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.

 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.

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. 

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.

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 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.