Local News in Polk County
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Appeals court approves the use of radioactive waste in a road paving test in Polk County.
The Center for Biological Diversity sued the Environmental Protection Agency over its approval of phosphogypsum as a road paving material.

The huge, 2nd annual Cajun Creole Fest is coming to Lakeland this August
Saturday Shoppes has long been one of the best festival hosts in Tampa Bay, and their next celebration is bringing something wildly flavorful to the area. The 2nd annual Cajun […]

Florida Poly Athletics Scores Auburndale Partnership
Florida Polytechnic University and the City of Auburndale are partnering to provide home venues for the university’s newly launched athletics program. Florida Poly will now host practices, home games and special events for several sports at Lake Myrtle Sports Complex, Auburndale…

More people are now eligible for Polk County’s health care plan
Income eligibility has gone up from 200% to 300% of the federal poverty level, potentially opening the door for nearly 19,000 more people.

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.