News across Polk County
Daily Ridge
Published September 15Count On Me: Jim N Judy Taylor Performing at Saving Lives Matter 2026
Count On Me: Jim N Judy Taylor Performing at Saving Lives Matter 2026by James Coulter Ever since a local philanthropist stepped in to support them during a difficult chapter in their lives, this musical duo has been returning the kindness, joining her in helping other families…
Daily Ridge
Published September 15Mother Calls Deputies After Son Allegedly Assaults Her, Investigation Leads To Incest & Adultery Arrest For Her
Daily Ridge Staff Lakeland, Florida- What began as a call to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office about an alleged assault between a Lakeland mother and her son took a bizarre turn when deputies learned the two were allegedly involved in a sexual relationship. Polk County Sheriff…
Daily Ridge
Published September 15Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation Places 104th AED at Lake Alfred Lions Club
Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation has reached another important milestone, placing its 104th AED at the Lake Alfred Lions Club September 8. The AED was donated as the foundation’s eighth Pay It Forward AED, made possible through Bingo for a Cause at Tanners Lakeside. The Lake Alfred…
Central Florida Public Media
Published September 14Nearly 600 books were banned from Florida schools last year
The removals were reported in just 10 of Florida’s 67 school districts. Three are in Central Florida: Orange, Polk and Sumter counties.
Daily Ridge
Published September 14Monstropolis Under Construction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Monstropolis Under Construction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios by James Coulter Get ready to scream for excitement! Because monsters are expected to arrive real soon at Walt Disney World now that a new Monsters, Inc.-themed land is being constructed. Monstropolis Under…
Daily Ridge
Published September 14DeSantis Breaks Ground on Major New Archery Center at Tenoroc in Polk County
By Carl Fish Polk County, Florida – Gov. Ron DeSantis was in Polk County Monday to break ground on a new Florida Archery Center at the Tenoroc Public Use Area near Lakeland, a project envisioned as a major destination for competitive archery in Florida. DeSantis announced the…
Daily Ridge
Published September 14Driver Applying Deodorant Crashes on Polk Parkway, Truck Ends Up Atop Concrete Barrier
POLK COUNTY, Fla. – An unusual case of distracted driving left a pickup truck perched atop a concrete barrier along the Polk Parkway Sunday morning, but fortunately no one was injured. According to Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Steve Gaskins, the crash happened around 7 a.m.…
Daily Ridge
Published September 14103rd AED Placed at Gary’s Oyster Bar as Pay-It-Forward Donation
Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation has reached another milestone with the placement of its 103rd automated external defibrillator (AED), this time at Gary’s Oyster Bar. The AED was placed on August 31 as a Pay-It-Forward donation from Brian Beilke with Stone Up Services & Masonry,…
Daily Ridge
Published September 12Eighteen Year Old Motorcyclist Killed On Hwy 98
The PCSO Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit is investigating a two‑vehicle crash that resulted in one fatality. The crash occurred on Friday, September 11, 2026, at approximately 3:24 p.m. at the intersection of Hancock Ave and Hwy 98 S in Highland City. According to evidence…
Daily Ridge
Published September 11Detectives Say Lakeland Woman’s Ring Was Consistent With Injuries Found On 3-Month-Old Baby
On Thursday, September 10, 2026, PCSO deputies arrested 42-year-old Jessica Vlasac of Lakeland, charging her with aggravated child abuse (F1) resulting in the death of a 3-month-old infant who was in her care. According to the affidavit, at approximately 11:58 p.m. on Sunday,…
Daily Ridge
Published September 11Lake Wales Considers Purchasing $65K in Equipment for Fleet Maintenance Operations
Lake Wales Considers Purchasing $65K in Equipment for Fleet Maintenance Operationsby James Coulter As the City takes on responsibility for maintaining and repairing its vehicle fleet from the County, Lake Wales city commissioners will consider purchasing the necessary equipment.…
Daily Ridge
Published September 11Economic Development, Airport, and Historic Stuart House Discussed for Next Year’s Lake Wales Budget
Economic Development, Airport, and Historic Stuart House Discussed for Next Year’s Lake Wales Budget by James Coulter A new economic development director position, the city’s airport, and the Historic Stuart House were several key areas of discussion during a review of the city’s…