Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd Debuts New Desk Sign As Parolee’s Freedom Lasts Mere...
POLK COUNTY, Fla. — New Year’s resolutions are notoriously hard to keep, but for Malik Burney, the attempt to turn over a new leaf didn’t even last a single day. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd highlighted Burney’s short-lived freedom while also showing off a new addition to his office decor. Sitting prominently on...
Lakeland-born WonderHere Wins National Education Prize for Rethinking How Kids Learn
A Lakeland-based microschool that began as a living-room experiment in 2016 and now serves more than 100 students locally has earned national recognition — and $250,000 — for challenging traditional approaches to education. WonderHere was named a 2025 Yass Prize STOP Award winner in the “Outstanding” category for...
More cancer care options available for Polk County residents
A new partnership in Lakeland aims to offer more cancer care closer to home for the growing population in Polk County.
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...
