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The Ledger

partner publisher · 23.7K followers
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For Polk's first Democratic legislator in a decade, a teaching moment

Not everyone's surprised that the bluest communities in Polk County helped propel a Democrat from the area to the Florida House for the first time in 10 years. Octavio Hernandez, 46, of Davenport defeated Hilary Holley of Polk City on Nov. 3 to gain a Florida House seat in District 51, which includes northeastern Polk County where an influx of new residents have bought homes in the Davenport and Four Corners areas. Hernandez went to school to teach the day after election night. He had a real-life lesson to give them. "They don't really understand the process," Hernandez said. "I'm just glad to show them that anyone who works hard and believes in doing something can do it. And I am glad I am able to pave the roadway for them." He plans to continue teaching while attending the upcoming session of the Florida Legislature, he said in a phone interview the day after the election. His victory can be attributed to a lot of Republicans voting for him as well as running in a heavily Democratic area of Polk County, Hernandez said. He also said raising a family in the county, teaching at multiple Polk County schools and being

Polk County, FL · 2d

The Citrus Tea News

publisher · 149 followers
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Lakeland Highlands Middle Gym Opens As School’s First Indoor Gym

Lakeland Highlands Middle School opened a 15,000-square-foot gym on Oct. 14, its first indoor gym since the school opened in 1975, built for about $10 million. The post Lakeland Highlands Middle Gym Opens As School’s First Indoor Gym first appeared on The Citrus Tea News and was written by Becky McLachlan . The Citrus Tea News covers Polk County, Florida. Truly Local News. Truly Polk County. thecitrustea.com

Polk County, FL · 1d

West Orlando News

partner publisher · 5.4K followers
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Central Florida Woman Arrested for Using Vehicle to Hit Ex-Girlfriend’s Boyfriend

A Central Florida woman was arrested for using a vehicle to hit her ex-girlfriend's new boyfriend, according to local law enforcement. The post Central Florida Woman Arrested for Using Vehicle to Hit Ex-Girlfriend’s Boyfriend appeared first on West Orlando News .

Lake Wales, FL · 5h

The Ledger

partner publisher · 23.7K followers
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Haines City warns developers it lacks water capacity | Exclusive

Haines City has already stretched its potable water and wastewater capacity beyond its regulatory limits, but has found a way to continue approving new construction — at the developers' own risk. City Commissioners voted unanimously on Nov. 5 to approve a Concurrency Developer Agreement for all new construction applications going forward. Haines City officials admit they cannot guarantee when the city will have adequate drinking water or wastewater services available, and are putting developers on notice. "We have recognized the deficiencies in our utility system," Interim City Attorney Seth Claytor said. "Until that is resolved, no vertical construction would be approved. " It's a workaround to prevent implementing a moratorium on new development as the city faces water shortages and infrastructural strain on its wastewater system. Developers who sign the agreement have to agree to hold the city and its employees harmless, aiming to limiting their ability to sue if projects get stranded. "It's the best protection I can give the municipality," Claytor said. Deputy City Manager James Keene said any developments applying for approvals will be required to sign it, understanding that they can begin paperwork and horizontal development such as laying or relocating utilities, paving roads, curbs and

Haines City, FL · 13h

GTA6 Bible

partner publisher · 484 followers

Florida Man Arrested After Allegedly Stealing Truck From Elderly Victim, Police Find Stolen Tools

A Florida man was arrested after allegedly stealing a truck from a 70-year-old woman, with police also finding stolen tools and methamphetamine.

Polk County, FL · 2d

Lakeland Gazette

publisher · 24.7K followers

Central Florida Food Fest 2026 at Bonnet Springs Park

Bonnet Springs Park will welcome food lovers from across the region to the Central Florida Food Fest on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, from 5-9 p.m. Hosted at the Harrell Family Botanical Gardens and Kirby Center, this ticketed culinary celebration brings together prominent local eateries, beverage vendors, and live musical acts for an unforgettable evening.

Lakeland, FL · 2d

Lakeland Gazette

publisher · 24.7K followers

Lakeland Veterans Day Events 2026: Schedule & Guide

Lakeland is hosting a robust lineup of events, ceremonies, and community tributes to honor U.S. Armed Forces veterans. Whether you are looking to attend the main parade, view a historic monument unveiling, or enjoy a patriotic concert, here is the schedule of local events:. Friday, November 6. Salute to Veterans...

Lakeland, FL · 2d

fscsouthern.com

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Chicken Guy is the addition students have waited for

As a senior at Florida Southern College, I have watched the dining options on campus change almost every year. From renovations to Wynee’s Bistro to new food concepts, the college has continued to find ways to improve the student dining experience. While the loss of Steak ’n Shake may be disappointing for some students, I believe Chicken Guy is a wonderful addition to campus.

Lakeland, FL · 2d

Breitbart

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Illegal Alien Accused of Killing 71-Year-Old Florida Man in Deadly Hit-and-Run

An illegal alien is accused of killing a 71-year-old man in Polk County, Florida, in a fatal hit-and-run crash, police say. Grevil Said Cerrato, a 26-year-old illegal alien from Honduras, has been arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death and driving without a license.

Polk County, FL · 2d

Lakeland Gazette

publisher · 24.7K followers

Trader Joe’s looking at Lakeland for possible 2030 Development

As of right now, Trader Joe’s has not announced any official plans, leases, or store developments targeting Lakeland, Florida. But unofficial chatter is making the rounds. The popular grocery chain typically keeps its real estate expansion plans tightly under wraps until leases are finalized or official “Coming Soon” announcements are posted on their website. They continue to grow their Florida footprint—with recent and upcoming expansions in regions like Orlando, Sarasota, and South Florida.

Lakeland, FL · 2d

centralfloridaagnews.com

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Winter Haven’s Mann Lake Supports Vets Through Hives for Heroes

When Joshua Diggins learned about Hives for Heroes, he saw an opportunity to put his beekeeping knowledge and military experience to work. A Navy veteran and Florida branch manager at Mann Lake’s Winter Haven location, Diggins became a volunteer mentor for the nonprofit, which connects veterans and first responders with experienced beekeepers across the country.

Winter Haven, FL · 1d

hoodline.com

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Lake Wales Skydivers Chase 40-Year-Old Record on Veterans Day

Twenty-six skydivers will try to build the world's largest vertical stack canopy formation over Lake Wales starting Veterans Day, chasing a record organizers say has stood for 40 years. The attempts are scheduled for November 11 through 13 at Jump Florida, with jumpers leaving an aircraft one after another and connecting beneath their open parachutes to form a human chain in the sky.

Lake Wales, FL · 2d

kuseahawks.com

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No. 15 Football Travels to Lakeland for Pivotal Game versus Southeastern

The Keiser Seahawks travel to Lakeland, Florida, to take on the Southeastern Fire on Saturday, November 7. Game time from Victory Field is set for 2:00 PM. The game will be broadcast on the Sun Digital Network. No. 15 Keiser Seahawks (6-2, 4-1 SUN) at Southeastern Fire (6-3, 3-2 SUN)

Lakeland, FL · 1d

Bay News 9

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Property tax cut raises concerns for Lakeland Community Theatre

LAKELAND, Fla. — Concerns are growing for Lakeland Community Theatre as Amendment 3 could affect funding for the historic building the nonprofit calls home. Florida voters approved Amendment 3 on Tuesday, increasing the homestead exemption for average homeowners. The change is expected to provide residents property tax relief, but Lakeland officials estimate it could reduce the city’s general fund revenue by about $12.5 million over the next two years.

Lakeland, FL · 1d

leesburg-news.com

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Leesburg cops arrest driver with gun and hallucinogenic mushrooms in SUV

A Winter Haven man was arrested after being stopped with hallucinogens and a firearm in his vehicle. Officers observed 37-year-old Christopher Lee Torres driving a Mazda SUV westbound on South Street around 1:05 a.m. Sunday, according to an arrest report from the Leesburg Police Department. As the vehicle passed Lucas...

Leesburg, FL · 1d

centralfloridaagnews.com

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Nutwood Serves Farm-Fresh World Fare From Downtown Winter Haven

In the heart of downtown Winter Haven sits a quiet and unassuming restaurant where formalities take a back seat to multicultural cuisine and authentic flavors. And at the heart of the fare is what chef Steven Rojas describes as “farm-to-table fine dining.”. Opened in 2017, Nutwood is an intimate,...

Winter Haven, FL · 1d

hoodline.com

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Florence Villa Garden Could Yield 2,800 Pounds of Produce a Year, Backers Say

A community garden taking shape in Winter Haven's Florence Villa neighborhood aims to improve access to fresh produce. Organizers say families can struggle to afford healthy food. Volunteers began tilling the soil and installing the first section of fencing in August, and the site already includes a little free pantry stocked with non-perishable food that stays open around the clock.

Winter Haven, FL · 2d

LkldNow

publisher · 6.0K followers

Mural Festival Makes Waves Downtown, Brings International Artists

The festival, created by Gillian Fazio and Katerina Santos, hopes to make contemporary art accessible to everyone and create meaningful opportunities for community connection. “What we’re trying to do here is make people want to spend more time in our local businesses, buy a coffee, walk the walls, and spend time in our local community,” said Fazio, a born and raised Lakelander. “We’re excited to contribute to our local economy in that way.”

Lakeland, FL · 2d

Mysuncoast.com

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Venice comes up short in bid to reach state finals in Class 6A Girls Volleyball

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (WWSB) - It was a chance for a little history today in Winter Haven, as the Venice Lady Indians girls volleyball team punched their ticket to the FHSAA Class 6A state semifinals, and were hoping to earn a spot in the championship game on Saturday evening with a victory on Friday morning over Horizon High School.

Venice, FL · 1d

LkldNow

publisher · 6.0K followers

Arts and Health Week 2026 Inspires Creativity Across Lakeland

Make your mark on downtown Lakeland during the Farmers Curb Market by joining in Color Wave’s community mural. What: A free family and pet friendly outdoor festival celebrating the arts. When: Sunday, Nov. 8, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: Swan Brewing, 115 W Pine St. New this year:

Lakeland, FL · 11h