High foreclosure rate | Teacher pay | Child health

A pet topic comes home to roost

Trinity Laurino

Executive Director

I’m often asked about bias in the media, and I usually try to give a thoughtful and nuanced answer to that question, but this week we published an article on which I am biased – although I had no influence on the journalism other than to provide a few photos.

I am unabashedly pro-backyard hens, if you are prepared for the upkeep.

I’ve been keeping backyard hens for more than 15 years. I currently have five laying hens, three Issa Browns named Beatrice, Violet and Sunny and two Dominiques named Jolene and Tatiyana.

My chickens have moved with my family three times aided by friends with a sizable pick-up truck. When settling on an area of Lakeland, I made sure to check the city’s chicken ordinances before putting an offer on a house.

I’ve nursed sick or injured hens back to health and I’ve sobbed over ones I’ve lost, especially the brave little birds that gave their lives in defense of their flock. Whoever equated “chicken” with cowardice clearly never raised any.

It’s a joy for me to be able to give friends and neighbors fresh eggs, especially during times of scarcity. I wouldn’t call myself an expert, just a hobbyist, but if you’re curious about raising your own flock, I’m happy to talk chicken.

Let me know what questions you have.

Underwater: Polk County Has Nation’s Highest Foreclosure Rate

Expert points to population growth, construction boom, high interest rates and skyrocketing insurance premiums.

New Donut Shop Opening Downtown Saturday

Coconut cream filled? Maple bacon glazed? Parlor Doughnuts says they’ve got you.

Underwater: How to Handle or Avoid Foreclosure

Local expert advises, ‘Pick up the phone. That’ll solve 80% of your problems.’

Polk School Board Begins Planning for 2026 Tax Referendum

Despite historic raises, the teacher pay gap has widened between Polk and neighboring counties.

Looking for Chicks? You’ve Got to Move Fast

With egg prices still high, Lakelanders are searching for starter chicks.

Polk Jumps to 28th for Child Health Among Florida Counties

Lower teen drinking and drug use is largely responsible for its rise from 54th two years ago.

Last Chance to Apply for Catapult Micro-Grants

Lakeland businesses can get up to $10,000 to buy assets but they must apply by midnight today, Friday, March 21, 2025.

New Aldi on South Florida Is Weeks from Opening

A sneak peek at Aldi’s newest store in Lakeland

CURATED LAKELAND NEWS

Lakeland man who rescued child from burning car wins Carnegie Award for heroism | Fox 13 News

Judge sides with Morgan Creek HOA, bars woman from waiting in car for school bus at subdivision entrance | News Channel 8

Repairs at Tax Collector’s Office in Lakeland mean longer waits through mid-May | ABC Action News

Polk County Commission declines to increase impact fee paid by new warehouses for road improvements | The Ledger

Watch ‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’ | Thursday | 6 p.m. | The AGB Museum, 800 E. Palmetto St.
The 2009 animated Wes Anderson film screens outdoors at 8. Before the film, the museum’s student ambassadors have planned crafts and a scavenger hunt. Free.

Honor Vietnam veterans | Saturday | 10 a.m. | Veterans Memorial Park, Lake Beulah Drive
A Vietnam War Veterans Day ceremony hosted by the Polk Veterans Council and the City of Lakeland features speaker Mary Jane Wilkin, a U.S. Army nurse and Vietnam veteran. Free.

Spiff up for prom | Saturday | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Lakeland Square mall
InnerAct Alliance and UthMpact offer free prom clothing to high school students who sign a pledge to celebrate alcohol-free and drug-free. The Project Prom store will be open again April 5.

Get punky | Sunday | noon to 6 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St.
The 10th Punk Rock Flea Market features 70+ vendors, eight bands and multiple food trucks. Free.

Check our full calendar