Lakeland FL

BARTOW, Fla. — If you’ve already bought fireworks for New Year’s Eve festivities, you may want to hold off until next year. Several counties across the Bay Area are under a burn ban, prohibiting the use of personal fireworks. The bans are meant to prevent outdoor fires due to dry conditions.

Ready to level up your Tampa Bay shopping game? From luxe beauty finds to breezy coastal fashion and vintage gems, this list maps out the spots you will want to hit first. Expect a mix of polished brands, curated boutiques, and neighborhood charm that makes browsing feel like a mini getaway. Grab a coffee, plan your...

LAKELAND, Fla. – A dispute over a fire lane parking spot at a local Publix escalated into felony charges for a retired law enforcement officer on Tuesday, after deputies say he threatened to track down and harm an elderly volunteer. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 60-year-old Marcus Baker...

LAKELAND, Fla. — A Polk County father is honoring his son’s legacy after the 6-year-old suddenly died just days before Christmas. Jarvis Washington stood outside his home, reflecting on some of his last fond memories of his son, Mes’sia. “He was a very playful, very lovable child,”...

I always say, “Fish are Fickle.” That’s particularly true this time of year with the advent of a passing cold front every three to four days. One day, the fish are active, and the next day, they are lethargic. After a cold front, even when I take...

Tampa, Fla. (WFLA) — We’re closing out the first day of 2026 on a beautiful note across the Tampa Bay area. Sunshine dominated today, and temperatures stayed comfortably cool, topping out in the upper 60s. Even with the pleasant weather, fire weather concerns remain elevated through this evening. The air is very dry,...

TAMPA, Fla. — New year, new me. That’s a phrase often heard at the start of the new year, especially when it comes to being healthy and weight loss. In recent years, there have been breakthroughs with medication and surgical procedures. But for some communities, there is still a struggle.

DAVENPORT – AdventHealth Heart of Florida celebrated the birth of Irish Jeyliani Escobar at 12 a.m. Jan. 1. She was one of the first babies born in the new year. Irish weighed 6 pounds, 2 ounces and measured 19 inches long at birth. Parents Jenny and Oscar Escobar thanked...

Thank you to Hannah Hendry and Missy Scott for getting out there and serving hot soup to people outside, exposed to the elements. It’s beautiful to see people compelled to make a difference and then take action. They were able to serve about 40 people today!. Hannah and Missy...

A vehicle crash with injuries and an active roadblock was reported late Thursday morning along the 3300 block of Kathleen Rd in Lakeland. The crash occurred at approximately 11:21 a.m. on January 1, 2026. Emergency personnel arrived within minutes to assist those involved. At least one individual sustained injuries...