Police body cameras, support for Black-owned businesses proposed by Lakeland residents at race relations forum
Lakeland City Commissioners held a race relations forum Monday, but they weren’t there to speak or discuss. Monday was all about listening.
Lakeland man killed in Sunday morning motorcycle crash
George Jones Jr., 63, died Sunday morning following a motorcycle crash at U.S. 98 an Illinois Ave., according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Polk Museum of Art creates living art exhibit with plants and greenery
The Polk Museum of Art transformed their outdoor sculpture space with a different type of wall covering.
PCSO: Lakeland woman killed after car turns in front of motorcycle
Gabrielle Meek, 22, of Lakeland was killed Friday afternoon following a two-vehicle crash, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Instead of mask mandate, Lakeland turns to influencers to slow COVID-19
Lakeland is taking a creative approach to try and convince people to wear a mask to stop the spread of COVID-19. The city just kicked off a new media campaign dubbed “Mask up, COVID down.”
Lakeland company creates contact-less thermometer to detect fever instantly
Like a commonly used thermometer gun, Theroscan uses infrared light to read your temperature. You put your wrist into a ring, and the gadget gives you an instantaneous reading.
Lakeland food hall adds masks to the menu after city decides not to
A trendy Lakeland eatery, The Joinery, is now requiring customers wear to masks, despite what the city says.
Despite community spread, Lakeland commissioners decide against mandating face coverings
For nearly two hours, Lakeland leaders spoke about possibly making face coverings mandatory in the city, but when the mayor moved to approve the executive order, no commissioner seconded the motion.
Lakeland retirement community receives overwhelming response to pen pal request
A Lakeland retirement community is receiving more than 400 cards, letters and presents a day after putting out a call for pen pals.
Pharmacists, nurse, theme park employees among arrests for "horrific" child porn
The Polk County Sheriff's Office announced Monday the arrest of 16 men who allegedly possessed and distributed child pornography.
Bay Area law enforcement make small changes, reinforce existing policies on use-of-force
The Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg police departments say their policies are sufficient but are reminding officers of the rules. Sarasota PD banned choke-holds. But for the most part, Bay Area law enforcement are only making small changes in response to big outcry for reform.
Lakeland Police Department launches Citizens Advisory Board
In this time of national unrest over race issues, the Lakeland Police Department is launching a new Citizens Advisory Board.
State cracks down on Grace Manor after they say it failed to take proper COVID-19 safeguards
The state just issued an emergency order imposing a moratorium on the nursing home from taking in any new residents.
I-4 crashes slow traffic through Lakeland; at least 1 person killed
At least two crashes closed part of Interstate 4 through Polk County this morning.
Peaceful protesters gather in Polk County; curfew in effect at 8 p.m.
Protests in Polk County were peaceful Monday night after a weekend of “civil unrest” on Saturday and Sunday prompted officials to declare a local state of emergency and issue a curfew through early Tuesday morning.
Sheriff issues overnight curfew for Polk County
Citing “serious incidents” in Lakeland, Sheriff Grady Judd has issued a countywide curfew for Polk County tonight, starting at 10 p.m.
Lakeland couple battling COVID-19 set to be released from hospital after plasma infusion
A Lakeland couple battling COVID-19 is finally feeling some relief after receiving a plasma infusion as part of a nationwide trial to see if transfusions can help treat coronavirus patients.
Lakeland's oldest private school announces closure, citing drop in enrollment
Lakeland’s oldest private school is closing. Late last week, the Diocese of Orlando sent an email to the parents of kids who go to St. Joseph's Academy in Lakeland.
Lakeland teen plays personal 'violin-o-grams' for veterans on Memorial Day
Bill Hallbritter didn’t have to leave his house to commemorate Memorial Day Monday.
Lakeland City Hall reopens for business, with modifications
Lakeland’s city hall re-opened on Monday, as the governor’s plan to fully reopen the state took the next step forward.