Community News
Friday, June 19, 2026 · Davenport
Winter Haven Man Arrested for Using Fake Emergency Lights to Force Other Drivers Off Road
A Winter Haven man used fake emergency lights on his truck to force other drivers out of his way. He faces felony charges.
Polk County Sheriff's Office Replaces Bankrupt Jail Medical Provider
The Polk County Sheriff's Office replaced bankrupt medical provider YesCare with CFG Health Systems at the county jail, retaining all existing healthcare staff.
Friday, June 19, 2026
City Manager Names Adam Lunn Interim Director of Lakeland Linder International Airport
City Manager Shawn Sherrouse appointed Adam Lunn interim director of Lakeland Linder International Airport, with the potential for permanent placement.
Friday, June 19, 2026
Winter Haven Man Arrested for DUI, Driving 100 mph on Revoked License
A Winter Haven man with 13 active license suspensions was arrested for driving 100 mph on a revoked license while impaired on U.S. Highway 27 near Lake Wales.
Friday, June 19, 2026
City Manager Names Adam Lunn Interim Director of Lakeland Linder International Airport
City Manager Shawn Sherrouse appointed Adam Lunn as interim director of Lakeland Linder International Airport on June 14, with city leadership evaluating him for permanent appointment.
Friday, June 19, 2026
Winter Haven Man Arrested for DUI, Speeding 100 mph on Revoked License
A Winter Haven man faces felony charges after a deputy clocked him driving 100 mph on a revoked license. Joseph Olivera, 49, had 13 active suspensions and showed signs of impairment during the June 11 traffic stop.
Friday, June 19, 2026
Haines City Reminds Candidates and Residents of Election Law Responsibilities
Haines City officials are reminding City Commission Candidates, Campaign treasurers, and residents about their election law responsibilities.
Friday, June 19, 2026
New Year’s Eve Dinner at Toro Toro Miami
Toro Toro Miami will offer a four-course prix fixe menu with live entertainment for New Year’s Eve 2024, featuring dishes like Wagyu Short Rib and Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass.
Friday, June 19, 2026
DeSantis Rejects Florida Gas Tax Pause Amid $4/Gallon Spike
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis shot down calls to suspend the state's 25-cent gas tax, warning drivers won't feel relief at pumps hitting $4 a gallon. Despite pleas from Democrats and Palm Beach County leaders, he cited past failures and oil market volatility. As global tensions rise, Florida motorists brace for pain at the pump.
Friday, June 19, 2026
DeSantis Signs 9 Key Florida Laws on Safety, Schools and Traffic
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed nine new laws Thursday in Tallahassee, tackling unlicensed drivers, church security and body camera privacy amid rising public safety concerns. Most take effect July 1, joining nearly 60 others passed this year. From stricter traffic penalties to expanded school guardians, the measures aim to bolster security across the Sunshine State.
Friday, June 19, 2026
Florida's Lab-Grown Meat Ban Survives Federal Court Challenge
Nearly two years after Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation banning cultivated meat sales in Florida, a federal appeals court upheld the controversial law as constitutional. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a challenge from California-based Upside Foods, cementing Florida's status as the first state to prohibit lab-grown meat—a move critics say protects the traditional livestock industry rather than consumers.
Friday, June 19, 2026
Florida Launches Mandatory Hurricane Drills Across All 67 Counties
With hurricane season looming just weeks away, Florida's Division of Emergency Management has rolled out mandatory public safety drills statewide to sharpen readiness. The initiative targets all 67 counties, urging residents to stock seven days of supplies and master evacuation protocols. Officials warn that recent storms underscore the need for swift action amid rising threats.
Friday, June 19, 2026
DeSantis Greenlights UFC, Colleges in Florida's New License Plates
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a bill unleashing eight new specialty license plates, from UFC fighters to South Florida high schools and military academies. Drivers can start pre-ordering Oct. 1, but only if 3,000 vouchers sell in two years. With over 2.3 million special tags already on roads, these could boost scholarships, mental health and more.
Friday, June 19, 2026