Residents concerned about flooding pushback against building new Polk County government center in Kathleen
The North Lakeland Polk County Government Center will be located in the plot of land east of Kathleen Road and south of Duff Road. It'll be modeled after the government center in Lake Alfred. Some residents are concerned that the area's infrastructure can't handle the facility, as it is located...
Florida strawberry growers claim harm from unfairly low-priced imports
During the winter, when other states face freezing temperatures, Florida's warm weather provides an excellent climate for strawberries to grow. According to the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, Florida produces about 15% of the country's strawberries grown during that time of the year. But some of that share...
Tarp Fails To Hide Truck As Illegal Immigrant Arrested Following Winter Haven Hit-And-Run
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – A man is back in custody after a Tuesday afternoon fender-bender spiraled into a series of felony charges and an ICE detainer. The incident began around 4:40 p.m. on February 10, 2026, when a woman flagged down Polk County deputies on Rifle Range Road, reporting that her vehicle had just been...
Lakeland Cops Sound Alarm On Brazen ‘Cash Courier’ Bank Scam
Lakeland police are warning residents about a slick bank-fraud scheme working local phones and computer screens, coaxing people into pulling cash from their own accounts and handing it to a so-called courier who shows up to collect it. Scammers often pretend to be teamed up with law enforcement or a bank’s fraud unit...
Proposed truck refueling stop could deter animals using Florida’s first wildlife overpass
Some environmentalists worry that a proposed truck refueling stop could deter animals from using Florida's wildlife overpass. The development would butt up against an underpass being built just north of what will become the state's first overpass for wildlife. A hearing will be held by Polk County's development...
Popeyes in Polk County, FL, Was Temporarily Closed After Inspection Reveals Rodent Activity
A Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen restaurant on Highway 27 in Polk County was ordered to discontinue operations on Jan. 20, 2026, following a routine food inspection that documented six violations, including rodent droppings in multiple locations throughout the facility, according to Florida Department of Business and...
Retired SEAL Team 6 member hospitalized after 5-car crash near Lake Wales
A retired Navy SEAL who once served with SEAL Team 6 is recovering after being seriously injured in a deadly five-car crash near Lake Wales.
5 Best New Restaurants in Brandon, Florida that People Keep Coming Back For
Brandon has evolved from a sleepy Tampa suburb into a legitimate dining destination of its own. Alongside chains and long‑time locals, newer chef‑driven spots, creative fast‑casual joints, and polished neighborhood restaurants have moved in. These five relatively new or newly buzz‑worthy places are among the best...
Driver arrested after trying to make illegal U-turn that caused serious I-75 crash in...
SUN CITY CENTER, Fla. - A Citrus Springs man was arrested after trying to make an illegal U-turn that caused a serious crash on I-75 near the Hillsborough - Manatee County line Monday afternoon. The Florida Highway Patrol said Julio Dones Rosa, 45, of Citrus Springs, was arrested for reckless...
Highways 640, 55 shut down in Polk County for 1,216-acre fire
Portions of Highway 640 and Highway 55 were shut down Tuesday afternoon while crews respond to a vegetation fire.

















