Category: News Roundup

PEDIATRIC COVID-19: Lakeland Regional Health is seeing a marked increase over two months ago in the number of children testing positive in its pediatric emergency department, with admissions to hospital care rising from an average of one a day then to five on Monday. That level is “similar to that during our Delta surge” last […]

CAPITOL RIOT: Prosecutors wanted to revoke bond for Capitol riot defendant Joshua Doolin of Polk City after FBI agents found a rifle in his home in violation of his release terms. But a federal judge in Washington is allowing him to remain free and attend his wedding, scheduled for Jan. 4 at a Lakeland church. […]

ARREST: A 20-year-old substitute English teacher at Lakeland High School employed through Kelly Services was arrested and charged with sexual battery after admitting she had sex with a student several times, the Polk Sheriff’s Office said. ALSO: New York Post | Daily Mirror (UK) | News Channel 8 | Fox 13 News HISTORY CENTER: A […]

SHOOTING FOLLOWUP: A company involved in the I-4 construction project near Kathleen Road confirmed that the man who was shot and killed by Lakeland police at the site last month was an employee of 20+ years. Condotte America Inc. said it reviewed safety standards with its employees following the death of Raul Marrero, 61. Police […]

PALMETTO STREET: The 96-year-old building at 719 E. Palmetto Street across from the main library that formerly housed a rubber stamp company is being renovated for retail use. So far the only confirmed tenant is a yoga studio. OPIOID SETTLEMENT: Polk County and its cities will get $17.2 million to address the opioid crisis as […]

MEETING INVOCATIONS: Polk County commissioners voted unanimously to restrict the people eligible to give invocations before their meetings to only those who volunteer as chaplains with the county fire rescue service. Currently all five are Christian ministers. Previously, the county invited the leaders of more than 1,000 faith organizations to sign up. At least one […]

THANKSGIVING: If anything, Laura Pinner finds more to be thankful for eight months after being diagnosed with ALS. Though the former model and actress can no longer walk, she is learning to live in the moment and be “thankful for the smallest victories and glories in life.” | GoFundMe PARADE CHAIRS: We’re one week away […]

GROWTH: Lakeland’s Planning and Zoning Board approved development of Gresham Trails, a subdivision that would bring 321 homes to 129 acres north of West Medulla Road near County Line Road. The project next goes to the City Commission, which denied a neighboring project, an expansion of Morgan Creek Preserve, in March. MUSIC composed by Erica […]

LAKE BEULAH ROUNDABOUT: The city of Lakeland is moving ahead with plans for a roundabout that will turn the five-point intersection north of Lake Beulah into four points. City commissioners are also raising safety concerns about the railroad underpass on Sloan Avenue between Lake Beulah and the future entrance of Bonnet Springs Park. BANK OF […]