Lakeland Gazette

09/04/2024

Polk County is facing a septic waste crisis. About 300,000 homes and businesses use septic tanks. “Polk County is growing astronomically so we need to be prepared as its citizens to take care of our waste,” said Roxanne Groover, executive director of Florida Onsite Wastewater Association. BS Ranch & Farm Inc., the only facility in Polk County that disposes of human waste has shut down....

09/04/2024

Senate sponsor calls measure ‘compassionate response’ A controversial Florida law designed to prevent homeless people from sleeping in public places while requiring local governments to address the issue goes into effect next month. B/W Photos by Chris Elrod Starting October 1, 2024, the law will bar cities and counties from allowing people to sleep at places such as public buildings and in public rights of way....

09/04/2024

By Paul Waldmiller Did you know that a recent study shows Tampa and Miami within the top three “rudest cities” across America? In a study conducted by a company, Preply, an undisclosed number of people across the United States were asked about rude behaviors such as lack of self-awareness, talking on speakerphone in a shared space, and not acknowledging strangers. Miami was ranked number 1 as the worst, and Tampa as third-worst....

09/04/2024

A suspect rammed into three Bartow police vehicles Tuesday after a carjacking and high-speed chase, according to the Bartow Police Department. Michael D. Jackson, 33, allegedly stole a pickup truck Tuesday afternoon from the area of Conant Street and Highway 17 South, police said. The stolen truck was spotted traveling at a high speed through Bartow. Police tried to pull Jackson over, but he wouldn’t stop, officials said....

09/04/2024

Impact fees are collected from developers to help pay for infrastructure, first responders, schools, and other expenses created by growth. Polk County leaders have voted to move forward with a plan that could drastically increase impact fees. Impact fees are collected from developers to help pay for infrastructure, first responders, schools, and other expenses created by growth. There's a state legal limit on how much those fees can be increased, but Polk County wants an exception to address what has been explosive growth over the past few years....

09/03/2024

An exhibit anticipating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence will be displayed at Bartow Civic Plaza, adjacent to the Polk County History Center in downtown Bartow. The Polk County History Center is teaming with the City of Bartow and the Bartow Community Redevelopment Agency to introduce the outdoor walking tour and exhibit to celebrate the anniversary, which will occur on July 4, 2026....

09/03/2024

Schedule: Thursday, September 5 @ 6:30 PM - THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS* Friday, September 6 @ 7:30 PM - BIG Saturday, September 7 @ 7:30 PM - Disney's CINDERELLA Sunday, September 8 @ 4 PM - MATILDA Monday, September 9 @ 6:30 PM - DEATH AT A FUNERAL* Movie (only) tickets $5. All tickets available to purchase in advance at or at the Box Office before the screening. *Special concessions $2 Hot Dogs, $2 House Wine/Beer and $2 bottomless small popcorn

09/03/2024

"Yellow is the new Orange"

1. Area we've been watching down from 40% to 30%. Orange to yellow.

2. In spite of a trio of yellow blobs, this has been the quietest stretch of tropical weather from mid August to early September since 1968.

3. Regardless of whether or not we see any hurricanes threaten the Gulf coast again this season, it's clearly been a complete disaster for those forecasting a hyperactive or record breaking season. I, for one, am thankful they were wrong. But remember, it only takes 1 to make it a bad season if it strikes where you live.

4. While most of the stories focused on La Nina and record warm water temperatures, we've said since the beginning there are so many other factors that come in to play. It's just not so simple trying to boil it down to 1 or 2 specifics. Saharan Dust, Atlantic Nina, unusually active African rainy season and even the Tonga volcano could all be partially responsible. Truth is, we might not ever know. Just another reason, in my opinion, long range hurricane forecasts are often pretty useless.

5. Lots more season to go. We'll be here for you 24/7.

09/03/2024

LPD statement on the current Antwan Glover arrest
https://lakelandgazette.info/news/2024/09/03/lpd-statement-on-the-current-antwan-glover-arrest/

09/03/2024

WHO: City of Lakeland Wastewater Division WHAT: Sanitary Sewer Repair WHY: Aging Pipe WHEN: Thursday, September 5, 2024 WHERE: North Crystal Lake Drive The City of Lakeland Wastewater Collection Division will close a portion of North Crystal Lake Drive between Smithfield Avenue and Lowery Avenue to rehab a 70-year-old sewer main. Contractors working for the City of Lakeland will begin the project on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 8 a.m. ...

09/03/2024

The City is pleased to announce the launch of a Business Resource Office that will help support new and expanding businesses. The Business Resource Office was formed with staff members from the Community & Economic Development Department experienced in economic development, real estate, development review and business tax administration. The Business Resource Office located at Lakeland City Hall (228 S. Massachusetts Avenue) will be open for business on Tuesday, September 3, 2024....

09/03/2024

09/03/2024

The jet is equivalent to the country’s Air Force One US officials have seized a $13m plane belonging to the President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, the Justice Department announced. The aircraft, a Dassault Falcon 900EX equivalent to the country’s Air Force One, was seized in the Dominican Republic on Monday and transported to Florida, the DOJ said. Officials claim the plane’s purchase violated US export control and sanctions laws....

09/03/2024

A Polk County community is mourning the loss of an 18-year-old high school student. The sheriff's office said Aaron Tillman died Sunday while kayaking on Lake McLeod. Deputies recovered his body just after 5 AM Monday. According to the sheriff's office, he went kayaking for the first time, didn't know how to swim, and wasn't wearing a life jacket. “Devastated. It’s never good to hear that somebody lost their life,” said Scott Lineback....

09/03/2024

Antwan Glover who was punched and tased by Lakeland police is arrested again by the same officer
https://lakelandgazette.info/news/2024/09/02/antwan-glover-who-was-punched-and-tased-by-lakeland-police-is-arrested-again-by-the-same-officer/

The man at the center of a brutal arrest in Lakeland in December of 2022 has been arrested again, by the same officer involved in that incident. Antwan Glover was arrested by Lakeland Police in 2022. A video shows him being repeatedly being hit in the face by Lakeland Police Detective Dillon Cornn. At the time Lakeland Police Chief Sam Taylor issued a statement saying, “We have decided it’s prudent to place Detective Dillon Cornn and Officers Anton Jefferson and Jason McCain on modified duty status, effective immediately.”...

09/03/2024

A 10-year-old girl in Lakeland has another fight ahead of her. She’s battling stage four cancer for the third time. Her community wanted to make sure she was energized and ready to face it again. They surprised her with her very own Taylor Swift-themed Cybertruck parade. Aubrey Hutson is ready to battle cancer again thanks to her community. "I was like, ‘Oh my gosh....

09/03/2024

By Bob Garver Nobody is going to mistake cut-rate biopic “Reagan” for a great movie. At best, it’s a pretty standard greatest-hits collection of important moments in the former President’s life. At worst, it’s a laughably underfunded production made by people who, for whatever reason, want to sell America on Ronald Reagan in 2024. But the movie is not always at its worst....

09/02/2024

***UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 2, 2024, 7:25AM*** “After searching throughout the night, Marine Unit deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office located Aaron Tillman, deceased, at about 5:12 this morning, in an area of Lake McLeod that was about 13-feet deep. Please continue to keep his family and friends in your prayers during this incredibly difficult time.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff....

09/02/2024

In keeping with the Sept. 12 court-imposed eviction from its pier in South Philadelphia , the SS United States very well may be sunk off the Okaloosa County, Fla. coast as part of an artificial reef. The county's board of commissioners is expected to take up the matter at a meeting on Tuesday afternoon, according to sources, as well as public meeting agendas and briefing documents....

09/02/2024

"The trend is your friend". And in this case, that trend continues "Weak" and "West". Keep checking in for updates from time to time. Weather can be kind of fickle sometimes. Hope you're having a great holiday weekend!

09/01/2024

By Jason Lewis If former ACLU director Howard L. Simon really wants to compare VP nominees ("Is J.D. Vance qualified to be president-in-waiting?," 11 Aug.) perhaps I can shed some light on Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. It seems doubtful Walz was chosen as Kamala Harris’s running mate for the 10 electoral votes in a state that has remained frustratingly out of reach for GOP presidential hopefuls since 1972....

09/01/2024

The CEO of Florida’s lead tourism marketing agency is defending a decision to pull down an LGBTQ+ tourist information page from VISIT FLORIDA’s website. Meanwhile, LGBTQ+ groups are organizing an effort to pushback. Nadine Smith, CEO of Equality Florida, argued the removal sends a message loud and clear to the community. “We don’t want you here. Get lost,” said Smith....

09/01/2024

Editorial Publix Super Markets Inc. will seek Lakeland and Polk County officials’ approval for more than $365,000 in tax breaks and $500,000 in fiscal incentives to renovate the current Kentucky Avenue offices and parking garage. Publix has filed paperwork for a county tax break and funding under the Polk County Business Incentive programs under "Project Pomelo." In March 2022, Publix received similar tax exemptions and incentive funds for its renovations of the former FedEx building at 333 E....

08/31/2024

A pedestrian was hit and killed by a vehicle in Polk County on Friday after he attempted to cross U.S. Highway 27, authorities said. A Nissan Rogue, driven by a 47-year-old Winter Haven man, was traveling southbound on U.S. 27 at about 8:43 p.m. According to a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) report, the Nissan driver continued through the intersection of Sanders Road with a green traffic signal and hit the pedestrian....

08/31/2024

Millions of Floridians, including Walt Disney World Resort guests, had their data stolen and sold on the black market. The state is attempting to remedy the situation by notifying everyone whose information was leaked online. Florida Begins Warning and Notifying Millions About Stolen Data; Disney Guests on Alert It’s scary when your information is leaked or stolen online, especially when you are a guest at a central theme park like Walt Disney World Resort and have zero idea about what is happening....

08/31/2024

08/31/2024

By VAN YANDELL “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” (Colossians 3: 23) The information we find in the Bible is so varied we find it difficult to prioritize our favorite types. One concerns the profession of Jesus. He first and foremost was our Savior but He was, in His human, earthly work, a carpenter....