Read It in the Morning Paper – New Year Edition

VOTE BY MAIL: All registered voters in the Lakeland city limits may request a vote-by-mail ballot by calling the Supervisor of Elections at 863.534.5888 or clicking Vote By Mail at PolkElections.com. All ballots must be received by 7 p.m. Jan. 15.

SIGNS: The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is offering signs reminding drivers to slow down. Those displaying the sign must observe ordinances that include displaying the sign for a maximum of 90 days twice per calendar year and are requested to place the sign at least 10′ from the roadway.

ANIMAL CRUELTY: A Lakeland police office found numerous dogs in distress and one pit bull dead at one Lakeland home. The owner was charged with felony cruelty to animals.

GAS: Lakeland drivers were happy to see gasoline prices fall below $2 per gallon at area pumps. An AAA spokesman blamed the sliding price on a weak stock market and excess crude oil stocks globally.