Lifestyle
Help Us Find the Best BBQ in Polk County
Submit your nominations for the top barbecue spots in Polk County, Florida
Lakeland Unveils Timeline for South Florida Avenue Road Diet Project
The $22.6 million project aims to improve safety and multimodal access along a busy stretch of State Road 37.
Lakeland's Road Diet Project Moves Forward After Decade of Delays
The much-debated South Florida Avenue road diet is now over 60% through the design phase, with construction expected to begin in spring 2027.
Crime
Former Police Officer Convicted of Rape and Murder of 11-Year-Old Girl to Be Executed
James Aren Duckett, a former police officer, is scheduled to be put to death at Florida State Prison on March 31 for the 1987 rape and murder of Teresa McAbee.
Florida Woman Charged for Posing as Child Services Worker in Kidnapping Attempt
Nicole Terry Thomas allegedly called 911 to request a deputy's help in removing a child from a babysitter's home.
Suspect Wanted After Man Shot to Death Outside Lakeland Cocktail Lounge
Lakeland police are searching for a 34-year-old man they say shot and killed another man outside a local bar.
Politics
4 US Soldiers Killed in Kuwait Drone Strike
Families mourn the loss of the Army Reserve members killed during Operation Epic Fury deployment
Lakeland Constituents Can Make Their Voices Heard During Canady's Mobile Office Hours
Rep. Jennifer Canady and district staff will be available at the Lakeland Public Library on the third Wednesday of each month.
Florida House Advances Bill to Limit Non-Resident Enrollment at Top Universities
Legislation would reserve 95% of fall slots for Florida resident students at preeminent state universities
Sports
Tigers Top Prospect Briceño Undergoes Wrist Surgery
21-year-old catcher/first baseman sidelined after injury during spring training
Tigers' Benetti chosen as the voice of Sunday Night Baseball
Beloved announcer will balance weekly national TV commitment with Detroit's regular broadcast schedule
Tigers' Jackson Jobe Sees Progress in Injury Recovery
Pitcher expresses optimism after hybrid reconstructive surgery last June
