Lakeland data center proposal hits major roadblock after developer cancels review meeting

A proposed data center in Lakeland is facing significant new hurdles after the applicant withdrew from a scheduled review meeting with city officials, delaying the project's next steps and raising questions about its future.

Clearwater Beach ‘teen takeover’ shooting suspect arrested

A 16-year-old boy accused of shooting another teenager multiple times during a ‘teen takeover' on Clearwater Beach on Sunday has been arrested. 

Polk County ATV crash kills 1: PCSO

A 19-year-old Bartow man died early Sunday morning after losing control of his all-terrain vehicle at a hunt club near Lake Wales, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Lakeland's hidden gem: Raw oysters in a bowling alley

A Lakeland sports bar tucked inside a local bowling alley flips the script on the idea that such a place can't offer a high-quality dining experience.

$1.5 Billion secured for FEMA reimbursements for Florida with TRACK Act

With hurricane season fast approaching, U.S. Senator Ashley Moody visited Bartow on Friday to announce the release of $1.5 billion in FEMA disaster reimbursements for Florida.

Polk County undercover drug bust nets 5 arrests, leaves 2 on the lam: ‘We will arrest you’

Polk County detectives have arrested five people and are still searching for two more suspects following an undercover operation targeting suspected narcotics areas throughout Polk County.

Why federal forecasters say 'it only takes one' storm as NOAA releases 2026 hurricane season predictions

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced Thursday that the agency is predicting a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season, driven by a strengthening El Niño climate pattern. 

Polk County Sheriff's Office highlights ongoing upgrades at animal shelter

For more than a year now, animal welfare advocates have been raising concerns about conditions at the Polk County Animal Control shelter. Now, the Polk County Sheriff's Office, which runs the shelter, is updating the community on the ongoing improvements made to the facility.

Lakeland Navy veteran honors fallen cousin on all-female 'Flight of Honor' to Washington, D.C.

The 88-year-old retired Navy control tower operator joined dozens of female veterans aboard an Allegiant Air Flight of Honor departing from Lakeland Linder International Airport, part of the largest all-female veteran Flight of Honor out of Florida.

$9.6 million Bartow pedestrian bridge connects Fort Fraser Trail

A new pedestrian bridge under construction over State Road 60 in Bartow is drawing praise from local business owners and city leaders for its potential to improve safety and connectivity.

Winter Haven man killed in multi-vehicle crash: FHP

A Winter Haven man died Monday morning after troopers say a Ford pickup truck slammed into a line of traffic on SR-570, triggering a fatal three-car crash.