Polk commissioner to host meeting on North Lakeland Government Center
Polk County Commissioner Michael Scott will host a community meeting to discuss the future North Lakeland Government Center from 6 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 17 at the Kathleen Baptist Church, the county has announced. The general information meeting will be held in the Fellowship Hall of the church at 3939 Second St. NW in...
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...
Haines City CRA to take steps to revitalize Oakland community
HAINES CITY, Fla. — Haines City leaders are looking to revitalize the Oakland community as the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is asking for public input on bringing back this once-bustling business district. The Community Redevelopment Agency is starting the process with the former walk-in bar along Dr. Martin...
Saturday Scrapyard Blaze Sends Toxic Smoke Over Lakeland; Fire Marshal Investigates
LAKELAND, Fla. – Polk County firefighters spent last evening tackling a fast-moving scrapyard fire that sent thick, black smoke billowing over Lakeland. The situation unfolded just after 6 p.m. on Saturday when a battalion chief, busy with a separate medical call, spotted the dark plume rising near Main Street.
Over 100,000 animals killed in the last 20 years under the current leadership at...
Over 3000 cats were killed in Polk County last year. Round up and kill. Extermination. The policy from Polk County Animal Control is that cats are a non-native nuisance and are never to be released. They’ve killed over 100,000 animals in the last 20 years under the current leadership at...
Auburndale interviews 3 finalists, delays decision on city manager
The three finalists for Auburndale city manager transformed from names on resumes to actual people as they answered questions from city commissioners on Feb. 11. After lengthy interviews with the three finalists — Jeff Brown, Jeremy Marshall and Ben Ziskal — city commissioners decided to delay a decision until their...
Inland Florida Warms Into the Mid-80s While Tampa Bay Beaches Stay Cooler in the...
FLORIDA — A classic sea breeze pattern is setting up across the Tampa Bay region today, creating a noticeable temperature split between the coast and inland communities. According to the latest high-temperature map for the area, communities along the immediate Gulf Coast will stay in the upper 70s to near 80 degrees,...
Polk County limits number of speakers for general public comment
POLK COUNTY, Fla. — New changes are coming to Polk County commission meetings. Commissioners recently voted to limit the number of people who can speak during public comment for non-agenda items. The resolution passed unanimously on a consent agenda, without public input. Being a voice for change has become...
Better Blend to Make Florida Debut with Three Tampa Bay Restaurants
Known for healthy, low-sugar, high-protein smoothies, Better Blend is gearing up to make its debut in the state of Florida. The brand recently announced a franchise agreement that will bring three locations to the Tampa Bay area. “We’re looking to have our first location in the Brandon area this year,”...
Polk County firefighters remind of burn ban following brush fires
POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) – Firefighters in Polk County reminded residents Friday of the countywide burn ban after a recent uptick of brush fires. According to Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR), the county sits at an average of 530 on the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) with 66% of the county above the 500 marks.
