Orlando's Pulse Nightclub Purchase Nixed by Owner

The owner of the Pulse nightclub has announced she won't sell the property to Orlando for the creation of a memorial.

Eagle Takes Flight, Holiday Lights, Pit Bull Attack

Santa’s helpers, red tide, hurricane hunters moving and other stories from Florida Patch.

Epcot’s Spaceship Earth To Transform Into Death Star Live Online

Disney plans to ‘magically’ transform Epcot’s Spaceship Earth into the ‘Star Wars’ Death Star on Monday.

ICYMI: Study Says Florida Drivers Are 2nd Best in the Country

A new study that ranks states based on accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs and other factors says Florida drivers are the second best.

Florida Polytechnic Students’ Device Could Save Hospitals Thousands

The prototype device would help hospitals save money during construction projects.

Polk County enjoys record tourism revenue for a third straight year

The county enjoyed a $1.3 million increase in bed tax revenue for fiscal year 2016

Lakeland Named One of Best Cities in U.S. to Call Home

Central Florida city offers convenient location, affordable cost of living

TCC Verizon launching corporate giving program in Lakeland, Florida

New TCC Gives program now accepting applications from local non-profit organizations for grants up to $10,000

NOAA Hurricane Hunters Moving to Lakeland

NOAA’s Hurricane Hunters are taking up residence at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in time for the next season to get under way.

Diabetes in America: How Florida Communities Stack Up

Florida's diabetes incident rate is among the country's highest. Lakeland scored near the bottom on the community level in Gallup's study.

LEGOLAND Beach Retreat to open in April

Media preview revealed additional details about the 83-beach themed bungalows that will offer 166 accommodations

Santa’s Helpers Needed for Cops’ Toy Drive

The Lakeland Police Department has kicked off its 10th annual toy drive to benefit children in the community.

Lakeland Christmas Parade 2016: Tips for Enjoying the Fun

Lakeland’s ‘Miracle on Main Street’ Christmas parade is set to take place Thursday, Dec. 1.

North Korea Attempts to Reverse U.S. Progress in Japan-South Korea Relations

White or black?Democracy or republic? There are a lot of things which are contrasting to each other. The same is with North and South Korea.

Motorcyclist Dies After Collision With SUV: Police

The Lakeland police closed South Florida Avenue for three hours Thursday night following the accident.

Lakeland Old Navy Robbed, Clerk Hit: 4 Tampa Residents Arrested

Lakeland Police say they have charged four Tampa residents in a Monday evening robbery that took a violent turn.

Elves Shelves Returns to the Polk Museum of Art

Elves Shelves is a shopping event for children. Items are $2-10, and free gift wrapping is available. It runs Nov. 26- Dec. 11.

Shop Small in Downtown Lakeland on Nov. 26

Dozens of Downtown Lakeland businesses are participating in Small Business Saturday.

Mall Santa Says Hillary Clinton on ‘Naughty List,’ Gets Replaced: Reports

A Florida mall Santa has been replaced after reportedly telling a little girl Hillary Clinton was on his naughty list.

47 Jobs: Math Teacher, Detention Deputy, Pet Food Specialist

Tampa Bay area jobseekers will find many employers in the region have put out help wanted signs in recent days.

Suspicious Death Under Investigation in Lakeland

Police responded to an address where they received a call for a possible stabbing late Friday night.

As Thousands Protest, an Industry Celebrates New Trump Administration

While there are post election protests by some, there are celebrations by millions of others, thousands of whom live in Lakeland, FL.

Escaped Polk County Inmate Captured

A Lakeland man who escaped custody Thursday afternoon has been captured.

Search On For Escaped Polk County Inmate

Breaking: A Lakeland man slipped custody Thursday afternoon in the Bartow area.

Attorney John Morgan Considering 2018 Governor’s Race

John Morgan of Morgan & Morgan is considering a run for Florida’s governor’s mansion in 2018.

Publix, Winn-Dixie Thanksgiving 2016 Store Hours

Find out when time will run out to pick up last-minute Thanksgiving items from Publix and Winn-Dixie stores in the Tampa Bay area.

Smelly Socks, Rental Scam, Toddler Shot

Credit card skimmer, man who saved deputy a ‘hero,’ restaurant inspections and other stories from Florida Patch.

Tampa Bay Area Zika Case Count Climbs

A new travel-related Zika virus case was confirmed in Polk County Tuesday as the state’s total number rose to 1,165.

Lakeland Snowfest 2016: Arts and Crafts Vendors Wanted

The City of Lakeland’s Parks and Recreation Department is gearing up for the 36th annual Snowfest.

Southern Homes Becomes PMOA Strategic Partner

Polk County builder Southern Homes contributes to Polk Museum of Art to make admission free to visitors on Sundays through Nov. 2017.

December Exhibitions & Events at Polk Museum of Art

A roundup of events, exhibitions and classes happening at the Polk Museum of Art in December.

Anti-Trump Arson, Church Bomb Threat, Mike Evans’ Sit-In

Strawberry Festival entertainment, cooler weather, Durango plummets 70 feet and other stories from Florida Patch.

Child, 5, Killed in ATV Crash

A 5-year-old Lakeland boy was killed when his father’s ATV crashed Saturday afternoon in the Kathleen area.

Lakeland Mother Shot, Son Dead After Family Dispute

Polk County Sheriff’s deputies say a family dispute took a violent turn Thursday evening, leading to a deputy-involved shooting.

Battery Brouhaha, Racial Slurs Prompted George Zimmerman’s Bar Bouncing: Deputies

George Zimmerman was trespassed from a Sanford bar after a ruckus broke out Wednesday.

PMOA Art Camper Wins Poster Contest

Long-time art camp wins poster contest for The BIG Event, which follows the Red Ribbon Half Marathon in Downtown Lakeland Nov. 12.

Lakeland Firefighters Roll Out 2017 Rescued Pets Calendar

Money raised by calendar sales will benefit rescued animals in Lakeland.

Lakeland Woman Scores $18 Million Florida Lotto Win

A Lakeland woman managed to snag a big win in a recent Florida Lotto drawing.

Polk County Schools: Upcoming Dates You Need to Know About

Find out what’s coming up on the Polk County Schools district calendar.

Help Catch a Possible Serial Robbery Suspect

Lakeland Police believe the same man may be responsible for four recent armed robberies.