Foul sewer odor has lingered for months, Haines City residents say
HAINES CITY, Fla. — Some Haines City residents say a strong, sewage-like odor has been hanging over their neighborhood, and they’ve been smelling it for months. Neighbors living near the lift station at Patterson Road and Tenth Street say the stench has gotten worse, especially on hot afternoons.
man hides in muddy swamp after fleeing traffic stop: PCSO
A man was arrested in Polk County on Tuesday after he fled a traffic stop on foot and ended up in a swamp, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
A year after sudden cardiac arrest, young Tampa Bay man starts CPR nonprofit
BRANDON, Fla. — True second chances don't come often. Andrew Emerton got his second chance at 26-years-old. Last year, when playing video games with friends, he went into sudden cardiac arrest. “One of them called 911 immediately and the other one started administering lifesaving CPR,” said Emerton. “And I...
Dogs in Need: Could Your Home Be Their New Home in Lakeland, FL?
Have you been contemplating pet adoption, or simply love perusing adorable pets? A myriad of delightful pets are available for adoption at various animal shelters in the vicinity of lakeland..
Mom shares story for National Drug Take Back Day
One Tampa Bay mother is sharing the story of her son's deadly overdose, in hopes of raising awareness ahead of National Drug Take Back Day. Kylie Jones reports.
Florida Poly, Sittadel join forces to grow Polk’s cybersecurity workforce
Florida Polytechnic University and Lakeland-based cybersecurity company Sittadel are teaming up to launch a student-powered Security Operations Center (SOC) on Florida Poly’s campus. Sittadel was founded in 2019 by Trafenia Flynn Salzman, 35, and Joshua Sitta, 39, along with a team of cybersecurity directors and...
Lake Wales CRA Receives Statewide Recognition for Park Avenue Project and Annual Report
The City of Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) received two awards at the 2025 Florida Redevelopment Association (FRA) Annual Conference in October. The CRA was recognized for its Park Avenue & Market Plaza Redesign Project in the Capital Projects/Infrastructure for a Small City category, and for its...
Five ways to give back and get involved in your community
If you’re searching for ways to give back, the Catalyst’s Impact Connector is here to help. Each week, we feature five organizations in the Tampa Bay area that need your input, whether that’s time, talent, items, funding or simply awareness. We’re certain you’ll find something here that matches your interests and...
Polk State College launches new initiative, ‘Agripolk,’ to create pathways to agriculture industry
POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Polk State College is launching a new initiative aimed at getting more students into the agriculture industry. It starts next spring, but students are already signing up. Penny Watson has been fishing since she was a little girl, and while it brings her peace, it...
I-75 Lane, Shoulder Closures for Construction in Tampa Bay Thru November
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) reports the following traffic impacts associated with the I-75 Widening Project from the Tampa Bypass Canal to Fowler Avenue. All work is weather dependent and subject to change. I-75 from the Tampa Bypass Canal to Fowler Avenue. Lane (shoulder) closures: 24 hours per...
