Local News in Polk County
Community news from our local sources

For the first time in over a century, Central Florida’s historic Bannon Island is for sale
Bannon Island, a storied pioneer island in the middle of Polk County’s Lake Marion, is now on the market for the first time in over a hundred years. Located at 7950 Bannon Fish Camp Rd. in southeast Haines City, the 20-acre island’s first known resident was Echo Emathla Chipco,…

The Scoop: Thurs. July 23, 2026, Tampa Bay and Florida headlines by WMNF
City leaders are weighing a temporary pause on new large-scale development projects to review potential effects on community planning.

Lakeland considers data center moratorium
Learn about the implications of the Lakeland data center moratorium and how it impacts electric systems and water supply.