Polk Parents Struggle to Find, Pay for Child Care

Unavailable, Unaffordable: Polk Parents Struggle to Find, Pay for Child Care

Day care for one child costs $1,000 to $1,500 per month in Polk County — if you can get a spot.

Do Me a Flavor: Citrus Innovation Center Opens at Florida Polytechnic

The facility, helmed by the IFF conglomerate, seeks new scents and tastes.

Razor-Thin: Day Care Costs a Fortune, No One Is Getting Rich

Child care center operators share 6 reasons why day care costs almost as much as rent in Polk County.

Hear That Bellow? Trailhead Opens in Time for Gator Mating

The Se7en Wetlands, a refuge for Florida nature-lovers, opens a new trailhead Friday

City Looks for Bluer Pastures

Lakeland has begun planting a new grass strain, CitraBlue, that’s hardier and needs less mowing

They Came to Say ‘Hands Off!’ in Munn Park

Lakeland edition of nationwide anti-Trump rally draws hundreds to downtown

Singer to Face Musick for Commission

Kim-Marie Noble enters race for Lakeland District D City Commission seat held by Mike Musick since 2021.

Lakeland Woman Faces Foreclosure After Roofing Company Files Lien

Company charged $36,879 for the roof, but insurance only authorized $15,149. Now they’re suing her for the difference.

Her First Play’s a Winner and She’s Just 18

Lake Gibson High School theater student Patricia Rose Brady rises in a Florida student playwriting contest

CURATED LAKELAND NEWS

Brew Hub exec: Foreclosure suit comes from a misunderstanding and won’t affect operations | The Ledger

ALDI opens new store Thursday in former Imperial Christina Plaza Winn-Dixie | LALtoday

Lakeland hires new assistant city manager: Ashley Stathatos, 51 | The Ledger

Youth sports leagues beg the city to light more fields and build new ones | The Ledger

Photo gallery: Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In | Tom Hagerty

Lakeland police: Nearly 800 local crashes a year involve distracted drivers | News Channel 8

TV reporter describes her Blue Angels flight over Sun ‘n Fun | Fox 13 News

Explore the history of Florida citrus labels | Thursday | 5:30 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library on Lake Morton
Brenda Eubanks Burnette, author of “Florida Citrus Crate Labels,” will talk about the marketing of Florida citrus. Free.

Check out the new trails at Se7en Wetlands | Friday | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | 310 Kid Ellis Park, Mulberry
Trails at the south end of the city of Lakeland’s Se7en Wetlands are opening to the public, along with a new Mulberry entrance. There will be a Sun Print activity to take home to commemorate your visit. Free.

Teachers, get free supplies | Saturday | 8 a.m. to noon | 3115 Drane Field Road, Bays 20-22
Free school and office supplies are being offered to Polk County Public Schools and charter school teachers and resource specialists only. The event is hosted by Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Polk Public Schools, Polk Education Foundation and The Freedom Tour. First-come, first-some. Bring a school ID.

Experience a World of Reading for kids | Saturday | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Barnett Family Park
Free books, local author readings, crafts, face painting, balloon artist and glitter tattoos are all part of this annual event hosted by The Junior League of Greater Lakeland. Free.

Check our full calendar