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Citrus Connection to start Bartow Squeeze shuttle service in August
Next month, Citrus Connection will start its micro-transit Squeeze shuttle service in Bartow — the third city in Polk County to offer the micro-transit option for visitors. "Bartow sees thousands of commuters entering the city daily for government and private sector jobs," a City of Bartow newsletter said on Tuesday. "The Squeeze will provide fast, fun and free shuttle service through the downtown and historic areas, reducing traffic and parking concerns."
Polk County, Lakeland United alum Mason Dalton finding college soccer footing
It’s been a year and half since Mason Dalton has played competitive soccer for Lakeland United and in Polk County. But there isn’t a day that goes by when he doesn’t revisit some of the scenarios that have made for a smooth transition to his college career at Dalton State College in Georgia.
Freshwater fishing: Polk County seeing some bass hotspots as rainy season picks up
Fish of the week: Bass – With the afternoon rain season starting to pick up, the water levels are starting to rise slightly and the lakes are cooling a bit as well. That has led to some good fishing, especially around the grass lines. Strikezone: 1, 2, 3, 5,...
3 Polk County food vendors fall short of inspection standards. See who, and why
Three Polk County food vendors fell short of inspection standards from June 17 to 30, according to state inspection reports. Of 26 total inspections logged during the two-week period, 23 met standards and 16 received the elusive perfect initial inspection, meaning an inspection that wasn’t a follow-up mandated by previous violations. Among the three...
Bay area arts organizations look ahead despite state budget veto
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Hundreds of Florida arts groups are looking for other avenues for funding after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed $32 million in grants to arts and cultural organizations and nonprofits. What You Need To Know. The governor cited what he called "sexual" festivals as part of the...
Polk Clerk Stacy Butterfield honored for helping clerks statewide secure increased funding
Polk County Clerk of Court Stacy Butterfield recently received the Legislative Impact Award from the statewide Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers association. Butterfield served as the FCCC legislative chair in 2023 and 2024. Representing all 68 county clerks and comptrollers, the chair and legislative committee work with the Florida Legislature on priority issues, according to...
Winter Haven man arrested for manslaughter after man found dead
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - A Winter Haven man was arrested and charged with manslaughter after authorities say a gun he was holding fired and hit another man. According to the Winter Haven Police Department, Valan Michael Ray Tyner, 20, is behind bars. Police responded to a home at around 3:20 p.m. on Tuesday regarding a man suffering from a gunshot wound.
When you're done with the boomin', go for some bloomin' at Planter Palooza | Things to do
LAKELAND — While the Fourth of July weekend will be full of boomin’ fun, there will be some bloomin’ fun in Winter Haven. On Saturday, Landscape Rehab Retail, a landscape design and installation company, is hosting a free “Planter Palooza.” ...
Days before July 4 holiday, Polk County lifts burn ban. But beware, some areas remain dry
The Polk County fire chief declared a burn ban throughout Polk County on May 28, citing dangerous fire conditions. Less than 10% of Polk County is now averaging over 500 on the Keetch-Byram Drought Index, and the average KBDI across Polk County is 312, Polk County Fire Rescue said Monday in a news release.
Southern Sprint Car Shootout Series Announces 2025 Schedule, Includes Must See Co-Sanction
The BG Products Southern Sprint Car Shootout Series today announced their 2025 schedule. Keeping with a familiar theme, the series announced their 2025 season schedule earlier than most to give teams plenty of time to plan their 2025 season and secure possible sponsorship. The series is set to embark on its tenth season in 2025.
Red, White and Kaboom celebration set for tonight in Lakeland
LAKELAND, Fla. — The City of Lakeland’s Red, White and Kaboom Festival is set to kick off Wednesday night on Lake Mirror. The event features a live band, more than a dozen food trucks as well as a 15-minute fireworks show at 9 p.m. What You Need To...
Lakeland PAL seeks a new facility for its programs, has multi-prong ask of city officials
As Lakeland Police Athletic League expands its programs and participation, it has outgrown its current location and is reaching out to city officials for help. James Ring, a volunteer on PAL's board of directors, asked city commissioners to help PAL with the land and funding necessary to build a new multi-purpose facility adjacent to Simpson Park. He said the program's current site isn't meeting the community needs.
Does Lakeland need a senior center? A group believes it does, seeks taxpayer funds
Lakeland officials have been asked to consider giving $300,000 to help launch a local senior center next year. Carole Philipson approached city commissioners on Monday afternoon asking the City of Lakeland to consider entering a private-public partnership to launch a Lakeland Senior Hub in 2025. ...
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