- WILDFIRES: Florida Fire Service’s Lakeland office has responded to 16 wildfires since Friday, including one at Lakeland Highlands Scrub. The environmental preserve is closed as the fire, reported Tuesday, remained active on Wednesday, but it is expected to reopen by the weekend.
- IMPERIALAKES: A request to replace the golf course at ImperiaLakes with at least 188 homes passed a hurdle as it received unanimous approval from the Polk County Planning Commission. Opponents say they’ll fight on as the project faces two public hearings in front of the Polk County Commission and a review by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. (Subscribers-only story.)
- SCHOOL MASKS: A lawsuit filed against Polk County Public Schools by more than 40 families demands $100,000 in damages and a halt in the policy requiring students to wear face masks at schools. (Subscribers-only story.)
Source: The Ledger