Polk County commissioners OK purchase of land to house new wastewater treatment facility
POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Polk County commissioners recently approved the purchase of 200 acres in the eastern part of the county. The property will house a new wastewater treatment facility, which officials say is needed as the county continues to grow. As more development makes its way into Polk...
Open enrollment begins Nov. 3 for Schools of McKeel, including new Mulberry campus
The Schools of McKeel Academy will offer its annual open enrollment period Nov. 3 through Nov. 17, inviting families to apply for the 2026-27 school year. Serving students in grades PreK-12, The Schools of McKeel Academy is a not-for-profit, tuition-free charter school system recognized as a High Performing Charter...
The Overlooked Florida City Where Retirees Say Social Security Goes A Long Way
Stretching your Social Security check can feel like a challenge in today’s Florida, where coastal cities keep getting pricier. But tucked away in Polk County, Bartow offers retirees something rare: affordable living without sacrificing charm or convenience. This under-the-radar gem proves you don’t need a beachfront...
Winter Haven Residents Invited to Submit Mural Designs for Downtown Art Project
The City of Winter Haven, Florida, has announced a call for artists and muralists for a new downtown mural project. The mural will be located on the parking garage facing the alleyway and Central Avenue at 220 Avenue A NW. The city is looking for designs that show local pride, recognizable imagery, and a sense of...
The Best Country Fried Steak In Florida Is Hiding Inside This Unpretentious Diner
Sometimes the most extraordinary culinary treasures are hiding in plain sight, and that’s exactly the case with Reececliff Family Diner in Lakeland, Florida – home to what might just be the best country fried steak you’ll ever put in your mouth. You know those unassuming places that...
The First Academy (Fla.) wins finale over Lakeland with eighth grader at QB
The First Academy quarterback Anthony ‘Deuce’ Woods Jr. just had himself a night. Haven’t heard of the signal caller? You probably haven’t because the 13-year old signal caller has seen very limited time on the field. Woods Jr’s coming out party happened on Friday night against Florida’s No. 18 ranked...
Local students study seagrass recovery in Tampa Bay
The morning sun shimmered across Tampa Bay as a small group of students leaned over the side of the research vessel Orlando’s Rose, peering into the water where strands of seagrass swayed beneath the surface. Clipboards in hand, they waded into the grassy shallows to record measurements and identify...
Hometown Heroes lending program still has cash available
ORLANDO, Fla. — It’s a popular lending program designed to help first-time home buyers get into a house in Florida. Since 2022, the Hometown Heroes Program has made $350 million available to help families buy homes, and each year the money went very quickly. However, program leaders say...
Tampa Bay area nonprofit expands food access for seniors
TAMPA, Fla. — Senior citizens in jeopardy of losing food assistance as a result of the government shutdown have a place to turn for help if SNAP benefits are halted. The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas is expanding access to its food programs. Those 60 and older on SNAP can get a free hot meal or...
Deputies arrest suspect after active burglary report
TAMPA, Fla. (WWSB) - Just after midnight on Oct. 30, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) responded to a business on North Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa after receiving reports of a burglary in progress. Surveillance video showed the alleged suspect entering the building but never coming back out. HCSO’s...
