident, which occurred just west of US-301 at approximately 2:06 AM, involved a Yamaha motorcycle and an Audi Q7 SUV. According to the Florida Highway...
Haines City Man Arrested After Alleged Knife Attack And Phone Tampering
HAINES CITY, Fla. – A 51-year-old Haines City man, Juston Helaire, III, was arrested Thursday night by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) after an investigation into an April 2nd incident involving a knife attack and alleged phone tampering. Deputies had been actively searching for Helaire due to...
Creating Instant Peer-to-Peer Connections
Whether a first-time attendee or returning participant, the instant product managers who experience one of IGT’s Instant Ticket Workshops report that the open exchange of knowledge is something they appreciate most. “Hearing real experiences, challenges, and creative solutions from different jurisdictions was...
Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art
On Saturday, June 7, the Museum will be packed with incredible programming and new exhibitions for everyone to enjoy. “Frank Lloyd Wight & The College of Tomorrow” Original Exhibition Opens, 10 AM. Coffee with the Artist: Alice Kiderman, 10:30 AM. Docent-Led Tours (All Ages), 1 PM, free for everyone,...
Central Florida Deputy-Involved Shooting Investigation
Following a recent Central Florida deputy-involved shooting, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating. On May 25th at 4:41am, a call came into Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office’s Communications Center regarding a possible burglary in progress with an individual shot on the 7500 block of Carolton...
Letter to the Editor —– I refuse to remain silent
Dear Sheriff Grady Judd, Director of Communications Scott Wilder, and Director Gordon Scherer,. I refuse to remain silent while the people entrusted with protecting the innocent continue to deflect blame onto the very public, they were sworn to serve. In the recent FOX 13 News article dated June 3, 2025—published...
Lakeland police’s Summer Trades Academy teaches teens in-demand trade skills
Students in Polk County are taking summer break to learn in-demand, high-paying trades. Teah Howey, 17, knew that going to a traditional college after high school was not the route she wanted to take.
New Mexican Restaurant Opening in Lake Wales
The restaurant community on State Road 60 west of US Hwy 27 in Lake Wales will soon be welcoming a new Mexican restaurant in the mix. This week, What Now came across plan review paperwork submitted by El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant LLC for a restaurant by same name (sans “LLC,” naturally). It’s in the works at 740...
Crime Spree Ends At Lakeland Circle K: Bartow Man Faces Robbery, Assault, And Drug...
POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A 37-year-old Bartow man, Jabbar Bryant, was apprehended late Thursday night, June 5th, by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) after being sought in connection with multiple incidents, including robbery and domestic violence. Bryant’s arrest came after deputies located his silver Honda at...
