McKeel Academy among the first to reopen schools during the pandemic
It was back to school Thursday for thousands of kids at McKeel Academy in Lakeland. The charter school system, with three campuses for K through 12, is one of the first school to re-open in the state amid a COVID-19 pandemic.
It was back to school Thursday for thousands of kids at McKeel Academy in Lakeland. The charter school system, with three campuses for K through 12, is one of the first school to re-open in the state amid a COVID-19 pandemic.
Lake Wales suspends school sports indefinitely
The board of trustees for the Lake Wales charter school system voted unanimously Wednesday to cancel school sports until further notice because of COVID-19.
The board of trustees for the Lake Wales charter school system voted unanimously Wednesday to cancel school sports until further notice because of COVID-19.
De-escalation class helps workers at Lakeland business deal with customers who don't follow mask rules
Employees at a business in downtown Lakeland are now trained in de-escalation tactics so they can deal with customers who refuse to wear a mask.
Employees at a business in downtown Lakeland are now trained in de-escalation tactics so they can deal with customers who refuse to wear a mask.
Polk mom writes book to help kids cope with COVID-19
Lyndsay Gendreau, a fourth-grade teacher, wrote a self-published book to ease her 3-year-old son’s fears and confusion over COVID-19.
Lyndsay Gendreau, a fourth-grade teacher, wrote a self-published book to ease her 3-year-old son’s fears and confusion over COVID-19.
Lakeland city commissioners extend mask mandate into September
City leaders in Lakeland voted Monday to extend their mandatory indoor mask resolution, which was set to expire at 5 p.m.
City leaders in Lakeland voted Monday to extend their mandatory indoor mask resolution, which was set to expire at 5 p.m.
Corrections officer driving wrong way in Haines City arrested for DUI
Florida Department of Corrections Officer Amber Reeves, 27, of Winter Haven, was arrested early Sunday morning for DUI after driving the wrong way on a major highway, according to the Haines City Police Department.
Florida Department of Corrections Officer Amber Reeves, 27, of Winter Haven, was arrested early Sunday morning for DUI after driving the wrong way on a major highway, according to the Haines City Police Department.
FHP: 2 killed, 1 seriously injured in multi-vehicle crash on I-4 that closed highway for five hours
A 37-year-old man from Orlando and a 37-year-old woman from Davenport were killed Friday morning in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 4 in Lakeland, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
A 37-year-old man from Orlando and a 37-year-old woman from Davenport were killed Friday morning in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 4 in Lakeland, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Landlords lay off staff, run late on mortgage payments after months without rental income
Many landlords are cringing after Florida’s governor again extended the moratorium on evictions and foreclosures.
Many landlords are cringing after Florida’s governor again extended the moratorium on evictions and foreclosures.
I-4 in Polk County reopens hours after deadly crash
Florida Highway Patrol troopers say one person is dead following a crash on Interstate 4.
Florida Highway Patrol troopers say one person is dead following a crash on Interstate 4.
Polk County offering sandbags to residents ahead of Isaias
County officials are offering a maximum of 10 sandbags to Polk County residents in preparation of any potential storm threat from Isaias.
County officials are offering a maximum of 10 sandbags to Polk County residents in preparation of any potential storm threat from Isaias.
Some state-run testing sites will remain open as Isaias' track shifts east
As Florida gets a clearer picture of where Hurricane Isaias is headed, some Bay Area counties have decided not to close state-run testing sites.
As Florida gets a clearer picture of where Hurricane Isaias is headed, some Bay Area counties have decided not to close state-run testing sites.
Remains of missing Lakeland woman found by canine handlers during training exercise
Canine handlers conducting a training exercise found the remains of Takeria Adderly, hidden within heavy vegetation in the 2000 block of West Bella Vista Street on July 29. Adderly was reported missing by her family on June 30.
Canine handlers conducting a training exercise found the remains of Takeria Adderly, hidden within heavy vegetation in the 2000 block of West Bella Vista Street on July 29. Adderly was reported missing by her family on June 30.
McKeel Academy ready to return to class weeks ahead of most school districts
McKeel Academy, a charter school system based in Lakeland, appears to be leading the pack. It is going to re-open on Thursday, August 6, weeks ahead of most school districts.
McKeel Academy, a charter school system based in Lakeland, appears to be leading the pack. It is going to re-open on Thursday, August 6, weeks ahead of most school districts.
Polk County commissioner candidate faces charge of falsifying election forms
A candidate for Polk County Commission has been accused of lying on his election documents.
A candidate for Polk County Commission has been accused of lying on his election documents.
State-run COVID-19 test sites to close Friday due to potential for tropical weather
Coronavirus testing sites run by the state of Florida are closing Friday due to the potential for inclement weather.
Coronavirus testing sites run by the state of Florida are closing Friday due to the potential for inclement weather.
Polk County Schools looking to fill 100 positions as students get ready to go back to school
Polk County schools are scheduled to open a few weeks and like other districts around the state, the county still has teacher positions that have to be filled fast.
Polk County schools are scheduled to open a few weeks and like other districts around the state, the county still has teacher positions that have to be filled fast.
Human remains found in Lakeland, police say
Lakeland police are investigating a death near the area of Fairbanks Street and Bella Vista Street.
Lakeland police are investigating a death near the area of Fairbanks Street and Bella Vista Street.
Borden Dairy in Winter Haven evacuated after chemical spill
A chemical spill occurred at Borden Dairy on Wednesday morning, and employees have since been allowed to return inside.
A chemical spill occurred at Borden Dairy on Wednesday morning, and employees have since been allowed to return inside.
Polk County unveils plan for school buses in upcoming semester
When it comes to social distancing for schools, buses present an especially large problem for many districts. In fact, the six-foot rule is a standard even the Florida Board of Education says is unattainable in classrooms and on buses as students head back to school this fall.
When it comes to social distancing for schools, buses present an especially large problem for many districts. In fact, the six-foot rule is a standard even the Florida Board of Education says is unattainable in classrooms and on buses as students head back to school this fall.
About half of parents decide to send kids back to schools in Tampa Bay area
Parents in three Tampa Bay school districts faced a tough decision Monday: send their kids back into the classroom or choose a form of virtual distance learning.
Parents in three Tampa Bay school districts faced a tough decision Monday: send their kids back into the classroom or choose a form of virtual distance learning.