Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales is undertaking dual restoration projects that include replacing roof of tower and installing a quarter million plants.
My story: www.theledger.com/story/news/l...

Polk County elections office ends custom of outreach at Pride event in downtown Lakeland Supervisor of Elections Melony Bell cited "a political atmosphere" in explaning her decision not to hold outreach at Pride in the Park in Lakeland.

Polk County Supervisor of Elections office ends tradition of staffing voter-registration table at Lakeland's Pride in the Park event.
My story: www.theledger.com/story/news/l...

Is Polk State's enrollment falling? Trustee accuses college president of hiding data Trustee Ashley Bell Barnett accused Polk State President Angela Garcia Falconetti of concealing enrollment numbers and failing to keep her informed.

Controversy arises at Polk State College: Trustee accuses president of withholding data showing dramatic decline in enrollment. College says enrollment is actually rising.
My story: www.theledger.com/story/news/l...

Lake Wales Commission will hear developer's plan to annex 1,202 acres, build 2,950 homes Lake Wales City Commissioners will consider an annexation proposal for Stoneridge, a 1,287-acre, mixed-use development, at the May 20 meeting

Lake Wales considers proposal to annex 1,202 acres west and south of airport for mixed-use development that could yield nearly 3,000 homes.
My story: www.theledger.com/story/news/l...

Another Polk County golf course is targeted for redevelopment. Residents are in an uproar Once considered one of Florida's top courses, it's fallen into disrepair. Now the owner wants to put 1,100 more homes in the community.

Opposition arises to proposal to build 1,110 homes on site that includes Lake Wales Country Club, convert two golf courses into one.
My story: www.theledger.com/story/news/l...

Florida Southern sues company over roof work as leaks take toll on Frank Lloyd Wright marvel Florida Southern College in Lakeland sued Tremco CPG Inc. over its role in the installation of a roof system on Annie Pfeiffer Chapel in 2011.

As roof cracks cause ongoing water damage to Annie Pfeiffer Chapel, first Frank Lloyd Wright structure built at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, college sues company involved with roofing repair.
My story: www.theledger.com/story/news/l...

'One lane makes all the difference': Drivers celebrate as new lanes open on I-4 in Polk County The Florida Department of Transportation opened congestion relief lanes on I-4 east of U.S. 27 in Polk, creating four travel lanes in each direction.

Polk County drivers report decreased congestion on I-4 as new lanes open in each direction between U.S. 27 and World Drive interchange.
My story: www.theledger.com/story/news/l...

Polk County School Board favors experience in 6-0 vote for general counsel The Polk County School Board voted 6-0 to offer the general counsel position to James Greene, who has the same role with Pasco County Schools.

Polk County School Board chooses general counsel from Pasco to fill same role, ending lengthy search that involved consulting firm.
My story: www.theledger.com/story/news/l...

Education advocates warn of potential cuts to AP, IB, vocational programs. Could it affect Polk County? A report from the Florida Policy Institute suggested that the number of participating students could decrease by half based on the proposed state funding.

Education advocates warn that Fla Legislature's budget proposals could slash funding for AP, IB, vocational programs.
My story: www.theledger.com/story/news/l...

Citrus Innovation Center opens as first industry partnership at Florida Polytechnic in Lakeland IFF expects to have 30 employees by the year’s end at the Citrus Innovation Center on the Florida Polytechnic University campus in Lakeland.

Citrus Innovation Center opens as first industry partner for Florida Polytechnic University.
My story: www.theledger.com/story/news/l...

'Chief Collaborator': Fort Meade's interim leader moving briskly to foster self-reliance among staff Alis Drumgo's contract requires him to be at Fort Meade’s City Hall three days a week, but he said he is typically there four or five days.

Interim City Manager quickly makes mark in Fort Meade.
My story: www.theledger.com/story/news/l...

Lakeland man receives Carnegie Medal for his attempt to save two children from a burning car A.J. Slater of Lakeland is among 17 recipients of the Carnegie Medal, given to residents of the United States and Canada who display heroism.

Lakeland's A.J. Slater receives Carnegie Medal for rescuing boy from burning vehicle last year.
My story: www.theledger.com/story/news/l...

'They get to run the companies': Campaign envisions a Lakeland center where kids learn commerce Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay launched a capital campaign to build the Barnett Family JA Discovery Center at Tenoroc High in Lakeland.

Junior Achievement and ConnectED Polk launch campaign to create standalone commerce center to host student field trips at Tenoroc High in Lakeland.
My story: www.theledger.com/story/news/l...

Former inmate claims in lawsuit that Polk County jail staff ignored his gunshot wound Jason L. Pickles alleges that he did not receive care for a gunshot wound at the South County Jail. The sheriff's office calls the lawsuit "frivolous."

Lawsuit claims Polk County Sheriff's deputies and medical staff at jail failed to provide proper treatment for inmate with gunshot would in 2022.
My story: www.theledger.com/story/news/l...

Winter Haven protesters join national movement, direct criticism toward Trump and Musk About 150 people gathered in Winter Haven’s Central Park to protest President Trump's policies and the role of Elon Musk in his administration.

Protest in Winter Haven draws about 150 in conjunction with nationwide 50501 movement critical of President Trump and Elon Musk.
My report: www.theledger.com/story/news/l...

Anxiety grows for Venezuelans in Polk after Trump revokes Temporary Protected Status Karina Sloan, a longtime Lakeland resident, said many Venezuelans in Polk County are "panicking" over President Trump's decision to revoke TPS.

Anxiety grows for Venezuelans living in Polk County after Trump Administration revokes Temporary Protected Status.
My story: www.theledger.com/story/news/l...

Lake Wales Commission isn't happy about proposed routes for new state toll road Lake Wales City Commissioners voted 5-0 to delay action on a proposed resolution stating opposition to the Central Polk Parkway East.

Lake Wales City Commission holds off on issuing resolution objecting to proposed routes for toll road.
My story: www.theledger.com/story/news/l...

Polk County Judge John Flynn receives public reprimand over statements in 2022 campaign The reprimand before the Florida Supreme Court came as Judge John Flynn has faced motions to disqualify himself from some criminal cases.

Polk County judge receives public reprimand from Fla. Supreme Court for 2022 campaign statements. Public Defender's Office has asked judge to disqualify himself in a few cases.
My story: www.theledger.com/story/news/l...

Winter Haven High student, native of Colombia, elected governor at Girls State in Tallahassee Ana Maria Ruiz Perea of Winter Haven High became the first Polk County student elected as governor at the annual Girls State program in Tallahassee.

Winter Haven High School student, an immigrant from Colombia, is honored for being elected governor at Girls State mock government gathering in Tallahassee.
My story: www.theledger.com/story/news/l...

L.B. Brown Heritage Festival celebrates 'epitome of the American Dream' The L.B. Brown Heritage Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in Bartow.

Annual L.B. Brown Heritage Festival takes place this weekend on grounds of historic structure in Bartow.
My story: www.theledger.com/story/news/l...

Modern art: Renovation brings 47-year-old building at Polk State College into 21st century The Florida Legislature allocated $16.2 million in 2021 for the renovation of Polk State's Winter Haven Fine Arts Building, which opened in 1978.

Polk State College completes nearly two-year renovation of Winter Haven Fine Arts Building.
My story: www.theledger.com/story/news/l...

Polk Republican leader supports DeSantis, expresses disappointment with legislative leaders John Velebir, chair of Polk County's Republican Party, said he is "very" concerned about the rift between Gov. DeSantis and legislative Republicans.

Chair of Polk County GOP sides with Gov. DeSantis in showdown with Republican leaders of Legislature.
My story: www.theledger.com/story/news/p...

9 months after prison release, Leo Schofield and his daughter severely injured in crash Nine months after he left prison, Leo Schofield and his daughter are recovering together from severe injuries suffered in a motorcycle crash.

Leo Schofield Jr., subject of "Bone Valley podcast, and his adult daughter sustained serious injuries in recent motorcycle crash.
My story: www.theledger.com/story/news/l...

Jan. 6 charges dismissed against Jonathan Pollock of Lakeland, a fugitive for 2.5 years It was unclear Wednesday when the three defendants from Polk County being held in jail might be released.

Judges are issuing orders to dismiss cases against current/former Polk County residents who faces Jan. 6 charges.
My story: www.theledger.com/story/news/l...

110 candles: Family, friends honor 'legend' as she reaches rarest of milestones in Winter Haven Gertrude Williams was born in Quincy in 1915, during the presidency of Woodrow Wilson, and spent most of her life in Lakeland.

Longtime Lakeland resident Gertrude Williams basks in attention as family and friends celebrate her 110th birthday.
My story: www.theledger.com/story/news/l...

John Velebir of Winter Haven begins two-year term as chair of Polk County Republicans John Velebir of Winter Haven has previously served as first vice chair and treasurer of the Polk County Republican Executive Committee.

John Velebir of Winter Haven faces no opposition in becoming chair of Polk County Republican Executive Committee for two-year term.
My story: www.theledger.com/story/news/p...

Frostproof's century-old Ramon Theatre recovers after Hurricane Milton inflicts roof damage The Frostproof Area Chamber of Commerce, which owns the Ramon Theatre, will hold a fundraiser on Jan. 18 in Fort Meade.

Century-old Ramon Theatre in Frostproof resumes entertainment schedule after repairing a hole in the roof caused by Hurricane Milton.
My story (and my first post here): www.theledger.com/story/news/l...