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The Lakeland store returns with a fresh new look, expanded food options, and a nod to its 48-year legacy.

Return to Sender: Postal Error Sends Tax Payments Back to Polk Residents USPS says the issue has been resolved, but slight delays may remain.

The Polk County Tax Collector’s Office has reported recent postal service issues that could cause delays for residents mailing property tax payments, registration renewals, and other important documents through the United States Postal Service. 

Bonnet Springs Park Cancels ‘Light Up BSP’ in 2025 to Address Traffic Impact A $1.5 million grant from the Legislature will help create 375 new parking spaces at the privately funded Lakeland park.

Bonnet Springs Park has canceled its popular "Light Up BSP" event for 2025 because of traffic and parking issues. But brighter days are ahead once construction of 375 new parking spaces is complete.

Understanding Flock Automatic License Plate Readers and Public Safety The city of Lakeland currently has 27 stationary automatic license plate reader cameras. Here’s what that means for you, LPD and privacy in public spaces.

The city of Lakeland currently has 27 automatic license plate reader cameras. Here’s what that means for you, LPD and privacy in public spaces.

Ways to Honor Veterans in Lakeland This Weekend Parade, ceremonies and family events are planned to honor those who have served.

Starting tomorrow, Lakeland residents have several ways to show appreciation for those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during Veterans Day weekend. Find out more below.

Lakeland Voters Narrowly Approve Raising Term Limits to 20 Years Turnout exceeds expectations, but still falls short of typical mayoral election years.

In addition to electing a new mayor and two commissioners, Lakeland voters opted to raise the maximum number of years city commissioners can serve from 12 to 20. About 19% of eligible voters cast ballots, despite a new state law that made it harder to vote by mail.

City Commission: Troutman Sails to Victory, Musick Wins Re-Election Strong fundraising and deep community ties helped Troutman clinch 70.2% of the vote.

Political newcomer Ashley Troutman easily bested rival Dennis Odisho to win a seat on the City Commission with 70.2% of the vote. Incumbent Commissioner Mike Musick fended off a challenge from musician Kim-Marie Noble to clinch another term.

Madam Mayor: McCarley Captures Decisive Win in Four-Way Race Armed with record fundraising and broad support, McCarley becomes the first woman elected mayor in Lakeland’s history.

Madam Mayor: McCarley Captures Decisive Win in Four-Way Race

Armed with record fundraising and broad support, McCarley becomes the first woman elected mayor in Lakeland’s history.

Can Lakeland beat 15% voter turnout this year? Mail-in votes — which are typically half of the total — are significantly lower than usual.

Lakeland voters head to the polls tomorrow — Tuesday, Nov. 4 — to choose a mayor and two city commissioners. But some observers are afraid turnout won't crack 15% based on low mail-in ballot returns this year.

Two Lake Morton-area Properties Win November Beautification Awards The city's chief horticulturalist complimented a giant staghorn fern, fiddle-leaf figs and black diamond crape myrtle trees.

Lakeland’s November beautification awards went to two properties in the Lake Morton area. The city's chief horticulturalist complimented a giant staghorn fern, fiddle-leaf figs and black diamond crape myrtle trees.

What is NewsMatch?: A Letter from the Executive Director The nationwide program that aims to prevent the collapse of local news began on Nov. 1

What is NewsMatch?: A Letter from the Executive Director

The nationwide program that aims to prevent the collapse of local news began on Nov. 1

Visit from 1-7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30, to get a sneak peek of the brand new wellness center and fieldhouse.

Lakeland’s Annual Swan Roundup Concluded Today

Fifty-four swans received wellness checks on the banks of Lake Morton.

In Lakeland’s SE District, Modest Campaigns Stand Apart from Big-Money Races Commissioner Mike Musick and challenger Kim-Marie Noble are keeping the race simple — by choice as much as by circumstance.

In an election season marked by big fundraising in two of Lakeland’s three contests, the race for the City Commission’s District D–Southeast seat stands out for its modest spending.

Help Shape the Future of Downtown, Midtown and Dixieland at Nov. 6 Event Open house at the RP Funding Center will kick off Lakeland CRA's yearlong ‘Restore the Core’ initiative.

Lakeland’s Community Redevelopment Agency is inviting residents to an open house on Thursday, Nov. 6, to help revamp its visions for Downtown, Midtown and Dixieland.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day And Red Ribbon Run Are Saturday The Lakeland Police Department will accept unwanted, unneeded or expired medication from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Lakeland Police Department will accept unwanted and expired human and pet medication from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Two Candidates Outpace Opponents in Fundraising for City Elections Roberts McCarley sets new record for Lakeland mayoral campaigns; Troutman outpaces opponent nearly eightfold.

Roberts McCarley sets new record for Lakeland mayoral campaigns; Troutman outpaces opponent nearly eightfold.

The 10th annual family-friendly event is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25.

Polk Arts & Culture Hall of Fame Gala Celebrates Local Legends and Rising Stars 3-minute read The Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance hosted its annual Hall of Fame Gala and Awards Ceremony on Oct. 14 at the Bartow Civic Center, honoring individuals and organizations that have shaped the cultural landscape of Polk County. The evening was a vibrant celebration of creativity, community and legacy. Executive Director Daryl Ward welcomed guests with a heartfelt message about the power of the arts to transform lives and communities.

Polk Arts & Culture Hall of Fame Gala Celebrates Local Legends and Rising Stars

3-minute read The Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance hosted its annual Hall of Fame Gala and Awards Ceremony on Oct. 14 at the Bartow Civic Center, honoring individuals and organizations that have shaped the cultural…

Lakeland Commission Approves Six-Story Marriott Hotel in Lakeside Village Marriott will build a European-inspired AC Hotel on rarely-used parking spaces north of the CMX movie theater.

Lakeland commissioners unanimously approved plans for a six-story, 130-room AC Hotel by Marriott in Lakeside Village on Monday, adding another lodging option to the busy mixed-use district.

Lucky Goat Coffee Co. Now Open at Merchant’s Walk The family-owned franchise is the first location for the Tallahassee-based chain

The family-run coffee shop promises expertly crafted coffee, inviting atmosphere, and a focus on customer service.

Florida Poly, Sittadel join forces to grow Polk’s cybersecurity workforce The collaboration creates a training ground where students can safely learn to defend against digital threats.

The collaboration creates a training ground where students can safely learn to defend against digital threats.

More Than 1,000 Rally in Lakeland for ‘No Kings Day of Action’ No incidents or arrests were reported during the busy weekend downtown.

More than 1,000 demonstrators lined up along Freedom Park on Saturday for Lakeland's second “No Kings Day of Action” — a protest against what participants see as a multitude of abuses by the Trump Administration. 

Lakeland to sell former J.C. Penney building and Orange Street garage to Publix for $10 each The properties are part of the grocery chain’s planned $121 million tech hub downtown.

Lakeland is selling two downtown properties to Publix Super Markets for $10 each, stemming from a deal negotiated 30 years ago.

Orange Cup Regatta Returns Oct. 17-19 Some of the fastest boats in racing will compete on Lake Hollingsworth this Saturday and Sunday.

Some of the fastest boats in racing will compete on Lake Hollingsworth this Saturday and Sunday.

New Lakeland High–FSC Partnership Sparks Early Pathway for Future Educators Polk County’s new Educator Academy gives Lakeland High students a head start in teaching.

Polk County’s new Educator Academy gives Lakeland High students a head start in teaching.

One Year After Milton, Lake Bonny Residents Hope Fixes Arrive Before the Next Storm A study identified three options to prevent future flooding, but relief hinges on approval of an $11.8 million grant.

One year after Hurricane Milton, Lake Bonny residents hope fixes arrive before the next storm. A study identified three options to prevent future flooding, but relief hinges on approval of an $11.8 million grant.

Barnes & Noble’s Lakeland Location to Open Nov. 19 Lakeland store part of Barnes & Noble’s national expansion and new approach to bookstore design

Barnes & Noble’s Lakeland Location to Open Nov. 19

Lakeland store part of Barnes & Noble’s national expansion and new approach to bookstore design

Free ‘Squeeze’ Shuttles Could Be Rolling Through Dixieland By December Dixieland business owners sent Citrus Connection a letter asking it to expand the popular service.

A ‘Dixieland Squeeze’ could launch as soon as December. Local business owners asked Citrus Connection to expand the popular service. See a map of where it might go.

Sausage House Market to Open in Lakeland Polish brothers bring European meats, pierogies and tradition to South Florida Avenue location

Polish brothers bring European meats, pierogies and tradition to South Florida Avenue location