Polk County Pulse

New Local Businesses and Events

• 🔥 Lakeland Computers Store Opening: A new locally owned computer sales and service business is holding its...

Local colleges and hospitals are teaming up to grow the next generation of medical professionals.

• Polk State extends its OTA program deadline to...

Polk County officials urge residents to ready their homes before June 1, even with NOAA's below-average outlook of 8-14 named storms.

Key proactive...

Lakeland Police proposed a 10-year, $21.3 million Axon contract for AI tools and hardware upgrades, adding $1.2 million annually.

• Cost breakdown:...

After starting in a garage in 1995 and building a trusted business over decades, Dale Jorden is back with Lakeland Computers following a pandemic...

Several local spots are expanding teams with immediate openings.

• Chipotle seeks full-time crew members offering free meals, PTO, and tuition...

Polk County has seen two tragic deaths in recent days.

• A 19-year-old Bartow student died after his ATV flipped near Lake Wales
• A 77-year-old...

Davenport kicks off America's 250th with a grand reopening of the Lewis Mathews Sports Complex after an $8 million makeover, complete with...

Development and Conservation Updates

• 🔥 Data Center Proposal: City of Lakeland clarified the proposed hyperscale data center during Monday's...

Critics warn Florida's proposed homestead tax elimination would force local governments to slash funding for schools and emergency services, with counties facing losses from $28 million to over $200 million.

Lakeland residents from across the political spectrum are uniting against the proposed hyperscale data center.

• More than 50 locals, including...

Historic downtown Lakeland landmark gets new life as investor Alejandro Millan transforms the long-vacant Hartsell-Lohr Building into retail, a food...

• Gibran Trevino Hernandez, 33, of Auburndale died May 31 after his gray Toyota Corolla struck a tree on Thornhill Road north of Sugar Creek Road.
  -...

Polk County is purchasing a 215-acre tract bordering Lake Rosalie for nearly $3 million to expand its conservation lands.

• The land includes 1,000...

Polk County boys volleyball programs showed strong growth in 2026, with multiple district titles and improved records across schools.

• Coach of the...

Polk State students have until June 15 to submit or strengthen applications for fall 2026 Foundation scholarships through the secondary window at...

Lakeland's Beautification Committee recognized two standout properties this month for enhancing community pride.

• Residential winner: Debra Funkhouse...

Teens ages 12–17 can earn volunteer hours at the Winter Haven Public Library on Saturday, June 6, 2026, starting at 11 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room....

Deadly Traffic Incidents

• 🔥 ATV Crash in Bartow: A 19-year-old from Bartow died after an ATV flipped at River Ranch Hunt Club near Lake Wales...

A 19-year-old from Bartow died after his ATV flipped during a sharp turn in soft dirt at River Ranch Hunt Club near Lake Wales just after 2:30 a.m....