Polk County students run a half-marathon to advocate for change
Three Polk County teens ran a half-marathon early Monday morning to spread awareness about the struggles people face with public transportation. Jeremiah Alex, Cooper Jenks and Kirby Russell usually drive to school. But when Alex said he wanted to run instead, they decided it was the perfect opportunity to make...
Davenport Teen Wanted for Palm Key Village Shooting; Residents Urged to Share Information
On November 28, 2025, Polk County Sheriff's deputies responded to a shooting in the Palm Key Village neighborhood of Davenport, Florida. A 17-year-old male was shot in the calf, and a 19-year-old male was shot in the thigh. Both were treated and released from the hospital. A third victim, a 16-year-old male, was shot...
Local Beach Churches Reopen and Recover One Year After Storms
Tampa Bay’s beach communities have marked one year since the severe storms that struck in late 2024. The storms caused significant damage to several barrier island churches, many of which are still recovering. St John Vianney Catholic Church and School, which has been in the area for nearly a century, experienced...
Florida Man Indicted For Cave City Rampage
Just a few months ago, a Florida man allegedly went on a destructive rampage in Cave City, and he has now been indicted. Roy E. Spiker, 77, of Auburndale, faces five counts of first-degree criminal mischief, a Class D felony, after a grand jury returned the indictment November 19. Authorities...
Bartow Man Arrested After Violent Home Invasion in Winter Haven Area
On November 28, 2025, Polk County Sheriff's deputies responded to an incident on Indian Bluff in Winter Haven. According to authorities, 31-year-old Austin Shawn Owens from Bartow entered a home without permission. He is accused of hitting, strangling, and biting the victim. Deputies say he also stopped the victim...
PCSO: Two women die in head-on collision after vehicle crosses median
Two women died in a head-on collision Nov. 29 on Kathleen Road north of Lakeland. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office received an emergency call at 5:47 p.m. regarding a multi-vehicle crash in front of Nick and Moe’s gas station at 4410 Kathleen Road. First responders arrived to find two people already dead, PCSO said...
Veteran Removed from Tampa Ceremony Over Confederate Uniform Files Lawsuit
A federal lawsuit filed this month is putting Florida’s Hillsborough County (Tampa) under scrutiny after a man dressed in a Confederate uniform was removed from a Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park. The case raises questions about free expression, county policy, and America’s long and complicated history...
New Home Needed: Meet the Latest Adorable Dogs Up for Adoption in Lakeland, FL
Interested in adopting a pet — or just looking at some adorable pets near you up for adoption? There are dozens of endearing pets up for adoption at animal shelters in and around lakeland..
SINGLE-PARENT INITIATIVE ADDRESSES HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE SHORTAGE
A parenting plan details a time-sharing schedule and addresses decision-making regarding the child’s education, healthcare, and well-being. It outlines clear responsibilities and creates predictable schedules, providing both parents and the children with structure for everyday life. Divorcing parents learn about...
Tampa Bay Fishing Report By: Capt. Wade Osborne
As water temperatures drop, snook begin to move from their usual locations. The recent cooling trend has prompted these fish to relocate, and most have now settled into their late fall habitats. There are preferred locations for snook during this period. Snook can primarily be found in deeper water environments....
