Lakeland Gazette

08/12/2025

08/12/2025

08/12/2025

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a dog bite incident that occurred on Thursday evening near Highway 92 and Combee Road. At 8:21 p.m., Polk County emergency dispatch received a call reporting a child injured by a dog. Polk County Fire Rescue and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene by 8:28 pm and provided aid to a 6-year-old child....

https://lakelandgazette.info/news/2025/08/11/6-year-old-airlifted-to-hospital-after-dog-attack-in-lakeland/

08/12/2025

Justin Cole of Lakeland has been sentenced in the Tenth Judicial Circuit Court for the charge of exposure of sexual organs. The sentencing includes 270 days in jail, 12 months of probation, a 25-hour behavior health class, 8 weeks of community service, and a letter of apology to the victim within 45 days. An arrest affidavit dated March 4, 2025, details that a deputy from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to an incident near Combee Rd, Lakeland, FL, at approximately 2:51 a.m....

https://lakelandgazette.info/news/2025/08/11/lakeland-man-sentenced-for-masturbating-in-lyft-vehicle/

08/12/2025

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested 29-year-old Porfirio Cruz, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, following an investigation into an unlawful sexual relationship with a 16-year-old girl. The arrest comes after the girl delivered a stillborn infant at a local hospital, with Cruz identified as the biological father. The investigation revealed that Cruz had been in a relationship with the minor for approximately one to two years, communicating regularly via text messages and phone calls on his personal cellphone....

https://lakelandgazette.info/news/2025/08/11/illegal-immigrant-arrested-in-polk-county-for-impregnating-minor-unlawful-sexual-relationship/

08/11/2025

5pm Tropical Storm Erin Update: No real changes. Still expected to become a major hurricane by the weekend. Models continue to show a turn to the North at the end of the period. Things can always change, but right now, Erin looks like she'll stay East of Florida. We'll keep watching as these storms have been known to change a time or 2 (00).

08/11/2025

By Bob Garver In a weekend that I could have sworn would be dominated by family-friendly franchise fare “Freakier Friday,” it was R-rated horror movie “Weapons” pulling off the upset. What happened here? I know stars Julia Garner and Josh Brolin have important roles in the MCU, but were they such draws without Garner in silver polymer or Brolin with an oversized chin?...

https://lakelandgazette.info/news/2025/08/11/weapons-movie-review/

08/11/2025

Strategically located in Polk County, FL, this turnkey environmental asset features 259+ state mitigation credits and a 2,000-acre conservation easement. The Hatchineha Ranch Mitigation Bank stands out for its strategic location, regulatory advantages, and extensive credit potential — making it a strong asset for conservation-minded investors” — Victoria Bruce The Mitigation Banking Group, Inc., in partnership with Urbanvest Realty Corp, proudly presents the…...

https://lakelandgazette.info/news/2025/08/11/hatchineha-ranch-mitigation-bank-offered-by-the-nature-conservancy-now-accepting-proposals/

08/11/2025

Polk County students have returned to the classroom for another school year. Before the first bell, Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) members, along with our partners, hosted two back-to-school events offering families some last-minute fun and helping prepare them for school. PCFR also began their annual “Slowdown for School Children” campaign. Polk County Fire Rescue members hosted the two back-to-school events on Saturday, Aug....

https://lakelandgazette.info/news/2025/08/11/polk-county-fire-rescue-assists-community-members-with-back-to-school-efforts/

08/11/2025

S&D Real Estate Services Expands to Georgia with Two Newly Licensed Brokers We’re excited to share some big news from S&D Real Estate Services! Two of our experienced real estate professionals have officially earned their Broker licenses in the state of Georgia, allowing our locally owned Lakeland, FL real estate brokerage to now serve homebuyers, sellers, and investors in…...

https://lakelandgazette.info/news/2025/08/11/to-the-florida-georgia-line-we-are-expanding/

08/11/2025

Florida Southern College is excited to unveil a refreshed look for FSC Athletics, which is a first step in our broader rebranding initiative for the College. This refresh brings a more cohesive and modern identity to our athletics visuals while maintaining the spirit of our tradition. Key updates include: Updated Fonts: Consistent use of New Order Bold and Proxima Nova for a clean and unified look....

https://lakelandgazette.info/news/2025/08/11/florida-southern-college-athletics-launches-refreshed-branding/

08/11/2025

Over 270 warehouse workers at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits in Lakeland, represented by Teamsters Local 79, have overwhelmingly ratified their first collective bargaining agreement. Local 79 members have secured better pay, benefits, and protections. “This is a classic example of how the Teamsters can produce landslide organizing victories, and more importantly, industry-leading labor contracts,” said John Sholtes, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 79....

https://lakelandgazette.info/news/2025/08/11/florida-teamsters-at-southern-glazers-wine-spirits-win-first-contract/