Lakeland to open city's first COVID-19 drive-thru testing site on April 20
Residents in Lakeland won't need to travel far if they need to be tested for the coronavirus.
Companies create unique ways to make money during coronavirus pandemic
It is touch-and-go for many businesses because COVID-19 has put a real dent in their income. That’s why many are coming up with creative ways to bring in quick cash to help keep them afloat.
Polk County K-9 recovering from stabbing celebrates 6th birthday
Vise, a K-9 with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, celebrated his 6th birthday on April 2, days after he was repeatedly stabbed during an arrest.
Funeral homes react to coronavirus pandemic, change how we say our final goodbyes
Many funeral homes are only allowing ten people inside at a time and advise mourners not to shake hands, hug or kiss.
Polk County hopes for complete compliance during 'stay-at-home' order, vows to enforce if necessary
Under the order, most people are required by law to stay at home most of the time with a few exceptions.
Lakeland commissioners vote to close all city parks
City commissioners in Lakeland reversed their stance on whether to keep city parks open or close them.
Newly unemployed, underemployed struggle making ends meet during coronavirus pandemic
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, more than 3.3 million people filed for unemployment last week. That’s the highest it has been since the 1970s.
Bare supermarket shelves leave little left over to feed needy Polk children
For years KidsPACK bought 90 percent of its food for needy and homeless children from suppliers, but because people are stripping the shelves clean, there is little or no food left to sell to the organization.
Swan uses crosswalk to cross the street in Lakeland
Swans are a fairly common sight in Lakeland -- but it's not every day you see one using a crosswalk.
Lakeland Regional Health treating 1 COVID-19 patient, prepares for more
Top administrations at the facility said they are preparing for more cases. They are moving toward drive through COVID-19 testing and plan to develop a respiratory unit for people who suspect that they have the novel coronavirus.
Grocery stores packed as residents plan to stay home for the foreseeable future
If you've been to the store lately, you've seen people panic-buying. Officials are calling for this behavior to stop to ensure there is enough to go around.
Recycled Rides gives cancer survivor, single mother receive free cars
A cancer survivor and a single mother consider Friday the 13th a lucky day after they both received free cars from "Recycled Rides."
Sun ‘n Fun will be postponed to May, city officials say
Lakeland city officials said the annual Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo will be postponed until May. The decision is part of an effort to halt large gatherings and slow the spread of the coronavirus in the U.S.
Polk deputies arrest UPS employee accused of stealing money from package
Deputies arrested UPS employee Michael Rowland, 34, after he allegedly learned about a large amount of cash in a package, removed it, and then repackaged it.
Swans continue to fall victim to cars around lakes Morton, Mirror
Two more swans have been killed in Lakeland this week. Both black swans were run down by cars, one by Lake Morton, the other near Lake Mirror.
Lakeland man convicted of 2016 rape faces possible 30-year prison sentence
It took a jury 20 minutes Wednesday to convict a 39-year-old Lakeland man of raping a 20-year-old woman at a home in 2016.
Lakeland motel fire injures 1
According to the Lakeland Police Department, officers responding to a disturbance at the Best Motel, located at 601 East Memorial Boulevard found a motel room on fire and full of smoke.
Big Fat Tip pays generosity forward for service industry workers
Last Friday seemed like just another day for Cathy Mayfield. Her morning was routine, serving breakfast and coffee at The Egg Station in South Lakeland.
Four dangerous intersections in Lakeland will get new crosswalk lights
Lakeland ranks as the fifth-worst city in the nation for pedestrian deaths, and Memorial Boulevard in Lakeland is one of the worst streets in the county.
Florida considers merging New College, Florida Poly into FSU, UF
Lawmakers and leaders of New College of Florida and Florida Polytechnic University are pushing back against a House plan that would merge the two schools into Florida State University and the University of Florida.