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' Skubal won't make another WBC start
Cy Young winner cites spring plan and contract stakes as reasons for decision
Tigers Ace Skubal Leaves Team USA Early at WBC
Pitcher cites scheduling conflicts and injury risk as reasons for early departure from World Baseball Classic
Tigers' Tarik Skubal to leave Team USA for Tigers camp
Pitcher will not pitch in another WBC game after Monday's matchup with Mexico
