‘A legend in his own right’: Winter Haven mourns loss of its first Black mayor, Lemuel Geathers
Lemuel Geathers shattered the race barrier in 1981 when he was elected as Winter Haven’s first Black mayor.
Lemuel Geathers shattered the race barrier in 1981 when he was elected as Winter Haven’s first Black mayor.
Senior vaccination pods open in Polk, Pasco counties
Two senior vaccination pods opened Wednesday in Polk and Pasco counties.
Two senior vaccination pods opened Wednesday in Polk and Pasco counties.
Will Bishop McLaughlin's basketball team make it from worst to first?
The Hurricanes have had a complete transformation, going from worst to first. From just two wins a year ago to 21 this season and a trip to the school's first Final 4, where the Hurricanes are set to play Jacksonville's Andrew Jackson Thursday at 2 p.m. in Lakeland.
The Hurricanes have had a complete transformation, going from worst to first. From just two wins a year ago to 21 this season and a trip to the school's first Final 4, where the Hurricanes are set to play Jacksonville's Andrew Jackson Thursday at 2 p.m. in Lakeland.
Black-necked swan in Lakeland creates love nest with two new mates
When the black-necked swan lost his mate last year after she was hit by a car, everyone thought he'd be flying solo since swans mate for life. But he had other ideas: he's now wooing not one, but two other swans.
When the black-necked swan lost his mate last year after she was hit by a car, everyone thought he'd be flying solo since swans mate for life. But he had other ideas: he's now wooing not one, but two other swans.
Hospital employee accused of stealing nearly $1,000 from COVID-19 patient
Haines City police arrested Yolanda Curtis-Deliz, 46, a certified nursing assistant, after they say she stole $920 from a COVID-19 patient’s wallet at AdventHealth Heart of Florida.
Haines City police arrested Yolanda Curtis-Deliz, 46, a certified nursing assistant, after they say she stole $920 from a COVID-19 patient’s wallet at AdventHealth Heart of Florida.
Winter Haven student arrested after bringing loaded, stolen gun to school, police say
Winter Haven police arrested DeShawn Lee Williams, 18, on Friday after they say he brought a loaded handgun to school in his backpack.
Winter Haven police arrested DeShawn Lee Williams, 18, on Friday after they say he brought a loaded handgun to school in his backpack.
Students raise money for former teacher after RV fire
A retired teacher who lost everything when his RV went up in flames learned how much he meant to his former students as they raised money to help get him back on his feet.
A retired teacher who lost everything when his RV went up in flames learned how much he meant to his former students as they raised money to help get him back on his feet.
Arrest made after Lakeland teen was found murdered in Sumter County, deputies say
The man suspected of murdering an 18-year-old from Lakeland turned himself into detectives in Sumter County, where the victim’s body was found, officials said.
The man suspected of murdering an 18-year-old from Lakeland turned himself into detectives in Sumter County, where the victim’s body was found, officials said.
Missing Lakeland teen found in Sumter County’s Green Swamp area was murdered, deputies say
Charlie Roberts is being remembered as smart, fun-loving, and someone who stepped up to help the family after his mother recently passed. He was 18 years old.
Charlie Roberts is being remembered as smart, fun-loving, and someone who stepped up to help the family after his mother recently passed. He was 18 years old.
Behavioral health center will be first in Polk County to offer ‘partial hospitalization'
Stress and depression are just some of the issues Lakeland Regional Health plans to treat at its new Center for Behavioral Health Center.
Stress and depression are just some of the issues Lakeland Regional Health plans to treat at its new Center for Behavioral Health Center.
Postal Service blames unprecedented volumes, fewer employees for mail delays since pandemic
The Postal Service says the pandemic led more people to shop online and caused a manpower drain in the agency as more people retire to avoid coming in contact with COVID-19, which has had significant impacts on mail delivery.
The Postal Service says the pandemic led more people to shop online and caused a manpower drain in the agency as more people retire to avoid coming in contact with COVID-19, which has had significant impacts on mail delivery.
Polk County comedian gives teachers comic relief through podcast
Through his podcast "Crying In My Car," former teacher and comedian Devin Siebold takes a humorous look at classroom life.
Through his podcast "Crying In My Car," former teacher and comedian Devin Siebold takes a humorous look at classroom life.
Social measures need to stay in place after vaccination, experts say
After being vaccinated against COVID-19, many hope for life to go back to pre-pandemic normal, but experts say that's not likely.
After being vaccinated against COVID-19, many hope for life to go back to pre-pandemic normal, but experts say that's not likely.
Bay Area mourns 7,000 of America's 500,000 dead from coronavirus
Jacob Ritchie's mother is one of 500,000 Americans, 30,000 Floridians and 6,996 Tampa Bay area residents to suffer the coronavirus's worst fate.
Jacob Ritchie's mother is one of 500,000 Americans, 30,000 Floridians and 6,996 Tampa Bay area residents to suffer the coronavirus's worst fate.
Lakeland red-light cameras can predict light-runner, extend light change to prevent crashes
The cameras can predict when a vehicle is going too fast to make it through a yellow light, and hold the green light for oncoming traffic. However, the light-runner will still receive a ticket in the mail.
The cameras can predict when a vehicle is going too fast to make it through a yellow light, and hold the green light for oncoming traffic. However, the light-runner will still receive a ticket in the mail.
‘Operation Green Light’ in Polk aims to ease traffic fines, help residents get driver’s licenses back
For one day, Polk County will put the brakes on collection fees to help residents who have a suspended driver’s license.
For one day, Polk County will put the brakes on collection fees to help residents who have a suspended driver’s license.
Teenager driver killed, 17-year-old passenger injured in single-vehicle crash in Lakeland, police say
The Lakeland Police Department is investigating a crash that killed a 17-year-old male and injured a 17-year-old female early Sunday morning.
The Lakeland Police Department is investigating a crash that killed a 17-year-old male and injured a 17-year-old female early Sunday morning.
3 arrested after shooting at driver on I-4 with stolen handguns, troopers say
The Florida Highway Patrol arrested Nasir Hanton, Jahnoy Palmer and Jaquayne Davis Saturday afternoon after they say the men shot at a driver multiple times on I-4.
The Florida Highway Patrol arrested Nasir Hanton, Jahnoy Palmer and Jaquayne Davis Saturday afternoon after they say the men shot at a driver multiple times on I-4.
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec exhibit on display at Polk Museum of Art
His name is among the artistic greats of the 19th century along with Paul Ce'zanne, Vincent van Gogh and George Seurat, and now, the works of art from Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec are right here for art lovers to see in person.
His name is among the artistic greats of the 19th century along with Paul Ce'zanne, Vincent van Gogh and George Seurat, and now, the works of art from Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec are right here for art lovers to see in person.
'Stone America': Legal, lower-THC hemp product draws ire of Polk County sheriff
Delta 8 THC, a new product on the market, is being called "weed light." Unlike your standard marijuana, Delta 8 THC is being sold legally to buyers without a prescription.
Delta 8 THC, a new product on the market, is being called "weed light." Unlike your standard marijuana, Delta 8 THC is being sold legally to buyers without a prescription.