Couple gets married on float during Lakeland's Christmas parade

A Lakeland couple got married in front of an estimated crowd of 50,000 people who turned out for the annual Christmas parade. It's been one of Lakeland's most beloved events for 41 years during the holidays.

Lakeland Christian athletic trainer uses platform on TikTok to educate, inspire

Now, with nearly 90,000 followers, millions of views and likes, the athletic trainer from Lakeland Christian School is a full-fledged TikTok influencer, complete with a collaboration deal with Gatorade. 

Lakeland church volunteers help local families by paying for loads of laundry

Volunteers from a Lakeland church have been helping local families fight rising costs for laundry. Every month, "Laundry Love" comes armed with loads of quarters to a local laundromat to pay for everyone's bill.

Woman caught on video stealing puppy from Lakeland store, investigators say

A woman was seen on surveillance video grabbing a Dachshund puppy from its kennel and stuffing it in her purse at an "All About Puppies" store in Lakeland. Investigators at the Lakeland Police Department are now searching for the suspect.

Florida Children's Museum opens to families at Lakeland's new Bonnet Springs Park

The Florida Children’s Museum just opened with the blast of air cannons and a shower of confetti and streamers. Families took their first look at the museum Friday morning. 

Polk deputies arrest 2 murder suspects wanted in Virgin Islands

"They are both from the Virgin Islands and came here in late June apparently thinking Polk County would be a good place to flee to," Sheriff Grady Judd said. "They were obviously wrong.”

More than 20 Lakeland swans sold after big population growth on Lake Morton

The first swan sale since 2020 took place in Lakeland on Friday. This comes after the swan population on Lake Morton eclipsed 50, a key number for the City of Lakeland. 

Lakeland clinic focuses on recovery for long COVID patients

Debilitating headaches, difficulty concentrating, and sleep problems are just some things people with long COVID deal with daily, but a clinic in Lakeland hopes to help.  

'Every day is a gift': Woman nearly fully recovered from COVID-19 says faith, music helped her beat the odds

It's now been two years since Cristie White was told by her doctors to call her family and say her goodbyes. Today, she's 90% recovered from COVID-19 and opening up about how her recovery journey inspired her to write a song and publish a Bible study book now available on Amazon.

Time for a checkup: Lakeland rounds up Lake Morton swans for annual veterinary visit

For the 42nd year, the annual swan roundup started Tuesday morning on Lake Morton with local veterinarians hitting the water to check on all those beloved birds.

Bonnet Springs Park expected to open soon after Hurricane Ian delay

It's the 11th hour for Lakeland's newest attraction, Bonnet Springs Park. After more than two years under construction, the park is going to hold its grand opening next weekend. 

Bobcat captured in Lakeland after killing one royal swan, dozens of ducks

A bobcat that killed one of Lakeland's royal swans has been captured. The cat began terrorizing Highland Village, a mobile home park where the swan and her mate were living, a few weeks ago.

3-legged alligator mom carries babies in her mouth at Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland

A three-legged alligator mom was seen limping through Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, moving her hatchlings from their nest to nearby water — one mouthful at a time.

Polk County students score free formal wear by promising to avoid ‘risky’ behavior at school events

Homecoming is around the corner for many high school students, and those with a Polk County school ID have a chance to get the perfect outfit for free, thanks to a local organization called "UthImpact."