Downtown Lakeland parking spots could become permanent outdoor dining areas
Some of the parking spaces in downtown Lakeland may soon become so-called parklets, a parking space that has been turned into a public outdoor space.
Some of the parking spaces in downtown Lakeland may soon become so-called parklets, a parking space that has been turned into a public outdoor space.
Polk schools welcome students back to campus
Kids came back to a whole new world when they returned to class in Polk County on Monday. For tens of thousands of students, it was their first day back to school since March, when classes were canceled because of COVID-19.
Kids came back to a whole new world when they returned to class in Polk County on Monday. For tens of thousands of students, it was their first day back to school since March, when classes were canceled because of COVID-19.
New school year begins for several Tampa Bay school districts with precautions, challenges
After being shuttered for more than five months, thousands of students across the Bay Area officially began their first day of school. This includes kids in Pinellas, Polk, Pasco and Hillsborough, though it was not without technical glitches.
After being shuttered for more than five months, thousands of students across the Bay Area officially began their first day of school. This includes kids in Pinellas, Polk, Pasco and Hillsborough, though it was not without technical glitches.
Students, teachers return to school Monday in many Bay Area counties
It’s been five long months since students in Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk and Pinellas County schools stepped foot in a classroom. However, Monday that will all change as many students are welcomed back to their school for the first time since March.
It’s been five long months since students in Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk and Pinellas County schools stepped foot in a classroom. However, Monday that will all change as many students are welcomed back to their school for the first time since March.
Polk County homeowner shoots, kills burglary suspect
A Polk County homeowner shot and killed Joshua Mathieu, 34, who was breaking into her home, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
A Polk County homeowner shot and killed Joshua Mathieu, 34, who was breaking into her home, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Lack of funding may end program that provides free rides to Lakeland seniors
Elderpoint Ministries provides 700 rides a month to seniors, but it lost major funding earlier this year that could put an end to the free services.
Elderpoint Ministries provides 700 rides a month to seniors, but it lost major funding earlier this year that could put an end to the free services.
Safety is top of mind as Polk County teachers, students head back to school amid pandemic
When students and teachers in Polk, Pinellas and Pasco Counties go back to school on Monday, it is will be a very different place than the one they left a few months ago.
When students and teachers in Polk, Pinellas and Pasco Counties go back to school on Monday, it is will be a very different place than the one they left a few months ago.
Polk County opening sandbag fill sites for residents
With the potential chance of a tropical storm impacting Florida next week, Polk County officials are opening sandbag fill sites this weekend.
With the potential chance of a tropical storm impacting Florida next week, Polk County officials are opening sandbag fill sites this weekend.
Polk County students pick up iPads as they get ready to head back to class virtually
Polk County schools are handing out iPads to students who will be e-learning at home because of COVID-19, rather than going to class.
Polk County schools are handing out iPads to students who will be e-learning at home because of COVID-19, rather than going to class.
Former PTO president of Polk elementary school used school credit card for personal purchases, police say
A Winter Haven man was arrested for spending over $3,000 while using a school's credit card intended for the Parent Teacher Organization, police said.
A Winter Haven man was arrested for spending over $3,000 while using a school's credit card intended for the Parent Teacher Organization, police said.
French air-to-air missile accidentally sent to Lakeland airport
A French-made air-to-air missile was discovered at Lakeland Linder International Airport on Friday.
A French-made air-to-air missile was discovered at Lakeland Linder International Airport on Friday.
Teachers become independent online educators, give families options for schooling at home
The start of the school year has been filled with tough decisions for parents, as well as teachers, leading many to search for new ways to make sure students are still learning.
The start of the school year has been filled with tough decisions for parents, as well as teachers, leading many to search for new ways to make sure students are still learning.
Haines City High School graduate inspires teens through music
Making music has always been a part of Izaak Davis’ life. He started rapping in elementary school.
Making music has always been a part of Izaak Davis’ life. He started rapping in elementary school.
Fort Meade man arrested on third DUI charge after crashing into orange tree, sheriff says
A Polk County deputy was struck in the face by a DUI suspect after the man crashed his pick-up truck into an orange tree, officials said.
A Polk County deputy was struck in the face by a DUI suspect after the man crashed his pick-up truck into an orange tree, officials said.
Florida Polytech's largest class begins arriving, mindful of 'Golden Rules of COVID'
It’s back to the books at Florida Polytechnic University. On Tuesday, cars with students and parents periodically drove into the parking lots of the university’s dorms, but it was not the usual frenzy.
It’s back to the books at Florida Polytechnic University. On Tuesday, cars with students and parents periodically drove into the parking lots of the university’s dorms, but it was not the usual frenzy.
Possible human remains located in Bartow, police say
Police in Bartow are investigating whether human remains were discovered Monday.
Police in Bartow are investigating whether human remains were discovered Monday.
Voters may still cast ballot in person, even after voting by mail
Polls open bright and early Tuesday morning for the Florida Primary Election Day. Hundreds of thousands cast their votes early and there has been a massive increase in votes cast by mail.
Polls open bright and early Tuesday morning for the Florida Primary Election Day. Hundreds of thousands cast their votes early and there has been a massive increase in votes cast by mail.
Red Cross needs committed volunteers before a hurricane strikes
The Red Cross is recruiting volunteers who would be available to help in the case of a hurricane.
The Red Cross is recruiting volunteers who would be available to help in the case of a hurricane.
Students protest Florida Southern College's single-student dorm room policy
Almost half of the students who attend Florida Southern College will not be going back to campus when classes resume in a few weeks, but for many, staying off-campus is not their preference.
Almost half of the students who attend Florida Southern College will not be going back to campus when classes resume in a few weeks, but for many, staying off-campus is not their preference.
Polk deputies searching for vehicle after deadly Fort Meade hit-and-run
Deputies in Polk County are looking for help identifying the driver that killed a pedestrian, then drove off.
Deputies in Polk County are looking for help identifying the driver that killed a pedestrian, then drove off.