Local News in Polk County
Community news from our local sources
Polk County 148 storiesWiden to Greater Lakeland
Daily Ridge
Published September 08$145K Agreement Approved for Design Services for Tower Boulevard Trail
$145K Agreement Approved for Design Services for Tower Boulevard Trail by James Coulter Lake Wales residents are one step closer to walking to Bok Tower Gardens after city commissioners approved an agreement to design a new trail connecting the city to one of its most iconic and…
Daily Ridge
Published September 08One Movie Later: The Odyssey is an Objectively Good Movie…That I Didn’t Like!
One Movie Later: The Odyssey is an Objectively Good Movie—That I Didn’t Like! by James Coulter Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has remained the center of controversy ever since its announcement. Some folks complained that the armor isn’t “historically accurate.” Others bemoaned…
Daily Ridge
Published September 08Double Overtime Heartbreak: Venice Edges Lakeland
By Ethan Jones: It was once again time for football for the Dreadnaughts as they came into their season opener in front of the Dreadnaught faithful under the Friday night lights at historic Bryant Stadium. The (1-0) Lakeland Dreadnaughts came into the game after a dominant 47-0…
Daily Ridge
Published September 08Winter Haven City Commission Weighs $6.1K Pay Raise for Commissioners, $6.5K for Mayor
Winter Haven City Commission Weighs $6.1K Pay Raise for Commissioners, $6.5K for Mayorby James Coulter With a statewide amendment threatening to shrink municipal revenues, Winter Haven commissioners are debating whether now is the right time to boost their own pay. At their…
Space Coast Daily
Published September 08Eastern Florida State’s Cross Country Runner Jaiden McKee Named Florida College System Activities Association Runner of Week
Eastern Florida State College men’s cross country runner Jaiden McKee had a strong outing in Lakeland and is the FCSAA Division II Runner of the Week. [...] The post Eastern Florida State’s Cross Country Runner Jaiden McKee Named Florida College System Activities Association…
Positively Osceola
Published September 05Poinciana Eagles Rope Harmony Longhorns Late, Ride Off With 19-0 Shutout
By: J. Daniel Pearson After battling through a scoreless standoff for more than three quarters, Poinciana (2-1) struck for three touchdowns in the final 8:18 to corral a determined but […]
Space Coast Daily
Published September 04Eastern Florida State College Women’s Cross Country Team Opens Season Saturday in Lakeland
Eastern Florida State College begins the season ranked No. 24 in the first U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association NJCAA Division II national poll. [...]
Daily Ridge
Published September 04In Loving Memory of Mr. Phillip N. “Butch” Butler, 88, of Lake Wales
LAKE WALES – It is with bitter-sweet sadness to announce Mr. Phillip N. “Butch” Butler, 88, of Lake Wales and formerly of Okeechobee, FL passed away Thursday, August 20, 2026 in Winter Haven, FL. Butch was born December 6, 1937 in Lyman, Spartanburg County, SC and been a resident…
Daily Ridge
Published September 04Lake Wales Commissioners Set Higher Millage Rate as Taxable Value Surges 20% Ahead of Budget Talks
Lake Wales Commissioners Set Higher Millage Rate as Taxable Value Surges 20% Ahead of Budget Talks by James Coulter Lake Wales residents may see higher property tax bills next year as the city’s taxable value has climbed nearly 20 percent, a surge that sets the stage for upcoming…
Daily Ridge
Published September 04Winter Haven Commission Approves Affordable Housing for Families with Children in Local Schools
Winter Haven Commission Approves Affordable Housing for Families with Children in Local Schoolsby James Coulter Approximately 13 townhomes are proposed to be constructed to provide transitional affordable housing for families with school-aged children after Winter Haven…
Daily Ridge
Published September 03Save The Date for Poinciana’s Barkapalooza September 26
Bring your furry friend for a fun day of pet-friendly games, community connection and tail-wagging excitement. Family friendly: Bring the whole family for a joyous day out in the park.Fun activities: Enjoy exciting games and contests for pets and people.Community connection: Meet…
Daily Ridge
Published September 03Polk Commissioners Oust CareerSource Polk Executive Director Amid Allegations of Deception and Mismanagement
By James Coulter & Carl Fish CareerSource Polk President and CEO Stacy Campbell-Domineck has been temporarily removed from her position as executive director without compensation while an independent review examines the organization’s management and governance. The Polk County…