Community News
Monday, June 15, 2026 · Polk County
Winter Haven man arrested for DUI, driving 100 mph on revoked license
Winter Haven man Joseph Olivera, 49, arrested for driving 100 mph on a revoked license with 13 active suspensions.
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.
Monday, June 15, 2026
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.
Monday, June 15, 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.
Monday, June 15, 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.
Monday, June 15, 2026
Winter Haven Man Arrested Driving 100 mph With Revoked License, 13 Suspensions
A Winter Haven man with 13 license suspensions was arrested after driving 100 mph in a 60 mph zone with a revoked license. Joseph Olivera, 49, faces felony DUI and habitual traffic offender charges.
Monday, June 15, 2026
Winter Haven Man Charged With Felony DUI After Clocked Driving 100 mph on Revoked License
A Winter Haven man faces felony DUI charges after deputies clocked him driving 100 mph on a revoked license, his 13th active suspension.
Monday, June 15, 2026
Winter Haven Man Arrested for Using Fake Emergency Lights to Force Other Drivers Over
A 20-year-old Winter Haven man admitted to using fake emergency lights to intimidate other drivers into moving out of his way. He was arrested and charged with impersonation of a law enforcement officer.
Monday, June 15, 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.
Monday, June 15, 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 and refusing a breath test.
Monday, June 15, 2026
Winter Haven Man Arrested for Using Fake Police Lights to Pull Over Drivers
A Winter Haven man admitted to using fake police lights to force drivers off the road during disputes. He now faces a felony charge of impersonating a law enforcement officer.
Monday, June 15, 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.
Monday, June 15, 2026
Polk County opens $4.7M housing program July 1
Polk County opens a $4.7 million housing assistance program July 1, funding an estimated 72 home purchases, repairs, and reconstructions through 2027.
Monday, June 15, 2026
Polk County Opens $4.7M Housing Assistance Program
Polk County opens applications July 1 for $4.7 million in state housing assistance, funding home purchases, repairs and reconstruction through 2027.
Monday, June 15, 2026
Lake Wales activates speed cameras in school zones
Lake Wales activates school zone speed cameras January 14, starting with Hillcrest Elementary. Drivers get 30 days of warnings before $100 citations begin.
Monday, June 15, 2026
Boy Scout Plants Distance Markers on Lake Conine Trail
Boy Scout Max Zellers installed distance markers along the 0.9-mile trail at Lake Conine Nature Park in April, helping runners track their pace as part of his Eagle Scout project.
Monday, June 15, 2026
City Commission to Vote on Ordinances 26-016 and 26-017 June 15
The Lakeland City Commission will vote on ordinances 26-016 and 26-017 at a June 15 public hearing at City Hall.
Monday, June 15, 2026
Polk Tax Collector Blames State DMV System for Hour-Long Waits
Polk County Tax Collector Joe G. Tedder blamed the state's Orion computer system for DMV outages causing customers to wait three hours instead of 20 minutes.
Monday, June 15, 2026
3rd Street NW Closes May 26 for Project Work
Winter Haven closes 3rd Street NW starting May 26. The city has posted detour routes and parking information for affected facilities.
Monday, June 15, 2026
Winter Haven Issues Boil Water Notice After Main Break
Winter Haven issued a boil water notice for about 50 homes on Avenue P NW and Avenue R NW following a water main break May 26. The notice remains in effect pending water safety testing.
Monday, June 15, 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.
Monday, June 15, 2026
Polk County Gets $4.7M for Housing Assistance
Polk County will distribute $4.7 million in state housing funds beginning July 1 for down payment assistance, home rehabilitation, and new construction projects.
Monday, June 15, 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.
Monday, June 15, 2026
Water Safety Tips for Polk County's Lakes and Waterways
Polk County's 550 lakes offer year-round recreation. Swimmers and boaters must follow basic safety rules to prevent drowning, collisions, and injuries.
Monday, June 15, 2026
Lake Wales Mayor Proclaims April 26 as Arbor Day
Mayor Jack Hilligoss proclaimed April 26 as Arbor Day in Lake Wales, encouraging residents to plant trees and support local woodland conservation.
Monday, June 15, 2026
Easter Offers Hope Over Despair, Rev. Reeb Tells Lakeland Congregation
Rev. Dr. Charley Reeb told Lakeland worshippers that Easter's message of resurrection offers hope to those facing despair, emphasizing both the promise of eternal life and the call to live abundantly today.
Monday, June 15, 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.
Monday, June 15, 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.
Monday, June 15, 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.
Monday, June 15, 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.
Monday, June 15, 2026