Leroy Foster, an Air Force veteran whose tales of spraying Agent Orange defoliant over Guam during the Vietnam era are disputed by the government, has died of diseases he says were caused by the toxic chemical | Background
Two years after philanthropist Carol Jenkins Barnett revealed she had been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s, she still has a good memory but is struggling with some motor skills and vision issues, son Wesley Barnett tells Bay News 9 at a Lakeland “Walk to end Alzheimer’s” that attracted nearly 1,000 people.
Copeland fan-boy and fellow musician Chase Wagner interviews Aaron Marsh about the past, present and future of the band. With a new album coming out soon (“Actually, I’m not sure if I like it yet … I know I liked it six months ago.”), Marsh says the band has re-found its passion. He reveals he’s always dreamed about playing “The Late Show” and wants to again tour Southeast Asia, where Copeland has drawn audiences of 5,000.
Republicans have represented Florida’s 15th Congressional district for more than two decades, but a few factors could help Democrat Kristen Carlson in her race against Republican Ross Spano, Florida Politics columnist Joe Henderson writes. Among them: Lakeland’s voter base is becoming less conservative, and the popular-with-conservatives Sheriff Judd criticized Spano during the primary campaign for mailers he said were misleading.
Friends of Samar Aboukhdair, a Lakeland mother of six children ages 5-13, say they aren’t surprised she was trying to save her children when she was overcome by rip currents at Pass-a-Grille beach Saturday. She “was passionate about her family — and kids everywhere,” friend Rahel bat Tzur said. The children survived, but their 36-year-old mother passed away.
ALSO: The death is renewing calls for more warning signs at the beach, ABC Action News reports.
Early in his career, Rob Kincart pioneered in hazmat chemistry and then in regulation compliance. Then he turned that knowledge into a successful business.
Two thirtysomething friends teamed up to help solve a problem for girls who might be embarrassed when they experience their first period at school. Laura Davis, The Ledger’s social media maven, had an excess of decorative makeup bags, and her friend Amelia Hart, a middle school teacher at Blake Academy, has long kept a supply of pads for students who might need them in an awkward emergency. They’re now collecting more Ipsy bags and pads so other teachers will have an unobtrusive way to get them to girls who need them | Learn more: Hello Flo! on Facebook
Tampa CBS affiliate WTSP follows up on what’s happening with Lakeland resident Jessica Peet, a Beef O’ Brady’s waitress who was selected for the current season of “Survivor.” If you didn’t watch the show tonight and don’t mind spoilers, check their article.
ALSO: Orlando Sentinel coverage
The Lakelandist, a new satirical and snarky website/Twitter feed about Lakeland and Polk County has lots of people asking, “Who IS The Lakelandist?” We tried to find out — and failed miserably. (Actually, we think we know but were too respectful of her/his privacy to actually ask.) But we did land an interview through the anonymity of Twitter direct messaging. Enjoy:
