To Generations Of 4-H Members, She'll Always Be Grandma Judy

For her 35-plus years serving the youth of Polk County, Judy Raymond was inducted into the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame.

Bucs Player Signs On To Support Families Headed By Single Moms

Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka​ has partnered with One More Child​ in a national campaign to support single moms.

Salvation Army To Double Housing For Homeless At Lakeland Community

​On Thursday, the Salvation Army broke ground on a project to double housing for the homeless at the George W. Jenkins Community of Hope.

Do You Have Unclaimed Money In Polk County? Here's How To Find Out

Anyone who has unclaimed funds must contact the clerk's office in Polk County before Sept. 1.

Summer Meals For Kids Programs Begins Monday: Polk Schools

Kids from families having financial difficulties affording food can get breakfast and lunch free this summer program in Polk County.

Amazon Driver Leaves Touching Message For FL Girl Battling Cancer

Amazon driver Asani Anderson said he wanted to touch the hearts of 8-year-old Aubrey Hope Hutson and her family — and that he did.

Former Firefighter Sues Polk County To Obtain Cancer Benefit

Christina Pierson, a nonsmoker, was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2018.

2-Year-Old Florida Panther Struck, Killed By Vehicle

This is the 11th panther to be fatally struck by a vehicle in the state, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Lakeland PD Honors Top Officers, Detectives At Awards Ceremony

Lakeland Police Chief Ruben Garcia recently honored officers who went above and beyond their normal duties last year.

Lakeland Police Sergeant Retires After Nearly 40 Years Of Service

Sgt. Jack Callahan recently retired after almost four decades of service to Polk County.

Lakeland Linder International Airport Has New Interim Director

Lakeland City Manager Shawn Sherrouse has appointed Kris Hallstrand to the job. He previously served as the airport's assistant director.

Upcoming Hazardous Waste, Electronics Disposal Event In Lakeland

Find out the types of chemical substances and electronics accepted on Saturday in the Lakeland Solid Waste parking lot here.

Stuff The Can, Ways To Make Garbage Pickup Less Messy: City

The city of Lakeland's waste department has provided tips to residents that will keep garbage carts safe and the areas around them clean.

$3 Million Donated To Habitat For Humanity By Publix Charities

A recent donation from Publix to Habitat for Humanity will support 121 affiliates of the nonprofit organization throughout the Southeast.

Annual Lakeland Christmas Parade, Fireworks Set For December 2

The parade kicks off with fireworks over Lake Mirror, is slated to include 88 participants, including floats, marching bands and more.

Polk Co. Sheriff's Office To Give Away Free Turkeys To Families

The department's charitable foundation will give out 1,200 frozen turkeys to local families in need at three Polk locations this weekend.

Veterans Day In Lakeland: How To Honor Veterans, What's Closed

Military veterans in Lakeland and nationwide will be recognized on Veterans Day Thursday, Nov. 11.

Your Dog Vs. A Skunk: Lakeland, How Do You Remove The Smell?

It’s fall. Skunks are everywhere around Lakeland. Tell us your “skunk versus everyone else” stories. How do you get rid of the smell?

Lakeland Police Foundation Commemorative Bricks Honors Fallen

Residents who want to honor a loved one who was lost in the line of duty can make a donation to the foundation for a personalized brick.

Lakeland Firefighter Beats Cancer + Memorial Service Honors Cops

Here is your five-minute guide to news around Lakeland.

Lakeland Memorial Service To Remember 35 Cops Who Died On Duty

The 33rd Annual Polk County Peace Officers' Memorial Service will add two officers who died in 2019 and 2020 to the wall Thursday.

Polk County Technician Recognized With Award For Performance

Christopher Taylor is the recipient of the Best Young Tech Award, which honors a passionate up and comer in the service repair field.

Public Meeting For Lake Howard Trail Nature Park Project

Residents of Winter Haven are invited to learn about enhancements planned for the park, and to also share thoughts and opinions.

Ghost Stories, Beer, Food Creates Halloween Fun In Winter Haven

Learn about the spirits that still call the town home on the Winter Haven Beer, Spirits and Ghost Walking Tour. Enjoy a cocktail stop, too.

$200,000 Donated To Feeding Tampa Bay From Publix

Residents can donate to The Feeding More Together program launched by Publix this November. It will benefit Feed America food banks.

Publix Earns Award + Lakeland Election: News Roundup

Welcome to the Lakeland Daily — your go-to for what's happening in and around Lakeland.

11-Year-Old Shooting Victim Supported By Online Donation Sites

GoFundMe and a Polk County Sheriff Charities donation fund have been set up to help the family of Lakeland victims with funeral expenses.

How SNAP Boost Will Help Fight Hunger In Lakeland

The Biden administration this month gave the green light to the largest increase in food assistance benefits in the program’s history.

Polk County Husband And Wife Die From COVID-19: Report

During their ill-fated fight with COVID-19, a Polk County couple shared the same hospital room at Lakeland Regional.

Photo of the Week: Fishing Fun In Auburndale With The Lions Club

Send us your photos of sunsets, romps at the beach or children at the playground. You might have your photo published on Patch.

Teacher Loved By Students, Faculty At Lake Shipp Dies Of COVID-19

The family is preparing a memorial service for the school where she taught. Her sister wants her legacy to live on.

LEGOLAND Florida Online Discounted Tickets Support Red Cross

Up to $120,000 dollars of money from the theme park's ticket sales will go to the 100-year-old organization that helps in disasters.

Rapping Sheriff Busts A Rhyme, Drug Dealers | Patch PM

FL's Olympic medalists | Baseball player drafted by Cleveland | Death row killer dies in custody | Imagine Clearwater plans OK'd: Patch PM

Lakeland Police Spearhead 1st Peace Teen Summit In City

Teens can learn different levels of laws with guest speaker, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, at this cop event.

Photo Of The Week: Sunrise At Mud Lake In Polk City

This week we're featuring a striking photo taken by Cyndi Edwards of a sunrise Mud Lake in Polk City.

Community Gives More Than $56,000 To Boy Scouts Of Polk County

The Boy Scouts of America in Polk County held a "Low Country Boil" that brought in more money than they expected to support their programs.

$17M Rental Assistance Funding For Residents Impacted By COVID-19

Applications to Polk County's Emergency Rental Assistance Program will soon open to residents behind on rent because of the COVID pandemic.

Lakeland High School Police Academy Accepting Applications

If you're a teenager interested in a law enforcement career, applications are open for the five-day summer police academy training camp.

Report: Solar power now the ‘cheapest electricity in history’

Breaking down the reasons for solar’s surging affordability, especially for Lakeland residents

Kitty Lifesaving Program Launched By Sheriff's Office Partnership

Best Friends Animal Society and the Polk County Sheriff's Office have partnered to save more abandoned kitties in the county.