Florida Poly to launch cybersecurity and AI laboratory on campus
Florida Polytechnic University is expanding its Security Operations Center with a nearly $3 million federally funded artificial intelligence lab called the Public Service Applied Innovation Laboratory. The high-tech lab, located in the new Gary C. Wendt Engineering Center, will train students in cybersecurity, AI,...
Fair Exhibitors Share Their Experiences
Interviews conducted by Bok North FFA Public Relations Committee. The 2026 Polk County Youth Fair highlighted the dedication, skill, and enthusiasm of youth involved in agricultural and natural resource programs throughout Polk County. From livestock and plant projects to archery and weigh-ins, students proudly...
2026 a Record-Breaking Year for the Fair
Throughout the past week and a half, youth in Polk County got the opportunity to show off their skills and hard work at the Polk County Youth Fair in Bartow. The fair gives students the opportunity to take part in a variety of events such as showing their livestock such as hogs and cattle, archery, horticulture,...
Reel Talk: Sheepshead fishing in Tampa Bay in the winter
Captain Ryan Amaturo sits down with Amanda Holly to discuss how to target them over the next couple of months.
Much Loved Mexican Restaurant El Olivo Finds a New Home
El Olivo, a much loved fixture in the Winter Haven community that has been serving authentic Mexican dishes for decades, closed in January. Just one day after Christmas, the Villarreal family broke the news to their loyal customers on Facebook: “It saddens me to say that we will be temporarily closing our doors....
Tampa, Clearwater, Sarasota and Lakeland Start With Dense Morning Fog Before Sunshine Pushes Temperatures...
TAMPA, FLORIDA — Residents across Tampa, Clearwater, Sarasota, St. Petersburg and Lakeland are waking up to low clouds and pockets of dense fog, especially in coastal communities, before sunshine returns later today and temperatures climb into the upper 70s. Forecasters say the fog will create reduced visibility...
56-unit Lakeland community sells for $10M
A 56-unit apartment community in Lakeland sold for $10 million, according to Colliers. Colliers brokers Miles Tombrink and Luis Baez handled the sale of the property at 915 Ariana Street. Rentlakeland Ariana LLC sold the community to Ariana Apartments Silverado LLC and Ariana Webster LLC. Seller expanded the property...
Losses adding up for Plant City berry farmers hit by freezes
Strawberry farmers are getting a better idea of losses now that frost damage is appearing days later. Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson estimated the state saw more than $1 billion worth of crop damage from the wintry weather. “I think it’s kind of the consensus that this was the...
Have you seen him? Auburndale police searching for 15-year-old boy last seen on Wednesday
AUBURNDALE, Fla. — The Auburndale Police Department is searching for a 15-year-old boy who was last seen on Wednesday. Police say Jonathan Francis Bass left his house on a bicycle at around 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 11. He reportedly traveled to the area of Half Acre Road near Old Dixie Highway.
Lakeland Linder Levels Up: Round-The-Clock Safety Crew Takes Flight
LAKELAND, Fla. – Starting this week, the Lakeland Fire Department has officially shifted its airport safety operations into a higher gear. As of February 11, 2026, the department’s Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting unit, known as ARFF-2, is now permanently staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
