Lakeland Horticulturist Stacy Smith has a simple message for residents worried about brown leaves or drooping plants after several nights of sub-freezing temperatures: Don’t panic.
The Lake Gibson Braves wrestling team came back from injuries to win its 11th state title in January, but the season isn’t over yet.
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A major software update at The Polk County Tax Collector’s office will close all tax collector locations for two and a half days in February.
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During Florida’s 60-day duck hunting season that ended last week, people called police to report “shots fired,” and many posted online asking about gunfire.
Read more about the City Commission's response:
‘Ice Out’ protest in Lakeland, Fl
Community-informed reporting that connects data, resources and lived experience.
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For over two decades, the expo at the RP Funding Center provided thousands of visitors with free entertainment, information and giveaways.
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Changes will take effect in the 2026-27 school year, but students currently enrolled in a Polk County high school will not be required to switch.
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Despite social media posts circulating on Sunday, PCPS said there have been no incidents with ICE.
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Graduation rate climbs to 87.7% as multiple Polk County high schools post major gains.
Read more: https://www.lkldnow.com/polk-county-schools-hit-record-graduation-rate-as-campuses-see-major-gains/
The family-owned restaurant, offering specialties like Chicken Spedini and Nachos 51, has been years in the making.
Learn more about the new cafe:
PigFest gives Lakelanders the chance to sample barbecue made by competing local enthusiasts and pitmasters from across the U.S.
Learn more about the 29th annual festival: https://www.lkldnow.com/more-than-120-teams-will-complete-at-pigfest-this-friday-and-saturday/
National recognition points to evidence-based care, newborn support and keeping high-quality maternity services close to home.
Read more: https://www.lkldnow.com/what-lakeland-regional-healths-high-maternity-care-rating-means-for-polk-county-families/
The bakery is among 20 semifinalists for one of the nation’s most prestigious culinary awards.
Owner, Jenn Smurr, shares how she learned about the nomination here:
https://www.lkldnow.com/born-bread-bakehouse-receives-james-beard-outstanding-bakery-nomination/
VISTE's annual fundraising event on Jan. 31 raises crucial funds to support over 4,900 seniors in Lakeland, Bartow, Mulberry and Fort Meade.
Learn more: https://www.lkldnow.com/visteball-2026-offers-fun-way-to-help-local-seniors/
Lakeland took a big step Tuesday toward building a long-planned education center at Se7en Wetlands.
Read the full story at https://www.lkldnow.com/se7en-wetlands-education-center-moves-closer-to-construction/
The FEA mid-school year count found teacher vacancies statewide increased by about 100.
Learn more: https://www.lkldnow.com/polk-county-schools-sees-the-most-teacher-vacancies-as-shortage-worsens-statewide/
People lined the streets on Saturday, Jan. 17, to celebrate 'A Legacy of Strength, A Future of Actions.’ See all the photos at https://www.lkldnow.com/photos-lakelands-2026-mlk-parade/
Some of the biggest names in Lakeland came together on Wednesday to honor this year’s Jere Annis Leadership Award recipient.
Lakeland Shelters Prepare for Cold Temperatures Lasting Through Next Week
With lows hovering near freezing, shelters will operate above normal capacity to protect those experiencing homelessness.
A small, oak-filled lot just north of Southgate Shopping Plaza is being transformed into a compact community of duplex-style townhomes designed to blend in with the landscape. The 0.63-acre property will become The Modern, a cluster of 12 market-rate units in six small buildings.
Crews will remove overhanging limbs this Thursday and Friday to address safety concerns and preserve the centuries-old tree.
The partnership will add physicians, accelerate research and expand local access to clinical trials.
Lakeland will celebrate the civil rights leader's enduring legacy with special events and its 48th annual parade this Saturday.
If you’ve walked through downtown Lakeland lately and spotted a new cornhole setup tucked beneath the oak trees in Munn Park, you’re not alone — and you didn’t miss an announcement.
Florida lawmakers will gavel in tomorrow, Jan. 13, kicking off a 60-day legislative session that could bring both long-sought help — and serious challenges — for Lakeland and its neighbors.
Families can apply for magnet schools, career academies, IB and Cambridge programs for the 2026–27 school year.
Registration is open for the 2026 Polk Senior Games where men and women aged 50 and over compete for gold in 97 Olympic-style events.
